UNDER 168 HOURS [BOOK 1, 168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 60: Voiceless

It was as early as she heard the first cock coral. She didn't take any baggage along with even though Melvin had gotten and kept her stuff safe with him since all these while. Mrs. Bridget asked him to burn all her laugage but he hid it with Cherish instead.

Humaira treated herself with a good sleep. It's something she missed the most. Now, she's was going to meet who she miss the most. Her lovely sister. She went to the garage that morning and took the first bus that was leaving from Zaria to Abuja.

It was Thursday, so she went directly to their school. It was still school hours when Humaira got to Mr. Abdullahi's office. She greeted him properly and he offered her a seat.

"You would have come during the weekend my dear, hope you won't miss lectures?"

"No, not at all sir. We're only having one lecture today and Tom is Friday anyways. I just wanted to see Zainab, I've missed her so much."

"Eyah, I understand. You girls are just so close and inseperatable." He smiled led pretentiously and looked at his wrist watch.

"It's just five minutes to the closing time, I'll round up too immediately so we can all go home together."

"Okay sir." Humaira smiled and  relaxed.

Mr. Abdullahi offered her a cold sachet water to cool down. She sipped it gently as time went by.

After closing, Zainab and Idris entered their father's office. Humaira was so happy to see her precious little sister. She gave her a tight hug and kissed her face with so much joy and love.

"When did you come sis? How was the journey?"

Alhamdulillah... I missed you so much Zee!" Humaira gently held her sister's face with so much care.

But why are you looking so lean and pale? Are you sick?

"No... I'm perfectly fine." Zainab replied her. "You're looking so faded, are you alright too?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Definitely." She faked a smile and wiped away her tears. "My friends treats me like a princess. I live a happy life in Zaria. I wish to take you along one of these days..."

Mr. Abdullahi wore a malice look as he heard this... "Let's go home already. It's been a long day, isn't it?"

"Yes, let's go." Humaira agreed.

They got into the car. Mr. Abdullahi sat at the driver's seat while Idris sat right next to him. The two sisters sat the the back.
While driving, Mr. Abdullahi was looking at Zainab's face and through the front mirror, giving Zainab a stern, negative look... As if he was trying to warn her not to say a work. He wears a warm smile at Humaira anytime she looks at it and it was almost looking awkward. Only Idris noticed this... And a question kept on ringing in his head.

"Dad? What's wrong with you?"

Zainab looked away from him and held Humaira's arm. Humaira held her closer like a child till they finally got home.

"Assalam 'Alaikum...." Everyone greeted as they entered.

Humaira followed Zainab into her room as she took off her uniform and immediately changed into a simple house-wear of a light mini-gown and black leggings.

"You need to take a shower and rest sis, I'll be right back."

"Where are you rushing to Zainab? you should rest for a while at least."

"No don't worry, I'm fine. I need to prepare lunch."

"Okay, but wait!" Humaira called her back. She held her hand and took her to sit on the bed.

"I noticed you've changed a lot from the last time. Sorry I haven't come to meet you or called. I've been so busy in school."

Zainab smiled and put on a small cap. "I'll be right back sis, I won't take a minute. I promise."

"Okay, fine then. I'll keep the gist." Humaira smiled and entered the bathroom.

When Zainab got to the kitchen, she saw Ibrahim and Isah washing the rice.

"What are you guys doing?" She asked in amazement.

"Cooking of course." They smiled at her affectionately. She was so surprised. As if she was dreaming.

"When did you guys cane from school and shouldn't you be resting or doing whatever you usually do after school?"

Don't worry Zee, your brothers would prepare lunch. You can go and rest.

'Bro.. thers?' She wondered. 'When did they consider themselves my brother?'

She turned to meet Mr. Abdullahi. What are you doing here, Zainab?

"I wanted to cook"

"Cook? No, not today. Go inside and welcome your sister. Make her feel at home. Idris would serve you when the food is ready, okay?" He gave her an untrusting smile before going out Asr prayer.

Zainab wasn't happy with what was going on. She didn't seem to be settled for a bit.

'The people that hated me so much are now treating me like a princess? Why the sudden change? Is it because of Humaira?' she thought.

Zainab was about to enter her room when Idris stopped her.

"What's happening Zee? What's really happening?"

"I don't know Idris... I don't understand too."

"You should know, definitely. Dad instructed Ibrahim and Isah to cook and they're doing it willingly. I overheard your conversation in the kitchen just now. Don't tell me you believe them."

"I don't know Idris. I don't even know what to believe anymore. I think they've changed. That's what I've been hoping for anyways so, I'm happy now. I need to go and rest..." Idris held her arm back and slowly drew her closer.

"Tell her everything. Don't hide anything from Humaira."

"What are you even talking about Idris? I don't get-" she jerked off.

"You know, Zee and you understand me very well. What are you hiding from Humaira? Isn't she your sister? You're both very close... Tell her how they maltreated you. Tell her you want to leave this house already and gain your freedo-"

"She won't say anything." A deeper voice came. They turned and say it was Mr. Abdullahi.

"What? Da.. aad!" Idris muttered.
"How is this even possible?"

"Yes, Idris. I can't tell my sister anything. I'm sorry." She walked inside her room with her eyes filled with tears. She quickly wiped it away not to let her sister notice anything else, she'll start asking questions. She opened the small cupboard and started arranging the place a little before Humaira came out of the bathroom.

***

Seriously, I've been feeling too lazy to write these days. I don't know why? Maybe I need encouragement or something. I'm still hoping to complete this book by the end of this year anyways... It's less than two weeks to 2021 and I don't know if it's even possible.