The Hooded Hijabi

24 Grace Street

"Did he bleed to death?", the robotic voice asks with an indication of amusement.

My blood begins to boil and I yell at him loud enough to get my anger out but not let my voice reach the ears of my family downstairs,"I told you to keep it between us, you son of a gun!"

"And I told you not to threaten me, you wretch", he replies calmly.

"I. Did not. Threaten you", I say through my gritted teeth.

"Sure did sound like it, though."

"You know what, let's do this. Tell me where and when to come and I'll be there. Let's see what's all the hate about."

I had enough of his blackmailing and games for the past six months or so. It's high time the scoundrel pays for all the crap he pulled at me.

He guffawed at my audacity and replied a few seconds later,"This just keeps getting better and better! Alright, then. See you soon, sugar."

I put the phone away once he hangs up and I feel disgusted by the sound of 'sugar' as his voice replays in my head.

-----------------

I wake up after a short nap from the sound of nasheeds playing on speakers from Ali's room. "What. The. Heck!", I speak under my breath as I head to his room.

"Ali!", I growl as I knock on his door and burst it open when something blocks the door.

"What the heck? Open the door, jerk! Who's walimah are you celebrating in there! I was trying to sleep! Oh God, I hate it when my sleep is ruined. You know it!", I speak to the door.

"Uh, what are you doing?", I hear Ali's voice from behind me.

I turn to face him quickly and look at him, astonished. "Who's in your room?", I ask.

"Azan bhai?", he replies, perplexed.

"What?", I cry out. "Why didn't you tell me?", I whisper, my teeth gritted.

"Beee- cause I didn't have to? He's here for me. I called him. Plus, you were asleep", he replies, holding two bottles of peach malt.

I go back into my door and dig my face in my hands as soon as I shut the door.

"What did you just do, Amina? Why won't you let me be cool in front of him! Gah! I always end up making a fool out of myself in front of him", I scold myself as I whine.

Half an hour later Ma calls everyone for supper and I head downstairs dressed in a black knee-length coat, cotton trousers and a hijab.

Ali and Azan come down a few minutes later as I'm setting the table. "I really appreciate the effort, Aunty, but I'm afraid I have to go. I'm really sorry."

"No, Azan baita. I can't let you leave without a meal. Sit down and have supper with us", Ma instructs him.

I steal a glance at him who seems a bit nervous and unsure whether to stay or leave.

"My frien-...", Azan begins but Ma cuts him off.

"Is it something important that needs to be done right away?", Ma asks.

Azan hesitates and replies honestly,"It can wait."

"Good. Then come sit with us. Amina made some pasta", Ma adds. Azan and my eyes meet for a quick moment and then I say,"I did?"