The Muslim Cinderella

Chapter 8

Hajra hung up on me. I wanted to make this situation better. I tried calling her again and again. But she didn't pick up. The fifth time I called. It kept ringing. I was pretty sure no one was going to answer. Then the ringing stopped. And I heard a faint, " Hello?".

" Sidra?" I said, surprised. " Is that you?!"

" Yes." Sidra replied softly. She didn't turn her camera on though.

" Sidra, please listen. I'm really sorry. Please forgive me." I begged.

" You promised!" She cried out. I heard a sniff. Sidra was only 8. I guess it would be hard for her.

" I- I know, but... I forgot." I said.

I heard a grunt in return. I could imagine Sidra with a pouty face.

" But, Sidra. See, I called you!" I said, trying to cheer her up.

No reply.

 We were quiet for a few seconds, until Sidra broke the silence.

" What were you doing yesterday?" She asked.

I  didn't know what to tell her. I should tell her the lie I told my parents, but Sidra is so fragile and innocent.  She shouldn't deserve to be lied to.

I sighed. " I was at a party." The truth was out.  I waited for her to become suspicious.

" Cool! I go to parties all the time! I went to a birthday party two days ago!" Sidra exclaims.

I guess Sidra thought I was talking about one of her little kiddie parties. It's good I didn't have to lie. But she still believes the wrong thing. Though I kept quiet.

" Yeah!" I said uneasily. " So you forgive me?"

" Yes, Iqra khala." Sidra says. " I have to help mama with clean up. Bye!"

" Allah Hafiz." I say, hanging up.

I set my phone on the ground, and stood up.

I finally made things right. No more excuses. No more lies.

I rounded the corner, and entered the kitchen.  I cooked some roti, and ate breakfast. Ammi joined me at the table when I was half-way done.

" Salam Ammi." I said, taking a bite of my breakfast.

" Salam Iqra." She sat down in front of me. " So, I wanted to ask, why did you come home early last night?"

"Because Michelle's parents had a last minute trip." I said. " Didn't I tell you, Ammi?"

"Yes, but I called Michelle's parents and apologized to them for making their trip run late." Ammi tilted her head. " And they said they didn't have to go on a trip."

What? Why would Ammi call them? Does she know I'm lying?!

I stuttered, then came up with a lie." Oh, well Michelle must have been lying to me! That trickster Michelle!"

I nervously laughed. It was probably very obvious. I was dead for sure now.

Ammi didn't say anything. In fact, she left. My nervousness was growing more and more. She had probably figured out that I was lying. But she might not know where I actually was.

I spent the whole day worrying about what might come. But Ammi didn't say anything about it the whole day. She just had casual conversations.

I went to bed, worrying.

I awoke in the morning. I had totally forgot about my worry. I had to keep my mind on school. I got changed, and wrapped a teal hijab around my head. Grabbing a samosa Ammi had prepared, I said Allah Hafiz, took my school bag, and ran to my driveway.