UNDER 168 HOURS [BOOK 1, 168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 40: A Little Secret

The Next Day....

Melvin tried to get her attention but nothing worked. He knew that Humaira wasn't interested in him but for some reason, he saw her as a proud person. 'What's she hiding anyways? Meat wey they Don chop remain...'

'Yes, it seems she's proud after all. The first day she came here, she was looking like a rag. Now, her life is upgraded, she's now telling me no. I'll show here pepper very soon. She don't know anything.' he thought within himself.

Melody stares at him severally. She noticed that Humaira was ignoring him, from time to time. She snickered too.

'So awkward. Only if he can ask me out. It would definitely be a yes.' Melody muttered in her mind and smirked once again.

***

Back To Abuja.

It was the 5th of February. Amina finally came back from the business trip she went for in Enugu. It was a week trip and a lot had happened since she left. All of it, Ibrahim was ready to tell his mother.

Later that evening, Abdullahi went to visit a sick friend in the hospital so, Ibrahim was chanced to tell his mother all of it. 

When Amina heard his gossip. She as so angry and furious that she stormed directly into Zainab's room. She was copying a note so, she almost freaked out as Amina entered. Zainab wasn't expecting her to enter that way. At least, she used to enter with a knock on the door but today was different.

"Zainab!" She stormed in.

"Yes ma." She answered, closing the book as she stood up immediately.

"What happened when I wasn't around?!"

"It's nothing ma." She stammered.

"Do you want to lie to me again or what?! If you didn't speak the truth, I'll wipe the hell out of your body this evening!"

The tune in which Amina used was very harsh. It sent goosebumps to Zainab's body. She had never seen Amina so angry before. And she began to think...
'Was it because of what happened in her absence or it's something else?'

"Actually, Ibrahim and Isah beat me. Idris reported, So... Dad beat them back."

"Can you hear yourself? Yen-yen-yen-yen-yen... All you spot is rubbish! I don't blame you! I blame my husband that was foolish enough to take you in. Too bad, I accepted!!!"

"I'm so sorry ma. I really don't mean to. Please forgive me ma. Dad forced me to say the truth...vi couldn't lie."Zainab knelt down and pleaded.

"Don't call him your dad because he's not your dad! And for your information, you've not seen anything yet o, this is just the beginning. It's obvious that you and your sister are gold-diggers. All you want is to steal the peace in my family ehn? As small as you are."

Zainab just kept quite hearing all what she gave to say.

'Ibrahim must have narrated everything to her.' She imagined.  'What would I say to calm her down now. This woman would just hate me for nothing.'

Look here. I'm a very transparent person and I won't lie. Even though I wanted to care for you like a daughter before, I wouldn't anymore. I've been suspecting that you belong to a supernatural group. I mean, how can both of your parents die like that. Thee must be something behind it. Maybe your family is cursed after all. But let me tell you something. That I'll luck will never come to my family and your charms would never work too!"

Hearing he accusations and insults, Idris entered her room.

She heard his 'mum' and turned back.
.what are you doing here mum? Shouldn't you be resting after your journey and how can you utter such terrible words to Zainab like that. You're our mother..."

"Shut up, Idris! And go to your room." She ordered but he didn't move. He looked at Zainab in a kind of Saad, pitiable face but she didn't look at him. All she did was staring at the floor and silently crying.

"What are you still waiting for?! I said leave right now!!" She stormed again at him and he left for his room angrily.

The fact that his mother shouted at him wasn't what pain him but for the fact that she shouted at Zainab. He still remembered clearly. About few months ago when Zainab just came newly, she introduced her as their sister. If she was already part of the family, why would his mum treat her like that. Like an outsider.

Idris wasn't happy. He just locked himself in the room and stayed up in bed.

"And you, don't tell your headmaster about this else, I'll send you out sooner than you expect." She hissed and rolled her eyes at her disgustingly. "I know you're wise, you understand what I mean." She grunted before leaving.

Abdullahi cane later that day tired and hungry. His friend that had an accident was also a staff from the school. It was only a deep injury on his left leg and they needed bone marrow transplant... It seems to be critical that it looked but Mr. Abdullahi tried to convince his friend's family that everything would be fine and successful, Insha Allah.

Amina and the rest of the family had taken dinner. So, Zainab set the table immediately he entered. Amina too came out. She welcomed her husband and sat beside him.

"Welcome back home, wifey." He placed a soft kiss on her lips.

"Thank you. But why did you leave today of all days. When you know I'm coming home." She raised a slim eyebrow to the question.

"So sorry. Mr. Johnson in my school had an accident this early evening so I had it go because it was urgent." He pointed out.

"Eyah, what happened?"

"One stupid truck like that his his motorcycle o. You wouldn't believe it."

"Subhanallah! That's terrible." She huffed silently, because it was already night. "May Allah Grant him quick recovery."

"Amin. He replied with honesty. "So how was Enugu now..  Any gist for me?"

"She couldn't help but to blush out."

"Well Enugu is fine now. My business there went well but I'm so tired right now."

"Me too my dear. I can't even talk much right now." He washed his hands in a small plastic bowl and started eating his dinner.

It was semo and vegetable soup. All made by Zainab. She sat in a corner, waiting for him to complete his meal but Amina looked at her with a stupidly annoying look. As if she wanted her to leave the both of them alone. But Zainab still waited.

"Go to bed now, abi!"

"Okay ma." Zainab replied her. "Good night sir" she muttered to Mr. Abdullahi before going in.

"Good night dearie. Hope no problem? You're looking so down." Mr. Abdullahi called back immediately he noticed the sad look on her face.

He stopped eating immediately and held her forward.

"Hope no problem? You're looking so full this evening.

"Nothing is wrong with her hubby. It's night already, she might be sleepy or something."

"Okay." He agreed with his wife. Go and sleep. "Okay? We'll talk better tomorrow "

"Okay sir." She muttered before going inside. Amina put on a satisfying smile, knowing she won't be able to tell him any of their little secret anyways.

***

Words and Translations

Enugu: A state in Nigeria

Subhanallah: Glory be to God

***

Author's Note:

So guys, how was this? Hope I tried?

If you were in Zainab's position, what would you have done?

What do you think was the main reason for Amina's anger or change of behavior towards Zainab?

Do you think Mr. Abdullahi would  understand or probably settle the matter? You won't know until you read on...