Hola! Shorter than usual, I know :( But I do plan on posting another one within the next 2 days or so? I promise! Bas itifaqt ma3a Lost to post a part tonight, so here goes, love you guys! ;*
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My sweet, adorable, loud little friend has been taken over. By whom you ask? NaziJuju. My parents were away for the weekend and Ritaj intended to take full advantage of the situation.She really gets into the roles of her alter egos, I'd like to say I was surprised to see her marching into my living room in army-print cargo pants and a bandana wrapped around her head, I really would, but I'd be lying the biggest lie of the century. I bet soldiers don't rock the smoky eye makeup like she does though, but she always does have to add an extra touch to everything. She ordered me to go take a shower and to "report right back for duty". Douche.
-1 hour later-
"MY GOD, GHALA! IF YOU DON'T STOP IT WITH THE MINI EYE-SEIZURES, SO HELP ME GOD I WILL STAB THE EYELINER BRUSH IN YOUR EYE AND MAKE SURE TO MAKE YOUR PUPILS MATCH THE REST OF IT, FAHMA?" Ritaj screamed at the top of her lungs.
I whimpered a little and pouted, did I mention that I was terrified of NaziJuju? I made a conscious effort not to move a single muscle and was rewarded later when she finally let me look at myself.
"Now do you wish you would've stayed still in the first place like I politely asked you to?" She asked snidely.
I laughed, "Actually, I still wish I had the common sense to lock the door."
She glared at me. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding!" I quickly ammended. I reached out to touch my straightened hair as I studied my reflection in the mirror and marveled at the stark difference between my appearance now and how it was back when I was with S3oud. S3oud. How typical of him to pop up in my thoughts on a day like this. I quickly shook the thought of him away. I'm over him, He can't hurt me.
"What are you thinking of?" Juju asked, raising an eyebrow.
I quickly plastered a smile on my face, "My outfit, duh! Have you decided which one I'm wearing yet?" I asked, feigning eagerness.
"Yes. And don't lie to me, I know that look. You were thinking of S3oud, weren't you?"
"Mmm, I plead the fifth?" I ventured.
"Uh-uh, not gonna cut it, spill! Why now hun?" She asked as she plopped down on the bed.
"Madri Juuj, I guess I'm feeling a little blah about this whole thing with 3azeez? Madri, madri."
"Honeyyy, don't do this to yourself walla I'm telling you, 3azeez is NOT a S3oud." She stated. Once the wounds had healed initially, we turned S3oud into an adjective, a synonym for asshole.
"Yeah, but who would've suspected that S3oud would turn out to be a S3oud to start off with? Madri, I know everything's perfect and when I'm with him, I don't have a doubt about where I should be.. but when I'm left alone with my thoughts, I can't stop myself from over-analyzing everything.. it shouldn't be this way, right?" I asked uneasily.
"Bil3aks, you're at the beginning of the relationship, I'd be surprised if you DIDN'T have any doubts, don't overthink it hun, everything's going to be amazing, mark my words, 3ala goltich, "you're in it for the long haul", mark my words!" She said reassuringly.
I found her words comforting and felt a much better once I had her input. I put on the cream colored babydoll dress Ritaj laid out for me, the purple tights and the matching 4 inch cream stilettos. I stood up and wobbled a little bit.
"Juju? Shnawya 3alay?" I asked, confused at her choice of shoes.
"Whaaaaaat?" She said as she flashed an angelic smile, "I just figured that losing your balance worked SO well for you last time, might as well repeat the scene!" She winked at me suggestively.
I blushed wildly and looked away, "Chub Juju! Inti shayfa his lips? You so would've done the same!" I defended my actions.
"Oh, I have no doubt that I would've! I'd gladly do the same any given day ba3ad!!" She said, a little too enthusiastically.
I glared at her. "Hey!" I picked up a pillow and threw it at her as I pouted, "Go fantasize about kissing your own man!"
3azooz showed up half an hour later in a shirt that complemented my dress. Sigh, we're so in sync. I held on to the banister for dear life as I slowly walked down the stairs, careful not to make any sudden movements. It was consuming every last drop of my energy not to abandon my senses and go running to him. He looked good enough to eat. Maybe I'll just settle for chewing on his lip. Yum. Snap out of it, G.
"You look.. stunning." He breathed.
The way he was looking at me made me forget to breathe for a while and intensified the effect of the butterflies in my stomach. I tried not to blush and failed miserably. Note to self; thank Juju profusely for her efforts later!
"You look.. clean." I replied, surprised.
He burst out laughing, "Was I covered in mud the last time I saw you?" He asked teasingly, I opened my mouth to explain myself but he interrupted me, "I'm just kidding babe, chill. I shaved." He clarified.
I remembered the scratchy feel of his stubble against my face when we kissed and blushed involuntarily. "Na3eeman." I said quietly, still lost in my thoughts.
"Allah yin3am ib7aalich, are you going to come say hi properly? Or are we going to remain 10 paces apart all evening?" He taunted.
I laughed and walked over, I wasn't sure what he meant by 'saying hi', so I just reached up and kissed his cheek. Even in my stilettos, I still had to reach up. Sigh, this man. His lips curved into a smile and my thoughts returned to our kiss. Okay, this needs to stop..
"Come on now, you can do better than that!" He urged on.
I was surprised at his prodding, "3azooz! We can't.. in front of Juju!"
He laughed again, "I was thinking more along the lines of a hug.." His voice dropped to a whisper, "But it's good to know the direction your thoughts are heading towards tonight."
Embarrassment, much? I smiled and hugged him and stifled a sigh when he hugged me back. I was feeling a little lightheaded. I stepped back a little and he kept his arms around my waist.
"Hi." I whispered to his chest.
"You know, my buttons aren't gonna reply to you, if you have something to say to me, I suggest you look up." He said cheekily.
I grinned and looked up into his eyes, "Hi." I repeated.
"Hala walla," he replied with an answering grin of his own. "You ready to go?"
I nodded and turned around to mouth a "thank you" to Ritaj and left.He opened the door for me, helped me up into his car and got into his own seat. I was impressed, chivalry wasn't dead after all!
"I made a little change to my plan.. I know I said I wanted to show you off, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I don't want to have to share you with anyone, do you mind?" He asked out of courtesy, it was obvious his mind was already made.
I smiled gratefully, I wasn't too thrilled about the idea of having to compete with the other girls for his attention, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
He reached out and held my hand, our fingers intertwined and I waited anxiously to see what he had planned for our first date..
1st commentor place reserved for lost! Forever! lol
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Foolish Games.. (11)
Oooo confession time? For those who haven't figured it out yet, tara ana Lilo! I keep getting confused and commenting from wrong accounts so just wanted to let you guys know! enjoy.. or not, kaifkum!;**
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We walked hand in hand along the shore. Our footsteps fell into rhythm, our heartbeats melded into one and we threw caution into the wind as we took the first steps into what was bound to be the beginning of something wonderful. He spoke of his dreams and I saw a future so bright in his eyes, I had to mentally blink several times to withstand the intensity of it all. He told me secrets he's never shared before and I saw another side of him, a vulnerable one that allowed itself to manifest, showing me that he trusted me implicitly. I silently vowed to never abuse that trust and to put as much faith into his character as he was putting into mine.
For a few hours, the world disappeared and gave us some much needed privacy. It was as if we stepped into a parallel universe where we were in our own little bubble, free of any distractions from the outside world. My ears tuned out all noises and amplified the volume of his voice. My breathing automatically synced itself to his. My senses limited themselves to his overwhelming scent and the feel of our intertwined fingers.
"Your feet must be killing you," he said as he nodded towards the direction of my shoes.
"What, these?" I asked as I looked down at my feet, "I don't know what you're talking about man, they're sneakers!"
He gave me an incredulous look. "You mean to suggest that you're COMFORTABLE in them?" he exclaimed.
I laughed at his shock, " No, but I am trying to convince myself that my feet aren't in an excruciating amount of pain! You know.. walking on a flat surface is hard enough, can you even begin to imagine how much of an effort I'm putting into not falling down?" I asked.
He laughed, showing off that adorable dimple. "7asafa 3ad, I was hoping you would fall," he said, flashing a mischievous grin.
I gasped theatrically, "What? Laish inshalla!"
He smiled sheepishly, "'Cause.. It would give me an excuse to have my arms around you again.." he trailed off.
I blushed and laughed nervously, "Well, in that case.."
I purposely stood on the heels of my pumps and automatically lost my footing. Sure enough, his arms reached out and held me around my waist. I wrapped my arms around his neck for extra balance and looked into his eyes. Bad idea. The smoldering passion in them robbed me of breath.
"My hero." I managed to whisper
"You're crazy, you know that?" He whispered back
Words were beyond me at that point but I found enough strength to nod weakly.
"And I'm crazy about you.. you know that?"
This must be what melting feels like. I couldn't move a muscle, I didn't dare to. Nor did I dare take my eyes off of his. I couldn't blink, I couldn't breathe, all I could do was helplessly close my eyes as he inexorably drew me closer and brushed his lips ever so gently against mine. Even though I had been expecting it, the contact still managed to startle me into pulling away from him. My eyes fluttered open to find him staring right back at me, questioningly, waiting for a decision. I couldn't formulate any thoughts to express the turbulent state of mind I was in. All I could do was gaze longingly at him and get sucked into the depths of his big brown eyes. Out of its own volition, my gaze dropped to his lips giving him all the permission he needed to pull me to him closer than before and meld his mouth into mine. This time I didn't hesitate and I kissed him back with all the passion I had locked inside of me for so long. I was instantly transported to another place, a nameless one where nothing existed but this man, these arms and those lips.
______________________________________
I looked back into the shocked faces of 6 girls with their jaws dropped open, listening avidly as I finished recounting the events of the day.
"YOU DIDN'T!!" Ritaj exclaimed, clearly in shock.
I blushed and shoved my face into a pillow, "I SO did!"
"As much as I hate to be saying this about my own cousin, but awwwwww!!!" Joori said enthusiastically.
"You sure you don't mind?" I asked tentatively as I peeked at her from behind the pillow.
"Mind? Are you kidding? I've been fantasizing about this ever since the day I met you and found out you knew him!" She replied excitedly.
"Really?" Darine asked, amused, "You've been fantasizing about your cousin kissing your friend for 3 weeks now? Don't you find that a bit odd?"
"That's not what I meant!" Joori clarified as we all laughed, "I meant I've been waiting for them to finally get together!"
I was taken aback by what she said and looked up from my pillow. "But.. we aren't together.." I said confused.
Sara gasped from across the sofa, "What do you mean you're not together?? Granted we only re-connected but I refuse to believe that you go around kissing random hot guys at the beach!" Sara was the mutual friend me and Joori had that I lost touch with, I introduced her to the group and they all automatically took a shine to her adorably innocent face and bubbly personality.
"It's not like that!" I quickly defended, "It's just that the topic of us being 'together' was never really discussed.. I don't know what we are!"
"Ask him!" Haifa spoke up.
"What is she supposed to do? Call up the guy and go 'hey! I was just wondering, are you my boyfriend or what exactly?'" Ritaj shot back.
