Opposites Attract.

Chapter 35 - Bridesmaids & Confessions.

Mariam's POV:

The next day as I skipped down the stairs the smell of pancakes and the boisterous sound of voices floated up the staircase. Patricia and Yassin had arrived wanting to discuss the wedding and the nikah but I had other things occupying my thoughts. I needed to speak with Daniel and tell him what I saw at the Hamilton's and Scarlett's shawl that was still sitting in my closet. It was extremely unlikely that I'd get a second alone with him with our parents quarrelling over colour co-ordination and discussing whether we made the right choice with the venue or not. 

"Hey there, sleeping beauty!" Daniel's father yelled instantly making me jolt up in surprise, barely realising that they noticed my presence. 

"Hey!" I waved back "What are you guys doing?" I asked with my eyebrows raised curiously as Daniel shot me a grin.

Patricia smiled back warmly "Planning your wedding of course" she winked  back "What else would we be doing?"

I sighed and placed my head in my hands when I took a seat on the dining table. Daniel shot me a curious look "Something wrong, sweetie?" he asked.

Suddenly all eyes flickered towards me, Patricia and Yassin gave me an empathetic look whereas Amira and Jamal appeared bewildered and knew something was up. "I'm fine" I smiled politely "Everything's just peachy."

***

My family continued planning the wedding and had several sketches and plans in front of them. I merely sat and stared and occassionally nodded when someone asked me questions.

"Seriously, what is up with you today?" Amira asked when the rest of the family was out of ear-shot. 

"I have no idea what are you talking about." I replied but Amira raised her eyebrows in response "You've been acting weird today. Your attention is completely off. You've dreamt about this day since you were a little girl."

I nodded and sighed "Look, I don't feel really well." I said lying through my teeth my voice barely on the edge of cracking hoping that Amira didn't notice. Well, it wasn't a complete lie. Fear was a type of illness wasn't it?

Amira eyed me sceptically and then shook her head "I'm your sister. You can tell me anything, you know?"

"I know..."  I forced a smile at Amira but she was still frowning at me with one hand placed stubbornly on her hips "Right now, I don't feel like talking. I just need a huge distraction."

Amira's expression suddenly lit up as she beamed at me "I just had an amazing idea!" 

Oh no, I thought to myself. This can't be good. 

"And what would that be my lovely sister?" I replied back feigning enthusiasm. I sighed in relief when she didn't notice.

"Shopping!"

"No-" I began but she already latched her hand on my wrist and pulled me towards the door as everyone looked on curiously. I grumbled aggressively but to my dismay I was ignored by my shopaholic sister.

"Where exactly are you guys going?" Daniel asked folding his arms disapprovingly which made his muscles flex. 

Save me, I thought to myself. Please save me Daniel from shopping aka hell.

"Shopping, of course." Amira replied with a chuckle.

"Ah" Daniel nodded thoughtfully, understanding where she was going with this. I stared between both of them suspiciously "Well, I won't keep you any longer. Have fun, babe."