Chapter Twenty One

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-Previously-

“YA WLD EL **** !! ANA BATHB7K”Yousif pulled Salman from his shirt and he threw his body on the floor. 

“YOUSIF STOP!!”

Suddenly, I noticed my driver coming towards us, holding his phone in his hand. I walked towards him and said “Raj, shtsawy? Why did you leave the car?”a confused look on my face. “Mama! Ana fe choof Yousif sawy hosha weya nafar ana ytisil(yti9l) fe police!”Raj said, looking flustered. “Laa Raj! Shsawayt!”I said, a worried expression on my face.  Suddenly, the security guards came towards us and said “Excuse me, we got a call from the police, they said they got a call saying to guys were fighting, we need to take them in.” The security had a serious look on his face; his eyebrows narrow and his lips straight. Yousif signaled us to go to the car; he mouth the word “go”while walking towards the security guard. I dragged Layal to the car, tears filling her eyes. She kept looking back, watching Yousif and Salman leaving the empty parking lot with the security guards. I was seriously worried; I felt sick to my stomach. So many questions were running through my mind. What was gonna happen to Yousif? Was he going to jail? Was Layal gonna get in trouble? What was going to happen to Layal when her parents find out? My phone interrupted my thoughts; my mother was calling.

-Phone call with Mama-

Mama: Yousif tawa kalam ubooh, w galah ena ray7 markaz elshr6a a7een w y7taja eroo7 hnak. Yasmeen, inty w Layal ityoon bait yaditch. NOW.

Yasmeen: I-I-Inshallah..

Tears filled my eyes. Yousif might go to jail. How was I gonna break this to Layal? That Yousif was going to the police station right this minute. That she was going to have to explain this to her parents. How was she gonna tell them about her relationship with Yousif? Or was she planning on keeping that part out? I could hear Layal mumbling to herself, her faint voice repeating “Its all my fault.”She put up her feet, holding on to her knees, rocking back and forth with her face buried in her knees. I lifted her head up, revealing her now smudged mascara, her face filled with tears. She had one of those baby faces that looked so vulnerable when she cried. “Layal 7beebty, its so not your fault. It was my idea. Yousif wanted to be there for you. Inty mb fahma ina he’d risk his life for you? Don’t you know that he would do literally anything for you? Yal habla, HE. IS. CRAZY. ABOUT. YOU.” I didn’t notice I was shaking Layal while saying that. “I-I just love him so much! 5ayfa 3lay! Wallah what if Salman twists the story around and Yousif gets charged? Yasmeen, wallah I’m so scared!”Layal said, crying in my arms. We stayed like that till we got to my grandmother’s house; Layal crying in my arms and me trying to calm her down. 

When we finally arrived, Raj was staring at me from the rear view mirror, waiting for us to leave the car. But Layal and I, we didn’t want to leave the car, because we knew; we knew once we left the car, everything would become real; Yousif would be at the police station, we’d be worried here, and we’d have to tell our parents and Yousif’s parents the whole story. And we didn’t want to; we couldn’t, it was too much for one day; too unreal. I let out a long sigh, while my eyes were shut. I tapped on Layal and nodded slowly, like I was telling her “it was time.” She shut her eyes and nodded back. Once we slowly left the car, Raj left to park it. I held Layal’s hand, squeezing it to reassure her that I was here for her. We took slow steps towards the door. When we finally got to the door, we turned the knob as slow as we could. I took a deep breathe and opened up the door.

Once the door was open, our parents ran towards us, Yousif’s mother in tears. “Sh9ar?! Feekum shay?!”My mother said, pulling me in for a hug. I started crying again, after feeling the warmth of my mother’s hugs. Layal’s mother gave her a seriously look, but then she sighed and pulled her in for a hug; once she notice Layal had been crying the whole way here. Layal explained that this guy had been stalking her for about 2 weeks now, and he threatened to hurt her family if she said anything. So, Yousif, like the defending cousin he was, wanted to take action and I told them to set up this meeting. My mother gave me a disapproving look when Layal said, shaking her head back and forth. Layal continued, trying to finish the story without bursting into tears again. Once she was done, her parents dragged her into the other room. All you could hear were there screams “LAISH MAGLTELNA?! YOU COULD’VE BEEN KILLED!” If you listened closely, you could her Layal’s faint voice saying sorry multiple times.

By 11:30 PM, we were drained of all our energy. Suddenly, the door opened up, and Yousif and his father walked in! “YOUSIF!” his mother called out, running towards her son. Her face looking relieved. Yousif looked really tired. I turned to Layal to see if she was okay; she looked broken. Yousif walked towards the couch; he sat down and held his head with his hands. He took a deep breath and began to speak. “5thona w 7a8i8aw ma3ana... 7mdlah they took my actions as self defense so I was free to go. Gltlhum shsawa fe Layal, w 3nda trail on the account of him harassing her w threatening her.”He stopped and look up; he looked Layal straight in the eye. “Galaw  maygdroon eyawdona layn his trial, so his basically free to do what he wants till his trial. Ya3ny 3ady e6ali3 ra8m w e7acheech. ‘3ayry ra8mch Layal. Close your twitter and Facebook account for now. Please.”You could see the pain in Yousif’s eyes; how hard it was to get those words out. You could also see that Layal was suffering; she kept opening her mouth, waiting for the words to come out. Then suddenly, she forced the word “In-Inshallah” out. I could tell she was using all her strength not to cry. 

My phone started to ring. It was Noorah. I walked out of the room to answer the phone.

-Phone call with Noorah-

Yasi: Alooo

Noorah: Hii Yasmeeen

Yasi: Halla, umm, shlonch?

