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.