CHOOSING ARWA

19

"Calm down. It's not my fault a hospital like this has the parking lot full like they just found the vaccine for cancer or some shit. I just found a parking spot, Im on my way." I said to my phone, sighing at Amina's unnecessary nagging.

I was there on time but the packed parking lot might've taken 15 minutes of my time causing Amina to scold me and start running mad like the ultrasound just wouldnt happen without me there. Who knew a hospital could be this full, anyway? I would be scared but I tried to push away my crazy and stupid thoughts.

Camille didnt hesitate to call me on my way here just to check on me and of course catch the gossip of how my beach date - as she put it - with Faisal went, I corrected her a hundred times she mentioned it throughtout the call but Camille is a stubborn nutcase who weirdly happens to be my best friend. She asked me if I was feeling good about the ultrasound and I couldn't do anything but assure her and myself that it wasnt like I was going to die there ~ hopefully. Camille knew me and how I held onto my emotions back but she was one thing I loved, a sister who cared about me so much. I asked her how Stella was and her mishap and she didnt hesitate to inform me that her brother inlaw and the whole family were trying their best to protect and prevent Stella from breaking apart even more, and I just couldn't help but feel worse. Camille was also heartbroken for her sister and I could only imagine how it was, she asked me if I had spoken to Khalid after the New Year and his engagement and I furrowed my brows and tried to think back if we had chatted since then but to no avail. I thanked Camille for reminding me to check on Khalid cuz so much had been going on I tottaly forgot about him and. showed my appreciation to her for checking on me too.

The smell, squeakiness and distant voice brought me back to my reality at the hospital. I found my way to the maternity side as soon as I could and walked to the lobby to the sitting room taking a deep breath and mentally preparing myself.

I found Amina that quick her back faced me as she sat down next to Unis, who looked causal as usual. His hair cut was different from when I saw him last and as if on cue he looked up and our eyes met. I froze and stood there keeping the gaze tight, something in me begging me to look away and snap but the other tearing up at the familairty of his amber orbs.

"Arwa, finally!" My breath realized as Amina rushed to me, her body pushing to mine as I embraced her back.

"Amina...," I smiled closing my eyes to the hug as I precieved her honey scent.

"I thought you were lying when you said you were on the way." She giggled looking into my eyes knowingly.

"You are not serious." I rolled my eyes playfully.

I was avoiding any instinct in my head and body reacting to the fact that Unis was right in front of me, and I was doing a very good job - which happens once in a while if you ask me. I sent him a nod and a soft hi which he responded with smiling low - ironically - Amina on the other hand was definitely a whole different story, she was so excited, but who wouldn't be, right.

We happened to wait for another ten minutes before actually getting called in by the nurse and when I tell you the whole wait and walk to the room was very normal - I mean, Amina and I were busy talking about this and that mostly over her pregnancy - I was so proud of myself and prayed to Allah I would stay like this throughout. But again, I can't really predict myself most of the time.

Amina took her seat on the stretcher and Unis grabbed a chair just next to her while I awkwardly sat by the corner watching as the machine got turned on and started scanning the little child inside Amina. It looked so small from the machine as the doctor pointed to it with a smile plastered to her face as Unis held onto Amina's hand as they admired their child from the machine.