"Eh.. good point." Haifa replied.
"You guys.. I think we're all missing the important issue here!" Dana said.
We all looked up at her expectantly, waiting for her issue to be verbalized.
"Was there or was there not tongue involved??" She asked impatiently.
We all simultaneously threw pillows at her.
"Hey! It's a legitimate question!" She defended herself.
"And a very personal one, don't you think?" I said, trying to dodge the question.
"Hey, don't be mean!" She said and attempted to pout, "I need to live vicariously through you, now tell me!" She replied insistently.
I looked up at all 6 of them who suddenly seemed very interested in the answer. "Well, at-"
The sound of the doorbell interrupted my almost confession and I smiled gratefully at the sky and got up to see who it was. I laughed as the pillows were now being thrown in my direction and walked to the door.
I opened the door to find 3azeez standing there looking at me, I was taken aback, to say the least, by his unexpected arrival.
"Is that how you always answer the door?" He asked as he took in my attire.
I self-consciously pulled down the shorts of my PJs and cleared my throat. I wasn't quite able to look him in the eyes without blushing about what happened earlier.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying my best not to make it sound like my heart was about to fly out of my chest.
"Well," he started with a sweet smile, "I kissed this girl at the beach today and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it all day."
"Oh?" I said as I bit back a smile, "And you have the gall to show up at my doorstep and tell me about it?"
He laughed, "Well, it occurred to me as I was smoking, replaying the scene in my head over and over again, that I've never officially asked this girl out.. and I was wondering if that made her feel a little insecure or unsure about my feelings for her.." He trailed off.
I would've laughed if he didn't look so serious, how did he know? "I'm sure the thought never crossed her mind.." I assured him.
"Yeah? Well, just in case she has any doubts about anything, I was wondering if you could deliver a message for her from me?" He asked playfully.
"Depends on what the message is.." I said, playing along.
He took a few steps towards me and closed the distance between us and took my hand into his, "Would you tell her that I've been feeling strangely possessive of her from the moment I laid eyes on her and that those kisses earlier on only reassured me that she is mine now and for always as far as I'm concerned? And that if she wouldn't mind, I'd like very much to take her out tomorrow and show her off to the whole world?" He whispered into my ear.
I blushed and looked down at our hands, "I'm sure I can find a way to let her know." I whispered back.
He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and tipped my chin up, "You do that. Good night."
"Good night." I replied.
Just like that, he kissed the top of my head and walked to his car and drove off. I went back inside the house, closed the door and leaned against it. I found Juju, Joori, Haifa, Sara and the Double D's looking back at me, obviously they had witnessed the whole thing. I finally let out the smile I was hiding from him, squealed and melted against the door. My message tone beeped and I looked down to find a message from him, I opened it.
1 New Message.
Mine;*
I quickly hit the reply button and answered back..
Outgoing message.
Yours;*
_______________________________
We walked hand in hand along the shore. Our footsteps fell into rhythm, our heartbeats melded into one and we threw caution into the wind as we took the first steps into what was bound to be the beginning of something wonderful. He spoke of his dreams and I saw a future so bright in his eyes, I had to mentally blink several times to withstand the intensity of it all. He told me secrets he's never shared before and I saw another side of him, a vulnerable one that allowed itself to manifest, showing me that he trusted me implicitly. I silently vowed to never abuse that trust and to put as much faith into his character as he was putting into mine.
For a few hours, the world disappeared and gave us some much needed privacy. It was as if we stepped into a parallel universe where we were in our own little bubble, free of any distractions from the outside world. My ears tuned out all noises and amplified the volume of his voice. My breathing automatically synced itself to his. My senses limited themselves to his overwhelming scent and the feel of our intertwined fingers.
"Your feet must be killing you," he said as he nodded towards the direction of my shoes.
"What, these?" I asked as I looked down at my feet, "I don't know what you're talking about man, they're sneakers!"
He gave me an incredulous look. "You mean to suggest that you're COMFORTABLE in them?" he exclaimed.
I laughed at his shock, " No, but I am trying to convince myself that my feet aren't in an excruciating amount of pain! You know.. walking on a flat surface is hard enough, can you even begin to imagine how much of an effort I'm putting into not falling down?" I asked.
He laughed, showing off that adorable dimple. "7asafa 3ad, I was hoping you would fall," he said, flashing a mischievous grin.
I gasped theatrically, "What? Laish inshalla!"
He smiled sheepishly, "'Cause.. It would give me an excuse to have my arms around you again.." he trailed off.
I blushed and laughed nervously, "Well, in that case.."
I purposely stood on the heels of my pumps and automatically lost my footing. Sure enough, his arms reached out and held me around my waist. I wrapped my arms around his neck for extra balance and looked into his eyes. Bad idea. The smoldering passion in them robbed me of breath.
"My hero." I managed to whisper
"You're crazy, you know that?" He whispered back
Words were beyond me at that point but I found enough strength to nod weakly.
"And I'm crazy about you.. you know that?"
This must be what melting feels like. I couldn't move a muscle, I didn't dare to. Nor did I dare take my eyes off of his. I couldn't blink, I couldn't breathe, all I could do was helplessly close my eyes as he inexorably drew me closer and brushed his lips ever so gently against mine. Even though I had been expecting it, the contact still managed to startle me into pulling away from him. My eyes fluttered open to find him staring right back at me, questioningly, waiting for a decision. I couldn't formulate any thoughts to express the turbulent state of mind I was in. All I could do was gaze longingly at him and get sucked into the depths of his big brown eyes. Out of its own volition, my gaze dropped to his lips giving him all the permission he needed to pull me to him closer than before and meld his mouth into mine. This time I didn't hesitate and I kissed him back with all the passion I had locked inside of me for so long. I was instantly transported to another place, a nameless one where nothing existed but this man, these arms and those lips.
______________________________________
I looked back into the shocked faces of 6 girls with their jaws dropped open, listening avidly as I finished recounting the events of the day.
"YOU DIDN'T!!" Ritaj exclaimed, clearly in shock.
I blushed and shoved my face into a pillow, "I SO did!"
"As much as I hate to be saying this about my own cousin, but awwwwww!!!" Joori said enthusiastically.
"You sure you don't mind?" I asked tentatively as I peeked at her from behind the pillow.
"Mind? Are you kidding? I've been fantasizing about this ever since the day I met you and found out you knew him!" She replied excitedly.
"Really?" Darine asked, amused, "You've been fantasizing about your cousin kissing your friend for 3 weeks now? Don't you find that a bit odd?"
"That's not what I meant!" Joori clarified as we all laughed, "I meant I've been waiting for them to finally get together!"
I was taken aback by what she said and looked up from my pillow. "But.. we aren't together.." I said confused.
Sara gasped from across the sofa, "What do you mean you're not together?? Granted we only re-connected but I refuse to believe that you go around kissing random hot guys at the beach!" Sara was the mutual friend me and Joori had that I lost touch with, I introduced her to the group and they all automatically took a shine to her adorably innocent face and bubbly personality.
"It's not like that!" I quickly defended, "It's just that the topic of us being 'together' was never really discussed.. I don't know what we are!"
"Ask him!" Haifa spoke up.
"What is she supposed to do? Call up the guy and go 'hey! I was just wondering, are you my boyfriend or what exactly?'" Ritaj shot back.
"Eh.. good point." Haifa replied.
"You guys.. I think we're all missing the important issue here!" Dana said.
We all looked up at her expectantly, waiting for her issue to be verbalized.
"Was there or was there not tongue involved??" She asked impatiently.
We all simultaneously threw pillows at her.
"Hey! It's a legitimate question!" She defended herself.
"And a very personal one, don't you think?" I said, trying to dodge the question.
"Hey, don't be mean!" She said and attempted to pout, "I need to live vicariously through you, now tell me!" She replied insistently.
I looked up at all 6 of them who suddenly seemed very interested in the answer. "Well, at-"
The sound of the doorbell interrupted my almost confession and I smiled gratefully at the sky and got up to see who it was. I laughed as the pillows were now being thrown in my direction and walked to the door.
I opened the door to find 3azeez standing there looking at me, I was taken aback, to say the least, by his unexpected arrival.
"Is that how you always answer the door?" He asked as he took in my attire.
I self-consciously pulled down the shorts of my PJs and cleared my throat. I wasn't quite able to look him in the eyes without blushing about what happened earlier.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying my best not to make it sound like my heart was about to fly out of my chest.
"Well," he started with a sweet smile, "I kissed this girl at the beach today and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it all day."
"Oh?" I said as I bit back a smile, "And you have the gall to show up at my doorstep and tell me about it?"
He laughed, "Well, it occurred to me as I was smoking, replaying the scene in my head over and over again, that I've never officially asked this girl out.. and I was wondering if that made her feel a little insecure or unsure about my feelings for her.." He trailed off.
I would've laughed if he didn't look so serious, how did he know? "I'm sure the thought never crossed her mind.." I assured him.
"Yeah? Well, just in case she has any doubts about anything, I was wondering if you could deliver a message for her from me?" He asked playfully.
"Depends on what the message is.." I said, playing along.
He took a few steps towards me and closed the distance between us and took my hand into his, "Would you tell her that I've been feeling strangely possessive of her from the moment I laid eyes on her and that those kisses earlier on only reassured me that she is mine now and for always as far as I'm concerned? And that if she wouldn't mind, I'd like very much to take her out tomorrow and show her off to the whole world?" He whispered into my ear.
I blushed and looked down at our hands, "I'm sure I can find a way to let her know." I whispered back.
He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and tipped my chin up, "You do that. Good night."
"Good night." I replied.
Just like that, he kissed the top of my head and walked to his car and drove off. I went back inside the house, closed the door and leaned against it. I found Juju, Joori, Haifa, Sara and the Double D's looking back at me, obviously they had witnessed the whole thing. I finally let out the smile I was hiding from him, squealed and melted against the door. My message tone beeped and I looked down to find a message from him, I opened it.
1 New Message.
Mine;*
I quickly hit the reply button and answered back..
Outgoing message.
Yours;*
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Foolish Games.. (10)
You guuuuuuuys!! I love you guys! *blush* Thank you for all your comments! This is going to be an extra long post cuz you guys freaking rock! So this is dedicated to all of youuu! Hope you guys like it;***
Oh and to answer your questions, I take so long to post lana I'm juggling more subjects than I ever have before at uni and it's totally rape!! :( So, I'm sorry for posting 1.4 times a week but I'll try to post more, pinkie swear!
And Wa7da Qabiya.. still can't help but feel it's offensive to repeat it! ;p Why'd you cry? :O It was a happy post, no?
Aishah.. you're too cute! lol I read your comments as I was writing this!
SlouchyPants.. just wanted to publically mention how amazing you are ;p
I really wanna reply to all your comments bas like.. wayid and I'm lazy.. and I have to finish writing this, bas I'll reply to kilhum next time!
Did I mention that I freaking love you guys? Especially my regular commenters! You guys know who you are;* And all my silent readers.. ah, what the heck, I LOVE KILKUM :p Especially lost! ;* Oh and the anonymouses, too cute lol thank you for speaking up! w RE-CONSIDER PLEASE, LOL you have no idea how much I laughed when I saw your name <3
Okay, next post! Enjoy!
