A Journey of New Beginnings: Embracing Step-Sibling Bonds

Family dynamics can often be complex, especially when new members join. This story unfolds the journey of Barirah and Haneefah as they navigate their newfound relationship as step-siblings, filled with surprises and adjustments.

A Journey of New Beginnings: Embracing Stepsibling Bonds

The Unexpected Reunion

I stood speechless, watching my mum and the girl cuddle for a while. “Haneefah, Haneefah,” my mum said affectionately. “What a big girl you’ve become! Welcome, my darling daughter! Was your journey stressful?” “No, ma’am. It wasn’t,” Haneefah replied with a smile.

Warm Welcomes

“I’m glad to hear that,” she replied and looked up at the young man. “Oh my darling Jamil! You’re most welcome. It’s good to see you!” “Thank you so much, ma. I hope you’re doing great!” “Oh yes, I am. Seeing both of you makes me so excited!” “We are also excited to see you, ma’am!” Haneefah and Jamil chorused.

An Unexpected Introduction

After the greetings, my mum pulled me into her embrace. “Oh my darling Barirah! You’re welcome, my sweetheart! How was your journey?” “My journey was fine. I thought you didn’t see me before,” I grumbled. “Of course, I saw you! I needed to do the greetings one after the other.” My mum was talking when Haneefah interrupted.

Curiosity Sparks

“Mummy, who’s she?” Haneefah asked, pointing at me. “You mean Barirah?” “Yes, if that’s her name!” she replied, rolling her eyes. I returned the rolling of eyes and hissed. My mum was confused by our attitudes. “What’s happening here? What’s with that weird attitude? Have you met before?” she asked.

Unveiling the Connection

Jamil smiled and explained everything to my mum. She burst into laughter. “Oh, my, my, my, you children will not kill me. It’s not good to be ignorant of your family members. See you girls fighting like strangers when you’re actually family.” “Family!!!” Myself and Haneefah chorused.

Entering the Home

“Yes, you’re family,” my mum burst our bubble. “Let’s go in and do the introduction properly.” We all went inside the house. The house was a big bungalow with six ensuite rooms. The sitting room was large and exquisite. We sat in the living room, and my mum served us cold water.

Discovering New Ties

My mum stared at us and laughed again. “I can’t believe you girls fought in the vehicle and after disembarking,” she said. “Haneefah darling! Barirah is my daughter.” “Your daughter?!” Haneefah screamed. “Yes, my daughter. She’s my first child from my previous marriage,” mum clarified.

Realizations and Reflections

“I didn’t know!” Haneefah replied soberly. Her brother scolded her. “Must you know people before you treat them well?” Jamil asked. “Jamil, please leave my daughter,” my mum said playfully and turned to me. “My darling Barirah, Jamil and Haneefah are my husband’s children.”

Understanding the Family

“Really?!” I was amazed. “Yes,” mum replied. “Jamil is my husband’s first child while Haneefah is the second. Unlike me, my husband was a widower. Jamil and Haneefah had been living with their maternal grandmother after their mum’s demise. Grandma died last month, and they’re here to start living with us.”

Embracing the Change

“So, you all are step-siblings. Your parents’ marriage has made you a family. You shouldn’t fight but bond as one. I’m delighted to have you all around. Let me enter the kitchen and make you something delicious to eat.” Mum smiled and dashed out.

Apologies and Adjustments

Jamil continued to laugh, making a mockery of our earlier actions. I was still speechless, trying to absorb the information. Haneefah too wore a remorseful look. Just like me, she must have regretted what happened earlier. Jamil’s voice interrupted our thoughts.

Making Amends

“You girls should stop looking like that and apologize to each other,” Jamil urged us. “I’m sorry,” I apologized to Haneefah. “I’m sorry,” Haneefah also apologized. “Good,” Jamil said. “Now both of you should get up and go assist mum in the kitchen.”

Assisting in the Kitchen

Mum was already stirring Amala when we got to the kitchen. I took over the stirring. Mum gave the okra to Haneefah to cut and sat on a stool in the kitchen. “Barirah, how are your siblings?” Mum asked.

Catching Up

“They’re fine. They sent their greetings. When will my siblings be back from school?” “They’ll be back by 3 p.m. But Radiyya will be back by 5 p.m. She’s doing extra coaching for GCE. We want her to try it in SS2,” mum replied. “That’s good! If she makes her paper in one sitting, she doesn’t need to write WAEC or NECO again,” I replied.

Encouragement and Support

“Yes, that’s our intention,” mum replied. “Did you come with your textbooks?” “Yes, ma,” I replied. “Good! You have to study hard and make all your papers this time, okay!” “Yes, ma!”

Building Relationships

Haneefah cut in. “How many O’level exams have you written?” “If you ask me, na who I go ask?” I shunned her. She complained to my mum. “Mum, can you see her now? I’m trying to be friendly here but she’s giving me attitude again.” My mum smiled.

Learning to Respect

“Both of you will be alright,” my mum replied with a chuckle while Haneefah rolled her eyes at me. I returned the rolling of eyes, and my mum cautioned me. “Barirah, you’re older than Haneefah, act your age, please!” “I knew I’d be older than her. But she’s been so rude,” I said and turned to her.

Seeking Harmony

“You need to respect me as your older sister.” “Barirah!” My mum called. “Respect is reciprocal. You should also respect your sister. She asked you a question, you should respond politely.” “I don’t want to respond to her,” I replied.

Finding Common Ground

“Mum, please leave her. She needs to stop talking so that her saliva will stop going into the Amala she’s making,” Haneefah said. I screamed, “Me?” My mum laughed. “I’m done with you both! You fit each other. I’m going to my room. When the food is done, serve yourself and eat. Don’t forget to serve Jamil.”

Overcoming Differences

We both hissed at each other. “You’re very rude and mannerless!” I said. “You’re also impolite and disrespectful,” she replied. “Keep quiet and don’t talk to me again!” “Who wants to talk to you before?”

Addressing Conflicts

Jamil walked in. “You girls are fighting again?!” He was amazed. “Don’t mind Haneefah!” I tried to complain. “Don’t mind Barirah,” she also tried to complain. “I’m tired of you both. I think I need to report you to daddy.”

Seeking Peace

“Please, don’t,” Haneefah pleaded. “I’ll get along with her.” “Better! If you don’t want me to report to daddy, you better get along well with her,” he said and turned to me. “Barirah, you need to embrace your sister.”

Forging Bonds

“What’s with the cat and dog relationship?” “I’m sorry …” “You’re always quick to apologize, Barirah.” Jamil was talking when Haneefah interrupted. “But she’s a sly ….” “Keep quiet