BANE OF HIS EXISTENCE

Chapter 9: UNEXPECTED CALLS.

MAYA.

Hossein's voice was laced with concern as he slid onto the kitchen island opposite me, his eyes scanning my face for clues. "Whoa there, Maya. What seems to be the problem?" he asked, his brow furrowed in worry. "The only times I've seen you look like you want to murder someone is when you're around Drew. I'm guessing he's the one who just called?" His tone was tinged with a hint of amusement, but his eyes remained serious.

I let out a deep breath, my anger still simmering just below the surface. "No, it was not Andrew who called," I said, my voice firm, "and he shouldn't be calling me either." With a deliberate motion, I switched off my cell phone and tossed it aside, the silence that followed a palpable relief

Hossein's eyes sparkled with intrigue as he leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Ohhhh...so it's a he, but not Andrew. Hmmm! A potential suitor, perhaps?" He drew out the words, his curiosity palpable.

I let out a loud groan, my hands flying up to cover my face in exasperation. "Drop it, please! I don't wanna talk about it," I mumbled, my voice muffled by my hands. Hossein's expression turned sympathetic, and he nodded understandingly, seeming to sense that I'd reached my limit. I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for his unwavering support.

As I sat there, feeling grateful for Hossein's presence in my life, a sense of calm washed over me. This was why I loved being around him – he always put me first, never pushing me to reveal more than I was willing to share.

Meanwhile, on the east coast of Jamaica, a lone figure stood at the airport gate, gazing down at a cell phone with an intensity that bordered on obsession. With one last, lingering look, the individual slipped the phone into their pocket and boarded the flight that would set in motion a chain of events destined to alter the course of everyone's life forever.

As I walked into the kitchen, fresh from my shower, Hossein looked up with a warm smile. "Thanks for lunch, Maya. I was really hungry," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. I rolled my eyes good-natured, nudging him playfully with my hip. "I don't know why you're thanking me for the lunch you made by yourself, Hossein. But, you're welcome!" I teased, chuckling at his silly gratitude.

Hossein's laughter was infectious, a deep, hearty sound that filled the kitchen. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a surge of affection for this kind-hearted man. He was indeed a sweet soul, always looking out for others and spreading joy wherever he went.

"True, but you had all the ingredients I needed to make lunch," Hossein pointed out, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "There's rarely enough – or any – mushrooms at our place because Min eats them like candy." I laughed at the image, and Hossein added, his voice dripping with mock despair, "It's a real nightmare when you want to make mushroom soup and there's no mushroom, Maya." His fake pout only made me laugh harder, and I shook my head, grinning at his silly antics.

I cooed in a baby-like voice, "Aww...you poor baby, you want your big sis Maya to buy you more mushrooms?" Hossein's laughter was instantaneous, his eyes sparkling with mirth as he doubled over, his body shaking with uncontrollable giggles. I couldn't resist joining in, our laughter intertwining like a harmonious melody, filling the kitchen with warmth and joy. The awkward tension from earlier dissipated, replaced by a sense of comfort and camaraderie.

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A few hours later, as we lounged in the living room, Hossein suddenly said, "Antee Jameela." I turned to him, my expression puzzled, wondering if he'd lost his mind. But then he chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and said, "It means you're beautiful, Maya." My heart skipped a beat as I felt a flutter in my chest. I swore I wasn't blushing, but Hossein's sweet words had a way of making me feel like I was floating on air.