Part Fifty-nine

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Hadith's POV

I knew my heart literally shattered at this point. Where did I get it wrong, to deserve all these misfortunes that I've been experiencing these past days.

First, I didn't receive any special award during our graduation ceremony, as though that wasn't enough, I didn't pass English language in the WAEC examination results that were recently released. San and I both checked our results on the same day. I remembered how nervous and anxious we both were when we locked ourselves in his room with our mom's laptop.

I checked his results first and they were all excellent. Two A's, three B's and four C's. His mind became at peace after that, so he offered to do the same for me.

“Civic A1, Literature B3... Agric B2... English...” he stopped talking.

I opened my eyes to look at him. My brows perked in anticipation.

“English what?” I had said.

“You failed English Dith,” he had announced.

My heart sunk into my stomach. I was breathless for approximately five seconds.

That happened seven days ago and three days after our graduation. I felt like a disappointment. My parents weren't happy about my results either. Mom had gotten over it, but dad took it so bad that he rarely responded to my greetings these days.

As if all that wasn't enough, I overheard Baba Sadiq, discussing his plans to take Hassan abroad with him so he can further his education there. They weren't concerned about me and how I felt. Asides my parents, my twin brother was the only other family I had so much trust and faith in, someone I believed loved and cared for me truly. Suddenly they're taking him away from me as well. He was actually a very lucky guy then.

Mom already informed me, in her own way, of the change of the situation at hand. She also agreed that dad was not happy with my result and that I was going to put a lot of effort into earning his trust again. To do that, I had only one option.

Study fervently this time around, prepare to rewrite WASSCE and pass with better results next year. If possible, I can get the same offer and opportunity that was given to my twin. Without giving the whole thing much thought, I agreed to it.

I was given study materials of any kind. From notes and textbooks to past questions and video clips on all the subjects. I selected the nine subjects I was going to rewrite and began feasting on them. I gave it my all, I was dying to prove to my dad that I was serious about my academics this time. San, of course, helped me in so many ways and let out some tips that helped him. But, that was until he had to face his own life.

As the days went by, San became more busy than the previous day. Endless trips to the Embassy, surfing websites and compiling all documents to his name became his daily occupation. That was when it dawned on me that I was on my own in this battle. As much as he wanted to help, he wasn't going to be with me every step of the way.

Gradually, days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months and the time neared for San to leave. Fortunately for him, he passed the entrance examination to  College. Dad planned to throw a send-forth party for him but he humbly declined for reasons best known to him. Secretly, though, I liked that he declined because when our friends gathered they'd surely ask questions pertaining to my own academic plans. It was only David that knew about San's departure date and he promised to be available to help.

The night before he was to go with Baba Sadiq and his wife, daddy called us all out to the living room.

When we were all present and seated, he began in his gruff, elderly voice.

“Three of you must be wondering why I called everyone here, or maybe you have an idea.” he paused and stared quizzically at us.

No one uttered a word.

He started again, “We are all aware of the changes taking place in this family, from tomorrow, Hassan would no more be here with us. We would have to learn to adjust to a life without him, yes, we would see and hear from him but it's not going to be in person again and it's going to be like that for a long time...”

I twisted my neck to take a short glance at San seated by my right. His head was supported by one of his hands resting on the sofa, his face staring up at the ceiling which he'd somehow found interesting. I knew, I could tell that this was hurting him too.

Mother on the other end (by my left), seated directly opposite father and adjacently to me and San, wrapped her shawl tightly around her shoulders and I caught her blinking furiously to keep the tears from flowing.
I was so caught up in not losing the hold on my emotions by looking at others trying to control theirs, that I didn't realize a lot of things dad had said. 

“..thank you son, for making us proud to this point but you know that the road ahead of you is a very difficult one, you have to be very careful with your actions and decisions henceforth. Canada is not your fatherland. You will meet with different people from different races and varied lifestyles. Never let go of your faith and beliefs, don't let your culture go down the drain. Don't forget your roots, don't forget who you are. You're going there to study and make something of yourself in the future, never let anything or anyone take away that dream from your mind's eye.

“You're Hassan Danjuma, from Kaduna State in Nigeria. Never forget that son. Whenever you need guidance, remember that you have a family you can always talk to. Pray and commit every decision you need to make to the Almighty before making them. As a grounded and inborn Muslim, you should know that your Qur'an is your best friend in decision-making moments, use it daily and without seasoning. I have shown you that which I think is the right path, the rest is for you to decide, as you're also aware that I cannot interfere in your life from there. How you make your bed, so shall you lie on it.” he concluded.

Everyone was quiet after that. I looked at dad, he was staring at mom. I'm guessing he wanted her to add extra words. Which she did.

“My son...” she choked on her words and cleared her throat.  Afterwards, she continued, “all I have to tell you is that I cherish and love you as I love myself, you are a part of me and I'll never wish ill of you. I know that this move would be good for your future and we your parents, have done what we can, the rest is left for you to do. Please know yourself my son, always remember that you're not alone, it might seem like it physically but we're always with you. Whenever you come back, this will be your home, your dad, sister and myself will be around to welcome you with open arms.”

She couldn't say more as her words caught in her throat, I saw she was trying so hard to stop her emotions from getting the best of her.

After some minutes of silence, San spoke up.

“I've heard all that you've both said and I pray by the Almighty's grace that I don't disappoint you all. I'm going there not only to make you proud of me but to make myself proud of me. I'll do it.” he paused and then his eyes fell on me.

“Forgetting my identity is like forgetting each one of you and to me, that's impossible.” he said this while looking at me, “I'll always remember that I have parents who have sacrificed a lot for us to be where we are today, also a twin sister who looks up to me. I won't fail you and I won't fail myself.” he stated.

