Chapter 23

It was Wednesday and I was all shades of nerves. Yasmin was starting school today, a part of me was excited while the other part of me was terrified at the prospect.

What if she hates it there?

What if the children are mean to her?

I groaned pushing the thoughts to the back of my mind. I got ready and all but rushed to the main house.

"Who is after you?" Hajiya asked alarmed as I stormed into the dining room, my eyes landing on Yasmin's seat.

"Sorry, good morning Hajiya." I greeted taking a seat.

"Good morning, don't worry Abba, Atine is getting her ready. She'll be here soon" she replied smiling.

"Am I that obvious?" I asked sheepishly. She laughed nodding.

"But how do you do it Hajiya? I have a thousand and one scenarios of how her first day is going to be, this sucks." I groaned.

"Well, you have to understand that children are stronger than we think. I'm sure she'll make friends in no time." She assured.

But what if she doesn't?

What if they gang up against her?

What if she hates the school food?

I should ask Atine to put a Coco Pops cereal milk bar in her lunch box

"Stop overthinking it Abubakar." Hajiya's voice pierced through my thoughts.

I shot her a nervous smile and concentrated on my breakfast. The sound of giggling made me turn back.

Oh my God

Yasmin stood there in her grey pinafore and white undershirt uniform, white socks and shiny black flats.

"Yasmin!!! You look beautiful!!!" Hajiya gushed  walking over to her while I stood there in shock. Everything seemed so real all of a sudden.

I knelt down as she approached me almost shy.  I brushed back a stray curl that had escaped the hair gel before pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"My pretty girl" I whispered making her break into a smile.

Turns out she had her breakfast earlier, so I gulped down my coffee, grabbed a toast for the road and collected Yasmin's school bag. Atine brought her lunch box, Hajiya accompanied us to my car and I buckled Yasmin in. Placing her bag and box in the backseat.

"Goodluck Yasmin" Hajiya called out waving at her as I drove out of the compound. The drive to the school was silent and short. Parking in the lot, I got out and helped Yasmin out.

"Put your hand through, good girl!! Now the other hand." I instructed helping her with her school bag. I held her hand and grabbed the lunch box with the other.

The school was filled with cars and kids being led to their classes by teachers. We walked to the Administrative building, Ada was waiting for us outside.

"Good morning Mr Abubakar, hello Yasmin. Are you ready to go to your new class?" She asked.

"Yes" she replied smiling. Ada led us down a path lined with rose garden. The walk path was cobbled with tiny shoes painted on them, it reminded me of Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz.

The walk path opened up to a fountain, looking around, I noticed the classes were individual hut like buildings with large windows with the fountain in the middle.

Ada let us to one of the building, opening the door and leading us in. The class had ten seats and desks. A teacher's table was by the side while an assistant teacher's table was at the back. There was a rack where the kids kept their school bags, alll in all, the place looked really amazing.

I turned to Yasmin as Ada went to talk to the teacher. She was clutching my hand with both her hands as she looked around.

"Yasmin, are you okay?" I asked squatting down to her level. She looked me in the eyes and I could see how nervous she was, her eyes filling with tears. I immediately pulled her in for a hug.

"Shhh... don't cry." I whispered rubbing her back. "It's going to be okay. You're going to make lots and lots of friends." I pulled away and wiped the tears that had rolled down her cheeks, she nodded.

"All set?" Ada asked. I stood and nodded. I watched as she took Yasmin's hand and led her to the front of the class.

"Hello lovelies!!!"

"Hello Miss Ada" they chorused.

"I have a friend with me today, her name is Amina and she's going to be in this class with you all. Isn't that great?" She said, there was a round of positive cheers and I felt my heart soar.

Ada led Yasmin to an empty seat and I gave Yasmin a final wave before following Ada out of the classroom and back to the parking lot.

"Don't worry Mr. Abubakar, she's in safe hands." Ada said reassuring me.

"Yeah, thank you." With that I got into my car and drove to work, my mind on Yasmin through out the drive.

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

"Earth to Abubakar"

I snapped out of my thoughts with a jolt and turned to Amaka who was looking standing in front of me.

"Sorry, my thoughts are all over the place." I whispered sitting up.

"I figured. What's up?" She asked.

"Yasmin started school today and I'm just worried" I groaned.

"About what?"

"What if she hates it there? Or the kids decide to gang up against her? I mean it's a new term but majority of the kids have been together since day care and I don't want her to feel like an outsider. I mean they seemed happy when she was introduced to the class but what if they were just pretending?" I rambled on.

"First of all... children don't pretend. If they don't like something, they don't like it. So if they seemed excited about her, it's because they are. Secondly, you have to have more faith in Yasmin, I'm sure she's a tough kid. She can handle anything that comes her way. Now stop being such a worry wart and do something productive. The boss will probably come down here any minute from now."

