UNDER 168 HOURS [BOOK 1, 168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 51: A Way Out

"Mel-vin" her lips muttered while she stared at him in confusion.

"Humaira!" He turned to her and walked to her side.

Tears gathered in his eyes almost immediately. Her wrist were hurt and her hands, handcuffed.

"I'm so sorry, it's all my fault." He cried bitterly.

"I go just give una just 5 minutes! Because today no be visiting day, Ehen!!" The office warned, rolling his eyes at both of them.

Despite the fact that Melvin had bribed him with some cash to let him in, just for 5 minutes. He still treats him like he doesn't give a damn.

"Yes, I know sir, I'll be brief." Melvin said as the officer walked out of the visiting room.

Leaving only the both of them to talk their minds. Melvin couldn't help but to him Humaira.

"No Mel-" She wanted to pull away from his touch again but right that minute, she couldn't.

It was as if her oxytocin –or dubbed the "love hormone" – had kicked in and made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. The effects Melvin's warm embrace lingered long after the hug: As it is, Oxytocin promotes feelings of trust, nurturing, and calm. He held the hug for a moment before letting go.

Melvin leaned forward again, placing is two hands around her waist and cuddling her warmly towards himself.

Humaira just stood there with her hands, slightly bent to her side.

'What's happening?' A thought came on in her mind. Humaira was frozen in this state. And why was she feeling this way?

Again, keeping her in that position for not more than a couple seconds, he let go as soon as he woke into the reality of what he was doing. Look her in the eyes, Melvin separated himself from her and continued his conversation naturally.

"Wipe way your tears." He said, floolowing her to the chair to sit.

"You shouldn't have come here, Melvin! I don't want any more problems, please. I've had enough." her trembling voice begged his as more tears clouded her sad eyes.

"No, Humaira. Please, don't say that. I know you're innocent after all but Mrs. Bridget is blind to the fact that Melody is capable of stealing her money... She's no where to be found so, they put the blame on you."

"How is she doing, Melvin. I miss her so much."

"She miss you too." Melvin muttered with a firm smile.
"I and Melvina would be resuming work again tomorrow. I was feeling guilty that's why I decided to pay you a visit, myself. The thing is... Since I heard about your arrest, I couldn't help but to blame myself and trust me, I'll find a way to get you out of here. Trust me."

"Okay, I trust you, Melvin. And thank you."

'Krrrraannkkkaaaannnkkkkaaaaannnnn-'

The police officer made an annoying noice with his staff before entering.

"Time up, oga! Ten minutes sef don pass!" The officer's grumpy voice made tgd both of them turn to him in surprise.

"Just a minute, please." Melvin begged.

"It's okay, Melvin. I'll be fine. Just leave already, there's no need to beg."

Melvin looked at her, lovingly. Tears were still hanging at the corner of his eyes while hers was slightly red.

"I put you in this mess anyway. Let's be friends."

"Fr-iends?" Humaira smiled.

"Yes, friends. Maybe that's how I should have started."

"Yes... We're friends now." Humaira agreed. "We should be friends."

"Bye then, I'll be back soon."

Melvin promised while the police officer grabbed Humaira by the shoulder. Disappointment plastered Melvin's  face as he watched him take her away. The officer took her back into her cell where she joined the others, Melvin watched till she was taken away.

***

When Zainab and others came back from school, she took a warm bath before going into the kitchen to prepare yam Porrage which is one of her favorite.

After the shower, she changed into a silky long jalabiyya and went to peel two large tubers of yam before going to perform her Zuhr prayer. It was already 2:30 pm when Mr. Abdullahi got in.

"Zainab! Is lunch ready?" He asked immediately he got in.

It was evident that he was hungry... And one thing is, he loves Zainab's food. Because anything cooked by Zainab tastes like heaven.

She quickly ended her prayers and went into the kitchen to blend the peppers and onions for the food. She added seasonings to taste and poured an amount of palm oil. It took a while before she serve the food. By then, Mr. Musa had already taken his shower and prayed too.

Zainab served lunch. She packed all the food in a well designed cooler. She gently placed it at the middle of the table and went for the plates and spoons. Ibrahim, Isah and Idris quickly joined the table as they were famished as well.

Claash!

Zainab fell down with all the plates. It broke into pieces Aon her body as she was hurt. Idris quickly rushed to her and helped her up.

"Is everything alright?" He asked her quickly but she nodded her head as if she was trying to say everything was fine.

What happened, Zainab? Are you okay?" Mr. Abdullahi bursted.

"Yes sir, I'm fine." Zainab answered quickly and walked to the table.

Idris helped her with the plates too as she served.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim and Isah snickered quietly at her. They planned earlier by placing a banana peel at the entrance where she passed.

The food looked super yummy as the golden aroma filled the dinning room.

Mr. Abdullahi hungrily took a spoon full of Porrage cream.

Pppppphhhhh!!!

She spits it out immediately. "What did you cook this time Zainab?!"

***

Words and Translations

-Jalabiyya: A long loose gown worn by make it female.

-Zuhr : Afternoon prayer between 1:00 pm to 2:00pm

***
Enjoy reading and please, don't forget to press the tiny orange star ★ at the end of each chapter to notify me you've actually read it... So! What are we waiting for! Continue reading this story of family, adventure, mystery and plot twists and also, don't forget to comment.