No comments again? Imma take my thing to okadabooks💆🏾‍♂️

ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA.

Ahmad sat down on the bed and watched Fatima as she prayed. Two raka'tanul fajr and then fajr itself before saying her taslim, she didn't raise her head to look at him like always to smile. He went to the mosque with his brother in law and father-in-law and just came back. He knew she had woken few hours earlier to go downstairs then came back after a good thirty minutes, he saw them with Rashid and went back to their room to summon sleep. The next day was going to be hectic and from the looks of things, a bad day.

Fatima finished her duas stood up, folded the praying mat along with her hijab and rounded the bed to lie down on her side. Ahmad is now more confused than ever. Why is she giving him cold shoulders and what's happened earlier that morning after she went down? Did Rashid said something he is not supposed to? Confused and perplexed, not ready to let this slip without acknowledging that this is their first serious fight and he is going to act like a bigger person, both his hands reach out for her and sat her up even as she grumble and wriggle away from him.

"I want to sleep." She grunted, lying her head half dead on the headboard and regarded him through squinted eyes. The room is dim lit so the sleep won't leave her eyes. Yeah, too much light demolish any sight of sleep from her eyes, that's how it works for her.

"You don't want to sleep, you are not telling me something and I won't allow you to sleep until you do so. Now start spilling. What's got you moody so early in the morning?" He crossed his arms over his chest, taking the look of a teacher trying to gauge out information from a well known stubborn student.

Fatima watched his reaction in the slightly dark room, the sky above yawing a light shade of flint. She wants to see whether he is guilty or not. She wants to know how her parents were allowed into the house without their permission. There is no way something like this could escape Ahmad, he knows everything, every single thing that goes around anyone close to him talk less of their home! The guards outside are still around and her father cannot bribe them. Their loyalty for Ahmad ran pass that so there is something she is left out on.

Ahmad didn't let his gaze falter, his eyes fixed in hers until she finally spoke? "How were those people permitted into the house while we were away? Don't tell me you don't know about this because you made sure I was not allowed to the gates when I wanted to escape! You knew about this don't you?"

He licked his lower lip, he does not want to go through another fight with Fatima after the ones they've had in the past. He appreciated those far better because they weren't serious, they will just curse one another and get over with it but this, this is serious and he hates how she is trying to make a mountain out of a molehill. Now how is he supposed to make her understand that she needs to listen to her parents or regret it later in future? He cannot exactly lie to her, that is not his fort but telling her the truth might -sixty eight percent- create a rift between them.

"They called me few days ago to tell me about your brother and what has really happened. I know you would be mad about everything but then, you'll want to know what's been happening with your family when you calm down-" he was cut off by a sneer, an ugly one he's never seen his entire life that too on a pretty face. Someone he's seen too happy just few hours ago.

"You call those wicked people family? Do you know what you are saying? Didn't you hear anything I told you about them? Why would you do this to me? Who told you that you have the right to dictate my life now? Who?-" She pushed at his chest and bend her head to hide the furious wrath bubbling within her. She's sure her eyes are flashing that lighter shade of brown, she's never felt anything like this. It's too much.

Ahmad gulped, he knew this was coming but the words coming from her really did him bad. He frowned in confusion. Isn't he supposed to do something he knew is good for her but she won't agree to that because of her stubbornness? That's exactly what he's done but things are about to backfire on him.

He placed gentle hands on her shoulders but she yanked herself away from him with a glare. "I never get to feel attached to anyone. The minute it started, they always always do something that will make me recoil and that's exactly what you've done. You've betrayed me and my trust! I don't know where I belong anymore, neither with your nor with them." She stood up and left the room to the balcony, a place she visited only twice.

Ahmad was stunned into silence as he sat on the bed facing the place she's just stood up from. He cannot believe what he's just heard. He thought he did what is good for her but clearly not, she is not ready to believe that he did that for her own best interest. His eyes filled up with angry tears, his chest pained at the accusations she's hauled at him. She doesn't know where she belongs? He's betrayed her and her trust? Is Fatima for real this time? Betraying her? His head aches dully from behind his skull.

Not going to sit there and be accused of betrayal, he wrathfully stood up and went to the balcony too. He stood there for a while trying to gather his feelings and lighten his anger before things blow up and out of proportion. What he's learned about anger is, you shouldn't act whenever you feel like you are not in your right state of mind. Oh, Fatima really did make him angry and no words could begin to express how it feels to be accused by her. After all they've gone through? She thinks he is doing this for his own selfish reasons? He needs nothing from Musa Babagana nor his family, then what?