This was really a heart-to-heart moment and it rarely happened in my family. I knew everyone expected me to say something but I had no idea what I was to say to him.

Was I to say that I wasn't so happy about the fact that he was leaving even though I'm forced to accept the reality of that happening? Or that my best friend and confidant was going away and I could do nothing about it. I stayed mute until dad broke the silence.

“I've said all I had to, I'm retiring for the night. We have a long way ahead of us tomorrow.”

I  couldn't agree more, so I walked away very quickly and shut the door to my room. Getting into the duvet and forcing myself not to think of the fact that San was leaving in less than twenty four hours and that tonight was his last night in this house.
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.
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The ride to Murtala Mohammed airport was a very short one. Perhaps, my imagination made it seem so.

The Sienna was awfully quiet except the voices of my dad and Baba Sadiq as they exchanged political and national stories. Mom and Amarya Zainat were at the middle row while I sat at the last row with San and David—who made it just in time to accompany us to the airport.
The two boys at my right, whispered softly between themselves.

I was on my own with my phone. And I figured that's how it was to be from now onwards. The changes in my life had happened at a fast rate and I was truly freaking out but I tried to keep my emotions in check since it doesn't help.

When we managed to make it pass security and into the terminal, we sat around each other. Dad bought everyone some snacks while we waited for the announcement to be made as concerned Canada flight.

David continued chatting with my brother while I had the crowd and decorations of the airport to keep me busy.

I was staring at the vast space filled with lots of people pacing the floor and carrying bags or trolleys when I felt a hand on my thigh. I turned to look at the person.

Amarya Zainat gave me a genuinely understanding smile that passed through her eyes. She looked thoroughly beautiful like a new bride— in her pink-and-white flowered skirt and Africa print top and the pink shawl draped over her shoulders.

“I know you're going to miss him, he's going to miss you too. Believe me we didn't plan for this to happen, we wanted to take you both but you saw how fate interfered. He's not going to start another family over there, no matter how long he's staying he'll always remain a part of this family and no body will take that away. You just have to be strong, this is a trying time for all of us, eventually we will move forward from this stage. I love you and everyone else that makes our family, if you decide to join us after your upcoming exams, all you have to do is make a call and a seat on the plane to Canada will be booked for you.”

I simply agreed with a nod of my head and wiped the stray tear rolling down my face. Amarya Zainat understood this and engulfed me in her arms whilst rocking our bodies gently. We stayed like that for a while before we heard the announcing that the plane to Canada was boarding now.

I saw dad and Baba Sadiq shake hands and bumped shoulders as I remembered they always did. Mom had her moment with San and then with Amarya Zainat then San walked towards me.

“Hey, better be a good girl. Cook when you're supposed to, wash and clean the house too. Whenever you're tired or you need to read, take a break. Don't forget to call me if and when you want to talk, I mean it, Dith, else I'll come back.” he stated, looking all serious and without mincing words.

“I will...” my voice croaked out. I could imagine him doing that.

“Don't hesitate to ask for assistance whenever you want, you can call me...or David here,” he gestured to his friend who stood four feet away from us, “Study and work hard Dith, remember education is the foundation to a better life.” he advised.

Then he held my hands in his and looked deep into my eyes, “I'll miss you so much,”

My eyes filled with unshed tears at that and I tightened my hold on his hands, “I'll miss you more.”

After promising to keep in contact, he picked up his bags and walked towards dad and mom. They said somethings to him and he spoke in return until Baba Sadiq gestured for them to start going. I watched as he waved goodbye at us and began to move away.
With each step he took away from us, I felt my control slipping. Finally, they were out of sight as they mixed in with the large number of people.

“It's going to be okay dear,” I heard David said, but I didn't bother to look or even acknowledge him.

“We'll drop you off at your house first, then we'd go home. How does that sound, David?” dad asked while we were on our way home.

Now, it was just the four of us.

“No problem sir,” David replied.

But I knew it was because he didn't want to go against my dad. Dad could be really interrogative when the situation called for it.

“So, how's school going?” dad said again.

David gained admission into Lagos State University and had began the processes involved with registration as a freshman.

“It's fine sir, lectures have started but not that serious as the classes are still lacking in students.”

“which course again?”

I rolled my eyes and shook my head in disapproval at my dad's sudden interest in David's academic life.

“Building technology sir.”

“Wow! That's a nice course,”

“Thank you sir.”

Suddenly, we were in front of his compound. He thanked us and opened the door.

“Alright! Take care Dith, we'll talk on phone, okay?”

“Sure, bye bye.” I muttered and looked away.

Thankfully, he didn't probe further about my WASSCE and JAMB results though he was aware of my predicament.

He closed the door and dad continued the drive to our house.

Everything still seemed unreal to me. My brother was probably on a plane right now. I have to be up and doing. My friends have all but began the journey of their new lives. Funny, how I never thought that life could lead us to this point.
The car bumped and pulled to a stop in front of our house.

My own life was staring right in my face. Yes, my new life had just begun.

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I never thought I could end this book so emotional like this, I shed some tears. Especially that part where Hassan was saying goodbye.

Finally, I get to close the drama in this story.
Any questions? You can drop them in the comment box so I can look at them and give you befitting replies.

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I can't wait to start on the new journey ‘RISK IT ALL.’ who's with me?

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Some people would probably end this journey with me here, well, I wish you luck. But in the event that you decided to show up in the next series of books, you won't be disappointed.  Thank you for being with me.

Stay tuned for more ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️❤️❤️❣️❣️❣️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.