Noorah: Better... W inty?

Yasi: Its been a long day...

Noorah: Oh... so btyeen tomorrow? Because chftch mayeety elyoum glt bat9l feech...

Yasi: Oh my God! I’m so sorry Noorah! Wallah I got caught up in some family drama! I’ll come over tomorrow, I probably won’t go to school!

Noorah: Ee, ana b3d I won’t go! Come over at 10? We’ll have breakfast together!

Yasi: Yeah sure 7beebty! Yalla I’ll see you tomorrow Inshallah! Bye 

Noorah: Inshallah, bye

Now I had to convince my mother to let me go over. “Mama?”I said, walking towards my mother. “Yallah Yasmeen, bnamshy”My mother said, signaling me to follow her. “Inshallah” I replied, walking over to my Grandmother to kiss her forehead. I said goodbye to everyone and left. Once we were in the car, I tried opening up the conversation. “Umm mama, 3ady madawm tomorrow?”I said looking down at my fingers. “6ab3an, wayed ashya 9arat elyoum. I don’t blame you etha ‘3bety. Lazm tray7een! 3ad bs tomorrow ha!”My mother said, her warm hand on my cheek. I gave her a warm smile and said ‘Inshallah’. My father had stayed home with the boys, so Raj kindly took us home. “Umm mama, 3ady tomorrow aroo7 bait rfejty? 9ayra mshkla bayn ahalha w wayd mkt2ba el bnaya, kasra 5a6ri!” I said, hoping I wasn’t pushing my luck. “Hmm, Yasmeen, mnn hay el bnt?”My mother said, giving me a confused look. “Umm, Noorah AlX...”I said, twisting my lips to the side. “Eeee, 3raft’ha! Ely umha tsht’3l fe sharekat AlX? Bs mb chnha 9‘3eera? 13 madry 14?”My mother said, confused again. “Ee, hay umha. Umm ee, she’s 13 ... bs 7dha mature 7g sinha!”I said, trying to convince my mother. “Inzain, 3gb ma Raj ewa9l el awlad w eyeebly ashya2y mnn elsupermarket, a5ly ewadeech.”She said, giving me a warm smile. I smiled back and said thank you.

-

I woke up the next morning at 9 AM. I was still in my clothes from last night; my eyeliner smudged and my hair messed up. I must’ve fallen asleep without even knowing it. The last thing I remember was talking to my mother in the car. I must’ve fallen asleep right after that and my father must’ve carried me in. Reminded me of the days I’d sleep on the couch and magically wake up in my bed. I got up and took a shower. I felt so disgusted from last night; I actually thought it was a dream. But I knew it wasn’t. Once I was done, I prayed and got ready. I wore my black leggings and a loose, white sweatshirt that had a random cartoon on it. My hair was still wet so I just put it up into a messy bun because I wasn’t bothered with it. I wore my gold flats and got my Chanel purse. I was out the door by 10. I whatsapped Noorah and told her I was on my way. She told me that she told the maid to make us pancakes for breakfast! My stomach growled and I noticed how hungry I was. 

Once I got to Noorah’s house, I rang the doorbell and she answered it. After we hugged, she showed me to the dining room where we’d have breakfast. I was hoping I’d surprise Saif when he got home from school! “Hahahaaha, Saif byt9arwa3 when he sees me!”I said with a giggle. Noorah’s eyes began to tear up. “Yasmeen... My dad 6rad Saif mnn el bait!”Noorah said, tears falling from her eyes. “Sh-shno? Wayna a7een? Is he okay?”I said, forcing the words out. “Madry! I didn’t talk to him! Bs akeed fe bait Faisal! I thought you knew...”She said, wiping her tears. “Tell me what happened.”I said, a serious look forming on my face. Noorah started telling me about how she told her father she wanted to see Saif when she had the nightmare, and how he called him and told him not to come home. I was so shocked that Saif didn’t bring this up. We didn’t really talk after the whole Fudz thing and I was busy yesterday with the stalker drama... I really needed to see if he was okay. I checked the time and luckily it was still break. I bbm-ed Reem, knowing she’d have her phone out at the moment. 

-BBM conversation with Reem-

Yasi: PING!!! x5

Reem: HAAA SHTABEEN YAL ‘3AYBA YAL CHALBA.

Yasi: Uff skty I had family drama. Is Saif in school??

Reem: weeee 3asa ma shar!! Ee, he came with Faisal 

Yasi: I’ll tell you later. Is he staying at Faisal’s??

Reem: Yup! Ams Faisal galy...

Yasi: Oh, I need to talk to him :(

Reem: Call him once school’s over, he has his phone :D

Yasi: Okay thank you love!

Reem: You’re welcome :*

I spent the afternoon with Noorah. Once the boys finished school, Raj came and picked me up. I hugged Noorah goodbye and left. Layal called me while I was in the car.

-Phone call with Layal-

Yasmeen: LAL7EEN MA‘3AYRTY R8MCH?!

Layal: I was just about too! Yasmeen dazaly whatsapp message from a new number! Egooly I’m gonna lose the case w ehwa bytzawajny 8a9eb! 

Yasmeen: Go. Tell. Your. Parents. To. Tell. The. P-O-L-I-C-E.

Layal: inzain.... bye

Yasmeen: Bye

Once Layal told her parent’s, BAM. Salman went straight to Jail.

Chapter Twenty

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-Previously-

Dad: Saif, Don’t bother coming home tonight.

-Yasmeen’s POV- 

Saif seemed pissed. I didn’t know who he was talking to, but it seemed bad. I was worried about him. I’ve never seen him this angry before. I looked at him with a worried expression. 

