WHISPERS OF ENCHANTÉ

28: crossroads of fate

Kaduna State, Nigeria

"Yasmina." Baba Lawal's voice broke through Yasmin's thoughts, her thumb pausing mid-press around the red counter on her pinky finger.

"Yes, Baba Lawal? Is the mechanic here already?" Her voice trembled ever so slightly, and Baba Lawal instantly knew that Abdullah's observation was right. She was scared.

"No, my dear. He hasn't arrived yet, but there's a gentleman outside who offered to take you to your destination. I trust him, and you know I wouldn't let you go with just anyone."

"Oh?" Yasmin blinked, her heart picking up speed. "Who's that, Baba Lawal?"

"The black car outside. He said he noticed you earlier and saw how frightened you were. He's heading to Abuja as well and offered to give you a ride." He pointed at the car outside.

Yasmin turned toward the window, her breath hitching as her gaze landed on Abdullah's car. Her heart thudded in her chest like a hammer, each beat vibrating through her body. She swallowed hard, trying to calm herself, before turning back to Baba Lawal.

But as she did, her eyes caught sight of the girl she couldn't stand heading towards Abdullah's car. What the hell. Do they know one another? Did he also offer her a lift? Something ugly reared its head in her chest.

Yasmin abruptly stood, her smile sheepish as she met Baba Lawal's confused yet watchful eyes. He studied her reaction carefully, trying to gauge her comfort level without prying too much. He clearly wanted to understand more about her connection to Abdullah.

"Oh, I know him. That's Whisperwind," Yasmin blurted out, stumbling over her words. "I mean, I'm fine with him giving me a lift... as long as it gets me out of here."

"I thought so," Baba Lawal replied, a slight smile softening his features. "I told him I'd check with you. Let me grab your bag from the truck."

He stepped out of the car, and Yasmin followed, her mind racing. "Thank you, Baba Lawal. I'll call you as soon as I arrive." She took her bag, though her eyes remained glued to the girl approaching Abdullah's car.

"Allah ya kiyaye hanya. Safe journey." Baba Lawal's voice trailed off as Yasmin hurried toward the car, her steps quicker than usual.

Her heart leaped when she saw the woman stepping away from Abdullah's car, a frown deepening across her face. The sight made Yasmin's chest swell with satisfaction. She couldn't resist sidling closer to the girl, her voice dripping with mock sweetness as she leaned in.

"Stay away from my Whisperwind next time," she whispered, causing the girl to jump in surprise.

Before the girl could respond, Yasmin darted toward Abdullah's car, praying he hadn't changed his mind. As she neared, he stepped out and opened the back door for her. Back door!

"Uh?" Yasmin hesitated, blinking at him. "You're not my driver, and this isn't my car. Not that I'd ever afford something like this in this lifetime but..."

He didn't say anything, just pointed to her bag with a calm gesture. "For your bag."

"Oh." Flustered, she quickly placed the duffel bag inside, carefully aligning it with the pristine leather seats, feeling almost guilty for disrupting the luxury.

She stepped aside, allowing him to close the door before he moved to open the passenger door for her. Yasmin blinked again, her face heating up at the unexpected chivalry. Without a word, she ducked inside, biting her lip to keep from blurting out something embarrassing.

No one has ever opened a car door for her, excuse her manners!

"Thank you," she murmured as he slid into the driver's seat.