I smiled at her words as they settled the doubts I had before deciding to get some work done. I looked at the clock.

11.30am

Just an hour and I get to see her

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

The reminder on my phone beeped alerting me it was time to pick Yasmin up. I had requested for my lunch break to me moved up to 12.30 so it would coincide with Yasmin's closing time.

I could hear Amaka's laughter as I rushed out of my cubicle, past hers, heading for the front door.

The drive to the school was a short one mainly because I was going a little above the speed limit. Parking in the lot, I jumped out of the car and headed over to the classes. Opening the door walking inside, I saw Yasmin seated, her eyes glued to the paper in front of her, a crayon in her hand while a boy was seated next to her watching her colour. The sight warmed my heart.

The teacher noticed me and smiled, I smiled back and watched as Yasmin paused before looking up. Her eyes met mine and she grinned letting a gasp of delight before getting out of her seat and rushing into my arms.

I gathered her into my arms, hugging her back.

"How are you?" I asked setting her back on her feet.

"Fine. Home?"

"Yeah, home" I answered. She got her bag and her drawing and walked up to me just as we were about to leave, she turned and waved at her friend.

"Bye Joshy"

"Bye Amina" the boy yelled out waving back.

I helped her with her bag and she held my hand. We walked back to my car and I buckled her in, keeping her things in the back seat. I got in and started the car.

"How was school today?"  I asked pulling out of the parking lot. The drive back home was filled with her telling me everything that happened from the moment I left her till the moment I picked her up. I listened to every little thing she said, not missing a detail.

Once I parked the car and helped her out, she was racing into the house, while I gathered he school bag and lunch box and followed her.

I could hear her animated chatter and Hajiya's laughter. Following their voices, I walked into the kitchen. Hajiya was seated on one of the island stools while Yasmin was standing in front of her.

A maid collected her lunch box from me before Atine came in.

"Let's get you changed." She said to Yasmin. I handed her the school bag and watched as she led Yasmin out of the kitchen.

"Good afternoon Hajiya." I greeted.

"Good afternoon Abba, how is work?" She asked.

"Fine, I should be heading back in a few minutes." I replied glancing at my wrist watch.

"You're not tensed anymore. I told you not to worry." Hajiya said laughing.

"You were right, she made a friend." I replied grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. I left her in the kitchen and went to check on Yasmin before I left. Peeking into her room, I saw her and Atine coming out of the bathroom, Yasmin covered in a pink fluffy robe. She looked so adorable.

"Mama na." I called out. She looked up, smiling before running to me. I squatted to her level, brushing some curls out of her face.

"I have to get back to work. I'll see you later." I whispered. She frowned probably not understanding what I meant. Pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, I let her get back to Atine while I walked back to the foyer.

"Abubakar." Hajiya called. I turned to see her walking over.

"Here you go." She said handing me a small paper bag. Peering into the bag, I noticed it was a Tupperware container.

"Thank you Hajiya." I grinned.

"It's nothing, just making sure you are eating well in that office of yours. Drive safe."

I smiled at her, watching as she walked in the direction of Yasmin's room.

I walked to my car and drove back to the office. Finally at the office, I was calm and I buried myself in my work.

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

I made it home by Maghrib, noticing Najma's car parked. I had a quick shower in the chalet and prayed before heading to the main house.

Najma and Yasmin were in the sitting room watching a movie. Najma noticed me standing and smiled at me.

"Hey there Abba." She greeted. "Hello Najma. How are you?" I inquired.

"Fine Alhamdulillah." She replied looking down at Yasmin who was so engrossed in the movie, she hadn't noticed me.

"Mama na." I called out, she tore her eyes away from the tv screen, sending me a mega watt smile before turning her attention back to the tv. I shook my head at her actions.

"Yas told me all about her first day in school. It was a success." Najma said to me. I nodded smiling.

"You needed to hear her when on the way home. It was so precious." I replied laughing.

"We should go out to celebrate. I mean this is a great achievement" Najma said.

I nodded in agreement with her just as Hajiya walked into the room.

"Hajiya we were thinking of going out tonight to celebrate" Najma said. Hajiya nodded "Go ahead just make sure you lot stay out of trouble"

"Won't you come with us?" I asked.

"Oh no Abba, you know I dislike eating out." She replied. I nodded just as the call to prayer started.

"I'll call Khalifa, we'll go after Isha right?"

"Yeah. I'll see you guys in a bit" I said and walked out of the house to the mosque.

I bumped into Khalifa at the mosque and we ended up walking back to the house together. He dialled Najma's number telling that we were waiting.

The door opened and Najma came out with a dressed Yasmin perched on her hip.

