Because of my business I've been a terrible blogger lately, w bema eno 3ed 8rrt asawelkom 3ediya w I post this chapter!
Enjoy! ❥
-
Previously:
All of these things warmed my heart that for once I forgot about everything I'm going through. That's until I saw a familiar Audi parked in front of Alia's house, and a silhouette I can never forget coming 0ut of it. My heart, eyes and lips whispered your name all at once, as all my body became so confused that it forgot how to function. My hearts rhythmic beats turned into loud thumps that I think the whole street can hear.
"Aziz".
Somehow by some force above the powers of nature you were able to hear that barely audible whisper that came out of my mouth, and turned around to look at me. My lips quivered preparing my body to unleash it's tears and pent up anger, but the minute my eyes met his everything disappeared from around us. I wanted to let out the screams that were clawing on my throat, I wanted to unleash the tears that were on the verge of falling. Before I could do all of that; the sky released it's sorrows and cried instead of me. It cried on us. It cried on the way we ended up, and mostly it cried for the pain that was inflicted on me.
I was debating if I should go down to get the dress, or not. I thought I had it in me to face him like he meant nothing, so I went down the car and walked past him. I want it to high five myself for the strength I portrayed.
And the minute he called out my name, every organ in my body shut down. How can he still do that? How can he make my brain stop functioning and producing coherent thoughts? How can he make my heart stop its rhythmical beating that it had mastered? How can he still have power over me?
That's easy, because he's Aziz.
Aziz: Basma, lw sm7te.
I looked back at him and gave him a sarcastic mocking smile.
Basma: 3ziz, ent eli please. I can't do this I have to go home.
And I went back into the car, but before my driver could start the car Aziz opened the door.
Aziz: Basma, please esm3eni!
Basma: la2! 5la9 3ziz people will notice! E4a mo 3shanik 3shani w 3shan som3ti.
I looked away, and I heard the door slam shut. I don't want to leave him, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw him. It was the one thing I've been praying for for a year now. The minute I saw him, I felt like my burning ache was washed away with cold water.
I knew I shouldn't, but I missed him so much. More than all the letters in the alphabet could ever express, and more than any breath I could ever exhale could ever show.
He is, I mean, was my everything. I wanted to stop thinking about him so bad. God, I forgot about the dress!
I texted Alia telling her that I'll just wait for her to send the dress. She replied that it she will send it in an hour.
~
I lightly stroked the powder filled brush over my eyelid to perfect my make-up. I looked at my reflection at the mirror and automatically smiled at my sorrowful face. It's so weird how you can grow accustomed to a face that does not represent you. It's so bizarre that your face's muscles grow used to being in a certain position.
My phone dinged signalling a new msg. I opened it and it was from a strange number, my eyebrow raised in question. Why would a strange number text me?
'Please, abi aklmk.
-Aziz'
I let out a huge sigh. Does this guy ever give up? A little voice in my head annoying said: no if he ever did, you wouldn't be completely in love with him.
My phone dinged signalling a new msg. I opened it and it was from a strange number, my eyebrow raised in question. Why would a strange number text me?
'Please, abi aklmk.
-Aziz'
I let out a huge sigh. Does this guy ever give up? A little voice in my head annoying said: no if he ever did, you wouldn't be completely in love with him.
I smacked my forehead with my palm. Why? Why can't I get over him? It's like he crawled up and sat cross-legged in every corner of my body. I hate him, so much. No I don't! But I like to think that way because I might actually end up believing it. My phone started ringing, and I looked over to see that it was the same number. For a minute, I debated whether I should answer or not. I decided not to answer, because answering him needed courage and a good cry afterwards.
So I turned my phone to silent, and dropped it in my clutch. Ignoring it was the sulotion for now. I put on my 3abaya, and walked out of my room and down the stairs while holding the tail of my long dress.
So I turned my phone to silent, and dropped it in my clutch. Ignoring it was the sulotion for now. I put on my 3abaya, and walked out of my room and down the stairs while holding the tail of my long dress.
My mother smiled at me, and complimented me saying I looked gorgeous. I smiled even though my eyes were full of tears. Too cheesy, Basma. Too cheesy.
