"When a Muslimah with golden eyes and a rebellious eyepatch arrives in London, the city will never be the same - secrets will be shattered, hearts will be broken, and the truth will be revealed."
**HADIZAH'S POV** As I clutched the plushie Julian had given me, I pressed a button and the plushie's head bounced open, revealing a hidden compartment perfect for a necklace. I took out the necklace, which was adorned with pure gold and diamonds and my eyes lit up when I saw our initials, J💖H. I was over the moon.
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The left side is J and the other side is H
The necklace symbolized our teenage love, the fact that he liked me and I liked him too. The ethereal feeling I had while staring at the necklace was overwhelming. I didn't want to forget Julian, not ever.
I imagined how my mum wouldn't be so ecstatic if she saw this. But then, her voice snapped me out of my trance.
"Hadizah," she called out.
"Maaaa," I answered.
"The school already sent your results," she said.
Immediately, my heart leaped into my throat. The anticipation was overwhelming. I was scared to see my results, but my mum's stern expression only heightened my anxiety. She handed me her phone and I whispered, "Bismillah" (in the name of Allah).
I had received all A's. I couldn't believe it. Ecstatic was an understatement.
"Oh my God, Mum, I passed! I can't believe this!" I exclaimed.
"Yes, you've made me proud with every moment you've been here," she said.
"I can't believe I got an A in Chemistry!" I said.
"I told you, when you put your mind to something, you can achieve it. That's why I got you this," she said, handing me a big white bag from the mall.
"What's in it?" I asked.
"Check it before asking questions," she replied.
"Oh my God!" I shouted.
Inside the bag were a laptop, an iPad, the latest Samsung flip, headphones, and earbuds. I hugged my mum so tightly that she could have needed an inhaler.
"That's enough. You deserve more than that; you're my only daughter," she said.
"But, Mum, I'm not your only child. What about my older brother?" I asked.
My mum didn't answer. She was angry but didn't want to ruin the moment.
"Just go to your room, Hadizah," she said.
My mum rarely calls me by my name. Her anger and sadness were evident.
"I'm sorry I made you sad and angry. I should have thought before asking about him," I said, bowing my head as I left.
Once in my room, I unpacked the bag, but my initial joy had faded. The worldly possessions seemed trivial compared to my spiritual concerns. I hoped they would bring me closer to what truly mattered.
