My New Home

Chapter Twenty-two

The next morning, we said our prayers and Alhaji asked us to prepare breakfast before leaving. We argued but he insisted that we couldn't go as early as we wanted because they won't be attending to us that early and we don't know when they'll be through with the paperworks, so we needed to recharge our energy before leaving.

No one went to work that morning except Idris who insisted that he needed to be present at work otherwise he'll be losing his job because his tyrant of a boss would claim that no one should have a genuine excuse for missing the job unless it's a life and death situation. His boss claimed that since he could come back to work the following day after he lost his wife and a child to a ghastly motor accident, then, his employees should be present at all cost.

I commented that he shouldn't have worked under such boss because he's clearly not human. Everyone laughed at this and he left for his job.

Alhaji also told the rest of us to go to work that we might not be needed anytime soon and by the time we get back, Jamal should be available for babying. He jokingly added.

I tried to argue but eventually reasoned that he was right though I'm not very convinced that I would be really productive in school today and that'll be because I'll be beside myself with worry and what you don't have , you certainly could not project.

We dressed up and left home together. Faria and Qoriah alighted at their usual junction, where Faria would go to the supermarket where she works as a sales girl while Qoriah would also go to the mysterious place where she usually does God knows what. Since Alhaji disapproved of her relationship with her boyfriend, she shouldn't have to go there any longer but then, if Alhaji wasn't aware of her whereabouts, he won't permit her to go anywhere.

I wanted to ask her about it but we are not exactly close but I'm certain that curiosity will get the better of me and I'll ask eventually whether she approved or not. I and Iya ewe also alighted at the school gate while the rest of the family, mainly the men left for the police station.

Upon noticing my arrival, Hadeeza quickly moved forward to hug me. She's such a hugger and always managed to make the mood lighter with her simple act. "You don't look good today, what's the problem? She asked. Don't tell me you're getting tired of the job already".

"It has nothing to do with the job. My husband is in a difficult situation". I narrated all the event of the other day and when I finished she gave me another hug.

"I'm glad that you at least know where he is now. She consoled. You shouldn't have come to school today at all. You should have just stayed at home. I do commend your bravery". She added while patting my back.

"I'm not brave at all, I decided to come to school to take my mind off things. If I were at home, I'll be thinking that something has gone wrong again, so, its better that I came to school".

"That's so correct. I don't usually think before I speak". She reprimanded herself.

The staffroom has suddenly gone quiet. Everyone pretended to be busy while eavesdropping on our conversation. If I knew we were the centre of attention, I would have lowered my voice or discuss this with Hadeeza out of earshot but it has happened already and I couldn't possibly take it back.

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation but you were talking loudly". A staff member, Mrs Abdullah defended herself. "I'm sorry about it and i hope everything becomes better. If you need any help, my uncle is a DPO at a police station in mile II, perhaps he could help".

I wanted to tell her to commit a crime herself or get one of her relative to do so, since her uncle will be easily compelled to help the family but I swallowed it and thank her instead while declining her offer. It wasn't her fault that Jamal was in trouble and I do hate being a charity case.

Another member of the staff, Mr Adesanya also consoled. "We can go visit him in prison if you wanted after school". He said.

I gave him the stink eye before telling him that he'll be bailed out this morning, he's also not in prison. I remembered to add.

"Jail and prison, are they not the same? He pressed. After all, the two involved being detained".

By this time I was boiling in anger but before I could reply him, Hadeeza jumped to my defence. She rose up from her seat and moved towards Mr Adesanya's table.

"How could you classify prison and jail as the same, I'll help you out with the definition since you are lacking in the brain department, a jail is a short term confinement of a person for minor offenses for future proceedings while a prison is the reverse, a long term confinement for those convicted of serious crime. For lack of a better understanding, a jail is that place you were confirmed in at first some years ago when you physically abused your wife and you were arrested while a prison is that one you were confined in for a period of years after the court found you guilty of the offense".

He deflatd and looked down in embarrassment while other member of the staff stared at him unashamedly, I guess no one knew about the story judging by their shocked faces.

Hadeeza moved back to her seat looking downcast. She looked guilty but then she couldn't take back her words. She looked towards the man as if she wanted to say something to him but kept opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water.

I felt pity for the man, not about the story of his incarceration because he deserved it if he really did what he was accused of, but because he didn't expect that anyone knew about the story and he seemed to have changed for the better if Alhaji offered him a job. Therefore, he no longer deserved the public embarrassment, but a little evil part of me was happy that he could no longer gloat in my face and thinking that it served him right. At the same time, if he had really turned a new leaf like I thought, he wouldn't have been so insensitive towards my plight.

When he could no longer take the side looks from the members of the staff, he stood from his seat and left the staffroom. Hadeeza followed him out probably to apologise for her behaviour. In his absence, the gossip started in full swing. They took turns in judging his character and talking about how they've always suspected that something was off about him and how he doesn't respect the females in the office.