Cursed With Beauty (29)

Previously:

Khalid: It was pain and hopelessness that left me broken..

Joojoo: Saif and I are together now.

-------------

Khalid:

The doctors said that my leg was no longer working. For me to walk normally again needed a miracle. Drive? Forget about it.

Mr. Marwan visited, he saw me at my weakest point. He actually decided to bring Mai with him.
I wanted to sit up, but the bruises made it impossible.

Me: Esalam 3alaikm 3amyh..

3amy: Wa 3alaikm esalaaam! El7mdllah 3a salamtek Khalid!

"Allah ysalmk" I said with the breath I struggled to take in.

I once again tried to sit up.

3amy: Relax Khalid, no need for formalities.

Father and Mr. Marwan talked about what happened, but Mai pulled a chair at the end of the bed, and stared at me.

Amal:

I finally saw Mai.. She was a pretty face who didn't respect what she had.
She was such a baby face, but her actions were.. Not to be so proud of.

Me: Ahlaan!

She looked at me silently, got up and offered her hand to shake.

Mai: Ana Mai.

I ... Didn't ask??

Me: Amal, nice to meet you!

Mai: What's his name?

Why the hell did she come??

Me: Umm.. Khalid, he's Khalid.

She walked to the right side of his bed.

Mai: Khalid?

Khalid looked at me, red faced. Shy as usual, but what was I to do?

Mai: Khalid, can you see me?

Me: Umm Mai, he's not blind.

Mai: Khalid, do you see me?

Khalid seemed terrified. She freaked him out, but all he did was stare into her eyes.

Mr. Marwan and father sat in the corner, they didn't see the freak show I was watching.

Khalid nodded.

Mai: Good.

She left. I didn't exactly know what was going on, but Khalid seemed to get it.

Joojoo called:

Joojoo: Come outside, we'll go have dinner.

I told dad and walked outside and found Joojoo's car.

Joojoo: Amaaaaal!!! How are you?

Me: Exhausted!

She helped me apply some make up in the car, and by the time we were done we'd reached the restaurant.

We sat down..

Joojoo: I'm so sorry about telling you about Saif fel hospital, right now I'm thinking it wasn't a good time..

Me: As long as you don't hide it from me.

I continued reading the menu, I didn't the "Salma" thing to happen with Joojoo.

Joojoo: umm.. Then I have to tell you that.. Saif is coming.

Me: What!? He'll join us!? Joojoo!!

Joojoo: Noo, no no. He's just coming with some classmates!

Me: Uuugh Joojoo! If it wasn't you who's dropping me home, I'd be leaving! I'm so sorry, but you're just SO bad at timing!

Joojoo looked like she started feeling guilty, and it was time I remained silent again. We ordered instead of arguing, and as we waited, we saw Saif and his friends come..

Cursed With Beauty (28)

Previously:

S3eed: I'm just sick of the fights..

Amal: The first girl Khalid falls for is getting married!

Khalid: SHIT! SHIT! Amal ..
-------------------


Amal:

Khalid's accident was pretty violent. His car had flipped over twice and the man who hit him was already gone..

I sat on the same chair I sat on when mother departed. It seemed like every visit to this hospital was a final goodbye to one of us..

I was tired of crying, praying for good to come, and in came 3amy Rashed... and S3eed. I thought I prayed for good?

I ran and hugged 3amy, who hugged me back tightly.. His hug made me cry all over again.

Me: I don't want to live without him 3amy! I can't!

I was scared. Khalid was my best friend & I wasn't prepared to say goodbye. Joojoo visited at the hospital and pulled me to the coffee shop.

I sat down hugging my legs to my chest laying on the armchair. Joojoo got me some coffee and was silent for a while..

S3eed joined us, he sat on the couch beside Joojoo's..

Joojoo: Amal, I have to tell you something..

I sat down properly, wiping my tears.

Joojoo: I don't need to be judged. I hope you understand..

Me: What's wrong?

Joojoo: No! Nothing.. It's just.. Saif & I are.. Kind of.. Together now..

Me: WHAT!?

I looked at S3eed and looked back at her. Why is she telling me this in front of him?

Joojoo: Oh! Well.. S3eed knows, Saif keeps NOTHING from him.