Mom: elshms mn wen 6al3h elyom!
I gave her a weirded out look.
Basma: hw wsh fek, mama?
Mom: mbtsma w kash5ah w mt8bla elmd7 bdon 9ya7!
Basma: was I that bad?
Lama: worse!
I turned around and gave her a sarcastic smile.
Basma: wow, thanks!
Lama: wsho! I'm serious!
Basma: so2al sree3, mn wen 6l3ti enti?
Lama: I'm supposed to pick you up, duh!
Basma: No, I am..
We both went quiet, and decided that we can't remember who was supposed to pick who.
Mom: walla moshkela enkom only 19 w mn al7in mafe 4akerah zy elnas!
I put my tongue out at my mother's sentence, and she held it by the tip.
Mom: la tmdena mra thanya wla bg9h lk!
I gave my mother a half smile, because what she did reminded me of what Aziz used to do to me whenever I stuck out my tongue. I gave my mom a quick kiss on the cheek and on the forehead. Lama did the same and started wrapping el6r7a around her hair loosely so her hairstyle won't get ruined.
Mom: la tt25ron! Men byrj3km?
Basma: Zaid.
Mom: ok, Lamo mama btnamen 3ndna?
Lama: laa 5alti brj3 m3 elswag.
Mom: hw la 6b3n mafe rj3a m3 elswag erj3i m3 Basma w Zaid w e4a ma tben tnamen ynzlonk blbet.
Lama: enshallah 5alti, don't worry!
~
We've been at the wedding for 3 hours now, and it was beautiful. Now since it was time for the bride to come in, we all were looking for the best seats where we can see elzaffa! My eyes automatically were filled with tears as one of my closest friend since grade school entered the ballroom in a princess like white gown, and a tiara over her head. I quickly turned my head to see what her groom's reaction was like. I felt my heart dance at his awed facial expression.
Every last detail about her and the wedding was perfect. The music she was walking down the isle to was soft and smooth, and with the lighting it felt like she was floating. She finally reached elkosha where her awaiting husband was standing. The minute she was there, he lifted her face with his two fingers, and kissed her forehead for what felt like a long while when in reality it was only for two minutes. Her cheeks blew up and his smiled stretched upon her embarrassment. The tears I had successfully managed to keep at bay managed to escape.
Lama: wh! Ya 7lohm! They're so cute!
She dramatically put her palms on her chest as if she doesn't already have her prince charming.
Alia: yarabih! Lamo! Goli mashallah!
Lama gave her an appalled look, and made a silly expression that clearly said 'very funny'.
Basma: wsh ydrek 3allo, ymkn Lama already 3ndha prince charming.
I winked, and bumped Lama's shoulder with mine for emphasis. We were all sitting at a huge table with our other friends from high school.
Lama: agol bes! Meta dori?
She even pouted, walla hlbint yn5af mnha!
Alia: ethgli ya bnt elnas 3shan yjonek el56ab mo ki4a ya mama.
Lama stuck her tongue out at Alia, and turned around at me.
Lama: Basoma! Gomi yalla ani arg9!
Basma: Lama manti 9a7ya! Mar7 arg9 w zojha ga3d blkosha!
The minute those words came out of my mouth I regretted it. It showed that I wasn't focused at all, because I looked back at the kosha and her husband was gone. So Lama's raised eyebrows gave me a pointed look. I sighed and nodded in dismay.
Basma: yalla 3shan nslm 3leha b3d!
Lama: ok!
Basma: 3lia, bnat! Gomo m3na!
Alia and a couple of other girls nodded, and stood with us the rest said they'll follow later. We went and talked to the bride for a while, we reassured her because she was worried. While I was dancing with Lama, a woman was staring at us the minute the song ended she made a motion with her hand for us to come nearer. I looked back at Lama with a scared look.
Basma: wsh t7sen tbi 4ee?
We were talking in hushed whispers while we walked over to where the woman and her friend were sitting.
Lama: mdri 3nha! Ymknha 9degt omhatna wla shy.
Basma: hw Lamo wsh 9degt omhatna wla gd shfnaha!
Lama: 6yb hey!
