Previously:
Khalid: I love you Mai..
Saeed: I decide to ask Joojoo where she'd like to study later on. "America." She replies.. I remember that Saif, my friend and her ex, moved there about a year or two ago.
------------------------------
Khalid:
I woke up embarrassed from the night before, Mai was still sleeping when I got up for work. By the time I suited up, Mai was alarmed. I don't know if I was loud, or if it was the baby.
Around Mai, I feel clumsy. Whenever she looks at me, I lose my balance. I stiffly walk to the closet to pull out a tie, failing to act cool and confident. I walk back to the mirror to brush my hair to the side and fix my tie. The mirror reflected Mai, which was distracting. I saw her eyeing me with my tie, and I struggled to put it on.
"Let me help you." She suggested. "I'm fine, I won't wear a tie today."
I stop to look at her reflection struggling to get off the bed.
"Don't move, I'll come to you.." I guess I gave up. She sat by the bed, and I was on my knees before her. It was so awkward that my shyness burned my face red, I felt it.
"You look good in a suit and tie, you should've worn a suit to our wedding."
"I don't remember marrying you to remember what I wore that night."
The dorky grin disappeared from her face, she subtly shook her head back to reality. "Do you regret it?" She stood up, holding her baby bump, as if hugging it apologetically. It was such a sad sight to see, she looked lonely, and fragile. I wrapped my arms around her, trying to hug her, but not touch the baby bump.
The first thought that came to my mind was, it was too late to regret anything. "No." I whisper, my voice sounds too confident, almost insincere. "But..?" Mai demands truth. "I just wish I got the chance to get to know you better, before a baby comes between us." "Khalid, this baby is yours too.. It'll need you more than I do."
I start to feel offended. A couple of days ago I was living my life carefree, and then I'm suddenly responsible for two souls with one visit from my family. What am I going to do with a baby?
"I'm sorry you have to go through this Mai, I just don't remember how I was involved in this."
Amal:
I stood in front of the school gates and focused on every single detail. I missed school. I missed someone in school. The search began.
"Amal!" Joojoo hugs me from behind, Salma runs across the hall to join us. We sit at the nearest bench and I give out souvenirs. "Joojoo, I want you to give this to Saeed, they're just some T-shirts. Salma, give those to 7amad."
"Why me!?" Salma protests, but she takes the gift bag with her.
"Salma there he is! Run!" Joojoo points out, he doesn't notice us until Salma calls his name.
"Amal! You're back!" I stand up just to greet him, but he takes me into his embrace. What the hell!? "I missed you.." He breathes into my neck. I try to break free, he hugs me tighter, and lifts me off the floor.
I look at Joojoo, whose jaw is on the floor, and Salma's eyes are burning mad. "Let me go 7amad.."
He listens, then turns to look at Salma. "What's wrong?" He grins, then I understand. He's teasing her.
"Is this how you prove you like a girl?" She seems surprised, in shock maybe, she raises her hands up. she doesn't want to argue about it, so she left us there standing.
"7amad! You messed up!" His fun self disappears, and he pouts. I don't think he realized he was pouting, his eyes wide and sad, it was heart breaking to see. "Come, we'll get some coffee and head to the library. We can talk about this there."
In the library, the librarian suspects we're on a date, I pull out the closest algebra textbook and start solving whatever lesson I found I knew. He starts "I don't know what to do with her! No flowers, no gifts, no nothing makes her understand.. She's not even thinking about me Amal!"
"Maybe she doesn't need flowers or gifts." I guess. "What would she need? Help me Amal!" His face buried in his hands, he seems so desperate. "It's alright 7amad, I'll try To help, okay?" I try to reassure him. "Amal, what are you solving?" "The librarian is giving me death glares.." He laughs, and it seems I was able to change his mood somehow. I stare as his expression softens, and his handsome face relaxes. "I don't know how she's resisting you." I confess. "And you wouldn't!?" He teases. "Come on, you know me. There's one person in my head and it frustrates me enough." I sigh.
"The only difference is that you know he likes you back.."
What?
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (73)
Dear Owsha,
This one's for you..
Love, C.B.
Previously
Kovu: Mohammed is my eldest brother, and Mayed is the middle child, an embarrassment.
Amal: Khalid lost his memory!
Khalid: I deserved a date with the pregnent wife I no longer remembered.
Mai: Sit back, please? Just give us a chance..
---------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
We got off a plane after seven hours of flying. It was tiring, but not exhausting. Uncle Rashed, and Saeed wait for us outside. Saeed carried 3osha over his shoulders, and I wondered how grandmother even allowed him. I ran to hug my 3osha, I missed her so much. So small, so cheerful, and so innocent.
In the car 3osha and I cuddle silently while Uncle Rashed updates father about what's going on.
Uncle Rashed: We have to move, and keep moving. I don't know who it is, or who they are.. We believe it has to do with one of the criminals I caught, but no one's talking.
My stomach flips, and I look at Saeed, he nods at me and stares out the window.
"How's Joojoo?" I whisper. "She's good." Our voices lower. " What're you going to do?" "Changed some names, but once she graduates, we're heading to another country." It seemed like a good plan. "And Salma?" "We still don't know." I started to worry.
Khalid:
In Paris, at 10 pm, I lie down on bed to get some rest, Mai was taking a bath. I try to sleep before she comes, but I stop trying when I hear singing coming from the bathroom. I suddenly remember that voice, and all the exhaustion disappears. I get up and walk closer to the bathroom door. I sit on the floor by the door, closing my eyes, tyring to remember where I heard it before, and when., but I couldn't. Did I hear that when I used to love her? Through my concentration, I dozed off into sleep, on the floor. The unlocking of the door startled me.
"Khalid, are you okay?" I get up immediately, too quickly that I get dizzy. She held my arms to help me up, I held her's to keep her up. I lead her to the bed, tuck her in, and lie down beside her. "Could you sing for me, Mai?" She shakes her head. "Why not?" but I fall asleep before I hear the answer.
I open an eye, and I directly look at the digital clock. 1 am, and I hear humming in my ears. Her warm breath gives me goosebumps, she's singing for me. I'm too tired to move, instead I close my eyes and listen to her whispering her lullaby to me. "I love you Mai.." I fall asleep again.
Saeed:
I search for univeresities and colleges farthest from home, and so I decide to ask Joojoo where she'd like to study later on. "America." She replies.. I remember that Saif, my friend and her ex, moved there about a year or two ago. "How about London?" I suggest. "Too mainstream? Besides, I want to know what it'd be like to be a Cali. girl." "How about we study in a casino in Las Vegas?" "Saeed! Seriously." She scowls. "Come sit beside me, I have something to tell you." I reach out and pull her on my lap. "I've been having nightmares." She trails kisses around my neck as I speak. "About Saif.." She haults when I mention him,I could not see her reaction as her face was buried in my neck. She kisses me on last time, and stands up. "I want America, if Europe's where you're going, you can go alone." She walks away.
This one's for you..
Love, C.B.
Previously
Kovu: Mohammed is my eldest brother, and Mayed is the middle child, an embarrassment.
Amal: Khalid lost his memory!
Khalid: I deserved a date with the pregnent wife I no longer remembered.
Mai: Sit back, please? Just give us a chance..
---------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
We got off a plane after seven hours of flying. It was tiring, but not exhausting. Uncle Rashed, and Saeed wait for us outside. Saeed carried 3osha over his shoulders, and I wondered how grandmother even allowed him. I ran to hug my 3osha, I missed her so much. So small, so cheerful, and so innocent.
In the car 3osha and I cuddle silently while Uncle Rashed updates father about what's going on.
Uncle Rashed: We have to move, and keep moving. I don't know who it is, or who they are.. We believe it has to do with one of the criminals I caught, but no one's talking.
My stomach flips, and I look at Saeed, he nods at me and stares out the window.
"How's Joojoo?" I whisper. "She's good." Our voices lower. " What're you going to do?" "Changed some names, but once she graduates, we're heading to another country." It seemed like a good plan. "And Salma?" "We still don't know." I started to worry.
Khalid:
In Paris, at 10 pm, I lie down on bed to get some rest, Mai was taking a bath. I try to sleep before she comes, but I stop trying when I hear singing coming from the bathroom. I suddenly remember that voice, and all the exhaustion disappears. I get up and walk closer to the bathroom door. I sit on the floor by the door, closing my eyes, tyring to remember where I heard it before, and when., but I couldn't. Did I hear that when I used to love her? Through my concentration, I dozed off into sleep, on the floor. The unlocking of the door startled me.
"Khalid, are you okay?" I get up immediately, too quickly that I get dizzy. She held my arms to help me up, I held her's to keep her up. I lead her to the bed, tuck her in, and lie down beside her. "Could you sing for me, Mai?" She shakes her head. "Why not?" but I fall asleep before I hear the answer.
I open an eye, and I directly look at the digital clock. 1 am, and I hear humming in my ears. Her warm breath gives me goosebumps, she's singing for me. I'm too tired to move, instead I close my eyes and listen to her whispering her lullaby to me. "I love you Mai.." I fall asleep again.
Saeed:
I search for univeresities and colleges farthest from home, and so I decide to ask Joojoo where she'd like to study later on. "America." She replies.. I remember that Saif, my friend and her ex, moved there about a year or two ago. "How about London?" I suggest. "Too mainstream? Besides, I want to know what it'd be like to be a Cali. girl." "How about we study in a casino in Las Vegas?" "Saeed! Seriously." She scowls. "Come sit beside me, I have something to tell you." I reach out and pull her on my lap. "I've been having nightmares." She trails kisses around my neck as I speak. "About Saif.." She haults when I mention him,I could not see her reaction as her face was buried in my neck. She kisses me on last time, and stands up. "I want America, if Europe's where you're going, you can go alone." She walks away.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (72)
Previously:
"You worry so much. Calm down and let things be. You have to accept that some things aren't under your control, but that doesn't mean things won't work out eventually."
Amal: Trusting the stranger just felt right..
Khalid: What the hell was I thinking? I couldn't possibly just go with it..
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saeed:
The boys joined me at the farm, since the weather was getting better, I thought quadbiking might be fun, but Amal's crush had a better idea in mind. We walk out of our farm and walk to the horse stables of another farm. "Are you sure we're allowed in?" "Chill, it's our farm." He laughs. He called Ahmed, the stable manager, the man who scolded me about scaring the horses with my quadbike so many times in the past.
Ahmed straps three horses ready for us to ride. "Saeed, you'll be riding Mayed's horse.. Mayed's a bit reckless so be careful." "And I?" Asked 7amad.. "Don't worry, Mohammed's horse is well trained." So I got the crazy one, I roll my eyes at him. I hesitate to get on the horse, but I manage. 7amad, on the other hand, is on the horse with one smooth move. "You've been on a horse before." " Polo team." 7amad answers. " You guys know how to ride horses, I have no idea!" Amal's crush reassures me once more " They'll both follow my horse anyways, and eventually, they did.
"So who are Mayed and Mohammed again?" I try not to seem so curious. "Mohammed is my eldest brother, Mayed is the middle child, an embarrasment." I wonder how come we've never met before.. "Mohammed's actually a good friend of Khalid.. Amal's older brother.."
Oh!
Amal:
Back at the hotel, Mai dresses up for a dinner with Khalid at his room. She looked beautiful in a low neck, wrap dress that hugged her pregnant stomach. She wore a gold statement neckalece. Her face was glowing, she had wine red lipstick on, and her chocolate brown hair curled, laying perfectly on her shoulders. There was no way Khalid wouldn't fall in love with her all over again. She looked at her reflection and breathed heavily, I didn't know if she was nervous or if it was the fact that she was pregnant.. I worried.
Mai: So, he remembers nothing?
Me: Nope..
