Scarred For Life

Chapter 27

*
Afrah didn't call until two days later.

It wasn't that she didn't want to. She had read somewhere that it was best to call someone three days after getting their number. That way, they wouldn't think you were too hung up on them. On the second day however, her willpower broke and she found herself dialling his number. That article she read had warned against this particular act, but she didn't care at this point.

The absurdity of it all made her laugh.

Afrah Aminu, reading an article on what to do when you think an attractive man likes you.

Adnan answered her call on the third ring.

"Assalamu alaikum," he groaned into the phone. Clearly, he had just woken up. Afrah glanced at the wall clock. It was 9:30am.

"Wa alaikum as salam," she replied. "Is this Adnan?"

"No," he said, stiffling a yawn. "This is Afnan; his younger sister. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"

Afrah laughed at his attempted sarcasm.

"I'm sorry I didn't call earlier," she said. "I've just..."

"Been practicing the three-day rule?" He chuckled. "I know about it all too well. But if my calculations are correct, isn't this the second day? Am I so irresistible that you couldn't wait the full three days?"

"Don't get too cocky, Adnan," she said, thankful that he wasn't around to see her blush. "I was just calling to say hi, and so you'll have my phone number."

"You could have texted, you know," he said. "Or does the rule apply to texting as well?"

"I think it does," she replied.

"Well I don't like it," he said. His tone had changed, and he sounded more serious now. "I thought I'd scared you off or something."

"You didn't," she said quickly. "I... I really enjoyed our evening together."

"Me too," she heard the smile which was definitely on his face. "So, in other news, I've had to find the elusive store all by myself, thanks to your continuous silence. And as it happens, I'm leaving for Abuja later today."

"I thought you're leaving this weekend," she frowned, feeling a miniscule pang in her chest.

"I've moved it up to today," he said. "Nafisa called yesterday, and I think there's something seriously wrong at home. She won't tell me what it is, but I know it can't be something good."

"I hope everything is alright," she said, sincerely worried. Knowing the devil of a father they had, she wouldn't put anything past him.

"I hope so too," he sighed. "Anyway, would you like to see me off? My flight isn't until 2pm."

"Aren't you driving there?" She asked.

"Nope," he shook his head before realizing that she wasn't there. "I've asked Nafisa to come and pick me up from the airport."

"And what about your car?"

"I have another one in Abuja," he said. "I'm leaving the one here in my house and getting a lyft to the airport, unless you're willing to drop me off."

"I don't know where you leave," Afrah said, feeling her excitement beginning to mount.

"I'll text you the address. Would you be able to get here in, say, two hours?"

"I'll try," she said.

"I look forward to it," Adnan smiled again, his voice sounded deeper than it usually was. It reminded her of solid bars of chocolate melting on a hot summer day.