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-2 weeks later-
It was here. The day I've been dreading since that phone call two weeks ago. It was inevitable and sort of looming above me this entire time but its arrival has just made the reality of facing what's to come so much harder than I initially thought. Khalood was leaving and my heart was shattering into a million tiny pieces.
"You awake?" Juju asked groggily from across the room. "What am I thinking, of course you're awake and showered too if my nose isn't playing games with me."
"Yup." I replied sullenly
"Allah are you using the new shower gel we got last week?"
"Yup."
"Yay, so using it when I find the energy to get up, you smell yummy! And I mean that in the most un-lesbionic sort of way!"
"Thanks."
"You're not up to using full sentences yet, are you?"
"Nope." I confirmed
"Aww baby!!" She cooed as she got up and jumped into bed with me. She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and hugged me tightly, "Don't worry, he'll be back before you know it, I promise!"
I gave her a disgruntled look in response to what she said. Before I know it isn't soon enough, It isn't the same when he's not here. I know that he'll always be there for me no matter what and that he'd drop everything the instant he sensed there was something wrong, but it doesn't compare to the security I feel knowing that he's right around the block, should I ever need him. But it isn't about me and I have to suck it up and not make things harder than they must already be for him.
"Ya 7mara ya3ni mu tarsa 3ainich? Won't I do for the next couple of months? Hmm?"
"Meh." I replied to infuriate her as I shrugged. She gasped in outrage. I hugged her back to make ammends and show her that I was kidding.
"Come on, I know there's nothing more comfortable than your fuzzy robe but you need to get dressed! You said you'd be there at 9 to make breakfast, so yalla! I'm gonna go jump in the shower, try not to fall apart while I'm gone, kay?"
"Shda3wa Juju, I'm fine!" I said as I rolled my eyes at her.
She gasped loudly, "Words! Multiple! Aaaaah!!" She hugged me again and went to the bathroom.
I took a cue from her and got up to get dressed. I didn't feel like dealing with my curls so I towel-dried them, applied a little leave-in conditioner and hoped to god they wouldn't go frizzy. My face on the other hand needed a bit more work, I barely recognized the girl in the mirror, Note to self: Get some sleep!! My skin had a grayish cast to it and my eyes were in desperate need of concealer. I moisturized, applied a little concealer and blush for color. I stared at my mascara for a few minutes and decided I could benefit from a little bit of that too. I shoved my legs into the first pair of jeans that fell out of my closet and paired them up with a black turtleneck and a jean vest. Khalood's parents were travelling and his brothers already said goodbye before they left for work and university that morning.
"Lose the flats, put on the black patent pumps, wear the gold necklace thingie I was wearing yesterday and for the love of god, lipstick!! No negotiations. Stop pouting and do it!"
"Bossy, much?" I asked, she smirked in reply.
I didn't feel like arguing so I automatically did everything she told me to, "That's my girl!" She said as she beamed at me, "Go warm up the car hun, I'll be there in 5!"
I couldn't help but laugh incredulously, "Really? 5 minutes? You're fresh out of the shower and you expect me to believe you'll be ready in 5?"
"Hey!" she replied indignantly, "I'd throw a pillow at you but I don't wanna mess up your face, don't underestimate me bitch, I can do it!"
I laughed and went to the car to do as she said, surprisingly she made it in 10 minutes. Granted, it wasn't the previously discussed 5 minutes but still, quite impressive. I decided to put on a happy face and try to make it a good day. It could be much worse after all, right? We got there 15 minutes later and found 3azeez's car parked out front. I involuntarily felt a smile spreading across my face.
"Oooooo look who's coming around!" She exclaimed as she wiggled her eyebrows at me as we walked slowly through the garden to the house.
I giggled. "Shh, Juju bas!"
"Ghalooy bala malaqa, I haven't done this in over a year! How's it going between you guys 9ij? You never talk about it!"
"It's going well I think, I haven't been talking about it 'cause I really do not want to jinx it? But yeah, it's going okay, we're getting to know each other, he's incredible.. we're taking things slow." I said as I smiled a little to myself.
"Really?" She asked as she raised an eyebrow, "And do you want to be taking it slow?"
She knows me too well, "I don't know? I mean, I don't wanna rush things, but I can't help but feel we're falling a little into the "friends" category? He said he doesn't wanna come on too strong, maybe that's it? He's just giving me space but I don't know.." I trailed off uncertainly.
"Awww look at you all adorable and insecure about you guys! Honey, I've seen the way he looks at you when he thinks nobody's looking, trust me, you are NOT his friend!" She assured me.
I blushed a little, "You really think so?"
"Honeyyy, which one of us has only had one really bad relationship?"
I glared at her, "I am?"
"Right, and which one of us is in a successful two year long relationship?" She asked
"Doing a little backdoor bragging, are we?" I asked, amused.
She laughed, "Maaybe, but that's not the point, trust me when I tell you, the boy is utterly smitten!"
I smiled, feeling much better and rang the doorbell, Khalood answered seconds later with a huge smile that went away when he saw me.
"You look like shit." He said as he wrapped me in a giant bear hug.
I laughed, "Ouch? Thank you very much!"
I looked up to find 3azeez looking at us as he walked to the door. He smiled and I thanked God Khalood was hugging me 'cause at that moment I could've sworn I was going to melt. That face, that dimple, that man. Sigh. I smiled back and mouthed a "Hi."
"7aram 3alaik, she looks pretty damn beautiful to me." He said with utter sincerity. How could I have ever thought we were just friends? I blushed and looked away, my eyes met Ritaj's and she gave me "told you so" smile. I rolled my eyes and squeezed Khaled back tighter before I let go.
"How're you doing?" I asked him
"Better than you are, obviously! What's all this? Laish mu nayma?" He asked, slightly angry.
"I need to get new friends who HAVEN'T known me since I was a kid! I'm fine walla, I'm allowed to be a little sad!
"A little?" he said disbelievingly as he hugged Juju.
"Kaifi! I'm going to go get breakfast started, you better like it!" I threatened as I walked to the kitchen.
I went to the fridge and got out the eggs I needed to make pancakes, waffles and well.. eggs. When I closed the door, I found 3azeez standing behind it. I gasped and accidentally dropped two eggs. Just my luck!
"Sorry," I mumbled as he laughed, "you startled me!"
"Then I'm the one who should be apologizing, don't you think? He asked as he took some of the eggs from me.
"Thank you!" I said gratefully. "How've you been?"
"Not bad, I've missed you though.." He answered.
"Oh?" I asked, "But we talked last night, haven't you had enough of me?" I said, attempting to make it seem like I didn't miss him too.
"We only talked a little and I haven't seen you in days! Besides," He said as he came behind me and whispered in my ear, "I'll never have enough of you."
I blushed and looked up at him, he was directly behind me and our faces were, once again, inches apart. Chills were running up and down my spine as we looked into each other's eyes. We've had many of these moments in the past two weeks, perfect settings for our lips to lock and put me out of my misery. He needs to stop doing that to me, I've never given much thought to my first kiss before but with him, it seems to be all I can think of. His gaze dropped to my lips and I gave up all pretense of breathing. This was it. His turned me around to face him, wrapped his arms around me and leaned in closer as-
"Am I interrupting something? Khalood's voice asked from the kitchen door.
I looked up to find Khalood and Juju's faces looking back at us with very conflicting looks. Ritaj was all jumpy and her eyes were twinkling mischievously, while Khalood looked.. pissed off? I was surprised at his reaction, he seemed to be perfectly fine with the idea of Me and 3azooz in the past.
"3azooz, ta3al wiyay, bakalmik shway." Khalood clipped as he headed for the direction of the living room.
"Busteeeeeeeed!" Ritaj's voice sang out from the door as she skipped happily to me.
3azeez's arms involuntarily dropped from around me and he followed Khaled to the living room.
Ritaj giggled next to me and I smacked her arm lightly, "Chub! Shfeeh Khalood? This isn't like him, what do you think he wants to say to him?" I asked anxiously.
"Shdarani, probably something along the lines of "and if you ever hurt her, I'll cut your thingies off and staple them to your cheeks!" "
I laughed, "Way3a Juuj! Mental image, yuck! He wouldn't say that!"
"Why not, I would! He's been meaning to have that talk with him for a while now but I guess the seriousness of it all just hit him? Plus, he doesn't have much time left, so yeah!"
"What? Min mita? You've known about this w mu gaylatly? Oh my God, walla fashla, he's gonna scare the guy off!"
She burst out laughing, "Wild horses couldn't drive the guy away, 7adda he's gonna be around for a while, I can feel it!" She said, bubbling with excitement, "So if Khalood hadn't interrupted you guys, you would've.." She trailed off suggestively.
I blushed at the thought, "So not ready to talk about it yet! Come on, grab a glass, let's go eavesdrop!"
She giggled excitedly and whispered, "We haven't done this in ages!"
"I know, right?" I whispered back, "Shh I can't hear them!"
Meanwhile...
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Khalood asked angrily.
"I thought you didn't have feelings for her?" 3azeez replied calmly.
"Not in the way you think, she's my sister, the least you can do is respect the fact that I'm trusting you with her!"
"Calm down, shda3wa Khalood? I've been nothing but respectable ma3aha, I'm not playing with the girl!" he yelled back.
"Not playing, ha? And what do you call the scene I witnessed earlier? Are you serious about her?"
3azeez drew a deep breath, "I'm crazy about her man, she's not like other girls, there's just something about her that keeps drawing me back to her, I don't know what it is and I don't wanna question it or put a name to it."
"You've been like a brother to me and I respect and value you very much, but if you should hurt her in any way-" Khalood said warningly.
"I know." 3azeez interrupted, "We okay?"
"Until you give me reason not to be, yeah we're cool. Sorry if my reaction was extreme, I just need to leave knowing she's in good hands."
"She is, trust me man, I've never given you reason not to in the past." 3azeez reassured Khaled.
Outside the living room..
"My ears stopped working!" Ritaj whispered to me, "Can you hear anything?" She asked as she pressed the glass harder against the wall.
"Juju, I think I hear footsteps," I said as I stood up straight and away from the wall, "Wakhray quick before-"
The door opened and the guys were standing there, looking at Ritaj with amused looks on their faces.
"Ritaj?" Khaled asked, urging her to explain herself.
"Um.. um.. I uhh," she replied unintelligibly.
I stepped in and took control of the situation, "It's just that we felt like drinking freshly squeezed orange juice and we just got our nails done yesterday and you guys know how clumsy I am, wouldn't wanna chip a nail!" I lied expertly, "So we figured, maybe you boys could put on some cute little aprons and squeeze them for us?" I asked coyly.
3azooz smiled indulgently at me, like he would at a child, said sure and headed for the kitchen right away. Khalood on the other hand looked at our faces, mumbled, "Chipped nails, my ass." and followed 3azeez to the kitchen. Ritaj mouthed a quick thank you to me and we skipped off together after the guys.
