Alan [A Muslim Story]

Chapter 5

We came home to see three police cars parked in front of my house. My heart dropped and I quickly jumped out of my car and barge into my house, followed by Maryam.

There was a yellow police tape all over the door, and I tried to remove it and rush into the house.

"Mom!" I shouted into the house when a police officer tried to hold me back.

"Alan, she's not here, she's safe, don't worry, calm down," A man out of no where said.

He was 3 inches shorter than me and he wears a leather jacket and his hair is mildly thinning. His body looks like he's in his 20's but the crinkles on his face gave him away. Who the hell is this?

"What happened to her?!" I snapped worriedly and cussed under my breath.

He looked reluctant.

This is too much, I can't calm down anymore. I grabbed his collar and demand him to tell me everything on the spot and three police officers tackled me down and tried to handcuff me when the man told them to stop and let me go. I stood up, glaring at them.

"Alan, I told you she's fine. There was an attack, potentially a robbery, and she had concussion and bruises from the struggle," He explained again monotonously.

"You call that fine?! Tell me which hospital she's in!" I yelled, my patience is running thin.

"Alan, we need to question you first," He tried to persuade me. Is he for real?

"Sir, you can interrogate us at the hospital, please tell us which hospital," Maryam suddenly speaks up. I could hear the cop saying it's not an interrogation, but I couldn't care less. He guided us to his car and told us to follow him.

We arrived at the nearest hospital after 10 minutes of driving. Maryam and I stepped out of the car and quickly followed the cop into an elevator. He pressed the 2nd floor button and I flinched in anxiety. I noticed Maryam staring at me sympathetically, I break the gaze.

As soon as we get out of the elevator, the cop rushed to Room 215. He opened the door and I saw my mom lying on the bed, unconsciously.

I couldn't breathe as I stormed into the room, her face displays the familiar pain. Tears cascade down my cheeks as I recall her sacrifices and incredible strength. Seeing her in pain makes me miserable, more than anyone could know.

I swear if I find who did this, I'm going to cut his head off.

I turned around to see Maryam standing behind me, guilt plastered across her face.

I am really not in the mood to talk. The cop introduced himself as Detective Collins and asked a few questions about my mother and if I have any suspicion since this case was related to a drug syndicate according to the M.O of the crime.

Maryam suddenly bolted out of the door and  I followed her.

I went out of the room to find her sitting alone. I took a seat beside her. As my watch showed 7:00PM, I told her it wasn't her fault.

"I'm leaving tonight, Alan." 

I almost gasped.

"What?! But you said-"

"Alan, I can't stay here and put your family's life at stake, this is horrible enough as a warning, please Alan."

"How many times do I have tell you that it wasn't your fault?!" I yelled. I can't afford her leaving me now, I just can't.

She was caught off guard, I saw her gasping and she looked away. She muttered a sorry under her breath and stood up, ready to leave me.

If this is what she wants, I cannot stop her. I can't force someone to stay, I have no right to do that. She's probably not that comfortable to even stay.

"Just go, now." I said and looked away.

I noticed her looking back at me from the corner of my eye. That's what you wanted wasn't it?

I can never stop her.

2 months later.

I was walking towards my locker when a blondie got into my way, I eyed her suspiciously.

"Alan, I'm Rosie and I'm having problems with Calculus, I know that it's simple for you so maybe you can help me,"

She tuck her hair behind her ear while smiling at me. Why not?

"Yeah, sure, text me after school."

She seemed to be surprised

I gave her my number on a piece of paper. As soon as I handed the paper, her friend, presumably, came from behind me and sent a glare to her.

"Rose..... he only like girls with the head cover,"

She glanced at me while grabbing Rose by her arm. I rolled my eyes and walk away towards my next class. It has been 2 months and people still hasn't stop with the silly rumor about me dating Maryam. Some people even asked me if I converted.

She still hasn't contacted me since she left. My mother has partially recovered,  and not a single day has passed without me missing her. I tried to call her but of course, her number is out of service. It's frustrating knowing that she still lives a risky life.

As school ends, I walked towards my car to be interrupted by a text message. Apparently Rosie would rather listen to her judgemental friend than getting better at Calculus. She said she was sorry and those typical I-am-sorry-I-have-a-social-life-to-salvage. I huffed and start the engine. I threw my phone onto the passenger seat beside me. As I was about to reverse, another text beeped in.

"What else does she wants?" I grabbed my phone only to find a text saying,

Alan, I'm safe, don't you worry.
-Mar

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Follow your mind, and your heart will get hurt. Follow your heart, and your loved ones will get hurt. Follow Allah, and eternal happiness is yours.