Yasmeen: Saif, 7beby, are you okay? Who were you talking to? Do you want to to get the food to go?

Saif: My dad. Laa, I lost my appetite. I just need to be alone right now.

Yasmeen: Saif, don’t shut me out! Maybe I can help. Shgal your dad? Was it about Noorah?

Saif: You can’t. Just leave me alone for now; I need some time alone.

And he left the restaurant like that. 

I called the waitress over to get the bill and take the food back to Jumanah’s house. The waitress said “Ma’aam, the food has been payed for by the gentleman that was with you, I’ll put your food for take away and bring it now.”I can’t believe Saif remembered to actually pay for the food! This is why I loved him. He could still be my prince, when he was feeling down.  

I decided to send Noorah a Whatsapp message and ask her what happened.

-Whatsapp conversation with Noorah-

Yasmeen: Noorah 7bebty, sh9ar bayn Saif w his dad??

Noorah: Its all my fault.

Yasmeen: Latgooleen chthy! Sh9ar?

Noorah: You know about the nightmares?

Yasmeen: Yeah, Saif told me. I hope you don’t mind?

Noorah: Laa 3ady. I had another one. All I wanted was Saif. And my dad took Saif away from me.

Yasmeen: Noorah what happened?

Noorah: Can you come over tomorrow night?

Yasmeen: Of course baby xx

Noorah: I love you!

Yasmeen: Me more x

I was hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. Inshallah 5air. 

-Saif’s POV-

I hated him. With all my heart. I really need to check on Noorah. I’ll try calling her maybe? Her phone is off. Great.

-Phone call with Faisal-

Faisal: Halla, wainik?

Saif: Faisal, 3ady ag3d fe baitkum for a few days? My dad kicked me out... Bagoolk klshay when I see you... Can you pick me up now? Ana 3n baitkum fe Durra

Faisal: Ee akeed 3ady! Ana weya Reem w Jumanah al7een, so magdar ayeek... W my driver ma3a umy al7een fa 3ndk a7ad ewadeek?

Saif: Mashkoor wallah. Ee 3ndy, I’ll call Jassim. Yalla bye

Faisal: Mabaina! Bye

-Phone call with Jassim-

Jassim: Halla Saif! Waynk mabtyee bait yadtna elyoum?

Saif: Halla Jassoom, umm.. Laa.. Can you pick me up from Durra? Sorry eny agoolk bs ma3ndy a7ad ya5thny...

Jassim: Ee akeed! A9lan ana yam Durra right now, so bakoon 3ndk fe 5 minutes!

Saif: Mashkoor, bye

Jassim: bye

Once Jassim was here, he BBMed me to come outside of Durra. I got into the car and Jassim said “Spill”. I sighed, and told him the whole story. “Ma9dg hal rayal ehwa 3amy! Shlon y6rdk!”Jassim said, a bit too loud. “Jassim, had a39abk. Mt3awd ana.”I said, trying to calm him down. It was true; I was used to this. I was used to him blaming me constantly. I was used to him kicking me out. Even Faisal was used to it. I would leave for a few days, then I’d come back and he’d act like nothing happened. But this time, the problem was ten times worse. Every time it would be because I had talked back to him, said something rude to his wife, or even not replying to him. He had this thing about him, where he’d automatically kick me out if I had a reply better than his. Childish? Yes, I know. “Laa shnw t3awadt! Al7een tyee 3ndna w b3d matrid baitkum!”Jassim said, outraged. “Jassim 5la9, had nafsk! Wallah ehwa mb sha59 yswa. Ana baroo7 bait Faisal, 3ndhum Guest House 5arijy I stay in. I already have some clothes there so 3ady. Maby athagel 3laykum. Please, Jassim efham ina if I stay 3ndkum, it would be too risky. Maby ena, la sama7 Allah, ubooi eyeeh w echoofny 3ndkum...”I said, reassuring Jassim. “Inzain... Al7een gooly, t‘3adayt?”Jassim said with a smirk on his face. “Laa wallah, bs klsh mb yaw3an. Bs aby aroo7 arayi7...”I said, remembering the way I left Yasmeen at Fudz alone. “Yaah iskit arjook! Al7een ana awadeek nt‘3ada machboos deyay bait yadtna! Allah wallah 5osh machboos!”Jassim said, drooling a bit. “Hahaha, whatever you say Jassim.” I said, chuckling at him. 

“Inzain umm, Saif? Salfat Jawaher 6awelat shway... Galatly I give you her number 3shan you talk to her fe Whatsapp... 3ady?”Jassim said, hesitantly. You could see how much he loved her when he said her name; he would start sweating and he starts breathing heavily; its kind of funny actually.  “Inzain 3a6ny her number, w I’ll plan something with her al7een yal love bird int”I winked at him. He chuckled nervously and said “3XXXXXXX”. I added her on whatsapp.

-Whatsapp conversation with Jawaher-

Saif: Halla Jawaher, ana Saif wld 3am Jassim.

Jawaher: Oh halla Saif!

Saif: Bagoolch, a7een shsalfa?

Jawaher: I stopped talking to both of them, ana aby I take this time to decide.

Saif: Inzain tbeen we meet up fe mkan 3shan tgoolenly shnw your decision?

Jawaher: ee okay. When and where?

Saif: How about tomorrow at Starbucks, City Centre @ 4 PM?

Jawaher: ee okay, see you there!

“Done.” I said to Jassim. “9j?? Sh9ar?” Jassim said, nervously.  “Tomorrow I’ll meet her w bnchoof who she chooses. Mabagoolk wayn bnroo7 3shan matyeey w b3d mabagool 7g Khalid. When she decides, I’ll call both of you.” I replied. Jassim just nodded silently and parked the car in front of our Grandmother’s house.

