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“I saw pictures of you with some guy kissing your neck.” I didn’t want to say anything, but I couldn’t help myself. She starts to laugh.
“My cousin Yomi, I call him big bro Yomi. We play a game, where he hugs me tight and tries to bite my neck like he’s a vampire sucking my blood. He came to the wedding; I hadn’t seen him in years. He’s cool plus he wants me to come and stay with him in Texas before I head for college.”
“What do you want, Jade?”
“Presently, I don’t know—just taking the day as it comes. I’m an orphan, at the mercy of so many guardians but I feel blessed because they are all looking out for my interest, only no one is asking me what I think or want. Hopefully, they’ll have answers for me before summer is over.”
“You are special is why they are all looking out for your best interest, can you promise to tell me where you will be heading when summer is over.”
“I will”
“Do you have a return ticket to Rhanaz?”
“Yes, but my aunty said she bought a flex ticket.”
“Okay.”
“How’s physical therapy?” A good thing she asked about physical therapy because I was on the verge of needing other types of therapy, not sure which one yet.
“Going great, therapy is all I’ve been focused on since you left. I’m moving better now, and my back is healing better.”
“That’s great news!”
We talked a little longer and I promised to call her again the next day. When we hung up, I moved quickly to speak with my dad. However, I had to control my emotions by the time I got to him.
“Dad, can you tell me about the conversation you had with Mariam’s aunty.”
“I asked her about Mariam, and she said Mariam had to leave for a wedding in Lagos and would be back at the end of summer. I asked her to be specific on when Mariam will return. She then said she wasn’t sure. I then asked her why she requested Mariam’s transcript and why she and her husband had asked for a transfer if Mariam was planning to return. She responded by telling me that they were thinking of returning to the US and weren’t sure if Mariam would like that or if she would prefer to return to Lagos permanently.”
“Dad, why do they want to leave Rhanaz?”
“I don’t know, but if I’m a betting guy, I’ll say they are not happy about your relationship with Mariam and the fact I threatened them. To remedy my threat, I apologized to them and told them I could get the school to increase their salaries if they stayed another school year with Mariam. I also told them you and Mariam are just friends and she has somehow helped to make you feel better. Which as your parent is my priority.”
“Mariam just told me she isn’t sure she will return to Rhanaz.”
“The school is still working out the kinks and I’ve promised them you won’t lay a hand on Mariam; please tell me I can keep the promise.”
“Yes, I have no desire to do anything with her.”Until she’s matured of course. We stare at each other, not sure what other answers he expects me to give him but it’s clear we both know I’m not being honest, since nothing has happened, he can’t say I lied.
“Good, give it time she will return, I mean it Naseer, don’t have sex with Mariam.”
“I won’t, I promise.”Until she’s no longer a teenager.
“Good, I don’t know how she did it, both you and Taimani can’t stop talking about her.”
“Mariam is loyal, friendly, and smart dad” he nods.and beautiful
“Thanks, Dad,” I say as I leave while trusting that Mariam will return to me. Yes, Dad. I won’t touch Jade now. I’m going to give her time to mature. Her 20thbirthday, then all bets are off.
The next evening, I called Jade and we talk for a while. She tells me Cousin Yomi is taking her out before he leaves for Texas. We say our goodbyes.
The next two evenings, I called over and over with no answer. By the third evening, I called the house number my dad gave me.
“Hello.”
“Hi, can I speak with Jade?”
“Is this Naseer?”
