Lost

Chapter 54: Old Nightmares Revisit

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Salma's P.O.V.

Salma felt a sharp pain shoot through her chest. The amount of respect and concern in William's questions was in stark contrast to the disrespect and insensitivity with which Ghamey had just treated her. It had just hit her how different her two cousins were from each other. She looked away from his curious gaze that was laced with worry.

However, it did not skip her notice that in his haste to help her out, William had forgotten she was not the young girl he once named 'Sally'. He was stepping over the line she had drawn around herself by asking her questions and calling her by the nickname. His slip was not helping her already unruly emotions. While he was being his old self, Salma had to remind herself they were not kids anymore and it would not make sense for her to seek comfort in his arms that looked quite warm and welcoming.

"I - I'm fine," Salma replied.

"I can see that," Will scowled at her house, ignoring her reply. "So what did they do?"

Salma felt another painful tug at her heart. Not trusting her ability to keep the kid in her from letting it all out to her curly haired best friend, Salma took a cautious step back to increase the distance between them. She wrapped her arms around her and swallowed before replying.

"Is Anne inside?" she asked, not meeting his gaze.

Will glanced at the open door then back at her. Salma could tell he was suspicious of her dodging his questions but he was conflicted about inquiring further.

"Well, mum is . . ." Will trailed off.

Salma looked up and was surprised to see him glaring at a spot behind her. Following his eyes, Salma clenched her teeth to see Ghamey staring at the two of them maliciously. The evil smile playing upon his snake like face was enough to let Salma know what he was thinking and how he intended to use that piece of information. Her gut twisted in an uncomfortable knot. The scandalous gossip he was cooking in his head would be painful to deal with.

"You know what, come inside," William said softly, stepping aside.

He was eyeing Ghamey with much contempt, having understood why Salma had ran towards the refuge of his house. Salma silently stepped inside the house.

"Salma!" Uncle Dawood smiled brightly when William closed the door behind them. "How is my favorite daughter doing?"

"Your only daughter." Salma rolled her eyes at him playfully, falling into his welcoming arms.

"Being smart mouthed, hmm?" He squeezed her, ignoring her protests of getting choked. "Looks like you came here looking for your shrink."

"You psychology people are so creepy," Salma said faking a huge gasp when he finally let go.

"Imagine living with them," she heard William mutter as he walked upstairs to his room.

Uncle Dawood laughed in response. Anne walked out of the kitchen just then. She smiled, somewhat surprised to see Salma.

"I hate the guests that are staying at our place," Salma announced, without wasting an instant. "Can I stay over?"

***

The next day, Salma made a quick trip to her house to gather her books. From facing the 'devils' to going through her classes, Salma had little mentally challenging confrontations. Niall and Sarah ambushed her a couple of times, but she shrugged them off quickly. However, as english class drew nearer, Salma's brains threatened to burst with dread. She may have somewhat distanced herself from the devil at home, but being in the vicinity of the devil at campus was still as nerve-racking as ever.