Beautiful Things (A Muslim Love Story)

Chapter Eighteen: That is a Question

"Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and and dreams are forever." -Walt Disney

Emma

So here I am, living my life sitting up in a hospital bed reading The Tales of King Arthur. My clothes are very simple, a white dress and a white scarf, too. I finally decided to start covering my hair. I remember the hospital from last week, though it was different for many reasons. Mom and dad were by my side, I felt fine, and I didn't get a hospital room like this.

Now mom and dad were halfway around the world for their anniversary and had no idea I was like this. I feel horrible and I have my own room. At least Asiyah is here.

I can't remember much, just storming away in tears, then walking into the kitchen. Asiyah told me I fell and was unconscious. After I wouldn't wake up for twenty minutes, she took me to a hospital where they found out I had a concussion. Last night was hell, Asiyah had to wake me up every two hours because that's what the doctors said we had to do. I guess her night was hell, too.

I can't believe I'm in this condition. My life was fine until something big happened. I found out that Peter was dying. In shock I fainted twice, actually thrice counting now.The only person I can blame is his brother, who was driving when he crashed.

"Hi," Asiyah smiled, walking inside of the room.

"Hey," I muttered without looking up from my book.

"I'm getting lunch. Do you want anything?"

"Whatever you're getting."

She left and I sunk into the hospital pillows. I was tired, sick, and grumpy. God, I make myself sound like I'm a grandpa.

Good things happened to me before this. I got my drivers licence and my grades were great. Now this happened and I can't stand it.

"Hi."

I looked up an gasped.

"What are you doing here?" I snapped.

"God, why does everybody say that when I enter the room?' he asked.

"Why are you here?"

"I just-"

"Go away!' I yelled.

"Why?"

"Because YOU were the one driving, YOU were the one who crashed the car, and YOU are the one responsible for the condition he's in right now!"

"Emma, calm down," he sighed.

"Be quiet, Jack, be quiet and leave!"

"Hear me out!" Jack pleaded.

The only thing that made me stop in silence is what he said: hear me out. I remember last year asking Asiyah to hear me out when she thought I wronged.

I was quiet. Then-

"Go on."

He smiled.

"Thank you."

"Go on, Jack, or leave the room."

His smile quickly faded and was replaced with a more serious look.

"I was driving the car when we crashed. But it wasn't my fault. The other car hit us," he explained.

"Liar," I spat. "Peter told me otherwise, that you were to blame."

This time he actually laughed.

"He did? That's probably because I forgot to but him coffee. He was pretty angry with me after that."