The Other

11

(Zulaykha)

We had arrived at the party. There were so many teenagers there. It was a huge house. I hadn't even known who's house it was, let alone who was even throwing this party.

Teenagers were dancing and drinking in the front yard, in the back yard, on the porch, on the balcony. Some were inside of the house while some were even passed out on the ground.

We hopped out of my brother's car that Yasir had been driving. We approached the house. As we walked inside, many people waved and smiled at Yasir and Yasin. They're very popular.

I spotted my friends sitting in the living room, playing board games with drinks in their hands.

I smiled and walked over to them, Yasir and Yasin followed.

"Hey, Arlo! Hi, Yuki!" I said with a smile. They looked at me and smiled back.

"So Zucchini popped out after all!" Arlo said with a smirk.

"Hey, Zulaykha!" Yuki said, moving over, so I can take a seat in between her and Arlo. I sat down and they started the game over, so I can join.

"Oh. Would you guys like to join too?" Yuki asked Yasin and Yasir.

Arlo looked at them with a surprised look. "No way... Zucchini hangs out with the two most popular boys in school?" Arlo asked.

"Yeah. We're her cousins." Yasir said.

"And I don't appreciate you making fun of my cousin's name...without letting me in on it!" Yasin said. "Ohhh. Zucchiniii!" he yelled as he tousled my hijab.

"Yasin! Stop!" I yelled, fixing my hijab.

Yasir smiled at Yuki. "I would like to join." he said as he sat down next to Yuki.

"Ha. Lame!" Yasin said. "I'm gonna go hang out. I'll see you guys later!"

We started the board game, Trouble. Suddenly, I spotted her again... The Muslim girl.

She was sitting across the room and then she got up and headed up the stairs. She stood at the top of the stairs, staring down at me.

Does she want me to follow her?

"Zulaykha!" Yasir yelled. I snapped out of my thoughts.

"It's your turn, Zucchini." Arlo said.

I looked at them. "O-Oh..." I said. "I'll be right back. I'm going to the bathroom." I spoke as I got up and followed the Muslim girl.

She headed into the bathroom. I ran up the stairs and into the bathroom.

There she was...

The door closed and locked by itself.