Two Brothers, One Heart

Chapter 11

It was a Saturday morning when Islam and Michelle were walking by the river, talking about their life issues, Cambridge, and their days in boarding school, as well as Sadia's death.

"Never hide anything from me," said Michelle, as they held hands and walked along the flowing river.

"I won't," replied Islam.

"What?" asked Michelle.

"I said I won't hide anything from you anymore. You'll always be my friend for life and my first love."

"Yeah, friends for life," Michelle agreed.

"I miss having you around, Mich."

"Me too, like when you face racism and societal patriarchy."

Islam playfully carried Michelle on her back and they walked for a while before dropping her into the water. They began playing in the low tide, paddling and splashing like little kids. Islam wore khaki trousers and a silk top, while Michelle wore tight trousers and a big t-shirt.

Early morning walks on the beach were soothing, with the sound of waves and the gentle breeze brushing their cheeks."

*

Firdausi lay on the bedsheet with star motifs, nursing a hangover, not the alcoholic kind, but the one her classmates schemed against her.

School had become unbearable. Being a nerd was both boring and annoying, as everyone seemed to despise her for no reason or simply because she was the teachers' favorite.

With a pounding headache, Firdausi resisted going downstairs to the dining room, opting to eat in bed instead.

Luckily, Charles appeared just in time, saving her from potential humiliation on Thursday. She was grateful that he kept his promise.

Standing before her mirror, she gazed at her reflection. Clad in a flannel nightgown her mom brought from Scotland, her eyes looked pale, and her lips were chapped. The French toast and tea she had for breakfast felt like nothing in her empty belly.

"Firdausi, Mubarak is here," said Zaynab, standing by the door and staring at her.

"Did you tell him I'm not okay?" Firdausi asked.

"No. Why are my girls acting differently these days? You're just not giving off the vibes I want," replied Zaynab. "Is it school? Tell me if they're bullying you."

"Of course they bully me, Mama. And I'm not okay at all. I just need some time to breathe."

"School is fine," Firdausi lied, as she always tried to avoid drama.

She took off her gown and changed into relaxed-fit beige jeans, a green top with a scarf, and grabbed her small backpack. She applied light makeup.

"You're not going to shower?" Zaynab asked, looking at her.

"Mama, I don't think it's necessary."

"How can you leave the house without..."

"Bye, Mama," Firdausi interrupted, kissing her cheeks and running downstairs to the garage. Mubarak was waiting in front of a navy blue Land Rover, watching her. She smiled at him, and he smiled back.

He looked quite exhausted, with his t-shirt all rumpled as if he'd been lounging in bed all day. There were even traces of a mustache, indicating he hadn't shaved yet. But he knew he had to before Monday, or else he'd risk getting kicked out of school.

"Salamualaikum, how are you?"

"Just fine, as usual."

"Stop pretending to be fine when you're not. It's not good for yourself."