An Echoing Race.

Chapter Thirty Nine.

#Chapter Thirty Nine#

We all stood there mute, unable to talk due to the overwhelming feelings of shock and betrayal.

I couldn't believe it. I refused to believe it.

I mean, sure, I never got along with my cousin, enjoyed his company or his overall presence but I never expected him to go this far. He treated me terribly and there was no doubt as to whether we liked each other but as for the rest of my family, the relationship was normal.

Well, I had thought it was.

He was always fond of baba and baba of him. Out of all of baba's nieces and nephews, Faysal was the one who he adored and spoiled the most and that's possibly why seeing him here was such a surprise.

I looked over at baba and my heart went out to him when I saw his expression. His mouth agape, eyes wide, arms flat and lifeless by his side, he looked like someone had just slashed him across the gut and as a result couldn't move. His face gave away every emotion he was feeling; he was in such a state of shock that he couldn't even comprehend that it really was his nephew.

I didn't know what to say and Salem looked like he was about to burst up into flames. Faysal held eye contact with all of us unrelentingly as the silence stretched on, but when his eyes landed on baba again he spoke up.

"Well this is awkward."

I raised one eyebrow. Was the guy serious?

"Faysal...what are you doing here?" baba finally asked slowly, unwillingly.

"Well I was having a nice time in Jordan before one of your men dragged me back here."

In one swift motion, Salem's fist collided with his nose.

Faysal cursed out loud and tilted his head back in anguished pain. A sick part of me applauded Salem for doing that and I actually had to lift my hand up to cover the smile that now shaped my face. If my punch had hurt him pretty badly - and mind you I didn't even know how to punch - then I don't even want to imagine how painful Salem's assault had been.

"Salem, please," baba said with a warning tone.

"Sorry boss."

"Get him some tissues please." Baba exhaled tiredly and moved to sit on one of the chairs that was placed in front of Isaac and Faysal. He schooled his features into a neutral expression as he sat down. 

Salem and I followed suit.

"Tell me you're not apart of Al-Ghorban," baba started, directing the question to his writhing nephew.

A bunch of tissues along with an ice pack were placed in front of him and he was quick to pick some up and spit blood out.

I scowled at him.

As he finished wiping his nose and mouth, his eyes made contact with mine and I couldn't help but notice how tortured they were. I felt myself soften towards him and despite everything he's done, I tried to understand why he did what he did. Surely, it couldn't just have been to spite our family or the likes.

His eyes pulled away from mine to look at baba. "I don't know what you want me to say," he replied, his voice hoarse.

"I want you to answer the question...are you apart of Al-Ghorban?"

After a long moment of silence, he cleared his throat. "Yes."

"Why?" Baba's voice was much harsher now.

Faysal gave a dry laugh. "Because I'm an asshole. Is that a good enough reason?"

It was clear as day he was going around in circles to try and avoid answering the question.