Khadijah story side.
(Few weeks later)
Since the day my dad told me the truth about my existence, something inside me changed. I became quiet… distant… almost cold in the house. My dad and my siblings noticed it immediately, but my mom showed no sign of guilt. All she cared about was that I obeyed her without questioning anything.
My dad kept encouraging me to stay strong and be happy, no matter how my mom treated me. We became much closer after that day. He started sharing his plans with me, like I was no longer just a child but someone he trusted. He even promised to buy me the khimars I wanted, just to see me smile.
Sometimes, he allowed his second wife-to-be to speak with me on the phone. She was kind… soft-spoken… and very supportive. Deep down, I knew she would be a good wife to my dad and a caring mother to us.
Last night, my dad told me something that made my heart race.
He said what he was about to do would shock my mom.
He said today, he would perform his nikah with his second wife.
I knew my mom would be stunned… and for some reason, I felt ready for it.
So on our way back from madrasah, I decided to tell my siblings.
Khadijah: Announcement, boys and girls. Dad is bringing his second wife tomorrow.
They all stopped walking.
Khalid: What? What are you saying?
Amirah: Are you serious or joking?
Khadijah: I’m serious.
Khalid: Don’t mind her, she’s joking like always.
Amir: Aunty Khadijah… what about our mommy? Why does Daddy want another wife?
His innocent question melted my heart. He was only eight… too young to understand all this.
I bent down to his level.
Khadijah: Listen, stubborn head. Daddy wants to do what will make him happy.
Amir: Is Mommy not making him happy?
Amirah: You see how Mommy treats Daddy. Are you happy when they fight?
Amir: No… (looks down)
Khadijah: Do you want Daddy to be happy?
Amir: Yes.
Khadijah: That’s why he wants another wife. Someone who will make him happy.
Amir: Aunty Khadijah…
Khadijah: Yes, my baby.
Amir: If Daddy marries another wife… what will happen to Mommy? Will he send her away?
Khadijah: No… no. Nothing like that. We will all live together. In peace… in harmony. And everything we have now will become double blessings from Allah. Haven’t you always wished for a younger brother or sister?
Amir: Yes! (his face lights up)
Khadijah: Then new mom might make that happen. You’ll have two mummies. If one makes you sad, the other will make you happy.
I smiled.
Khadijah: So… who is ready for a second mummy?
All three: Me!!!
Khadijah: Good. But listen, don’t tell Mommy, okay? If she hears, she might chase new mom away. Do you want that?
All three: No!
Khadijah: Then it’s our little secret… until she arrives.
All three: Yeeehhhh!
Khadijah: Now let’s go home.
We got home around 6:30pm. Mom was in the living room, focused on her phone. We greeted her with tasleem, but she barely responded.
Then she looked at me.
Mom: I bought foodstuff. Prepare amala and ewedu. I’m hungry.
Khadijah: Okay.
I went straight to the kitchen and put water on the fire. Soon, it was time for Maghrib. My siblings and I quickly performed ablution and prayed, while Mom remained on her phone.
After prayer, I rushed back to the kitchen… but I froze.
Mom was already there.
She was cooking.
I tried to take over, but she refused. Her behavior felt strange. Still, I stayed busy with other things, watching her silently.
She prepared everything herself… the amala, the ewedu, even the stew.
For a moment, my heart softened.
Had she heard our conversation? Was she trying to change?
I felt happy for my dad. Maybe… just maybe… he would taste her food again.
After cooking, she served everyone. I went to pray Isha, then returned to eat.
But when I got to the kitchen, the cooler was empty.
My heart dropped.
I went back.
Khadijah: Mom… I can’t find any food.
Mom: That’s because it’s finished.
Khadijah: I don’t understand.
Mom: You expected me to cook for you too?
Dad: Wait… you cooked this food? Wow… no wonder it tastes different.
Mom: What is that supposed to mean?
Dad: When last did I eat your food?
