The Easiest Target

I Stole His Girl

I get my cast off in the beginning of December. The skin looks like it soaked in water for years — so pale too. I missed it.

I can finally cover both my ears.

And that's how December 23rd arrived faster than I can blink.

I can't lift myself from my seat in detention. Today is the last day of classes. Everyone files out when it's five and I sit frozen, my heart hammering in my throat, tears constantly blurring my vision, blood roaring in my ears, searching for a way out.

Christmas day is my wedding day.

I hear my mom talking about my wedding nonstop on the phone. I've been listening to Quran and anasheed nonstop to make sure I don't hear it. The invitations are scattered throughout the school and people either congratulate me or secretly pity me. It's sickening how many people are more interested in my wedding and the drama that follows it than they are in me.

Athan turns around in his seat next to face me, his expression relatively empty. He glances at Tokyo, sitting motionless in the seat in front of me. Then he does the last thing I expect him to do and actually leaves.

Tokyo's gone back to ignoring me for the most part. He's quit track and his grades are in trouble from what I hear all around. Tokyo gets up from his slouch, pulls his bag up and takes a small, gift wrapped box. He turns in his seat so he's facing me, slides it in front of me and says, "Happy Birthday." I look at the door after Athan then at Tokyo. "I already told him, don't worry."

I hang my head in shame: I shouldn't be worried. It's not like Athan is my owner. But I just ... don't want any more problems. I just got my arm back, my stomach stopped bleeding and I'm physically well — for the most part. I can't take another episode on a soap opera right now.

I blink and a couple of tears escape my eyes. The past month has been the worst. He's avoided me. I force myself to look at him and he hangs his head, rubbing his eyes.

"I'll still be here, Hadeel. I'll always be here for you. Even if we're both old with grandchildren. Don't ever hesitate to contact me."

I cover my eyes with my palms. "I'm scared ...."

"Hey," Tokyo whispers softly. He tugs gently at my sleeves. "It's okay," he smiles a bit. "He won't — just ... until you're eighteen and I'll ... be right there. Kay? You'll be okay. You always are. I'm here when you need me. I'll always be right here."

I grit my teeth and take a slow breath. He gets up to leave and I do the same, my heart booming with every step he takes towards the door. I hold the present he gave me close to my chest.

This feels like the end of whatever relationship we have. I wish I could tell him how much he means to me. I wish I could show him.

"T-Toki," I call before he steps out.

He looks at me with tears brimming in his eyes and all of composure leaves my body. I run at him and he drops his bag, a crutch and meets me half way. He wraps his arm tight around me and I cling to him, shaking because this is wrong. I shouldn't touch him. I don't want to lead him on but I don't know what else to do. His body quivers in my grasp and I sob into his chest. He's nothing like he used to be when we were children. He's nothing but bones, still trembling with the same sorrow and fear, still holding me like he's going to fall to death otherwise.

"No.... I can't," he squeezes me tight, the panic getting to him. "I can't. I can't," he starts to hyperventilate.

"It's okay, Toki. I'll be okay."

"No! I messed up so bad," he whispers, his voice quivering and muffled in my hijab. "I messed up, Hadeel! I'm so sorry! I'm so late!"

"His actions are not your fault."