Destined Hearts

Chapter 8

Today, it's just me that has classes. Asma offered to drop me, but I knew she was too tired to wake up that early in the morning. Instead, I just go with the driver who tells me to just call him when I need to be picked up. He drops me off at school and I immediately head to class.

I sit next to Hafsa who has become sort of a new friend to me. She's also from Kano and wants to be a full-time architect. She says it wasn't her first choice but she's pretty glad she chose it. We've been sitting together for the past week and usually just eat lunch together if we are both free. Today I was all on my own. I took the opportunity to call Hamma.

"Deenah, it's just now you're calling me." His voice comes through the phone.

"I'm sorry Hamma. I've just been so busy that I forgot to call you." I try to appease.

"Come on Deenah, you know I need to hear from you often. I get worried knowing you are all the way in Kano, and I can't get to you." He sighs over the phone.

"Actually, I forgot to tell you." I hesitate cause I know he's gonna flip.

"Forgot to tell me what, Madeenah?" He says in a hesitant tone.

"I'm in Abuja." I mumble but he still manages to hear me.

"What do you mean you are in Abuja? Is it like a school trip or something?" He asks.

"No... It means I've moved here." The phone is silent for a few moments before his voice breaks through.

"Madeenah, I need you to explain." I can imagine him pinching the bridge of his nose like he usually does when I frustrate him.

I sigh before I tell him everything. I tell him about the fight with Anty and how it got so much worse than it usually does, I couldn't tell him about how far it went, only that I ended up in the hospital. I told him about Aunty Salmah and how she threatened Baba and took me with her. I told him about Asma and the twins and Zayn and also Inayah. But mainly I told him about how I finally feel safe enough to sleep at night.

He's quiet for a long time as he processes just what his mother did to me. I know he always blames himself and how he hates when he can't protect me. "You could stay with me." He finally says.

"Thank you, Hamma but I actually like Aunty Salmah's house. Me and Asma are friends and I'm happy there." I tell him softly.

"I'm sorry, Deedee." He whispers his nickname for me. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there."

"Hamma it's not your fault. You couldn't have known and besides it's all in the past. I'm fine now." I try to keep my tone happy and light despite the weight on my chest.

"Don't forgive her Deedee." His tone is hard now. "I know she's my mother, but you are my sister and I know she almost killed you no matter how much you try to sugarcoat it. You always forgive her and move on. Don't do it this time. Don't compromise your heart for her. She's not worth it. You hear me?"

"Okay Yaya. I won't. Not this time." I tell him.

"You're okay right?" He asks and I chuckle.

"You're going to ruin your rep if you keep on being this sweet." I tease him and I know he's rolling his eyes.

"Yeah well, only for my baby sis." He grumbles with a smile in his voice.

"Aww you love me." I say in a sing-song voice.

"Shut up." He chuckles. "How are your classes going?" He asks.

I sit and talk to him for like 10 more minutes telling him about the campus and the classes. He listens to me as I talk and talk and bit by bit, I feel a weight lift off my chest. He always manages to make me feel better no matter what I'm feeling. I'm so lucky to have him.