Hopelessly Bound: Book 2 in the Bound series

Chapter 1

Turning 21 is a significant occasion for everyone, and it’s proved to be quite a milestone.” – Emma Watson

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" 

Zainab's eyes peeled open and her family's smiling faces greeted her.  A smile graced her lips and she sleepily pulled herself up into a sitting position.

"Good morning, everyone." She climbed out of bed to stand in front of her family. 

One after the other, they wished her a happy birthday.  

"Na gode, Uba," she thanked her father in Hausa. "Na gode, Uwa." She exchanged a hug with her mother.

"God bless you." Her mother said with an affectionate smile. 

"Amen." Her smile widened and she shifted to the side.   

Her youngest sister, Amina, flung her arms around her and Zainab patted her back with adoration.  

"Happy birthday, Sis. How does it feel to be 21?" Amina asked after their hug ended.  

"I feel ancient." She laughed and merriment sparkled in her eyes.  

"Is that so? I have always considered you old anyway." Amina giggled.  

Zainab narrowed her eyes and playfully swatted her arm. Her parents chuckled in the background. 

The Haruna family spent a few more minutes praying and singing for her. 
They departed after announcing that a special breakfast was being prepared for her.  

Zainab beamed and excitement filled her.  She rushed into the bathroom to have a quick shower.  She returned to her bedroom dressed in a denim skirt and a pink off-shoulder blouse.  An unwavering smile plastered on her lips as she stood in front of her dressing table.  

She brushed her cornrows and covered her hair with a scarf as was expected of a decent Hausa girl.   After applying some light makeup and wearing her earrings and charm bracelet, she smiled at her reflection. 

Her eyes gleamed with joy.  An emotion she had every year on her birthday. Except that year, eleven years ago. Her smile faded away as she thought of her tenth birthday. The day her dreams were shattered. That was the first time she went to bed in tears on her birthday. 

Over the years, she forced herself not to think of that dark day, and she didn't want to think about it on another of her special days. So she pushed the sad memory to the back of her mind and strutted out of the room. 

As she clambered down the curved marbled stairs, she couldn't help but give thanks for the financial upliftment her family had experienced in the last several years after their relocation to Lagos.  From a three-bedroom house, they moved into a house with eight rooms all furnished with high-end materials.  

She reached the end of the stairs and turned left where the dining room was located. A smile bloomed on her face as she reached the dining room. A tantalising aroma tickled her nostrils and her stomach rumbled. 

Her eyes moved around the dining room as she entered inside. The room boasted of a rustic elegance with a long wooden table and upholstered chairs.  

Her parents sent her a smile as she slid into the chair beside Alima.  Her eyes roamed over the different dishes laid out. 

"All your favourite foods have been made." Happiness shimmered in her mother's eyes. 

"Thanks, Mom. You must have woken up early to prepare all of it."

"True. But it wasn't stressful at all since I was making it for you." She sent her a soft smile.  

"And I helped as well," Alima said with pride.