-Yasmeen’s POV-

I called Jumanah and told her I wasn’t feeling well, so I was leaving. Once I convinced her nothing was wrong; I called my mother and told her to send the driver and take me to my Grandmother’s house. I needed Layal and Yousif. 

Once I got to my Grandmother’s house, salamt 3la everyone and ran upstairs. My mother noticed something was wrong, but she didn’t force me to talk. I ran up to the kids’ room to find Layal crying! “Layal 7abebty! Shfeeech!!? Yousif shfeeha Layal?!!”I said, running to hug Layal. “Youm sm3t enich yaya, galat el7mdelah w gamat et9ee7! 7awalt ahadeeha bs mar‘9at tgooli ela layn enty to9leen!”Yousif said; he seemed afraid! “Layal 7abeebty! Talk!”I started tearing up! I’ve never seen Layal like this before! 

“Fee.. Fee wa7d... He followed me on twitter... then added me on Facebook... he even got my number and started talking on Whatsapp! Wayd gam e5awfny! Esawy “ana a7bch w batzawjch w maba5leech tzawjayn Yousif! Kela ba5aleech fe ‘3rfa locked up 3shan ma7ad ‘3ayry echoof jamalch!” I blocked him on Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp, bs he just got another number and added me on whatsapp again! 3gb gam egool “I’ll kidnap you the next time you go out. Ana a3arf wayn enty, everyday, everywhere and at anytime.” W then he sent me a picture he took of me w ana fel supermarket w one of me in school! Wallah 9ij 9ij 5awafny!! I wanted to tell both of you! I wanted to tell my parents! I wanted to tell the police! I’m so scared! Galy etha I told my parent, you guys or the police, he’ll do something to you guys!”Layal kept sobbing and sobbing! I was crying with her and Yousif was so red and angry; I knew he wanted to kill this guy. “Layal... When did this start?”I said, hugging her tight. “A few weeks ago..”Layal said, sobbing even harder.“Layal please hd2ay!! I have a plan. Send him a whatsapp message telling him you want to meet him fe parking City Centre. The roof-top parking, which is always empty. Tell him ena inty b3d 7abayty... ena go along! Then, tomorrow when you say you’re gonna meet him, Yousif can see who the guy is, w ehma ytfahmon!”I said, trying to calm Layal down. “L-Laa a5af 3la Yousif! This guy seems dangerous!” Layal said, between sobs. “Lat5afeen 3alay 7beebty, I’m a big boy, I can take care of myself”Yousif said with a smile, wiping Layal’s tears. Yousif’s soft side was the side only Layal would get. I would always get the “maynoona inty?!”side. But that’s what I loved about their relationship; it was that Layal showed Yousif’s amazing side.

“Yalla ‘3ada!”Fatimah called from outside. Layal and I wiped our tears and the three of us went downstairs.

-

Layal slept over because she was too scared about today. I felt the adrenaline rushing in my blood while I was getting ready. I wore light blue jeans, a plain white top and a floral blazer with baby pink flats and my Chanel shoulder bag. I left my waves down with my bangs braided to the side. Layal wore navy jeans and a black top with a gold cardigan and gold flats. She wore a black hijab. “Ready?”I said, giving Layal a smile. “No...”Layal sighed, and got into the car.

Once we got to City Centre, I told the driver to go to the roof top parking and I called Yousif. “Ha are you here?” I said to Yousif on the phone. “Ee, achoof sayaratkum. Park w ana a7een bayee sayaratkum.”Yousif replied. I hung up and told Layal to whatsapp this guy and tell him she was here. “*Swallows hard* Yasmeen, a5af.” Layal said, her eyes were shut and tears were starting to fall from them. I wiped her tears and said “Layal lat5feen, Allah ma3ach w ana w Yousif hnyee. Gooly besmelah w dzy el Whatsapp message. Layal nodded slowly and started typing. I peaked into her phone to see what he replies.

-Whatsapp conversation with the guy- 

Layal: Ana w9alt, meet me fel roof top parking :*!

...: Yalla 2 minutes w akoon 3ndch! I can’t believe you’re finally gonna be mine <3 <3! Al7een ntzawaj w I’ll keep you safe with me <3!

“I think he was dropped as a child...”I said, my eyes opened wide after reading his reply. “Gltlch! Maynoon!”Layal said. “Aka Yousif is here. Remember, keep my phone call open, so I can hear everything he says! 3shan Yousif knows when to come!”I said, reminding Layal of the plan. Layal nodded and left the car.

-Layal’s POV-

My heart was racing so fast; I thought it might jump out of my chest. I couldn’t breathe and my throat was dry. My hands kept shaking. What if this guy kidnaps me? I should’nt have come here. Ding! I had a whatsapp message. “7abeebty, ana 3nd el bab! Aka chftch! Walk towards me <3 shaklch 3roos <3!!”I called Yasmeen so she could listen in on the conversation.

-Conversation with guy-

Layal: U-umm magltly shsmk... 

...: Ana magltlch gabel la2na 5ft itgoolen 7g Yousif! Mashallah gumar! Wayd a7la shaklch fel 9ij! Madam a7een bt9eren zojty lazm agoolch! Isme Salman AlX!

-Yasmeen’s POV-

Yousif: MA9ADG! THY RFEEJI! KLA AKOON MA3AH FEL GAHWA! BATHB7A!!!

Yousif stormed out of the car and ran towards them. I ran out and and followed him.