The guys left as soon as they finished making the juice, saying that they were "in desperate need of man time" and went off to play videos games. Yeah right, "man time", I rolled my eyes inwardly. We interrupted their game 40 minutes later when we called them in for breakfast, we sat at the kitchen table and ate gigantic stacks of pancakes and Khalood munched on his special waffles, they were his favorite.
As soon as they finished eating, the guys got up to continue their "tournament". We followed them to find out they were playing Street Fighter on the Xbox 360.
"I WANNA PLAY, I WANNA PLAY, I WANNA PLAY!!!" Ritaj screamed excitedly.
I laughed and joined in, "Me too, me too, me too!!"
Ritaj's eyes widened, "Oh my god! GHALA SHOULD TOTALLY PLAY AGAINST 3AZEEZ!!!"
We laughed and looked at each other, "Mm, I'm not sure how much 3azeez'll like me after I embarrass him by kicking his ass.." I taunted.
The guys burst out laughing, "Yalla, wareena sha6artich." 3azeez said, accepting my challenge.
Needless to say, he won. Four times in a row. And yet, I kept asking for rematches! After the sixth time I gave up, "Hey! You wanna see how we used to play when we were kids??" I asked.
He laughed, "Sure, show me!"
The fight started and I proceeded to randomly push all the buttons simultaneously and jumped non-stop, getting closer to the screen every time. Surprisingly it worked and I ended up winning a round for a change. 3azeez couldn't stop laughing at the ridiculous picture I painted, but effective is effective! So I tried it again and ended up losing this time.
"Not fair, it worked the first time!" I said as I pouted.
"Yeah, but the first time, your controller was actually on." He said as he indicated the button wasn't lit anymore.
"Oh, oops." I replied embarrassed and gave up. We gave our controllers to Juju and Khalood and sat down while they screamed at each other just like they did when we were younger.
3azeez got up and changed his seat to the one right next to me on the sofa. I felt goosebumps all over my skin as he looked at me and smiled. He took my hand off of my lap and dropped a kiss onto my palm. I blushed harder than I ever have before and waited for him to let go. He didn't, instead he turned my hand, placed another kiss there and wove his fingers in between mine. My heart quickened at our contact and I knew it would never beat at a normal pace again if he kept looking at me that way. So i broke eye contact and rested my head on his shoulders, I was already getting dizzy from his intoxicating scent.
"How're you feeling?" He asked.
"I'm alright, I've definately been better, but having you here is making things way better." I said and he wrapped an arm around me. I snuggled in deeper against his chest.
"Mm you smell incredible, it's distracting." He murmured into my hair.
I giggled, "A7san, I don't want you to be thinking of anything else but me." I whispered.
"Trust me, ever since I met you, I've practically been unable of thinking of anything else." He replied.
"Uh.. I hate to interrupt your moment, but it's time for me to leave." Khalood announced.
"Already??" I asked as I sat up.
"Yeah babe, I told you I had to be there by 11, it's already 10.30, we really need to get going." He said with a sad smile.
"Are we going in two separate cars?" Ritaj inquired as she fixed her hair in the mirror.
"It makes no sense for us to do that, how 'bout we go in 3azooz's car, and he'll drop you guys off back here later?" Khalood suggested.
"Sure but I already have a ride back, Mshary's picking me up from the airport, do you mind G?"
"Not at all hun, shda3wa, I'm sure 3azooz doesn't bite." I said in a lame attempt at a joke.
He smiled sympathetically at me, picked up Khalood's bag and we all headed to the car. He kept glancing at me through the rear view mirror the entire time to check up on me, I was touched by his concern but hoped he would stop, I wasn't used to being showered with this much attention. It was nice but also a little unsettling, I couldn't let my guard down for one second.
The trip to airport was much shorter than I expected, I reluctantly got out of the car and followed the guys and Ritaj to the departure hall. I still wasn't ready to say goodbye to Khalood yet and briefly debated the merit of buying a ticket, just so I could have a little more time with him before he left.
"So, I guess this is it.." Khalood said as he smiled sheepishly at me.
I couldn't hold back my tears anymore, and started crying silently as he wrapped his arms around me. "Come on Ghalooy, you'll be fine! You have Ritaj and 3azooz, don't worry!" He said in an attempt to comfort me.
"Mabeehum, ikhith'hum ma3ak!" I replied.
He burst out laughing, "Afa! Yalla sweetie, I think we have to let go now.."
I quickly wiped away my tears and let go of him. "I'm going to miss you so much, call me as soon as you get there, I'll never forgive you if you don't!" I threatened.
He laughed again, "I love how you give me the same warning everytime, don't worry, I will. You take care kiddo, alright?"
I nodded. He hugged Ritaj and 3azooz, "You guys take care of her for me, alright?"
"Duh! Like you even had to ask!" Ritaj answered. I looked up to see that she was tearing up as well.
"You can count on it." 3azooz replied, "Bilsalama."
"Allah isalmik 7abeebi." He looked at me, "Are you going to be okay?"
I laughed, "Psh, I'm always okay, you worry too much!" he smiled, unconvinced, but he couldn't do anything about it. He gave me one final hug.
"Alright then, ma3a ilsalama." He took his bag from 3azooz, smiled at us and walked away.
"Mshary's outside, I have to leave as well, you're gonna be fine!" She assured me as she hugged me, "I'll sleep over tonight, we can pig out and talk about boys!" she grinned and left too.
I stared at his figure as he walked away, I couldn't tear my eyes away. I couldn't help but feel a little lost without him, he's such a big part of who I am and the distance kills me. But I had to learn how to depend on myself, I needed to be stronger and to not fall apart whenever he left. As much as I loved him and knew that he loved me too, he wouldn't always be mine. I accepted that, but it still didn't stop the tears from running down my face with every step he took. I kept watching him til he disappeared in the crowd.
"Ghala.. yalla 7abeebti we have to go.."
I looked up, I had forgotten that 3azeez was there the whole time. I silently walked over to him, put my arms around him and cried into his chest. His arms automatically wrapped around me.
"Baby, this is torture walla, I can't see you like this, jad it's killing me." He whispered as he wiped away my tears.
"I'm sorry," I managed to stammer and tried to control myself, I knew I couldn't as long as we were at the airport, "yalla let's go."
"You don't look like you're in any state to drive.. how about I take you home and I'll bring your car to you?" He suggested.
"Actually, I don't think I'm ready to go home yet.. Do you mind dropping me off at the beach?" I asked tentatively.
"Not at all, do you mind if I joined you?" He asked smilingly as he reached out and held my hand.
"Not at all." I replied as I smiled back.
Oh and to answer your questions, I take so long to post lana I'm juggling more subjects than I ever have before at uni and it's totally rape!! :( So, I'm sorry for posting 1.4 times a week but I'll try to post more, pinkie swear!
And Wa7da Qabiya.. still can't help but feel it's offensive to repeat it! ;p Why'd you cry? :O It was a happy post, no?
Aishah.. you're too cute! lol I read your comments as I was writing this!
SlouchyPants.. just wanted to publically mention how amazing you are ;p
I really wanna reply to all your comments bas like.. wayid and I'm lazy.. and I have to finish writing this, bas I'll reply to kilhum next time!
Did I mention that I freaking love you guys? Especially my regular commenters! You guys know who you are;* And all my silent readers.. ah, what the heck, I LOVE KILKUM :p Especially lost! ;* Oh and the anonymouses, too cute lol thank you for speaking up! w RE-CONSIDER PLEASE, LOL you have no idea how much I laughed when I saw your name <3
Okay, next post! Enjoy!
______________________________________________________
-2 weeks later-
It was here. The day I've been dreading since that phone call two weeks ago. It was inevitable and sort of looming above me this entire time but its arrival has just made the reality of facing what's to come so much harder than I initially thought. Khalood was leaving and my heart was shattering into a million tiny pieces.
"You awake?" Juju asked groggily from across the room. "What am I thinking, of course you're awake and showered too if my nose isn't playing games with me."
"Yup." I replied sullenly
"Allah are you using the new shower gel we got last week?"
"Yup."
"Yay, so using it when I find the energy to get up, you smell yummy! And I mean that in the most un-lesbionic sort of way!"
"Thanks."
"You're not up to using full sentences yet, are you?"
"Nope." I confirmed
"Aww baby!!" She cooed as she got up and jumped into bed with me. She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and hugged me tightly, "Don't worry, he'll be back before you know it, I promise!"
I gave her a disgruntled look in response to what she said. Before I know it isn't soon enough, It isn't the same when he's not here. I know that he'll always be there for me no matter what and that he'd drop everything the instant he sensed there was something wrong, but it doesn't compare to the security I feel knowing that he's right around the block, should I ever need him. But it isn't about me and I have to suck it up and not make things harder than they must already be for him.
"Ya 7mara ya3ni mu tarsa 3ainich? Won't I do for the next couple of months? Hmm?"
"Meh." I replied to infuriate her as I shrugged. She gasped in outrage. I hugged her back to make ammends and show her that I was kidding.
"Come on, I know there's nothing more comfortable than your fuzzy robe but you need to get dressed! You said you'd be there at 9 to make breakfast, so yalla! I'm gonna go jump in the shower, try not to fall apart while I'm gone, kay?"
"Shda3wa Juju, I'm fine!" I said as I rolled my eyes at her.
She gasped loudly, "Words! Multiple! Aaaaah!!" She hugged me again and went to the bathroom.
I took a cue from her and got up to get dressed. I didn't feel like dealing with my curls so I towel-dried them, applied a little leave-in conditioner and hoped to god they wouldn't go frizzy. My face on the other hand needed a bit more work, I barely recognized the girl in the mirror, Note to self: Get some sleep!! My skin had a grayish cast to it and my eyes were in desperate need of concealer. I moisturized, applied a little concealer and blush for color. I stared at my mascara for a few minutes and decided I could benefit from a little bit of that too. I shoved my legs into the first pair of jeans that fell out of my closet and paired them up with a black turtleneck and a jean vest. Khalood's parents were travelling and his brothers already said goodbye before they left for work and university that morning.
"Lose the flats, put on the black patent pumps, wear the gold necklace thingie I was wearing yesterday and for the love of god, lipstick!! No negotiations. Stop pouting and do it!"
"Bossy, much?" I asked, she smirked in reply.
I didn't feel like arguing so I automatically did everything she told me to, "That's my girl!" She said as she beamed at me, "Go warm up the car hun, I'll be there in 5!"
I couldn't help but laugh incredulously, "Really? 5 minutes? You're fresh out of the shower and you expect me to believe you'll be ready in 5?"
"Hey!" she replied indignantly, "I'd throw a pillow at you but I don't wanna mess up your face, don't underestimate me bitch, I can do it!"
I laughed and went to the car to do as she said, surprisingly she made it in 10 minutes. Granted, it wasn't the previously discussed 5 minutes but still, quite impressive. I decided to put on a happy face and try to make it a good day. It could be much worse after all, right? We got there 15 minutes later and found 3azeez's car parked out front. I involuntarily felt a smile spreading across my face.
"Oooooo look who's coming around!" She exclaimed as she wiggled her eyebrows at me as we walked slowly through the garden to the house.
