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.