Katherine:the hajera within by mimi

chapter 8

I wish I could express my heartfelt gratitude to Katherine, but words fail me. So, I stood in front of the mirror one day and had a candid, soul-searching conversation with myself. 'Kat, you made an extraordinary, life-changing decision by choosing me as your friend,' I said, my voice filled with emotion. 'I trust you more than anyone, and I'm forever indebted to you for your unwavering support, guidance, and incredible friendship, which I'll always treasure and cherish.'

I made a promise to myself that I would never betray the trust Kat has placed in me. Her trust is a precious, fragile gift, and I vowed to handle it with care, cherish it, and honor it always. I realized that I needed Kat more than I ever thought possible, more than words can express. I'm grateful for her presence in my life, even when I didn't acknowledge it, even when I took it for granted.

I confessed to myself that I've lashed out at Kat in anger, said hurtful things, and acted impulsively, but it was never a genuine wish. My heart never truly hated her; it was just a manifestation of my own frustrations, fears, and doubts. If I ever hurt her, knowingly or unknowingly, I'm deeply, deeply sorry. I regret my actions, and I promise to make amends.

But thank you, Kat, for being my rock, my confidante, my partner in every sense. You're the sunshine that brightens up my every day, the calm in every storm, the safe haven where I can be myself, without fear of judgment or rejection. You're the missing piece I never knew I needed, the missing beat in my heart.

In that moment, I concluded that life without Kat is incomplete, like a puzzle missing a crucial piece, like a song missing its melody. She brings light, joy, meaning, and purpose into my world, and I can't imagine navigating life's ups and downs without her by my side. Kat's friendship is a treasure I cherish deeply, and I promise to always appreciate, nurture, celebrate, and honor it.

Let's take a trip down memory lane to our first day of 9th grade. It was a unique and memorable day that I'll always treasure. My friend Dora and I made a plan to skip wearing our school uniforms, just for fun. We wanted to stand out and show our individuality. Liz didn't attend school that day, and Dora didn't wear the Abaya, a special veil that helps us dress modestly and protect our privacy. But I wore it because it's an important part of my religious beliefs and values. I believe in dressing modestly and covering my body as a sign of respect for myself and my faith.

During the school assembly, the principal asked students who weren't dressed according to the rules to stand on the other side. That's when I felt a little embarrassed and worried about what others might think. I didn't want to draw attention to myself, but I also didn't want to compromise my beliefs. Dora got in trouble with the principal for wearing a top that was a bit too short and black pants, which isn't allowed in our religion. As a Muslim, I'm used to wearing clothes that cover my body, like long dresses and loose pants. I never wore short or tight clothes, even at home, because it's not part of our culture and values.

I understand that Dora has the freedom to choose what she wears, but I wish she would choose clothes that are more modest and respectful. It's not about covering everything, but about being mindful of our appearance and not showing too much. That's what our religion teaches us, and it's important to me. I want to be a good role model and show others that it's okay to be different and stand up for what you believe in.

I remember feeling a little awkward that day, but it's a memory that I'll always cherish. It taught me the importance of being true to myself and my beliefs, even when others might not agree. It's a lesson that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.

The principal's question caught Dora off guard. 'Do you wear an Abaya?' she asked, looking at Dora with a mixture of surprise and disappointment. Dora hesitated before responding, 'No, I don't have one.' It was clear that Dora had never prioritised modest dressing, having been treated like a princess since childhood. As the youngest sibling with no brothers and only one sister, she had always gotten away with wearing whatever she wanted.

The Arabic teacher chimed in, scolding Dora for her choice of clothing. 'You should wear the Abaya whenever you leave your house,' she reminded Dora sternly. Kat, Dora, and I exchanged awkward glances, feeling a mix of emotions. We were all thinking the same thing - why was this such a big deal?

After the confrontation, the three of us decided to sit together in class, claiming the front bench as our own. We saved a seat for Liz, but she didn't show up, and someone else took her place. We felt a surge of anger and possessiveness, but it was Liz's mistake for not coming to school. We couldn't blame her for missing out on the fun, but we couldn't help feeling a little smug.

As we sat together, we started singing songs and sharing stories. We laughed uncontrollably, feeling like we were having the time of our lives. It was like no time had passed at all, and we were back to our old selves, enjoying each other's company without a care in the world. We talked about everything and nothing, just like old times.

Dora shared stories about her childhood, about being treated like a princess and never being told no. Kat and I listened intently, fascinated by her experiences. We shared our own stories, about our families and our struggles. It was a day of bonding and connection, a day that we would never forget.

Unfortunately, Liz missed out on all the fun, but fortunately, she didn't have to deal with the drama that day. Kat, Dora, and I created unforgettable memories, and our bond grew stronger. We proved that even in the midst of chaos, friendship can prevail. However, Liz and I eventually lost touch, but I'll always treasure the memories we shared with Kat and Dora.

word count: 1075 words

needed a lot support and tell me how you feel about this chapter. love from author ~mariam