I giggled. "Shh, Juju bas!"
"Ghalooy bala malaqa, I haven't done this in over a year! How's it going between you guys 9ij? You never talk about it!"
"It's going well I think, I haven't been talking about it 'cause I really do not want to jinx it? But yeah, it's going okay, we're getting to know each other, he's incredible.. we're taking things slow." I said as I smiled a little to myself.
"Really?" She asked as she raised an eyebrow, "And do you want to be taking it slow?"
She knows me too well, "I don't know? I mean, I don't wanna rush things, but I can't help but feel we're falling a little into the "friends" category? He said he doesn't wanna come on too strong, maybe that's it? He's just giving me space but I don't know.." I trailed off uncertainly.
"Awww look at you all adorable and insecure about you guys! Honey, I've seen the way he looks at you when he thinks nobody's looking, trust me, you are NOT his friend!" She assured me.
I blushed a little, "You really think so?"
"Honeyyy, which one of us has only had one really bad relationship?"
I glared at her, "I am?"
"Right, and which one of us is in a successful two year long relationship?" She asked
"Doing a little backdoor bragging, are we?" I asked, amused.
She laughed, "Maaybe, but that's not the point, trust me when I tell you, the boy is utterly smitten!"
I smiled, feeling much better and rang the doorbell, Khalood answered seconds later with a huge smile that went away when he saw me.
"You look like shit." He said as he wrapped me in a giant bear hug.
I laughed, "Ouch? Thank you very much!"
I looked up to find 3azeez looking at us as he walked to the door. He smiled and I thanked God Khalood was hugging me 'cause at that moment I could've sworn I was going to melt. That face, that dimple, that man. Sigh. I smiled back and mouthed a "Hi."
"7aram 3alaik, she looks pretty damn beautiful to me." He said with utter sincerity. How could I have ever thought we were just friends? I blushed and looked away, my eyes met Ritaj's and she gave me "told you so" smile. I rolled my eyes and squeezed Khaled back tighter before I let go.
"How're you doing?" I asked him
"Better than you are, obviously! What's all this? Laish mu nayma?" He asked, slightly angry.
"I need to get new friends who HAVEN'T known me since I was a kid! I'm fine walla, I'm allowed to be a little sad!
"A little?" he said disbelievingly as he hugged Juju.
"Kaifi! I'm going to go get breakfast started, you better like it!" I threatened as I walked to the kitchen.
I went to the fridge and got out the eggs I needed to make pancakes, waffles and well.. eggs. When I closed the door, I found 3azeez standing behind it. I gasped and accidentally dropped two eggs. Just my luck!
"Sorry," I mumbled as he laughed, "you startled me!"
"Then I'm the one who should be apologizing, don't you think? He asked as he took some of the eggs from me.
"Thank you!" I said gratefully. "How've you been?"
"Not bad, I've missed you though.." He answered.
"Oh?" I asked, "But we talked last night, haven't you had enough of me?" I said, attempting to make it seem like I didn't miss him too.
"We only talked a little and I haven't seen you in days! Besides," He said as he came behind me and whispered in my ear, "I'll never have enough of you."
I blushed and looked up at him, he was directly behind me and our faces were, once again, inches apart. Chills were running up and down my spine as we looked into each other's eyes. We've had many of these moments in the past two weeks, perfect settings for our lips to lock and put me out of my misery. He needs to stop doing that to me, I've never given much thought to my first kiss before but with him, it seems to be all I can think of. His gaze dropped to my lips and I gave up all pretense of breathing. This was it. His turned me around to face him, wrapped his arms around me and leaned in closer as-
"Am I interrupting something? Khalood's voice asked from the kitchen door.
I looked up to find Khalood and Juju's faces looking back at us with very conflicting looks. Ritaj was all jumpy and her eyes were twinkling mischievously, while Khalood looked.. pissed off? I was surprised at his reaction, he seemed to be perfectly fine with the idea of Me and 3azooz in the past.
"3azooz, ta3al wiyay, bakalmik shway." Khalood clipped as he headed for the direction of the living room.
"Busteeeeeeeed!" Ritaj's voice sang out from the door as she skipped happily to me.
3azeez's arms involuntarily dropped from around me and he followed Khaled to the living room.
Ritaj giggled next to me and I smacked her arm lightly, "Chub! Shfeeh Khalood? This isn't like him, what do you think he wants to say to him?" I asked anxiously.
"Shdarani, probably something along the lines of "and if you ever hurt her, I'll cut your thingies off and staple them to your cheeks!" "
I laughed, "Way3a Juuj! Mental image, yuck! He wouldn't say that!"
"Why not, I would! He's been meaning to have that talk with him for a while now but I guess the seriousness of it all just hit him? Plus, he doesn't have much time left, so yeah!"
"What? Min mita? You've known about this w mu gaylatly? Oh my God, walla fashla, he's gonna scare the guy off!"
She burst out laughing, "Wild horses couldn't drive the guy away, 7adda he's gonna be around for a while, I can feel it!" She said, bubbling with excitement, "So if Khalood hadn't interrupted you guys, you would've.." She trailed off suggestively.
I blushed at the thought, "So not ready to talk about it yet! Come on, grab a glass, let's go eavesdrop!"
She giggled excitedly and whispered, "We haven't done this in ages!"
"I know, right?" I whispered back, "Shh I can't hear them!"
Meanwhile...
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Khalood asked angrily.
"I thought you didn't have feelings for her?" 3azeez replied calmly.
"Not in the way you think, she's my sister, the least you can do is respect the fact that I'm trusting you with her!"
"Calm down, shda3wa Khalood? I've been nothing but respectable ma3aha, I'm not playing with the girl!" he yelled back.
"Not playing, ha? And what do you call the scene I witnessed earlier? Are you serious about her?"
3azeez drew a deep breath, "I'm crazy about her man, she's not like other girls, there's just something about her that keeps drawing me back to her, I don't know what it is and I don't wanna question it or put a name to it."
"You've been like a brother to me and I respect and value you very much, but if you should hurt her in any way-" Khalood said warningly.
"I know." 3azeez interrupted, "We okay?"
"Until you give me reason not to be, yeah we're cool. Sorry if my reaction was extreme, I just need to leave knowing she's in good hands."
"She is, trust me man, I've never given you reason not to in the past." 3azeez reassured Khaled.
Outside the living room..
"My ears stopped working!" Ritaj whispered to me, "Can you hear anything?" She asked as she pressed the glass harder against the wall.
"Juju, I think I hear footsteps," I said as I stood up straight and away from the wall, "Wakhray quick before-"
The door opened and the guys were standing there, looking at Ritaj with amused looks on their faces.
"Ritaj?" Khaled asked, urging her to explain herself.
"Um.. um.. I uhh," she replied unintelligibly.
I stepped in and took control of the situation, "It's just that we felt like drinking freshly squeezed orange juice and we just got our nails done yesterday and you guys know how clumsy I am, wouldn't wanna chip a nail!" I lied expertly, "So we figured, maybe you boys could put on some cute little aprons and squeeze them for us?" I asked coyly.
3azooz smiled indulgently at me, like he would at a child, said sure and headed for the kitchen right away. Khalood on the other hand looked at our faces, mumbled, "Chipped nails, my ass." and followed 3azeez to the kitchen. Ritaj mouthed a quick thank you to me and we skipped off together after the guys.
The guys left as soon as they finished making the juice, saying that they were "in desperate need of man time" and went off to play videos games. Yeah right, "man time", I rolled my eyes inwardly. We interrupted their game 40 minutes later when we called them in for breakfast, we sat at the kitchen table and ate gigantic stacks of pancakes and Khalood munched on his special waffles, they were his favorite.
As soon as they finished eating, the guys got up to continue their "tournament". We followed them to find out they were playing Street Fighter on the Xbox 360.
"I WANNA PLAY, I WANNA PLAY, I WANNA PLAY!!!" Ritaj screamed excitedly.
I laughed and joined in, "Me too, me too, me too!!"
Ritaj's eyes widened, "Oh my god! GHALA SHOULD TOTALLY PLAY AGAINST 3AZEEZ!!!"
We laughed and looked at each other, "Mm, I'm not sure how much 3azeez'll like me after I embarrass him by kicking his ass.." I taunted.
The guys burst out laughing, "Yalla, wareena sha6artich." 3azeez said, accepting my challenge.
Needless to say, he won. Four times in a row. And yet, I kept asking for rematches! After the sixth time I gave up, "Hey! You wanna see how we used to play when we were kids??" I asked.
He laughed, "Sure, show me!"
The fight started and I proceeded to randomly push all the buttons simultaneously and jumped non-stop, getting closer to the screen every time. Surprisingly it worked and I ended up winning a round for a change. 3azeez couldn't stop laughing at the ridiculous picture I painted, but effective is effective! So I tried it again and ended up losing this time.
"Not fair, it worked the first time!" I said as I pouted.
"Yeah, but the first time, your controller was actually on." He said as he indicated the button wasn't lit anymore.
"Oh, oops." I replied embarrassed and gave up. We gave our controllers to Juju and Khalood and sat down while they screamed at each other just like they did when we were younger.
3azeez got up and changed his seat to the one right next to me on the sofa. I felt goosebumps all over my skin as he looked at me and smiled. He took my hand off of my lap and dropped a kiss onto my palm. I blushed harder than I ever have before and waited for him to let go. He didn't, instead he turned my hand, placed another kiss there and wove his fingers in between mine. My heart quickened at our contact and I knew it would never beat at a normal pace again if he kept looking at me that way. So i broke eye contact and rested my head on his shoulders, I was already getting dizzy from his intoxicating scent.
"How're you feeling?" He asked.
"I'm alright, I've definately been better, but having you here is making things way better." I said and he wrapped an arm around me. I snuggled in deeper against his chest.
"Mm you smell incredible, it's distracting." He murmured into my hair.
I giggled, "A7san, I don't want you to be thinking of anything else but me." I whispered.
"Trust me, ever since I met you, I've practically been unable of thinking of anything else." He replied.
"Uh.. I hate to interrupt your moment, but it's time for me to leave." Khalood announced.
"Already??" I asked as I sat up.
"Yeah babe, I told you I had to be there by 11, it's already 10.30, we really need to get going." He said with a sad smile.
"Are we going in two separate cars?" Ritaj inquired as she fixed her hair in the mirror.
"It makes no sense for us to do that, how 'bout we go in 3azooz's car, and he'll drop you guys off back here later?" Khalood suggested.
"Sure but I already have a ride back, Mshary's picking me up from the airport, do you mind G?"
"Not at all hun, shda3wa, I'm sure 3azooz doesn't bite." I said in a lame attempt at a joke.
He smiled sympathetically at me, picked up Khalood's bag and we all headed to the car. He kept glancing at me through the rear view mirror the entire time to check up on me, I was touched by his concern but hoped he would stop, I wasn't used to being showered with this much attention. It was nice but also a little unsettling, I couldn't let my guard down for one second.