S3eed's coffee arrived.

Joojoo's not gullible, this I knew. Joojoo was sociable, but not reachable. For Joojoo to end up with Saif.. That was the biggest shock.

I was out of any energy to argue, so I let it be. I just sat back into my original position sipping my coffee waiting for that "good" I prayed for.

Hours passed, and each was longer than a day, until a doctor finally came out and the only news he had was "Everything's stable.. He'll just need some time to regain consciousness."

At his bed I saw a huge cast that covered his leg, wires all over his chest and arms, but he'd already gotten up, and all I saw was pain in his eyes.

Me: Ahlan..

I whispered. He smiled but did not reply..

Khalid:

It was pain and hopelessness that left me broken. I had no intention of moving, or even feeling as alive as I felt on that bed that could've been my deathbed..

Cursed With Beauty (27)

Previously:

Khalid: Mr. Marwan gave me the hand of the wrong one!

Amal: I can't believe I had to go to 3amy Rashed's farm alone!

-----------------------------

Amal:

I was walking back to the farmhouse when S3eed came out of nowhere.

S3eed: Come, I want to show you something

HE ACTED LIKE NOTHING EVER HAPPENED! He was full of hypocrisy and contradictions.

Me: What're you up to?

S3eed: Nothing, I'm tired of fighting, end of war.

I nodded, following him suspiciously. He took me behind the farmhouse, where we used to play when we were kids.. "The secret hideaway"

S3eed: Remember? Our "secret hideout" that everyone knew of!

I was quite surprised everything was exactly where we left it. The table that we once called "huge" was dusty, in a faded blue color.

The toy food on the ground, we got thinking we might need for when we got hungry.
The huge tree that once held our swing, was once green and strong, had grown old and leafless. Seeing that place made me feel like I was looking directly at my relationship with S3eed.
Throughout the years our friendship has turned dry. Our care and kindness had died, and we were only left with memories.

Khalid:

I excused myself and thought about it as I drove back home.. I was confused, the wrong girl. I didn't want Mai one bit! Why Mr. Marwan? Why!

Amal:

3amy dropped me back home, in the living room sat Grandmother who called me before I entered my room.

Yado: Amal! Remember that Aisha we were talking about!?

Me: Yes grandmother, what about her?

Yadoh: Mohammed, Khalid's friend proposed to her! She said yes!

She was so happy and filled with joy, while I, with my shock got up and ran to my room!

The first girl Khalid likes!! And she's getting married to someone else!? No!!!!

I quickly called Khalid:

Me: KHALID!! Aisha is proposed!

Khalid: What!? Who said that! When?!

Me: Yadoooh!!!

Khalid started shouting: What is this luck, are you sure?!

Me: Yes, she said it was Mohammed, supposedly someone you know!

Suddenly:

Khalid: SHIT! SHIT! SHIT! Amal!! Shit!!!

T-shahad!! I heard him yt-shahad and a crash came after that! The phone hung up..

Cursed With Beauty (26)

Previously:

Amal: I can have you both expelled.

Joojoo: Uuggh Amal he's too good to be true!

7amad: Something both you & I possess.. When I think I've lost my charm, there's you to test it out on. It's still there.
---------------

Amal:

Back home, grandmother handed me the baby and left.. Father was in a meeting, Khalid with his boss.. I was the only one going to the farm!? I'm going to deal with S3eed? After ALL I did? Damn!

S3eed:

Father left to pick up Amal.. Apparently it was only her and 3oshah.. It was finally my time with her.

Amal:

I got into the car w salamt 3ala 3amy, and the entire ride we were talking about what's been going on.. He always jokes around & in no time I was getting out of the car wiping my tears from laughter.

There they stood; Salma and S3eed waiting outside.. After we've greeted each other I walked around the lime trees with Salma..

Me: It's been soo long!! I miss this place!

Salma was on her BB, not exactly paying attention, but I didn't care..

Salma: Hmm?? Umm haaih, ma3rf.. Shoo?

Me: Haha mashay... How are you doing?

Salma: Ana.. I broke up wya one of my Bf's lyom.. Kan eyeebly coffee before school every morning.. Ma3rf shoo basawee al7een!

"You must be devastated" was all I thought of..

Me: I'm sorry..

