Chapter 24: My name is Hamida 1

I left the office. It was getting late, so I headed to pick Ann up from her friend’s house. On the way, I stopped at an ice cream shop and got her different flavors of ice cream and cake, along with samosas and other small chops. I also picked up a mixed flower bouquet before driving over.

When I arrived, they were in the kitchen, cooking and chatting.

Ann: “How is he feeling now?”

Hijabi Girl: “Better. The operation was successful. He’s being discharged soon.”

Ann: “But I’m still angry with you. Your younger brother was having surgery, and you didn’t even tell me.”

Hijabi Girl: “No, baby, that’s not it. You’d just had that fight with your mom, and with your ex causing trouble… I thought you weren’t emotionally okay. I wanted to let you heal. You can still see him when he recovers. I’m sorry I never wanted you to feel left out.”

I rang the doorbell, interrupting them.

Ann: “Are you expecting anyone?”

Hijabi Girl: “No… You’re my only friend. Who else would come?”

Ann: “Your husband?”

Hijabi Girl: “Nah, he won’t be back for a while. I think it’s your boyfriend.”

Ann: “Let’s see.”

Hijabi Girl: “I’ll get the door.”

Ann: “No, watch the stove. Let me check.”

Hijabi Girl: “You still have bad habits when it comes to cooking… I saw your little tricks, girl.” She laughed.

Ann: (Walking to the door) “You know I don’t like cooking, but that doesn’t mean I can’t.” She laughed and opened the door.

Me: “Hey.” I handed her the flowers.

Ann: “Baby! You got me flowers?” She jumped excitedly.

Me: “Yeah, and some ice cream and small chops. You can share with your friend.”

Her friend came out of the kitchen to see who it was.

Hijabi Girl: “Ann, who’s there? Everything okay?”

Ann: “Yeah, it’s my man.”

We entered the sitting room.

Hijabi Girl: “Oh, our man! Nice to meet you.”

Me: “Nice to meet you, too.”

Hijabi Girl: “Well, my name is Hamida. I’m Ann’s best friend.” She beat her chest proudly.

Ann: “Baby, please act mature.” She laughed.

Hamida: “Ann, leave me alone I wasn’t talking to you.”

Me: (Amused by her energy) “Well, my name is Nathy.”

Hamida: “Ooh, you got us flowers? Wait no, sorry my friend. Ann, what’s yours is mine, right?” She put on a cute face.

Ann: “Yes, yes, yes. Everything that’s mine is yours. My man is yours, too.”

Hamida: “Yes, yes, yes our man.” She smiled happily.

Ann: “Hamida, can you stop? You’re meeting him for the first time.” She turned to me. “Baby, don’t mind her. That’s just how she is. I wonder how she got married.” She laughed.

Me: “Oh, you’re married?”

Hamida: “Yeah, I am.” She smiled politely.

Me: “Seems I need to hurry up and put a ring on my baby’s finger so she doesn’t feel pressured.”

Hamida: “Hey, hey, hey don’t think you can get my precious jewel for free. If you want her, you have to go through me. You’ll face a series of tests to see if you deserve my friend. And if I hear you treat her badly… I know how to fight. I’ll pull your teeth out, let me tell you. The key to her heart is with me. I’m the gatekeeper and before you enter, I have to check you out.”