METANOIA

Chapter 11

As Sonia pulled up right in front of my house, the grand Fazal Palace. I stepped out of the car.
Janet joined us, and together we strolled down the winding pathway that cut through the lush lawn, leading us to the palace's entrance. The crisp May breeze hit my face, and I breathed in deeply, savoring the fresh air.

"Wow, Mahab, everytime I come hear I couldn't help but say that this palace is fit for royalty!" Janet exclaimed.
"I know right?" I replied, smiling proudly.

We hurried up the stairs, eager to reach my room, but my mother's eyes caught us and she greeted us midway. "Girls, what a pleasant surprise! I wasn't expecting you all today."

"Hi, Mrs. Malik" Janet and Sonia chimed in unison, exchanging warm smiles with my mother.
"We are here to discuss prom night". They declared beaming with excitement.

"Prom night? Oh my goodness, girls! This is so exciting!" my mom exclaimed. "Should I call Carla to bring over some dresses for you all to try on? And Mahab, who's the lucky guy taking you to prom?" Her face lit with excitement.

I felt my irritation grow. "Mom, can we please just go to my room now? And no, we don't need Carla. We'll figure out our dresses ourselves."

My mom looked taken aback but nodded. "Okay, sweetie. Have fun, girls!"

As we settled into my bed, I turned to my friends. "Let's borrow some dresses from my cousin Guneesh's collection. She has amazing designer gowns that will be perfect for prom."

Janet's eyes widened. "That sounds like a great idea, Bee! I know Guneesh closet is a walking Fifth Avenue. Her dresses are to die for."

Sonia nodded in agreement. "Definitely. And we can do our own makeup and hair too."

I smiled, feeling relieved that my mom wasn't going to be involved in our prom preparations. "Exactly. We got this, girls."

Just then, Wanda burst into the room, a tray hoarded with snacks. "Here you go, Miss Mahab! I brought your favorites!"

Janet raised an eyebrow. "Wanda, why are you always so jumpy? You're like a little rabbit!"

Wanda giggled nervously. "Oh, Miss Janet, I don't know! I just get so excited to serve you girls!"

As we munched on snacks, Sonia asked the question we'd all been avoiding: "So, Bee, who's going to be your date?" I shook my head, still reeling from Veronica's verbal takedown. "No one. Veronica's already convinced the whole school I'm crazy and clumsy. Who'd want to be seen with me?" I thought, feeling a sting of hurt pride.

Janet and Sonia exchanged a knowing glance. Sonia grinned mischievously. "I think I have the perfect solution: Reza Hameedi. He's smart, charming, and—"

I cut her off, laughing dismissively. "Reza? He's a Harvard graduate, guys. He's way past the prom phase. It's hilarious to even think about him going to prom." But deep down, the idea sent a thrill through me.

Janet and Sonia exchanged a skeptical look. "Are you sure, Bee? He seems like the perfect guy to take down Veronica," Janet said, her voice laced with persuasion.

I hesitated, my resolve wavering for a moment before I shook my head again. "No way. I'm not going to embarrass myself by asking him.
Besides, he's probably got better things to do than attend a high school prom." But the thought of Reza lingered in my mind.

As we continued chatting, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was making a mistake. Little did I know, Reza was about to enter my life in ways I never expected.

I waited with bated breath as Reza's Mustang pulled up to the Fazal Palace. I had been anticipating this moment for what felt like an eternity.
As he leapt out of the car, his confident stride and effortless grace left me momentarily breathless. I trailed behind him, careful to remain out of sight as he ascended the stairs leading to the eastern wing of the palace.