Salma: it's okay.. Nshallah one day byeeny rayal kaaml el w9oof w ysaweely kl ely my other 2 boyfriends ysoownha.

Wow..

Me: Well.. Salma matfakreen lo you stopped what you're doing.. You just might get the right person?

Salma: Please! Don't even think about it.. I kept every single secret of yours.. I told you one and you decided my father had to know!

Me: That's because it was wrong Salma! You know what having all those boyfriends can make your father do!

Salma: You didn't even give me a chance-

Me: To what!? Get yourself in deeper trouble?

Salma: My father doesn't even trust me anymore!

Me: Maybe because you're not worthy of their trust.

I walked away..

Khalid:

Even after lunch, and after all the men left, my conversations with 3amy Marwan did not end.

I was actually the last to leave and on my way out Aisha had just come back..

Mr. Marwan: Aisha! I see you're back already.

3ashah smiled to her father as she tried to get inside.. It was just like that beach night, only happier.

I got to my car, but then heard Mr. Marwan call out: Where are you going Khalid?! And Aisha, come join us!

Me: No 3amy, it's already late!

3amy: Come in, come in!

Usually, the strangest request would be from a father to join his daughter with a strange man into a room. Not just here, but... I think all around the world!

We got back in, & 3amy ordered Aishah to make some more tea..


We sat down awkwardly.. I always had a hard time talking to girls.. This time was no better..

3amy suddenly started laughing..

3amy: You were just chatting up, what happened!

He chuckled.

I looked up again, and she was sitting there... Sitting down properly, sipping on her tea..

3amy: Aisha, remember when Mai stole your car keys?

Me: 3amy.. Let's forget about that!

3amy: It's nothing new, but the way you handled it was!

Aishah lowered her cup & looked at 3amy in surprise..

Aisha: Why are we talking about this with a stranger!?

3amy: Hear me out Aisha! You should've seen him at the coffee shop, he didn't even look at her once! Doesn't Mai need such a person?!

He said all the right words but... It wasn't the person I wanted!!

Aishah was quite surprised, I was even more surprised. I wanted Aishah..

Cursed With Beauty (25)

Previously:

Khalid:
I spotted Mai sitting on the front seat, leaning forward..
She looked at me & winked...
NOOOO Mai! What did you do!!

Amal:
3amy Rashed called! He finally had a day off! He asked if we would spend tomorrow at the farm..

S3eed:
Saif won't stop talking about Joojoo. Idiot..
-----------------------
Amal:

At school I sat on the stairs, reading.. I felt the air around me change and when I looked up it was Kovu down the stairs..
He had a cast over her arm and he seemed to struggle with his backpack. When I stood up, his expression changed into a worried one..

"Sit down" an angry tone from behind came.. I turned around & it was S3eed, when I looked back down, Saif was standing behind Kovu with crossed arms..

S3eed: You heard me.

Me: Once you have some dignity.

S3eed: How dare you!

He shouted. Right to my face.

Me: First, I demand my respect, second, you have no authority over me. Third, let me not remind you I am a witness who can be the reason behind you both getting expelled. Leave me alone.

S3eed shook his head "no" to Saif, then he ran away.

Some girls passed by covering their mouths, asking me if it's "my guy" I just fought with..

What I learned was that the more I talked, the more trouble I had to go through, & my running tongue had to be tucked in.

I silently ran down the stairs just to see my Kovu a bit closer as he lurched..

7amad: Amal are you done yet?

He stood like a brick wall in front of me, I just wanted a glimpse of Kovu.

Me: Ehh, not nowww!

7amad: When?

Me: I'm not talking about the books!!!

I stood on my toes, 7amad was too tall, bend to the right, 7amad raised his arms.

7amad: I'm not stupid you know, keep walking..

He turned around to leave, but I jumped in front of him.

7amad: What now?

He bent down and my face came too close to his, I looked into his bedazzling eyes as I backed up a step.

Me: ..I have.. Something to protest about.

I got myself out of the trance.

7amad: Is that so? Please do.

He gave a stunning smile.

Me: WHY THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO READ A BOOK CALLED "THE ART OF SEDUCTION"!?

7amad: I didn't hear you. That was too loud..

Me: You know how embarrassed I was when the guy read what book I had?