Mai closes her eyes and I notice her lips move, as if in prayer.
Me: You're worried?
Mai nods silently, she wears an abaya over her shoulders and wear her shaila and walks out of the room, to get to Khalid's.
Khalid:
I called room service and had the table set for dinner with Mai. I still didn't know what would happen next, but I deserved a first date with my pregnant wife, the one I no longer remembered. My father insisted I get a hair cut, a shave at the barber, and finally suit up. I sit back and watch T.V. until I hear a knock on the door. I open the door for her, and she walks in with her head down. She smoothly takes off her shaila, and I help with the abaya, and hang them in the closet, while she seems to fix her hair in front of the mirror. I hold my hand behind my back, I feel my palms sweat, and my mouth dry. "So, umm.. "
She turns to look at me. I point at the dinner table directly, pushing the attention away from me. I walk to her chair, and pull it out for her. She sat down and I do the same. When I take a look at her, she's wide-eyed and as nervous as I am. We laugh at each other. I hear her exhale stress, and notice she can't hide her smile. "So, how've you been?" she asks. "Good, I guess.. How about you?" "Yeah.."
She doesn't continue. I try to keep it going, an awkward free conversation.. I take the lids off our plates and we dig in. Her head down, she ate so quietly, she almost broke my heart. "This pasta is amazing, you have to try it." I fork some penne and reach over to her, she lifts her chin up and takes a bite. "It's hot." She closes her eyes while fanning her face. I get up to hand her a drink. "It's okay."
She giggles when she sees me on my knees by her side. I guessed it wasn't that bad, it might have been my first date, but I didn't know why I panicked so much, then I looked at her stomach and it hit me. I get up, and take two steps back. There's a baby in her stomach..
Father lost mother because of that.. What's going to happen to Mai? "What's wrong Khalid" I cover my mouth, I don't want to hurt her.. I just couldn't.. "Sit back, please? Just give us a chance.." Us? Mai and I, or Mai and the baby?
"You worry so much. Calm down and let things be. You have to accept that some things aren't under your control, but that doesn't mean things won't work out eventually."
Amal: Trusting the stranger just felt right..
Khalid: What the hell was I thinking? I couldn't possibly just go with it..
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saeed:
The boys joined me at the farm, since the weather was getting better, I thought quadbiking might be fun, but Amal's crush had a better idea in mind. We walk out of our farm and walk to the horse stables of another farm. "Are you sure we're allowed in?" "Chill, it's our farm." He laughs. He called Ahmed, the stable manager, the man who scolded me about scaring the horses with my quadbike so many times in the past.
Ahmed straps three horses ready for us to ride. "Saeed, you'll be riding Mayed's horse.. Mayed's a bit reckless so be careful." "And I?" Asked 7amad.. "Don't worry, Mohammed's horse is well trained." So I got the crazy one, I roll my eyes at him. I hesitate to get on the horse, but I manage. 7amad, on the other hand, is on the horse with one smooth move. "You've been on a horse before." " Polo team." 7amad answers. " You guys know how to ride horses, I have no idea!" Amal's crush reassures me once more " They'll both follow my horse anyways, and eventually, they did.
"So who are Mayed and Mohammed again?" I try not to seem so curious. "Mohammed is my eldest brother, Mayed is the middle child, an embarrasment." I wonder how come we've never met before.. "Mohammed's actually a good friend of Khalid.. Amal's older brother.."
Oh!
Amal:
Back at the hotel, Mai dresses up for a dinner with Khalid at his room. She looked beautiful in a low neck, wrap dress that hugged her pregnant stomach. She wore a gold statement neckalece. Her face was glowing, she had wine red lipstick on, and her chocolate brown hair curled, laying perfectly on her shoulders. There was no way Khalid wouldn't fall in love with her all over again. She looked at her reflection and breathed heavily, I didn't know if she was nervous or if it was the fact that she was pregnant.. I worried.
Mai: So, he remembers nothing?
Me: Nope..
Mai closes her eyes and I notice her lips move, as if in prayer.
Me: You're worried?
Mai nods silently, she wears an abaya over her shoulders and wear her shaila and walks out of the room, to get to Khalid's.
Khalid:
I called room service and had the table set for dinner with Mai. I still didn't know what would happen next, but I deserved a first date with my pregnant wife, the one I no longer remembered. My father insisted I get a hair cut, a shave at the barber, and finally suit up. I sit back and watch T.V. until I hear a knock on the door. I open the door for her, and she walks in with her head down. She smoothly takes off her shaila, and I help with the abaya, and hang them in the closet, while she seems to fix her hair in front of the mirror. I hold my hand behind my back, I feel my palms sweat, and my mouth dry. "So, umm.. "
She turns to look at me. I point at the dinner table directly, pushing the attention away from me. I walk to her chair, and pull it out for her. She sat down and I do the same. When I take a look at her, she's wide-eyed and as nervous as I am. We laugh at each other. I hear her exhale stress, and notice she can't hide her smile. "So, how've you been?" she asks. "Good, I guess.. How about you?" "Yeah.."
She doesn't continue. I try to keep it going, an awkward free conversation.. I take the lids off our plates and we dig in. Her head down, she ate so quietly, she almost broke my heart. "This pasta is amazing, you have to try it." I fork some penne and reach over to her, she lifts her chin up and takes a bite. "It's hot." She closes her eyes while fanning her face. I get up to hand her a drink. "It's okay."
She giggles when she sees me on my knees by her side. I guessed it wasn't that bad, it might have been my first date, but I didn't know why I panicked so much, then I looked at her stomach and it hit me. I get up, and take two steps back. There's a baby in her stomach..
Father lost mother because of that.. What's going to happen to Mai? "What's wrong Khalid" I cover my mouth, I don't want to hurt her.. I just couldn't.. "Sit back, please? Just give us a chance.." Us? Mai and I, or Mai and the baby?
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (71)
Previously:
Khalid: How was it like to fall in love, lose, then love again?
Saeed: Saif left me a treasure, a woman he took for granted..
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
"You worry so much, calm down and let things be. You have to accept that some things are not in fact under your control, but that doesn't mean things won't work out eventually. All the best.."
Who knew that a whole paragraph about my worrying had a solution that barely two lines long? I knew I was trusting a stranger so much, with so many things too, but he seemed so mature. I never wondered if it was the right idea to do that, it just felt right.
I look up and I see father studying me, did he notice?
Father: Put your phone away.
I do as I'm told. I stare at father to see if he's pleased.
Father: Are you waiting for something?
Me: um.. No.
Father: Is tbere something you want to tell me?
I wonder what he means.
Me: No..
Father: Good, let's go to the airport, Khalid's already there.
Khalid:
I hired a cheuffeur to drive me to the airport. I stood along the people who were waiting for the people they probably love, or work for, while I was waiting for a woman I barely remembered. Worse, I married her, got her pregnant, but couldn't remember her anymore. Father and Amal were supposed to be there with me, but they seemed to be running late. The problem was, I wasn't exactly sure who I was waiting for. I do remember some ugly incidents, but I forgot how Mai looked like.. As a crowd of people walk out, I scan their faces trying to figure out which one she could be. As I look out, I feel something pulling my arm. My face pales and burns when I notice she burried her face in my chest while hugging me. I pulled her at an arm's length and studied her features. She shyly look down, and when i did too, she really was pregnant.. Shit.. Overwhelmed, I take her luggage and walk ahead.
Mai: Just like our honeymoon..
Was that how I treated her? So she's used to me not knowing her? I didn't know.. Outside, I found father and Amal, I hand them the luggage, walk to the car and leave... When'd all of this happen? What the hell was I thinking? I couldn't possibly just go with it..
Khalid: How was it like to fall in love, lose, then love again?
Saeed: Saif left me a treasure, a woman he took for granted..
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
"You worry so much, calm down and let things be. You have to accept that some things are not in fact under your control, but that doesn't mean things won't work out eventually. All the best.."
Who knew that a whole paragraph about my worrying had a solution that barely two lines long? I knew I was trusting a stranger so much, with so many things too, but he seemed so mature. I never wondered if it was the right idea to do that, it just felt right.
I look up and I see father studying me, did he notice?
Father: Put your phone away.
I do as I'm told. I stare at father to see if he's pleased.
Father: Are you waiting for something?
Me: um.. No.
Father: Is tbere something you want to tell me?
I wonder what he means.
Me: No..
Father: Good, let's go to the airport, Khalid's already there.
Khalid:
I hired a cheuffeur to drive me to the airport. I stood along the people who were waiting for the people they probably love, or work for, while I was waiting for a woman I barely remembered. Worse, I married her, got her pregnant, but couldn't remember her anymore. Father and Amal were supposed to be there with me, but they seemed to be running late. The problem was, I wasn't exactly sure who I was waiting for. I do remember some ugly incidents, but I forgot how Mai looked like.. As a crowd of people walk out, I scan their faces trying to figure out which one she could be. As I look out, I feel something pulling my arm. My face pales and burns when I notice she burried her face in my chest while hugging me. I pulled her at an arm's length and studied her features. She shyly look down, and when i did too, she really was pregnant.. Shit.. Overwhelmed, I take her luggage and walk ahead.
Mai: Just like our honeymoon..
Was that how I treated her? So she's used to me not knowing her? I didn't know.. Outside, I found father and Amal, I hand them the luggage, walk to the car and leave... When'd all of this happen? What the hell was I thinking? I couldn't possibly just go with it..
To the Readers: updates
Dear Readers,
To begin with, I've been working on updating the blog, and with a graphic designer's help, I hope we've done a good job. The idea was to make the blog grow up a bit, out of the pink theme, and into something a bit more sophisticated. As a closure to this subject, I really hope to get some feedback, and suggestions are always welcome.
More: I've been reading about a website called Wattpad. It seems like a convinient way to share my story. Although I already have created an account, I want to learn more about it, just to properly reintroduce my story there. I still wonder whether or not abandoning the blog sounds like a good idea, and again, I'd love to let the readers here decide on what happens next.
Another thing I'd like to talk about is my appreciation to my readers, you've all been so patient with me, and I am motivated by your feedback always. Your comments, and suggestions give me an idea, and make me consider and update so much, and I always notice every single comment. I thank you for taking on this journey with me. To communicate with me, this it my twitter account: @Amnannah
Next post: Scheduled at midnight.
To begin with, I've been working on updating the blog, and with a graphic designer's help, I hope we've done a good job. The idea was to make the blog grow up a bit, out of the pink theme, and into something a bit more sophisticated. As a closure to this subject, I really hope to get some feedback, and suggestions are always welcome.
More: I've been reading about a website called Wattpad. It seems like a convinient way to share my story. Although I already have created an account, I want to learn more about it, just to properly reintroduce my story there. I still wonder whether or not abandoning the blog sounds like a good idea, and again, I'd love to let the readers here decide on what happens next.
Another thing I'd like to talk about is my appreciation to my readers, you've all been so patient with me, and I am motivated by your feedback always. Your comments, and suggestions give me an idea, and make me consider and update so much, and I always notice every single comment. I thank you for taking on this journey with me. To communicate with me, this it my twitter account: @Amnannah
Next post: Scheduled at midnight.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (70)
Previously
Khalid forgot about mother's death.
Someone's after Saeed's father, and the rest of the family.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
I woke up, and found my father on the desk, his business seemed to go everywhere with him.
Me: Plan?
Father: Leave.
Me: And Khalid?
Father: Mai will be joining him.
Me: Pregnant and alone?
Father: With her husband, not alone.
Me: The husband who does not remember her, right?
Father: Stop this Amal! Khalid's still working, and your grandmother should know nothing about this.
Me: So what is actually wrong with him?
Father: He just needs someone around him in case it happened again.