The trip to airport was much shorter than I expected, I reluctantly got out of the car and followed the guys and Ritaj to the departure hall. I still wasn't ready to say goodbye to Khalood yet and briefly debated the merit of buying a ticket, just so I could have a little more time with him before he left.
"So, I guess this is it.." Khalood said as he smiled sheepishly at me.
I couldn't hold back my tears anymore, and started crying silently as he wrapped his arms around me. "Come on Ghalooy, you'll be fine! You have Ritaj and 3azooz, don't worry!" He said in an attempt to comfort me.
"Mabeehum, ikhith'hum ma3ak!" I replied.
He burst out laughing, "Afa! Yalla sweetie, I think we have to let go now.."
I quickly wiped away my tears and let go of him. "I'm going to miss you so much, call me as soon as you get there, I'll never forgive you if you don't!" I threatened.
He laughed again, "I love how you give me the same warning everytime, don't worry, I will. You take care kiddo, alright?"
I nodded. He hugged Ritaj and 3azooz, "You guys take care of her for me, alright?"
"Duh! Like you even had to ask!" Ritaj answered. I looked up to see that she was tearing up as well.
"You can count on it." 3azooz replied, "Bilsalama."
"Allah isalmik 7abeebi." He looked at me, "Are you going to be okay?"
I laughed, "Psh, I'm always okay, you worry too much!" he smiled, unconvinced, but he couldn't do anything about it. He gave me one final hug.
"Alright then, ma3a ilsalama." He took his bag from 3azooz, smiled at us and walked away.
"Mshary's outside, I have to leave as well, you're gonna be fine!" She assured me as she hugged me, "I'll sleep over tonight, we can pig out and talk about boys!" she grinned and left too.
I stared at his figure as he walked away, I couldn't tear my eyes away. I couldn't help but feel a little lost without him, he's such a big part of who I am and the distance kills me. But I had to learn how to depend on myself, I needed to be stronger and to not fall apart whenever he left. As much as I loved him and knew that he loved me too, he wouldn't always be mine. I accepted that, but it still didn't stop the tears from running down my face with every step he took. I kept watching him til he disappeared in the crowd.
"Ghala.. yalla 7abeebti we have to go.."
I looked up, I had forgotten that 3azeez was there the whole time. I silently walked over to him, put my arms around him and cried into his chest. His arms automatically wrapped around me.
"Baby, this is torture walla, I can't see you like this, jad it's killing me." He whispered as he wiped away my tears.
"I'm sorry," I managed to stammer and tried to control myself, I knew I couldn't as long as we were at the airport, "yalla let's go."
"You don't look like you're in any state to drive.. how about I take you home and I'll bring your car to you?" He suggested.
"Actually, I don't think I'm ready to go home yet.. Do you mind dropping me off at the beach?" I asked tentatively.
"Not at all, do you mind if I joined you?" He asked smilingly as he reached out and held my hand.
"Not at all." I replied as I smiled back.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Foolish Games.. (9)
You guys! I'm contemplating being mean and not posting itha you don't comment, cuz I'm starting to think the story SUCKS! I heart feedback =( fa change my mind! ;p
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I laughed off the sudden chills that rushed through my spine, "You're not supposed to talk! It defeats the whole purpose of covering my eyes!" I said nervously.
He removed his hands and I turned around to face him. "I had no idea 'guess who' had so many rules for me to follow," he replied with a cheeky smile.
"It's common sense, bozo." Ritaj said from behind him, mimicking my voice perfectly.
He looked at me with the most confused expression on his face, it took all my strength not to burst out laughing. It was as if he thought i was a ventriloquist of some sort, my mouth didn't move but he was certain the words came from me. I settled on a smile and motioned for him to turn around.
"Oh! The Ritaj Ghala!" He said as comprehension suddenly dawned on him.
"The Ritaj Ghala?" Juju asked with a raised eyebrow, "Are you forming an obsession with my best friend that leads you to add her name to everyone elses?"
He laughed. "Not quite, but if i did," he paused to look directly at me before continuing, "do you blame me?"
I could feel my blushes reaching all the way down to my toes, i tore my eyes away from his and looked at Juuj instead who was looking quite impressed by his answer.
"Nicely done, my friend. You were right about him, I totally approve, G!" She said while winking at me.
He was still facing me and his smile widened into a huge grin. I mentally shot Ritaj a warning look to watch her words. I was aware of the fact that she probably wasn't going to get it but stranger things have happened, right? His standing in front of me right now was proof enough of that.
"So, you've been talking about me, huh?" He asked teasingly.
"Hey! NO! Flirt later! That's the second time I see you and we still haven't been properly introduced, you need to officially meet me so that one day lama the press comes to interview you can tell them how awesome it was and how awesome I am, followed by a "..and that's the day I met Ritaj Al-Flani.." you know?" she said with a huge smile.
"Planning to set the world on fire are you?" He asked with a smile of his own.
"No, just Kuwait! I'm going to be a wazeera some day." She informed him.
He shot me an amused look before answering her, "And you want the guy who's interested in your best friend to state how wonderful you are? The guy who you met at some random party? A mixed party?"
Ritaj looked horrified, "Riiiight.. This conversation never happened, I was never here!" She said as she backed away slowly into some guy, knocking his drink over.
"Ohmygod i'm so sorry! Here I'll get you another one!" She apologized quickly before looking up at his face, "OH inta! Hi! 3adi 3ayal Come on let's go!" she said as she was tugging on his arm.
Mshary looked at me with an exasperated look on his face and nodded a greeting. I laughed and waved back before Ritaj whisked him away.
"Who was that?" 3azeez asked curiously.
"That was the future Mr. Ritaj." I stated confidently as I smiled at him.
"You look incredible."
I laughed nervously and looked down, I didn't want him to see me blush! "That was random."
"Not really," he said as he tipped my chin up so I could face him, his expression seemed sincere, "I've been thinking it all night. My eyes have been glued to you ever since you walked in, I've just been waiting for an opportunity to say it."
My blush intensified, "Thanks, you don't look too bad yourself!" I replied lamely.
"Come on, you can do better than that," he teased with a flirtatious smile, "stroke my ego a little."
I looked at him disbelievingly, "Honey, in all honestly, your ego doesn't seem like it needs much stroking to me."
He laughed, "Am I that transparent?"
"Only a little bit!" I replied. "Wain Khalood? I haven't seen him all night."
"He left right before I came to talk to you, supplies were running low, he went to get more food for Jen."
"Oh, alright. And how do you know Jen?" I asked politely, dying to make any conversation that didn't make me nervous or blush stupidly.
"Well, in a moment of utter stupidity, I was her older sister's boyfriend back in high school. It lasted about a month? We're good friends now."
"Oh?" I asked, slightly disappointed. In the back of my mind I knew it was unrealistic for me to expect him not to have a past, but I didn't want it to be someone I could put a face to. At least that way, I could pretend she was hideous with 6 toes on each foot and warts. Lots and lots of warts. All over her face and body.
"Yeah, we all have skeletons in our closets, right?"
"Truer words have not been spoken." I replied as I took another sip of my drink.
"Oh?" It was his turn to seem disappointed now, he looked utterly dejected, I found it slightly offensive.
"You can't have a past and expect me to have a clean slate, double standards, much?" I said defensively.
"Down girl," he said teasingly, "I don't have any expectations of you, I just don't like the idea of you with anyone else, would it be to soon to admit that I'm jealous?"
I smiled, slightly mollified, "Probably, but i'm glad you are." I said honestly.
"I don't know about you, but I could use some fresh air, do you want to take a walk?"
Did I want to take a walk? Seriously? At this point I could follow him to the ends of the earth! But still, I was a little hesitant and he seemed to pick up on it.
He gave me another charming smile, "I'm not a closet rapist and I don't have a history of killing women, stuffing them in my trunk and driving off to an undisclosed location to bury them. Now will you please come with me?"
I couldn't stop laughing, "Gee, I don't know.. Your description seems a little too accurate for comfort!" I said teasingly.
"Then I guess you'll just have to take a leap of faith milady." He said with another grin.
"Alright, you charmed me into it, lead the way!"
I took out my phone to let Ritaj know where I'd be, just in case she tries to find me.
Outgoing Message
Juuj! Going for a walk with 3azeez!
1 New Message
Juju;*
Ooo don't do anything i wouldn't do ;p wink wink
Outgoing Message
lol! wiggle wiggle ;p kharaaab! ya kalba shh don't give me ideas!
1 New Message
Juju;*
I stand firmly by what i said! hmph.
We were outside now, 3azeez stopped suddenly and I walked into him. "Sorry, I have no sense of coordination whatsoever!"
"It's alright, Khalood told me a couple of interesting stories about that," he replied teasingly.
"Which ones?!!" I exclaimed, my face burning with embarrassment.
He laughed, "I'm not at liberty to say! But," he paused, "there's something I've been dying to do all evening."
"Oh? And what's that?" I asked nervously.
He closed the space between us and leaned in so that there was only an inch or two separating our faces. I stopped breathing, I wanted to ask him what he was doing but I couldn't seem to form a coherent sentence. Was he going to kiss me? Was I going to let him?
"Close your eyes." He instructed.
I looked at him incredulously, yeah right I was going to close my eyes. I shook my head. I wasn't ready for this!
He looked amused, "Trust me?"
I shot him another disbelieving look.
He laughed, "Alright then, make a wish."
I wish you'd get whatever it is you're doing over with already!
"You done?" he asked, I nodded. "Alright, which side?"
"Huh?" I asked confused.
"It speaks!" he teased and repeated insistently, "Your face, which side?"
I had no idea what he was doing, I just pointed stupidly at the right side. He brushed his finger over my right cheek, and showed it to me.
It was an eyelash.
Yes.
An eyelash.
I could've died of mortification right then and there.
He blew it away and smiled knowingly at me, "According to superstition, your wish is going to come true." He winked and continued walking.
I just stood there, staring at his back. Then what just happened hit me and I felt incredibly stupid. I didn't even have it in me to blush anymore, I gave up all pretense of feigning normalcy or nonchalance and burst out laughing. I covered my face with both my hands and just kept on laughing til I lost the ability to breathe.
He looked back at me and joined in until my laughter eventually died out, "Your laughter is very contagious but I'm dying to know what's so funny?"
"I can't believe i thought you wanted to-" I couldn't even continue the sentence and I dissolved into another fit of giggles.
"You thought i wanted to what?" he asked curiously, but it was obvious he knew what I was going to say.
"Never mind!"
He laughed, "You thought I wanted to kiss you?"
"Don't laugh!" I said as my face turned red again, "I don't know how these things work!"
"You don't?" His face lit up, "You've never been kissed?"
Mortification. "Shh, why don't you alert the media! No, I haven't, why are we discussing this?!"
"Alright, I'll let it go under one condition.."
"You're gonna make me talk about myself, aren't you?" I asked, already dreading it.
"Start at the womb and don’t you dare miss a detail!" He said teasingly, repeating the same words I said to him at starbucks.
"Aah Karma, you've got me, once again! I can't talk about myself you're going to have to ask me questions, I'll answer honestly! Pinkie swear!"
