Better Late Than Never

06

By the time Ayra parked in the compound of her family's home, she'd received – via mail – her employment letter, her employment contract, and the Ayneese Code of Conduct should she decide to take up the offer; something she wasn't even going to think much about as her answer was as clear as day.

She killed the engine, grabbed her stuff, and helped herself out of the vehicle, floating on cloud nine and maybe on a cloud that was even higher. Her smile was still on and happiness hugged her tightly, not once letting go.

She ascended the front stairs, not surprised that the door went open before she could even reach for it. Salama and Muhsin stood in the foyer, a triple layered cake slice in Muhsin's hands and a glass of lemonade in Salama's. They were both nervous, Ayra could tell, and she knew they stood in the middle; ready to celebrate with her if she'd gotten the job and also ready to console and motivate her if she didn't.

Salama held the glass tightly, her heart thudding in her chest. "So...How did it go?"

Ayra said nothing for a long moment just for the fun of it and then she grinned so brightly that the sun should have hidden its face in shame. She nearly threw her hands up but thought against it as she still held her bag and file. "I got in! You're looking at the Confidential Secretary to one of the presidents of Ayneese."

Just like every other time she'd achieved something, Salama and Muhsin were over the moon. They pulled her in so they could both put down what they held before squashing her in the middle of a hug. Salama whispered by her daughter's ear, feeling nothing but sheer gratitude. "Oh Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah."

Muhsin kissed his daughter's head. "I'm so, so proud of you, Ayra."

Ayra felt warm all over and she revelled in it, knowing it had been quite some time since she felt everything beautiful in such intensity. When they pulled apart, she looked from her father to her mother "I hope that cake wasn't meant to be a bribe just so I won't cry in case I didn't get it."

Salama smiled sheepishly. "Maybe."

Ayra scrunched up her nose. "I guessed as much." She then smiled brightly. "But I'll still eat it. Either way, I deserve it."

Salama, who loved it so much that Ayra was in such high spirits, cupped her daughter's face in her hands as softly as she could. Her smile was just as radiant as Ayra's as she nodded. "You do, Leilani. You deserve this and everything too. In Shaa Allah this is one step out of the many great steps you'll be taking from now on and, God willing, we'll be there for you all the way."

Beside her, Muhsin nodded with conviction, his expression one of feigned sternness. "Exactly."

Ayra let out a small laugh, the warmth surrounding her intensifying. She was grateful for the both of them. "In Shaa Allah. Thank you, Ummi and Baba. I love you both so, so much."

They hugged her again and told her they loved her too, saying it in both their hearts that they were so grateful that she was almost like she used to be in that moment. When they pulled apart, they made themselves comfortable at the dining table; Salama and Muhsin sitting side by side while Ayra occupied a chair on the opposite side. She took a sip of the lemonade first and then let out a moan.

"This is so good! Ummi, you made this within the time I was out?"

Salama shook her head, nearly laughing at how adorable Ayra looked. "Your father did. I got the cake ordered and then layered."

Ayra turned to Muhsin who had his face in his hands, his cheeks a little rosy. "It was no big deal. We wanted you to come home to something sweet."

Ayra's cheeks turned rosy too. "Thank you."