The Juju Lady Next Door (Completed)

15. The Rebirth

"What happens to a soul deterred.

Does it get covered up like the lifeless in the ground?

Or does it wander like the blind and deaf 

Who sees no word and hears no sound? 

Or does it rot like a corpse in the desert heat

Lying still— an abandoned heap

Maybe it just gives up like it's told

Or does it implode?"

                                  -Umm Zakiyyah

                           

“God, it feels good to be back home.” I said with a loud sigh and climbed my bed, spread my arms wide and inhaled the rose scented room freshener. A knock sounded  on the door and I answered. Salsabil came in, smiling widely, with a tray of two food flasks. I got up to collect the tray but she refused.

I also noticed that she had added a bit of weight. Her fair skin shone with the yellow atampa skirt and blouse she was putting on, with kajal-eye pencil in her eyes, and cherry lip gloss that glistened her lips, making her scent like the fruit. All in all, she was glowing, I was dimming.

“Maman mu.” I greeted. “There is no need for this na, sekace wata baquwa." I complained as she set the tray on the bedside table and joined me on the bed. 

“Haba Aunty, you just got back from a long and tiring journey. So why not? I want you to rest well.” She said, her grey eyes sparkling with laughter. 

My heart lurched but I ignored it. “Toh, thank you.”

She smiled and looked down at her bare hands that were now free of henna, save her nails that had traces of reddish brown.

“How did you meet them?” She asked. But I was busy staring at her nails, thinking about the necklace.

“Aunty.” She called loudly, startling me. 

“Mm, sorry.” I hissed and smiled at her. 

“I said, how are they?” 

“They are fine. Everybody is fine.” I rotated my hands to emphasize. 

“Eyya, they must have been really excited to see you.”

I smiled and nodded.

Then we heard the car horn. Salsabil stood up as I fought the urge to give her the gift immediately.

“Assalamu alaikum.” Isma’il greeted as we heard the door open.

“Let’s go.” Salsabil turned to me.

I checked myself in the mirror before following her out. 

I didn’t really say much, just greeted him and he asked after my people which I replied with the usual ‘They are fine and they send their greetings.' He nodded and turned to his beautiful bride — who blushed like a ripe tomato—and asked after her health, and of course, the baby. 

I decided to leave them to it: hurt, jealous and angry. But not for long. I smiled to myself. 

After a warm bath, I wore a white short sleeved shirt-with “Love" emblazoned on it-and black shorts. Then I hopped on my bed and napped the day away.