Basma: n3m?
Lama: n3mah trfsk enshallah! E9'7ki 3shan ma ydron enena n7sh fehom!
Basma: 9ra7a 5o6tik jedan 3'beya. E4a 9'7kt by7sbona nt6nz 3lehom! B3den ma agdr I fake my laugh, tbyn enha fake mrra!
Lama: wdi agolk nokta bes mali 5lg.
I laughed at my best friend's childish behaviour and she smiled as if she just won a competition. I think she did win, because she made me do something she wanted and I didn't.
When we reached to where the lady was sitting we smiled, and stuck out our hands. We just wanted to shake their hands out of politeness but apparently the woman had other thoughts as she kissed our cheeks. She introduced us to her sister who was sitting next to her.
Woman#1: ahlen!
Basma: hala 5alti!
Lama: ahln 5alti.
Lama was less enthusiastic about that woman than I am, or maybe I was so nervous that I was showing it in a weird way.
Woman#1: ana A7lam 6arig Alflani, zojat 7md Sulaiman Alflani. W ha4i e5ti Amani Alflani, zojat Mo3a4 S3ad Alflani.
Lama's eyebrows and mine shot up at the mention of the names. We were no strangers to the names, they were only one of the richest families in not only Saudi, but the Gulf, too. Sure we were pretty well off, but those guys were a whole other stories. Now I'm a little scared, what do those women want with us?
Lama: wln3m fekom.
Basma: lna elshrf walla.
I wanted to high five Lama and myself for knowing exactly how to respond, we were acting like very mature adults.
Ahlam: 7bebati walla tslmon, entom 5wat?
I shook my head, and Lama laughed.
Lama: la2 5alti e7na 9degat.
Basma: bes tgdren tgolen enina 7sbat a5wat.
Amani: mashallah, allah y5lekm lb39'!
Lama: w y5lelk a7babik.
The first woman, Ahlam, turned to look at her sister and her smile stretched from ear to ear and she nodded. I was even more confused now, so I did what I do in every situation I'm lost in; I looked at Lama. Her expression made it seem like it dawned on her what's happening; and she tensed. Uhoh, esh 9ayr?
Ahlam: 7bebati ento bnat men?
Basma: ana Basma A7mad Alflani.
Ahlam: wln3m walla, w omik bnt men?
Basma: omi Hind Alflani.
Ahlam: la 3ad! Hind bnt 9eeta?
I nodded.
Ahlam: slmeli 3leha! Ya7lelha kna ana wyaha 9degat ayam elthanawiya.
Amani interrupted my polite conversation with her sister.
Amani: w enti ya 7lwa?
Lama: ana Lama 3bdulmajeed Alflani.
Amani: w omik meen?
Lama: omi 5lod Alflani.
Amani: wln3m 7bebti.
Lama: allah yn3m b7alik.
Before I could talk anymore with those sweet women, Lama pulled on my wrist and plastered on the fakest smile I've ever seen her wear.
Lama: 9ra7a 5alti wdna nsolf m3kom zyada bes lazm n6l3 al7in!
Ahlam: m3lesh 7bebati, enshallah nshofkm greb.
As we walked away from the ladies, I grew even more confused.
Basma: hw Lama wsh jak?
Lama: ybon y56bona!
She said with tears in her eyes. Jazi, our other friend from high school who also happens to be the bride's cousin, was suddenly next to us.
Jazi: shft 5alti A7lam w 5alti Amani yklmonkom! Tra 3ndhom awlad akbr mnena bkm Sana bes m3na klmat lo26a! Mashallah 3lehom 7sb w nsb w shkl w 3yal n3ma w shahadat! Klshy momkin tbena blrjal 3ndhm!
I nodded and smiled politely at Jazi's rant, and thanked god when Lama managed to get us out of that conversation. Alia suddenly found us while we were thinking about our delimma.
Alia: hw wsh fekom?
Lama: bytgdmonlna nas. Bla97 bytgdmonlna 3yal Alflani w Alflani.
Alia's eyebrows shot up by just mentioning the names.
Alia: w leeh shklkom 7azeen?
