I've lost my touch ð¥²Bear with me.
Fauziyyah
"Fauu!" I looked up from my phone and saw Ilham running up to me.
"Here! You...you forgot your examination slip!" She said between heavy breaths.
I collected it through the window with wide eyes.
"Thanks, babe. I owe you one." I blew her a kiss and rolled up the car window. I nodded at the bolt driver to start the ride.
The trees and cars suddenly became interesting to watch as I got lost in my thoughts.
Today was the day. My JAMB exams begins in fifty minutes time.
My hands were trembling and my heart, beating too fast.
At the venue, we were searched before putting in our fingerprints. Alhamdulillah I got in easily so I quickly found my seat.
The memory of last year's exam was clear as day in my head. We had to stand under the sun for more than an hour. To make it worse, my thumbprint was having issues so I had to wait for everyone to go inside before I was attended to. It was a moment I never wish to go through a second time.
Ya Allah, see me through!
~|~
The hot sun kissed my face the moment I stepped out of the building.
I strolled to where I kept my bag and thankfully everything of mine was intact when I checked.
I walked to gate of the building while I tried to call a bolt driver. The network was very bad and the pounding headache I was dealing with wasn't making things better.
I looked around the roadside and it was filled with people selling everything and nothing. The road was bad and I've seen more of motorcycles than cars or taxis. It's a wonder how a place like this exists in Abuja.
I sincerely thanked Allah for having a good life. No matter how much financial problems we were going through, we weren't on the streets, trying to make a living.
There was a good looking shop at the other side of the road, I could use some snacks right now. I raised my gown a little and took careful steps. One wrong move and I could land in a puddle.
Safely on the other side, a repeated honking made me turn around.
The car looked exactly like that of Anas.
It reminded me of how its been three weeks since we last met. We chatted a lot though.
"Get inside, Miss." I looked up from the plate number I was focused on and indeed it was Anas.
I rounded the car and jumped into the passenger side excitedly.
"I didn't tell you the location so you would pick me up, Anas." I playfully glared at him. Last night, he asked me where I was writing it in between our conversation.
"Well, it's not too late to get down." He rolled his eyes at me then got back on the road.
"U'um what's done is done. Kasan wallahi bolt dina ya ki yi sabida rashin network."
"Toh what were you expecting from a place like this? How was it?" He briefly assessed my face to find an answer.
Look at him acting like he can read me.
"I don't know. I thought I was smart and confident but I really don't know." I sighed a long sigh.
If this goes wrong, I don't know what to do with my life again.
Maybe I would just keep working with Smart Minds?
But I desperately want to see myself in a lecture hall, seeking knowledge.
Hhh the uncertainty is eating me up.
"I know you'll ace it. Keep praying, okay?"
"Yeahh"
Someone took a deep breath then exhaled. Abruptly, I peeped at the back seat and a pair of eyes stared back at me.
I slowly turned my head to see Anas's reaction and he was smiling.
When I turned my head back to the lady, she had a blinding smile decorating her lips.
I couldn't help but notice how pretty she was.
"Halo, I'm Safiyyah."
"Hello Safiyyah, I'm Fauziyyah. Are you the sister that's always teaching him girly stuff?" The resemblance was clear.
"What a nice way to portray me, Ya Anas. I suppose I am." she fired a hot look at Anas but in a flash, she looked back at me with a loving one.
"It's nice to finally meet you." I sincerely said while facing the road because my neck was starting to hurt.
"Oh! You absolutely have no idea how I've been looking forward to this day." Her smile was creeping me out now.
"O..kayy?"
"Saf! You're scaring her with your evil face." I burst out laughing at that and they both followed.
The ride was filled with their banter and I was more than grateful for the distraction.
We stopped by Cold Stone and Dominos and it was 3PM when Anas parked at the front of my uncle's house.
Safiyyah offered to follow me in and I gladly agreed. I've seen how funny she was. It would be nice to have her around.
Anas didn't argue. With a small smile, he said he would pick her up later at night.
We watch him drive out of sight before going in.
We spent the evening in the kitchen, helping out Ilham and Amma.
Fortunately, they got along really well.
When it was time for Maghreb, Safiyyah and I went to my room to pray.
"So...are you nineteen too?" We were done praying but still on the prayer mats. Safiyyah was leaning on the bed with her full body facing me. I turned to face her completely too but I had nothing to lean on.
"Yes. Are you?"
"Of course. Do I look twenty two to you?" she nudged me before crossing her legs under her.
