WHISPERS OF ENCHANTÉ

27: unexpected tryst

Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Siyama glanced at the mirror for what felt like the hundredth time, adjusting her outfit, the same one she'd envisioned the night before. She'd been checking her look every time she went to buy kosai, but today was different—she was going to school afterward.

She wore a green and orange patterned dress, sewn in a bubu style. The fabric was a thrift find she'd bought with her own money, and since her friend sewed clothes, she'd gotten it made for free. She wrapped her orange jersey scarf around her head like a muffler, tucking it in neatly.

With her school file clutched in her hand, she felt a bit self-conscious –her bag was worn out, and she didn't want to be caught looking shabby, especially since she might run into Mahmud– no, Moh, as he'd insisted she call him.

She'd tried to buy a new school bag at the market, but the prices had been shocking. Prices of stuff in the market is not smiling at anybody. Nothing is actually funny in this country anymore.

Yasmin had been just as frozen in disbelief when they'd checked. The rising cost of things wasn't even funny anymore, not for the average Nigerian. Even thrift prices were skyrocketing like crazy.

Her mother, Fatima, walked into the room and gave Siyama a slow, deliberate once-over. She'd noticed the extra care Siyama had been putting into her outfits lately, especially on the days she went to buy kosai.

Fatima hadn't commented, waiting for the right moment.

At first, she thought it had something to do with that hijab incident where Siyama had embarrassed herself, but this was clearly more than just that. No, this was dressing to impress, and that wasn't like Siyama or any of her daughters.

They had always dressed for themselves –comfortable and confident in their own choices, never seeking anyone's approval. But the past two days? Siyama was dressing for someone. Since when?

But she is actually excited at the prospect of her daughter being interested in someone after what could be called her tragic first relationship. She supports her daughters in whatever they do except if it is really wrong.

She was glad she did because at that time Siyama would have done something she would regret. But being there by her side made her rethink everything and got back to the right path. It was never healthy being in love so young.

"I'm heading to school, Maa," Siyama said, fiddling with her student file. "Do you need anything while I'm out?"

"Not really," Fatima replied, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I just wanted to ask what you'd like for dinner. Your father said today's your day since Yasmin isn't around."

"Oh, I miss that troublemaker," Siyama sighed, smiling sheepishly. "How about shinkafa da mai da yaji?"

Fatima grinned knowingly. "I knew you'd say that. I already told your father. He said you might want something different, but I know my daughters."

She looked around the room with clear disapproval.

Before her mother could speak, Siyama quickly added, "Before you start, I am going to clean the room when I get back. Don't say I'm the messy one between the two of us, because that's not true! It's just that school's been hectic."

Fatima crossed her arms, amused. "Yes, yes, school, Dr. RF, blah blah blah. Just make sure you clean this room, or I'll tell Baby what you've been up to since she left. She'll never let you live it down."

"Maaa, stop it!" Siyama groaned, laughing. "If you tell her, the whole of Abuja will know before she's even back, and then she'll tell all of Kaduna! I'll be back by Asr. Byeee!"