Bahlam Feeki

Chapter 19

By the time I made it downstairs he was already on the phone with someone. You could see the stress slowly creeping onto his face.

He looked up at me and gave me a slight smile even though the conversation was in Arabic. I could tell it wasn't a good one.

I grabbed an apple out of the fruit bowl and his eyes widen before I could even take a bite. He charges at me and places it back in the bowl and gestures toward the microwave. All while still arguing with the person on the phone.

I opened the door to the microwave and saw the dish waiting for me. I quickly heat it up just in case it got cold and take it to the table to eat. Before I could even get up to get something to drink he places a glass of juice in front of my plate.

By the looks of it, there was falafel, hummus already on the table, and some sort of bread. I look over to see him standing in the kitchen with his back pressed against the counter annoyed with the conversation. He walks out and heads outside where his voice only grows louder with the distance between us.

Since there wasn't a lot of food on the plate but just the right amount to get you going for the day.

I finish up my juice and start washing my dishes not wanting to be an inconsiderate guest.

The sliding door closes once again and as I dry my hands I look back to see him rubbing the sides of his temples.

" Sorry about that. Family stuff." He says while grabbing his keys from the table by the front door.

" I understand family can be complicated at times," I say trying to comfort him. I dry my hands off on the dish towel and walk over to the entrance to put my sneakers on.

He kicks off his slippers and slips on his dress shoes.

He opens the door for me and closes it behind us making sure to lock it

"So what's the plan for today?" I ask while sliding into his car.

"Well, we have to get fitted, and some other things along the way." This is gonna be a day for sure. I don't even know the context of this event I just know it's formal very high profile.

—

The air was very warm today not too hot or humid just right. After an hour drive, we finally make it to the place that does the adjustments

"Wait, so did you already pick my dress out?" He opens the door for me and the air conditioning practically hits my face.

" Yeah, there are two the first one you will wear. As much as I do not like this there will be pictures, but the theme is masquerade." That works for me

"So how high profile is this. I mean I always come correct with my outfits but still." He chuckles and waves his hand at the people at the front desk.

The man and woman both smile and rush over to greet him but before they reach he leans into my ear

"Let's just say it's bigger than the met." My eyes widen I didn't even get the chance to reply back because the pair came over by the time he finished

"This way ma'am." She smiles at me while holding her hand out in the direction we were meant to go in. I look back and Aahil is taken to the other side of the shop.

I wonder if they have it separated for religious purposes? She opens the big doors and I instantly feel like I was in a different place

Dress of all kinds was displayed ranging from modest to barely anything.

"All the windows in here are one-sided so you can see outside but you can't see in. It's mainly for women who want their own privacy and others who have religious limitations. We cater to everyone." She says while gesturing to different parts of the room.