Always on the Run

22. The decision

Hi guys, I can't apologise enough for my delay. With work being super busy and stressful, then add to that getting sick, I've had next to no writing time. I just haven't been in the right headspace. So, so sorry! I hope you enjoy this chapter and I will endeavour to update quicker next time. Thanks for your patience. I love you all!! :)
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Grabbing a fistful of sand, I throw it into the breeze. I only realise how stupid this is when it comes flying back into my face and eyes. Cursing under my breath I start dabbing at my eyes to ease the stinging. Stupid sand.

"May I sit here?" a voice asks.

Looking up I see Nadeem towering over me. He actually wants to sit with me? Doesn't he realise sitting with someone requires talking? Can he handle that?

Stop being such a bitch, Teresa.

I scowl inwardly then nod at him and look away. I dab at my eyes a few more times then blink until I'm happy the sand is gone. Nadeem's arm brushes mine as he sits and I shuffle away a little. I know I'm being a cow right now but after what I've just found out I'm not really sure I can talk to him. I bet he knew all about it before taking me to see Prisca.

"Are you okay?" he suddenly asks.

My head whips to him in surprise. I'm so shocked that not only did he start the conversation first, but he also asked me a question, that I gasp in surprise and begin choking on my own saliva.

I cough and hack a few times then once I've composed myself I look across at a surprised Nadeem and ask, "What are you trying to do? Kill me? You never talk to me, let alone ask how I am."

He looks confused at first then he looks ashamed and glances away. "I am sorry I do not speak much," he says. "Conversing does not come naturally to me."

Guilt pierces my gut and I sigh heavily. I don't mean to sound so harsh. I understand he's shy, I shouldn't have been so surprised and I definitely shouldn't have made him feel ashamed for being himself. Being bitter and angry at him is making me do stupid things. I need to calm down. The fact that Nadeem is here must be a sign. We need to talk about this and figure something out. Yes of course he would have known about his mother's arrangement but that doesn't mean he had a say in the matter, right?

Sighing, I rest my hands on the sand behind me and look up at the clear, blue sky. I need to stop taking out my anger on poor Nadeem.

"Sorry, Nadeem," I say as I sit up straight and glance across at him. When he reluctantly looks at me I add, "I'm feeling a little angry at the moment. I shouldn't take it out on you."

Recognition flashes on his face and he smiles slightly. "She told you of the arrangement, yes?"

I nod then look away, focusing on the turquoise ocean only a few metres in front of me. It's a warm day with a soft, cool breeze. The ocean looks like a sea of diamonds the way the sun is shining on it.

"So you did know about it?" I ask.

"Yes but I did not know mother was going to go through with it."

The fact Nadeem is speaking more than three words in one sentence is quite a shock. I look back at him and notice how confident he appears. Then again, we are a fair distance away from the hotel. Maybe he feels he can be himself when he's not being scrutinised.

It's weird, I liked Prisca and Nicolas the moment I met them but over the last few days I have noticed how in control they are. When they say 'jump', their kids say 'how high' and that sort of control bugs me. I know this is a different country and clearly this family has their own rules and beliefs but that doesn't stop me from disagreeing with them. And being forced to do something that they do doesn't sit well with me.