Chapter two

After her GST202 test, Kalthum dragged her tired self outside. Here she thought the test was going to be simple but it wasn't. Now she understood why most of her coursemates usually insult their guest lecturer. GST has always been a course that is known to be simple but this lecturer of theirs makes it hard for them for no reason.

She sighted her best friend sitting on the bench under the tree from afar. She yelled her name even when she knew people were looking at her like she was crazy. She didn't care so she shrugged

" Zaynab!" she shouted again and her friend heard her so she stood up and walked fast to catch up with kalthum.

"hey! How was the test? " Zaynab asked as she got closer

" Meeeen, it was crazy. What about you, did you enjoyed it?

Zaynab snorts" Enjoy what! I didn't enjoy anything fa. I didn't finish itself"

" I thought I was the only one that finds the test hard!"

" You're not. Even all the gurus of the class also find it hard too" Zainab said with a small laugh " you need to see how they kept scowling "

Kalthum laughed along

" Have your sister called you yet?" Zaynab asked after she sobered up

" Why would she call me? " Kalthum was confused so she furrowed her brows.

Zaynab rolled her eyes " have you forgotten where you said she was going today? "

" Oh. You mean the Dantata's mansion " she blew out a breath" I'll get to ask her when I go home "

" ok," Zaynab said " Anyways, guess who's back! "

Kalthum looked at her skeptically " who? "

" My brother. He called some minutes ago informing me about his arrival. Can you believe it"

A blush crept up kalthum's face " oh"

Her mind went back to her first and last conversation with him before he traveled 'I fancy you so he told her.

Zaynab's brother is also one of Kalthum's many crushes. Kalthum has always known him to be a playboy and you can't even imagine her reaction when he said those words to her plain self. Not once had she ever pictured that a playboy like him would have a crush on her. Since then, Zainab wouldn't stop teasing her about it.

" oh?! Is that the only thing you can say? Just oh? "

" Why are you acting so dramatic about it? "

" why wouldn't I be dramatic. I just told you that my brother who is crushing on you is back and the only reply you could give me was oh! Just imagine !"

Kalthum groaned softly " can you please reduce your volume? People are watching "

" I don't care "

" DanAllah enough. soon "

" Is this your way of telling me that you're going to ditch me? " Zaynab pouted " if it's because of the talk about my brother, I was only joking "

" No, it's not about that. I have some laundry to do "

" oh ok" she felt bad

" Don't worry, we'll have all the time tomorrow to talk " Kalthum assured her

" sure? "

" Very sure "

" Good. Let's go so I can escort you to stop a tricycle "

" Aww thanks, bestie "

***

The moment Kathum entered the house, she knew something was off and why is because of the shoes outside. It's her mother's shoes, the same ones she wore to school today. Why is she back so early? she wondered.

She said a little prayer in her mind hoping that it isn't another bad news. She said her entry greeting.

" you're finally back" came her mom's reply. Something was wrong.

" yes, mom." her eyes then shifted to her sister's who was trying hard to avoid eye contact.

" Good. Come have a seat There is something I need to tell you " her mother told her.

She didn't waste any time, nor did she asked any questions. She did as she was told. This must be serious.

" well, I'm sure you must be surprised to see my home this early "

Kalthum nodded. Afraid that her mouth might say the wrong thing especially now that her heart was beating rapidly.

" Good. Today at school we had this important meeting and the outcome wasn't good at all. "

Kalthum was still quiet. She waited for her mom to continue

" Our salary has been reduced. I'll be receiving half of the amount I normally collect.

" What! " quantum shouted. This caught her by surprise. It's too small

" Thank you, imagine my expression too" her mom Suwayba said.

"Now what? " Kalthum couldn't help but ask. Already she knew where this might leads to.

" I'm getting there already "

" OK "

" Luckily when I got home your sister told me about this opportunity that at least lightened my day a little bit. When she went to the Dantata's home, Umm Kamal told her about these two vacant posts in the house. They needed two cleaners "

" so? What does this have to do with us? "

"justistenss," her mom said sternly. She hates It when she's being interrupted

" Since my salary can't pay yours and your sister's school fees, I was thinking that maybe after this semester, you two might need to defer your next two semesters so you can work in the Dantata's home as the cleaners they are looking for. By doing this you can earn money and I too can also look for a new job. It's only going to be for just one year"

One what?

" Please mom I can't defer any semester. I can work and also go to school. I don't need to defer two semesters. Please mom"

" yes I also thought so but they demand that this cleaner must live in that house 24/7. So now you see that you can't work and go to school at the same time "

" I can look for other jobs " Kalthum suggested

Her mom shot her a look " why are you always difficult? Your sister here has already agreed to it without complaining but your case is always different. "

My sister and I are two different people, kalthum wanted to scream back. Her site has alwaysysssdreamt of living in that mansion so this was her opportunity. Basma has never been serious with school anyways.

" Tell me where can you get a cleaning job that pays 50,000 nairas per month? This is what they are willing to pay! why can't you just grab the opportunity. Imagine how much you'll receive for a whole year. This is an opportunity. There isn't any harm in sacrificing a whole year to work. It's all for your good "

This made sense somehow. But it's still hurting that her mate will leave her behind.

" Just think about it, is. One year isn't that far. It'll come and pass like it never happened " Basma eventually said something. She has been quiet all this time

" Don't mind her. She never sees the good side of things. " her mom said briefly and left the living room.

Suwayba's behavior towards her hurts a lot, She wouldn't deny it.

" please sis"

Kalthum forced a smile. " I'll do it. after all, is for everyone's good "

" yay! " Basma ran to hug her tightly " you'll never regret this"

" I hope so" she muttered quietly only to herself.