Basma: el3yal 3yal nas w n3ma w 5eer w jmal w shahadat w klshy. Tgdren tgolen kamlen.
Alia: 6yb w leh entom 7azenen lsa ma fahmt?
Basma: mar7 ngdr nrf9'hom lw jw l2n omhatna by7son enna mjanen.
Alia: ee walla entom mjanen! Leh trf9'onhm?
Basma: because he's not 3ziz.
Alia: oh.
Lama gave me sad half smile.
Alia: w enti ya habla?
She said to Lama as she pushed her index finger on Lama's temple, and Lama stuck out her tongue. I really can't believe they're so childish. Lama blushed before she ranted out her reason quickly.
Lama: he's not Zaid.
Alia gasped and slammed her palms on her mouth for a dramatical effect.
Alia: since when!
Lama: since you like to play dumb and pretend like you don't know.
Alia: who said I knew!
Lama: n9aba men galk!
Alia: no one, I figured it out by myself. B3den ma ybelha, and let's face it he is so hot.
Lama pinched Alia's upper arm after she said that.
Alia: oooh t3'aren 3la el7beb!
My phone rang and the caller ID said 'Zaid'.
Basma: speaking of the devil, he's here. Yalla lazm nro7. 3allo tben nw9lk?
Alia: no it's ok 3z-o5oy will pick me up.
I gave her a sad smile, and she shrugged her shoulders.
Basma: it's ok tra, shfta elyom.
Lama&Alia: shfteh?!
Basma: mo wgta al7in, agolkm b3den.
We went into the car, and I took the front seat even though I wanted to sit in the back so I could stretch my legs, but Lama won the Rock, Paper, Scissors match we played.
Zaid: ewa w kef kan el3rs? 6b3n 6b3n bdon shak enkom knto a7la thnten bl3rs.
Lama: walla mafy shy y5wfni bldnya gd lsnak.
Zaid: afa, leh? Mo 7lo?
He looked up at the rear view mirror and wiggled his eyebrows. So I did what any sister would do, I stuck out my tongue and pretended to vomit.
Lama: moflima.
Basma: actually mn kthr ma enna a7la thnten bl3rs omhat Alflani w Alflani s2lona e7na bnat meen!
The minute I said that, the car crashed and everything was black.
xo
Lama: wsho! I'm serious!
Basma: so2al sree3, mn wen 6l3ti enti?
Lama: I'm supposed to pick you up, duh!
Basma: No, I am..
We both went quiet, and decided that we can't remember who was supposed to pick who.
Mom: walla moshkela enkom only 19 w mn al7in mafe 4akerah zy elnas!
I put my tongue out at my mother's sentence, and she held it by the tip.
Mom: la tmdena mra thanya wla bg9h lk!
I gave my mother a half smile, because what she did reminded me of what Aziz used to do to me whenever I stuck out my tongue. I gave my mom a quick kiss on the cheek and on the forehead. Lama did the same and started wrapping el6r7a around her hair loosely so her hairstyle won't get ruined.
Mom: la tt25ron! Men byrj3km?
Basma: Zaid.
Mom: ok, Lamo mama btnamen 3ndna?
Lama: laa 5alti brj3 m3 elswag.
Mom: hw la 6b3n mafe rj3a m3 elswag erj3i m3 Basma w Zaid w e4a ma tben tnamen ynzlonk blbet.
Lama: enshallah 5alti, don't worry!
~
We've been at the wedding for 3 hours now, and it was beautiful. Now since it was time for the bride to come in, we all were looking for the best seats where we can see elzaffa! My eyes automatically were filled with tears as one of my closest friend since grade school entered the ballroom in a princess like white gown, and a tiara over her head. I quickly turned my head to see what her groom's reaction was like. I felt my heart dance at his awed facial expression.
Every last detail about her and the wedding was perfect. The music she was walking down the isle to was soft and smooth, and with the lighting it felt like she was floating. She finally reached elkosha where her awaiting husband was standing. The minute she was there, he lifted her face with his two fingers, and kissed her forehead for what felt like a long while when in reality it was only for two minutes. Her cheeks blew up and his smiled stretched upon her embarrassment. The tears I had successfully managed to keep at bay managed to escape.
