My New Home

Chapter Eighteen

Mama came to my room for the first time to ask about what happened and I narrated everything. She apologised on his behalf and asked me to think about working with Alhaji in his school.

"You will be a good teacher, she encoiraged. I've noticed that you love children and this could also help your career. Teaching is one of thr honest profession there is in the world, do you know you even get rewarded for training an ignorant mind?" She asked rhetorically.

"But I do not possess any teaching quality, I argued. I've never taught before and I just know that teaching isn't my calling, it's not good for me and also, Alhaji do not like me".

"You'll be trained on how to do it when you get there. I promise you will just be as good as those you would meet there. She consoled, and Alhaji does like you but he has a glooming personality, have you seen him being affectionate towards anyone?"

"Yes I replied. The other day, he said he couldn't allow his daughter marry into a family house when he has three daughter in law's in his own house. If he loved us, why then did he allow it or is it only his relatives that's entitled to princess treatment?"

"I know what you're trying to say but I don't want you to ever feel that way. He does love you and I can assure you that if it was Faria, his daughter that was in your shoes, he would have treated her the same way he does you but have you seen the way Qoriah is, she behaves like a baby and she'll never survive in a family house. He wanted the best for her and for everyone too but he doesn't know how to show it".

"If you say so, I'll have to believe it". I reluctantly agreed.

"And about you saying that teaching is not your calling and it's not good for you, how can you judge that? Allah even mentioned it in the Quran that at times, it may happen that you hate a thing which is good for you and it may also happen that you love a thing which is bad for you. So the publishing company where you love to work might actually be bad for you or otherwise. Allah knows it all and he has a reason for everything. Don't forget that men are the leaders of us women, so, you should listen to your husband's advice".

"Thank you mama, I'm sincerely grateful". I told hter that I'll be hanging out with my friends and she nodded and left my room. I wasn't planning to inform anyone initially. I was going to leave and let them search for me till late in the night when I will show up but I changed my mind after having the heart to heart with Mama and decided to call Jamal instead. He gave his approval and I dressed up to meet my friend.

Hamdee gave me a location to wait. She picked me up with her car where we cruised towards Apapa amusement park. I thought the park was just for children and I told her exactly that but she smiled and told me that we are still children too and very alive, so we need to have fun before the time comes when we would age and won't be able to do such again and I agreed with her. We got to the park and at the entrance, she waved at her friend whom she introduced as Hadeeza, she joined us in the car and together we bought our tickets and drove in.

The park is definitely a place to be with its Arabian style culture and several games that were available for fun. It was as if we were in Dubai. We paid for each ride but we didn't go on all the rides because most were available for kids alone. We got involved in adult games, kart racing and lots more and when we eventually tire out we went to the restaurant to have some snacks and drinks.

By evening, we were ready to leave and by then I've bonded with Hadeeza as well as though we were long lost friends. We all pulled into Hamdees' car and left together.

Jamal called to ask of my whereabout so that he can pick me up when I'm close by. Surprisingly, Hadeeza lives on the next street in a building similar to mine but she lives alone with her husband in their flat.