The Search For Home

Chapter Nine: Friendship

"Zahira, we already have our own plans. Why do we have to take her along with us? Doesn’t she have anyone she came with?" one of Zahira’s friends, Salim, complained in their native tongue. Leah understood them thanks to her parents' habit of speaking in their native language when being secretive.

"Well, Salim, she's alone, and we're not doing her a favor," Zahira replied, her smile pointed as she scanned the group for any more objections. The other two friends seemed to have no issues with Leah joining them.

"Whatever," Salim snapped, shouldering his backpack and walking away just as Leah approached.

"Is everything alright, Zahira? I hope I’m not being a nuisance to your friends," Leah asked, her concern evident. If she was causing trouble, she was prepared to find a tourist guide on her own. She looked at Zahira with a mix of apprehension and determination.

"Everything is alright, dear," Zahira said, her smile as bright as ever. "Don’t worry about Salim. He’s just having a bad day."

"Yeah, we just have to get going before we miss the shuttle bus we booked," said the young lady Zahira had introduced as Aysha.

Zahira playfully draped her arm around Leah’s shoulders, pulling her along. The gesture reminded Leah of Noreen, who used to do the same to keep pace with her.

"We are going to have lots of fun!" Zahira added with a bright smile.

"Sure, no doubt about that!" Leah and Zahira agreed, their excitement palpable.

Outside the resort, the shuttle bus awaited them. Leah couldn't help but notice that the grumpy guy, still wearing his dark sunglasses, seemed to be watching them. She couldn’t fathom what his issue was, given that they had only just met. It felt like hate at first sight, but Leah decided not to let it bother her. After all, it wasn’t the end of the world; worse things had happened. She shrugged it off and continued on her way.

As they settled into their seats among other tourists, their young tour guide, around twenty years old, began briefing them. He emphasized the meeting points for each destination and the time allotted at each stop, ensuring that no one would be left behind.

As the bus began its journey, Leah took a deep breath, letting her mind wander back to a cherished memory. She was ten, and Noreen was just three when their parents took them to Disneyland. It was everything Leah had ever dreamed of, and her dad made sure they had the perfect experience. Visual memories can be deceptive, but this one was vividly etched in her mind. Maama had recorded the entire trip with Dad's help, and Leah had watched it countless times. Now, as she searched for their faces in her memories, all she could hear were faint echoes of her parents’ voices and Noreen's small, excited giggles. Amidst the nostalgia, Leah recalled Noreen’s endless chatter about her favorite cartoon characters coming to life.

Once again, in what felt like a deep slumber, Leah Siddiqa relived one of her favorite moments. Though the faces from her past were slowly fading, she found solace in reconnecting with them, even if only in her memories.

"Wake up, sleepyhead! We've reached our first destination," Aysha said, gently patting Leah on the shoulder.

"Oh, that was quick," Leah replied, slightly disoriented as she adjusted her dress and followed Aysha off the bus. Her eyes met Salim's intense gaze, which only reinforced her belief that he had some loose screws. She turned away, searching for Zahira. When she spotted her with the other guy, Leah offered a bright smile, once again choosing to ignore the grumpy guy, just as she had on the bus.

"This is the National Museum," their guide began, introducing the site and explaining its significance. Leah took out her digital camera, ready to capture the moment.