Lama: wh! Ya 7lohm! They're so cute!
She dramatically put her palms on her chest as if she doesn't already have her prince charming.
Alia: yarabih! Lamo! Goli mashallah!
Lama gave her an appalled look, and made a silly expression that clearly said 'very funny'.
Basma: wsh ydrek 3allo, ymkn Lama already 3ndha prince charming.
I winked, and bumped Lama's shoulder with mine for emphasis. We were all sitting at a huge table with our other friends from high school.
Lama: agol bes! Meta dori?
She even pouted, walla hlbint yn5af mnha!
Alia: ethgli ya bnt elnas 3shan yjonek el56ab mo ki4a ya mama.
Lama stuck her tongue out at Alia, and turned around at me.
Lama: Basoma! Gomi yalla ani arg9!
Basma: Lama manti 9a7ya! Mar7 arg9 w zojha ga3d blkosha!
The minute those words came out of my mouth I regretted it. It showed that I wasn't focused at all, because I looked back at the kosha and her husband was gone. So Lama's raised eyebrows gave me a pointed look. I sighed and nodded in dismay.
Basma: yalla 3shan nslm 3leha b3d!
Lama: ok!
Basma: 3lia, bnat! Gomo m3na!
Alia and a couple of other girls nodded, and stood with us the rest said they'll follow later. We went and talked to the bride for a while, we reassured her because she was worried. While I was dancing with Lama, a woman was staring at us the minute the song ended she made a motion with her hand for us to come nearer. I looked back at Lama with a scared look.
Basma: wsh t7sen tbi 4ee?
We were talking in hushed whispers while we walked over to where the woman and her friend were sitting.
Lama: mdri 3nha! Ymknha 9degt omhatna wla shy.
Basma: hw Lamo wsh 9degt omhatna wla gd shfnaha!
Lama: 6yb hey!
Basma: n3m?
Lama: n3mah trfsk enshallah! E9'7ki 3shan ma ydron enena n7sh fehom!
Basma: 9ra7a 5o6tik jedan 3'beya. E4a 9'7kt by7sbona nt6nz 3lehom! B3den ma agdr I fake my laugh, tbyn enha fake mrra!
Lama: wdi agolk nokta bes mali 5lg.
I laughed at my best friend's childish behaviour and she smiled as if she just won a competition. I think she did win, because she made me do something she wanted and I didn't.
When we reached to where the lady was sitting we smiled, and stuck out our hands. We just wanted to shake their hands out of politeness but apparently the woman had other thoughts as she kissed our cheeks. She introduced us to her sister who was sitting next to her.
Woman#1: ahlen!
Basma: hala 5alti!
Lama: ahln 5alti.
Lama was less enthusiastic about that woman than I am, or maybe I was so nervous that I was showing it in a weird way.
Woman#1: ana A7lam 6arig Alflani, zojat 7md Sulaiman Alflani. W ha4i e5ti Amani Alflani, zojat Mo3a4 S3ad Alflani.
Lama's eyebrows and mine shot up at the mention of the names. We were no strangers to the names, they were only one of the richest families in not only Saudi, but the Gulf, too. Sure we were pretty well off, but those guys were a whole other stories. Now I'm a little scared, what do those women want with us?
Lama: wln3m fekom.
Basma: lna elshrf walla.
I wanted to high five Lama and myself for knowing exactly how to respond, we were acting like very mature adults.
Ahlam: 7bebati walla tslmon, entom 5wat?
I shook my head, and Lama laughed.
Lama: la2 5alti e7na 9degat.
Basma: bes tgdren tgolen enina 7sbat a5wat.
Amani: mashallah, allah y5lekm lb39'!
Lama: w y5lelk a7babik.
The first woman, Ahlam, turned to look at her sister and her smile stretched from ear to ear and she nodded. I was even more confused now, so I did what I do in every situation I'm lost in; I looked at Lama. Her expression made it seem like it dawned on her what's happening; and she tensed. Uhoh, esh 9ayr?
Ahlam: 7bebati ento bnat men?
Basma: ana Basma A7mad Alflani.
