Chapter Three

Maryam's POV

"I had no other option Maryam, Mom is sick".

Mom is sick? Mom is sick? For how long? I do asked of them from my family and they always assured me, they are all doing fine. Could they be lying?

"Mom...mom is sick?".  I asked not able to control my mouth and emotions. I loved Mom a lot. She has shown me nothing but true love. She had always treated me like a daughter, I can't bear it if anything happens to her.

"Yes Maryam, Mom is sick. Ever since you had left, she isn't her self anymore. She got her heart attack back again and she was very ill, she was hospitalized for about 4 weeks and when her condition was getting better, she was discharged and her treatment is been given to her at home".

"How sure am I that you're not lying? May be you're just saying this just to make me come home with you". I glared at him.

"I can't lie with such a thing with you. Though, I really wanted to take you back but I can't lie with such a thing. I can't stoop so low".

I don't even know what I was feeling right now. Mom was sick? And I wasn't aware? Mom never told me anything. Dad too, even Maimuna! Why must they hide something like this from me? Why?! They know I love Mom very much and I can't bear if anything bad happens to her. I really need to go back,I need to make sure, she's fine.

"Maryam believe me, I wouldn't lie to you. I'll be going back to Nigeria next week Monday. I'll wait for you, so we could both go back together"

"And who told you, I'm coming with you? Even though you might be saying the truth, I'm still not coming with you". I spat angrily.

Who gave him the impression that we're now OK? One thing I hate about him. He and his stupid ego, he always thinks he could get anything anytime he wishes.

I was about to turn and leave when his hand hold my wrist firmly.  "Maryam I'm sorry, if I may have offend you-".

"Of course you did and I'm not ready to forgive you yet, so please, just go away from my life! I don't want to see you ever again,I hate seeing your face, I hate you Kareem"

"I'm sorry but I deemed in going no where without you, you are my wife".

"STOP!...just stop it Kareem, I'm not your wife OK! I was never your wife! You never treated me as one,for all the time I was living in your house, you've always treated me like a maid! You've always treated me like a trash! You've never treated me like a wife! So please, just go and leave me alone".

"I'm sorry.....I'm sorry Maryam...I'm really sorry". He begged as he placed both of his palm on my cheeks. This moment, I wish I could forgive him but I Just can't.

"We can never work! It's over between us!".

"But you're still my wife! You're my wife!". He bursted frustratedly.

"We can get a divorce, I don't want to be with you again".

What's wrong with him? He never wanted me as his wife then, why now?

"No".  He answered firmly.

"Kareem?!"

"No I won't.. I won't let you go again. I'll never divorce you".

"I hate you Kareem... I can't believe you just show up in my life after two years, claiming me back like I was nothing. Do you know my problem with you? You believed you have the final say! You believe you could do anything you wish to. Well, too bad I'm no more the girl you used to know. Why don't you just go and find someone else to fall for your trap because I'm never going to Kareem Abdulazeez" I finished bursting my heart out as I turn to leave but sees four pieces of eyes looking at us with wide eyes.

"Ma'am?! Mrs James?". I asked.

"You...you are Mr Kareem Abdulazeez's wife? "

"Ma'am, I can explain".  I tried to defend my self but it was too late when Kareem beat me to it.

"Yes, Mrs Abubakar, she is my wife"

Ex wife. Oh! We're not even divorce yet so apparently, you're still his wife.

"My God! So there's something between you two"

"That's why you sound so cold to him the other time? You really is our benefactor's wife?! "

I can't stay here much longer. I want to appear strong but my body was betraying me.I had to leave,I need to go away from here. Without taking much time, I excused my self from them. "Excuse me". I said running back inside.

I made my self into the kitchen as I burst into tears, I thought I have forgotten him but no, he's still there in my heart, I hate seeing his handsome face with that perfect muscular body,his tall well built body. I thought I hate everything about him but deep down inside, I missed him,I missed him and his arrogance that made me fall for him in the first place. I wanted to hate him but I can't...

Thinking back about what he had told me earlier,could it be true that Mom is sick? Why didn't anyone tell me anything? Mom, I hope you'll be fine soon, I really hope...Ya Allah, please grant my mother in law good health....

"She's sick because of me,may be I shouldn't have left,now she's on sick bed".  I scolded my self.

"I'll have to go back to Nigeria, I really need to see Mom, she's very important to me. But first, before that I need to call Mom and ask her. I really need to hear the truth from her" I thought before wiping off the tears away.

***Two weeks later***

I smiled proudly as I saw my certificate right in my hand. Finally, I'm now a graduate, I can't believe it. I'm so proud of my self,I need to call Mom and Dad to give them the good news.

Last two weeks, I had called home and Mom was so shocked to know that Kareem had reached me where I was but the main question is 'was Mom really sick?'

Mom answered sincerely and told me she was. She said she didn't want anything to distract me from learning and that's why she always tell me everyone was fine. She also told me how Kareem had gone to our house  and asked for forgiveness from my parents and also where I was staying, but they strictly told him to distance himself from me but being the stubborn that he's, he refused and won't stop not until he found where I was.

