In the heart of Wales, behind the walls of the grandest estate in the city, lies a hidden gem: sixteen-year-old Anna Hussain. With her mother as serene as the morning mist and her father a vibrant burst of color, Anna grapples with her identity-caug...
I have been so busy doing nothing jk, I only come here once a week and that'd be until the next season of the book. So bear with me when you only find me responding on Thursdays. Here's the next episode for you, it was emotionally difficult to write this one so I added the most relatable song and picture to help you as you read on.
I hope you enjoy and don't forget to gimme your feedback.
Happy Spooky Fall, y'all. Xoxo
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She sighed, nodding reluctantly as she made a U-turn. The ride back was tense, silence stretching between us. Tears stung my eyes, the guilt heavy in my chest.
I couldn't bear Mariam doubting me. I needed her to believe in me.
As a tear rolled down my cheek, I leaned my head against the window. It was dark outside, with no other cars in sight. I shut my eyes, grappling with the impending confrontation at home.
What would happen once I got back alone? What if my cousins weren't there?
Panic gripped me as I envisioned the repercussions of my actions.
My eyes snapped open, meeting Mariam's gaze as she finished typing on her phone.
Mariam pursed her lips, her expression troubled, as she adjusted the soft music before sighing deeply.
"I'm sorry," I murmured, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on us.
She rolled her eyes, overtaking a few cars on the highway with alarming speed.
"Slow down, Marry. What's gotten into you? I don't want us to end up in an accident." But my words seemed futile as Mariam continued to accelerate, her foot pressing down harder on the gas pedal.
I gripped the seat belt tighter, my knuckles turning white as she recklessly overtook a road roller.
"It's 11:00 p.m., Anna. If you're grounded because of this, your mom will lose it. We need to hurry." She exclaimed urgently, her voice cutting through the tense silence of the car like a sharp blade.
Frozen with dread, I mulled over the impending chaos awaiting me at home.
How would I explain my sudden absence?I have been zoned out for most of the evening and it led me to this situation.
My mind raced with scenarios of my family's reaction, and my mom's inevitable wrath.
I facepalmed myself, feeling the pressure mounting as Mariam continued to speed ahead, each passing moment bringing us closer to the inevitable confrontation.
Suddenly, Mariam's tone softened, her concern evident as she offered, "Hey, I'll come in with you and explain to your mom, okay? We're in this together."
Looking up at her serious expression, I felt a surge of gratitude. Perhaps with her by my side, my mom would somehow understand. I nodded in agreement as she expertly guided the car off the highway, a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
As we drove on, the tension gradually eased, replaced by a sense of curiosity about Mariam's life. "When did you move to city outskirts?" I inquired, eager to distract myself and learn more about her world.
She chuckled, her demeanor softening. "About a year ago. It's a farmhouse, warm and cozy. You'd love it. And my room? It's an absolute paradise."
Surprised by her revelation, I couldn't help but smile. "A farmhouse? Seriously?"
She nodded, a playful glint in her eyes. "Yes, indeed. And we have horses. You'd adore Zuljana. He's my favorite, but don't even think about riding him."
Her teasing wink brought a smile to my face, momentarily lifting the weight off my shoulders.
"You remember, we always talked about going for a late-night drive?" I remarked, struck by the uncanny connection between us.
"Yeah right." She giggled.
Glancing out the window, realizing that Mariam had just turned 18, making it legal for her to drive. Her birthday in January always meant she was teasingly two years and four months older than me, earning me the nickname 'halfy' from her.
Pakistani music filled the car, setting the mood.
"What're you thinking?" Mariam's smirk drew my attention.
"I'm a halfy!" I pouted, earning a boisterous laugh from her.
"You are.," she confirmed, her laughter infectious.
Shaking my head, I found the remote on the dashboard, changing the song while she continued teasing me, and I feigned annoyance.
As we traversed dark streets, I abruptly stopped the music, turning to Mariam. Our eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between us.
"Do you remember the way to my place?" I inquired, feeling a surge of nerves.
Parking the car, Mariam unbuckled and opened her door. "We're here," she announced cheerfully, gesturing for me to join her.
Exiting the car, I exchanged nervous smiles with her before my gaze landed on the familiar structure. My smile faltered, replaced by a sense of dread as I recognized where we were. My heart pounded in my chest; my legs rooted to the spot.
"You, okay?"
Mariam's concerned voice broke through my daze as she shook my arm.
Tears welled in my eyes, my breaths shallow. I shook my head, struggling to find my voice, before mustering the strength to retreat to the car, pulling Mariam along.
"What's going on?" Mariam demanded; her disgust evident.
"You weren't supposed to bring me here." I snapped, my frustration mounting. "I asked to go to my mom's place, not here."
Her frown deepened, her gaze darting between me and the house. "Isn't this your place?" she asked incredulously.
"Of course it is, but I have to go to my mom's. This is my dad's place." I explained, tears choking my words.
Confusion etched on Mariam's face as she settled in the car with me, "What's the difference? Why the secrecy?"
My eyes remained fixed on the house, memories flooding back, of happier times now tainted by heartache. I longed to step inside, to relive those moments, but the painful past held me back, a reminder of the humiliation I endured three years ago.
By now, I assume you are getting a hang on Anna's life and the way she acts differently and why. Wait until the truth unfolds on Thursdays.
