It's been 5 days and Humaira haven't been herself. Unable to eat, think or sleep properly. Skipping work for Zainab and Hadee from time to time. She couldn't even travel to Ekiti to find her so as planned earlier. She dialed habeebah's contact over and over again but it was still saying the same thing... Not reachable.

She remembered Habeebah once sent her a friend request on instagram. So, she quickly searched her followers list and found Habeebah's account. Humaira decided to drop a message, 'Thank God, she's online.' Humaira muttered joyfully as she texted...

9:04 a.m: Assalam 'Alaikum dear.

9:04 a.m: Wa'alaikum Sallam Humaira!

9:05 a.m: Please, where are you? Why is your number always not reachable?

9:06 a.m: So sorry, I didn't tell you but I'm not in Nigeria. My dad came the other day and took me along with him to Wilmington, California. It was urgent though, he wants me to do my degree here.

9:08 a.m: What? So Zainab is not with you?

9:10 a.m: No... I haven't heard from her for a while now. I even sent her messages on WhatsApp but she's not replying. Hope all is well?

9:11 a.m: Something happened two weeks ago.

9:11 a.m: What happened?

9:11 a.m: Zainab and I got into an argument and... She angrily left home and I don't know where she went to.

9:12 a.m: What? How long has this been?

9:12 a.m: 5 days ago.

9:13 a.m: Subhanallah! I have no idea where she would be right now.

9:13 a.m: Do you know anyone that she could be residing with?

9:14 a.m: No, Humaira. Zainab don't have many friends. Have you talked to Idris.

9:14 a.m: No.. not yet. He wasn't at home the last time I visited.

9:15 a.m: Uh! That's sad. You should ask him... He might have an idea or a clue maybe.

9:16 a.m: Okay dearie. I'll check again today.

9:17 a.m: I hope you find her. I'll post her picture on all my social media sites; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. At least with Zainab's pictures and description, I hope someone that knows her would be able to give a positive response.

9:18 a.m: Yes... I'll do that as well. Thanks a lot for the advise habeebah. I'm truly grateful.

9:20 a.m: You're welcome. I'll chat with you later then. Bye.

9:20 a.m: Okay, bye.

After the chat, Humaira prepared to visit Idris. She hope she'll meet him at home. Things weren't easy for her but she managed.

***

Getting to the Bala's compound, Ibrahim stopped her from entering through the gate.

"I'm sorry for coming uninvited but I really need to see Idris." She begged.

Humaira watched as intense anger and fury, fuel up in his eyes. She couldn't help but to swallow the lump of anxiety hanging in her throat as she moved closer, hoping he would be kind enough...

"Not after what you've done to our parents!" He glared at her. "Just leave already Humaira, you're not welcomed here!"

"I did what was expected of me Ibrahim." She tried to explain to him but he turned deaf ears. "You of all people should understand that fact. You're the eldest aren't you."

"I'm tired of hearing your lectures Humaira! Please leave already. This family is done helping you and your sister! Lawyer my foot!" He spat at her.

Tired of the humiliation, Humaira hissed and turned back, walking out if the compound. It's just so unfortunate that this had to happen. She wouldn't have to face Ibrahim at all. Well, there's four years age difference between Humaira and Ibrahim but Ibrahim was always pissed up by her presence.

Walking out of the compound, Humaira leaned in front of her Jeep, thinking of what next to do. She tried searching Idris's phone number on her contact list but it seems she'd mistakenly deleted it or something.

Just then, a motorcycle stopped in front of the compound. She turned to see who it was. Luckily, it was Idris.

"Good morning." He greeted immediately. "Why are you here? Hope no problem?" His concerned eyes searched hers searching for answers.

"How have you been?" She asked. "I came here last week. Didn't your brothers tell you about my visit?"

"No they didn't." He replied, wiping the sweat that was firming on his forehead.

"Uh! I came but they said you weren't around. They didn't even let me in."

"I started learning computer training somewhere along the market. Don't mind my brothers. They've been treating me sane way since out parents arrest. Right now, I can't help but to take the blame." He retorted. Then he turned to Humaira as if he saw something on her face.

"Hope all is well, Humaira? What about Zainab? I saw her on Facebook recently. I sent her a friend request but she didn't reply me. Hope she's fine?" He asked the questions in a second. Worries were written all over his face.

"Umm... Zainab left home."

"What?! What do you mean by that?!" Idris instantly went stuff. His eyes were buried with fear and curiosity.

"We got into an argument on Friday and I mistakenly slapped. She ran out of the house. I thought she'd be here or something. I don't know where Zainab is, Idris. She's missing." Humaira explained, holding back her tears that still find a way to pour.

"What?! How is this even possible?" Idris cried. He couldn't believe his ears. "Zainab went through worse things her and she never stepped out for once! Have you reported to the police?"

"Yes, I've done that and the police are trying all in their power to find her. I have no idea where she could be. Do you know anywhere she could be or any other person she could be with?" Humaira sighed, cleaning up the tear drops that lingered down her sad, sweaty face.

"No... Zainab don't have friends. She's always calm, alone and silent. She didn't by even share her problems with me most times so, I have no idea where she can be right now but please, be strong. Don't break down because I know how close you are with her. I'll try my best whatsoever but I'll suggest you print fliers of Zainab and put them up along the streets. It could help you know..."

"Yes, that's true. I never even thought of that. It's five days since her disappearance and I'm so worried."

"Don't worry Humaira, we would definitely find Zainab. I'll help you print the fliers tomorrow, Insha Allah. I'll need her picture and description."

"Okay, Idris. I'll send everything to you.

"Fine then. We would have to hang everywhere. There's 90% probably that she's still in Abuja."

"Yes my dear. Thanks a lot for this." Humaira hugged him before leaving.

She knew that despite the fact that Zainab was still angry with Idris, Idris is more than willing to help. He's so kind, understand and more matured than his brothers. Humaira's eyes were filled with years as she drove away. She tried to stop thinking about the fact that anything wrong might have happened to her little sister. The nightmare she had about Zainab having an accident still keeps on ringing in her memory.

Although, Humaira was deeply broken inside, she drove hope, wiping away her tears. For some reasons, she tried be stay positive about all of these.

***

That morning, Zainab opened the window and noticed there was a balcony next to the window. She opened the door and walked outside to get a clearer view of the environment. And then, her eyes caught Khalid. He was about to start the engine of his power bike when he looked up and their eyes locked. Staring at her for a while, Khalid took his gaze off her and looked forward before putting on his classic helmet.

He grabbed his bikes handlebars aggressively before driving out. Zainab watched him curiously , wondering what kind of person he is. Then she heard a knock on the door. She quickly rushed to check who it was.

***