TALES OF THE HEART (EDITING)

chapter 10

Aidah

"Nadia, where are you headed?" Mairam asked as Nadia grabbed her handbag and sunglasses.

"To Yakaka's house," Nadia replied in her thick British accent as she made her way to the main door. In my house, we mostly speak Hausa and English—Kanuri, not so much. "I promised her I'd visit today."

One day, Mairam and I were out when we met a woman who asked if we were from the north. We said yes, and she seemed surprised, saying she thought we didn't know how to speak Hausa. I replied, "Who are you kidding? We grew up in Maiduguri!" But the saddest yet funny part is that we can't speak Kanuri fluently.

I went to the living room and turned on the TV to E!, my current favorite channel—after Food Network, of course. I was watching KUWTK when Maryam called. "Hey girl!" she said on the other end.

"Maryam, how are you?" I asked, lowering the volume.

''I am fine, you? are you at home?''

"I'm good too! So, are you coming over?" I asked, and Maryam said yes—she'd be here in 30 minutes or less. Apparently, she's taking me out on a date!

Sayyid and I are doing well; Mairam and Nadia know about us, as do his sisters. He always expresses his love for me, which is really sweet—he cares a lot. He's currently in Florida for some projects, but we video and voice call every day. I just wish I could see him in person. Samad always teases me about being his best friend's girl.

I finished the episode I was watching and went up to my room to take a shower. I took off my clothes, wrapped myself in a fluffy towel, and stepped into the bathroom. After a relaxing shower, I came out, applied my Victoria's Secret body lotion, and pulled out a gold satin dress with a matching veil for my date with Maryam. I put on a hijab and prayed Maghrib since it was already time.

I sat on the stool at the vanity mirror and lightly touched my face. I applied a maroon lipstick—which I rarely do—along with eye pencil and mascara, then spritzed on some Baccarat Rouge perfume. I wore my Cartier love bracelet on my right wrist and a maroon VCA vintage Alhambra on my left, along with matching earrings and a 20 motif necklace in the same color. I also had a Chanel brooch on. After picking up my phone and lipstick, I tucked the lipstick into my maroon Mini Kelly, slipped on my maroon Jimmy Choo heels, and snapped a mirror selfie.

I went downstairs to the living room and saw Khalifa, Mahmoud, and Mairam arguing about something. "Why are you guys always arguing?" I asked, rolling my eyes playfully at them.

"Where are you going all dressed up like this?" Mahmoud asked, completely ignoring my question.

"Ooh sis, you look stunning," Khalifa said with a wink.

"Thank you, Khalifa! I'm going on a date with my best friend."

Just then, Maryam walked into the living room with her black scarf draped over her right arm. She was wearing a beautiful purple dress, and her makeup was flawlessly done—she's really talented when it comes to makeup!

"Hey, bestie!" I said as I gave her a hug.

Maryam hugged me back. "Please help me tie this thing," she said, referring to her scarf, and I gladly did. Then I quickly headed to Ammi's room to let her know that we were heading out.

"Toh, se kun dawo, Allah naya barazu," Ammi said in Kanuri, pecking my forehead. I replied with "Ameen" and then left the room.

We headed to the parking lot, hopped into Maryam's Honda, and zoomed off to a classy restaurant in the central business district.

We arrived shortly and got out of the car, entering the restaurant. It was a really beautiful place with great food. We headed to a corner table that Maryam had reserved for us. The waiter came to take our orders; Maryam ordered French onion soup with spicy shrimp and a cocktail, while I opted for a Caesar salad, spaghetti Bolognese, and a Chapman.