Jiddah was in a hurry to meet Dillaliya, who was skeptical about Jiddah's ability to work at the minister's house. Despite her doubts, Dillaliya helped Jiddah get to Abuja, where they were greeted by the luxurious houses of Maitama. Jiddah, unlike Dillaliya, was focused and prayed for success. They arrived at a heavily guarded mansion, where they were welcomed by Hajiya Amina. Dillaliya introduced Jiddah as a well-educated girl from Kano. Hajiya Amina was pleased and assigned Jiddah to take care of her daughter, Zainab, who was preparing for her final secondary school exams and would soon go to India for further studies. Dillaliya, overwhelmed by the money she received, left without Jiddah. Jiddah was shown to her room and later met Zainab, who was happy with her new helper. Jiddah's duties included cleaning Zainab's room, bringing her food, and occasionally accompanying her to school and friends' houses. Despite the loneliness, Jiddah remained focused on her mission, praying for success. One day, Zainab informed Jiddah that she would accompany her somewhere, filling Jiddah with hope that she might meet Mugu, the person she was looking for.
My name is Hauwau Ahmad Umar. As far as I know, I was raised in the US, that is, America. Since I was born, I didn't have a mother, only a woman named Juliet who took care of me from birth, feeding me until I grew up and became aware. My father, Alhaji Muktar, and my brother, Saifillahi, whom I call Yayah Saef, also took care of me.
We grew up privileged, Yayah Saef and I, who is about 16 years older than me. Our father loved us, especially me, calling me 'my queen.'
Our father is a renowned engineer working at a company in America. As I grew older, I realized that Juliet was not my mother. I frequently asked my father or Yayah Saef where my mother was, and they would tell me she was in Nigeria but would come to see me very soon.
By the time I was in primary 5, my mother still hadn't come to the US to see me. I then asked my father to take me to Nigeria to see her since she wouldn't come to see me. My father apologized and said my mother promised to come for my birthday, which was in three months. I was very happy and started preparing for her visit.
Whenever we went shopping, I would pick out clothes and makeup, saying they were for my mother. At school, I counted the days until my mother would come. However, on my birthday, she didn't show up. I was in J.S.1 and very upset. My father saw how angry I was and took me to his room. He called my name three times and then told me to calm down and listen. He then told me that my mother had passed away when I was 2 years old. I screamed and cried, clinging to him.
It took me about a week to start feeling better. From that time, I focused more on my religion, with Yayah Saef teaching me Islamic books.
Our life continued with care and attention. I became more spoiled, always getting what I wanted from my father, Yayah Saef, and Juliet. I grew up without knowing hardship or sorrow, except when I remembered my mother and cried, praying for her to find peace.
By the time I was in S.S.3, I had become very stylish and confident, leading my friends. Despite being mostly boys, only Shukrah and I were Muslims. I didn't tolerate any disrespect and graduated as the best student from J.S.1 to S.S.3, making my father very proud and supportive of whatever I wanted to do.
After my results came out, I passed with flying colors. My father got me admission to study psychology, saying it was because of my intelligence. At 15 years old, I started 100-level.
My father bought me a new car, which I used to go to and from school. Yayah Saef had completed his law degree and was in the UK for further studies and work. At home, it was just Juliet and me, as my father was often away.
Sometimes, I would ask my father to take me to Nigeria to see our family, and he would tell me not to worry, that we would soon move there permanently.
By the time I was in my final year, I wasn't even 18 yet. You should have seen me then. Jiddah removed her veil and took off a hat that was hiding her hair, which flowed down like that of an Arabian woman, while Auta watched her in awe.