My New Home

Chapter Nine

Thanks to Eluojo for my amazing story cover. Getting the cover designed had been giving me headache for a while and has delayed the release of my story since its inception. Thankfully, he came to my aid when I least expected it. Check out his profile on Wattpad for perfect story covers.
Thanks again Eluojo🙏 you're awesome 👍❤️

An old woman who looked be around her seventies stared back at us with her scowl deepened as if we were the source of her inconvenience while Idris and Hajia's husband followed closely behind with series of luggage.

"Asalam alaykum families with thick Hausa intonation". She expressed something akin to a smile but looked like a grimace. I concluded that she doesn't laugh much.

"Wa alaykum salam, Mama Bauchi", they chorused. Iya ewe moved forward to collect the bag she was holding.

She didn't allow her to take it and instead moved it closer to her body as if protecting her baby. Iya ewe retracted her hands in embarrassment and attempted a smile as if it's not a big deal.

"Will you allow me to come in or bring my bed to the entrance if that's where I would be staying". She growled.

"Sorry ma," they said and dispersed to give her the space to enter.

I ran back to my room and jumped back on my bed pretending to sleep. Jamal was in the bathroom when I left to witness what was going on and thankfully he's still there. I only hope he won't see through my ruse because I'm not ready to face the Medusa. Seeing as everybody is jittery and even Umu adio, the chatter box is quiet. She must be a no-nonsense woman and I'm not ready to face her wrath. Mum has always told me I have a rude personality and I absolutely do not respect my elders, though I don't believe it for a single moment, yet, I'm not about to put it to test because I can't guarantee the outcome.

After some minutes, Jamal came out of the bathroom and on seeing my prone form; he muttered how odd it was that I've slept off already. That's your issue. I replied mentally and faked a light snore to add effect to my pretend sleep.

I think he was convinced after that because I felt him move away from me to get dressed. Soon he left the room and I could hear the chatter of everyone in the room we prepared. Finally I heard the new guest mention my name and ask about me. I closed my eyes immediately and raised my snore for effect. I'll have to meet her eventually but I want to prolong the inevitable as much as I could. While pretending, I didn't know when I eventually slept off and woke up around three in the afternoon. I saw my period in the morning so I don't have to go to the mosque today. I got up to ease myself in the toilet and went back to bed to continue sleeping.

My stomach growled loudly reminding me that I haven't eaten breakfast and it's time for lunch already. It was time to get up and face my fears if I don't want to die of hunger while avoiding the strict grandma. I got up reluctantly and stretched several times to buy time as if that'll make any difference. I planned to tip toe quietly to the kitchen and get something to eat; hopefully, no one will notice me since they're busy welcoming their guest. My plan was short-lived as the grandma sighted me immediately I passed by her room? How she did that is still a mystery till today. Old people with their perceptiveness.

I turned and wore a fake smile then knocked and entered, before she could speak, I knelt and said my greetings.

"Asalam alaykum ma, how was your journey? I heard a new voice just now and wanted to check who the voice belonged to. I didn't realise that we have a guest, otherwise, I would have come and welcome you sooner. I..."

She cut my rambling short by replying my Salam, then told me to come nearer and gave me an affectionate hug. To say I was surprised would be an understatement of the century. I definitely did not expect that from her. Considering the vibe I got from her during her arrival, she's the last person I thought would show so much affection. My mother-in-law has never done that though I didn't feel bad since we Yorubas' are not exactly touchy feely but I felt really good when she did that and my impression of her just about did a one-eighty. Everyone went quiet wearing shocked faces probably due to her show of affection or due to a reason I'm unaware of.