AFTER 168 HOURS [BOOK 2,168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 4: The Mistake

The sisters had fun the entire day. They discussed a lot of things and joked together. There's nothing as unique as this bond; Star, Theodora, and Gift couldn't chat with Humaira so much but they loved how cute they were together. Although they weren't happy that Humaira would be leaving soon, Star felt sad about the whole thing but she didn't bother opening up to Humaira.

'She would leave anyways so why would I stop her?' A voice in Star's mind cried.

Meanwhile, Humaira has been building up a duplex on her mother's land. She'd demolished that other old cracky house and made a three-bedroom duplex just for Hadee, Zainab, and herself. Her plan is that; They would live there together as one big family. Until maybe, she finally gets married or so.

So far, the duplex has already been completed but it hasn't been finished yet. It would take at least, another extra two weeks to complete the furnishing, settings, and all the arrangements.

Humaira, somehow noticed that Star was avoiding her. She didn't eat well, she just lied that she wasn't feeling well but Humaira knew why. Star went to bed early that day... She wasn't happy, so she locked herself in the room and cried to sleep. Although she had Gift and Theodora with her, They weren't as cheerful and good as Humaira. She would miss everything about her, even Hadee.
She wanted to ask her to stay but she didn't know how to.

After gisting, Zainab and Humaira went to bed. Then Humaira decided to bring up a topic. Something that had been bothering her early that day- since Star's wried act.

Star that used to be a very joyful and hearty person didn't even smile. So... She needed to do something about it somehow.

"Zainab, I won't be following you to Abuja tomorrow."

"What?!" Zainab turned to her in confusion. "But why? We've planned to finally go to Abuja together and leave happily there. Why the sudden change of plans?"

I'm sorry sis. I still have a lot of unfinished tasks I need to take care if before going. Perhaps, those engineers are not through with the furnishing. I don't know if you may go back to the Bala's. At least, to pack all your luggage.

"But I don't want to go there. I only want to stay with you, here..." Zainab murmured.

"Don't worry Zee, just give me a couple of days. I'll come and pick you up immediately after I get to Abuja, okay? Just manage with them a little bit."

"Okay... If you say so. It's not like I have any choice though. I'll do whatever you want." Zainab smiled and hugged her loving elder sister before going to bed.

Humaira switched off the table lamp and thought about how tomorrow would be.

The next morning, Star didn't leave her room. She just started indoors with her eyes looking all red and swollen as if she'd cried throughout the night.

Humaira took Zainab to the motor park and gave her some cash to use for the main time. After baring Zainab goodbye, Humaira came back home; to Stars house.

Star was surprised that Humaira didn't follow her sister back to Abuja.

"What's wrong, Hummy? I thought you guys were going together." Star retorted.

"No, not yet. I stayed because of you." Humaira answered with a big bright smile as Star replied to her in the same manner. At least, for the main time, she had Humaira all to herself.

Days Later

In The Bala's House.

Zainab was preparing breakfast when Ibrahim called her, handing her a pile of clothes to press.