A pregnant woman is the right support? I didn't think so. Poor Mai, how much could she possibly tolerate? I wondered about both their reactions..
Father: We're leaving in a couple of days, you can't miss out on school. Get dressed, we'll tour the city while we're here.
That was not a proposition, that was an order, I knew. I get up and get dressed immediately. When I'm done, settling my make up, I remember my email. I dropped my brush and ran to my laptop.. No reply.
Khalid:
I sat in a huge meeting room with a class of business men gathered together discussing whether or not there is such a thing as being successful enough. While they act cocky and brag about their work and how they got there, I stare at the window, thinking about everything that my father told me.. How mother passed away, how I ended up, where it all got me. I just wished that I knew what I was thinking back then. How was it like to fall in love, lose, then love again.
What about Amal? How'd she take mother's death? Was I there with her? How could I have been there for her, if I'd spent most of that time at the hospital myself?
Amal was right about the car accident, I found scars on the back of my knees, huge ones. Amal was also right about the fact that I'd married Mai, but how? When? I was supposed to be expecting her at night..
I didn't remember how I treated her, let alone get her pregnant.. So much was on my mind, too much to think about work.
Saeed:
I opened my eyes, the clock said 3 a.m., I closed them again.. Smoke clouded my eyes, but a tall, skinny figure stood before me.. "Remember me?" I was on my knees, weak, helpless, why was I crying? "How could you?" it threw me on my back, and then it was on it's knees. It was so hard to concentrate. Who was it? I was crying louder, I knew those eyes.. They pierced through me.. I knew him.. Who was he? "You took her away from me!" It shouts loud in my eyes. No! Joojoo? "Joojoo is mine!" I shout back.. "Not for long.." He laughs. loud.. Too loud..
My heart leaped almost out of my chest, as I sat up in my bed.. I was asleep, thank God.. Only when I woke up did I realize, the boy in my dream was Saif.. My former best friend and I fight over my wife? I calmed down when I remembered he was gone.. I haven't heard from him ever since he left the country.
When Saif left, he left me a treasure, a woman he took for granted. She's mine now, he can't take her away from me..
Amal:
We did all the cliches first, visit the Eiffel tower, and the arch de Triomphe. Then father follows me around the Lafayette as I shop for souvenirs for my friends. After the female building, the male's building. I shop for father, Khalid, Saeed, and uncle Rashed.
When we finally sat down for coffee, my phone nudges an email..
Khalid forgot about mother's death.
Someone's after Saeed's father, and the rest of the family.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
I woke up, and found my father on the desk, his business seemed to go everywhere with him.
Me: Plan?
Father: Leave.
Me: And Khalid?
Father: Mai will be joining him.
Me: Pregnant and alone?
Father: With her husband, not alone.
Me: The husband who does not remember her, right?
Father: Stop this Amal! Khalid's still working, and your grandmother should know nothing about this.
Me: So what is actually wrong with him?
Father: He just needs someone around him in case it happened again.
A pregnant woman is the right support? I didn't think so. Poor Mai, how much could she possibly tolerate? I wondered about both their reactions..
Father: We're leaving in a couple of days, you can't miss out on school. Get dressed, we'll tour the city while we're here.
That was not a proposition, that was an order, I knew. I get up and get dressed immediately. When I'm done, settling my make up, I remember my email. I dropped my brush and ran to my laptop.. No reply.
Khalid:
I sat in a huge meeting room with a class of business men gathered together discussing whether or not there is such a thing as being successful enough. While they act cocky and brag about their work and how they got there, I stare at the window, thinking about everything that my father told me.. How mother passed away, how I ended up, where it all got me. I just wished that I knew what I was thinking back then. How was it like to fall in love, lose, then love again.
What about Amal? How'd she take mother's death? Was I there with her? How could I have been there for her, if I'd spent most of that time at the hospital myself?
Amal was right about the car accident, I found scars on the back of my knees, huge ones. Amal was also right about the fact that I'd married Mai, but how? When? I was supposed to be expecting her at night..
I didn't remember how I treated her, let alone get her pregnant.. So much was on my mind, too much to think about work.
Saeed:
I opened my eyes, the clock said 3 a.m., I closed them again.. Smoke clouded my eyes, but a tall, skinny figure stood before me.. "Remember me?" I was on my knees, weak, helpless, why was I crying? "How could you?" it threw me on my back, and then it was on it's knees. It was so hard to concentrate. Who was it? I was crying louder, I knew those eyes.. They pierced through me.. I knew him.. Who was he? "You took her away from me!" It shouts loud in my eyes. No! Joojoo? "Joojoo is mine!" I shout back.. "Not for long.." He laughs. loud.. Too loud..
My heart leaped almost out of my chest, as I sat up in my bed.. I was asleep, thank God.. Only when I woke up did I realize, the boy in my dream was Saif.. My former best friend and I fight over my wife? I calmed down when I remembered he was gone.. I haven't heard from him ever since he left the country.
When Saif left, he left me a treasure, a woman he took for granted. She's mine now, he can't take her away from me..
Amal:
We did all the cliches first, visit the Eiffel tower, and the arch de Triomphe. Then father follows me around the Lafayette as I shop for souvenirs for my friends. After the female building, the male's building. I shop for father, Khalid, Saeed, and uncle Rashed.
When we finally sat down for coffee, my phone nudges an email..
Monday, September 2, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (69)
Previously:
Khalid: So, mom's here?
Amal: How can he forget something this important?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
Father lead me to the hotel room, and then left with Khalid. Instantly I pulled out my phone and emailed the stranger who had the answer to almost anything. I wrote and I wrote, and with every word I'd typed in, I felt heavy weight lifted from my shoulder. Life was messed up, but I was not alone.
I stare at the phone "Sent" written across the screen. Then what? I thought. I knew this stranger I have unnamed won't answer back instantly. I decide to unpack, but how long were we staying? I had no idea. I took out a couple of outfits and hung them in the closet. I skyped with Salma, for a while, and later took a shower to sleep.
In bed, I wondered where Khalid and father were. 1 AM, but they weren't back yet. I closed my eyes, and nothing else mattered.
S3eed:
"Get up."
I blink.
"Get up Saeed, breakfast is ready."
I see father at the end of the bed. I search for my phone to check the time, 6 AM .. I get up instantly, freshen up, and wear my uniform. When I get out of the bathroom, dad isn't there.
Me: Dad?
I call out.
Dad: The kitchen.
I find him in the kitchen having breakfast.
Dad: S3eed, I need to tell you something. We have to move.
Me: Where to? Why?
Dad: I don't know, but we're being stalked.
By who?
Dad: It's not just one person S3eed, it's not safe at all.
Me: Does mother know?
Mom and dad got divorced while we were kids. She got married soon after to another man. I decided to stay with father, while Salma chose mother, but mom couldn't handle her. She was too rebellious even for mom's new husband. We used to visit them, once a month but, her husband decided it was best not to.
I notice father's reaction. His eyes close as if to search for some peace in him.
Dad: She doesn't, but she's not in danger.
Me: What about Joojoo?
Dad: We need to take her away with us.
Me: But, no one knows we're married.
Dad: no one has to. Don't worry about that now, we need to find somewhere to go.
Me: So who's stalking us?
Dad: Saeed, your father has caught over 20 top criminals. I've been on news far more than I intended, but it must be some gang started by someone I've already caught.
Me: And the plan is?
Dad: Disappear.
I feel a shiver go down my spine.
Dad: Just for a while.
Me: What about school? We can still go right?
Dad: I've had some help from the station with that. We've changed your names on the server.
Me: To what?
Dad: Just write your grandfather's name from now on, until I tell you not to. Salma will be writing her grandmother's maiden name.
I breathe out. We're going to do this, we have to do this right. I have to keep Joojoo away from danger.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (68)
Previously:
Salma: You can't just choose when she's family and when she's not..
Khalid:
How could I just forget my last name? and my room number? .. Weird..
Amal : Khalid! What about Mai!?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
I sat in front of him..
Me: Khalid do you remember me?
Khalid: What, are you crazy? Yes Amal, I do!
Me: Do you remember why you're here?
Khalid: Yes! I'm studying.. Mr. Marwan expects me to take his place once he retires..
So.. What doesn't he know?
Me: Okay, do you remember Mai?
Khalid: Mr. Marwan's crazy daughter.. She was awful.
Me: Awful? Khalid she's your wife!
Khalid: Noo waay, why'd I marry her!?
Me: You loved her!
Khalid: No Amal, I used to love 3asha remember? But she got married..
Me: So you remember your accident?
Khalid: What're you talking about?
Me: Your leg injury? You were on a wheelchair for months!
Khalid: No Amal, that never happened.. I went back to work and now I'm here..
Me: Khalid, Mai's pregnant, and what are you doing with that woman? It's so unlike you!
Khalid: She is not! Stop blaming me Amal, you know how hard it was for me that 3asha got married, did you expect I'd still be the same?
Me: But Mai came along.. She changed that! My phone notifies me of a picture from Mai..
" How does this dress look? Do you think Khalid would like it?
I showed him the picture: Look? Pregnant!
Even trying to make him realize the message, he kept denying it.. Once I gave up I just called father, it was just too much..
Khalid: Who are you calling now?
Me: Just ask a waiter to add a chair please..
So, we sat down, all three, having dinner silently..
Khalid: Guess what! Today, I forgot my room's number, and when I asked a receptionist, I realized I'd forgotten my last name! Literally!
He started chuckling. I smiled, I got scared. Father continued eating anyways.
Khalid: So how's grandmother? Where is she?
Me: Back home, with 3osha..
Khalid: Oh, so mom's here?
My eyes wide, my jaw dropped the table. He forgot WHAT? Father tensed, he closed his eyes when it should've been his ears.. It was hard for him to deal with mom's death once, he has to go through it again? I hesitated, do I speak or not? I gave father a questioning look..
Father: Khalid, we'll talk about that later, finish your dinner first..
Khalid: Sure..
I closed my mouth, I was still in shock though. The thought of forgetting something so important.. I wondered if it was a bad thing, or a good thing that's veiled by the shock..
Salma: You can't just choose when she's family and when she's not..
Khalid:
How could I just forget my last name? and my room number? .. Weird..
Amal : Khalid! What about Mai!?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
I sat in front of him..
Me: Khalid do you remember me?
Khalid: What, are you crazy? Yes Amal, I do!
Me: Do you remember why you're here?
Khalid: Yes! I'm studying.. Mr. Marwan expects me to take his place once he retires..
So.. What doesn't he know?
Me: Okay, do you remember Mai?
Khalid: Mr. Marwan's crazy daughter.. She was awful.
Me: Awful? Khalid she's your wife!
Khalid: Noo waay, why'd I marry her!?
Me: You loved her!
Khalid: No Amal, I used to love 3asha remember? But she got married..
Me: So you remember your accident?
Khalid: What're you talking about?
Me: Your leg injury? You were on a wheelchair for months!
Khalid: No Amal, that never happened.. I went back to work and now I'm here..
Me: Khalid, Mai's pregnant, and what are you doing with that woman? It's so unlike you!
Khalid: She is not! Stop blaming me Amal, you know how hard it was for me that 3asha got married, did you expect I'd still be the same?
Me: But Mai came along.. She changed that! My phone notifies me of a picture from Mai..
" How does this dress look? Do you think Khalid would like it?
I showed him the picture: Look? Pregnant!
Even trying to make him realize the message, he kept denying it.. Once I gave up I just called father, it was just too much..
Khalid: Who are you calling now?
Me: Just ask a waiter to add a chair please..
So, we sat down, all three, having dinner silently..
Khalid: Guess what! Today, I forgot my room's number, and when I asked a receptionist, I realized I'd forgotten my last name! Literally!
He started chuckling. I smiled, I got scared. Father continued eating anyways.
