That Winter You Came (Completed)

Episode 11

We had exactly two days before the summer vacations.

So the time I was offered with Salim.. only lasted for three days.

In those three days however, he filled my life with enough warmth and care that I hadn't one single thought about Rayan.

Instead I enjoyed laughing at his jokes, I felt like a part of his family when he spoke about them.. He even told me about his plans of joining the army after highschool.

_" books aren't made for me .. And god didn't give me such long legs to squeeze them behind a desk" he joked.
So I couldn't but laugh.
When he asked me about my plans in return I honestly said:

_" I don't know yet, I'm going to college but only god knows what college would that be."

_"definitely not to any languages department .. With your skills in French you'll make victor hugo come from his grave and curse the whole Algerian education system" he teased.
So I gave him a displeased look and teased back:

_" and with your amazing skills in running and jumping when you become a soldier the whole war would end before you even reach the battle field!"

He suddenly stopped talking .. Gave me this warm look and whispered:

_" I'm slow, even in loving you .. But I always reach the end of the line, Would you always be patient with me?"

I felt all the blood rush to my face .. So I lowered my eyes and nodded.

After our last day in high school came to an end, Salim walked me to the school gate .. And then as I waved him goodbye he suddenly walked closer to me and said:

_" I'll walk you home"

I looked at him unsure whether it was appropriate but before I said any word he interrupted me:

_" I'll just walk together with you as far as I can.. I don't want your brother to see us together either."

Sure Salim was tall .. But that overly conservative brother of mine spent his life punching people and kicking them. If he saw his precious sister with a stranger tall boy, He'd have to plant him on earth like a tree.

_"ok" I said with difficulty.

So we started walking together in small steps.

Although I'm not that short of a girl .. But the difference of height was so clear, I only reached up to the middle of his chest, He must found it very hard to match my slow pace with his long legs.. But the smile on his face said he was happy being with me though.

When we reached a certain spot I looked at him apologetically and said:

_" my brother usually hungs around this street so this is as far as we can go."

He nodded in understanding.. then he suddenly reached to his pocket and pulled out something shining.
He reached his hand to me and with a smile he said:

_" this is for you"

It was a scarf accessory .. A silver rose with silver beautiful leafs and colorful pearls.
I looked at this beautiful gift he gave me and felt like my face couldn't contain my smile.

_" this is the first time I ever buy something for a girl, I hope it's convenient."

_" it's so beautiful! Thank you soo much " I said almost shouting out of pure joy.

I looked at his pale blue eyes. Although their color was cold .. But they held the warmth I've never felt in the dark eyes.
He didn't even love me .. But he treated me as if I was his most cherished treasure, and I didn't actually love him too, But he made me so happy I wished those eyes would accompany me the rest of my life.