"We're ready" she smiled.

I collected Yasmin from her and she quickly rested her head on my shoulder.

"Where to?" Khalifa asked pulling Najma close to him.

"Country place Restaurant to celebrate Yasmin's first day of school." she explained.

Khalifa's eyebrows rose and I could tell he was impressed.

"Congratulations Abba and little Yasmin" he said grinning. I buckled Yasmin up and got in, following Khalifa's car to the restaurant.

They waited by their car as I got Yasmin out, she grabbed my finger and we walked towards them.

"God you guys look so adorable" Najma gushed.

We made our way into the restaurant, a waiter came up to us after we settled down.

I looked through the menu wondering what I could order for Yasmin. I decided on fried rice and chicken. I ordered the same for me, Najma ordered Coconut rice while Khalifa ordered Jollof rice.

The food arrived thirty minutes later and I alternated between eating and feeding Yasmin since the spoon was too big for her.

"Coke" she said pointing to the poster by the wall.

"The girl has taste" Khalifa chuckled.

"You want a coke?" I asked. She looked up at me, her mouth a bit oily from the rice and nodded.

I gestured to the waiter and he came over.

"Is anything the matter sir?"

"I'll like a bottle of Cocacola?"

"What type sir?" He asked

"One solo bottle please."

"Okay sir, right away" he left and came back with the small bottle of coke. I took a straw and opened the bottle, I gently handed it over to Yasmin who was already bouncing on her seat. Her eyes wide with excitement.

"Careful" I said as she sucked on the straw with gusto.

"Not too fast" I chuckled pulling the straw from her lips. She swallowed and opened her mouth waiting for the straw. I let her take another gulp before I continued feeding her.

"What were you say..." I turned to Najma and Khalifa noticing they had a small smile on their lips.

"Never thought I'll see this day... Abba being so good with children." Khalifa mused.

I rolled my eyes as I continued feeding her. We listened to Khalifa rave about the new aircraft the company he was working with was planning on buying when a shadow fell over our table.

"So it's actually true." I turned to see Jamal, Sheriff and Of course Stacy.

I felt my blood boil at the sight of her.

"Can I help you?" I asked them, my voice cold.

"I thought this was a sick joke, you actually knocked a girl up?" Sheriff asked incredulous.

"Last time I checked what goes on in my life is none of your business." I snapped glaring at them.

"Whoa, calm down bruv, we just feel sorry for you. No need to attack us. I mean it must be tough having a child dumped into your life and then being cut off." Jamal replied.

"Maybe he couldn't pay child support anymore" Stacy piped from the back. I turned my attention to her.

"I'm sure you would know Stacy after all you were the one who blabbed to the media." I pointed out. Everyone turned to her in surprise and she shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other.

"Don't be ridiculous Abba, I actually have better things to do than to stalk your broke ass" she laughed.

"What's so ridiculous about it? You were pissed off at Nosta Cafe and then two days later, the story was out, and if I can remember vividly, you pointed out that she doesn't have the Barde look to her."

She gulped letting out a nervous laugh.

"How much did they pay you? I know you'll do anything for money. You really are a pathetic soul Stacy." I uttered.

"Who is more pathetic between you and I? You don't have the wealth you once had, you are nothing more than a level 10 worker. You have nothing" She smirked.

Such an idiot

"If you think wealth is everything then you are dumber than I thought. I have everything I need. A roof over my head, family that loves me and most especially I have Yasmin. So you can't show me anything Stacy. Now if you lot would please excuse me, I am trying to have dinner with my family." With that, I picked up Yasmin's spoon and continued feeding her.

"You heard the man, leave." Khalifa ordered glaring at them. The action sent them scrambling away from our table.

"Well... that was entertaining." Najma whispered as the silence droned on. I sighed concentrating on feeding Yasmin.

After dinner we said our goodbye and I drove back home. Yasmin was already asleep, I carried her into the main house to her room. I changed her into her night wear before pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Goodnight" I whispered closing the door behind me.

I walked to the Chalet and changed into my pyjamas. My mind drifted back to the restaurant and the words I had uttered. Yasmin was family, that much was true, she didn't have anyone in the entire world. She lost everything just like I did, but unlike her I had a family to fall back to, so why not give her the same thing.

Are you actually ready for this step?

Yes.

There is no going back after this. No regrets, no back outs

I know.

I was ready, I was going to make it official. I was going to adopt Yasmin as my daughter.

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A/N

Oh my days!!!! I am in love with this chapter!!!

I wrote it but I still love it 😂😂

Abba put Stacey in her place and he is going to adopt our Yasmin!!!

I have never felt so proud of him 🥺🥺

Let me know what you guys think.

As always...

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Stay safe

Xoxo