Khalid: So how's grandmother? Where is she?
Me: Back home, with 3osha..
Khalid: Oh, so mom's here?
My eyes wide, my jaw dropped the table. He forgot WHAT? Father tensed, he closed his eyes when it should've been his ears.. It was hard for him to deal with mom's death once, he has to go through it again? I hesitated, do I speak or not? I gave father a questioning look..
Father: Khalid, we'll talk about that later, finish your dinner first..
Khalid: Sure..
I closed my mouth, I was still in shock though. The thought of forgetting something so important.. I wondered if it was a bad thing, or a good thing that's veiled by the shock..
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (67)
Previously:
Joojoo: What do you want?
S3eed: You
Khalid: Can I see you for dinner sometime soon?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
I thought we were checking Khalid out of the hospital, and I wondered why he wasn't with us. Father stopped by a doctor's office and looked at me seriously.
Father: Your brother's fine, I don't want you to worry..
We waited for half an hour and all I thought of was.. What did I see back there, why would he ever cheat on his wife? Khalid blushes at the sight of a woman, what happened? And If he was fine, why did we have to come? I did see him sitting up right.. kissing another woman, but he was okay.. So, why were we needed?
It made absolutely no sense to me...
S3eed:
Trying to make it up to Joojoo wasn't easy. I let my big mouth loose and she wouldn't forgive me. So, I turned to Salma for help..
Salma: Explain, what exactly happened?
Me: She was asking about why Amal is traveling..
Salma: And..?
Me: I told her is was family business..
Salma: S3eed! Do you understand what you said!?
Me: ENLIGHTEN ME!
Salma: S3eed, you and Joojoo are married legally, you do realize that right?
Me: Yes, I do..
Salma: She's not your girlfriend or something, she is family.. she has the right to know?
Oh..
Salma: You can't just choose when she's family and when she's not..
Khalid:
I went back to my hotel to change, getting ready to have Josephine come over for dinner.. I'd booked a table in the restaurant at the hotel, and I really wanted to impress her. As soon as I stepped into the hotel, I realzed.. I didn't remember which hotel room I stayed at, what the hell.. I walked straight to the reception..
Me: Which room did I stay at?
Receptionist: What's your name?
Me: Khalid
Receptionist: Can I have your last name Mr. Khalid?
I.. didn't remember!
Me: Umm, check , Khalid Khalifa?
Receptionist: Ahh, one Khalid Khalifa is staying, you're lucky!
He told me about where my room was and I left.. How could I forget my last name? and my room number? That was really weird..
Amal:
Memory loss? Just how much did Khalid forget? He must've definitely forgotten about Mai if that was true, but even if it was.. Khalid isn't like that.. How does memory change his behavior?
Doctor: It was a severe migraine headache he had which caused some memory loss, our concern is that we don't know exactly what he forgot, nor do we have much information about him to check up on him.. Either way he'll definitely need more help, he's not safe to live alone just yet..
Once we left, we couldn't find Khalid.. Damn! We headed straight to his hotel, it was getting late..
I walked to the receptionist.
Me: Hi, where will I find Khalid Al X?
Receptionist: Let me check.. He's booked a table at our restaurant..
I headed straight to the restaurant, where I found him having dinner with that nurse he was kissing! Oh my God.. I stood right in front of them..
Me: Khalid! What about Mai?! She's pregnant damn it!
Khalid: Mai?..
Nurse: Pregnant?
She got up hurriedly and left, I notice tears in her eyes.
Joojoo: What do you want?
S3eed: You
Khalid: Can I see you for dinner sometime soon?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
I thought we were checking Khalid out of the hospital, and I wondered why he wasn't with us. Father stopped by a doctor's office and looked at me seriously.
Father: Your brother's fine, I don't want you to worry..
We waited for half an hour and all I thought of was.. What did I see back there, why would he ever cheat on his wife? Khalid blushes at the sight of a woman, what happened? And If he was fine, why did we have to come? I did see him sitting up right.. kissing another woman, but he was okay.. So, why were we needed?
It made absolutely no sense to me...
S3eed:
Trying to make it up to Joojoo wasn't easy. I let my big mouth loose and she wouldn't forgive me. So, I turned to Salma for help..
Salma: Explain, what exactly happened?
Me: She was asking about why Amal is traveling..
Salma: And..?
Me: I told her is was family business..
Salma: S3eed! Do you understand what you said!?
Me: ENLIGHTEN ME!
Salma: S3eed, you and Joojoo are married legally, you do realize that right?
Me: Yes, I do..
Salma: She's not your girlfriend or something, she is family.. she has the right to know?
Oh..
Salma: You can't just choose when she's family and when she's not..
Khalid:
I went back to my hotel to change, getting ready to have Josephine come over for dinner.. I'd booked a table in the restaurant at the hotel, and I really wanted to impress her. As soon as I stepped into the hotel, I realzed.. I didn't remember which hotel room I stayed at, what the hell.. I walked straight to the reception..
Me: Which room did I stay at?
Receptionist: What's your name?
Me: Khalid
Receptionist: Can I have your last name Mr. Khalid?
I.. didn't remember!
Me: Umm, check , Khalid Khalifa?
Receptionist: Ahh, one Khalid Khalifa is staying, you're lucky!
He told me about where my room was and I left.. How could I forget my last name? and my room number? That was really weird..
Amal:
Memory loss? Just how much did Khalid forget? He must've definitely forgotten about Mai if that was true, but even if it was.. Khalid isn't like that.. How does memory change his behavior?
Doctor: It was a severe migraine headache he had which caused some memory loss, our concern is that we don't know exactly what he forgot, nor do we have much information about him to check up on him.. Either way he'll definitely need more help, he's not safe to live alone just yet..
Once we left, we couldn't find Khalid.. Damn! We headed straight to his hotel, it was getting late..
I walked to the receptionist.
Me: Hi, where will I find Khalid Al X?
Receptionist: Let me check.. He's booked a table at our restaurant..
I headed straight to the restaurant, where I found him having dinner with that nurse he was kissing! Oh my God.. I stood right in front of them..
Me: Khalid! What about Mai?! She's pregnant damn it!
Khalid: Mai?..
Nurse: Pregnant?
She got up hurriedly and left, I notice tears in her eyes.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (66)
Previously:
Khalid: This is Josephine, my nurse.
Amal: Khalid wouldn't take his eyes off her..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S3eed:
Joojoo and I were having lunch at the farm. She ate so quietly, avoiding eye contact.
Me: Soft drink or fresh juice?
I got up to the fridge, she shook her head..
I got back to the table and pulled a chair in front of her.
Me: Would you please look at me?
She looked away, I held her cheeks, she pushed away.
Me: Juwaher look at me, now.
With my assertive voice she listened. With her mad face and tears in her eyes, she said.
Joojoo: What do you want?
Me: You.
Khalid:
Father and Amal went ahead with some doctor to check me out of the hospital. Josephine had to leave, but before she did I held her hand.
Me: Can I see you for dinner some time soon?
Josephine: Ce serait sympa ..
She smiled. What the ??
Me: So?
Josephine: Yes, I'd like that.
Me: Great! Dinner at the hotel I stay in is okay?
She nodded, smiling shyly, and I wrote it down for her.
Khalid: This is Josephine, my nurse.
Amal: Khalid wouldn't take his eyes off her..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S3eed:
Joojoo and I were having lunch at the farm. She ate so quietly, avoiding eye contact.
Me: Soft drink or fresh juice?
I got up to the fridge, she shook her head..
I got back to the table and pulled a chair in front of her.
Me: Would you please look at me?
She looked away, I held her cheeks, she pushed away.
Me: Juwaher look at me, now.
With my assertive voice she listened. With her mad face and tears in her eyes, she said.
Joojoo: What do you want?
Me: You.
Khalid:
Father and Amal went ahead with some doctor to check me out of the hospital. Josephine had to leave, but before she did I held her hand.
Me: Can I see you for dinner some time soon?
Josephine: Ce serait sympa ..
She smiled. What the ??
Me: So?
Josephine: Yes, I'd like that.
Me: Great! Dinner at the hotel I stay in is okay?
She nodded, smiling shyly, and I wrote it down for her.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (65)
Previously:
Amal: How sick is he..?
Khalid:
She was a beauty and her vibe filled the room
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khalid:
Hours later, I felt better, and I was discharged. I was surprised she had spent a lot of her time caring for me, but she was just a student. She was eager to know where I came from, and the meaning of my exotic sounding name. She sat by my bed listening attentively. Once I had to get up, she helped me with my jacket, and left her hand on my shoulder. From an easy conversation, to an intense silent moment. I looked into her eyes, and the innocence was gone. I looked at her red lips, and when our eyes met, they were fixed. I leaned in and kissed her gently. She breathed as if her life depended on it and leaned in so that our lips were in contact. There was no reason to deprive her, so I kissed her again, and again. She held my neck as I tug on her bottom lip, and invade her mouth..
Amal:
I walked in the hallways of the hospital far ahead of my father, I understand he's getting old, but I was just on a mission to find my brother. As I passed by a room, a sound of a moan comes to my attention. I was walking fast, but from the corner of my eye I spot my brother making out with a blonde woman. Stunned, I realize I have to warn him before father walks by the room. I took a few steps ahead and spoke in Arabic, with loud clear words..
Me: Baba Come on, if you're going to walk this slow, we'll never find Khalid!
I part of me was hoping it wasn't him in there.Khalid would never be brave enough to talk to a girl, let alone kiss her! How the hell did that happen!?
As father passes by, he points at the room he's in.
Father: Amal he's in here. You probably didn't notice him.
I wish I didn't!
A second later, he gets out the room and leans his back against the door.
Khalid: Father, this is Josephine, my nurse.
Father's checking his phone, he looked up, paused for a second, then looked back to his screen. Khalid on the other hand, wouldn't take his eyes off of her...
Amal: How sick is he..?
Khalid:
She was a beauty and her vibe filled the room
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khalid:
Hours later, I felt better, and I was discharged. I was surprised she had spent a lot of her time caring for me, but she was just a student. She was eager to know where I came from, and the meaning of my exotic sounding name. She sat by my bed listening attentively. Once I had to get up, she helped me with my jacket, and left her hand on my shoulder. From an easy conversation, to an intense silent moment. I looked into her eyes, and the innocence was gone. I looked at her red lips, and when our eyes met, they were fixed. I leaned in and kissed her gently. She breathed as if her life depended on it and leaned in so that our lips were in contact. There was no reason to deprive her, so I kissed her again, and again. She held my neck as I tug on her bottom lip, and invade her mouth..
Amal:
I walked in the hallways of the hospital far ahead of my father, I understand he's getting old, but I was just on a mission to find my brother. As I passed by a room, a sound of a moan comes to my attention. I was walking fast, but from the corner of my eye I spot my brother making out with a blonde woman. Stunned, I realize I have to warn him before father walks by the room. I took a few steps ahead and spoke in Arabic, with loud clear words..
Me: Baba Come on, if you're going to walk this slow, we'll never find Khalid!
I part of me was hoping it wasn't him in there.Khalid would never be brave enough to talk to a girl, let alone kiss her! How the hell did that happen!?
As father passes by, he points at the room he's in.
Father: Amal he's in here. You probably didn't notice him.
I wish I didn't!
A second later, he gets out the room and leans his back against the door.
Khalid: Father, this is Josephine, my nurse.
Father's checking his phone, he looked up, paused for a second, then looked back to his screen. Khalid on the other hand, wouldn't take his eyes off of her...
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (64)
Note to the readers,
I've been editing so let's get some facts right:
S3eed's Salma's older brother. Salma and Amal are the same age. The man 3asha (Mai's sister) is married to is called M7amad, who's also Khalid's friend..
As always, you are my energy..
