CAPTAIN AMIR

Tweleve

You know that feeling of uncertainty that gnaws at one soul when he or she is not sure how to go about a certain situation he or she finds himself in?

Or feeling as though you'd rather be locked up in your comfort zone than step out into the world especially if the people surrounding you are like scavengers in anticipation of their prey?

That's the exact situation I've found myself in.

Amir's mum tightened her grip on my hand while flashing me an encouraging smile as she walked us to the kitchen where I'm guessing the ladies are in.

The first person I laid eyes on was the lady I had a conversation with in Adamawa. I wrack my brain trying to remember her name.

Darn it! Not again.

As she approaches me with her hands partly open, a smile spreads across her lips. I take a deep breath, trying to recall her name.

Aisha? No.

Kareema? Not.

Then what on earth is it?

My thoughts come to a halt as she embraces me. I force a smile, trying to match her excitement.

"Careful Maryam, we don't want Amir—" one of the ladies starts to say but trails off.

Maryam! Yes, that's it.

Phew.

"Don't mind Khadija, she's just jealous I got to meet you first," Maryam defends, pulling back.

The woman I assume is Khadija rolls her eyes and lets out a growl.

"You girls should show Maryam around and fill her in while I go handle the settings in the backyard. I want everything to be perfect" Maa says her forehead itching with stress.

They answered with yes before she made her way out leaving me to them.

I'm usually not this timid but for some reason, there's something about these girls that doesn't sit well with me.

"Come let me introduce you" Maryam ushers.

I got to know Khadijah who also happens to be married to Amir's paternal cousin; Aliyu. Aisha whose date had been set to also marry one of the tribes.

I mean it's a family thing.

The Deribes are known for family weddings. They hardly go outside the family tree to find a woman.

Then finally Layla and the only odd one amongst them. She's Amir's maternal cousin. Maa's elder sister's daughter, who I'm sure has a thing for my husband with glares she's been sending me here and ther and the hard cave.

It was clear that she didn't like me.

But guess what?

I don't care.

"Don't worry, she's usually like this, she'll loosen up pretty soon" Khadijah mumbled to my hearing.

Lol!

If only she knows.

I love cooking mostly baking.

Roset, a French cook Dada hired shortly after I moved in with him. She is one of the fewest people who built my mental health a lot after I had left the clutches of my mother.