We walked for about two hours on the beach, it wasn't as awkward as I expected it to be. I felt really comfortable and safe around him for some reason, untouchable. I also felt naked, the questions he asked seemed to pierce right through all the walls I'd put up and I had no choice but to answer honestly. He laughed when I told him about the all kinds of trouble I got into as a kid with Juuj, promised to tease Khalood about how we first met, sobered up when the situation with my parents was clarified, and glowed with pride as he told me that I did a great job of raising myself.
"You implied earlier that you've had previous bad experiences with relationships.." He trailed off.
"Previous bad experience," I corrected, "Just the one relationship."
"Oh?" He seemed a little pleased with my answer, "Care to elaborate?" He inquired.
"Some other time?" I asked pleadingly, "It's just been so perfect and I'd hate to spoil the evening with talking about him."
His face lit up, "Perfect enough for us to exchange numbers?"
I laughed at his eagerness, "More like, perfect enough for us to exchange e-mails."
"I don't see any reason why we can't exchange both.." he said suggestively, "come on, how much longer am I gonna have to wait?"
"I'm not playing games with you 3azooz, but are you aware it's barely been a week? Don't you think things are progressing a little too fast?" I asked, worried.
"I know I should be, but the chemistry has been there since day one. I thought we were inevitable the minute I pulled that pencil out of your hair, and my suspicions were confirmed later on that night when I picked Joori up and reconfirmed again everytime I hear you speak, or learn something new about you. I know it might scare you, but I can't seem to get you off my mind. And I don't think I want to. I'm not going to pressure you into anything, I'm certainly not forcing a relationship on you, but everything about you seems to captivate me and I just want to get to know you better, so what do you say?"
I couldn't tear my eyes off of his, the intensity of his gaze was overwhelming and for a few minutes, I seemed to have forgotten how to draw breath. I silently held out my hand. He understood and placed his phone in it. I punched in my number and gave it back to him, never breaking eye contact.
"I hope you realize that this isn't something I do very often, or at all and that I'm trusting you with this."
"I do and I promise I won't abuse that trust." He said as he smiled reassuringly.
"Thank you." I smiled back, "Juju's been texting me for the past 10 minutes or so, she's waiting for me in the car.. So I guess this is goodnight?"
"For now? Sure, goodnight. But I want you to be the last person I hear from before I actually go to sleep, do you mind if I call to hear you say it again later?"
"Only if you stop looking at me like that, you're making it harder for me to leave.."
"I can't, but I will close my eyes for exactly 10 seconds for you to walk away without having me looking at you, how's that?"
"I'll take it!" I said enthusiastically and walked away as fast as I could. I looked back once, only to catch him looking at me and quickly closing his eyes, trying not to smile and failing miserably. I laughed, shook my head and walked faster.
I got into the car with the goofiest grin on my face and sighed.
"How was it?" Ritaj asked excitedly.
"Magical."
____________________________________________________________
I laughed off the sudden chills that rushed through my spine, "You're not supposed to talk! It defeats the whole purpose of covering my eyes!" I said nervously.
He removed his hands and I turned around to face him. "I had no idea 'guess who' had so many rules for me to follow," he replied with a cheeky smile.
"It's common sense, bozo." Ritaj said from behind him, mimicking my voice perfectly.
He looked at me with the most confused expression on his face, it took all my strength not to burst out laughing. It was as if he thought i was a ventriloquist of some sort, my mouth didn't move but he was certain the words came from me. I settled on a smile and motioned for him to turn around.
"Oh! The Ritaj Ghala!" He said as comprehension suddenly dawned on him.
"The Ritaj Ghala?" Juju asked with a raised eyebrow, "Are you forming an obsession with my best friend that leads you to add her name to everyone elses?"
He laughed. "Not quite, but if i did," he paused to look directly at me before continuing, "do you blame me?"
I could feel my blushes reaching all the way down to my toes, i tore my eyes away from his and looked at Juuj instead who was looking quite impressed by his answer.
"Nicely done, my friend. You were right about him, I totally approve, G!" She said while winking at me.
He was still facing me and his smile widened into a huge grin. I mentally shot Ritaj a warning look to watch her words. I was aware of the fact that she probably wasn't going to get it but stranger things have happened, right? His standing in front of me right now was proof enough of that.
"So, you've been talking about me, huh?" He asked teasingly.
"Hey! NO! Flirt later! That's the second time I see you and we still haven't been properly introduced, you need to officially meet me so that one day lama the press comes to interview you can tell them how awesome it was and how awesome I am, followed by a "..and that's the day I met Ritaj Al-Flani.." you know?" she said with a huge smile.
"Planning to set the world on fire are you?" He asked with a smile of his own.
"No, just Kuwait! I'm going to be a wazeera some day." She informed him.
He shot me an amused look before answering her, "And you want the guy who's interested in your best friend to state how wonderful you are? The guy who you met at some random party? A mixed party?"
Ritaj looked horrified, "Riiiight.. This conversation never happened, I was never here!" She said as she backed away slowly into some guy, knocking his drink over.
"Ohmygod i'm so sorry! Here I'll get you another one!" She apologized quickly before looking up at his face, "OH inta! Hi! 3adi 3ayal Come on let's go!" she said as she was tugging on his arm.
Mshary looked at me with an exasperated look on his face and nodded a greeting. I laughed and waved back before Ritaj whisked him away.
"Who was that?" 3azeez asked curiously.
"That was the future Mr. Ritaj." I stated confidently as I smiled at him.
"You look incredible."
I laughed nervously and looked down, I didn't want him to see me blush! "That was random."
"Not really," he said as he tipped my chin up so I could face him, his expression seemed sincere, "I've been thinking it all night. My eyes have been glued to you ever since you walked in, I've just been waiting for an opportunity to say it."
My blush intensified, "Thanks, you don't look too bad yourself!" I replied lamely.
"Come on, you can do better than that," he teased with a flirtatious smile, "stroke my ego a little."
I looked at him disbelievingly, "Honey, in all honestly, your ego doesn't seem like it needs much stroking to me."
He laughed, "Am I that transparent?"
"Only a little bit!" I replied. "Wain Khalood? I haven't seen him all night."
"He left right before I came to talk to you, supplies were running low, he went to get more food for Jen."
"Oh, alright. And how do you know Jen?" I asked politely, dying to make any conversation that didn't make me nervous or blush stupidly.
"Well, in a moment of utter stupidity, I was her older sister's boyfriend back in high school. It lasted about a month? We're good friends now."
"Oh?" I asked, slightly disappointed. In the back of my mind I knew it was unrealistic for me to expect him not to have a past, but I didn't want it to be someone I could put a face to. At least that way, I could pretend she was hideous with 6 toes on each foot and warts. Lots and lots of warts. All over her face and body.
"Yeah, we all have skeletons in our closets, right?"
"Truer words have not been spoken." I replied as I took another sip of my drink.
"Oh?" It was his turn to seem disappointed now, he looked utterly dejected, I found it slightly offensive.
"You can't have a past and expect me to have a clean slate, double standards, much?" I said defensively.
"Down girl," he said teasingly, "I don't have any expectations of you, I just don't like the idea of you with anyone else, would it be to soon to admit that I'm jealous?"
I smiled, slightly mollified, "Probably, but i'm glad you are." I said honestly.
"I don't know about you, but I could use some fresh air, do you want to take a walk?"
Did I want to take a walk? Seriously? At this point I could follow him to the ends of the earth! But still, I was a little hesitant and he seemed to pick up on it.
He gave me another charming smile, "I'm not a closet rapist and I don't have a history of killing women, stuffing them in my trunk and driving off to an undisclosed location to bury them. Now will you please come with me?"
I couldn't stop laughing, "Gee, I don't know.. Your description seems a little too accurate for comfort!" I said teasingly.
"Then I guess you'll just have to take a leap of faith milady." He said with another grin.
"Alright, you charmed me into it, lead the way!"
I took out my phone to let Ritaj know where I'd be, just in case she tries to find me.
Outgoing Message
Juuj! Going for a walk with 3azeez!
1 New Message
Juju;*
Ooo don't do anything i wouldn't do ;p wink wink
Outgoing Message
lol! wiggle wiggle ;p kharaaab! ya kalba shh don't give me ideas!
1 New Message
Juju;*
I stand firmly by what i said! hmph.
We were outside now, 3azeez stopped suddenly and I walked into him. "Sorry, I have no sense of coordination whatsoever!"
"It's alright, Khalood told me a couple of interesting stories about that," he replied teasingly.
"Which ones?!!" I exclaimed, my face burning with embarrassment.
He laughed, "I'm not at liberty to say! But," he paused, "there's something I've been dying to do all evening."
"Oh? And what's that?" I asked nervously.
He closed the space between us and leaned in so that there was only an inch or two separating our faces. I stopped breathing, I wanted to ask him what he was doing but I couldn't seem to form a coherent sentence. Was he going to kiss me? Was I going to let him?
"Close your eyes." He instructed.
I looked at him incredulously, yeah right I was going to close my eyes. I shook my head. I wasn't ready for this!
He looked amused, "Trust me?"
I shot him another disbelieving look.
He laughed, "Alright then, make a wish."
I wish you'd get whatever it is you're doing over with already!
"You done?" he asked, I nodded. "Alright, which side?"
"Huh?" I asked confused.
"It speaks!" he teased and repeated insistently, "Your face, which side?"
I had no idea what he was doing, I just pointed stupidly at the right side. He brushed his finger over my right cheek, and showed it to me.
It was an eyelash.
Yes.
An eyelash.
I could've died of mortification right then and there.
He blew it away and smiled knowingly at me, "According to superstition, your wish is going to come true." He winked and continued walking.
I just stood there, staring at his back. Then what just happened hit me and I felt incredibly stupid. I didn't even have it in me to blush anymore, I gave up all pretense of feigning normalcy or nonchalance and burst out laughing. I covered my face with both my hands and just kept on laughing til I lost the ability to breathe.
He looked back at me and joined in until my laughter eventually died out, "Your laughter is very contagious but I'm dying to know what's so funny?"
"I can't believe i thought you wanted to-" I couldn't even continue the sentence and I dissolved into another fit of giggles.
"You thought i wanted to what?" he asked curiously, but it was obvious he knew what I was going to say.
"Never mind!"
He laughed, "You thought I wanted to kiss you?"
"Don't laugh!" I said as my face turned red again, "I don't know how these things work!"
"You don't?" His face lit up, "You've never been kissed?"
Mortification. "Shh, why don't you alert the media! No, I haven't, why are we discussing this?!"
"Alright, I'll let it go under one condition.."
"You're gonna make me talk about myself, aren't you?" I asked, already dreading it.
"Start at the womb and don’t you dare miss a detail!" He said teasingly, repeating the same words I said to him at starbucks.
"Aah Karma, you've got me, once again! I can't talk about myself you're going to have to ask me questions, I'll answer honestly! Pinkie swear!"
We walked for about two hours on the beach, it wasn't as awkward as I expected it to be. I felt really comfortable and safe around him for some reason, untouchable. I also felt naked, the questions he asked seemed to pierce right through all the walls I'd put up and I had no choice but to answer honestly. He laughed when I told him about the all kinds of trouble I got into as a kid with Juuj, promised to tease Khalood about how we first met, sobered up when the situation with my parents was clarified, and glowed with pride as he told me that I did a great job of raising myself.
