DECE-P-TION

DXXXIII

Alya's point of view.

I stand behind the doctor as the tray Falah is laying on slides into the MRI machine. I bite my index finger, tapping my thigh nervously. "We're about to start so please look up at the red dot for me. It won't take more than an hour."

"An hour?"

"It'll pass by before you know it." He releases the communication button, turning to look at me. "Please, have a seat." I smile , sitting on the chair beside him. "Thank you." I let out a heavy sigh. He pushes the button as it starts.

***********

"Everything is fine. He had a major concussion that has affected you by hallucinating and the memories you had a year ago would seem like it was yesterday. Your brain is having a crisis and we've prescribed some drugs you should take and rest. Stress might affect you so I would advice you avoid that as much as possible."

I glance at Falah who didn't seem to take that seriously. "Doctor...?"

"Zubair."

"Yeah, what are the consequences of neglecting these advices of yours?" Falah looks at me. "It would have to lead to the patient being led to a psych ward for a couple of days, weeks, months or years. Depending on the patient's brain."

"Oh, I see." Falah looks back at zubair after getting my message. "If that is all...". He turns to leave. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He leaves the room as Falah stands on this feet. "Let's go home." I hand him the bottle of iced rosemary tea. "Take this, it's good for the brain." He takes it and I turn. "Alya."

"Mm?" I turn back to Falah. "Thank you for everything. You've supported and helped me when I know I've done nothing to deserve it. I appreciate it." I smile, sipping on my slushed strawberry drink. "You're most welcome." I smile warmly at him before he opens the door for me to go first. "Thank you."

***********

I stare at Falah while he eats, watching his game on the tv. "Your food is going to get cold." I warn and he nods, too engrossed in it. "Don't you worry." He takes a bite of the pancakes. "I dont get the fuss." I mutter to myself, looking at my nails. I need a pedicure and a manicure, maybe throw in a spa and massage treatment after this. I deserve it, I look like a cave man.

I raise my head to see Falah looking at me which makes me chuckle uncomfortably. "What?" He smiles, looking away. "Nothing." I shrug when my phone rings. I raise the phone to see rayyan before answering it. "Hello?"

"I'm outside, we should get going."

"Come into the premises, by the patio so we can talk." I stand up, getting Falah's attention. I take the veil I folded on the sofa and wrapped it around my body and head.

"Rashan is here?"

"It's rayyan and yes, he's here." I walk out to the patio to see him waiting. He walks towards me with a confused look on his face. "Where are your things?"

"I'm not leaving." He furrows his brows then scoffs, walking to the column and back to me. "Why? For him? He has gone completely insane."

"It's the concussion. It affected him into thinking you were saying something to him." I explain but it didn't seem like it convinced him one bit. It wouldn't have convinced me. "That doesn't make it better. What if he starts hallucinating you said or did something to him? What will he do then?"

"He wont, besides we went to the hospital today so don't worry. I'll be fine."

"When will you stop trying to fix people, Alya?" He sighs frustratedly as I bite my inner lip. "Just because it worked on me doesn't mean it's going to work on everyone." I shrug, crossing my arms. "Even when you were with me, trying to save me, it took a lot from you." I snap my eyes to him, my eyes stinging.

"No, Rayyan."

"Trying to save me wasted the time you should've spent with your mom and I still would've wanted more. Sometimes the moment you leave, that's when reality starts to kick in." He holds my arm, looking into my eyes that is tearing up.

"What else are you willing to lose for him because I regret being selfish and depriving you of your time with your mother. She understood but still. I don't want you to lose more. I don't want to lose you." A tear rolls down my cheek and he pulls me to his chest hugging me. I hug him back, sobbing.

"I'm here." He caresses my back while I remember the mistakes I made. "I just don't want you to get hurt or regret it." He wraps his arms around me. "Please let me help." I pull away from him, sniffling. "Rayyan...".

"Don't push me away. Again." I sigh,shifting my eyes from his. "I'm staying, Rayyan. It's not a 'fix him' project, it is a 'save him' project. I can't just leave him. I won't." He nods slowly. "There's nothing I can do to change your mind but whatever it is, even if it's just a paper cut, call me and I'll come running. as I usually do."

He gives me a tight lipped smile. "Rayyan, thank you. For everything." I hold his hand, smiling at him. "I don't have a choice because I love you." I stand looking at him with no idea what to say to him. Suddenly, I feel his lips on mine. He has always been a great kisser and it made me reminisce the old days.

I feel his hand on my waist and another on my jaw. I realize that I am kissing him back and leading him on. I pull away, taking a step back. "You should go home, Goodnight and thank you again." I walk into the house, shutting the door.

I lock it, letting my scarf fall to my shoulders. I cover my face with my hands, finding myself very stupid to kiss him back. It has already happened, put it behind you. There's nothing you can do about the past.

I raise my head and walk towards the sitting room to find Falah leaned forward while sitting down. "Still engrossed I see." I fold the veil but he doesn't respond. He seems to be thinking rather than watching. "Hey." I place my hand on his shoulder. He turns his head to look at me. "No stress, remember?" He nods, turning his head back to the tv.

I pat him shoulder before taking my belongings and heading upstairs to sleep.

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