Handsome Devil ✅

Fifteen

Layla was seated on a mat in the house compound cutting spinach for dinner when Dije entered the house. Innah's radio was playing from her room.

" lale marhabun who am I seeing like Dije?" Layla squinted her eyes smiling at her childhood friend.

Dije is basically her sister from across the street. They grew up together and did almost everything as duo. Despite Dije being elder among the two, she was Layla's bossy sister. She was there for her when Larai their classmate was bullying Layla. She was also the one that gave Isyaku stern warning to stop stalking Layla.

"I've heard all series of stories on how friends drift apart but I've never thought going to the city would be ours." Dije ranted while she held the drape of her hijab sending daggers to Layla.
She noticed how her skin was glowing beautifully. She was the fairer one but damn, city is a skin care of it's own.

Layla flashed her teeth at Dije who was still angry at her but yet stealing glances at her.

"My one and only Dije. The only one that has my heart. I was just about to get ready and come to greet Iya and you. You're are just ahead of me that's why. I was planning to get all the juicy gists from you." Layla stood up to her and was laughing.
" oh Layla look how you changed. You're even taller than me now." Dije replied as she finally decided to sit on the mat.

They both joined hand to sort the spinach as Innah left to a naming ceremony in the neighborhood.
Dije was still in awe of Layla that she couldn't help staring at her. She wanted her to tell her about Abuja. The mansions, cars, and handsome guys.
"Tell me about Abuja Layla. I know you're enjoying see how much you've changed."

Layla wasn't interested about talking so she asked her to divert the topic "tell me everything I've missed qawata.  How's your studies?Where's Sahabi your heart throb?"

"School is fine we've just finished exams. Soon we'll be in ss3 and we'll write our SSCE. Sahabi has promised to allow me to further my studies. I want to be a nurse in shaa Allah. That has always been our dream."

Dije concluded dreamily Layla couldn't help but feel sad. That was equally her dream too. They had wanted almost the same thing. They even planned on marrying same guy someday But Dije doesn't look like someone that would let anyone eye Sahabi talk more of share.

"Mashaa Allah, how about the wedding?" She probed.

" immediately after my final year exams but he had paid brideprice already." She was blushing.

" iyye Sahabi's wife on the move. The one and only Dijen Sahabi." Layla teased more.

"Layla, you didn't ask about malam or have you dumped him for dan birni ?"
Layla couldn't help but laugh at the statement. "Who's dan birni?"
" I heard you were brought in a big car so is the guy that brought you the new uncle we got?"

"Dije, you talk too much. Let me tell you he's just the driver. I'll like to go to school before I leave."

"Uhmmm just say you want to see malam. It won't hurt you." Dije laughed again.

Layla felt nauseous and ran to the far end of the compound to vomit. It happened so quick Dije couldn't say a word but stare. She rinsed her mouth and came back panting. When she had sat and was fanning herself, Dije asked If she was sick.

"I don't know what's wrong with me recently I always vomit and I feel weak. I was even in the hospital last week."

"That's sad to hear. I hope you get better soon. Since you've finished the stew you should rest. Tomorrow if I come, we'll go and see some of our school friends."