Chapter 25: My name is Hamida 2

Hamida: “Don’t tell me sorry. Give me noodles, or shawarma, or cakes, or money.” She nodded her head like a child seeking a reward.

Me: “Mmm, interesting. Talking about cakes, baby there are also cakes in the bag. Mind sharing with your baby friend?”

Hamida: “I’m not a baby. I’m a big girl. I just want cake.”

Ann: “Yeah, Hamida is actually a year older than me. She’s 21, and I’m just 20.”

Hamida: “Yes, yes, yes. Give me the cake.”

Ann: “But you know you need to stop acting babyish, right? Or some people will think you’re not okay?”

Hamida: “But you know I’m fine. It’s okay if you find me embarrassing.” She walked out of the sitting room.

Ann: “Baby, I’m sorry! Come and have some cake.”

Hamida: “I don’t want any.”

Ann: “Oh my God, this chocolate one is so nice. Baby, do you want some?”

Hamida: “Leave me alone.”

Ann: “It’s just one more left and even if you come back, you won’t get it because this is the last batch.”

Hamida: (Comes back to the sitting room with a sad face)

Ann: “I’m sorry, baby. Here it is. You’ll love it. There are other flavors inside, too. You can choose.”

Hamida: (Snatches the bag and sits down) “Thanks.”

Ann: “Stop sulking. You’re going to make me sad.” She turned to me. “Please help me talk to her.”

Me: “Hamida, don’t mind Ann. I’ll buy you plenty of chocolate cakes next time, and a carton of noodles, okay?”

Hamida: (Looks up with wide eyes) “Pinky promise?”

Me: “Yeah, pinky promise.”

Ann: “Do you forgive me now?”

Hamida: “Yes, yes, yes, I forgive you.” She hugged Ann, then paused. “Wait, I saw something online recently about you snatching someone’s boyfriend. What’s that about?”

Ann: “Well, it’s about Nath’s childhood friend. They used to live in the same city before she relocated. I think she’s had a crush on him for a long time. She came back recently, heard about us, and isn’t happy.”

Hamida: “Wait… so she was the one who… Okay, no, no, no. I don’t want to think about it. That girl is evil. How could she? Does she know the impact it would have on you? The emotional abuse? The trauma? Thank God you’re strong. So what happened next? Has she confronted you directly?”

Ann: “Not yet. Nath and I are waiting to see her next move. He says she’s persuasive, so we should beat her at her own game.”

Hamida: (Grabs my shirt at the chest) “Oh, so you knew? How dare you let your past affect my friend? How dare you not clean up your mess before getting involved with her?”

Ann: “Hamida, calm down. He didn’t know about the crush. You can’t blame him. Plus, he was the one who worked hard to clean up the mess.”

Hamida: “Really? You’re defending him? Girl, he’s a man. What if he’s lying?”

Ann: “He’s not. I live with him, so I know he’s not.”

Hamida: “If he’s not guilty, then why isn’t he talking?”

Me: “Hamida, the reason I’m keeping quiet is because I messed up. I shouldn’t have let Ann suffer any grievance. I feel sorry that’s why I’m letting you scold me. I’m sorry I let your best friend suffer.”