Bound to the Don

chapter 8

Salma

I was utterly stunned, my mind reeling in shock. "Sally, say something..." Omar prompted, nudging me gently, but I remained frozen, my mouth agape. The news had left me speechless, and I couldn't wrap my head around it. It felt like a dream.

Omar's loud shout, "SALMA!" snapped me out of my trance-like state. I finally managed to stammer, "W-what? H-how? W-when?... H-how come?" My questions tumbled out in a confused jumble.

Omar's face lit up with a warm smile. "Sally, aren't you happy? You're finally going to school!" Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I gazed up at him, overwhelmed with emotion. The incredible news sank in: Omar had somehow managed to pay my school fees!

My mind whirled with questions, but I didn't want to know the details. Something didn't feel right, and I couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling. I switched to Albanian, asking, "Vëlla, si jeni në gjendje të merrni paratë?" ("Brother, how were you able to get the money?").

The shock was too much to process, and I couldn't find the words in English.

"How did you manage to raise money for Papa's treatment, and now, my school fees?" I asked, still trying to wrap my head around the sudden turn of events.

Omar's expression was encouraging. "Sally, you should be thrilled! You're finally going back to school. Aren't you excited? If you're worried about clothes, I'll get you new ones from the market today, okay?" His offer only added to my concern – was Omar really planning to buy me new clothes?

My anxiety grew, and I pressed Omar for answers.  "Omar, si keni marrë kaq shumë para?" I asked, switching to Albanian. (Omar where did you get so much money?)

Omar's response was evasive. "Don't worry about that now, Sally. Just be prepared; you're going back to school tomorrow." His cryptic answer only fueled my curiosity.

I felt torn between excitement and apprehension. Part of me wanted to be happy, but another part sensed that something wasn't quite right. I decided to go along with the situation, hoping that the truth would eventually reveal itself.

«_»

I felt a mix of emotions: excitement and anxiety. I was actually going back to school! Who would have thought that I'd be returning this soon? God is indeed too good. I down at myself,smoothing out my clothes. "Mamai, do I look okay?" I asked, seeking her approval.

Mamai, who was busy making breakfast, looked up and smiled warmly. "Oh, vajza ime(my daughter), you loo k like an angel." Her smile was infectious, and I felt a surge of happiness. It was wonderful to see her smile like that after a long time.

Mamai handed me a bag and instructed me to eat breakfast and get ready for school. She then held my hands, her eyes filled with a deep affection. "Salma, please be happy today. Say your prayers, smile, and take that frown off your face, në rregull?(understood?)" she asked, her voice filled with concern. I nodded, forcing a smile, but my heart was still heavy with a sense of foreboding.

After Mamai left for the hospital, I served breakfast for Omar and me. But Omar was nowhere to be found. I went up to his room and knocked on the door, waiting for a response.

As I waited outside Omar's room, I noticed the sound of rustling papers or clothes. I slowly turned the handle and pushed the door open. The creaking of the door seemed amplified in the sudden silence. Omar, startled by the sudden interruption, jumped to his feet, his eyes darting towards me with a mixture of surprise and alarm.

"Omar, why do you look so startled?" I asked, noticing the beads of sweat on his forehead. My mind began to wander, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. "A keni bërë diçka të keqe?"(Did you do something bad?) I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Omar's reaction was immediate. He looked up, his eyes wide with hurt and offense. "What do you mean? Are you suspicious of me?" he asked, his voice shaking. I felt a pang of guilt for doubting him.

Omar's words cut deep. "I went out of my way to help with Father's treatment and paid your school fees. But you're here having doubts about me? Don't you trust me?" His voice cracked, and I saw the hurt in his eyes. I felt terrible for questioning him, and my heart went out to my brother.

I looked at Omar, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. I could see the pain in his eyes, and I knew that I had hurt him deeply. I took a step forward, and Omar looked away, trying to compose himself.

"Omar, I..." I began, but he cut me off.

"It's okay, Salma. Just forget it. Let's just focus on getting you ready for school, okay?" His voice was flat, and I could tell that he was still hurting. I nodded, feeling a pang of regret for doubting him.

I rushed to hug Omar, my voice filled with remorse. "I'm so sorry, Omar. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I swear, I didn't mean to." I looked up at him, my eyes searching for forgiveness. "Më fal me omar," I pleaded, ("forgive me.") "I trust you, and I want you to be happy. I'm just worried about you. I'm sorry."

Omar's expression softened, and he smiled warmly. "It's okay, rabbit. I forgive you." He gently rubbed his hand over my face, but I quickly recoiled, scrunching up my nose in distaste. "Argh, Omar, your hands are dirty! You've ruined my face!" I exclaimed, but Omar just chuckled and pinched my nose.

I playfully pinched his hand in retaliation and took off running downstairs, with Omar hot on my heels. "Come here, rabbit!" he shouted, laughing. I screamed, running faster, and grabbed my lunch before dashing out the door without even eating breakfast.

As I ran, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I was glad that Omar had forgiven me, and I was excited to start my first day back at school. I had missed my friends and teachers, and I was eager to catch up on everything I had missed.

"MIRUPAFSHIM!" I shouted, waving goodbye as I ran towards school. Omar waved back, and I felt a sense of hope that today would be a good day. I had taken Mamai's advice to heart and was determined to be happy, putting a bright smile on my face as I headed to school.

As I walked, I felt the warm sun on my face and the cool breeze in my hair. I took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air fill my lungs. I was ready for today, and I was determined to make the most of it. I was going to learn as much as I could, make new friends, and enjoy every moment of my first day back at school.

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Edited:26/11/2024

Yay! Salma is back to school 😌🥳

I promise the upcoming chapters will be interesting 🤭✨💌

♡♡♡♡♡♡ don't forget to vote guys ♡♡♡♡♡♡

Adios✨💌