Mary Davies
I tried my best to unsee what I saw back in the house, but I just could not. I shook my head, pinching myself to confirm if it was a dream or not.
“Are you okay Mary?” Aminat asked.
“Yes, I am.” I replied, hugging my knee. Aminat’s living room was really small and I had to remove my shoes before stepping in, I didn’t mind sitting on the floor. The only thing on my mind was what I saw in the house before coming.
“You have been looking dull since you came in, anyway. My parents will be here soon.” She added smiling.
I smiled back at her, as we waited a girl came in. She was wearing a white Jalamia and a white Hijab, I turned my face to Aminat.
“Aminat, you didn’t tell me you have a sister. She is really pretty.” I said out loud, making sure to get the girl’s attention. She smiled and sat with us, but didn’t say anything. I turned to face Aminat again, wondering why the girl didn’t say anything.
“She is mute Mary.” Aminat replied.
“She is actually not my sister, at least not yet. She is Mikhail’s betrothed, they will be betrothed soon.”
“What!” I exclaimed loudly, forgetting I had to comport myself. Obviously, no one in Mikhail’s family knows what I saw, now they were marrying him off to a mute lady. I felt pity for her, at least she deserves some happiness.
“Do you want to hear a little secret?” Aminat asked.
“Yes,” I replied.
“I might be getting married soon, same with Mikhail. Papa is trying to make sure we don’t get involved in any Haram, he wants us married as soon as possible.”
“Oh wow! Isn’t that too early?” I asked.
“My parents got married at my age.” That silenced me, I didn’t say anything else. Even though I felt it was so wrong.
“Does Mikhail know about her?” I asked, referring to the girl.
“You mean Leila, her name is Leila. We are actually waiting for him to come home, so we can do the right introductions.”Aminat replied.
“And do you think he’s going to accept this?” I asked.
“Mary, look here. In my family we have learned to accept things the way they come to us, we lost a brother and none of us here want that to repeat itself. We have no choice.”
I wanted to tell her it was all wrong, but I just couldn’t.
Suddenly a woman that seems to be in her late forties stepped in, followed by a man with full beards.
“Salam papa, salam mama.” Aminat said, standing up.
I realized it was Aminat’s parents, I was already prepared for this. I got up immediately, bowing my head a bit.
“Assalamu alaykum,” I said out loud.
“Wa- Alaikum- Salaam.” They both replied.
I became nervous as I watched them seat.
“It is nice meeting you sir and ma, I am Mary Davies.” I said forcing a smile, but Aminat’s parents only nodded their heads in response. I noticed Aminat’s mother was staring at me, but I couldn’t guess the reason. Suddenly she whispered something in her husband’s ears and his widened in shock. He shook his ears profusely as he shifted his gaze to me. Seems like they both don’t like me. As if realizing the situation and awkwardness. Aminat got up and pulled my hands.
“Papa and mama, you have met my friend Mary Davies. She is the only friend I have in school, if you will excuse us now. We have a lot to catch up with.” Aminat said.
“Thanks for coming Maria.” Aminat’s father said, I wanted to correct him, tell him my name was Mary not Maria.
“Aminat, be back before three.” Her father said. I waved to Leila before Aminat pulled me out.
“They don’t like me,” I said immediately we got out of the house.
“I was actually expecting worst. They have never liked any of my friends,” Aminat replied.
“My parents are really strict, but they want the absolute best for us.”
“Oh,” I said, swallowing the next word I would have said. They didn’t even bother relating with me, I guess it’s a gradual step. Maybe they will come to like me.
“So, where are we going now?” I asked, Ami looked around before stepping close to me.
“There is a fortune-teller down the street, let’s go and try her out.” She whispered into my ear.
“What! No way.” I replied, rejecting her offer.
“It is Just for fun nothing else.” Aminat said.
We both walked down the street, to a little tent close to a tree. Aminat looked around before we both stepped inside.
A young woman wearing enough makeup for three was sitting on a chair with her eyes closed. Her hands were on the various cards splattered on the table. She had huge bangles all over her wrist, her earring was huge, it looked so much like a hibiscus flower.
“Welcome Linda and Chen.” She said, chewing the gum in her mouth very fast.
Aminat and I both smiled at each other. We both didn’t bother correcting her. I wonder if Aminat was Linda or Chen though.
She opened her eyes suddenly and stretched her hands to us.
“Let me have your hands,” She said with a husky voice. Aminat stepped back immediately. The woman shifted her gaze to me, I fought the urge to whack her across her cheeks with the way she was chewing her gum so fast, the sound coming from the chewing is really annoying. I stretched my hands and she peered into it. She gestured me to come closer to her and I did in fear.
“The father of your children is close by Chen. Take your triplets far away from him as possible.” She whispered into my ears, I stepped back immediately, her voice was scratchy.
“Linda,” She called out to Aminat who looked as if she was regretting coming here in the first instance.
Aminat stretched her hands to her, and the woman looked at it as if she could see something in it. She began to laugh crazily. She gestured Aminat to come closer. She whispered something in her ears and Aminat immediately pulled away, she ran out without waiting for me. Being a little bit confused, I dropped a little cash on the woman’s table and left. But I couldn’t help but imagine what she told Aminat, the woman must be crazy, firstly she got our names all wrong, then she mentioned a triplet. Yes, I am pregnant but I don’t have children yet.
*****