7amad: Does that not make you seem even more desirable? So, what am I missing?

Me: 7amad... If two were more than enough... The hell am I supposed to do with three?

7amad: to lose all suspicion you're going to win them all.
To raise your value, you'll choose none.
To get exactly who you want, you'll need the book.


His words came out so clear, I didn't understand how stupid I was a second before he said that.

Me: Hmmh.

I said in amazement.

Me: What was that?

7amad gave a questioning look.

Me: You just look into a girl's eye and she falls in love with you?

7amad: She likes what she sees, there's is no love, just lust. What makes my skills easier is something both you & I possess.. When I think I've lost my charm, there's you to test it out on. It's still there..

He said as he haughtily walked away..

Joojoo: Heey!!

She hugged me. I forgot to hug back.. I WANTED TO SEE KOVU!

Joojoo: What's wrong now?
And so I told her about S3eed and Saif..

Joojoo: By the way, Saif is not a bad guy! At all actually! I know what he did.. But he was a different person when I talked to him!

Me: You TALKED!? About what!?

Joojoo: I don't know.. Nothing.. Everything.. Uugggh Amal he's just too amazing to be true!

Cursed With Beauty (24)

Amal:

Back home, I spread all 12 books on my bed..

Twelve? In a week? I doubted my abilities as the thought of backing down angered me.. This is only the beginning..

All the books were about self improvement, etiquette, & sociology..
I didn't understand what 7amad was trying to tell me, but I began..

For those dozen books, every single second counted.
I read during class, in between, while I had lunch, as I went up the stairs.. Even in the bathroom I took a book with me!! I breathed words and sentences.

Khalid:

Mr. Marwan invited me to lunch at his meelas. It was almost always grand there. As I parked outside I saw a car come out of the garage.. It was Aisha! It was finally Aishah my eyes saw..

It was also Aishah in the driver's seat, and to me it wasn't my favorite fantasy.. Aishah should be in the back seat. Someone driving for her and meeting her every need.

This was what I always thought, but seeing the power she had made me go crazy. A woman who "can" and "will" and is not afraid.. That thought never occurred to me..

As I gazed with all those thoughts on my mind, I spotted Mai sitting on the front seat, leaning forward..

She looked at me & winked. Aisha only then noticed my existence.. She looked at Mai, then looked at me like I was an overflowing dumpster.. Then she drove off.

NOOOO Mai! What did you do!!

S3eed:

Saif won't stop talking about Joojoo.. I don't know who was the one who decided that she was too dangerous. Idiot..

Saif: S3eed I found joojoo on twitter!

Me: Saif, people call you, flirt and close, you don't even know the girl's name. You flirt with unsaved numbers for fun, don't tell me Joojoo can change all that!

Saif: S3eed... Even though Joojoo knows about the people, she never spoke about them, nor does she speak about those pitiful feelings. She actually let me inside her head for once. She has those amazing ideas and the way she thinks is pure amazement! I had girls tell me to "text them before they sleep or else they can't" but conversations with her take me over the moon and back every night!

Amal:

 3amy Rashed called! He finally had a day off! He asked if we would spend tomorrow at the farm, & I agreed we'd go instantly!

I texted Khalid and father everything, then I went to mama Hamdah's room..

Mama Hamda: Dear, take your sister and close the door behind you!

Sooo not the time for that!

Me: Nshallah, but grandmother, 3amy asked us to gather at the farm tomorrow!

Yado: How do you agree without permission, and without telling me! I'm not coming, I have other things to do.

I nodded & left.. I went back to reading.

With the door open, I saw yadoh as she got out her room with emerald green fabric in her hands.. I took the baby and followed yadoh..

She sat on the floor in the living room and pulled an old sewing machine from behind the TV set..

She spread the fabric in front of her and started folding it around. Cutting here and there. I watched closely as she unfurled the piece of fabric and I saw a cut out of a jalabyah..

Then she began sewing, and every step there was, I watched.. By the end of it, she pulled the inside out and a jalabyh was created..

Yadoh: I see you don't have any more clothes in your closet, wear this.

And she threw it at me.. Apparently I forgot I was in shorts and she thought I didn't have any clothes.. Other than that, seeing a piece of clothing created right before my eyes , to me & as a girl, was incredible.

