Zarah- A Muslim Against Time

Chapter 9- Return of the Frenemies

Walking through the school halls with Naseeb was like walking with a target hanging on your back. Often times, people would stare at you giving you uncomfortable looks. Some pointed at his clothing, and others whispered about him. While Zarah felt compelled to give reassuring smiles at everyone she saw, Naseeb minded his own business. They feared him because of his faith. Zarah's stomach dropped from it, yet her companion looked as cool as a cucumber.

He was used to it.

Obviously.

Either he didn't take notice of the looks or he was used to them. Though she had to admit, if walking with Naseeb was like wearing a target on her back, being accompanied by him was like wearing armour. If anyone said something rude Naseeb would stand up for the both of them.

None of the boys would scream after Zarah anymore either. Whenever she usually walked by the halls she would get harassed, especially after the whole Jake thing. Naseebs presence put an end to that real quickly. She didn't know if it was because they feared him or if it was simply a male presence but either way she didn't mind. They had a unspoken pact that from now on he would protect her, he would protect the both of them.

Third period rolled around and the pair continued their way to math class. Mr. Makis booming voice reigned over everyone.

"Look whose decided to join us! Good morning Mr. Kah- rheem. A word in the halls?" Naseeb went out into the halls with Zarah staring after them.

***

"Mr. Kah-rheem I would like to talk to you in regards to your poor grades in my class."

"Yes I understand, I haven't been attending school as regularly as I should have due to a family emergency."

"Poor excuse."

"Excuse me?" Naseeb tapped his foot impatiently scrutinizing the teacher with his eyes. He was really avoiding thinking about his Aunt. Her absence in the tiny house felt like a stab to the heart. And he would rather not discuss the details of his broken heart with a teacher who seemed to be jumping to conclusions. He'd probably think he was making it up anyway.

"I have a zero toleration policy against skippers. My class isn't a come and go service. You either put in the time or save yourself and me the trouble of marking."

"I already told you I had a family emergency."

"No one called in or brought it up to me."

Yeah because my sole guardian decided to drop off the face of the earth.

Naseeb pushed down the emotions and waves of sadness that crashed upon him. His eyes hardened to their usual state as he put on a careless facade.

"I don't have a guardian anymore." Now it was the teachers turn to be at a loss of words. Naseeb couldn't differentiate whether it was because the teacher believed him or simply didn't know what else he could use against him. He had only been there for two days. Mr. Maki took a deep breath understanding some of the emotional tension.

"You could have called in." The teacher said without attitude in his voice either. Like a parent telling a child an obvious mistake.