Happily Ever After Comes At A Price

Chapter 27: Rules

   When I finally make my way down to the dingy living room the next morning, I find my new-found uncle and aunt sitting in the same worn-out sofa. It's eerie. Not only because they're in the same position they were since last night - it's 5 in the morning. Why would anyone need to be perfectly poised this early? When I steal a peek at them, I see the same wry smile. I don't understand this. I never understand anything. That's why I always ruin every good thing that comes my way. Nothing good lasts in my hands...

   "Selina dear... Sit, sit... Your uncle and I have a lot to discuss with you."

   I don't even try flashing them with a dainty smile, like they probably would expect me to. I'm too tired for the drama.

   "Listen girl..." my aunt rasps at me quite sternly, "when I address you, I want an answer. I need some sort of confirmation that you aren't deaf. Other than that, there is no need for you talk, is there, sweetie?"

   For the first time since I came here, I dare to look this woman in the eyes. I'm not sure what respond to this behaviour. For a single fleeting moment, I wonder if she's completely sane.

   "Sorry." I croak, surprising myself at how raw my voice is.

   Tsk. Tsk. She clucks in disappointment.

   "Sorry ma'am." She corrects me. "And keep your head down at all times. This household requires you to respect your elders. Or, have you no manners?" 

   I repeat after her, turning my head to the floor. Wow, I had really forgotten how things ran here in the past year. There's never truly an escape from this.

   "Shami..." The uncle fakes a cough and reminds his wife, "get to the point. It's getting late."

   "Yes, yes dear." She smiles, I see an evil grin instead.

   "So Selina dear, since you've murdered your parents..."

   This time no etiquette refrains me from unabashedly staring at the two of them in indignance. How could they say that?

   "Oh dear, no need to look surprised..." Her smile widens into a yellow toothy grin, as if this is the most fun she had in a while. "As I was saying, you are in trouble and that's what's family's for. What would the neighbours say if we didn't? We do have a reputation to uphold, don't we? But I can't have you murdering us, can we sweetie? Those Americans wanted you to be happy, re-establish your mental well-being... Pft.. Can you believe what nonsense they speak? A girl's only job is the stay at home, please your husband and nurture the kids... But you, have been taught all the wrong things. Right, honey? Your parents never thought to teach the right things and look where they are now. Six feet under. You can't have the same thing done to you."

   She looks at her husband for encouragement, and the man does so. The few strands of hair bouncing up and down as he nodded vigorously.

   "You can't be a whore under my roof, girl." The man says gruffly.

   A shiver runs down my spine at his choice of words. Tears silently roll down my cheeks. I dig my head deeper towards my body to stop them from seeing it. They see this as an affirmation to all my supposedly carnal shame.

   "Today..." this aunt of mine starts to speak in an octave higher, "you will help me with my chores. Learn what I do and how I do it. From tomorrow, wake up at 3 if you need to, but I want my house spotless when I wake up. That includes the front of the house too."

   I nod. It's the only thing I can do.

   "If I ever caught you without an hijab, even when you're sleeping, you'll be in trouble. And since those bloody American intruders will want to check up on you, you'll be sending you to the local college for the time being. If you're late by one minute, if you try to make friends, you'll be in trouble. And don't worry about your studies dear, no girl really needs them. Just keep the attendance. It's just some things that you're husband might want to flaunt in the future. Okay, sweetie? Then, again, if you ever score a husband, that is. Now come, let's see if you can cook or you want to burn my kitchen."

   I'm still in shock from all this, but the show was yet to be over.

   When aunt leaves for the kitchen, and I stand to follow her, my uncle stops me. He takes deliberate steps towards me until he's exactly 4 inches away from me. Even if the pot-belly protrudes out - he has an intimidating height over me.  He extends his hands, and a shot of electricity flows through me when he grazes his palm all the way up my arms to my shoulders.

   "Listen darling, I know your story all too well. And I can't have that in this house, as long as I'm alive. So honey, be careful. I catch you with a boy, and this beautiful slut you are will be dead. That would be a real shame, won't it? It will be such a waste. It's best if you keep me happy too, and I'm sure you know what I mean." His hands move down till they reach my lower back and with a silent groan, he gives a squeeze and shoves my back towards the kitchen.

   I stand there fixing. The ghost of his hands still burning on my body. Oh God, where have I landed myself?