Cursed With Beauty (23)

Amal:

Me: Check out who's checking you out!

Joojoo: You mean Saif? Please!! So much smarter than to fall for a player. So low.. I wonder how he's your cousin's friend..

Me: Seems like I'm trying to do whatever to get them off my back..

She turned around with a killer look in her eyes

S3eed and Saif left, Joojoo knew too much, and she could do too much, so they didn't mess with her.

7amad came from behind..

7amad: Follow me.

I've heard him shout once, & it wasn't pretty, so I did as he said. We walked into the library, and he sat down on the chair in front of the one I chose.

Me: I..

My tongue got tied for a second.

Me: It's true.. I mean.. I can see how I'm "cursed." I see how what I once thought was a good thing brought a lot of misery and complications..


As I spoke, 7amad got up and sat down 3 to 4 times.. He'd pick up about 4 books, skim through them, and get some more.

Me: I fear confusion & hardships because of this, but I don't plan to live in fear. I'm ready.

I got up to follow 7amad who carried a dozen books to check them out.

7amad: Here.

He made me carry all his books.

7amad: Read them. You also have a week's deadline. You have to return them.

12 books!! Seriously!? In a week?

Me: How am I supposed to read all of them!?

7amad: Don't ask me. Make it work.

Me: But-

7amad: You said you're ready, there's no backing down now.

He left.. I headed back to my class, complaining about how heavy they are, how I already hated 7amad. How he's an idiot for making me do this.

On my way 2 guys stopped me.

Guy1: Heeyy, let me help with those

Guy2: Wow, who knew people like you had time to read all this shit! To think you spend half your time playing with make up.

I rolled my eyes, it wasn't of his concern anyways!

I walked away, but then they apologized & they both carried them for me.

Guy1: 7amad's books!

Guy2: His free time books! He donated them to the library..

Guy1: He used to be such a loser, those books could change him? No one can mess with him now.

Guy2: Naah, books aren't like that, they're just for people in love and stuff.

I acted like I wasn't listening, their nonsense made no sense!

Guy2: Why? You think books change people?

Guy1: Pfft.. I don't think a book called "The Art of Seduction" could do that.

The guy who said that stopped and gave me a dirty look.

Guy2: Hahaha!! I don't think 7amad donated that!

I stopped, I was embarrassed.. The hell was 7amad thinking!?

Me: Books change minds, minds change the world, now keep walking!


Khalid:

I went back to work as soon as I stopped talking. I was either getting fired, or have something thrown at me. Instead, I got an apology.

It got better with Mr. Marwan.. After coming to an agreement that it just never happened. He even accepted me more than we did before!

He invited me to the meelas, gave me longer breaks, & working with him was such a joy! The only thing that annoyed me was how much I wondered.. Am I his friend for him, or is it because subconsciously I believed it's a way to get to Aisha?

Cursed With Beauty (22)

Amal:
It was the first time I learn that Khalid had feelings for a girl. After what I've experienced, I knew I had to help him, & I knew exactly how.

S3eed:

Guilt, anger, hate ran through every part of my body. I've lost my appetite, grew weak.
I was useless, helpless, desperate, lost..
I simply forgot what once hurt, what once made me smile, I even forgot the difference between happy and sad.

Every morning, I waited for Amal to come. I walked right behind her until she reached her classes. With every time she tried to lift her head up, I had to shout at her.. With time she got used to it.

So many family photographs had Amal taking the entire shot. That was her power. Pictures with her mother holding her like a precious diamond in her hand. I couldn't bear the idea of Amal ruining that image, not in my mind, nor anyone else's

Amal:
I think S3eed lost it! How overprotective he became was unbearable. With all the respect that he left me with, I obeyed.

Khalid:

I got to work that day, I said good morning, but 3amy never replied.

Me: 3amy is there something wrong?

Mr. Marwan: You have so much work to do, just do it quietly!

Me: But 3am-

He cut me off..

Mr. Marwan: I'm busy!

So I sat back down on my desk.

I thought needed some time, but weeks passed and all he had for me was the silent treatment.

Amal:
I sat down with yado Hamda to talk about Aishah..

We got into the family tree and found all the relations. Who married who, where did who live, and who was who's friend.