Yousif held Salman from his shirt and said “Aa yal chalb int! SHDARAK 3N LAYAL?!”Yousif’s nostrils were flaring and a vein was popping out of him forehead. He was breathing really hard. “A-A-A Yousif!! Let me explain!! Mb la int knt dayman tgool lna ena fe wa7da ma5tha galbk w 7adha 6ayba w sm3at’ha zaina?  W b3d glt enk tby tzawajha bs mabtgool lna esmha? Ana wayd 9adny f‘9ool iny a3rf who she is! Fa thak elyoum, youm you lost your phone w ana lgayta... It wasn’t lost... I stole it. Knt aby ra8mha w her twitter and Facebook! W youm chft 9oorat’ha w chft shlon ehya m7tashma! Wayd 7bayt’ha Yousif! 9ij 9ij marah!”Salman said, his eyes on Layal. 

“YA WLD EL **** !! ANA BATHB7K”Yousif pulled Salman from his shirt and he threw his body on the floor. 

“YOUSIF STOP!!”

Chapter Nineteen

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-Previously-

Faisal and Reem nodded and Faisal and Aziz walked away, chatting. I walked towards Reem.

Yasmeen: So, are you gonna break up with Faisal now?

Reem: Akeeed laa! I can’t... I just can’t. I love him so much; it hurts when I think about it. The love I have for Faisal... mb shway. Yeah I know, we might not have a future together, bs 9j all I want is for him to be happy. And I know, breaking up with him would crush him. I feel guilty choosing not to break up with him after Rawan’s talk with me, bs 9j I can’t. 

Reem started tearing up so I quickly wiped away her tears, pulled her in for a hug and as if right on cue; the bell rang. 

We ran to homeroom and saw Jumanah talking to Layan, Saif, Faisal and Aziz about something. Once Layan noticed us, she came over and apologized to Reem. “Reem, wallah I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you right away. Yeah, it happened so fast, but the way I reacted was unacceptable. Wallah I hope you forgive me!” Layan said, seeming sincere. “Weeh akeed I forgive you lala!” Reem said, pulling Layan in for a tight hug. When we were in kindergarten together, Reem had a hard time saying ‘Layan’, even though it wasn’t a hard name. So, Reem ended up calling Layan, ‘Lala’ , and the nickname stuck. 

We walked over to Jumanah and the guys and asked them what they were talking about. “Choofo, Faisal and I decided to have a sleepover this weekend! Guys fe Faisal’s house in Durra, and girls fe my house in Durra! We’ll hangout fe my house first, then at night the guys have to leave. We’ll meet up the next day in the morning and have breakfast somewhere! W we’ll see y3ny other things we can do!” Jumanah said, overly enthusiastic. We all said we’d ask our parents and get back to her. 

-

“Mamaaaaaaa! I’m hommmmme!” I said, walking through the door. “Inzain? Shtsaweelch mama etha you’re home y3ni?” 3essa said, giving me a confused look. I smacked the back of his head and walked away.  “Halla 7abebty! Shfeech elyoum a3lanty ench w9alty elbait? Feech shay?” Mama said, chuckling and walking over to hug me. “*chuckles* laa mama mafeny shay, bs aby as2lch etha 3ady I sleep over this weekend fe bait Jumanah fe Durra? PLEAASE.” I said, pouting and giving my mother puppy eyes. “Bekoon fe awlad fel sleepover?” Mama said, concerned. “Laa akeed! El awlad benamoon fe bait Faisal w e7na 3nd Juju! Bs we’ll hang out fe bait juju first w ba3dayn ehma beroo7oon 3nd Faisal! Plus, ahal Jumanah mawjoodeen!” I said, trying to reassure my mother. “Inzain, tgdreen troo7en bs mb tit2a5rayn el ym3a! Trdeen el bait 3la 8 or before 7abeebty!” My mother said. I thank my mother , kissed her forehead and ran upstairs to call Reem!

-Phone call with Reem-

Reem: Yal chalba! Knt akel my machboos deyay! Laish tgawmeny mnn el 6awla?!

Yasi: Inty bs tfakren fe dabitich! Bagoolch did you ask your parent’s about the sleepover??

Reem: Yup! W galaw yes! A7s your parents said no...

Yasi: Reem... My parents said... *sigh* ... YESSS WOHO!

Reem: YA 7MARA YAY! ALLAHHHH BEKOON WANASA!!

Yasi: 7ada! Yalla go eat your machboos w ana baroo7 at‘3ada too *giggling*

Reem: Yalla bye!

Once I ended the call, I bbm-ed Jumanah and told her I was coming. She was as excited as I was!

-

School couldn’t have ended any slower. Reem and I decided to go to Jumanah’s house together, so I went over to Reem’s house right after school. “uff, ma3arf shalbs!” Reem said, tilting her head and sighing. She was standing in front of her huge closet. It used to be this big storage room that was attached to her room, but once she grew up, she convinced her dad to turn it into a closet for her. “Kel hal thyab, w mat3rfen shtlbseen?” I said, laughing at Reem. “Inzain, goomy choofely shay albsa!” Reem said, pointing at her closet. “You hate my style. You even told me what I’m planning on wearing today is atrocious.” I said to Reem, matter-of-fact. I had taken a picture of my clothes and sent it to Reem last night. It was a pair of black, leather leggings, a loose white, sheer, button down shirt, that had little studs on the collar and the cuffs. I had my black flats on that had gold studs on it and my red Love Maschino shoulder bag with the long chain.  “I didn’t mean it was atrocious... I just meant you could wear something... prettier?” Reem said, giving me an innocent look. “Uff, inzain badawrlech!” I said, walking towards her closet. 

