Thorns and Roses

1

                            SAMEERA

The heavy wind swished across the walls of the palace, steamy dry air passing through, giving a mixture of summer and winter, the most hated weather to some.

"Come out already Sameera, the drivers won't wait forever." Maami, My mother and also My father's fourth wife said,her voice echoing through the walls, down the hallway to my room.

"I will be out now Maami." I responded staring at my room for the last time, well for the last time till the early days of June.

Being the Last born child of a strict traditional King comes with soo many advantages alongside disadvantages. Example, I am the first daughter to study beyond secondary school without being married and Abroad. My elder sisters got married almost immediately after secondary and most of them furthered their education after marriage, thanks to their supportive husbands.

In a midst of 16 male children and 12 female children, making a total of 28, of course me the last, growing up was hard. The banters, the expectations, the unending rules and soo much more. I grew up with the mentality to be perfect, nothing changed. I still believe perfection should be the first word to describe me, so in whatever I do, I put in my best. School grades, manners, personality...ways of dressing and everything life worthy. I am trained to be that way.

I picked up the last piece of my gummy bears packet and walked out. I am soo going to miss the scent and comfort that comes with my room.

"Your father is waiting in his chamber, go and say your byes. Make it hasty before he changes his mind." Yaya Muhsin, my immediate brother said walking right beside me. He knows...everyone knows.

Together, we walked into the well decorated chamber, Arewa logo beautifully crafted on each side of the wall.

"Salamu alaikum." I gathered every courage in me to say after Yaya Muhsin stopped ten steps behind.

A stern voice responded sending chills down my spine. Lamido, that's what we call our father. The strictest man I know and I hope not to meet a more strict person. His eyes looked up from the newspaper he was holding and then back.

I walked closer and squatted right in front of him.

"Na shirya zankoma."

Silence.

I almost gave up sitting when he responded with "Allah Yakare."

To them, it's a norm, not being too close with your children but to me, it's a curse.

With my heart slightly hurt from the response, I stood up to leave, slowly putting one leg in front of the other till I am halfway through.

"Don't forget your daily zikrs." I heard him say.

"In sha Allah." And with that, I walked away; happy because this feels better, better than the first time I was leaving.

"Make sure you contact me when you reach, a hefti?" Maami said one last time before letting me enter the car.

With Yaya Muhsin beside me and a convoy of three cars, we drove to the airport where I said my goodbyes.

                          ___________