"You implied earlier that you've had previous bad experiences with relationships.." He trailed off.
"Previous bad experience," I corrected, "Just the one relationship."
"Oh?" He seemed a little pleased with my answer, "Care to elaborate?" He inquired.
"Some other time?" I asked pleadingly, "It's just been so perfect and I'd hate to spoil the evening with talking about him."
His face lit up, "Perfect enough for us to exchange numbers?"
I laughed at his eagerness, "More like, perfect enough for us to exchange e-mails."
"I don't see any reason why we can't exchange both.." he said suggestively, "come on, how much longer am I gonna have to wait?"
"I'm not playing games with you 3azooz, but are you aware it's barely been a week? Don't you think things are progressing a little too fast?" I asked, worried.
"I know I should be, but the chemistry has been there since day one. I thought we were inevitable the minute I pulled that pencil out of your hair, and my suspicions were confirmed later on that night when I picked Joori up and reconfirmed again everytime I hear you speak, or learn something new about you. I know it might scare you, but I can't seem to get you off my mind. And I don't think I want to. I'm not going to pressure you into anything, I'm certainly not forcing a relationship on you, but everything about you seems to captivate me and I just want to get to know you better, so what do you say?"
I couldn't tear my eyes off of his, the intensity of his gaze was overwhelming and for a few minutes, I seemed to have forgotten how to draw breath. I silently held out my hand. He understood and placed his phone in it. I punched in my number and gave it back to him, never breaking eye contact.
"I hope you realize that this isn't something I do very often, or at all and that I'm trusting you with this."
"I do and I promise I won't abuse that trust." He said as he smiled reassuringly.
"Thank you." I smiled back, "Juju's been texting me for the past 10 minutes or so, she's waiting for me in the car.. So I guess this is goodnight?"
"For now? Sure, goodnight. But I want you to be the last person I hear from before I actually go to sleep, do you mind if I call to hear you say it again later?"
"Only if you stop looking at me like that, you're making it harder for me to leave.."
"I can't, but I will close my eyes for exactly 10 seconds for you to walk away without having me looking at you, how's that?"
"I'll take it!" I said enthusiastically and walked away as fast as I could. I looked back once, only to catch him looking at me and quickly closing his eyes, trying not to smile and failing miserably. I laughed, shook my head and walked faster.
I got into the car with the goofiest grin on my face and sighed.
"How was it?" Ritaj asked excitedly.
"Magical."
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Foolish Games.. (8)
So, so, so sorry for being late! forgive me? =(
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“Well, you seem like a resourceful man, I’m sure you’ll come up with something.”
Really? What was I thinking?! I can’t seem to stop mentally kicking myself for the stupidity of my words! Sure, it seemed like a good idea to be a little standoffish at first but is it too soon to admit that I miss him? It’s only been three days, but did I really want to be playing these games with him? Maybe he’ll change his mind about wanting me? I keep fantasizing about different scenarios, where would we be if I had given him my number…? But in all honesty, I wouldn’t have been true to myself and I would’ve been kicking myself for completely different reasons.. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea after all, I might treat myself to some ice cream later when we’re done with brunch, maybe cookie dough, or rainbow, or pralines and cream, or-
“Ghalooy, is there any particular reason why your eyes have suddenly widened about 3 inches?” asked Khalood, interrupting my thoughts.
I giggled, “Would you believe me if I said I was debating which ice cream flavor I’m treating myself to?”
“7imdillah wilshiker,” He said theatrically, “So what’s the verdict?”
“You’re so mean, it’s a fundamental part of our lives tara! Where would we be without those never-ending spoonfuls of iced chocolate comfort to nurse us through really tough breakups? Or like that huge inviting tub of strawberries and cream at the end of an especially long day? Or like, the strangely yummy texture of cookie dough melting in your mouth to celebrate the very wise decision of not seeming too available to a guy who’s smart, funny, gorgeous, and into you-“
“You sure “celebrate” is the correct word? You do realize that your little speech got a little less enthusiastic with every word you used to describe 3azooz?” Khalood said with an amused grin.
“3az-who now? I don’t know what or who you’re talking about.” I declared as I rolled my eyes.
He raised a challenging eyebrow, “There’s no use denying anything babe, from the looks you two were giving each other the other day, it’s a wonder you didn’t set the place on fire.”
I blushed, was I really that transparent? Were the alleged looks I was unwittingly receiving real? Or was this going to turn into another monumental mistake?
“Besides, what you didn’t tell me, I’ve already filled in with bits and pieces I’ve gotten from Ritaj or the object of your desire himself, so are you going to drop the act and let me Dr. Phil you through this? I really have perfected the accent you know..” He trailed off with another grin.
I shoved my face into one of the pillows on the sofa and mumbled, “Do I have to?”
“I’m afraid so,” He enunciated in a perfect imitation of a heavy Texan drawl, “What has been troubling you?”
I burst out laughing and smacked him with the pillow, “You really have been practicing, I can’t take you seriously with that accent!”
“Khalaa9 3ayal, I’ll drop it, but I’m sure you have about a million questions in your head, so ask away, get some of them out of your system!”
“You know me too well,” I said as I glared at him and proceeded to launch into a series of questions, “What has he said about me? Do you think he really likes me? Is he a good guy? I mean, 3inda suwalif minnee or minaak? Has he asked about me lately? Does he currently have a girlfriend? Is he messing with me? I mean, we just met, how can he know that he “wants me”? How tall is he? Does he-“
“Tadreen, 7addich mu kafo a7ad ikhaleech tis2ileena ay shay! I know that I let you paint ONE toenail turquoise in a moment of extreme stupidity over a decade ago, but I’m not turning this into a he said/she said session, you have Ritaj and Haifa for that!” He said, feigning irritation.
“But Khaloooooood-“
“La “but Khalood” wala ghaira! Bismillah, sh’hal as2ila, do I look like a psychic to you? W shako 6oola bil salfa!” He asked, incredulous at the question.
“What?” I said looking down at the floor, “I’m curious, sue me!”
“7imdillah wilshiker,” he said as he shook his head and laughed, “you trust me, right?”
I nodded, “Wholeheartedly.” I said with complete sincerity.
He smiled, “Good, then believe me when I tell you that he is not S3oud.”
I looked away and fiddled with the zipper of the pillow.
“No, babe, look at me.”
I looked up reluctantly, I couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy whenever he was mentioned, that’s one thing that hasn’t changed in the past year.
“I know 3azooz very well. He is not a good guy, he’s a great guy and one of the very, very, VERY few people I’d trust with my little sister, so trust me on this one, okay?”
I nodded and smiled tentatively, “What if I get hurt again? What if he ends up being like S3oud?” I asked.
“He won’t be,” He said with absolute confidence, “but if he does, 7saaba ma3aay.”
“See? That’s the other thing! I don’t wanna come between you guys, what if this doesn’t work out?”
He smiled, “Typical Ghala! And what if, you drop the pessimism for once and take a chance on something that could turn out to be everything you ever wanted?”
I laughed, “I’m still not buying it man, you gotta give me a little more to go on! What has he said about me?” I asked again.
“How ‘bout you come out with us tonight and find out for yourself firsthand what he really thinks about you?” He said with a huge smile.
I should’ve known he had something up his sleeve the whole time. I rolled my eyes, “What did you have in mind?”
“Well, remember Jen from school?” He continued without waiting for confirmation, “She’s throwing a party in honor of, well, herself. We’ve both been invited and maybe you could come? Ghayray jaw at least and you can get to know him better, what do you have to lose?
Oh, nothing, just this fragile little thing beating erratically in my rib cage, but other than that? Nothing. “Alright, I’ll go, but only if I can bring Juuj!”
“Whatever gets you there!” He said, grinning triumphantly.
--- 3 hours later---
“I have no clothes! How come I never have clothes? Do I ever go shopping?!” I asked Ritaj furiously later on that night.
“Religiously, almost as often as breathing actually!” she said teasingly, “You’re making a huge deal out of this, it isn’t that important, really!”
We were in my room, surrounded by a huge pile of clothes that didn’t seem adequate enough for tonight’s party. “What do you mean “isn’t that important”?” I said as I gasped loudly.
“I mean, lighten up! You’ll look gorgeous in whatever you finally decide on and as long as you’re there, I really don’t think he’ll mind!” She assured me, “What about this?” She asked, holding up a short, bright turquoise dress.
“I want to impress the guy, not blind him!” I said skeptically.
She laughed and threw a pillow at me, “Shda3wa! Bil 3aks I think the color would look great with your skin and it’d really bring out your eyes! Plus, it’s short, and we all know how well your legs were received the last time they were on display!” She said, wiggling her eyebrows.
“Very funny.” I said dryly, “It’s too tight anyway, I would like the ability to breathe in his presence thank you very much!”
“HA! Breathe, it’tha7keen, you did such a great job at that the time he picked up Joori, I thought you were going to pass out from lack of breath!”
I blushed, “Do you blame me?”
“Not even a tiny bit!” she sighed and we both dissolved into giggles.
“Okay, let’s narrow it down!” I announced, “Jeans or dress?”
“Dress!” she answered with a little too much enthusiasm.
“Tights, no tights?”
“Tights!” she screamed again.
“Purple or-“
“Purple!”
“Juuj!” I exclaimed sternly.
“Sorry I got a little too excited!” She said, unrepentantly, “But you really should wear purple, in fact, you should wear the dress with the poofy skirt thingie!”
“Grey jersey top thing? Plum, dark grey and pink blocks on the skirt?”
She nodded excitedly, “With grey tights and your short purple cardigan thingie!”
“I love you, I think it might work! Heels or flats?”
Her eyes lit up, “CONVERSES!”
“Juju!” I laughed and threw back the pillow she smacked me with earlier at her, “Tone down the excitement? I’m not butchering the outfit with converses, I’m cutting you off, no more red bull!”
“You suck!” she cried out, hugging her almost empty can tightly, “It would’ve looked awesome with green converses, you’re just allergic to color, that’s all!”
“And you apparently eat rainbows for breakfast and color your wardrobe accordingly, that’s all!”
I left everything in the hands of a very hyper Ritaj who ended up choosing purple flats and arranged my hair in curls and waves framing my lightly makeuped face; concealer, mascara and lip gloss. I figured he’d take care of the blush part. I didn’t want it to seem like I put too much effort into my appearance for him, I’ve decided to set the bar low, well, semi-low.
My thoughts proved to be correct an hour later when we arrived at the party. My radar seemed to have instantly found his whereabouts and I was greeted by his extremely appreciative gaze, I blushed wildly under his close scrutiny. He nodded and smiled at me, flashing that dimple and making my heart beat at a frenzied pace. I smiled back tentatively and followed Juju to go say hi to old friends and acquaintances.
Not going to make the chase easier for him. My words echoed in my head. He’ll come find me. And he did, half an hour later when he closed his hands over my eyes and I heard the deep timbre of his voice, “Guess who?”
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