ZAID AND MARYAM ~ Their Story

16 - Something New, Something Warm

--- ZAID KHALID ---

Ever since Aunt Clarisśe have arrived, the house has become more lively than ever. The servants practically worship her, mostly because she brings gifts for each of them according to their tastes from her travels, mainly because she gives fat tips.

I guess its goes well either way.

Since we were leaving for the hike early tomorrow morning, I had to run around making sure everything was going okay. Abba insists on everyone taking this hike every year, and says that it'll improve our skills as good businessmen or women. I had even called the pilot for the helicopters we were taking three times to check!

"So," Amr started, his eyes glancing occasionally at me through the mirror. "I've been meaning to ask you something. "

Today after breakfast, as usual, me and Amr headed out to the basketball ball court we used to play since we wereq kids.

"What?" I asked, as I looked through my phone to see some unread messages from my professors.

"How's everything going with Maryam?" He interrogated casually.

My heart gave a quick start at his question. I didn't know he meant about her.

"Yeah, what about her?" I said coolly, scrolling through my phone fast.

"I just thought," he hesitated. "I just thought since you weren't in school anymore you might have become friends or something since you didn't have assignments to clash about."

"We are friends," I lied and clearly, both of us knew we were not even close to being friends. "Its just, I don't do fun stuff with her as much as you do."

But she smiled at me yesterday.

"You know I've been thinking maybe if you could -," Amr went on.

Dude, she smiled at me yesterday.

And it was one of the most prettiest smiles of the bajillion ones I saw on her face. Because it was for me.

FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!

Woah, Zaid.

Get a hold of yourself, you idiot!

"Are you even listening to me right now?" Amr asked occasionally. And I would reply,

"Yeah of course, go on."

The last time I remember her genuinely smiling at me was when we were back in elementary school, where we first met. She used to wear a long pink scarf with flowers printed on them and bring candy to school everyday. She was one of the few kids who would do that.

Whenever she saw me, she smiled and talked to me. But being the idiot I was, I took it all for granted back then. I got irritated when she smiled. I got irritated when anyone smiled or came near me.

It was the first time I was away from my parents.

Nine year old me hated her smiles and laughs. But little did that nine year old boy knew that he would run to the world's end if he had to, to see that smile again, when he grew up.

Its just that when she smiled, it felt like I was home again with my mother and father and my little brothers again. Her smile made me feel safe and happy after years of doubting myself and constantly hating on the people around me. Her smile felt like, home.

It gave me a tiny spark of hope that, somewhere along the line, maybe not all so soon of course, but maybe someday we could be-

"Are you blushing?" I heard someone squeal. "Never thought I'd see the day, brother."