Her thoughts swirled around how she’ll bring up the child alone.... to become a single mother at her early age. By this time, my mum was only seventeen.

Azeezah visits from time to time. Some time, after working hours, she takes Hadi out to the supermarket to buy the baby's stuffs.

                      ****

Months Later...

Time awaits on man, it moves so fast... So was the baby. Determined to focus on the future that lays above her, Hadiza decodes to endure all she's been through.

One Sunday morning, Hadiza woke up and felt the baby was about to come. She called Azeezah to come along with her and finally...

Hadiza gave birth to me, a beautiful baby girl. I looked so adorable and calm... She named me Sameera. My mother took care of me with pride and happiness. Even as a single mother, she was independent. She’s depending on no one except from her Creator.

Hadiza knew she won’t be able to attend any school or university like she had wished for. She might not be able to become the lawyer, the human-right activitist she'd always dreamt of.

All hadi wanted was to concentrate on me. She gathered all her savings, sold all the expensive clothes and jewellery Asgar bought for her and use the money to open her opened her own restaurant and named it Sameera Restaurants, just in front of our house.

Five Years Later...

"Assalam 'Alaikum mum!"
I ran to where my mum was seated and gave her a hug.

"Wa'a Alaikum Sallam! Sammy, you're back! How was school today?" She noticed my sad mood and kisses my cheek.

"Boring! And annoying.." I muttered taking off my Cinderella -school -bag.

"What is it my Angel? Did someone hurt you in school today?" She holds me closer and carries me on her lap.

"No mum, Can you believe we offered only one subject today? My class teacher didn't even teach anything today. After the ten minutes Social studies class, we played throughout today. I don't understand."

"Don't worry my love, I promise to take you to a private school as soon as possible. Just complete this term, okay?"

"Okay mummy." I answered with a bright smile.

"Asabe! Asabe!!" Hadi calls one of her workers.

"Yes ma!" She rushed to where Hadi was seated.

"Take Sammy inside and serve her lunch, okay?"

"Okay ma."

"And make sure she takes off her uniform before eating."

"I'll join you soon." Mum says to me as Asabe carries me inside.

"Okay mummy." I and the maid goes inside

I was already in primary one.
Mum made sure I started school early. I attended a public school few kilometers away from our house.  As a child, I was so determined.  Seeing the way other people lived, I promised myself to be the best.

Guess what? My mum's restaurant was the best. She had five ladies working under her and with no time, she renovated the house and shop. I was a smart and talented kid, based on what my mum told me. My mom promised to give what she wasn’t able to get.

Hadi had lots and lots of customers... She started studying "Sharia and Civil Law" in a near by university where she runs a diploma program.

                       ####

The next morning...

Peep! Peep!! Peep!!!

It was uncle Ahmad's car, horning.

"Mum, I have to go... I'm running late!"

"Sammy, It's not even 7:00 a.m yet... Why the rush?"

"I looked at my mum with a fave that asks 'Really' I'm not ready to do the 30 minutes trekking. Perhaps, I so love uncle Ahmad's range rover." I carried my bag on my back and leaves.

"What about your lunch bag?!" She remind but I was outside already.

Sameera's P.O.V

About Ahmad. His name is Ahmad Nuh Abubakar. He is our neighbor who lives opposite our house and he's the only son of a multi-billionaire. He built a big mansion in front of ours and lives there a apparently, when I was born. Ahmad is one of my mum's best customers but I'm so fond of him because he takes me to school when going to office every morning and he takes me shopping every weekend. In fact, I used to wish he could be my dad... I try as much as possible to make them spend time together but no! Mum finds it so difficult to relate with him. Whatever!...

Mum runs after me, but I had already gotten to Uncle Ahmad's car. Sitting in the passengers seat with the seat belt and air conditioner with Maher Zain's music playing at the background... These feelings ware  the best.

"Assalam 'Alaikum." My mum greeted as she walks towards his car.

"Wa'a Alaikum Sallam Hadiza, how was your night?" He wears a smile.

"Alhamdulillah, it was fine... Your lunch bag." She hand it to me from the car's window.

"Hope my friend didn't stress you so much?" He asked.

She looked down while talking to him... I wondered why.

She wears a shy smile.
"No she didn't. Anyways, thanks for everything."

"Thank God, Bye now."

"Okay, bye..." She bade me goodbye as we zoomed off.

                              ****

In The Car...

"Uncle Ahmad..."

"Yes, my love."

There's something I would like to tell you about. I know you would be busy and I wouldn't want to disturb you."

"Just say it Meerah, what do you want to tell me?"

"Well, its not so important though... I want you to organize  a big birthday party for my mum on tomorrow, she'll be 22."

"Really? And why do you think I should help you since it's your surprise?"

"Don't sound like this now, Uncle Ahmad. Perhaps, what are friends for except to give good advises?"

"Aw! That reminds me... The meeting. "

"What's it?"

"So sorry, I'll have to disappoint you this time. I'll be traveling to Canada this weekend. But I'll take the last flight back on Sunday Evening."

"Oh nooo! Come on, Uncle Ahmad! It's my mum were talking about here... My hero!" I cried.

"Don't forget I'll be celebrating mine the day after. So you would miss my birthday for your meeting?"

"That's true, I almost forgot!"

"I would cry through out the weekend if you travel... I would be so pissed off?!"

"Don't be my Angel. I promise to figure out something, okay?"

He stopped at the front of my school gate. It was just 7:15 a.m, some teachers were just entering.

"You need to figure out something before tomorrow. See you later!" I snapped and banged his door.

Bye dear!"

I don't know what came over me... I didn't even reply him.

Uncle Ahmad had never refused me a request, until now. I don't care if he miss my birthday but my mum's birthday was more than important. I've been reminding him about this for the past four  months and now, he's busy? I was thinking about our conversation until I entered my class. I couldn't concentrate well in class, all for the birthday. I tried as much as possible to hide this feeling from my mum because I don't want her to be worried.

                    *****

Back Home...

It was a fun day afternoon so I closed by 12:00 pm.

Not wanting to get questioned, I entered my room instead of the restaurant. Surprisedly, I met my mum dusting my room.

"Assalam 'Alaikum mum!"

"Wa'a Alaikum Sallam! Dear, how was school today?" She noticed my sad mood and holds me closer.

"Fine mum, better than yesterday." I lied.

"What this look on your face?" She touched my neck and noticed my high temperature.

"Sammy, your temperature is running high. Are you OK?" She asked with a worried face.

"Mum! I'm fine I just need to rest... Nothing more."

Okay, if you say so." She takes off my red sport wear, putting on a beautiful, pink, sleeveless dress on me."

She fed me jollof rice and turkey meat. It was so delicious, as usual but I couldn't eat much. Mum gave me a cold bath and laid me on the bed, hoping I'll get better soon.

Before she left, I held her hand tight and asked.

"Mum? Can I ask you a favor?"

                         ******

What do you think  I wanted to tell my mum? Do you think hadiza and Ahmad are good neighbor? What's your opinion about leaving your daughter with your bachelor neighbor? You wouldn't know until you vote and move to the next page.

Don't forget to vote and comment for this page. It would really mean a lot to me, thanks.

#Amana-Deena.