This is what I know so far: Aisha's grandmother tried so hard to have a child, but the only one who survived was Aisha's mother.. Later, she married Mr. Marwan, and had 2 girls. Aisha who was a year older than Mai.

Khalid:

After days passing, I thought it was time to confront Mr. Marwan. All I expected was an apology, and. Everything would be ok once more.

Me: 3amy Marwan, I'm-

He interrupted: Don't you have anything to do? I have no time to chat!

Me: ummm.. 3amy, I just want to explain myself, please!

Mr. Marwan: Forget about that right now!

I then remembered Amal.. Apologize? Really?

Me: 3amy.. I'm really sorry, I had no intention what so ever.

Mr. Marwan sighed heavily..


Amal:

I haven't been able to see, or even ask about Kovu. S3eed was everywhere, where ever I was, he would be close.. Mentally sick.

I've asked Joojoo to walk with me.. Maybe he might shy away like Khalid would, so I thought.. He only followed me from a farther distance.

S3eed:

Saif jumped out of nowhere..

Saif: *whispers* What the hell is Amal doing with Joojoo?

Me: They're friends..

The fact that Amal's name was on the tip of his tongue bothered me.

Said: Isn't that Joojoo something!

Cursed With Beauty (21)

Khalid:

It was a mess.. Though Mr. Marwan was silent, there was a vibe of rage & tension. Mr. Marwan was a part of the higher class society we both came from, unfortunately Mai failed to represent it..

I didn't want to judge Mai, I don't know why she is the way she is.. It makes it almost unfair for me to choose exactly what I should be thinking of her.
I just wondered how a girl in her situation, stitched and bruised would be thinking of hooking up at that time.

Mr. Marwan and Mai quietly walked out of the coffee shop..

Amal:

I was sent back home after I exhausted myself of crying..

"I'm tired. It hurts, I just cannot handle it."

I kept repeating this sentence to the nurse, who thought I was talking about my physical state, when I actually knew that I was tired emotionally.
It did hurt to see him in pain. And I couldn't handle facing S3eed & Saif again.

Bakc at home, in bed with baby 3oshah sleeping beside me.. I cried & prayed all for Kovu, I just wanted him to be okay.

I flipped my phone out, just to stop the over thinking. I tweeted, I tweeted like I never did before. Right after blocking Saif and all his drama.

I heard a knock, & Joojoo came in..

She ran towards me and hugged me, & I wished she'd never let go.

Joojoo: I heard about your breakdown, I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you!!

I cried even more when she said that, I've been pushing myself away from everyone, secretly I didn't want anyone to get used to me.
I didn't want to have friends just because I had trust issues.

Me: Joojoo, it's been weeks but, you have to know this, I can't keep it in much longer!

I told her about everything that happened.. Saif, S3eed, Kovu, even meeting 7amad. That morning, the fight. Everything.

Girls sometimes don't need therapists, they just need their best friends.. To stand against the world, they always need someone to help them up.


Mama Hamda called out for lunch, Khalid was already seated with his face directly on the table..

I started laughing as I sat down and Joojoo sat beside me. Baby 3osha was in her stroller between me and Joojoo.

Me: What happened?

Khalid: I have no idea, I really don't.

He lifted his head and saw Joojoo.
Khalid's always been shy from girls, so he sat quietly.

We had lunch & Joojoo had to go back home after that.. So I sat with Khalid in the living room..

Khalid: Amal I need your help, I seriously don't know what to do..

Amal: .About what?

Khalid: Remember Aisha? From the beach day?

Amal: Oh.. Yeah?

He told me all that happened..

Khalid:

I thought Amal could help, I was too lost, I couldn't do it alone..

Amal: Leave it to me, Ok? Tomorrow you apologize to Mr. Marwan..

Apologize!? Did she not listen? I didn't do anything!!

Me: How do I apologize!? And why?

Cursed With Beauty (20)

Khalid:

Her looks were not comforting.. I felt better when Mr. Marwan & I sat on another table.

Mr. Marwan sat on a chair that faced the window, I on the other hand, had a front seat show to a series of flirty looks from my boss' daughter.

