After the truth

~13~

Zulfa carefully studied the little girl sitting in front of her. Her face was scrunched up in a frown and she was awfully quiet for a talkative who was always curious about things. She didn't want Mukhlisa to change simply because people thought she was trouble, too stubborn or loved misbehaving.

"Lisa. Won't you eat your ice cream?"

"I don't want to."

"Is something the matter?"

"Nothing."

"You know, you can tell me anything, right? I'm your best friend and you're mine right?"

"I don't want to give mama any trouble."

"Says who? Your mum loves you for who you are, okay. You don't need to change who you are for anyone."

"But she was angry yesterday."

"Look Mukhlisa, she wasn't mad at you. In fact I'll let you in on a juicy secret." Zulfa whispered, leaning forward to pique the little girl's interest. "Your mum is going to give the principal a piece of her mind today."

"Really?" Lisa eyes widened in surprise and excitement.

"Yes. Nobody talks bad about her baby girl like that." Zulfa grinned, snapping her fingers about to add some spice to it.

"Woah. Mummy is so cool."

Zulfa chuckled. Children were truly innocent souls whose life was quite simple. It was wonderful that they found things that were just normal to be very cool. Zulfa watched as her niece began eating her ice cream, happiness making her face look radiant. Her smile dropped slightly when Imran walked over to their table.

"Hallo." He greeted, dropping his behind on the chair beside Zulfa.

"What's he doing here?" Mukhlisa eyed Imran, her lips raised in disgust.

"How can a little kid like you have a whole personality of a total drama queen. Your facial expression is spot on. Marwa was never this way. It's like you're that hidden side of her."

"You talk too much." Lisa stated, digging her fingers into the ice cream to get some sprinkles.

"You know you're rude right?" Imran asked, feeling a bit offended.

"You know you're annoying right?" Lisa smirked, staring into his eyes.

Zulfa muffled her laughter with her palms. People could call her niece rude and all those names but she simply loved the girl's confidence. It was nice she was this way because she knew the changes Lisa might undergo when puberty came knocking. She wanted to relish in this sassy attitude of hers.

"Did you just smirk?" Imran asked, gasping.

"I learnt it from Mr Aaron. He's so cool." Lisa clapped, her ice cream splashing on her face. "He's always having this funny face so I copied him."

Zulfa could feel Imran go stiff beside her but she shrugged it off, ignoring his sudden cold stance.

"You know, I don't like you for making my mum cry." Lisa continued, taking Zulfa's brownies. "But Mr Aaron told me of all your adventures. If you take me on one, I might like you."

"Are you asking for a bribe Mukhlisa?" Imran asked, tapping on her small nose.

"Maybe. So?" Lisa laughed.

"Ask your mum and I might take you somewhere fun."

"Yayyyyyy."

"I feel so out of place. It's like I'm not even here." Zulfa finally spoke. She enjoyed watching their banter. It was interesting.

"Sorry aunty Zully."

"She's boring. That's why we never noticed her."

"Uncle Imran that's not nice." Lisa chided but still chuckled.

"No playground. And definitely no playdate with the surprise friend your mum is having over." Zulfa folded her arms.

"I'm sorry. Say sorry uncle Imran."

"Sorry?"

"That's more like it douchebag."

"Douchebag?" Lisa asked.

"Please don't let your mum hear you say that. It's a bad word."

"Whatever." Lisa shrugged, downing her cup of ice cream. "I'm ready for my surprise playdate."

****
Zayn sat with legs crossed and hands clasped, his eyes shooting daggers at the chubby woman sitting before him. His promise to protect Marwa since his coming home was a sincere vow. While Marwa thinks she is all alone, he was here to take care of things.

"I'm very sorry sir. The little girl's dad was here too." Her voice shook.

Zayn frowned, suddenly confused. Marwa had no idea who the girl's father was. What was the lady saying?

"What do you mean?"

"Pardon me if that wasn't the dad. They just had this resemblance so I... Uh..."

"Who did he say he was again?"

"I um.. I ... I can't remember but he looked as important as you are and he threatened to close down the school."

"Well, he may look important but trust me, I am important because starting today, your school will be shut down."

"P.. please, it's not my fault."

"Whose fault is it?" Zayn scoffed, glancing at his wristwatch. "I'll be here tomorrow so bring along the bully's family and I want to see the bully's face as well."

"Thank you sir."

"It's okay, Mrs wells. We'll see if it's worth closing down the school. I'll be going now."

As Zayn got into his car, he began to wonder who it was the woman saw. Perhaps, after all these years, he could give a good beating to the bastard who ruined his sister's life. Money really did make the world go round. This, he had learnt when he was the weakest. He had a meeting with some investors willing to sort out the mess his father got himself into. His phone rang.

"Hallo, sir Zero." His twin's voice rang loudly as soon as he picked the call.

"Hey Zach. You miss me?" Zayn grinned, placing the phone in it's holder.

"God forbid I miss you." Zachariah made a disgusted face. "Of course I miss my brother. How's everyone over there."

"Fine. Zayad is still the ass kisser." Zayn tsked, starting the car.

"Of course. Some things can never change." Zachariah coughed, silently whispering 'shit' as he waved his hands around.

"Trying to burn down the house?" Zayn chuckled.

"Shut up." His brother hissed. "How's my babies?"

"They're no longer babies y'know. They're grown adults now. 25 years old."

"I miss Zulfa more. She was the life of the party. She resonates more with me."

"Of course. You both are reckless, wild and stupid."

"Yes and your boring ass along with Marwa are the most boring soul ever."

"Whatever floats your boat ma dude."

"Yeah. So how are they?"

"You need to come home yourself. Maybe look after the girls. Things need to be set straight."

"Really? How bad?"

"Wait till you meet your seven years old niece."

Zayn almost laughed at the shocked expression on Zach's face but he understood that bewildered look on his face. Just then, he began to think just how shitty their whole family was.