The exams hit fast. Time passed by so quickly that I had written five out of all the six courses I offer. I hate exams! I’ve always hated it. I can manage the stress from school but exams put me through a different kind of stress. I spend my days and nights reading. The more I read the more I feel like my brain is empty. Thankfully my last paper was only few days away. I desperately wanted to get away from school and relax for a while. I suggested it to my friends but they all had an excuse, I decided to go to the park alone. I hate going out alone but perhaps it was better considering how drained I was feeling.
The closest thing we have to a park in Minna is the ‘Independence garden.’ The garden is way too small and mostly crowded. It’s the only option I have whenever I need nature’s healing. As much as I really hate the limited getaway options Minna (mx) offers me, I do love my birth city!
Luckily the garden was not as crowded as usual. I found my spot-I had discovered it a few years ago- unoccupied. There were people mostly in groups scattered around the small space. The fresh air and the scent of fresh flowers convinced me that I had made the right choice. I sat on the wooden chair in the shade under a big tree. The scents from the flowers immediately worked their magic on me. It was like every little sweet scent took away a fraction of my stress. A much more pleasant thing brought me back from my reverie. A couple were having a picnic under a tree similar to the one I was under. It was such a sight to behold even from a distance. The man dressed simply in a white kaftan while his date wore a beautiful black abaya. They both looked so young and very much in love. My hopeless romantic side saw much more than the basket of fruits on their mats. Alas! My new found entertainment was short lived. The couples started packing up and before I knew it they were up on their feet. It felt kind of disappointing although I was not actually going to stare at them all day. I shifted my attention back to tree under which I sat and immediately drifted off in another one of my endless reveries. I was dreaming about a bed made of roses each with its unique and healing scent, located in the middle of large room with walls that looked like forest vegetation
Assalamu alaikum!” a small voice said.
I looked away from the tree only to see someone I least expected. A tall black beauty looked much more beautiful at close range.
“Wa alaikumu salam,” I replied.
“Is it okay if I take a seat near you?” she asked courteously.
“Yes please,” I beckoned her to seat. She replied with the most beautiful smile revealing two adorable dimples.
“You seemed so carried away when I approached you or are you just that fascinated by the trees?”
“You could say that, but it’s more of a stress reliever right now,” I answered.
“Let me guess,” she said eagerly. “Exam stress?”
“Yes!”
“I knew it! I’m so sorry dear, how are you holding up?” she asked kindly.
“Honestly its killing me!” I conceded.
“Oww! Do the trees help?”
“It actually helps a lot. Mother nature is my best stress reliever.”
“I’m so sorry I interrupted you!” she said apologetically.
“Oh no please don’t apologize! It’s a whole lot more relaxing with company. I’m Haneem by the way and you are?”
“All that noise without introducing myself,” she whispered. “I’m Fawza. Are you a student of FUT?” she inquired.
“Yes, second year, I’m studying microbiology.”
“Ah! I studied sociology in Base University Abuja,” she responded.
“You’re done already?”
“Yes! A lot of people give me that response when I tell them. I finished last year,” Fawza explained.
“It’s just that you look so young. It’s rather impressive!” I acknowledged.
“So do you! Trust me you’ll be done before you know it,” Fawza said cheerfully.
“How old are you Haneem?” Fawza inquired.
“I’ll be nineteen in a few days,” I answered excitedly.
“Really? Well I got married when I was your age. I will be twenty-one in November,” she announced.
“O my God! You’re married!”
“Ah yes! I’m familiar with that reaction also! Don’t tell me you think I’m too young for marriage!” Fawza joked.
“No,not at all! I think it’s beautiful!”
“Aww! That is so nice of you to say!” Fawza beamed.
“I noticed you earlier but I though it was just a date. I had no idea you were married. Most married couples I know don’t really go on dates,” I said.
She smiled. “Here comes the shocker... I gave birth six months ago!” she said excitedly as she showed me a picture on her iphone.
It was a picture of two identical newborn babies each covered in fluffy pink skirt on a pure white blanket. They looked so adorable.
“Ya salam! Fawza you had twins! They are so cute Masha Allah!” I said ecstatically.
“Aww! Thank you dear! Saima and Suhaima really appreciate it. You are such a nice person; I would love to be your friend!” Fawza declared.
“Are you kidding me? I would really like that!” I stated. “Your life looks so perfect to me!” I added.
“Don’t be deceived. There are good days and bad days but Alhamdulillah! Fuad is a wonderful husband and my mother-in-law is so sweet, she does things like taking care of the twins while I go on a picnic,” Fawza grinned.
“Waw!”
“Well, we sort of snuck out!” Fawza said with a wink.
Fawza got a call on her phone. It sounded like she was about to leave.
“I have to leave now,” she said with a frown.”Fuad is waiting for me outside the park. I had a super great time with you Haneem!” Fawza stated with a smile.
We exchanged numbers and said our final good bye as she headed towards the gate. It really wasn’t a mistake coming to the park that day. Mother Nature plus Fawza did me a whole lot of good.
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