After multiple choices, Reem finally chose to wear her acid washed, skinny jeans, a neon yellow, striped shirt that was was slightly short sleeved and turquoise flats. she left her hair down as usual, and we both applied winged eyeliner, mascara and a bit of lipgloss. I had my wavy hair up into a high ponytail and we were off to Jumanah’s house.

-

“A5eeeran w9alataw! Broo7ha Layan mb yaya so I was stuck with the guys for a whole hour! Wayd mt2a5reen as usual!” Jumanah said, walking over to us in her black leggings and loose, long sleeved, sheer, red top with white polka dots on it. She had her long hair braided into a fishtail braid on the side. “Yah! Yah! Sh’hal zain?” I said, winking at Jumanah. “El zain kla jdamy yal hotties” Jumanah said, bursting into laughter. “You just couldn’t say that with a straight face, could you?” Reem said, pulling her in for a hug. I quickly hugged Jumanah and ran to the living room. 

Reem didn’t sit too close to Faisal, and she didn’t even hold his hand. She was still flirty and everything; just without the physical contact. I was so proud of her. Saif kept scrunching up his nose to make me laugh. I would fall backwards on the couch, holding onto my stomach from the laughter. We watched a couple of movies, some horror, which meant Reem and I kept throwing the popcorn in the air and Jumanah kept shouting at us. Then, a couple of comedies, which meant Reem and I would laugh really loud and Jumanah would shout at us. By 12 AM, we remembered to eat the pizza we had ordered and at 1:30 AM, the guys were off to Faisal’s house. 

Reem and I slept in the guest bedroom, while Jumanah went and slept in her room that was right next to ours. Reem and Jumanah fell straight asleep, while I layed in bed, thinking. By 2 AM, I received a BBM from Saif.

-BBM conversation from Saif-

Saif: Sleeping? 

Yasmeen: No x

Saif: Btnameen soon 7bebty?

Yasmeen: Nope :c

Saif: Tbeen we go sit on the beach?

Yasmeen: Madri... What if someone sees us? Tra el wagt mt2a5r w bnkoon broo7na...

Saif: Lat5afeen, we’ll sit 9ob mafeh a7ad

Yasmeen: Umm, okay... I’ll be downstairs in a bit x

Saif: I’ll be waiting :*

(NOTE: listen to All About Us - He is We feat. Owl City while reading this part!) (Thank you ‘3oo’3 for the song ❤!)

I got up slowly, and changed into a pair of plain black leggings and a loose neon pink shirt that said “ I ❤  { (mustache graphic)”  on it. I wore my black, plastic flip flops, that had a  bow on top, put my hair into a high ponytail, took my phone and slowly tiptoed out the room. I got a blanket for us to sit on, and left the house, slowly. Once I walked out of the house, I saw Saif, dressed in shorts and a white polo shirt. He had a beanie on his head with little curls sticking out of it. He looked really good with a beanie on. I automatically smiled, feeling my my cheeks get hot. He smiled back, making his dimples visible. I went over to him and poked his dimples with my fingers. He pinched my cheeks in return. “Hey! Stop that!” I said, giggling. He laughed and took my hand and pulled me towards the beach. It was pretty dark outside; so we decided to sit down. I set the blanket on the sand and sat down with Saif.

Saif: “You look so beautiful in the moonlight.” He started playing with my ponytail and I smiled at him. I pulled his beanie off and started messing up his curls! He started tickling me so I would stop. “Hahahaha - Saif! - hahahahaha - stop - hahahah - please!” I said, managing to get up. “Ta3aly basam3ch ‘3neya” He said, pulling me down to sit next to him. He gave me one of his headphones and played the song. 

Take my hand, I'll teach you to dance

I'll spin you around won't let you fall down

Would you let me lead? You can step on my feet

Give it a try, it'll be alright

The room's hush hush and now's our moment.

Take it in, feel it all and hold it

Eyes on you, eyes on me.

We're doing this right.

'Cause lovers dance when they're feeling in love

Spotlight's shining it's all about us

It's oh, oh, all

About uh, uh, us

And every heart in the room will melt

This is a feeling I've never felt

But it's all about us

The song instantly became my new favorite song; it became our song. Saif’s fingers intwined in my mine, he whispered “I love you” in my ear and we just sat there; listening to the song in repeat; watching the sunrise. I took a picture of the sunset as a reminder of that day and looked at the clock “SHIT! Its 6:30 AM! Saif we need to go back!” I said, pulling Saif up and taking the blanket quickly. We ran to Jumanah’s house like children! Once we were close, we started walking really slow; our fingers still intwined in eachothers; our smiles from ear to ear, feeling like we were the only two people on the planet.  Saif had that affect; he could make you feel like you were the only girl in the world. Once we got to the door, he pulled me in for a hug and whispered “I don’t want this day to end.” I just sighed and pulled away. Truth is, I didn’t want it to end either. I slowly walked up the stairs, hoping no one was up and slipped into bed. I fell asleep instantly.

-

“YALLAH YASMEEN UF GOOMAY! BN6LA3 3L F6OOR UF YALLA!!!” Reem was screaming, trying to wake me up. I barely opened up my eyes to check the time. It was 9 AM. “hmmm... Reem... Go without me, banam” I said, barely getting the words out. “KAIFCH! BYE” Reem said, leaving the room. 

I woke up at 2 PM and bbm-ed Saif.

-BBM conversation with Saif-

Yasmeen: 7ayati, are you up?

Saif: Just woke up! Tbeen we go to Fudz for lunch?