Ahlam: wln3m walla, w omik bnt men?
Basma: omi Hind Alflani.
Ahlam: la 3ad! Hind bnt 9eeta?
I nodded.
Ahlam: slmeli 3leha! Ya7lelha kna ana wyaha 9degat ayam elthanawiya.
Amani interrupted my polite conversation with her sister.
Amani: w enti ya 7lwa?
Lama: ana Lama 3bdulmajeed Alflani.
Amani: w omik meen?
Lama: omi 5lod Alflani.
Amani: wln3m 7bebti.
Lama: allah yn3m b7alik.
Before I could talk anymore with those sweet women, Lama pulled on my wrist and plastered on the fakest smile I've ever seen her wear.
Lama: 9ra7a 5alti wdna nsolf m3kom zyada bes lazm n6l3 al7in!
Ahlam: m3lesh 7bebati, enshallah nshofkm greb.
As we walked away from the ladies, I grew even more confused.
Basma: hw Lama wsh jak?
Lama: ybon y56bona!
She said with tears in her eyes. Jazi, our other friend from high school who also happens to be the bride's cousin, was suddenly next to us.
Jazi: shft 5alti A7lam w 5alti Amani yklmonkom! Tra 3ndhom awlad akbr mnena bkm Sana bes m3na klmat lo26a! Mashallah 3lehom 7sb w nsb w shkl w 3yal n3ma w shahadat! Klshy momkin tbena blrjal 3ndhm!
I nodded and smiled politely at Jazi's rant, and thanked god when Lama managed to get us out of that conversation. Alia suddenly found us while we were thinking about our delimma.
Alia: hw wsh fekom?
Lama: bytgdmonlna nas. Bla97 bytgdmonlna 3yal Alflani w Alflani.
Alia's eyebrows shot up by just mentioning the names.
Alia: w leeh shklkom 7azeen?
Basma: el3yal 3yal nas w n3ma w 5eer w jmal w shahadat w klshy. Tgdren tgolen kamlen.
Alia: 6yb w leh entom 7azenen lsa ma fahmt?
Basma: mar7 ngdr nrf9'hom lw jw l2n omhatna by7son enna mjanen.
Alia: ee walla entom mjanen! Leh trf9'onhm?
Basma: because he's not 3ziz.
Alia: oh.
Lama gave me sad half smile.
Alia: w enti ya habla?
She said to Lama as she pushed her index finger on Lama's temple, and Lama stuck out her tongue. I really can't believe they're so childish. Lama blushed before she ranted out her reason quickly.
Lama: he's not Zaid.
Alia gasped and slammed her palms on her mouth for a dramatical effect.
Alia: since when!
Lama: since you like to play dumb and pretend like you don't know.
Alia: who said I knew!
Lama: n9aba men galk!
Alia: no one, I figured it out by myself. B3den ma ybelha, and let's face it he is so hot.
Lama pinched Alia's upper arm after she said that.
Alia: oooh t3'aren 3la el7beb!
My phone rang and the caller ID said 'Zaid'.
Basma: speaking of the devil, he's here. Yalla lazm nro7. 3allo tben nw9lk?
Alia: no it's ok 3z-o5oy will pick me up.
I gave her a sad smile, and she shrugged her shoulders.
Basma: it's ok tra, shfta elyom.
Lama&Alia: shfteh?!
Basma: mo wgta al7in, agolkm b3den.
We went into the car, and I took the front seat even though I wanted to sit in the back so I could stretch my legs, but Lama won the Rock, Paper, Scissors match we played.
Zaid: ewa w kef kan el3rs? 6b3n 6b3n bdon shak enkom knto a7la thnten bl3rs.
Lama: walla mafy shy y5wfni bldnya gd lsnak.
Zaid: afa, leh? Mo 7lo?
He looked up at the rear view mirror and wiggled his eyebrows. So I did what any sister would do, I stuck out my tongue and pretended to vomit.
Lama: moflima.
Basma: actually mn kthr ma enna a7la thnten bl3rs omhat Alflani w Alflani s2lona e7na bnat meen!
The minute I said that, the car crashed and everything was black.
xo
