Chapter 21

Parking in the school lot, I got out and made my way to the other side, unbuckling Yasmin and helping her out.

Her hand in mine, we walked to the administrative block where Ada was waiting for us.

"Welcome back Mr Abubakar and this must be Yasmin." She said squatting, offering her a hand.

"My name is Ada. It's nice to meet you."

Yasmin hid behind my legs, her tiny fingers digging into my office slacks.

"Come on Yasmin. Say hello to her" I whispered softly squatting to her level.

She looked over at Ada before shaking her hand. "Hello." She whispered, a shy smile on her face.

Ada smiled back at her before standing.

"Let's get this show on the road then." She cheered, holding out her hand to Yasmin who took it. I walked behind them as she showed her around. Yasmin's shyness disappearing every second of the tour.

By the time we were done, her grin stretched from ear to ear.

"Would you like her to take the test now or would you like to come back another day?" She asked.

"What does the test entail?" I inquired.

"Nothing much really, just a few tests on her communication skills, learning skills and such. It will help us determine what class to put her in." She explained.

"Does she need to prepare for it?"

"She doesn't. The test usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes and then we will call you to inform you on the outcome."

I nodded, deciding it was better for her to take it now.

"Hey Yasmin, you have to go with Ada. I'll be waiting here." I said. Yasmin turned to Ada frowning before looking back at me and nodding.

I watched as Ada guided her to an office, I sat on a chair at the waiting area, my foot tapping against the tiled floor.

Calm down Abba, she's going to do well. Yasmin is a smart girl.

I brought out my phone, scrolling through my timeline to while away time.

*******************

Yasmin's laughter made me look up from my phone as she skipped out of the office, Ada walking behind her.

"How was it?" I asked Yasmin the moment the reached me.

"Good!!!" She cheered jumping up and down.

"She did really good. We'll have the results ready and communicate to you on Monday." Ada said.

I nodded thanking her before Yasmin and I left to my car.

Knowing I wasn't going to get any off days anytime soon and most of the kids stores don't open on the weekends, I drove down to Jabi Mall.

The boutique was situated on the ground floor. I pushed the door open and let Yasmin skip through. The shop was a kid wonderland filled with school related things.

Yasmin bounced excited as she looked from side to side, letting a gasp when she spied the toy section, her feet automatically moving to them.

"Let's start with the school bags" I said steering her towards them. She frowned looking through the selection before pointing at one.

Ofcourse.

"A Princess Sofia bag" I laughed grabbing the purple one, we moved to the water bottle section and she chose a pink one. By the time we were done, it was late afternoon and my hands were full. We stopped at the food court, ordering a hot dog and a coke for me while I got her meat pie and a chocolate milkshake. We sat on one of the table while looking at the view of the lake.

Yasmin was happily sipping her milkshake, her legs kicking the air. I couldn't help but take a picture of her.

After the food we walked back to my car, Yasmin stood by me, sucking on her drink as I piled the shopping bags in the trunk.

"School shopping?" I turned to see a lady pushing a baby cart.

"Yeah" I answered.

"Same here, my husband is still in there battling with the kids over which school bag to get." She said rolling her eyes before moving to Yasmin.

"Cute kid" she smiled.

"Thanks." I replied.

"What school is she going to?" She inquired.

"Golden Oaks Academy"

"Ah, I've heard a lot about the school, good reviews. Anywho best of luck." With that she continued pushing the cart.

I helped Yasmin into the car and buckled her up before getting in. I drove us home. Two of Hajiya's maids were outside as I parked the car. Popping the trunk open, I had them take the bags inside.

Yasmin and I headed in after them.

"What's all this?" Hajiya asked coming out of the kitchen.

"School shopping for Yasmin. I took her for a tour and she took the assessment. So I figured why not kill two birds with one stone and just get the school shopping done." I explained watching Yasmin rummage through one of the bags before pulling out the school bag and showing it to Hajiya.

"Look!!!" She cried out pointing to the picture of Princess Sofia. Hajiya smiled at her. "Isn't that Princess Sofia?"

"Uh-huh" she said nodding. "Well, why don't we let Raliya and Wasila take your things to your room?"

Yasmin nodded happily handing over the bag to Raliya. I watched as they gathered it all and took it down the hall. Yasmin wandered into the kitchen probably looking for Atine.

"You did good Abba." Hajiya said. I smiled at her as a warm feeling engulfed me.

*******************

It was another Monday and I was seated at my desk going through the records. My mind on the other hand was miles away, it was 12pm and I had gotten no call from the school. What if she didn't make it in? Lord, she would be so disappointed. I sighed burying my face in my hands.

Positive thoughts Abba, positive thoughts.

My phone ringing made me look up.

Ada (Golden Oaks) Calling

I answered the call immediately.

"H...hello" I stuttered before taking a deep breath and calming my racing heart beat.

"Hello Ada" I said.

"Hello Mr Abubakar. I'm calling on behalf of the school and I am pleased to inform you that Yasmin has been given admission into our school. Congratulations. Please check your email, we have sent you the details."

