Fickle

Chapter 40

Jenna and Hudayfah had always been close, but in the wake of Abdullah’s reentry into their lives, their bond began to shift in unexpected ways. Where Jenna’s exuberance welcomed change with open arms, Hudayfah’s reserved nature cast a shadow of hesitation over the future. Yet, despite their differences, the twins found themselves navigating this uncertain terrain together, leaning on each other in ways they never had before.

Jenna had embraced the idea of having a father from the moment Kulthum revealed the truth. To her, it was like a missing puzzle piece finally clicking into place. She often spoke about the adventures they could have as a family, filling the air with chatter about picnics, trips to Daura, and the prospect of seeing her father in his royal element.

One afternoon, as they played in the backyard, Jenna turned to Hudayfah with a determined smile.

“Don’t you think it’s cool, Huddy? We’re like… part of something big! Daddy is a prince! That makes us kind of like royalty too!”

Hudayfah shrugged, his focus on the makeshift goalpost they had set up for their soccer game. “It doesn’t change anything. We’re just us.”

Jenna frowned, planting her hands on her hips. “It changes everything! He’s our dad. We’ll have a proper family now.”

Hudayfah sighed. “What if he doesn’t stay, Jenna? What if he leaves again?”

Jenna hesitated. It was a question she hadn’t considered. For all her optimism, Hudayfah’s doubt had a way of piercing through her confidence. “Then we’ll make him want to stay,” she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.

Hudayfah’s skepticism wasn’t born of malice but of caution. He had watched his mother navigate life with unwavering strength, shielding him and Jenna from the hurt she had endured. To him, Abdullah’s return felt like a disruption to the stability they had fought to maintain.

When Jenna spoke excitedly about seeing Abdullah again, Hudayfah would retreat to his room, seeking solace in his books or sketching in his notebook. His drawings, often depicting their small family, began to subtly change. Abdullah’s figure started appearing in the background—a symbol of his inner conflict.

One evening, Kulthum found him sitting by the window, lost in thought.

“Penny for your thoughts?” she asked gently, sitting beside him.

Hudayfah glanced at her, his brow furrowed. “Do you think he’ll really stay this time, Mama? Or will he go back to his palace and forget about us again?”

Kulthum’s heart ached at his words. She placed a hand on his shoulder. “I don’t know what the future holds, Hudayfah. But I do know this: your father wants to be here. And whatever happens, you and Jenna will always have me.”

Hudayfah nodded slowly, but his expression remained conflicted.

Despite their differences, the twins found moments of unity in their shared uncertainty. One evening, as they sat together in the living room, Jenna pulled out a scrapbook she had been working on—a collection of memories and pictures she wanted to share with Abdullah.

“Look, Huddy,” she said, flipping through the pages. “Do you think Daddy will like it?”

Hudayfah leaned over to inspect her work. “You didn’t put in that embarrassing picture of me covered in mud, did you?”

Jenna giggled. “Of course I did! It’s funny.”

For the first time in weeks, Hudayfah cracked a smile. “Fine. But only if you let me add something too.”