Over and Over

Gerton

WEYMOUTH STREET HOSPITAL,
LONDON,
UNITED KINGDOM.

NARRATOR POV

Hakeem was enjoying this.

Layla could feel it.

Even as Ummu and Ammi fussed over him, adjusting his pillows and placing a steaming plate of rice in his hands, she could see the amusement dancing in his eyes.

He had the nerve to sit there, relaxed, while she sat stiffly across from him, trying to recover from the absolute humiliation of nearly being caught in his lap.

Nearly kissing him.

Layla clenched her jaw and focused on her food, stabbing at her rice with more force than necessary.

"So, Layla," Ummu's voice cut through the air, making her tense. "How have you been taking care of my grandson?"

Layla coughed, nearly choking on her bite.

Hakeem smirked.

Oh, she hated him.

Ammi laughed, waving a hand. "Dada, let the girl eat first."

"I just want to know," Ummu insisted, looking at Layla like she was assessing her worth. "Is he eating properly? Getting enough rest?"

Hakeem leaned back in his wheelchair, his voice smooth. "She's been taking very good care of me."

Layla's head snapped up, her glare sharp.

His expression was all innocence, but his eyes—his eyes—held that teasing glint that made her want to throw something at him.

"Eh?" Ammi swatted his arm lightly. "See this boy!"

Laughter rippled through the room, the warmth of family settling in.

Layla allowed herself to relax—just a little—before Ummu turned her gaze back on her.

"So, tell me, my dear," she said, smiling, but her eyes twinkled with mischief. "How is married life treating you?"

Layla froze.

The room paused.

Hakeem's spoon stilled halfway to his mouth.

Layla felt his gaze on her, waiting, anticipating her reaction.

Her heart pounded.

She could not let them see how flustered she was.

She cleared her throat, forcing a smile. "Alhamdulillah, Ummu. It's... good."

Dada narrowed her eyes. "Just 'good'?"

Layla nodded, keeping her face neutral. "Yes. Good."

Hakeem let out a quiet, amused huff.

Layla resisted the urge to kick him under the table.

"Ah, enough questioning," she said lightly. "Let them be. They're still adjusting."

Ummu scoffed but didn't press further. "Fine, fine. But I expect grandchildren before I get too old to hold them."

Layla choked.

Hakeem bit down on his fork to stifle his laugh.

Ammi gasped. "Ummu, let them enjoy their time first!"

"Enjoy what?" Ummu  huffed. "We don't have time for enjoyment! I want great-grandchildren, not gray hair!"

Layla wanted to die.

Ammi laughed, patting Layla's hand. "Don't mind her, dear. She just loves to pressure people."

Layla forced a smile, feeling the heat creeping up her face. "No problem, Ammi."