After the truth

~19~

Aaron pulled up to the makeshift garage then alighted. He was impressed by the modest size of the cabin. He couldn't wait to see the inside and most especially Marwa. She had been on his mind lately and he didn't want to cause her discomfort, so he stayed away.

Adjusting the dark blue tie around his collar, he began his walk up the front stairs, his eyes taking in the porch. He was impressed by how neat it looked. Maybe he would get one for himself. The cabin overlooked a river with trees surrounding the edges.

There was a hanging basket swing chair that resembled intricate twists of tree branches and roots with a brown fur pillow resting on it. A cute bench was adjacent to the swing chair giving a cozy vibe. Aaron nodded, very impressed with Marwa's work. He knocked twice before letting himself in.

It was small inside but warm. The living room was a small space of round couches bowing together to face the fireplace. It had an adjoining kitchen that was bigger. The whole space was slick. Aaron smiled when he saw the vines and leaves hanging around the walls to give an earthy, vibrant nature space. He walked further down the hallway, there were two door on both sides. He pulled open the one on his left and peeked inside. The room was small but left his mouth hanging. He wanted to live there. Suddenly he was jealous of the actress.

He continued down to the last door. It had French doors. Aaron could see Marwa speak with Camilla Genaro. A smile lit her face and the actress laughed at something Marwa had said. Marwa was smallish beside the slim and slender, fair skinned actress. She held onto Camilla's arms and hopped like a baby seeking it's mothers attention.

Aaron was grateful that Marwa enjoyed this project she was working on. He only wanted her happiness. He was about to step out when his phone pinged, alerting him to a new message. He had cleared his schedule for the day just to have a dose of Marwa by simply basking in her presence. Who was trying to ruin that for him? He grumbled, pulling out his phone from his pocket.

An unknown number had sent a message to him. He pursed his lips and tapped open the glaring message. A deep furrow rested between his eyebrows as he frowned. Who the hell was this?!

Unknown

I know your secret.
If you don't want Marwa finding out how you ruined her life, do as I tell you to.
Expect my orders soon.

Aaron's fingers shook as he expertly moved his fingers across the screen of his phone.

Me

Who the hell is this?
What the freak are you yapping on about?

Unknown

Patience little demon.
You would know soon.

Aaron's hands moved to loosen the hold of the tie around his neck. He almost jumped when the door suddenly opened, and two women stared up at him.

"Aaron?" Marwa called out. "Mr Siddique." She corrected herself, grinning sheepishly at Camilla.

"I have to leave. I'll see you later." He didn't wait for a response before he bolted out of the cabin, leaving two very confused ladies with one worried.

**********
Shamsia sat on the park bench, watching with Joy as Mukhlisa did a triple back flip before landing perfectly on the grassy floor. Her best friends, Cherry and Maryam clapped happily as she bowed, a toothy grin on her face.

She raised shaky hands to wipe the tears that had rolled down her face. Her heart was filled with happiness as well as sorrow. Her first granddaughter was beautiful and full of life. It was an extroverted image of her daughter. She was grateful to be present in her life. Shamsia had agreed to watch over the girls on their play date and they seemed to be having fun.

She pulled out her phone and began taking lots of pictures. Her fingers hovered over the shutter button as Maryam grabbed Mukhlisa's neck and both girls made funny faces at Cherry. The girls shared a resemblance with the exception of Maryam's height and pointed nose. She almost looked like Ramla. With a contented smile, she took a last picture of the girls, her fingers hovering over the shutter button as Zayad's melancholic face came into view.

She frowned as he approached her. He seemed taller than the last time she saw him, which wasn't so long ago. Shamsia used to think that Zayad's feature was all his fathers but staring at him now, one would think she was running away, and he clung onto her.

"Moaj. (mother)."  His voice seemed strained as he stood before her. His deep voice made the beautiful language sound unique and alluring.

"Zayad. Did your father send you to get me?" 

"You just left. Without a word. I've been searching for you." He choked out, sucking in the lump and tears he felt. "A-and I asked that dumb skull, Zayn. He wouldn't tell me anything. I was scared that father had-"

Shamsia watched as he struggled to put his feelings into word. She had never seen her youngest son this way. He was always his father's shadow, wanting to impress him at every chance that he got. On some days, Shamsia felt slight jealousy that the only child she had with her preferred his father. To see him be so emotional this way made her feel sad.

"Zayad Hussain." She whispered, standing on her toes to wipe the tears that had rolled down his face.

"I thought something had happened to you. I was so scared. Father didn't care when I asked. No one could give me an answer." He was full on crying now.

It reminded her of when he was little. Zayad was the sensitive one amongst her children and one thing she admired about him was his openness. He never hid his emotions and didn't care that he was crying or laughing so loud in front of people. That trait slowly got tucked somewhere along the way. Some days, Shamsia had a twinge of hatred because he would behave like his father, and she would feel deep shame for reasons known only to her.

"I'm here. Healthy and fine Alhamdulillah." She assured him, pulling down his tall figure into her embrace.

Gently, she patted his back and let him cry. She could feel his body shake from his tears. One would think he had gathered up all the tears he couldn't cry. She let him be vulnerable, holding in her sadness so she could comfort him properly.

"Oh my God! Wait until Mummy hears this."