married at 16: Scars that bloomed into strength.

Episode 25 "Turning the page"

First Day of University

The first day of university is actually the worst. I thought being admitted into my dream school would have me jumping from corner to corner with excitement. But nope it's the complete opposite.

I can barely settle down without Jamila. She was literally my right hand. What was her dad expecting? That by sending her to study in Saudi, it would just end there? I mean, we're best friends! Can't he get that? How are we supposed to stay apart and still be strong and happy about it?

And before I even had time to breathe, the man said, "Y'all will be able to cope. It's just four years anyway."
Is he serious? Four years?! Not four days.

Anyway, she had to leave today, so I decided to stop by her place after lectures.

Getting Ready

I took a quick bath, brushed my teeth, and rushed to get dressed before my husband came to pick me up. I went downstairs to check if Dad was awake since no one else was there to wake him. Jamal had traveled last week with Baraka, and the kids were in madrasa.

"Oh hey Dad, Asalamu Alaikum," I said as I walked down the stairs.

"Wa alaikum salam wa rahmatullah, how's your morning, sweetie?" he replied, smiling. I kissed his forehead and dropped my bag on the chair.

"Let me bring your breakfast. It's ready." He nodded with a smile.

I brought the food, took a seat, and we both started eating.

We filled our stomachs to the max, and now, the only thing left to do as father and daughter was to chit-chat like there's no tomorrow. It felt good. I missed talking to him especially after everything that happened with the marriage. I was so distressed back then.

"When's your husband coming?" Dad asked, twirling his beard while waiting for my response.

"He said he's on his way" Toot! A car honked outside.
"I think it's him," I said, picking up the plates and cups to wash them.

"Okay, hurry up. Don't keep him waiting," he said as he stood up.

"Okay, Dad." I smiled and walked away.

I washed the plates and cups, wiped down the counter, washed my hands, and off I went.

At the Dining Table

When I walked back in, Yasir was talking to my dad at the dining table.

"So how are you managing university and work so far?" I heard him ask.

"Asalamu Alaikum," I greeted as I walked in.

"Wa alaikum salam... uhh," he hesitated, clearly unsure what to call me.

"Phatimah," he finally whispered, looking down. I wanted to burst out in tears. That name was for special people. Who even gave him permission?

"That's lame," Dad suddenly said.

We both stared at him, unsure of what he meant.

"I said that's lame why are you staring? Can you two go to school already?" he said, getting up and dragging us toward the door. He knew we were confused and enjoyed it.

"SubhanAllah! What I meant was, you could've called her by a better name," he added, smiling and placing my hand into Yasir's.

"Now get out of my house," he said while laughing and opening the door.

We walked out, utterly shocked.

"But Baba, your water is downstairs. I haven't taken it upstairs yet," I said, pulling my hand back.