𝐙𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐀𝐌 ~ 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 ♡

3 - Reunited

-----MARYAM SHEIKH------

Everything.

Everything seemed a little out of place today. Fatima leaving in the middle of our lovely lunch, Amr suddenly announcing out of the blue that the Zaid Khalid was his cousin?

Apparently, the last part freaked me out more than anything.

I was more than enough suprised when Amr said that but I couldn't investigate more because he suddenly gave a quick wave and ran away.

I'd have to talk to Fatima about this. She'll know how to handle this better than me anyway.

•••••••••••••••

My favorite part of the weekends was when I got to work. Okay, I completely understand that the I-like-going-to-work stereotype can be totally unrealistic for some people. However, if your work consisted of surrounding yourself by the dark smells of deeply caffeinated coffee, the sweet sights of icings on cake and the dreamy scent of freshly baked bread right out of the oven,

What's not to like?

The place I worked at was called 'Cafe Mocha ' and was owned by a sweet old man called Richard Cruise. I had been friends with him ever since I found the place and last summer, he kindly offered me the position as a cashier there.
Sometimes if I'm not too clumsy enough I get to help with the icing. So its great for both of us.

"Hey there, Mary," said a cheerful voice when the little bells rang as I opened the doors to the bakery. It was a rather cute place, with comfy couches, and internet station and a wide variety of cakes and sandwiches.

It was Harry Blake, my co cashier. He and the others had arrived early and started work .

I smiled back at him, getting into my work apron. He always called me that, since he couldn't pronounce my real name. And because of him, the others started calling me that too. I got used to it over the few times I've spent here.

Which was a lot since it was closer to the masjid.

Our boss, Richard came over to say hi. He was already busy working in the kitchen with the other chefs. We exchanged cheerful greetings.

"Have your grandkids called?" I ask, fixing my cap on top of my hijab.

"Yeah they did actually," he replies, bringing in a fresh batch of chocolate croissants and slided them into the display.
"I'm going to be visiting them a few weeks later."

"You must be excited."

"Yeah, I really am. And," he turned to me. "Susan said she'll be leave today. So you and Harry might have to manage all on your own."

"Its alright, we can handle it," I replied because I knew we could since we were the one who handled it all the time. Susan rarely came to work but Richard did not have the heart to fire her since he was his youngest daughter.

The afternoon got busy really quickly as our turkey sandwhiches were on a special offer today. People just came on coming and coming and I've got to tell you, smiling wide and standing on your feet all day isnt 'fun'. Harry and I exchanged tired glances every once in a while through our black masks. We were just comfortable in our masks behind the cashier. It was something we both agreed on.

I was ready to call it a day, so I slowly peeled of my mask from my face.
I had to pray Duhr and have lunch but the bells rang once again as someone opened the door. Harry was already midway through his lunch.

Just. One. More. Order.

"Can I get a cup of coffee and an apple pie, please?"

It was the most ordinary question. One I've heard multiple times during the day. Yet, the deep and husky voice that accompanied it made me wanna take a glance at the owner. Yes, those grey blue eyes were gazing at me the same way it did all those years ago.

"Wait, is it- ?" He breathed. I forgot I took off my mask. Great.

Zaid Khalid truly did maintain his greek god figure when he reached puberty as the media once rumored. Everything was surprisingly the same about him, but a new feature has appeared in those luminous eyes. They were soft.

"Caffeinated or Decaffeinated?"

He was taken aback.

"What?"

"I asked if you wanted your coffee Caffeinated or Decaffeinated, sir?"

I knew I messed up. Big time. But in my defense, I was not prepared. I did not even know what to say or do and was confused. So I acted like what I would normally do in front of any other customer.

I acted business.

We said nothing more but he did kept looking at me as if in a curious way. I quickly packed up his order and handed out to him. He left a twenty dollar tip and just left. Harry was closely watching me for my emotions.

"Ex?" He asked.

"No," I replied. "No one special."

Just someone younger you once dreamed would be one of the biggest part of your life.

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Word Count : 861 words