Woman Of Color ( on hold)

11: Hidden motive.

Simone was laying pale on the cushion with a duvet on her body. Family members of Alhaji and her's had come to express their condolences on the death of the new born child.
There is something I don't understand, if the child is dead at least we should have been allowed to see the body, said Alfa Ali.
They claimed the baby died in the womb said Alhaji.
Alfa Ali signaled to Alhaji for a private discussion.
They walked through the hallway into a mini court.
"Usman, zan Iya ganin ka soyaya ta makantar da kai.
Don't say that brother, i am not blinded by love, I really love her, and I am sure of that.
Alfa Ali giggled, I know you will say so, A rat can't claim it is in a trap when everywhere is filled with cheese.
Nonsense! Alhaji yelled at him, so are you calling me a rat or what.
He said as he walked out on him.
Alfa Ali grabbed him by the arm, this is for your own good, I want you to confront that lady and ask her if the child was truly yours, remember this usually happen in our tradition and custom to prove one's infidelity. He said as he looked directly into his eyeballs. Alhaji forcefully push him off and walked away.

Amira was comforting Simone whom she cajoled to go into the bedroom.
It's not nice if the people continue to see you like this, she said to Simone.
She had helped her earlier to clean up her body and bathed her with warm water.
Simone stared at Amira with absolutely sense of weakness. "Nagode Aunty" she said, " I want my child, I saw him being brought out of me, I remember smiling aloud and I was finally laid a-rest, I don't understand why I am being told that he died in my womb, she said as she stifled. " Don't panic my dear child, all will be well because it's not the end of life. Simone sigh in agreement but she couldn't just help it. Tears rolled down her eyes like a flowing stream, Amira place her on her legs and began to console her. I already made Tuwo shinkafa. Let me serve yours. Give me some minutes.

Not long, Amira walked out, some people stormed in Temi, Lara and Britney, Simone's friends. "No, don't tell me it's true said Lara, baby girl am very sorry for the news said Temi, Britney on the other hand cuddled Simone from behind. Lara and Temi joined Britney to lay on the bed.

Temi looked into Simone's eyes " how did it happen, she asked her. Simone who had kept mute all this while finally spoke, " it hurts you know, I saw him being delivered and only for them to say he is dead. And I don't know why I feel anxious, my Baby is alive and I know it, she said as she beat her chest, she kept doing it non- stop that her friends started to think she was mentally deranged.
Cup - cake! It's okay my love, said Lara. I assure you it will all be well just take heart she embraced Simone and they both cried on each other's shoulder.
Britney and Temi are Left out, making them both feel guilty, they decided to embrace them also, all together giving a group hug.

"But you know what you can't miss this opportunity said Britney, you have to prepare your body for another male child for Alhaji. Temi nodded in agreement leaving Simone and Lara puzzled. Lara decided to rebuke them" is that what you girl's are suppose to be saying that is so mean of you.

Maybe what they are saying is true, after all I got married to Alhaji to escape poverty. Did you mean you don't love him, Lara asked.
I do love Alhaji with all my heart, he filled that missing spot of a father figure in my life at the same time, he is a wonderful husband. But you won't believe what I discovered yesterday. What! they exclaimed in curiosity.
Alhaji.... .... .

The door opened and Amira walked in alongside with Yakubu.
Excuse us Simone ordered her friends, and they walked out. "Will be waiting downstairs Cup-cake said Lara then they slam the door.

See who we have here, Amira smiled, Simone looked at him with rage in her eyes, please get him out instantly, she commanded Amira. Both Amira and Yakubu got to their knees and begged her. She stood up and raise them up to their feet.
Amira looked over to Simone and said Yakubu is here to ask for forgiveness and extend his condolence. He recently became the Head- chief and during his coronation he was told that he had to make a resitution to someone he had deeply offended.
Simone waved her hand and sigh I have forgiven you, just leave here this moment, Amira escorted Yakubu out of the entrance.

She walked back in, I eavesdropped at the conversation at some things you said to your friends. I want you to be careful, people can be terrible you know. I intentionally brought him here since there was no other way you could have told them to leave immediately.

But aunt Amira Simone said to her with all seriousness, why will Alhaji tell his lawyer to remove my name from his WILL because I had a stillbirth. She sat down feeling discouraged, don't allow this bother you, or are you interested in his money.
No! I love him but hearing that made me feel betrayed. Although I agreed to marry him for a better life, but my intention changed when I got to know him better.
I love Alhaji.....

Nashiru and Susan.

So how far have you gone with the plan?
Nashiru asked Susan,
Well the only thing left is whether I spare the life of the baby or not.

Nashiru looked at her and grins you have some nerves woman, how about the nurse, I hope you will be able to make her keep her mouth shut!
That's a sure thing Susan replied. If she proves difficult, i will send her on a journey of no return.

I can't believe you are the Aunt Susan of those days in Tana village, our one and only corper school teacher, now turned bad. you were so sweet those days, kind-hearted, pure and loving.
But I don't understand what happened, like you became someone else.
Susan stared at Nashiru with disdain this is not time for sermons, hurry up and drive home.
I am sorry, Nashiru begged her. But she kept mute and kept pressing her phone.

Can we branch this 🏨 hotel, he said to her as he winked at her, "am sorry not today. Please Nashiru kept on begging her like a child.
Well that can't happen we were sent to get food stuffs from the store, what excuse will we give when we arrive.
Nashiru continue to plead " you know that's not a difficult thing to do, so many excuses babe. He said to her as he caressed her on the lap.
Just be careful before you hit a car, and please park said Susan.
Nashiru immediately parked, Let's come down he told her.
"Wait first...... Nashiru interrupted her, "Or do we do it here in the car.
"Today has a condition, she said and smiled profusely.
Nashiru looked at her with overwhelming surprise which caused him to laugh.
"Okay what is it, he asked her.
I need you to sabotage Simone, she said to him.
Please breakdown the English its too much for me.
Well trick Alhaji into believing that you are having an affair with Simone she said.
What!........ Nashiru exclaimed.
Yes you must do it, drive home she said. Nashiru start the engine and zoomed off like someone being chased, he couldn't believe what he had just heard.