Jamila Barlowe,
A young art curator embarks on her journey across the Middle East. Walking into something that was bound to happen sooner or later is this what they call fate or just bad luck only time will tell .....
I have two more days left with him and today was one of the busiest. As I let the hot water wash off all the soap on my body I let out a sigh.
His mom's side of the family came over to essentially see him off he said it was a tradition. I feel like every day I'm learning something new about this family.
Long before the corruption made its way here when the men would go off to battle or defend their land it was tradition for the family or closest people to see them off.
They shared old memories of past generations and ancestors ate food but most importantly sang a song that has been with them. Everyone has their way of keeping memories and culture alive whether that's through story or song.
Some may disagree and say ' oh we don't do that'. Every culture has its way and even though this particular event wasn't a joyous one like a birthday or wedding I feel honored in a way to be allowed to sit in and listen.
"Habibti?" I heard Aahil call out
" I'm in the shower!"
The door to the bathroom opened and I was soon met with the sound curtain being pulled back. I made way knowing he would want to join and sure enough he did.
He kissed the back of my shoulder and reached for his soap and rag.
"You've been in here for a while now what's going on?" He leaned down and kissed my shoulder causing me to smile
"Would it be bad if I said I was avoiding your family?" He chuckled and put the soap back.
"No, they can be a bit overwhelming sometimes so I understand." I turned around meeting his eyes. I reached up and messed with his hair.
" I can't believe all of this is gonna be gone tonight." He didn't say anything instead he just watched my face. I wonder what he's thinking.
" I'll have to shave my beard too." I gasped
"They're gonna shave off you scruffy scruff?" I said dramatically trying to lighten the mood he couldn't hold back and started laughing.
"Yes, it's all gonna be gone, my love." I caressed his cheek admiring him one last time I've seen him barefaced before but never a buzz cut.
He leaned down and kissed me a smile rose from the corner of my lips. "I love you," I say against his lips as we continued to kiss. He pulled me in closer well as close as my belly would allow
" I love you too and don't forget it." He kissed me one last time and I chuckled.
"Have fun with your shower I'm going to get ready before your mom drags me downstairs." His hand slid down my arm and gave it a light squeeze. I smiled and left the showing grabbing my towel hanging on the rack.
The girls back weren't happy to hear about all of this going on over here and if it wasn't for the war they all would have flown out on the next available flight. Even though most of the topics were not fun ones to talk about I enjoyed catching up with them. Part of me wished I never left but more than half of me is happy I did.
After making sure every inch of me was covered in cocoa butter I slipped on my dress and put on one of the many hijabs I had in my closet.
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