Over and Over

Emerald

ABUJA,
NIGERIA.

LAYLA'S POV

As I was leaving, I encountered Yasmin. "What did Imam say to you?" she asked, her concern evident.

"Yasmin, he was expressing his fondness for me," I replied.

"And your response?" she inquired further. "I declined," I responded. "What!" she exclaimed.

"Please come with me," she urged, and we settled down nearby. "Layla, I need you to grasp something.

Imam truly cares for you. He's never sustained interest in a girl for more than a week, but with you, it's different.

He's been enamoured with you for the past three years."

I was taken aback by Yasmin's revelation.

"You're even surprised yourself. He feared rejection, which is why he couldn't express his feelings.

And now, you're rejecting him. You have no idea what he's going through. Please, Layla, ponder over what I've just shared, and I hope you'll reconsider."

Slowly rising from my seat, I turned and began to walk away without a word, contemplating what Yasmin had told me.

"Hey, you're back," remarked Zee. "I thought you'd be there forever," she joked.

I shot her a sharp look, and she fell silent.

"Dada hasn't returned?" I inquired. "Nope," they replied. "Well, I'm heading upstairs," I announced, with Zee and Asmi trailing behind.

We were all on the bed, enjoying potato chips, when they both exclaimed, "What!"

"Yes, him. He's been in love with me since I was in SS1," I disclosed.

"Well, personally, I think you should give him a chance," suggested Asmi.

"I agree," echoed Zee. I was taken aback by their opinions. "Tell me your reasons," I prompted.

"The guy is handsome, and he clearly adores you," explained Asmi.

"Despite his illness, he was elated to see you, smiling all the while," she added.

"I think you should consider it," urged Zee. "Let's stop talking about Imam and watch some reels," I suggested, diverting the conversation.

Zee took out her phone, and we began watching reels.

As we scrolled through various clips, Maymun's wedding video appeared.

"Guys, this is the wedding we attended," I remarked joyfully. "Wow, this man is handsome and gentle," observed Zee.

"Who?" I exclaimed, "this ugly and rude guy? Your eyes must have some problem," i retorted. "Are you mad?" interrupted Asmi.

"You can see how he is walking and smiling gently, plus he is extremely handsome," argued Zee.

"What is his name, Layla?" asked Zee. "Hakeem," i replied, making a face.

"Wow, his name makes him even more attractive. Layla, please hook me up with him," Zee requested.

"He already has a girlfriend," I snapped angrily. "Why do you hate him?" asked Asmi, noticing my grimaces.

"You guys wouldn't even imagine what he said to me earlier this morning. He called me a single freak.

And if I would excuse him, he would like to go call his girlfriend.

He even said that I will remain single all my life, that no boy would date me," i vented in one breath.

"Chill, Layla," said Ammi. "Imam!" exclaimed Asmi suddenly.

"Why don't you date Imam to show him that you could also have a boyfriend if you wanted?"

"Why would I do that?" I said. "That would be unfair to Imam," I added, wanting to maintain her integrity.

"Then why don't you date him already, Layla?" suggested Zee.

As we were engrossed in our discussion, Ilham called me from downstairs.

"Someone is calling you," she announced loudly from downstairs.

I quickly went downstairs, collected the phone, and found Yasmin on the line.

"Hello, Layla," Yasmin greeted from the other side.

"Hello, how are you doing?" I replied. "I called because what is your answer about what I told you earlier.

Imam has been awake since and is refusing to eat until he hears your reply," Yasmin explained.

I sighed and then said, "Please tell him to go and eat food. I will give him my reply in the morning."

"I pray it's something good," Yasmin responded. I ended the call and returned upstairs, finding the girls already asleep.

I squeezed herself in between them and fell asleep there.

🪶🪶🪶🪶

Imam woke up at 3:00 a.m. that night, a departure from his usual routine, to pray.

He had made up his mind: either Layla would accept him, or he would relocate to the US indefinitely.

The next morning, around 9:45 a.m., he sat down for breakfast with Yasmin beside him, holding her phone.

As the clock struck 10:00, there was still no response.

He understood it was over; his bags were packed, waiting in the trunk, and the driver was ready.

He went to bid farewell to Umma and Daddy. "Imam, why don't you go and say goodbye to Maryam?" his mother suggested.

His heart raced at the thought; he knew seeing Layla was inevitable if he went there.

"Okay," he replied. Yasmin escorted him, and upon entering, they found her dad outside in the compound, reading a newspaper and sipping lemonade.

After warm greetings, he headed inside, where they were having breakfast.

He exchanged pleasantries with Aunty Maryam and then caught sight of Layla. She wore an olive green silk pyjama, her hair elegantly laid down.

Imam was overwhelmed by emotions; Layla's presence stirred blurry memories within him, and he quickly wiped his tears.

"Dada, I'm leaving today, so I came to say goodbye," he managed to say, avoiding Layla's gaze. She prayed for him, and he stood to leave.

When they stepped outside, Layla's dad wasn't there. Layla and her cousins escorted him to the car, feeling guilty and sorry for him.

As he was about to depart, he turned back and took hold of Layla's hand. "Layla," he called, tears streaming from his eyes.

"Layla, if you remember me, then I don't care if everyone else forgets." Unable to bear his emotional plea any longer, Layla felt a wave of guilt wash over her.

He released her hand and turned to leave. "Do you plan on finding a new Layla in the US?" she blurted out.

Turning back, wiping his tears, he asked, "What do you mean?" She took a deep breath and replied, "Imam, I agree to date you."