Something New💖

CHAPTER 5- Saima

The person you want to become is in You
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Aunty, Ummi- my mom - wai ki tashi ki mana wankaa."

"Inna zuwa." (Am coming) I replied. I didn't want to even move. My worst day certainly was yesterday, it's no news. The excitement of getting engaged (in my dreams) made me forget the presentation I was to deliver, it was the first big thing that I have ever done at STARBOY. Hell, I was to map out the whole music video of his song, Overdose. Yes, it was Martins work but I was given that opportunity and do you know what it meant? Jada would  have given it to anyone else or Ya Allah, even Manuel can handle that perfectly, but I was honorably chosen and I honorably messed up. Oh pur-lease, let's not be deceived by the 'good job' stuff, those guys will tell you good job even when you are about to jump off a cliff.
After work yesterday, Hanna video called me and threw me a pity party, am I that pitiful?

"Aunty, Ummi wai last time in ta shiga nan ta sameki," my mother's messenger delivered.

I jumped off the bed, the bed I share with my sister but most days I'm on the floor because you don't wanna wake up to a swollen eye and a busted lips (it's that bad, lol).

"Demidunnnn!!!" Ummi, my mom called out and that's usually the final call before she enters the room with slippers, broom or turning stick.
Virtually the first object she lays her hands on. I'm an adult, an unmarried one, yes. But still an adult, so help me God.

"Gani nan. (I'm coming)," I answered as I walked, more like staggered out of my room.

I met them in front of the bathroom fighting for who got to go first. The boys -- Amir, Nasir and Munir wearing boxers with their bathing sponge tied on their heads like ninjas, each holding neat boxers to change into; Rahma is the only girl amongst them -- Ummah's -Ummis' sister- last child-- she tied her handkerchief-like towel and a shower cap on her head. I had to leave for work but here I am playing Momma and with me being the only grown up, excluding my Ummi, it's not up for argument.

Jannat and Junaid who were suppose to stay back and help are in Zaria for the holiday, my mom and her sister just exchange children during holidays. Ummah sends her children --Rahma and Nasir-- here, while Jannat and Junaid get to go to her place. It's called children exchange (I think, if it even exist).

We are six in my family; my elder brother Hamma Yusuf is married with two kids; I'm the second child and also the first girl; then Jannat and Junaid who are twins; and my two junior brothers Amir and Nasir. Munir and Rahma are my little cousins, we only get to see only during holidays.

We relocated from Zaria to Lagos five years ago when Baba got transferred. Yeah, it was a sorrowful day for them except for me (lol). I have had enough of that Zaria, I schooled there all my tender....

"What are you standing for?"

"Bakomai, (nothing) Ummi" I replied, dragging Rahma into the bathroom.

"No work today, Demidunn?" She's the only one that calls me that name. Let's not ask about the meaning or where she coined the name from.

"I will leave by 9 after dropping them off at Islamiyyah."

"Hurry up, breakfast."

By 8, we were all prepared. I was wearing a spaghetti black inner under my nude kimono gown, a black loafer and nude handbag not very expensive but not fake this time and I rolled a veil on my head. My siblings? They all wore their olive green Islamiyyah uniform. After saying our goodbyes to Ummi, we hurried to the gate and hailed an empty Keke, their Islamiyyah isn't that far but I wasn't in the mood to carry Rahma this morning.

2 minutes later, we arrived and I waved them bye and promised to pick them early today. I called an Uber, I'm definitely not over the way I was sandwiched between those plus plus(yes plus plus) sized women.

I arrived at the office quite early, it was already booming with activities, I stopped by Emeka's desk to greet but behold he already had people gathered there, he gives the latest gossip in office, like latest news around the office about each and every worker but believe me you won't hear your news from his mouth, he gives you people's story and give people your story. He was transferred from the Spin department, a sub department of PR, why? I dont know, he should have been the best man for the job.

"Ahn Ahn, Saima! Saima!" he said as a form of greeting.

"Sir Emmy" I replied, smiling sheepishly. The remaining people waved at me. Same crew, I waved back.

"Ahn Ahn, I heard you are having a meeting today again." See??

"Yes o," I replied.

"Why now after yesterday's own? Wetin happen? Abi Big Boss no like am?"

"Big Boss?"

"Yes na," Anna, his office girlfriend countered. "Big Gee was in attendance, right?" She asked with dreamy eyes. "Ain't you so lucky, Saimy."

"Wait, you mean The Ayo..." She didn't let me finish.

"It a lie?" She turned to Emeka for reassurance. Indeed, he turned to me.

"He was not there?"

"He wasn't," I replied. Anna huffed and angrily walked away. She should be used to this by now.

Emeka turned to me after watching Anna leave,
"Saima, he was there. The VIP elevator was in use yesterday and the garage opened."

Bayo swivelled his chair to face us and raised his phone for us to see. He's Emeka's partner, more like backup. He's always ready to back Emeka's story up. "See all of you, Big Gee no dey Tiwa concert yesterday," he said.

"And?"Anna countered. Hah! She did come back.

"Something is happening in the Media Department. Suntin wan show. (Something is about to happen)."

I checked my wrist watch. "Bayo, get to the point," I said.

"Come closer," he whispered and we all pushed our heads together.

"Bayo, you again? Saima, B13, now!" We were interrupted by Manuel who heads their department and he knows Emeka and Bayo and what they both do for a living other than working at StarBoy. Gossip, obviously.

"Anna! To your desk! You too, Bayo!" The remaining people dispersed not before BAYO whispered "Group Chat!" Ah ahn, seasoned gossipers indeed (lol). I entered the elevator to B13 not before making sure I picked my laptop from my desk. Wish me luck.

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