MELANCHOLY

Patience Was A Virtue

      
She wanted to lambast the other girl.For God's sake the girl was just almost her age if they weren't mates.Why did she have to be rude.However,Sawzan remembered that patience was a virtue so she calmed herself.

    
"I'm really sorry.Please don't be upset."

    
"Alright!Alright!"The girl collected herself.She realized she had overreacted.

     
"Who are you anyways?"Before Zan could reply,a man called out to the other girl.

    
"Yesmin, who're you with?"He walked over to them.

     
"I don't know who she is."

     
"Who are you with pretty?"He asked Zan,she suppressed the bloom on her cheek.

     
"My aunt.She works here."

     
"Can I know her name?"Zan thought against it but the man also had a daughter or whatever their relationship was with him.No need to be scared.

    
"Miss Nafisah.She's a consultant."

     
"Oh really?"The man looked excited.

     
"Guess we'll be seeing more of each other."Yesmin said under her breath.

     
"I guess you know her."

     
"Yes we do.What's your name?"

     
"Sawzan.Mostly Zan."

     
"Beautiful.I'm Anas.A friend to your aunt.Yesmin here is my daughter."

     
"Nice meeting you.And your daughter."

     
"Your aunt will soon be out,mind waiting for her with us?I'll let her know."

    
"I'd rather wait in her office.Bye."She left their presence just before the man could retort.

"Smart girl.I would do same if I were in her shoes."

    
"Yesmin, you're actually complementing someone.She won your heart big time."

    
"If she's as cool as I think she is then I might actually give you my blessings to be with her aunt."

    
"Let's go silly."They strode together to his office.

    
Some hours later, Nafisah returned  to her office only to find her niece sleeping on her office couch.She softly woke her up.

    
"You're tired?"The older lady asked allowing her stretch herself out.

    
"I'm hungry."

    
"Let's go eat dinner at a restaurant?A friend is inviting us to eat out with him."

    
"The one I met?"

    
"Yes.He told me you guys already met.You like him?"

    
"I don't know yet.I do know I'm super hungry.Can we go now?"Zan replied pouting.

  
"Yes love.Let's go."Nafisah quickly checked out some files, keeping them safely in her drawer.She stretched out her hand and Zan knew to intertwine hers with it.They walked out of the office giggling for no reason.
                              ***
In contrast to where they had lunch,Anas had chosen a high end restaurant for dinner.The restaurant had a huge table d'hôte menu and four specials that night.Hence,they had little choice at selection.Their table was soon covered with food and they ate in partial silence.Zan ate not much food despite her cry of hunger earlier on.As soon as they were done,Anas suggested they relaxed in a garden close by.The garden was famous for it's mouthwatering desserts.

    
"Are you girls enjoying yourselves?"Nafisah asked.They sat on the lush carpet grass of the garden, circling themselves.Zan had a cup of ice cream while Yesmin hopped for an ice cream bar instead.Anas and Nafisah each took a yoghurt.

    
"Uh-uh."Yesmin responded.Zan nodded instead.

    
"Would you like to tell me,I mean us a little of yourself Zan?"Anas asked.

    
"There's basically nothing to tell.Except that I'm Sawzan and I live with my aunt."

     
"I believe there's always more to people than meets the eye.Let's stroll?"

   
"Us two?"

    
"Yea.They'll have time to know each other too."Zan looked at her aunt.Of course her aunt knew what she meant by that look.

    
"You should go with him.That way you'll be able to give me an answer to the question I asked earlier.Go!"

     
"I guess."Anas helped her up.She had her head down as they walked.

    
"You know your aunt is an amazing person.I'm lucky to have met her."

    
"She's okay."

    
"Just okay?"

    
"I guess you're in..."-She smacked her lips.He urged her to continue.-"You love her don't you?"

    
"We've been dating for a few months now but it feels like years."

    
"I don't know how I feel about love but I'm happy you're happy being in love with each other.My aunt deserves all the good she can get."

    
"What do you like doing?You have any hobby?"He asked out of the blue.

    
"I think I like to read.I'm not a social person so I don't do a lot."

     
"What kinds of book do you read?"

     
"Anything.I'm quite open minded in that aspect.

     
"During my free time,I like to garden.I love the flush of nature."

     
"Not something I think you would ever do."

     
"Why not?Gender bias?"

     
"Such a baby.Gender bias and gardening? Where did that notion stem from?"

     
"I don't know.Perhaps someone gave me the silly pill.Might be your aunt."He said the last bit really low in her ears.They both laughed.

They talked about random stuffs before deciding to go back to Nafisah and Yesmin.Before they knew it, they were all back in their beds reminiscing on what a relaxing night it was.