UNDER 168 HOURS [BOOK 1, 168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 43: Zainab!

Getting out of Mrs. Bala's room, Zainab caught Idris by the door. He must have listened to all their conversations. The stoped her immediately she closed the door behind her.

"Don't go anywhere, Zee. Let me make amendments, please." His eyes begged hers.

"Leave me alone, Idris."
Tears were still flowing from her eyes but she hissed and entered her room.

It's as if she was cursed truly... Nothing ever works no matter how good she tries to satisfy this woman. It's now clear that she hated her. And Mr. Abdullahi, Where is he?

***

Idris banged the door open and went straight to his mother.

"Mum! Tell her to stay! It's all my fault Ibrahim and Isah got punished that day and you know it!!"

"Don't worry, my love. I know you're under her spell but we'll be free immediately she leaves this house, Idris." She held his arm gently. "Just go to your room and relax."

"What?!" He flinched his hands immediately as if her touch had effect on him. "If she leaves, I'll leave too mother... Zainab can't suffer for my own wrong doings!"

"What are you saying Idris... That girl is a nobody. You shouldn't even fight for her or argue. I'm your mother Idris, I know what's right and what's wrong for you. You're too young and perhaps, what is she to you anyway?"

"She's my best friend and only sister mum.. why would you tell her that?! If you don't care about her, don't you care about me too?"

"You see what I'm saying? She's not even worth to be your friend. You're under her influence, I see, but everything would be over soon. I promise."

Idris was tired of hearing her words. It seems she'd made up her mind after all. He couldn't even convince her. What would he do? He was just twelve.

He left her room and walked straight into his room, almost in tears.
All on his mind was, 'If she goes, who would I study with?'

It's obvious that they shared the same thing in common, but his mum made things even worse for the both of them. If she loves him genuinely, why wouldn't she reason with him? Even for once?

Isah was studying a book on machinery while Ibrahim was arranging his wardrobe.

Idris went to meet Isah directly. "Please, go and beg mummy to let Zainab stay. You know she's our sister after all. Even if you don't like her, just help me beg mum on her behalf. Please." Idris pleased.

Isah that was looking away, finally faced him.
"My hands are tied here, Idris. If you truly want to save her. Go and beg mum and dad yourself. I'm not the head of the family. Don't bother me with this anymore, please."

Meanwhile, Ibrahim was pretending as if he didn't even hear them.
"What about you? What do you have to say brother?" Idris faced him, looking so bittered.

"Why are you so interested in saving Zainab? She wasn't part of our family before until now. You know what? I agree with mum. I think she's bad luck. Just leave her and concertate on your studies, ehn?"

"Is that all? Is that all you have to say, Ibrahim?" Idris hissed.

'Yes, Idris. You're still 12. You wouldn't understand. I know you're stubborn but obey mum."

"Fine then. I'll just have to wait for dad." He muttered to myself frustratedly and went to sit on his bed.

'It was all my fault. Zainab would have to leave tomorrow and he won't be able to save her.'
He kept on blaming himself, despite knowing well that it was all his brother's fault.