Muslim Love Story (Under Major Editing)

Chapter 7 - PARTNER

Edited. ✅

x HIRA x

Sitting in class, I looked at the reflection of myself on my phone screen, adjusting my hijab while Mrs Jensen spoke away about an upcoming science project.

She mentioned that it was partner work and everyone groaned, knowing that Mrs Jensen never let us pick our own partners.

I didn't really mind.

I had no friends in my science class anyway and so in a lot of ways it was easier for me. This way, she made someone work with me and I didn't have to float around to find someone.

There was only one person in the class that no one wanted to be with to be honest - Jacob McLauren.

Jacob was what people would call the typical 'school bully'. He was a rude, arrogant, mean and loud guy who picked on just about everyone in the school. It didn't help that he also towered over every other student in the entire school either.

Me, being a Muslim with a small group of friends, was an easy target for him. I had been going good for about three weeks now so I knew that he'd try mess with me soon. He also knew how to get to me.

Knowing that in Islam it is sinful for me to touch non-mahrams, he would always try to touch my arm or my face. He also made terrorist jokes which were a tad too old and overused for me to get offended over in any way.

I didn't take it badly. I never felt the need to tell a teacher or my parents, hell, I never for a second felt like telling Waleed.

He messed with people in the 'popular group' so of course I was going to be yet another point of interest.

He was always paired with his friend but no one commented that it was unfair as they didn't want him to be their partner anyway so it suited them.

"Hailey and Justin." She began reading off the paper. Justin, who was sitting next to me smiled and waved a small goodbye before getting up and walking over to sit with Hailey.

"Kayla and Olivia." She announces, the pair also getting up to sit next to each other.

"Amir and Hira."

Hold up. Wait.

Did she just say Hira?

"Me?" I asked, my eyes wide.

"Is there another Hira in the class?" She questioned sarcastically and I groaned, throwing my head back.

I looked around the classroom only to see that Amir wasn't even here.

Just as I was letting a relieved smile takeover my lips, three loud, firm knocks were heard on the door before it opened and the devil himself was standing there, mumbling a careless apology to Mrs Jensen for being late.

What was the saying...speak of the devil and thy shall appear? Yeah, that.

Astaghfirullah.

I crossed my arms over my chest and rolled my eyes, pursing my lips as Mrs Jensen told him to sit next to me, briefly explaining that i was his partner for the project.

I didn't even look at him but I heard a loud and frustrated exhale, before heavy footsteps walked closer towards me and the empty chair beside me was pulled out, rather harshly, might I add.