7 I’d heard the rumour

"How is work?" she asked

Jamal said nothing but stared at her like she had grown two heads. 'Another argument averted' his expression seemed to say. He mumbled a monosyllabic answer and focused on his jollof rice, tearing into the herb baked chicken like he had a deadline to meet. The silence stretched out for a millennia and Nabila began to wish they were arguing, at least he would be speaking to her. That was probably why she picked fights so often, for the minutes they spoke at each other he was forced to acknowledge her presence in the house. Her frustrations were lashed out at him, hidden behind mundane issues like time sheets and petrol for the generator and DSTV channel switching from his base upstairs; switching her Movies for Super Sports or whatever it was called. Nabila was a slow eater and Jamal inhaled his food, so she was just finishing up when he raced upstairs and came back down surrounded by the aura of Davidoff Cool Water. He wore an ecru printed T shirt under a grey slim fit jacket and vintage wash black jeans. Casual class came easy to him.

"Are you going out?" Nabila asked all innocent.

Jamal shook his head at her then, certain a centurion being had taken the place of his wife. As this was his routine most nights he did not understand her question. He did not even bother to nod; as this must surely be the lure of a fight she had spent her day brewing. But merely grabbed his keys and honked the horn for the gates to be opened. She saw the Benz car lights drive out and Nabila stared at her empty house. Her husband could not get away from her fast enough. That was her marriage.

During the weekend Nabila sat waiting in Maitama district for someone who could not help but be late, all the time; no matter the urgency implied. Luckily for her she always had the best excuse available. How do you argue with someone that saves lives? Rabi ran in from the heat and burst through the doors of Hitonia Health Club. Her personality seemed to envelope everyone at once like a giant sheen emanating from her. Right away, everyone greeted her, like an old friend.

"It's not my fault I'm late" she said heading for Nabila

"Haba Rabi" she scolded although the minute her sister walked in Nabila had forgiven her 40min delay

They hugged briefly and Nabila made to pull away but Rabi rocked her from side to side singing "This is my sorry for 2010 and I ain't going to mess up again..." Nabila started laughing, of all songs to sing her sister chose the most random.

"It's okay. Ya isa mana" Nabila feigned annoyance at her clinginess. Rabi giggled her infectious laugh and they sat down for their weekly pamper sessions. The health club was the best spa sanctuary in Abuja. Hitonia was located in Wing C of the Nicon Hilton Hotel and this made a secret haven whose location was privy to a select few. The sisters first stumbled in here by accident after overindulging themselves on Mediterranean dishes at the Zuma restaurant overlooking the water fountain. It started with a pedicure, and then grew to a facial, then an exfoliating body scrub, followed by a 50minute Thai ritual massage. Needless to say Nabila and Rabi became hooked...

"Madam Rabi welcome" their regular beautician greeted them

"Thank you Yemi, see my sister"

"Yes ma. Welcome madam"

"Uh huh" Nabila responded focused on her sister. Rabi looked different now that she could study her up close. "It feels like I haven't seen you in ages." Rabi shook off her gold sandals and shook her head pitifully at her cracked heels and peeled red nail varnish, "that is because I had to cancel our last two sessions." she replied. "I know Yemi" she said to their attendee who could not contain her frown at their sight, "Without you, I would have skin like an alligator." Yemi giggled and opened up her pouch displaying the tools of her craft. Nabila shook her head; this was why an exclusive health club that had a strict arrive-5mins-before-your-appointment rule could not care less when Rabi showed up almost an hour late.

"But you look good though" Nabila informed her

"Work is tough wallahi. Did you know that being a doctor is hard?"

"I'd heard the rumour"