When Mr. Marwan got up, she immediately pulled out her phone, pretending to text.. He just got up to go to the bathroom.. There were still some papers he didn't read yet.
I pulled out my phone to just check.. Next thing I knew, she was sitting on the seat her father was, asking for my number!
I got up to the counter myself to pay the bill. I just wanted to leave before I get into trouble.. Behind me she stood..
"I'm talking to you how disrespectful!"
I turned around, & my heart dropped when I saw Mr. Marwan standing behind her..

Amal:


7amad told me I was cursed.. I was cursed with beauty.. It was either I control it or it controls me, & to be honest, I wasn't exactly focusing on what he said.
I got out of the presentation room thinking about everything.. He offered to help me, but I didn't take him seriously.. I didn't tell him that though.. I thanked him, told him I'd think about it, then left.

S3eed:

If only 7amad didn't see us.. I would've killed him.. Was it revenge? Was it envy? I think it was how mad I was at myself.. For waiting so long to tell her..

Just when I thought I was ready to get back into her life, as a new person.. Someone she wanted, maybe cared about. All those problems, arguments, & complications decide to make an appearance.
Saif: SA3OOOOD!!!
He was running so fast his feet almost reached me before him..
Saif: Saahh-3ood
He gasped for air.
Saif: S3eed! Saaa3o...
Me: WHAT?
Saif: Your cousin.. That,, Amal..

He stopped to breathe again.. I grabbed the collar of his shirt..

Me: What's wrong with her!?

I grew mad once more.. I did not want my cousin's name to be mentioned at all at that time.
Saif: You won't believe it. She was at the presentation room with .. WITH 7AMAD!

Amal:
All those stupid things that happened that day got to me. I had a severe headache I had to go to the nurse's room.
I opened the door and a gurney flew out with Kovu on it..
Nurse: Hospital quickly! Quickly!!
.. She said as men from the ambulance rushed..
Me: Nurse, what's wrong!? What's wrong with him!?

Cursed With Beauty (19)

My heart broke, my tears streamed down my face.. I was hurt, Kovu was hurt.
It was violence I thought I'd only see on T.V. When mother won't even let me watch.

As I walked backwards I accidentally bumped into a guy.. He dropped his backpack and ran to rescue. Saif and S3eed both got punched. Once, twice until they let go of Kovu.

They ran away, but the guy tried helping Kovu up.

He had brown, soft curls, & hazel wide eyes. He wasn't tanned, but he wasn't pale. A well fitted cardigan with sleeves rolled up perfectly.

They both passed by me, Kovu telling me with his eyes about what happened, & the guy wondering what the hell was happening to us.

I couldn't handle going to class, I ran to the library to hide between the aisles.. It was quiet, calm, all that I needed that time.

The same guy I saw that morning came..

Guy: Get up.

I looked up shocked, a guy I hardly know is commanding me to get up.

Me: Sorry?

He looked at me, as if saying he's not repeating himself.

I got up, he sounded mad anyways.

Guy: I've heard a lot about you Amal, I know who you are.

Me: And you are?

Guy: 7amad, now follow me.

I didn't want him to get mad, so I simply walked behind him.

He took me to the presentation room. It was dark, & the only thing that lit up was what the projector screened.

7amad: You really remind me of myself a couple of years ago, Amal.. Believe it or not, we're cursed with this blessing.. And I can see you haven't controlled it yet.

Khalid:

I visited Mr. Marwan at the hospital, I had to know if Aisha was well, but I told him there were papers he had to deal with.

I've walked through the same halls a million times, but Mr. Marwan called saying they were already done, & that they're at the depressing coffee shop Amal used to like.

I saw Mr. Marwan, and, as I guessed, Aisha was giving me her back.

As I walked up to him, she turned her head but it wasn't her..

Mr. Marwan: Khalid! Esalam 3alaikm.

I shook my head to stop myself from gazing.

Me: 3amy Marwan.. Wa3alaikm el salam.. L7mdllah 3ala salamat..

I had a confused expression that gave Mr. Marwan a clue..

Mr. Marwan: Oh! Khalid, this is my troublesome young daughter..

He didn't bother saying her name.

She looked up to me, with almost a grin and a dirty look. I wasn't exactly getting what she was trying to tell me..

"Halla.. My name's Mai"

And she giggled shyly..