The Light At The Very End Of The Tunnel

The Guests

'Slow down Ziad!'  I screeched. He ignored me and kept thundering down the streets like an insane person with me at his wake. When we finally got home. I doubled over holding a stitch in my stomach. Mama came bursting into the living room.

'We haven't got time' She started without preamble.

'Time for what?' I asked utterly bewildered. If someone didn't tell me what the he'll was going on...

'Go take a bath now Menna. Don't ask questions' Mama said looking grim.

'But mama...'  I protested

'Now!'  She bellowed. I didn't need another telling. Mama hardly gets mad. But when she did, she was like a rampaging rhino. I took off my threadbare long skirt, blouse and scarf. I was about to braid my hair so as not to soak it when Mama called out 'Wash your hair too! I quickly let it flow down my back. I was getting scared now. I could hear her pacing back and forth in front of the bathroom door. What was happening?' Menna! Hurry up they'll be here any minute now' she said. And added

'Need any help? '

'No way Mama don't you- Aaaaarrgggh! ' Mama had come bursting in. I jumped and covered myself with my towel.

'What the hell mama' I snarled
I was so angry. What has gotten into her? 

'Fine' She muttered. 'Like I haven't seen you naked before'

I jumped back under the shower and was done in less than five minutes. I wasn't going to risk another outburst.
For the first time in forever, Mama brushed and styled my hair. She styled it so beautifully, I never thought she knew how to. I watched her in the mirror as she curled my hair. I wasn't really looking at my hair. Mama seemed different. She had this glow in her face. Like hope. Mama and I could be twins. Except for the fact that I was seventeen and she was approaching forty.  We stood at almost the same height. Mama was a few inches taller than I was. Though even at five feet six, we were both taller than Baba.
When Mama was done, my hair fell in waves down my back. Almost brushing my waist. Mama even applied my khol perfectly. Leaving my hazel eyes smoky. Then without warning she turned me to face her and cupped my cheeks with both hands.

'Habibaty, you've grown into a beautiful woman' she said with tears in her eyes.

'Now go wear the clothes I layed out for you'

When I saw the brand new clothes, I nearly screamed. I haven't had a new dress in years. I was never bothered, but this dress was exquisite. It was so soft. And accross the shoulder and wrists were tiny studs. It was white. Without a speck of stain on it. What was I saying. It's brand new. There was no scarf to go with it. So I began rummaging through Mama's wardrobe. I found a scarf and wore it with the dress. It felt amazing. Not amazing enough to make me not to realize something was going on. And I was going to find out.

'Mama' I began.

'Tell me whats going on please. And don't avoid it. Tell me'  I pleaded with my eyes.

'You...  That is to say we...  Um have some visitors.' She said avoiding my eyes.
'Okay' I said slowly.' Why am I all dressed up then? '

'Menna it's good manners to dress up for guests, you know that' she said

'I know but... ' A loud knock at the door stopped me mid sentence.
Mama quickly snatched off my scarf and hurried me into the living room.