"More like fifteen." I admitted.
"How about I tell you that you look fourteen?" she retorted.
"Enough about looks now. Which course are you studying?"
"Biochemistry."
I let out a silent sigh. Since it was Safiyyah, I didn't hide how down I felt at the thought of school.
"You must be smart. I heard Biochemistry is super hard."
"Very hard I tell you. Everyday, I contemplate quitting."
"How do you manage islamiyya then? Earlier you said...." she cut me off once she understood what I was trying to remind her off.
"I miss a lot of days sometimes when there's so much to do. But it's better than nothing." She assured, continuously nodding her head.
"True. I'm thinking of joining one too. At least I'll know that I'm doing something to benefit me in both lives."
"You should attend mine. You'll love it."
"Okay, I'll think about it. So how many boyfriends have you?" I teased giving her a knowing look.
"Haba Fauzee, do I look like that kind of person?" she pushed me by the shoulders lightly to show that she was angry.
Fauzee, she shortened my name claiming it was too long for her. But I like it.
"It was just a joke ai" I assured.
"And you? Do you love anyone?" Safiyya wiggled her brows and adjusted her sitting.
Sorry girl, I'm gonna burst your bubble.
"No, I don't." I answered flatly.
"Why? You're beautiful, I didn't think you wouldn't be in a relationship?"
"I didn't think so too three years back. Truth is, I'm not paying any attention to feelings right now." I paused and looked up to meet her eyes. I had to know if she was interested in what I was saying.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I used to be the typical teenager. Having crushes and all. But now, I have too much on my plate I think I've forgotten how to love? "
"That's interesting. Or maybe you just haven't found the one?"
"Maybe. There was a guy I dated months back. I was in the process of trying to fall in love when he dumped me."
The memory of Muhsin wasn't so painful anymore.
"I'm so sorry to hear that." She immediately pulled me into a hug.
The vibration of my phone cut our moment short.
"Hey, it's Anas. He's probably here to pick you."
"He called you, not me."
Hm she has a point.
I answered the call and put the phone to my ear.
"Hey." He instantly said into the phone.
"Hi. Here to pick her up already?" I asked while we folded the mats and got ready to meet him outside.
"Yes. But can we talk first? She should wait inside until we're done."
"Alright. I'll be out in a minute."
"Uh... Ilham's room is..."
"Yes, I know. You can call me when you're done madam." She laughed it off and left to stay with Ilham.
I still had my hijab on so I just put on my shoes and made my way out.
Anas stepped out of his car once he noticed me coming out.
"Are you okay?" I asked. It was obvious that something was wrong, he looked disheveled.
"Yes. Just a minor problem with the company but that's what we've been working on since."
"Can I help in any way?"
"Um, by being here for me?"
I laughed at his comment before replying.
"I'm always here for you, Anas."
"I know. How are you?"
"I'm okay, I guess."
We were standing side by side, leaned on his car and looking ahead.
"You still scared, huh?" He turned to face me completely.
"Am I not supposed to be scared?"
"Nahh, you're better than that."
"Too bad I can't stop it."
"You look like you need a hug."
I shot him a glare but he wasn't fazed.
"Nice joke."
He opened his car and brought out an envelope.
He handed it to me and I didn't waste time in opening it.
"It's my cousin's wedding. I'll see you on Saturday."
"I never said I was coming."
"Safiyyah would pick you up. Don't say no to her."
I think I'm talking to a wall. Did he not hear me?
"I don't know them."
"Don't worry about that, habibty. I'll be there. Tell Safiyyah to come out, please."
Habibty. Did he just call me that?
I dialed Safiyyah's number and they left when she came out.
Was there a change in mood with Anas or am I just overthinking things?
"Sannu, Amma." I said when I noticed her in the living room.
"Fauziyyah?"
"Na'am?"
I found a space close to her and sat.
"Is there anything between you and this man?"
"Man? Oh Anas? No,we're just friends."
This conversation is really awkward I wish I could disappear.
"Then you should stop whatever it is you're doing. What if someone shows interest in you but he finds out you're so free with other men?"
"But it's just him, Amma."
"Listen to what I'm telling you, it won't do good to your image. Know where you stand with him. Don't be the kind of lady that's always available."
"Okay, Amma. Thank you for bringing this to my attention."
Know where you stand with him.
Know where you stand with him.
I couldn't stop thinking about that statement.
What are we, Anas?
~â¢â¢â¢~