Chapter Two

I couldn’t hold back the joy of my admission into Nile University of Nigeria, one of the best universities here in Abuja. Ummah had always wanted her babies close to her, so we never really thought about studying far from home. Holidays were a different matter, though, as we always traveled around the world to either visit family or spend time away from home and Nigeria itself.

What’s more exciting is the fact that I was given the course I wanted! I had specifically chosen it because it meant I would be closer to Ubeid in school. Even though he’s already two years ahead of me, being in the same faculty and department means we would have regular time together. I could use studying as an excuse to meet with him.I screamed down the staircase to announce the great news, but Ummah and Yaya weren’t too surprised. I’m pretty sure Abbah had snitched on me by telling them first when I deserved to tell them.

“Ma sha Allah! God has willed it. Amira, I’m happy for you,” Ummah said.

“Nagode, Ummah. Thank you,” I replied. I could smell the Arabian oud body mist and immediately sensed Ubeid’spresence.

“As-salamu alaykum” (“Peace be unto you”), Ummah,” he greeted before sitting down.

“Wa alaykumu salam” (“Peace be unto you too”), Ubeid,” Ummah replied. “When did you come back?” she asked.

“Not too long ago,” he replied.

“Ya ami! Congratulations I heard you got admitted. I’m happy for you, and I don’t mind showing you around the faculty, In shaAllah (‘God willing’),” he said to me.

He had always called me Ami right from when we were little, and he hasn’t stopped. I grew to love the sound of his pronunciation and decided to keep it as my nickname. Each time I’m called Ami, it reminds me of him.

“Thanks, but no thanks,” I answered hurriedly without thinking twice. “So you would ditch me like the last time, bah?”

“Did you both have a fight?” Ummah asked him.

Before he could reply, Yaya cut him short, saying, “Congratulations, big head! At least Ubeid would be there to look out for you without me having to add you to my problems, right, bruh?”

They always called each other “bruh” like some street English boys.

In sha Allah, that’s true,” Ubeid said.

“Since the both of you are in the same department, Ubeid, take good care of your sister in school, fah,” Ummah said.

But the word sister didn’t seem right in my ears.

In sha Allah, she will enjoy the Department of Mass Communication as long as I’m here,” he replied.

“As-salamu alaykum” (“Peace be upon you”), Abbah,” I said while making my entrance into his room.

He was engrossed on his phone, and from the fury on his face, I already knew he must have been reading something about the GDP of the country. 

“Wa alaykumu salam” (“Peace be upon you too”), Mama,” he replied.

Seeing his face brighten up a little made me smile too. He liked calling me Mama because I’m a replica of his late mother.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Yes, Abbah. I came to say my goodbyes and hear some words of advice from you before leaving for school,” I replied.

“Mama, there are no more words of advice to give to you because we have brought you up in accordance with Allah’s instructions. All I ask is for you to stay true to your faith and values. Remember the family you represent and always prioritize your deen”

“Nagode, Abbah,” I said, smiling.

“I’m proud of you, Mama. You’ve grown into a fine young woman,” he added, patting my shoulder. Abbah always had a way of lifting my spirits with his words. As I left his room, I felt a renewed sense of determination. The preparations for school continued, but my mind drifted back to Ubeid. I couldn’t shake the excitement and nervousness of starting this new chapter of my life while being so close to him. I hoped this would bring us closer—or at least help me understand my feelings better.