Mom said he really was a changed man now, very obedient and respective, not more the arrogant and selfish Kareem. But should I believe that? He could be lying or probably pretending.

Mrs Abubakar was so happy when she find out about me being Kareem's wife,at first I thought she was shocked and would be angry since I kept something like that from her,even though we are close, I choose to keep my secret to my self,I don't want lecture from anybody.

She also begged me to give him a chance again,she told me they did heart to heart talk and judging from his ways, he's now a changed person. Why is everyone saying that he's a changed person when I know it's definitely a lie,he was just pretending, he only want me back because of Mom.

I called mom and told her about the good news,she was so happy and prayed a lot for me. She promised to pass the good news to Dad and Maimuna.

I will leave this country tomorrow, I wanted to tell Mom that but instead, I wish to surprise them. Kareem came to me last week and ask if I would go home with him but I declined, telling him I won't leave here forever, I know I sound harsh but I don't care.

*****

"Maryam, we'll miss you a lot, and so as the kids too".  Ma'am said crying.

"I know ma'am, I'll miss you too" I replied crying before hugging her. We've both quite build some strong bond together and leaving them,her especially feel like I'm leaving piece of me here.

Mrs James hug me and so as the other staff not leaving the part that they will all miss me.

BACK TO NIGERIA

I'm at the airport waiting for my crazy sister. We both agreed to surprise my parent.

As I was about to move, probably find a suitable place to stay, I mistakenly bump unto someone.   "I'm sorry"

"I'm sorry miss". We both said.

Wait a minute, why does the voice sound so familiar?

I raised up my head and wide my eyes when I saw the true owner of that two dark eyes Khalid!

"Khalid".  I called but he only looked at me for a second before turning on his back, walking away.

"Khalid wait!". I ran after him as I tried to catch up with him but he never stopped.

I know I did something wrong, for two years I never contacted him, Mom and Maimuna always tell me how he has been disturbed by my sudden disappearance but I told them not to give him my number, I'm not just ready to face anyone yet. I know he loves me a lot, I agree I made a big mistake.

"Khalid please wait, hear me out!". I yelled because I could no longer catch up with him again. But still, I got no response from him.

I smiled wickedly as I thought of a tactic to use, he loves me, even though he's angry with me right now, he won't be able to bare my pain.  

"Ouch!!!".  I yelp loudly so that he could hear my agony voice.

He suddenly turned around and amble back to me.  "What happened to you? Did you hurt your leg?".  He asked squatting in front of me looking so worried.

"I'm sorry".  I replied, instead of answering his question.

"I'm sorry Khalid, please forgive me.  I...I don't know, I just have to leave everything behind and find my own happiness and freedom, please believe me, I never wish to forget you".  I said bowing down my head.

"Maryam, I understand you. It's fine, I'm glad to see you".  He said. I raised up my head to him and I saw him smiling widely at me. What?!  Isn't he supposed to be mad at me?

"Khalid... I'm sorry". I said again.

"It's fine seriously Maryam. Let's get you to the hospital, your leg need to be treated". 

"Erm....actually, there's nothing wrong with me, I just had to lie in order to get your attention.

"You lying snitch!". He glared and I smiled wickedly.

"Sorry, that was the only way I could use to gain your attention".  I said as I stood up on my feet.

He helped me with my bag before asking. "So, how are you doing?".

"I'm good".

"You know, I know where you went to, but I wanted to give you your privacy, that's why I didn't bother you".

'Thank you Khalid. For being understanding".  I said while he nod his head.

"Back for good?".

"Yes...."

"Did you also know that Mom was sick?".

"Yes..he...he told me".

"Hmmm". I hummed.

"So, how is life with you? Any lucky girl?".

"Well.....yes, there's".

"Really?!  like really, really?!".  I asked excitedly and he nod his head.

"Who? Is she pretty?".

"Calm down woman, you talk too much. Well, she's someone that you know".

"Really?  Wait a minute! Kareemah?". I guess and he nod smiling.

"I knew it!".  I squeal happily and he laugh at my silliness.

He told me everything and I was so happy for the both of them. I wonder how will kareemah react when she sees me,will she get mad? 

Not long after, my sister came,she was so happy to see me after two good years,I'm now back again.

We entered Maimuna's car as Khalid drove us home while his driver took his car back home. We were both happy to see each other and can't help stop gisting each with each other, Khalid only rolled his eyes at our childishness attitude but we don't care

When we reached home my parent were so happy,mom especially. She can't stop hugging me,I showed them my certificate and they were so proud of me. Mom cooked my favorite and we all eat and enjoyed our self not long after that,Khalid decide to take his leave.

I begged him not to let anyone knows that I'm back and he promised not to,before he left.

We talked and talk till I felt tired and mom asked everyone to go and sleep. That night, mom tugged me to sleep. I mean, I'm not a kid anymore right? Before darkness engulf me, I promised to go check up on my mother in-law first thing tomorrow morning.

I closes my eyes ready to fall into dream land when I heard Mom voice. "Good night my beautiful daughter.. I really missed you a lot. Thank you for coming back". She said and I smile a little before sleep took over me.