Plenty More Fish in The Sea

Chapter 23

Zainab's POV

Currently, I sit opposite a wide range of 3 guys.

'So, can you cook curry?' One of them speaks up. Let's call him... beardie. He has a long beard.

My mum decides to answer for me. 'Yes! Yes, of course she can. Lamb curry, chicken curry, rice and curry. All sorts!' Okay mum, you don't need to boast.

'Does she pray? Read the Quran. Mosque?' This time, it's a different guy. I can see his gross chest hair, so he can be called hairy. I try really hard to not roll my eyes and scream at the same time. All of them are shit, no offence.

'Yes, my daughter prays five times a day. Never misses out!' This time my dad replies. 'She also reads the Quran, every day, might I add.'

'I'll go and make some tea.' I excuse myself. If I'm in there any longer, then I might rip my head off.

As I'm bustling around the kitchen finding biscuits, I wonder why Spanky hasn't turned up yet. Just then, I get a text from him.

Haroon: I told you're mum I would be late. Be there in a bit.

Me: Remember to act like you don't know me. :)

Haroon: Sure x

I spend a good 10 minutes making the tea, just so I can be away from those men. Unfortunately, my mum turns up and asks me what's taking me so long.

'I couldn't find the biscuits!' I tell her.

'Shhhh! Don't be loud, you'll make a bad impression on them!' I roll my eyes.

'Ma! I don't like any of them.' I whisper- shout.

'Don't worry, there's one more on the way.' Yeah, thank god.

Bringing the tray of tea and biscuits into the living room, I walk into the conversation of whether or not I have a tattoo. For crying out loud.

'No, I don't have a tattoo. I am positively aware that it's haram. Thanks.' I smile sweetly at beardie.

I place the tea down and take a seat between my mum and dad. Hairy takes a sip of the tea.

'Hmm... A little too milky.'

Beardie and the other guy, who has big lips (plumpy) join in. 'Yes, yes. How much milk did you put!' Luckily, I control myself from shouting at them to go and fuck themselves.

'If you don't like it, don't drink it.' My mum gives me a look. 'Sorry.' I add. Then whisper, 'it's true.'

'So tell me, do you work?' Plumpy asks.

'No.' I reply.

'Good, good. Women must not work. Only look after kids, am I right?' To which he receives agreeing nods from both beardie and hairy.

'Correct, women need to take care of their husbands. Not mingling with other men at work.'

I can't take this. I stand up and point at the door. 'Leave, please.'

My mum stands up. 'Zainab, what are you doing?'

'Telling these disrespectful men to get out.'

They all exchange worried glances with each other. 'Why are you staring at each other! Get out! And go and learn how to make your own damn tea, stop complaining.'

They finally start to get up and shuffle towards the door. As they're leaving, I see Spanky walk up towards my house.

'MA, SOMEONE'S AT THE DOOR!'