"Bimpe?", Saleem called.
"Yes", she replied, innocently licking the ice cream off her lips in a seductive manner.
"Did you pick my call?" He questioned calmly, staring at his phone.
"Of course not", she replied, putting on a frown to show her innocence.
"It's Salamat and the call was picked."
"Maybe it was a mistake. Call her back then", she advised him but was met with silence.
"Does she knows you are in Zaria?", she asked him.
He sat on the chair opposite hers and starting scooping the ice cream he also bought for himself into his mouth.
"Won't you call her back?", she inquired, looking at him with surprise when there was no response.
"I will do that later", he answered her, finally.
"Or you guys are not on good terms?", she winked at him.
"Don't be silly. I said I will call her back later", he said.
"Or could it be you are enjoying my company so much that....."
"Bimpe, I will leave here", he threatened. "You know I am just doing this to cheer you up."
"Must you rub it in my face?", she almost yelled in frustration.
"If you stop being my friend, it's not going to be a big deal because you won't be the first and you would probably not be the last also", she said and pushed the ice cream bowl away, folding her arms around her bosom.
Saleem peered at her and sighed.
*****
Salamat's mind was in turmoil.
She couldn't comprehend all the facts revealing itself since morning. First, it was the confession of her father's relationship with Habib's mother. Now, it was Saleem and Bimpe.
If Habib's mother was truly pregnant for her father, could it be that Habib and Habibah are her siblings? The thoughts were giving her headaches.
She remembered what Ayoade told her.
"Raliat told me that she went to see Saleem and that they were dating", Ayoade had confirmed.
He was as confused as she was. They couldn't figure out what was happening.
This was her fear and it was beginning to manifest.
He was tired of her and had gone for Bimpe. Could it be it was the argument they had that was pushing him away? But of all people, not Bimpe.
She knew Bimpe had eyes on Saleem all this while but she thought she was repentant.
Salamat was sure Bimpe purposely picked the call, just so she would be aware of the fact that she was with Saleem. But for what reason? To spite her?
Salamat was disturbed and it was evident from the creases on her forehead.
She opened the front door with her keys and ventured into the touse. She needed to talk to her mother and she headed towards her bedroom. Her father's car was not in the driveway which means he was not home.
She wondered if they fought after she left when her father couldn't find his voice.
"Mummy", she called as she opened the door. Her mother was asleep and she turned to go. The door made a creaking sound as she opened it from behind. The sound woke her mother up.
"Wumi?", she called.
"Yes, mummy."
"You are just coming back?"
"Yes, ma."
"What took you so long?"
"Nothing. There's something I want to tell you", she made to sit on her bed. Her mother was wide awake and she was looking at her daughter curiously.
"It's either Saleem is in Zaria to see Bimpe or Bimpe went to Kano to visit him", she blurted out, to the amazement of her mother.
"What made you think so?", she quizzed.
"I called him a few minutes ago and Bimpe picked his call", she replied.
"And what did she say?"
"She didn't say anything to me. I reckon she purposely picked the call and told Saleen to get her ice cream."
Her mother sighed. "Wumi, Saleem loves you. I can see it in his eyes. I told you earlier that a leopard does not change from its spot, all of a sudden. That is who Bimpe is. Don't give her the chance the ruin the beautiful thing between you and Saleem."
"Mummy, Ayoade's intended is Bimpe's friend and she told Ayoade that Bimpe and Saleem are dating. She even told him they have been meeting for a while", Salamat insisted.
She wondered why her mother was always defending Saleem's every action.
"I believe it is just an assumption on her part. You should call Saleem for clarity. Don't believe in hearsay because I can vouch for Saleem anywhere just like I can vouch for you too", she declared.
Salamat was quiet.
"So call him", her mother advised.
"I will mum, later", she responded with an unhappy look on her face.
"Why not now?"
"Mum, I need you to explain what transpired between Habib's mother and dad", she diverted.
Her mother glanced at her with worry and surprise. She never expected her to be brave enough to raise such a topic.
"It's not time for you to know", her mother said turning her face away.
"Please, mum", she insisted on knowing.
"Wumi, I can't tell you now. I will tell you when it's time for you to know."
"Mum, I'm just curious. You said dad impregnated her?", she asked the quiet woman.
Salamat could see that her mother wasn't ready to discuss the issue with her. Then she asked, "What if Habib and Habibah are my siblings?"
Mrs. Ade jerked her head up and gazed at Salamat absentmindedly
The reality just dawned on her.