YES!!! ALHAMDULILLAH

I punched the air grinning.

"Thank you Ada."

"Have a good day sir" she replied cutting the call. I let out a laugh before dialling Hajiya's number.

"Salaam Alaykum Hajiya." I greeted her.

"Wa Alaykum Salaam Abba, how is work?" She asked.

"Fine Alhamdulillah. Hajiya the school just called me and Yasmin got in!!!" I said smiling.

"Ahhh, Maa Shaa Allah. What is next then?" She asked.

"They sent me an email containing further information about her admission. I'll go through it." I replied.

"Okay. I'll leave you to do that." With that I cut the call. Immediately tapping on my Gmail app.  I opened the message, it contained the class she was placed it and other minor details. I moved to the school fees section.

Wow.

500,000 NGN per annum.

Uniform and lunch included.

Fair enough.

I made a mental note to call my account officer once I was done to get the transaction done. I read further to the uniform section which stated the address of the company where I would get Yasmin's uniform from. I jotted it down and finished reading the entire email.

Leaning back in my chair, I couldn't help the smile on my face before calling the account officer. Once I was done, I got an email from the school, confirming that the transaction was successful. I pushed the entire thing to the back of my mind and concentrated on my work.

**********************

On my way home, I decided to stop by my old house. The security man waved as I drove into the compound and parked my car.

Instead of walking into the house, I made my way to the building at the back that served as storage. Fishing out the keys from my pocket, I unlocked the door and it creaked open. It felt like I had opened a tomb that had been sealed for ages. Everything was in boxes, stacked in an orderly manner, a coat of dust over everything.

I walked towards the boxes on the right, I moved the boxes aside until I came to the one I was looking for.

Abba's books (age 4)

Using the edge of the key, I cut the  duck tape and opened the box. The books were still in pristine condition. I went through the books until I finally found the one I was looking for.

The Colourful Mouse.

I flipped through the book smiling, I could still remember Mama and I reading the book. It was my favourite book at that time. Brushing off the memory, I sealed the box and placed it back with the others before exiting.

I kept the book in the car and washed my hands before driving out of the compound.

The drive back home was short and I walked to the chalet. It was almost Maghrib so I had a quick shower before heading to the masjid. I stayed till after Isha before walking back home.

Grabbing the book from the counter of the chalet, I made my way to the main house. I could hear the theme song of Dadin Kowa coming from the living room.

"Salaam Alaykum" I uttered walking in, my eyes searching for Yasmin. She was cuddled into Hajiya's side.

"Wa Alaykum Salaam." Hajiya answered looking over at me, a smile on her face.

"Abba!" Yasmin cheered getting off the couch and running into my awaiting arms. I hugged her, lifting her up.

"Hello mama na. How was your day?" I asked moving to the two seater.

I listened to her attentively, grinning at her hand gestures. She abruptly stopped talking when she spied the book in my hands.

"Book" She said pointing to it. I nodded handing it to her.

"This was my favourite book when I was your age." I whispered watching as she flipped it open. Her eyes widening at the vivid colours and pictures.

"Do you want to read it?" I asked. She shook her head, offering me the book instead.

"You read." She said, I noticed the volume from the tv had been reduced, glancing ar Hajiya, I saw her attention was on us. A sad nostalgic expression on her face. I was tempted to ask her but Yasmin brought my attention back to her by tugging on my jalbab. I cleared my throat, focusing on the book that I could recite by heart.

"The sky is gray and it is pouring, sitting here is very boring. I would like to play outside today..."

*******************

By the time I finished the story, Yasmin was fast asleep. Hajiya called Atine and I handed her over to her, not before pressing a kiss to her forehead. I watched them leave before turning to Hajiya, who still had the same expression on her face.

"I remember your father reading that story to you every night." She whispered. "You used to love it so much."

"I still do." I replied grinning at her.

"I am so proud of you Abubakar and I am sure if your parents were here, they would be extremely proud too."

I don't think so.

I looked down, swallowing hard as I remembered the last time I had dreamt of them.

"Do you really think so?" I asked, hating how small and shaky my voice sounded.

"Yes, you might have made some mistakes in your past but no one is perfect."

I smiled at her words, I wasn't convinced but it felt nice to have her believe in me.

"What's next on Yasmin's school agenda?" She asked. I sat up, stretching my legs.

"School uniform. I'll take her there tomorrow, then she resumes school the next day." I explained.

Hajiya nodded and we sat in silence, she had increased the volume of the tv. After a while, I decided to call it a night. I had a busy day tomorrow and I was super excited for it.

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A/N

Hello everyone 👋

It's been ages... but I am back. Thank you guys for your messages and comments. I read each and everyone and I will try to reply them as soon I can.

This book mentioned in this chapter. "The Colourful Mouse by Julie Durrell" actually exists and it was a favourite of mine when I was younger.

Anyway, let me know what you guys think about this chapter. As usual please vote, share and comment.

Stay safe 💖

Ramadan Mubarak to my muslim readers 💖

Xoxo

Sarah