Amina.
By the time I went down, I was met with all the families present at the dining. For a moment, I felt a bit tight hearted about my stay in the house. It's been past a week already but I'm still finding it hard to adjust to the wealthy family. Making my way slowly towards them, I slightly greeted Hajiya and her husband whose eyes were focused on his meal.
"Have a seat" Hajiya ushered offering me a smile. I squatted beside Abida, the frown on her face was still there. I wonder if it was because of me or maybe she got a scolding from Hajiya or her brother. Abida served the food and pushed the plate to my front. I muttered a prayer before digging in. The room was void of noise only the sound of our spoons chattering from every direction. All through, my head was dung into my plate. I couldn't raise my face to look at anyone of them. Eating in front of them was enough problem for me.
"Amina how is work?" Alhaji Abdallah started breaking off the silence that hung in the surrounding. My eyes darted to Ahmad finding him already looking at me. His eyes held something as if daring me to utter something inappropriate. Had it been I wanted to avenge for what he accused me of, I would've embarrassed him but I'm not like that. Instead, I forced out a smile.
"Alhamdulillah, sir. It's not easy but with time I will get used to it" The man nodded his head in understanding wiping his mouth with the table napkin positioned beside each seat
"That's good. Keep up the good work and if you have any problem feel free to reach out to me or my wife"
"Thank you, sir" After Alhaji left, no words were spoken again until we were done eating and Abida decided to talk after keeping mute throughout. Dragging me to one corner, her eyes roam around before whispering.
"Did you get into a fight with Yaya Ahmad?" she said. I don't want to be reminded of the event and now that she decided to talk, the topic is the first thing that came out of her mouth.
"No we didn't, we just exchanged words" I stated. "Why are you asking?"
"Just. Because he snapped at me earlier and while we were eating, I saw him giving you one kind of murderous look" Her mouth was held in a pout as she said it. I heaved out a sigh.
"You know what? I don't want to talk about it. Though he was at fault for accusing me I will let it slide since he is my boss but I must say your brother has a lot of problems" The last part was supposed to be in my head but I think she heard it, by the questioning look she gave me in return.
"Never mind. Staying in the room alone all night is tiresome so let me get fresh air outside" I was about to take off when she held my arms, raising one of her brows.
"What?"
"Nothing. I'm bored too so let's go together" without waiting for my response she dragged me along towards the resting lounge. It was around Magrib time so the sky was still young. I rested my back on the comfy couch and gazed at the sky. Abida copied my action. Both of us let us a sigh at the same time.
"Wow. Are we thinking about the same thing?" she said. turning my face, I gaze at her for some seconds before averting my eyes back to the sky.
"Thinking about what?" I replied.
"You know... Anything" I'm not sure what I was thinking about. I was just staring at the sky and the sigh made it out at the time.
"Oh" was the only thing I could think of an answer to her question.
"This won't do. Let me go and make some hot coffee for us that way we can enjoy our rest. Give me five minutes" She patted my hands lightly before running off to make the coffee. Another silence fell on me as I let out yet another mild breath. I don't know why I've been sighing today. I miss home. I miss my mom and my hometown. If I get my monthly salary, I will pay her a visit. A smile made its way to my lips thinking about my mother back at home.
"Still up?" Came a voice beside me. Averting my eyes from gazing at the sky, I was met with a set of brown ones. His eyes look weary as if he hasn't gotten any rest. For some unknown reason, I find myself staring at his face. He has think brows which are trimmed from the edge. His eyes are not big nor small rather a normal size. I immediately tore my gaze away before going further. He must be wondering why I am peeking at him. I will blame my almost crazy mind for that.
I remembered that I still haven't answered his question. "It's not that late"
"Yeah, it's not. Normally I sleep early so as not to be late for the next day but today seems different"
"And why is that so?" I find myself asking. I know it's unlike me to ask something that doesn't concern me but seeing the way he talks tells me maybe he needs someone to talk to.
"I can't sleep. But don't take me wrong it's because I have a lot in mind"
"Care to share?" I inquired. I'm not sure if getting nosy is a good idea for me to do.
"Who was the one angry saying I'm too nosy and now you are doing the same" I passed him a glare instead he let out a smile. And for another weird head of mine, I smile back. What is taking Abida so long? Is she mining the coffee from scratch?
"You know, when you have a lot in mind, you just feel down. Everything will be boring to you. Life throws us in many unexpected situations and for you to overcome it, you have to be strong. You might be the richest man in the world today and you might wake up the next day to a poor nobody. That is why I always embrace whatever situation I find myself in. There are times that you have to step up for yourself and-" I waited for him to continue but he kept mute. I have a feeling he encounters many obstacles in his life with the story he narrates to Hajiya on the first day he came to the house. His arms were folded across his chest as he stares ahead. My instincts are telling me there's more to the guy. He might look all funny outside but there's something beneath his heart that he always masked it up with his smiles.
"I know it might sound weird to you but whenever you feel the need to talk to someone, you can reach out to me. I have this habit of being a good listener" I didn't know why I blurted it out. At least it's better than not saying anything. Since he told me a bit of his problems maybe he might need someone to talk to.
"Really? Won't it be a burden to you?"
"No, it's okay. Besides, we both have our own problems. So I think we can understand each other and help each other"
"Here's the....." Abida's voice said halting us from the conversation. Turning to her, I passed her a dirt glare.