Twitter: @Amnannah ; let me know you're there..
Words of another genius: http://lovers-in-a-city.blogspot.ae/
Love, C.B.
Previously:
Amal:
Paris? Tonight? What's going on!?
S3eed: Family business
Joojoo: And what am I?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
We stand before our gate, and I stare outside, drowning in my silence, and the thoughts of my lack of knowing.. A waiter cuts my thinking with a glass of lemonade..
Me: Father?
He stares down at me, and I begin to feel like an annoying child.
Me: What's wrong?
Father: He's sick, your brother, and we need to be there for him.
How sick is he? How long are we staying there? What about Mai? Who's going to watch her? She's pregnant damn it, why doesn't she come along? What about grandmother and 3osha?
I couldn't possibly ask all of those questions, so I looked up at him.. He picked up his ringing phone. While he talks business and work, I begin to think of my own.. I was half way through my 11th grade journey, I remember..
Kovu, S3eed, & 7amad were all seniors .. By the coming year, there's no crush, overprotective cousin, or mentor.. It suddenly seemed like life would somewhat feel a bit empty. I began to tear up, and though it was midnight, I took out my sunglasses and wore them. When finally it was time to get on the plane, I got looks from people. Yes, I felt like those losers who walked around in sunglasses in a mall, but I wasn't going to let my father see me break..
Khalid:
Blurred vision, but it's so bright. A huge window is what I begin to notice, and the sun's staring right at me. A sudden headache slams into when my senses and soul collide. It overwhelming.. I looked around, white walls, white curtains, white floors, and the room only bears the bed I lay on, and a couple of wooden chairs, but that was basically it. I try to focus on my vision, and it wasn't very difficult with the lack of color in the room, then she came in. White scrubs, blonde hair, wide eyed, with red lips.. So early?
My vision blurred as I focus on her eyes, she smiled.
Nurse: Good morning, monsieur!
unconsciously, I smile, mimicking her wide, innocent smile. When I tried to reply, I failed..
Nurse: Don't worry, you'll be okay.
She comes closer to me, checks some machines working over me..
Nurse: Your vitals seem to be working fine.. How are you feeling?
Me: Dizzy..
She was a beauty, and her vibe filled the room. Simply amazing..
I've been editing so let's get some facts right:
S3eed's Salma's older brother. Salma and Amal are the same age. The man 3asha (Mai's sister) is married to is called M7amad, who's also Khalid's friend..
As always, you are my energy..
Twitter: @Amnannah ; let me know you're there..
Words of another genius: http://lovers-in-a-city.blogspot.ae/
Love, C.B.
Previously:
Amal:
Paris? Tonight? What's going on!?
S3eed: Family business
Joojoo: And what am I?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
We stand before our gate, and I stare outside, drowning in my silence, and the thoughts of my lack of knowing.. A waiter cuts my thinking with a glass of lemonade..
Me: Father?
He stares down at me, and I begin to feel like an annoying child.
Me: What's wrong?
Father: He's sick, your brother, and we need to be there for him.
How sick is he? How long are we staying there? What about Mai? Who's going to watch her? She's pregnant damn it, why doesn't she come along? What about grandmother and 3osha?
I couldn't possibly ask all of those questions, so I looked up at him.. He picked up his ringing phone. While he talks business and work, I begin to think of my own.. I was half way through my 11th grade journey, I remember..
Kovu, S3eed, & 7amad were all seniors .. By the coming year, there's no crush, overprotective cousin, or mentor.. It suddenly seemed like life would somewhat feel a bit empty. I began to tear up, and though it was midnight, I took out my sunglasses and wore them. When finally it was time to get on the plane, I got looks from people. Yes, I felt like those losers who walked around in sunglasses in a mall, but I wasn't going to let my father see me break..
Khalid:
Blurred vision, but it's so bright. A huge window is what I begin to notice, and the sun's staring right at me. A sudden headache slams into when my senses and soul collide. It overwhelming.. I looked around, white walls, white curtains, white floors, and the room only bears the bed I lay on, and a couple of wooden chairs, but that was basically it. I try to focus on my vision, and it wasn't very difficult with the lack of color in the room, then she came in. White scrubs, blonde hair, wide eyed, with red lips.. So early?
My vision blurred as I focus on her eyes, she smiled.
Nurse: Good morning, monsieur!
unconsciously, I smile, mimicking her wide, innocent smile. When I tried to reply, I failed..
Nurse: Don't worry, you'll be okay.
She comes closer to me, checks some machines working over me..
Nurse: Your vitals seem to be working fine.. How are you feeling?
Me: Dizzy..
She was a beauty, and her vibe filled the room. Simply amazing..
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (63)
Note To The Readers:
I can't apologize enough.. I promise to post twice a week starting Sunday.
My Twitter: @Amnannah , let me know you're a reader..
Much Love, C.B.
Previously:
Khalid: I'm sick, but dare you say a word to Mai.
7amad: A billion years? Too long Salmal. Wait on me.
S3eed: Damn I wish I'd shaved.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khalid:
I woke up from sleep shivering, cold sweat, and unable to move easily. I got up and went down to the reception and asked for a doctor. I sat on a corner in the lounge with only a concierge over me, I waited what seemed to be forever.
Concierge: Monsieur, are you okay?
Me: I.. Don't.. Know..
I said, at battle with my uncontrollable shivering. I continued " Water please."
The concierge shouts. "une bouteille d'eau S'il vous plait"
My heart starts slamming against my chest , I was able to actually hear it. Suddenly, it quickened like a drummer's solo, and I couldn't catch a breath.
Me: Come on please, just help, please.
But it was too late..
Amal:
I sat back in Algebra, done with the required lesson. I looked outside the window, to the sky.. I spot a plane on take off.. Damn, I wish I was there.. Somewhere around Khalid, my cheerful, annoying, always right of a brother. Somewhere along my train of thoughts, the bell rang, but I didn't hear it. I realized I was still looking at the window, even though the airplane disappeared.
Until my thoughts returned from where they've been, I look around to find myself alone in class with Mr.M..
Mr.M: Is everything okay, Amal?
Me: Yeah! Sorry..
I try to smile, but it disappeared sooner than I wished.
Mr.M: Sit back Amal, I have some papers to give you.
He got out of class for a minute or two, and came back Kovu.
I sat properly, I knew I was blushing..
Mr. M just wrote an equation at the top of the white board.
Mr.M: Solve this, you have lunch break to solve it correctly.
As I stood up, I got a call from my father. I held my phone in my hand embarrassed, do I pick up?
He nods..
Me: Dad?
Father: Come home, we're leaving.
Me: Where to?
Father: Paris, tonight.
He hung up.. Paris!? Tonight? What's going on!
S3eed:
Just Salma, Amal, and I on one table. She told us she's traveling. Paris, but she doesn't know why. Joojoo joins and suddenly, we stop talking. Family business..
Me: My father will drive you home, pack your school bag..
Amal nods and leaves silently. I got back to my lunch but Joojoo was still looking at me, waiting for me to talk I guess?
Me: What?
Joojoo: What's going on?
Me: She's going back home.
Joojoo: Is she ok? What happened?
Irritated, I just couldn't.. Her curiosity for new gossip..
Me: It's non of our business..
Joojoo: But somehow, you know?
Me: Family business.
Joojoo: And what am I?
she left her lunch on the table and left.
I can't apologize enough.. I promise to post twice a week starting Sunday.
My Twitter: @Amnannah , let me know you're a reader..
Much Love, C.B.
Previously:
Khalid: I'm sick, but dare you say a word to Mai.
7amad: A billion years? Too long Salmal. Wait on me.
S3eed: Damn I wish I'd shaved.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khalid:
I woke up from sleep shivering, cold sweat, and unable to move easily. I got up and went down to the reception and asked for a doctor. I sat on a corner in the lounge with only a concierge over me, I waited what seemed to be forever.
Concierge: Monsieur, are you okay?
Me: I.. Don't.. Know..
I said, at battle with my uncontrollable shivering. I continued " Water please."
The concierge shouts. "une bouteille d'eau S'il vous plait"
My heart starts slamming against my chest , I was able to actually hear it. Suddenly, it quickened like a drummer's solo, and I couldn't catch a breath.
Me: Come on please, just help, please.
But it was too late..
Amal:
I sat back in Algebra, done with the required lesson. I looked outside the window, to the sky.. I spot a plane on take off.. Damn, I wish I was there.. Somewhere around Khalid, my cheerful, annoying, always right of a brother. Somewhere along my train of thoughts, the bell rang, but I didn't hear it. I realized I was still looking at the window, even though the airplane disappeared.
Until my thoughts returned from where they've been, I look around to find myself alone in class with Mr.M..
Mr.M: Is everything okay, Amal?
Me: Yeah! Sorry..
I try to smile, but it disappeared sooner than I wished.
Mr.M: Sit back Amal, I have some papers to give you.
He got out of class for a minute or two, and came back Kovu.
I sat properly, I knew I was blushing..
Mr. M just wrote an equation at the top of the white board.
Mr.M: Solve this, you have lunch break to solve it correctly.
As I stood up, I got a call from my father. I held my phone in my hand embarrassed, do I pick up?
He nods..
Me: Dad?
Father: Come home, we're leaving.
Me: Where to?
Father: Paris, tonight.
He hung up.. Paris!? Tonight? What's going on!
S3eed:
Just Salma, Amal, and I on one table. She told us she's traveling. Paris, but she doesn't know why. Joojoo joins and suddenly, we stop talking. Family business..
Me: My father will drive you home, pack your school bag..
Amal nods and leaves silently. I got back to my lunch but Joojoo was still looking at me, waiting for me to talk I guess?
Me: What?
Joojoo: What's going on?
Me: She's going back home.
Joojoo: Is she ok? What happened?
Irritated, I just couldn't.. Her curiosity for new gossip..
Me: It's non of our business..
Joojoo: But somehow, you know?
Me: Family business.
Joojoo: And what am I?
she left her lunch on the table and left.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (62)
Previously:
Khalid: I'm sick, but dare you say a word to Mai.
Amal: What about me?
S3eed: I walked away with Amal's crush as I laughed mockingly, looking back as 7amad helped her with the book.
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Amal:
I watched as S3eed pushed Salma's books to the floor. A move I got used to, mostly to grab my attention. Before I hurried to help, I saw 7amad reach out to her.
Salma: I'm really sorry, thank you so much..
She said almost whispering.
7amad: No, it's ok.. I'll get back at him for you.
He seemed nervous, as if he'd forgotten how to breathe. It was the first time I've heard him laugh hesitantly. Wide eyed, almost charmed. He continued " Need any help with your books Salma? Your class is on my way."
Salma: It is? That would be wonderful.
She said shyly. I remembered the old Salma, the one who'd always been loud enough to grab anybody's attention. She was as if surprised she'd been noticed, without intending to be noticed.
He held her books as she took the lead. He smiles ever so wide for the first time when she giggles. Perfected white pearls appear.
Just Joojoo and I in the hallway as everyone leave for class.
Joojoo: Skip?
Me: Why not!
We head to the cafeteria for snacks.
Joojoo: 7amad and Salma?! Who knew.
Me: My cousin's a charmer.
Joojoo: Even S3eed sees it, so obvious!
Me: What do you think Salma feels about him?
Joojoo: 7amad? The perfect prince charming with perfect manners who wouldn't fall for him?
After class when we all sat together I asked.
Salma: 7amad!? No waaaay! He's like an older brother.
Friendzoned.
Me: Are you sure? Heartthrob 7amad? Girls swoon over him!
She got up, as he approached us from behind her.
Salma: Come on! of all people you choose 7amad? Not in a billion years.
We all wear a blank expression on our faces. Shocked, and embarrassed for her.