Mom: Anyway… madam, go and cook your own food.
Dad: Wait. You didn’t keep food for her? Why?
Mom: Because I can’t be cooking for her. She wasted my gas. And she’s old enough to cook for herself.
Dad: So you’re saying she won’t eat tonight?
Mom: I didn’t say that. She can cook for herself.
I couldn’t stand there anymore. I walked away, my chest tight with anger.
I heard my dad calling my name, but I ignored him and locked myself in my room.
Tears came immediately.
Outside, their voices rose again.
Mom: You value her more than me! Is she your wife?
Dad: What did you just say?
Mom: Maybe something is going on between you two!
Dad: Are you insane?
Mom: You are the insane one! Her prostitution has started from you, abi?
Amirah: Mom! What are you saying?
Mom: Go inside before I slap you!
Dad: Try it and see what happens.
Amirah: I’m not going anywhere! Every day it’s fight after fight. And now you accuse your husband and daughter? What kind of mother are you?
Dad: Amirah, go inside. That’s an order.
She left.
Then I heard a knock on my door.
Dad: Khadijah, open the door.
Khadijah: Daddy, I’m fine. Please go… this is too much.
Dad: I will break this door if you don’t open it.
Khadijah: Dad please…
Dad: If you truly accept me as your father… open the door.
That broke me.
I stood up and opened it.
He looked at me quietly for a moment.
Dad: I don’t even know where to start. Please… don’t listen to your mother’s words. I beg you.
He held out food.
Dad: Come and eat mine.
Khadijah: I’m okay, Dad.
Dad: I can’t let you sleep hungry.
Khadijah: Her words didn’t hurt me. Since I found out I was an unwanted pregnancy… I’ve accepted it.
Dad: Don’t say that.
Khadijah: I’m not a child anymore. I understand. I’m just sad that you sacrificed your happiness for me… and this is how she repays you.
I broke down again.
Dad pulled out a small bag.
Dad: Open it.
I opened it… and my eyes widened.
Khadijah: MashaAllah… khimars… and socks. Thank you so much, Daddy.
Dad: If it makes you happy, I will get more when I can.
I hugged him tightly.
Khadijah: Thank you, Daddy.
Dad: All I want is your happiness. I need to step out for some fresh air.
Khadijah: Give my regards to my second mom.
Dad: So you know where I’m going?
Khadijah: She’s the only one who calms you.
He smiled.
Dad: Good night. Make sure you eat.
Khadijah: Good night, Dad.
After he left, I locked my door again.
Just to avoid another problem.
Fatimah story side.
Since my parents saw my result, my life has not been the same. It’s been punishment after punishment… insults after insults. Especially from my dad.
He seized my phone. I’m not allowed to go out anymore. Now that I’ve finished secondary school, I’ve practically become my mother’s assistant.
I have to be careful. One mistake… and it’s trouble.
That night, they were eating in the living room. I was told to eat in my room. No TV. No freedom.
As I was eating, my dad shouted my name.
I rushed out.
Fatimah: Sir, you called me?
Dad: Yes. I’ve thought about your life.
He paused.
Dad: If school is not working for you, then you will learn a skill. From next Monday, you will start learning tailoring from Iya Suleiman. No more school.
My heart dropped.
Dad: I didn’t go to school, and I still made something of myself. The 100k I paid for your WAEC… I borrowed it. I’m still paying it back. I will not spend another 100k again.
Fatimah: Daddy, that’s not fair! My mates will be in university, and I’ll be learning tailoring?
Mom: Shut up before I slap you! Ungrateful child. If you behave well, we might allow you to rewrite WAEC later. But you won’t sit at home doing nothing.
Fatimah: (murmuring) I’m not going… I’m not going…
Dad stood up slowly.
Dad: What did you say? Repeat it.
He raised his hand slightly.
Dad: Or do you want me to.... (pick his slippers about to fire)?
I didn’t wait.
I ran straight back to my room.
If
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