Binta

Chapter Nine

It was a sunny Monday morning exactly one week of my absence from work. I woke up very early as usual and performed my daily routine then I bid my mom and siblings farewell as I left for work.

It felt like it was my first day at work as much as I was eager to resume I had cold feet. I got to the office at exactly 8am and went straight to my office I was surprised to meet Lara in my office, my heart dropped to my stomach.

"Was I scared? What if she was out for another round? Allah is sufficient for me" I whispered.

"Oh look who is here" she announced to the empty office with a smile and embraced me with so much warmth and gusto I couldn't comprehend. I just stood still I didn't even move to reciprocate the gesture.

"I'm very sorry Binta for everything I had said and done to you" she whispered into my ear still clinching to me. "Can you please forgive me" she sounded repentant.

I pulled myself away from her gently and stared into her eyes as if I'm a psychic searching for answers.

"Please Binta I'm really sorry" she pleaded.

"I have forgiven you Lara, but please can you just keep your distance?" I said softly without looking at her.

"Thank you...but please can we be friends" she asked calmly.

"No Lara" I said abruptly.

"That means you haven't forgiven me...please am very sorry and I want to do anything that would make it right." She approached my desk and held my hand which I withdrew.

"I have forgiven you but I would enjoy you to keep your distance, we communicate only on official grounds please". I refused to look at her for fear of weakness.

"It's alright if that's what you want but I would always be available when you need a friend" with that she walked out of my office. I could tell she was not so happy but I cannot help it, I don't want to be her friend, not now when the wound is still fresh.

I put on my system to check if I got a mail from my boss on what to do before he comes in then my phone rang.

"Yes sir I would go there now". Immediately I picked up my brief case and rushed out but not without checking out with Lara.

"Lara I would be going to the state high court I need to take a brief" I explained without looking at her or waiting for her comment.

"Okay. Take care of you" I could hear her voice echo behind me.

I arrived the court late the judge was already seated, I was so nervous I have never been late to court.

"Oh my God what would I do now" I murmured as I put on my wig and gown. I stepped into the court took my bow and found a seat at the far end of the court and sat down.

"Counsel I don't accept lateness in my court" the judge warned staring at my direction. Immediately I stood up and apologized to the court for coming late.

"Alhaji Ibrahim and Alhausa project Nig LTD..." announced the court clerk.

"My lord...my name is Barrister Binta Ibrahim for the defendant (Alhausa project Nig LTD).

"Are your witnesses in court" the court inquired and I turned to look round because I was not sure.

"Yes my Lord" I stammered as soon as I spotted the witness. The witness introduced himself.

"Yes my Lord, the matter is for trial" the plaintiff counsel announced.

I was not at all ready for the trial and the judge refused to grant an adjournment. The plaintiff called two witnesses to the stand and I cross examined them, most of the evidence given were based on documentary evidence. The matter was further adjourned for continuation of trial.