Better Late Than Never

17

Instead of going straight to Omar Bello Drive like Ayra assumed they would, Ayman took them to a drive-through to get milkshakes (a blueberry milkshake for him and a salted caramel and chocolate chip milkshake for her) and solo servings of sugar topped pretzels.

When she asked why, Ayman told her he was getting hungry and that they were going to need all the energy they could get to tour Adil's house. It was a lie; one of the many small lies he'd told to her. The truth was that he'd remembered the café on the way home and all he wanted was to take her there to try the milkshakes and pretzels because he'd loved them the first day he tried them and he was sure she'd love them too. She did love them, her giddiness and what seemed like childish innocence in full bloom.

Ayra took note of every place they drove past, enjoying every bit of her snacks with gratitude sitting prettily in her chest. By the time the car turned onto Omar Bello Drive, she had finished her pretzels and was sipping on what was left of the milkshake. Ayman had finished his pretzels too and his milkshake was almost completely gone. He slowed down deliberately and pointed out the houses to her.

"That's the mosque you're familiar with already. This is my family's home and I'm here when they want me over or when I'm home sick despite the fact that they're only a few blocks away."

She chuckled at that and he smiled before he continued. "This is another house you're familiar with; Adil's family's home. This next one is Aneesa's family home. She still stays with them. The opposite houses are for..."

Slowly but surely, they reached the end of the drive where two compounds faced each other. Ayra knew which house was Adil's as his car gave it away. Her attention, however, shifted to the opposite house and she found herself leaning forward in her seat, trying to catch a proper glimpse of what lay beyond the vertical bar gates. It was Ayman's house, that much was clear, but the urge to see it all hit her so strongly that it stole some air from her lungs.

Ayman watched her, his own feelings so much to even attempt an unravel. In that moment, all he wanted was to get out of the car, open the door for her, and then take her into his place to show her around before taking her back to Adil's. Unfortunately, Adil's pedestrian gate went open and a grinning Ibtihaj walked out, heading straight towards them.

Ayman focused – once again – on Ayra, his smile small. "You won't see anything from outside. I have a curved driveway so the house's further inside."

She found herself shooting him a glare. "Why would you even do that? Now my imagination is going to run wild."

It took him by surprise but the amusement hit almost immediately and his expression turned so beautiful. Unfortunately, Ayra couldn't dwell on how his face was a lovely canvas for his emotions as the car door went open and Ibtihaj all but pulled he rout. "You're here! Omo, una tey o."

It was a miracle how quickly Ayra unbuckled her seatbelt, saving herself from getting injured as she was pulled out, her feet hitting the ground with a soft thud. She looked at Ibtihaj who smiled sheepishly and apologetically. "Sorry. Excitement be wan wound me."

It was easy for Ayra to smile back, every happy feeling moving like tendrils all around her. "It's alright. Have you been waiting long?"

Ibtihaj linked her arm with her best friend's. "Not too long sha. We greeted his parents first and Ayman's too since they were together. Even Aneesa's parents were there. We then checked in on Amna and Aabidah who had orders to settle." She smiled at Ayman who'd walked around the car that was now locked. "Hi, Ayman. You people took some time."

Ayman smiled at her. "Hi, Ibty. Sorry, we made a stop at a drive through. I was a little hungry."

Ibtihaj nodded. "Oh, no wahala then." She turned around, making Ayra do the same, and then she marched forward; into the compound. "Oya, come and let us do house tour. I told Adil I wasn't entering that house if you weren't there and he said he wasn't entering until Ayman came...Omo, Ayra. These people have fine houses o."