Yasmeen: Sure, I’ll take a shower and I’ll be ready in an hour x

Saif: Me too, see you soon 7bebty :*

Yasmeen: <3

I ran downstairs to see if the girls we back, but they weren’t. They must be walking around Durra right now. 

I jumped into the shower and took a quick shower. The hot water felt good because of how cold I was. Reem has the tendency to turn the AC up really high. Once I was done, I walked over to the bag a packed and took out my clothes. I wore blue, skinny jeans, a white shirt that had “YSL” on it, and a hot pink blazer. I wore my black flats with the gold studs, and my black Chanel shoulder bag. I left my hair down and put some winged eyeliner on, mascara and pink lipgloss on. Saif bbmed me and said he was outside. I ran downstairs, and left the house to find Saif in a pair of dark jeans and a button down shirt. His messy curls fell perfectly around his eyes. “Hello beautiful” Saif said, once I was close enough. “Hello sleepy head” I replied, giggling. We walked to Fudz, got a table, and ordered. Once the food arrived, Saif received a phone call.

-Saif’s POV-

My father was calling me. That’s odd.

Saif: Aloo?

Dad: SAIF YAL CHALB SHGLT 7AG NOORA?!

Saif: Sh9ar?!

Dad: NOORAH HAD ANOTHER NIGHTMARE, W GALAT SHE ONLY WANTS TO TALK TO YOU. SAIF INT GLT LHA?!

Saif: umm... eee.. I had to.. 

Dad: Saif, Don’t bother coming home tonight. 

Chapter Eighteen

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-previously-

Fourth picture: Same outfit, same background. Reem was asleep in Faisal’s lap.

My face was blank.

Reem: Yasiiiiiiiii.... Shfeech?!

Yasmeen: Seriously Reem... Your’e asking me shfeeny? Chfty el9war inty? Mn9jch chthy em9awra weya el9bay felail? La w fog kel thy nayma fe 7a‘9na? Reem, shlon tjara2ty t9awreen chthy?!

Reem: I know, I know! Wallah it all happened so fast y3ny it was when he first said he loved me w chthy w kan 7da romantic moment w gmna en9awr! Wallah madry shagoolch Yasmeen, I feel so ashamed!

Yasmeen: *sigh* fe a7ad ‘3airy chaf el pics?

Reem: Laa bs Fa9ool has them on his phone.

Yasmeen: Inzain, once you get home, abeech you put the pictures on your laptop and delete them min your phone 3shan no one else sees them!

Reem: Eee ee inty 9a7! Ahh I love you Yasmeen!

Reem pulled me in for a hug. Finally, she was the happy Reem I knew again! Yeah, the rumor still hasn’t faded but still, Reem is back to her strong self. 

-

The first few classes were so boring and long! I didn’t bother talking to Layan because her existence annoyed me right now. She needed to apologize to Reem. Finally, we had our first recess of the day. As I was walking out of class, someone pulled my wrist from behind me and covered my eyes. “Boo!” the person said, uncovering my eyes. It was Saif! He was holding two bottles of water and two bags of chips. I gave him a hug smile, and of course, I scrunched up my nose to make him laugh! We went and sat on one of the benches outside. This was all I needed; a snack with Saif.

-Conversation with Saif-

Yasmeen: Saiiif! Why are you staring at me?!

Saif: I never notice how beautiful the color of your eyes were.

Yasmeen: *blushing* Chubb Saif.

Saif: You’re so cute when you blush. I miss spending breaks with you!

Yasmeen: Me too! I love you Saifo!

Saif: *chuckling* I love you.

The rest of the break was amazing. Time flew so fast and we spent the rest of the day walking to classes together! 

-

“Yalla! Mta bnchboon el‘3ada! I’m starving!” I yelled from the top of the staircase.

“Yalla! Yalla! Nzlay!” Mama called out.

I ran downstairs, while bbming Saif.

-BBM Conversation with Saif-

Saif: I loved today.

Yasi: I love you.

Saif: I love you.

Yasi: Waii3 bn9eer those couples ely dayman I love you w hal swalif? :$

Saif: 9ij matn36ayn wayh! =))

Yasi: chub chub Aladdin =))

Saif: ana agool roo7y ekly ‘3adach w inty saktay =D

Yasi: Inzain mafy bel3afya?

Saif: Bel3afyaaaaaaaaaaaaa =))

Yasi: Allah y3afeeni, bye :$

Saif: ana araweech bye =))

I was smiling all the way to the dining table.

-

-Reem’s POV-

I ate my lunch really quickly and ran up to my room to put the pictures on my laptop. I was too afraid and I needed to get this over with. As I was copying the pictures to my laptop, I starting going through them, reminiscing about that day. 

I didn’t show Yasmeen all of the pictures because I felt so ashamed.

Fifth Picture: Faisal and I making kissing faces to each other. BUT not actually kissing.

Sixth picture: Faisal hugging my waist from behind.

“REEMO SH’HAL 9WAR?” Rawan said from behind me. Oh shit.

My sister Rawan is 21. She has always been super close to me w she has NEVER been friends or more than friends with a guy. Kela rasmeeyat. Ehya mt7ajba since she was 14 and mashallah mltazma bel 7jab w tlbas appropriate clothing. I’ve always looked up to her, bs I’ve never been able to tell her about Faisal. She has never approved of me going out with the guys or them coming over, but my parents alway reassure her that they trust me.

“Uh-Uh R-Rawan...” I hesitated.

“Show me all of the pictures, NOW.” Rawan said, not even looking at me.

I showed her all the pictures, tears running down my face because of how ashamed I feel. Rawan just kept shaking her head in disbelief. She sighed and said “Is Faisal your boyfriend? And does he have copies of the pictures? Please tell me no one has seen these.” 

