Burn the truth (ENG)

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Hearing the bell, I looked at Imran questioningly.

He shook his head, not knowing who rang the bell.

I pulled myself up and walked down the stairs.  I opened the lock and pulled on the door.

Two figures stood at the door with a disgruntled look.  Or was that the lamppost behind them?

I rubbed my eyes and Esma and Noor appeared with Ela crying in the baby stroller.  "Oh my god," rolled off my tongue as I realized I hadn't turned to Ela last night.

I accelerated to Ela and pulled her into my arms.

I stroked her dark blond locks with my fingers as I tried to reassure her.  "I'm sorry, Ela," I soothed in her ear.  "I'm so sorry, honey."

Ela held onto my shoulders and pressed her head against my right shoulder.  "Mommy," she sobbed.  "Who were you, mommy?"

I pressed my lips against her hair and felt my own tears welling up.  "I'm sorry, baby doll."

She pressed her head deeper into my neck and tightened her grip on my shoulders.

"She's been crying since she woke up," Noor muttered annoyed.  "Demanding to see her mother."  Her tone was mocking.  Noor raised her eyebrow curiously.  "Where were you? You said you would return last night with Ela's clothes."

"Noor," Esma hissed in a warning tone that caused Noor to shrug.

A lump formed in my throat as the memory of last night flew by.  "I- I had fallen asleep."  Lie.

The look Noor was holding showed that she was aware of me, but she didn't elaborate.

"I'm sorry," I muttered guiltily.

Esma gave me a reassuring smile.  "No problem."  She rubbed Ela's back.  "While we're here, let's go to the fair.  Hmm, Ela?"

Ela made no response and continued to play with my hair.

"Now?" I asked with a frown, glancing at the sky. "It's still morning."

"The fair opens at 12 noon.  We could go to the mall in the meantime?"

Noor leaned against the door and yawned wearily.  "Sure, but you owe me breakfast, Zara."

I smiled dimly and moved to the side so they could walk in.

Noor flopped onto the couch and her eyes sparkled as she looked around her.  "Gosh, Zara. It's beautiful here."

Esma rolled her eyes and sat down next to her sister.

I let out a laugh and rubbed Ela's back.  "Thank you, Noori."

"Zara?" Two pairs of arms suddenly wrapped around my waist.  "Who- Oh."

A loud scream left Esma's mouth as she covered her eyes with her hands.

Noor clicked her tongue bored.  "I've seen better."

"Noor," Esma hissed, holding her hand over Noor's eyes.

I pushed Imran away from me and looked at him irritated.  At least, he could have dressed.

Noor threw her sister's hand aside and walked over to us.  She ran her finger over Imran's shoulder.

A frown formed between her eyebrows as the red landed on her finger.  "What's all that red on your shoulder and back?"

Her eyebrows shot up as she looked at Imran.  "Is that lipstick, brother-in-law?"

I felt something strange grip my heart upon hearing brother-in-law.