Over and Over

clipping

EL-BAAZ MANSOR,
KANO.
NIGERIA.

LAYLA'S POV

"Assalamu alaikum," I greeted softly as i slipped off my slippers before stepping onto the plush carpet.

"Ammi gani," i added, fixing my socks that had slipped halfway down my feet.

Ammi sat on the three-seater sofa, her feet propped up on a stool and covered in sky blue, fluffy socks.

"Sit," she commanded in her usual tone.

"His highness's relatives will be coming to this house for an annual family gathering next week, I guess," she said, squinting at her phone as she scrolled through the schedule.

"Okay," i replied, wondering what this had to do with me.

"He hasn't told anyone about you and Van, so I was thinking you should try to impress them before the matter is revealed.

That way, it doesn't become an issue when they find out," Ammi suggested, finally looking up at me.

I contemplated this in my mind, wondering how i could disappoint them instead so they wouldn't accept me.

"Layla!" Ammi's sharp tone snapped me out of my thoughts.

"What do you think?" Ammi asked again.

I forced a smile and nodded, signaling my agreement.

"Ma'am, your parcel is here," the domestic helper announced from the door.

"Okay, I will be right there," I responded, hurriedly slipping my feet back into my slippers to collect the parcel.

"Have you started packing?" Ammi inquired.

"Yes, I have," I  replied as i made my way to the door.

"Here, ma'am," the delivery guy said, pointing to where i needed to sign.

"Thanks," I said, dropping the pen after signing.

I collected the parcel and went straight to my room without bothering to open it.

"Are you done already?" I asked upon seeing Afrah on the bed, engrossed in her phone.

Afrah sat up properly and placed a pillow on her lap, resting her phone on it.

Seeing how Afrah stretched her legs, I lay my head on them, feeling uneasy and in need of someone to talk to.

Afrah was unaware of my relationship with Hakeem, and I couldn't just blurt everything out.

"When are you leaving?" Afrah asked after a few minutes of silence.

"Upper week, I guess," i replied, changing my position.

---

NARRATOR'S POV

"Why my father? I'm also old enough," Imam replied, but Hakeem's attention was on the tickets he had bought again.

He had promised himself that he would keep buying these tickets over and over until Layla agreed to accept them.

"Hello," Imam said, snapping his fingers close to Hakeem's face.

"I was saying that I'm old enough to handle a contract since I can also own and handle a lady," Imam said with a tone that would embarrass him if he remembered it in the future.

"Do as you wish," Hakeem replied, checking his wristwatch.

"Excuse me, I have a meeting with my Creator.