7amad: Is that a challenge I hear?
Salma grimaced.
7amad: A billion years? Too long Salma. Wait on me.
Salma: Get over yourself.
She walked away annoyed.
S3eed:
I was invited to a formal dinner with Joojoo and her parents. They were very sweet, welcoming people. It was a great dinner with a very light conversation about school, the projects, and the funny stories we had to say. Whenever Joojoo knew I got high marks, her father would call to congratulate me.
At the dinner, I got a pat on the back as he hears about my improving grades. He was my father when my father wasn't there, too bad Salma never had that.
They left us alone at the Majlis, just Joojoo and I. She served me desserts that she had made herself, bakes, chocolate mousse, caramel, you name it! Then, she sat back to use her laptop.
Joojoo: OMG! What the hell is she thinking. No, no, no! She's off my list.
Me: What are you talking about.
Joojoo: As my job to know people, I have to actually communicate with them.
Joojoo had always been the secret well, guaranteed secrets wouldn't get out. It intimidated me, but it worried me how she knew. She typed into the laptop furiously.
Me: Why do they always come to you?
Joojoo: Somethings you should wonder much about.
Me: Isn't it a headache?
Joojoo: I need to help.
Me: But it's none of your business actually.
Joojoo: S3eed!
Well, it wasn't. I don't know why she wouldn't just close the laptop and get over other people.
Joojoo: People trust me, I appreciate that.
I nodded then apologized. Women, always got to be right..
Me: Joojoo do what do you think about 7amad?
Joojoo looked at me, as if to question me, and then continued typing on her laptop.
Joojoo: There's nothing to think about him S3eed, he's perfect.
A bit offended.
Me: And I?
Joojoo: No, I mean, he tries.
Me: Joojoo, explain.
Joojoo: His smile, his charisma, his clothes. He tries to perfect himself.
She mentions him as if bored.
Me: If he's perfect, why don't you like him?
Joojoo got off her laptop and sat close to me.
Joojoo: He tries, but you just are. Naturally, perfect for me.
I gave her a slow kiss on the bridge of her nose. She let her hand rest on my shoulder, and then gently with her fingers she barely touched my neck, and gave me a peck on the cheeks. She brushed my face with her smooth hands, damn it made me wish I'd shaved.
Khalid: I'm sick, but dare you say a word to Mai.
Amal: What about me?
S3eed: I walked away with Amal's crush as I laughed mockingly, looking back as 7amad helped her with the book.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
I watched as S3eed pushed Salma's books to the floor. A move I got used to, mostly to grab my attention. Before I hurried to help, I saw 7amad reach out to her.
Salma: I'm really sorry, thank you so much..
She said almost whispering.
7amad: No, it's ok.. I'll get back at him for you.
He seemed nervous, as if he'd forgotten how to breathe. It was the first time I've heard him laugh hesitantly. Wide eyed, almost charmed. He continued " Need any help with your books Salma? Your class is on my way."
Salma: It is? That would be wonderful.
She said shyly. I remembered the old Salma, the one who'd always been loud enough to grab anybody's attention. She was as if surprised she'd been noticed, without intending to be noticed.
He held her books as she took the lead. He smiles ever so wide for the first time when she giggles. Perfected white pearls appear.
Just Joojoo and I in the hallway as everyone leave for class.
Joojoo: Skip?
Me: Why not!
We head to the cafeteria for snacks.
Joojoo: 7amad and Salma?! Who knew.
Me: My cousin's a charmer.
Joojoo: Even S3eed sees it, so obvious!
Me: What do you think Salma feels about him?
Joojoo: 7amad? The perfect prince charming with perfect manners who wouldn't fall for him?
After class when we all sat together I asked.
Salma: 7amad!? No waaaay! He's like an older brother.
Friendzoned.
Me: Are you sure? Heartthrob 7amad? Girls swoon over him!
She got up, as he approached us from behind her.
Salma: Come on! of all people you choose 7amad? Not in a billion years.
We all wear a blank expression on our faces. Shocked, and embarrassed for her.
7amad: Is that a challenge I hear?
Salma grimaced.
7amad: A billion years? Too long Salma. Wait on me.
Salma: Get over yourself.
She walked away annoyed.
S3eed:
I was invited to a formal dinner with Joojoo and her parents. They were very sweet, welcoming people. It was a great dinner with a very light conversation about school, the projects, and the funny stories we had to say. Whenever Joojoo knew I got high marks, her father would call to congratulate me.
At the dinner, I got a pat on the back as he hears about my improving grades. He was my father when my father wasn't there, too bad Salma never had that.
They left us alone at the Majlis, just Joojoo and I. She served me desserts that she had made herself, bakes, chocolate mousse, caramel, you name it! Then, she sat back to use her laptop.
Joojoo: OMG! What the hell is she thinking. No, no, no! She's off my list.
Me: What are you talking about.
Joojoo: As my job to know people, I have to actually communicate with them.
Joojoo had always been the secret well, guaranteed secrets wouldn't get out. It intimidated me, but it worried me how she knew. She typed into the laptop furiously.
Me: Why do they always come to you?
Joojoo: Somethings you should wonder much about.
Me: Isn't it a headache?
Joojoo: I need to help.
Me: But it's none of your business actually.
Joojoo: S3eed!
Well, it wasn't. I don't know why she wouldn't just close the laptop and get over other people.
Joojoo: People trust me, I appreciate that.
I nodded then apologized. Women, always got to be right..
Me: Joojoo do what do you think about 7amad?
Joojoo looked at me, as if to question me, and then continued typing on her laptop.
Joojoo: There's nothing to think about him S3eed, he's perfect.
A bit offended.
Me: And I?
Joojoo: No, I mean, he tries.
Me: Joojoo, explain.
Joojoo: His smile, his charisma, his clothes. He tries to perfect himself.
She mentions him as if bored.
Me: If he's perfect, why don't you like him?
Joojoo got off her laptop and sat close to me.
Joojoo: He tries, but you just are. Naturally, perfect for me.
I gave her a slow kiss on the bridge of her nose. She let her hand rest on my shoulder, and then gently with her fingers she barely touched my neck, and gave me a peck on the cheeks. She brushed my face with her smooth hands, damn it made me wish I'd shaved.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (61)
A Note to the readers.
Dear N,
Your patience and kind words are my energy. Love, C.B.
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previously:
Khalid: I missed her. A lot.
7amad: Hmm? Yeah.. I mean, no! It.. Doesn't matter, she hates me.
Amal: He knew I was hurt, but I forgot all the pain while writing them down to him.
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Amal:
So, who was he? God knew. I had blindly trusted him on the terms that he was an anonymous, but to him, so was I. We never shared the names, but the stories we shared were beyond that. What were the chances of meeting a stranger online who wasn't up to hurting me?
There were definitely some things that were off limits. It was a dangerous act I was committing, but I didn't regret it. I had fallen in love with a mind that was so intelligent and patient with my own impatience. Though he was a character I was dying to meet, our conversations remained online.
S3eed:
We were at the farm, just Salma and I while father had work to do, he always did. The thing with Salma was that she didn't mind spending hours alone, not just that, but she would sit ever so calmly, and wouldn't even bother to move.
She used to be just that, but always up to no good. It used to worry me, but not anymore. I sat in front of her, and she already knew what I was thinking.
Salma: There's space in my head to think now.
I wondered what she meant, but not for long as she continued.
Salma: I have my peace of mind. I'm not glued to my phone. nor am I anticipating someone's arrival. I'm not keeping secrets anymore. I feel free, I feel focused.
We weren't the kind of family to hug or show affection, I've seen Khalid hug Amal or kiss her forehead, so I thought about it. I sat next to her and wrapped my arms around her gently. She hugged me back tightly, and suddenly I heard wailing. It was her. It was as if she saved all those hugs over the years and she was giving them to me at once, letting it all out at once. Fairly new to this I hesitated whether or not to keep her near or push her off. I patted her shoulders awkwardly giving her the choice to stay.
Khalid:
I was feeling a bit light headed one morning, so I decided to skip a lecture, I also finally got the chance to just call Mai and it was as if it was my first time to call a girl. I stared at my phone looking at her number, fixed my voice and cleared my throat. So, I called.
Mai: Hello?
Me: Mai! Hi!
Mai: Khalid! How are you?!
Her voice raised in surprise.
Me: I'm doing well, I've missed you..
Mai's voice lowered.
Mai: I did too..
Me: What're you up to? How've you been?!
Mai: I'm currently shopping, 3asha and Amal are with me.
Me: I was calling Amal next actually, how're they ?
Mai: Everyone's doing well. Shouldn't you be studying right now?
The second my vision blurred, I knew.
Me: Could you pass the phone to Amal?
Amal: Hello?
Amal:
the second I heard his voice, I knew something was wrong.
Khalid: Stand far. Remember how you never told about that accident at JBR?
Me: Yeah? What about that?
Khalid: I'm sick, but dare you say a word to Mai.
Me: But-
Khalid: SHUT UP! Don't let her hear you.
Me: What are you going to do?
Khalid: Visit a doctor obviously. I'll update you.
Me: Are you okay?
Khalid: I am, I'm sorry. Just take care of her for me..
He hung up. In my head I thought, what about me? Am I no longer significant to him? I wished I continued and argued about that, but I knew it wasn't the right time at all.
Yes, he did text to keep me updated, but no, I wasn't a concern to him anymore.I was just a passive a messenger, and a secret keeper.
S3eed:
Walking around school with 7amad and Amal's whatever, we came across the girls. Salma, Amal, and Joojoo by the lockers with Dalal, the new girl.
Salma: S3eed can I talk to you?
" Sure" I said as 7amad and the other guy walked a few steps ahead, but stopped to wait for me.
Salma: Have you seen Reem around school?
Me: Nope, why?
I noticed Amal making intense eye contact with her.. Crush?
Salma: Doesn't matter.
I pulled Amal's crush away, and right before Salma walked away, I flipped her books over.
Salma: Middle school move S3eed!
I walked away with Amal's crush as I laughed mockingly, looking back as 7amad helped her with the books.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (60)
Cursed With Beauty (60)
Note to the readers:
Apologies for the delay, I'll make it up to you! Promise.
-CB
Previously:
Amal:
I was surprised at 7amad spending time with S3eed.. Voluntarily? What happened, I wondered..
S3eed:
I stood to watch her but the next thing I knew, 7amad had fed me a football..
---------------------------------
Amal:
I sat back when I saw how caught up S3eed was with Joojoo, she had definitely worked her charm over him.
I let out a gentle smile to 7amad who was helping me out determining just that, whether or not S3eed had forgotten
Later then Salma joined us in the glass room.
S3eed:
We sat on the grass after our game was over, I stared at Salma as she was joining the girls. 7amad watched her closely.
Me: You realize you're staring at my sister.
7amad: Hmm? Yeah.. I mean no! It.. Doesn't matter she hates me.
He shook his head in denial. Naturally I would've angered me, the mere thought of someone thinking of my sister, but I didn't believe he had the same intentions as the ones before.
Khalid:
It wasn't just the fact that I was away that made it hard. It felt like I'd left one half of my soul to protect Mai while the other half got me through.
I texted her when I could, which was very rare.
Though it wasn't much of a time difference, Paris was only three hours earlier than Dubai.
It was me, I didn't have the time. The professors, the lectures, the work and extra work. Not to mention the meetings that were hours long. I missed her, a lot.
Amal:
Every now and then when the thoughts in my head stopped making sense, I made sure I had them written down somewhere and most likely I would tweet them down.
Surely, I was much more interactive as less events happened, and only more school work came in. Every time I'd tweet, he'd be there, and I told him everything, simply because I had no idea who he was, neither did he.