Fatima scolded herself as the morning air hit her naked arms, she is still wearing the straight gown from the night before. Her stomach knotted and her lungs couldn't fill in completely. A dullness took place in her chest, heaviness like bricks were placed inside her stomach. That's a feeling of regret. With her down turned mouth, her mind scrambling to recall what she's said. She cursed herself for the nth time, Ahmad isn't at fault here. Why was she accusing him? She just needed someone to blame for her ill fate.

Before he could say anything, Fatima broke the silence in a watery whisper. "Ahmad..." She winced and closed her mouth as he took her back into the room, the weather is getting chillier, wishing with all her heart that she could take back her impulsive words.

Successfully tucked back into the room, Ahmad closed the door to the balcony and turned to face her but before he could say anything, she opened her mouth to talk. "I was wrong when I said that I didn't know where I belonged. I do. With you, Ahmad, in your home, your arms. Nothing matters except being with you. You're stuck with me forever, and I'll never listen when you tell me to go, not that you will dare do so. But it doesn't mean I'm not angry that you let those beasts into our home, a sacred place." She managed a tremulous smile.

Ahmad still stared at her blankly for a minute with a frown. Why is she trying to make him go crazy? Instead of scolding her for making him angry, he gathered her in his arms and inhaled her vanilla, lavender and a trace of Prada Candy Florale Eau de Toilette she's used the night before. Gosh, she's made his heart palpitate unnecessarily behind his rib cage. He was afraid Fatima was going to start packing her clothes and will leave him for good. Not exaggerating because you just never know what goes on in Fatima's head, she is always ready to make you dance to her tones.

On God, they have more to talk about. He shouldn't be living with this fear.

Fatima was galvanized by the bright warmth that flooded from her hand to her shoulder, then diffused through her entire body. It was like being drunk on sunlight, heat spilling in streams of sensation, and along with the pleasure came the sudden, alarming pressure behind her eyes that heralded tears. What is this feeling? How can they describe something this complicated as nothing but a word with four letters? No, this is more than just love.

He whispered atop her head. "Sometimes I feel like I got married to someone straight out from mental asylum. You are really crazy, do you know that?"

Fatima chuckled, snuggled deeper into his arms. "I know that. Just pray I won't go cuckoo because I'm going to drag you with me."

Ahmad said nothing but squeeze her in his arms again to make sure she isn't standing outside the balcony while he sat in his room thinking about how to approach her. If Fatima continue with this attitude of hers, he will go crazy along with her and then they both will need therapists or psychiatrist.

"I don't wish to talk to my parents, not yet. Even though I'm confused with everything that's happened and how Rashid is alive, I feel like I should enjoy more time being happy before they drop any sort of trouble on me again. I don't want to know about it this soon. I deserve more time in felicity, don't I? To be away from drama and just have fun. Right?" She whispered, her voice a bit muffled against his chest but he's heard everything she said.

Ahmad's face softened and he kissed her head. "You deserve this and more, my love. Name whatever it is you want and it shall be done. Just name it."

She beamed, she's already planned what she wanted to do after the graduation before these people ruined it for her so she blurted out. "Let's go to Big Sur!"

That's how eighteen hours later, they found themselves in a hotel room in Big Sur, California. Big Sur River Inn is located adjacent to the Big Sur River, this California hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar. Pfeiffer Day Use Beach is ten minutes drive away. Free Wi-Fi is provided in all rooms. Fatima decided that they should spend the rest of the evening inside their room and start their adventures the next day. She intentionally choose Big Sur because she wants to comb through the whole place with shenanigans.

There is a private entrance, free toiletries and an en suite bathroom are provided in each room at Big Sur River Inn. Rooms provide wood accents, white linens and artwork inspired by nature. Almost the same as their home back in Nigeria, log cabin filled with woods.

After a day at the beach, guests can relax in the seasonal outdoor swimming pool. On-site shopping opportunities available at River Inn Big Sur. Hiking trails through the Redwoods are 4.8 km away from Andrew Molera State Park. That's where they are going to start with tomorrow morning, she is going to hike and skydive whether with the fear or not, she promised herself she is going to enjoy this week with her husband and forget about all the problems they've left at home.

When they left, her parents were still inside their rooms along with her brother and sister-in-law. Fatima requested that they should just pack up what they need -few jeans, shirts, cardigans, boots and other necessities- and then leave them with just a message. Fatima took the liberty to write it down and place it on the fridge. "We are off to California for the week. You can spend it here or hotel, your choice. Bye bye..." Ahmad shook his head at her mischief since she wanted to ass dumbos but he stopped her midway. The girl is fearless.

"I'm still very energetic, no jet lag." Fatima stretched after helping Ahmad unpack their clothes, he did it anyway. She was just hovering around and passing him anything he asks.

Ahmad grinned mischievously and Fatima giggled with a shake of her head then sputtered out when he caught her legs and drag her to the edge of the bed. "That's not what I mean you satyromaniac!"