Reem: Yeah, he’s my boyfriend... Min a month and a half... And yes, 3nda copies... Only Yasi saw them!

Rawan: Reem, please tell him to delete them.

Reem: Inshallah. Rawan... Please forgive me wallah makan 8a9di I take those pictures! Wallah it was just a spur of the moment kind of thing!

Rawan: Reem ana mb umich... w magdar arabeech....

Reem: Bs inty i5ty el 3oda! W I have so much respect for you! Wallah I’m so sorry!

Rawan: Choofy... When I was your age, all of my friends had boyfriends, and they all went out with guys w 7ala, and mama and baba told me ena 3ady etha aby a6la3 weyahum bs ana makent aby. 9ij ehwa mb 7aram tkoonen friends with guys, bs ana I would rather the first guy a9eer close with w a7bah ekoon my husband. Yes, this is very old fashioned, bs imagine ena mafy a7ad t8arnen feh your husband, imagine ena the guy you marry ekoon the first guys you fall in love with, the first guy to hold your hand and tell you he loves you. W fog hay kela, ekoon shay 7alal. A7een enty you feel this way with Faisal, bs you’ll always feel guilty because ga3da t5shen hal shay mnn mama and baba, w most probably, you’ll lose touch with Faisal when you guys go off to college and you guys probably won’t get married. Yeah, it sucked that I have to tell you this, bs its the truth.

Reem: *tears falling from her eyes* I know, wallah I know! Wallah I wish I was like you! Wallah chanzayn ma7b Faisal! Chanzayn.. bs chanzayn!

Rawan: *pulls Reem in for a hug* t3awthay mnn iblees. 7aram tindmeen shay 9ar. Al7een hay el shay 9ar, inty ely 3alaych ina tchoofen what you want to do. I won’t judge you etha tamayty weya Faisal, hay el 8arar 8ararich.

Reem: Madry Rawan, madry. I love you; you really are the best sister ever.

Rawan just hugged me. She made me feel so safe; she made me feel like an angel, when I knew I wasn’t. 

- 

Woah, I woke up tucked into my bed. I must’ve fallen asleep in Rawan’s lap while I was crying. I checked the time, It was 6 PM! I decided to call Yasmeen and tell her everything that happened.

-Phone call with Yasmeen-

Yasmeen: Yal zaga 5awafteny why aren’t you answering BBM?!

Reem: Wa 3laykum el salam

Yasmeen: salam 3laykum

Reem: Laa laish itsalmeen? 9ar5y 3alay a7san *giggle*

Yasmeen: *chuckles* shaswy 5ara3teni!

Reem: Sorry kint ragda! Enzain bagoolch Rawan caught me looking at the pictures *tells Yasi the whole story*

Yasmeen: Weeeeeee, are you gonna break up with Faisal now??

Reem: 9ij, 9ij madry. Ya3ni I love him to death bs 9j now I feel guilty.

Yasmeen: Hmmm, madry wallah. Do what you think is best. I’m sure Faisal loves you enough to respect your decision...

Reem: Inshallah, thakarteny I’m gonna call Faisal bagoolah he deletes the pictures...

Yasmeen: Okay love, bye

Reem: Bye

-Phone call with Faisal-

Faisal: Halla 7abebty

Reem: hey, umm Faisal can you delete the.. pictures mnn your phone please?

Faisal: Umm, sure... bs laish?

Reem: Please Faisal, 3shany.

Faisal: Of course, 7bebty.

Reem: Thank you, bye.

I closed the phone right away. I was chocking on my tears. I couldn’t stand talking to Faisal eb hal brood! I’m sure 7as ena fe shay, bs I can’t! I just can’t!

-

-Yasmeen’s POV-

I swear monday’s suck more than sundays! I got to school and I saw Reem arrive so I walked over to her car. Reem seriously didn’t look like herself. The dark circles underneath her eyes were slightly showing under the foundation she applied to cover them up. Her usual glow was gone and she looked pale. Her usual straight hair which was ALWAYS down, was in a messy bun. For the people who aren’t close to Reem, they won’t notice anything different. Yeah, her hair was in a ponytail, but so what? Mafy ‘3airy ana w Faisal, we’d notice the smile that was always on her face was gone. Her eye lashes weren’t curled like they were everyday. She didn’t have any lipgloss on. She wasn’t wearing any of her bracelets or rings. Even the special rings her and I got from Saks and NEVER took off. I pulled Reem to the side.

Yasmeen: Reem, you’re scaring me. Shfeech?

Reem: I didn’t get any sleep last night. Ma3arf shaswy weya salfat Faisal!

Just as I was about to answer Reem, Aziz and Faisal approached us.

Aziz: Sorry Yasmeen, bs ab’3a akalm Reem w Faisal dgega.

Yasmeen: Sure, Reem, makamlna our talk okay?

Reem nodded, and looked at Aziz.

Aziz: I’m really sorry 3n the rumor. I never knew eno ely baink w bayn Faisal real love. The way you guys look at each other; I-I wanted that for Reem and I. Bs I know eno this isn’t meant to be and you guys are meant to be. Reem, I do love you, bs I know you’re only gonna be happy if you’re Faisal. I’m so sorry I caused all of this drama. I’m gonna post on twitter AND send a broadcast message that it was all a rumor and that I sent in the BH confessions tweet. I hope you guys can forgive me one day. 

Faisal and Reem nodded and Faisal and Aziz walked away, chatting. I walked towards Reem.

Yasmeen: So, are you gonna break up with Faisal now?