Hopelessly Bound: Book 2 in the Bound series

Chapter 6

Moving to a new house is like starting a new chapter in your life.” – Unknown

                    

Zainab willed time to slow down. However, the end of the month came faster than she wanted it to. Gloom hung over her as she stood in her room for probably the last time. 

Her eyes brimmed with tears as she gazed at the three huge suitcases containing her cherished belongings.  She surveyed the room and took in everything from the mint wallpaper, her pink wardrobe and grey curtains.  

She turned as her room door opened and Amina trudged inside with sad eyes.  

"Hey, are you ready?"

Her heart constricted and she shook her head. "I don't think I ever will."

Understanding mingled with sorrow shimmered in Amina's eyes and her lips lifted in a slight smile. 

"You know I strongly feel things might not be so bad at the end."

Zainab scoffed. "Things are already bad and can only get worse."

"Don't have such negative thoughts. Try and stay positive."

Zainab's shoulders dropped and she let out a sigh. "It's hard to remain positive when things are spiralling out of control."

"I know it is easier said than done but you have to remain positive so that you can scale through the tough times."

Zainab nodded. "I get what you're saying but…" she trailed off and moved to stand in front of the window.  

Her despair intensified as she took in the view. The hibiscus shrubs and frangipani plants growing beneath her window were one of her favourite things to look at and something she would miss after leaving. 

Amina's gentle touch on her shoulder broke her musings. 

"I am sure everything will be fine," Amina said. "Have faith in God."

A smile grazed Zainab's lips and she squeezed Amina's hand. "Thanks. I couldn't have asked for a better younger sister."

"And I couldn't have asked for a better older sister." Amina's smile widened. "Now, let's go downstairs. Uwa sent me to get you."

Zainab's face fell but she moved to her luggage, carried a suitcase in each hand and rolled them out of the room.  Amina followed behind her with her third suitcase.  

She exhaled sharply as they reached the end of the stairs.  

"They are in the foyer," Amina said from beside her.  

Zainab nodded in acknowledgement and headed in the direction of the foyer. As they drew closer, her stomach squeezed in unease.  The voice of her parents reached her ears as they arrived at the entrance of the lounge.  

Danladi was seated in one of the beige armchairs while her parents sat together on the couch. 

Her heart lurched as she and Danladi looked at each other. Her parents welcomed her with a smile.  

"Are you set?" Her father asked and she gave a short nod.  

Her mother rose and came to meet her. She cupped her face and sent her a watery smile.  "I'm going to miss you," she whispered. 

"Me too," Zainab croaked as tears stung her eyes.  

Her mother whimpered and pulled her in for a hug. Zainab clung to her and she let her tears fall freely.  The clearing of a throat broke their embrace and Zainab looked up to find Danladi wearing a scowl.  

She ignored him, moved to her father and embraced him. 

Her father patted her on the back. 
"Go well, my daughter. Make us proud." 

Her throat clogged and she managed a feeble nod.  She stepped back and wiped her cheeks. 

"If we are done with the waterworks can we please be going," Danladi said in an irritated voice. "I don't have all day."

Zainab's eyes darkened and she sent him a glare. "I can use all day to bid my family farewell."

He rolled his eyes. "In that case, I will take my leave." 

"Of course not," Zainab's father chimed in. "Come on, let's go outside."

Zainab's scowl deepened but her mother's touch on her arm stopped her from saying anything else. She picked up her luggage and her father led the way out of the house. The group stopped in front of Danladi's black SUV. 

I guess this is it.  Zainab thought as she looked back at the white mansion that housed her for eleven years.  The thought of going to a new house caused a queasy sensation in her stomach.  She blinked back tears and looked away. 

"Shall we?" Danladi asked and she nodded. 

"Put your things in the trunk," he said over his shoulder as he went round and slid into the car.  

Zainab shook her head. He couldn't even help me.  She pushed her thoughts away and dragged her suitcases to the back of the car. With the help of Amina, she lugged each suitcase into the trunk. Minutes later, she took her place beside Danladi.  

Silence loomed over them as they zoomed down the highway. The honks of cars and the voices of street hawkers filled the atmosphere. Zainab frowned as they moved farther away from the bustling city. On many occasions,  she felt tempted to ask Danladi where they were going but she held herself.  His cold attitude toward her told her he would probably not answer her.  

Her body swerved as the car made a turn around a roundabout. Danladi turned right and slowed down in front of a large iron gate. 

Parkview Gardens was inscribed on top of the gate in cursive bold letters.  Danladi nodded in greeting to the security guards and produced an ID card from the breast pocket of his shirt.  After scanning the card, one of the guards pressed a button and the gate swung open and the car passed through. 

Zainab's eyes widened as they fell on houses that spoke of wealth. They boasted of well-manicured lawns, infinitive pools and luxury cars peeking out from the garage.  

After taking a few more turns, the car slowed down in front of a white gate which opened automatically. Zainab's eyes darted to the house they approached. The building was similar to the other houses in the neighborhood with huge bay windows, a huge security door and a gravel path leading to the house.  

Danladi stopped the car in front of the house. 

"Get down."

"What?" Zainab turned to face him.  

He clenched his jaw and gripped the steering wheel. "We have arrived. Get your things out of the trunk." 

Zainab gaped at him for a few moments before alighting the car.  With a lot of struggle, she unloaded her luggage. 

Shock surged through Zainab as the engine roared back to life and Danladi zoomed off without sparing her a glance. 

Zainab's jaw dropped as she watched the car speed away.
                 

                       ★★★★

Oh my word, my poor baby 😭

Isn't Danladi just so mean😩

But coming to think of it, do you think Amina is unto something?🤔

I guess we will see how it goes. XD

Until next time, be good. ❤️