His face yawed offended that's filled with mockery. "That's not what I'm going to do you naughty girl. I was going to ask whether you've applied your hair paste or not." He smiled innocently, too innocently.

She eyed him up and down with a huff. "Uh-huh! I hear you but it doesn't mean I believe you. Now what should we do apart from what you have in mind?"

Ahmad thought, what should they do in a foreign country the day they landed? It reminded him of what's happened last time in another foreign place when Fatima ran away, he chuckled and she gave him a confused and bemused glance. "Just recalled how you ran away last time."

Fatima scowled then laughed, it's actually funny now that she is thinking about it. He sat down close to her in the plane and she didn't see him, where was she lost? "Damn, I'm such a character."

"You are." He agreed with a nod, sat down on the bed with his head against the headboard and drag her into his arms so she is sitting and half reclining between his thighs. "How about we order some food?"

"Oh yes, do that."

Ahmad was quiet for the next few minutes while Fatima played with the buttons around his shirt, she wants to say something but she doesn't know how to start. Should he talk to her about it or not? He kept thinking, unconsciously playing with her soft hair, it's getting softer and silkier but not growing longer.

"I saw-"

"What do yo-"

They both started at the same time then chuckled, Fatima pursed her lips and ask him to go on. She wants to know why he looks so lost yet again, she hates seeing him troubled when she is used to his undivided attention all the damn time. Maybe that is why she is not obsessed with other peoples attention now because her husband gives her his without her having to ask for it or do anything to attract it.

Ahmad cleared his throat hoping they get over this without any other quarrel. "I saw some pills inside the bathroom few days ago and when I googled about them, I found out that-" he paused, searching through his head for what to say. "That they are used to forestall the chances of falling pregnant." He licked his lips before adding. "We didn't talk about that."

Fatima's brows went straight to her hairline because that is what she wanted to talk about after seeing some comments about herself and Ahmad on internet.

"The couple seem extremely happy with one another something no one would've ever brought to their minds. And Fatima Musa Babagana is glowing, she might be expecting? Well, if that is the case then congratulations our heroine!"

In another editorial, it's written like this.

"Fatima Musa Babagana and her husband ACP Ahmad Hakim Al-Haafiz shocked everyone to the core when they announced that they've been married for a few months now. Who would've thought the stubborn sassy lady will be ensnared by our most beloved ex-eligible bachelor? The couple seem very fascinated and happy with one another. Congratulations from Burning flames tv."

Yet another one goes like this.

"Our mystery is now solved. The owner of RFM Development Foundation is none other than the one and only heiress, Fatima Musa Babagana. At her convocation yesterday, Fatima broke the news that she's been working with a few anonymous people since she was nineteen to being up the nongovernmental organization she's worked hard for from scratch. She also announced that she's been off the market for a few months now. A private marriage with ACP Ahmad Hakim Al-hafiz, our high esteemed transferred Texan police officer. The young heiress further confessed her undying irrevocable love for her husband in front of everyone! Our police officer happens to be quiet romantic too because we've witnessed the kind of confession we've never seen before but will definitely see more of it now that he's given our other bachelors an aperture..."

Fatima would laugh and shake her head after each of them but that first one really moved her. She's never stopped to think about pregnancy. She's remembered how passionate Ahmad was when he was telling her about his ex-wife, when he thought Zafaar was his son. There is no way he's never thought about having another child again with her, right? But that didn't stop her from choking those pills, she was having sex with him before for fun but now, she wants to start a family.

Like she's said, time is too slow for those who wait and too swift for those who work with it. She is twenty three, most of her mates have kids. Right? Ugh, she is afraid though. What if she is infertile due to her former illness, endometriosis? She still doesn't like babies to be honest but she can make that sacrifice for his happiness right? Maybe give birth to one baby and that is it, she won't add any other.

She's seen the process of birth giving and she wants no part in it!

"What about pregnancy?" She acknowledged Ahmad with sheepish innocent smile.

He looks uncomfortable with the way she blurted it out, that made her chuckle. "I don't know. I mean, have you ever wanted a child?"

Without stopping to think, she shook her head in negative no. "I don't like children, I've never thought about them since I grew up alone. But I don't mind getting pregnant now for you, baby." She teased in a singsong, Ahmad laughed and glare at her.

"I won't force you into anything, you can take your time. I just thought we should talk about it and thank God you didn't make it awkward."

"After having sex? What's more awkward than that?" Ever so blunt, Ahmad facepalmed himself while listening to her giggle. He thought he is the one that doesn't beat around the bush, Fatima is another story.

"You know what? Don't conceive now. We should work on your bluntness so our child won't learn to curse right from your womb."

"True true. But I won't promise to stop cursing."