As days unfolded, school brought a hint of joy to Anisa's life, despite constant challenges from Hafsat who seemed determined to engage in verbal battles. Anisa, however, remained resilient.
Despite attempts to meet her friend Kamila, scheduling conflicts persisted until today, when they finally planned to rendezvous at a restaurant after work.
At her workplace, Anisa received congratulations from Farha for being sought after by a company for commercial modeling. Though elated, nervousness lingered as Farha revealed Anisa would also lead a fashion show.
Thrilled by the opportunity, Anisa couldn't contain her happiness. Post-photo shoot, as she prepared to change into her regular clothes, Jessica unexpectedly crossed her path.
Standing alongside Mrs. Farha, it became apparent from their conversation that Jessica had been present in the vicinity, having shopped in another section of the building earlier.
Interrupting their interaction, Farha excused herself to answer a call from her husband, leaving Anisa alone with Jessica, who gracefully took a seat on the nearby sofa. Sporting a hat and bold red lipstick, Jessica greeted Anisa with a playful remark, labeling her a "gossip girl."
Maintaining composure to avoid drawing attention from other employees, Anisa inquired about Jessica's whereabouts, expressing concern about the failed attempts to reach her.
In response, Jessica, with a hint of finality, reminded Anisa that they had agreed not to stay in touch. "I thought we agreed not to stay in touch."
"No, you assured me that I wouldn't face consequences for what happened at the club, yet here I am, compelled to leave Willowbrook because of it," Anisa expressed, her anger palpable.
"Anisa, please calm down. Leaving Willowbrook is the best decision for you and your family. I know you well enough to believe that when the police inquire, you'll share the truth. There was a small mistake you made that led to your friend Hanifa being taken," Jessica explained, revealing a shocking revelation to Anisa.
"So, you're the one who took Hanifa?" Anisa inquired with a hushed voice.
"No," Jessica clarified, standing up, "I didn't take her. I merely informed her family of her whereabouts, prompting them to send men to retrieve her. Let me be clear—if you utter a word about that night, you'll jeopardize everyone in your family, including Musbahu and Khadija."
"What? How do you know about them? Did you have someone follow me?" Anisa questioned.
"You're not the only one with information, gossip girl. Remember, I'm Jessica, and just my undergarments could buy this state," Jessica asserted.
Anisa remained silent, standing like a statue, while Jessica left her. She entered the fitting room and changed back into her clothes, emerging without a hint of happiness. Spotting Ashraf waiting, she bid farewell to Farha and took Ashraf's hand as they headed to the elevator.
Ashraf, sensing her anger, didn't say anything. Anisa, holding her coat tightly to her chest, looked visibly furious. Once in the car, unable to bear her distress, he inquired about what had happened.
"I'm absolutely fuming right now," Anisa exclaimed.
"What happened?" he asked, gazing at her.
"Nothing," she replied, closing her eyes and attempting to calm herself. Inhaling deeply, she focused on her breathing.
"I'm meeting a friend at a restaurant. Could you take me there?" she requested.
"Which restaurant?" he inquired.
"Domino's Pizza," she answered.
He started the car and drove them there. Upon entering, Anisa spotted Kamila already waiting, accompanied by her friend Khairat.
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Gossip to secret
Ficțiune generalăAnd you come across people who look as if they have nothing to worry about, that they have no burden inside them, that there is nothing wrong going on with them, but only Allah knows what they're suffering from in secret. It's only in closed doors t...
