She walked to their front and moved closer to where Star was sitting.

Humaira had tied Hadee to her back.
He is a bit grown up now but he was still sleeping.

Finally, Humaira got Star's attention.

"What's it?!"

"Umm... The stuff I asked to for."

"I don't get you. Speak louder." Star hissed and rolled her eyes at her.

"The money you promised to give me for Hadee's therapy. The #50,000."

"What? 50k?!"

"Go and tell the others?" Star instructed.

Humaira looked totally confused about what she mean. It's a good thing she had been feeding her and her son for the past 14 months but why would she inform her friends about everything?

Humaira looked at them flabbergasted.

"What's it, Humaira? Gift asked.

"Can you imagine girl, When I'm not mother Christmas. Even father Christmas don't give gifts everyday of his life. She's asking me if #50,000 again this morning."

"Fifty what?! Theodora burst out in surprise while Gift started laughing.

"This your housemate is really funny o! Didn't you tell her how difficult market has become or what?"

"Abeg help me tell am o."

"It's all for Hadee's therapy. He's going to receive treatment throughout this month and I'm having nothing on me."

"How would you ever have money when you don't work? Ehn? Gift hissed at her. Look here, if you really need money like you claim, why don't you go out and hustle. At least, if you can't hustle like others it there then join us in business. It's open for all now, or aren't you a lady?"

"No o, I'm sorry, I can't sleep with older me. I mean... I can't do prostitution." Humaira muttered. "It's forbidden in Islam."

"Hmmm? So it's not forbidden in our own religion abi? And you say you want money? Where would you see that young man that would send cool cash on you?" Gift explained.

"They're all very greedy. It's better you use what you have to get what you want o. Not even someone as beautiful as you are. Star girl, tell her now." Theodora cried.

"See, na she Sabi o. All I know is that I'm so broke right now and shi-shi, I no get!"

Humaira that was fully dressed up and prepared to meet the therapist went inside. She got so emotional that she started crying. She knew it isn't right to depend on someone just like this. At least, Star paid her school fees throughout the year and she's truly grateful for that but... How can she treat her son?

'I really need to get myself a job no matter how difficult.' Humaira said to herself. Just then, a number called. It was Hadee's therapist.

"Hello, Ina uni sir"

"Ina gagiya. Where are you now? It's already 10:00 am."

"I'm so sorry sir, I was just about to call you when your call came in sir, I won't be able to come today?"

"Hope no problem, Maman Hadee?"

"No, it's nothing sir. Just the payment."

"Oh, that... It's really important now, try to get something at least. You know I'm also contributing quarter of my salary for Hadee's treatment as well. We've come a long way already, don't stop just yet. Please." The therapist begged over the phone.

Tears filled Humaira's eyes as she heard him speak. She knows how much the therapist had helped her but now, she's just unable to move on with any of these.

"Okay sir.." he voice quivered over the call and she switched it off.

***
Hours Later...

It was already evening. Star wore a blank long wavy wig that fits her perfectly well and she put on a short stripless mini- red dress that brings out her curvy shape and sculptured body. To it was a 5 feet red heel one of her sugar daddies bought for her from Tokyo during his last trip. She put on her usual body spray and grabbed her keys.

Just about to leave... Then she remembered Humaira.

'What she told her earlier might be hurtful,' she thought within herself and decided to check on her before leaving.

"Hello dearie."She said as she entered Humaira's room.

Meanwhile, Humaira was trying to feed Hadee his cereal but he wouldn't even eat. Instead, he plays with his food, leaving every where dirty.

Star walked in with a smile and went to where Hadee was sitting.

"Hello there cutie!!" She smiled, grabbing his chubby cheeks but he didn't even look at her.

She noticed Humaira wasn't paying attention to her which was looking a kind of awkward so she moved closer to Humaira.

"I'm so sorry for the way I treated you in the morning. I know it isn't fair but c'mon, it's the truth. How many times would I tell you to join us. Join me and let's hustle. This is the only way and know and I'm also invting you to do it. Is it that bad?"
I can't do it, Star, and I won't. I can't imagine doing prostitution no matter what

"It's not prostitution Humaira. It's hustling."

"It is what it is Star, I don't care whatever you call it but I can't sleep with a man outside marriage. Not anyone, not even an elderly man-"

"But you've done it before, Humaira. Star cut into her words. "Stop doing like a mother Theresa and move on with your life! You'll get paid afterall and you can quit whenever you want."

"Don't bother persuading me. I'm not interested."

"But you're interested in getting money, aren't you?"

Humaira kept quite for a while, as if she was thinking about something.

"Can you lend me any amount at all? Borrow me some money. I want to start a business."

"I told you I have nothing on me."

Just any amount would be fine." Humaira knelt down and begged. Please help me out, I promise to return it to you by month end.

"Okay," Star opened her small glittering purse and handed Humaira some cash. She counted it immediately. It was #5,000.

"This would be enough, thank you!" Humaira hugged her tight.

"No, don't worry. Just make sure you don't stress yourself doing it." Star warned.

"No, it's something simple."

"Okay then. Star stood up. Ummm... I won't be coming back till tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay."

"Bye then."

"Bye bye." Humaira waved her as she walked out.

She was so happy and counted the money over and over again with the same excitement.

'Ya Allah, help me with this. Tomorrow, I'll start Hawking food, give me goodluck and blessings in it.' she payed in her mind.'

'I don't mind how long, I'm going to gather Hadee's therapy fee and everything would be alright again.'

***

Author's Note

Word Count: 1,247.

Hello Universe!
Well, I just have a couple of questions for you guys today. Based on this story,
Are things going as you've expected?

Would you ever recommend this story to a friend? I mean... Do you think it deserves so much reads?

If you're in Humaira's position, what would you have done exactly?

Someone told me she can never imagine being in Humaira's position. What about Zainab's own? Lol!!
😜😘😜🤞

***

Enjoy reading  and please, don't forget to press the tiny orange star ★ at the end of each chapter to notify me you've actually read it… So! What are we waiting for! Continue reading this story of family, adventure, mystery and plot twists and also, don't forget to comment.