He knew I was hurt, but I forgot all the pain writing them down to him. Who was he? & was I foolish for blindly trusting him? I didn't know, and I didn't think so.
Note to the readers:
Apologies for the delay, I'll make it up to you! Promise.
-CB
Previously:
Amal:
I was surprised at 7amad spending time with S3eed.. Voluntarily? What happened, I wondered..
S3eed:
I stood to watch her but the next thing I knew, 7amad had fed me a football..
---------------------------------
Amal:
I sat back when I saw how caught up S3eed was with Joojoo, she had definitely worked her charm over him.
I let out a gentle smile to 7amad who was helping me out determining just that, whether or not S3eed had forgotten
Later then Salma joined us in the glass room.
S3eed:
We sat on the grass after our game was over, I stared at Salma as she was joining the girls. 7amad watched her closely.
Me: You realize you're staring at my sister.
7amad: Hmm? Yeah.. I mean no! It.. Doesn't matter she hates me.
He shook his head in denial. Naturally I would've angered me, the mere thought of someone thinking of my sister, but I didn't believe he had the same intentions as the ones before.
Khalid:
It wasn't just the fact that I was away that made it hard. It felt like I'd left one half of my soul to protect Mai while the other half got me through.
I texted her when I could, which was very rare.
Though it wasn't much of a time difference, Paris was only three hours earlier than Dubai.
It was me, I didn't have the time. The professors, the lectures, the work and extra work. Not to mention the meetings that were hours long. I missed her, a lot.
Amal:
Every now and then when the thoughts in my head stopped making sense, I made sure I had them written down somewhere and most likely I would tweet them down.
Surely, I was much more interactive as less events happened, and only more school work came in. Every time I'd tweet, he'd be there, and I told him everything, simply because I had no idea who he was, neither did he.
He knew I was hurt, but I forgot all the pain writing them down to him. Who was he? & was I foolish for blindly trusting him? I didn't know, and I didn't think so.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (59)
Previously:
Dalal: Mayed!
Khalid: Tough Times ...
--------------------------------------------
Amal:
Reem used to date Kovu's older brother, Mayed. After hearing about Salma, Mayed ditched Reem trying to get Salma, but he never got to her. Reem was seeking revenge, befriending me to get back at Salma.
As the truth unveiled, the thunderstorms in my head calmed down. Instead, I actually came to a conclusion that it was the most ridiculous plan ever. After the tense argument, I got up from the lunch table and Dalal followed.
Dalal: I'm sorry about that.
She said sincerely as she left. 7amad caught up with me, but I didn't slow down to chat.
7amad: Hey, what's on your mind now?
Me: Who's Mayed exactly?
7amad: Mindless.
Me: How's his younger brother unaffected by his actions?
7amad: It's world war III between them. Don't worry, it's not like he looks up to Mayed as a role model or something.
Me: I hope so.
I sat down with Joojoo, Salma, and Dalal later to go through what we learned. Salma reached out to Reem and apologized for not even recognizing anyone called Mayed. Even though Salma had forgiven Reem, like sneaky rats, she tried to avoid us after that incident, I didn't blame her, nor did the rest of us.
S3eed:
7amad was able to put all our differences aside to support my sister. Somehow his image in my head definitely changed. Though I didn't directly apologize for my own behavior, I did try to make it up to him. I invited him over to the farm on the weekend, a game of football, some video games, and good food.
Amal:
We stood outside the school waiting for Salma's driver. We were going to spend the beginning of our weekend in the farm. A small gathering away from crowded malls. S3eed later stood by us, and finally 7amad.
S3eed: You're returning to the farm?
Salma: Yeah, I invited the girls.
S3eed: I invited 7amad!
Salma: It was supposed to be a girls night in!
S3eed: It's alright we won't bother you outside.
I was surprised at 7amad spending time with S3eed.. Voluntarily? What happened, I wondered..
S3eed:
At the field, just me, 7amad, and the ball. I stood in front of the goal as 7amad had the ball in possession. At his first attempt to kick, Amal was making her way to the glass room.
I aggressively kicked the ball back to 7amad, who stopped to show off, kicking the ball in the air. At his second attempt to kick the ball at me, Joojoo was on her way to th glass room as well. I stood to watch her but the next thing I knew, 7amad had fed me a football..
Friday, February 15, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (58)
Previously:
Khalid: Irresponsible, that was how I acted.
7amad: Someone's been provoking him. I talked to S3eed, it wasn't Salma
Amal: So who was it?
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Amal:
I've assumed wrong things about Salma. The guilt ate me up alive.
Khalid: Irresponsible, that was how I acted.
7amad: Someone's been provoking him. I talked to S3eed, it wasn't Salma
Amal: So who was it?
----------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
I've assumed wrong things about Salma. The guilt ate me up alive.
Me: Reem, so what were you talking about?
Dalal: Of all people, you should've known!
Dalal stared Reem in the eyes with doubt.
Dalal: Amal, what have you heard?
So I told her. All that Reem's told me, and most of what I knew.
Dalal turned around to Reem again. Right before she spoke, the bell rang for the other class.
Dalal: Amal, Reem, join me at the cafeteria after class. Call Salma and Joojoo too.
It was definitely a tense class. I was running out of patience and my mind was bursting with questions. What was going on?
As soon as the bell rang, I ran out. The wind that blew against whispered confusion in my ears, and the times I've bumped into different people made me all the more frustrated. It was as if I had entered a battle field when I reached that cafeteria. 7amad, Dalal, S3eed, Salma, and finally, Reem standing in a circle. All of them looking at each other with doubt.
Me: somebody explain, now!
I was on the verge of exploding.
S3eed held his little sister's hand: I trust her, whatever she does. Whatever she did.
7amad stood back once he saw Dalal taking control of the tornado of emotions.
Dalal: Reem knows him.. She of all people would never believe such a rumor, let alone spread it!
With joojoo missing, most of the facts could not be confirmed. Dalal was new to speak to me, I had no idea who to trust.
7amad: Salma and S3eed, I'll handle this for you.
Salma walked away, giving him a warm, thankful gaze. S3eed patted his back passing him by. we sat down on a table.
7amad: :Let's not blame it on Reem, he has a troublesome older brother. She could have been confused?
Dalal's eyebrows raised in recognition, almost shock: Mayed!
Khalid:
I watched as Mai folded my shirts into my suitcase. From behind the doors, an expression of fear took over her, or was it worry?
I knocked twice and entered our room, knowing exactly that she was going to try hiding her emotions.
Mai: I packed almost everything you need.. For four months, surely I'll send you more if you wished.
Me: What about you?
Mai: I can do everything myself.
Me: When I'm not around?
Mai: Don't worry about me..
Later at night, they all stood by the door, giving out their farewells.
I kissed father & grandmother's foreheads, hugged my Amal, and the swelling stomach Mai had.
She was strong, she smiled to me, and asked me to take care. Even when Amal called about breaking down, Mai was the one to comfort her. Tough times..
Monday, February 4, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (57)
To my dear readers, enjoy!
Previously:
Amal: In a blink of an eye, I was on top of a galloping horse, running away from a guard dog that was let loose.
Mr.Marwan: I received some emails from my business partners out of the countries, they all seem very promising, and here's where I need you..
--------------------------------------
Amal:
In my room, I sunk in bed daydreaming about everything that happened.
His chest touching to my back, I felt his heart beating fast. One of his hands around my waist so I wouldn't fall, the other guided the horse.
A knock on the door brought me back to what was the present. Grandmother and 3osha came in with news.
Khalid was traveling for a while, leaving Mai behind in her situation. I immediately went to his room to disagree.
Me: How can you just leave her behind like that? How irresponsible!
Khalid: It was her father's suggestion.
Me: She needs taking care of! She needs you more than ever!
I wasn't as mad as I was afraid. I was worried to take care of her, I wasn't ready to make mistakes, not with her.
Khalid: It's just four months, & I'll be back on breaks!
Me: I can't believe you..
I ran out his room, I couldn't stand him at that time.
Khalid:
It was a risk I was taking. Even though it was tough, Mai agreed to it.
I knew she would be strong enough to handle my absence.
Amal didn't understand my reasons, I didn't blame her for calling me irresponsible.
That was what I was.
S3eed:
I was on the field, sitting on the benches tying my shoes. Practice just started, & this time 7amad the other team's goalie.
On the field, it was just me, the ball, and no one else. It was how I let out all my frustration, and any negative emotion I had, regardless of the score.
I had no doubt I was good, but 7amad was tall, with big hands, everyone knew it.
I looked him in the eyes, and noticed him looking me straight in the eyes. He grinned as if he knew something.
I lost my attention, and without realizing it, the ball was stolen from me.
Amal:
It got intense in school. I walked with Reem while Salma stuck with Joojoo and occasionally Dalal would join them.
Even at lunch, it was the silence between us, there was a repelling tension that made swallowing lunch so uncomfortable.
Later that day, Dalal stood right in front of me, while Reem was catching up with me.
Dalal: I don't really know you, nor do I have the interest.
Her slim arms were crossed, she stood her ground with confidence.
Me: Good to know, now I have a class to get to.
She stopped me again.
Dalal: This isn't the way it's supposed to be.
Me: I can't explain myself any longer, I'm sorry.
Reem finally joined us.
Dalal: Reem what's going on?
Reem: Not much, Salma's been dating Amal's crush.
Dalal: Amal's crush doesn't date at all.
She laughed. As if it was the most outrageous thing she ever heard.
I was shocked she knew instantly who it was, I assumed Reem had told her.
Me: You know?
Dalal came to my ears and
whispered: Your eyes don't just sparkle for anyone, now do they?
I felt my face warm up, I tried to pretend I wasn't blushing.
7amad pulled me away, I thought it wasn't the right time at all!
7amad: Someone's been provoking him, letting out rumors about him.. I talked to S3eed.. Amal, it wasn't Salma.
He said, even though he heard nothing of our conversation.
Me: So who was it?
Previously:
Amal: In a blink of an eye, I was on top of a galloping horse, running away from a guard dog that was let loose.
Mr.Marwan: I received some emails from my business partners out of the countries, they all seem very promising, and here's where I need you..
--------------------------------------
Amal:
In my room, I sunk in bed daydreaming about everything that happened.
His chest touching to my back, I felt his heart beating fast. One of his hands around my waist so I wouldn't fall, the other guided the horse.
A knock on the door brought me back to what was the present. Grandmother and 3osha came in with news.
Khalid was traveling for a while, leaving Mai behind in her situation. I immediately went to his room to disagree.
Me: How can you just leave her behind like that? How irresponsible!
Khalid: It was her father's suggestion.
Me: She needs taking care of! She needs you more than ever!
I wasn't as mad as I was afraid. I was worried to take care of her, I wasn't ready to make mistakes, not with her.
Khalid: It's just four months, & I'll be back on breaks!
Me: I can't believe you..
I ran out his room, I couldn't stand him at that time.
Khalid:
It was a risk I was taking. Even though it was tough, Mai agreed to it.
I knew she would be strong enough to handle my absence.
Amal didn't understand my reasons, I didn't blame her for calling me irresponsible.
That was what I was.
S3eed:
I was on the field, sitting on the benches tying my shoes. Practice just started, & this time 7amad the other team's goalie.
On the field, it was just me, the ball, and no one else. It was how I let out all my frustration, and any negative emotion I had, regardless of the score.
I had no doubt I was good, but 7amad was tall, with big hands, everyone knew it.
I looked him in the eyes, and noticed him looking me straight in the eyes. He grinned as if he knew something.
I lost my attention, and without realizing it, the ball was stolen from me.
Amal:
It got intense in school. I walked with Reem while Salma stuck with Joojoo and occasionally Dalal would join them.
Even at lunch, it was the silence between us, there was a repelling tension that made swallowing lunch so uncomfortable.
Later that day, Dalal stood right in front of me, while Reem was catching up with me.
Dalal: I don't really know you, nor do I have the interest.
Her slim arms were crossed, she stood her ground with confidence.
Me: Good to know, now I have a class to get to.
She stopped me again.
Dalal: This isn't the way it's supposed to be.
Me: I can't explain myself any longer, I'm sorry.
Reem finally joined us.
Dalal: Reem what's going on?
Reem: Not much, Salma's been dating Amal's crush.
Dalal: Amal's crush doesn't date at all.
She laughed. As if it was the most outrageous thing she ever heard.
I was shocked she knew instantly who it was, I assumed Reem had told her.
Me: You know?
Dalal came to my ears and
whispered: Your eyes don't just sparkle for anyone, now do they?
I felt my face warm up, I tried to pretend I wasn't blushing.
7amad pulled me away, I thought it wasn't the right time at all!
7amad: Someone's been provoking him, letting out rumors about him.. I talked to S3eed.. Amal, it wasn't Salma.
He said, even though he heard nothing of our conversation.
Me: So who was it?
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (56)
Note to the readers:
apologies for the late post..
In Reply to Reem: Kovu gave up all the schemes and evil he planned in order to save the love he found.
Previously:
Khalid: I wanted to protect her the best way I could.
Amal: Are you two.. together?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amal:
Salma's eyes sparkled, she rode her bike back to the farm, and left me all alone with Kovu on his horse.
The horse called out, and stomped, making the ground shake under me. The bike was loud, it terrified the black horse.
I muttered and complained with myself, to myself. How long would it take me to get back to the farm on foot? Was Salma leaving me to face Kovu and his answer all alone?
Kovu: Is your return far?
He seemed to have missed the question I asked earlier, I thought my voice was too low for him to hear. I looked at him and looked away, I started walking my way back.
Kovu: get on the horse, you'll get tired.
I shook my head as I walked.
Kovu: Fine, can I walk with you?
I shrugged. I hoped short answers might make him stop trying.
Even though I wasn't completely convinced with what Reem said, I was still afraid. I was being cautious. As I walked, I thought of Salma.. How I accused her so easily, how selfish I am, and how painfully blunt I come across. If I weren't me, I'd probably hate me. At that time, I loathed myself for how I acted.
Keeping my thoughts aside, I could hear the the horse breathing far behind me, and slowly it's steps got slower. I only stopped when I realized there was a subtle voice of growling, in a blink of an eye, I was on top of a galloping horse, running away from a guard dog that was let loose.
Khalid:
I got up early before Mai would normally wake me up, I got dressed and went to work. I wrote to Mai a message letting her know that she won't have to wake me up, nor trouble herself to help me with anything.
Before I got to sit at my desk, I was called by Mr. Marwan personally.
Mr. Marwan: Sit comfortably Khalid, I have something to offer you.
I sat back as he began.
Mr.Marwan: I received some emails from my business partners out of the countries, they all seem very promising, and here's where I need you.
He paused for a second, and I didn't bother to interrupt.
Mr. Marwan: We were offered some training courses, not really that long, just four months. I didn't need to think it through, I knew you were the most eligible for the courses. What do you say?
I was surprised by his sudden offer, I had no time to think.
Me: What would the courses get me?
Mr. Marwan: If you complete all of them? My position after I retire!
Four months? What would I do that long away from Mai? Does she come with me? Will she be ok with just us alone? I was at loss for words.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Cursed With Beauty (55)
Previously:
S3eed: I dropped my notebooks and gave in..
Amal: Was that the case? Was that why Salma's been quite all along? But she knew how I felt! I trusted her!
Khalid: We were young, with absolutely no idea of what was coming next
--------------
Khalid:
I got up to the sound of the alarm clock. As I set it off, I noticed that Mai wasn't by my side. It was so early, the sun hadn't come out.
Me: Mai?
I heard the sound of someone vomiting in the bathroom. I ran in and found her by the toilet on the ground.
Mai: Leave!
She continued throwing up, but once she stopped she repeated.
Mai: Go away! Close the door, stop looking at me!
Her hair was all over her face, she tried to hide it. I sat on the ground, ran my fingers through her hair, I pulled it away from her face.
Again, she threw up some more, but this time one hand held her hair back, the other was gently on her stomach to support her.
She held on to me when she thought it was over. I wrapped my arms around her, trying my best to make her feel secure.
I didn't care what state she was in, I wanted to support her, protect her the best way I could.
S3eed:
I had stayed up at the farm, expecting Amal & Joojoo to join me for breakfast.
I changed and headed out my room, finding Amal, Joojoo, & Salma already seated in the living area.
Me: Good morning ladies..
The glass doors let all the sunshine in, but not the gentle breeze. It warmed the cold marble floors which made it much more cozier.
Jooojoo stood up as I approached her. I hugged her loosely fully aware that Amal was watching.
Me: Well, I see breakfast is ready. Help yourselves!
Amal:
S3eed chose the chair across me, and Salma was on my right. Joojoo chatted with S3eed, while I awkwardly ate quietly.
Salma: Did I tell you about my report? I finally got a full mark!
Me: Good for you!
Salma was never the excellent student. She's been such a bright student this year.
I wondered if it was because of what happened. She changed a lot, to the better too!
As those positive thoughts came to mind, I had a better feeling about talking to her. I know Reem's a true friend, but there's got to be a reason why Salma would do such a thing to me. I couldn't run into conclusions so fast.
Me: You know.. I'm really proud of you. You've been doing so well! I hope I can do the same.
Salma: Of course you can! I'm ready to help whenever.
It seems that the conversation grabbed S3eed's attention.
S3eed: So she's been a good kid?
I looked away as if he was talking to her, not me.
S3eed: I'm proud of you too Salma, how about we take you out for dinner tonight?
I looked at S3eed, smiling at the sweet gesture. What comforted my thoughts was when I noticed Joojoo's hands holding his on the edge of the table.
Joojoo: That would be nice! Wouldn't it? Where would you like to eat Salma?
Salma: Honestly.. I don't mind at all, but thank you! You really don't have to.
She blushed.
S3eed: I'm going to play football outside. Girls you'll be okay?
Me: Umm.. Can we borrow your bike?
Joojoo: I'd rather take a nap, I haven't slept well last night.
Salma: I'll join you!
S3eed: The keys are in my room, Joojoo can you get them?
So she did.
Salma drove. She was better, and she knew where not to go. On one of the sandy hills we stopped too look around.
It was a chilly morning that had a beautiful breeze to it.
We sat on the sand, looking down at the farms that were close to uncle's. The wind blew against our faces, until our cheeks froze.
Salma: Look! Someone's on a horse. That farm has a huge stable filled with horses.
When we looked closely, it seemed that the person on the horse was running away from the stable man, who was clearly shouting at him.
The horse galloped, you could feel the ground shake until it came close to us. Then slowly, the horse slowed down.
I knew the black curled hair, a fitted white shirt, and dark jeans on a coal black horse with white legs, rarely would you find such a beast in the farms. He stopped the horse mumbling to himself.
Kovu: What the hell are you doing here?
Salma: It's far from the stables, and the bikes turned off.
Kovu: What does your brother want?
Salma: Nothing, he wouldn't have sent me.
I whispered to Salma: You know him?
Salma: My brother was at war with him for some reason. Only recently did he stop obsessing over him. He thinks we want to scared the horses.
I stood up and turned to look at him, I actually gazed into his eyes, as he returned the gaze, then I looked at Salma again. I didn't want to let myself fall for another person who was someone else's
Me: Can I ask?
Salma: Go ahead.
Me: Are you two.. Together?
S3eed: I dropped my notebooks and gave in..
Amal: Was that the case? Was that why Salma's been quite all along? But she knew how I felt! I trusted her!
Khalid: We were young, with absolutely no idea of what was coming next
--------------
Khalid:
I got up to the sound of the alarm clock. As I set it off, I noticed that Mai wasn't by my side. It was so early, the sun hadn't come out.
Me: Mai?
I heard the sound of someone vomiting in the bathroom. I ran in and found her by the toilet on the ground.
Mai: Leave!
She continued throwing up, but once she stopped she repeated.
Mai: Go away! Close the door, stop looking at me!
Her hair was all over her face, she tried to hide it. I sat on the ground, ran my fingers through her hair, I pulled it away from her face.
Again, she threw up some more, but this time one hand held her hair back, the other was gently on her stomach to support her.
She held on to me when she thought it was over. I wrapped my arms around her, trying my best to make her feel secure.
I didn't care what state she was in, I wanted to support her, protect her the best way I could.
S3eed:
I had stayed up at the farm, expecting Amal & Joojoo to join me for breakfast.
I changed and headed out my room, finding Amal, Joojoo, & Salma already seated in the living area.
Me: Good morning ladies..
The glass doors let all the sunshine in, but not the gentle breeze. It warmed the cold marble floors which made it much more cozier.
Jooojoo stood up as I approached her. I hugged her loosely fully aware that Amal was watching.
Me: Well, I see breakfast is ready. Help yourselves!
Amal:
S3eed chose the chair across me, and Salma was on my right. Joojoo chatted with S3eed, while I awkwardly ate quietly.
Salma: Did I tell you about my report? I finally got a full mark!
Me: Good for you!
Salma was never the excellent student. She's been such a bright student this year.
I wondered if it was because of what happened. She changed a lot, to the better too!
As those positive thoughts came to mind, I had a better feeling about talking to her. I know Reem's a true friend, but there's got to be a reason why Salma would do such a thing to me. I couldn't run into conclusions so fast.
Me: You know.. I'm really proud of you. You've been doing so well! I hope I can do the same.
Salma: Of course you can! I'm ready to help whenever.
It seems that the conversation grabbed S3eed's attention.
S3eed: So she's been a good kid?
I looked away as if he was talking to her, not me.
S3eed: I'm proud of you too Salma, how about we take you out for dinner tonight?
I looked at S3eed, smiling at the sweet gesture. What comforted my thoughts was when I noticed Joojoo's hands holding his on the edge of the table.
Joojoo: That would be nice! Wouldn't it? Where would you like to eat Salma?
Salma: Honestly.. I don't mind at all, but thank you! You really don't have to.
She blushed.
S3eed: I'm going to play football outside. Girls you'll be okay?
Me: Umm.. Can we borrow your bike?
Joojoo: I'd rather take a nap, I haven't slept well last night.
Salma: I'll join you!
S3eed: The keys are in my room, Joojoo can you get them?
So she did.
Salma drove. She was better, and she knew where not to go. On one of the sandy hills we stopped too look around.
It was a chilly morning that had a beautiful breeze to it.
We sat on the sand, looking down at the farms that were close to uncle's. The wind blew against our faces, until our cheeks froze.
Salma: Look! Someone's on a horse. That farm has a huge stable filled with horses.
When we looked closely, it seemed that the person on the horse was running away from the stable man, who was clearly shouting at him.
The horse galloped, you could feel the ground shake until it came close to us. Then slowly, the horse slowed down.
I knew the black curled hair, a fitted white shirt, and dark jeans on a coal black horse with white legs, rarely would you find such a beast in the farms. He stopped the horse mumbling to himself.
Kovu: What the hell are you doing here?
Salma: It's far from the stables, and the bikes turned off.
Kovu: What does your brother want?
Salma: Nothing, he wouldn't have sent me.
I whispered to Salma: You know him?
Salma: My brother was at war with him for some reason. Only recently did he stop obsessing over him. He thinks we want to scared the horses.
I stood up and turned to look at him, I actually gazed into his eyes, as he returned the gaze, then I looked at Salma again. I didn't want to let myself fall for another person who was someone else's
Me: Can I ask?
Salma: Go ahead.
Me: Are you two.. Together?
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