Chapter 15
"What on earth happened to your t-shirt?" Aslam said when he saw me.
"Diago happened to it. But hey I look good blue so I'm trying not to let it ruin my day".
I said taking a seat next to him at the place we had arranged to meet at.
"I'm liking your optimism. So what do you want to do today?" He asked.
"Well, there's an apartment I want to go and see". I suggested.
"Okay and then?"
"Ice cream!" I answered. Ice cream is my second love after Photography.
"Awesome. So tell me what happened with you and mama?" He asked bringing up the subject I didn't want to really talk about.
I then related the what happened. I still can't believe mama wanted me to explain to strangers what I wanted to do for the next thirty years of my life when I have no idea what I want to do.
Aslam looked at me doing the thing he always does scanning my brain for the answer I would want.
"You know when I started seeing Nabila I told mama. And she got so happy. I really don't see why you shouldn't tell her?"
"First of all I'm not you. Second of all she would have a heart attack if she knew about Ahmed. Mama makes the smallest things I do into the biggest things. And speaking of Ahmed I haven't spoken to him. He must think I'm a terrible person".
"Not by the way he talks about you for that matter". He replied.
"You met him again?" I asked.
"You tend to bump into familiar people at Jummah Salaah".
"I don't know what I feel about him. Is that normal?" I bit my lip and admitted.
"Nuriyah as small as the world it is also big, so when you find that something special you need to hold on to it. Whether it's a relationship or a career it's always up to you to hold on to what you want".
"See, why can't mama think like you? Why does she always fail to see the good in whatever I do?!" I exclaimed.
"That's because mama and I are different people. Just how you want us accept you as you are, you have to accept mama for who she is". He said putting a comforting hand on mine".
I sigh. Maybe his right?
"Anyway, it's enough philosophy for the day. Let's go to the apartment you so want to see".
He said finally putting an end to this dreadful conversation and I smile.
-
A 15-minute subway ride later.
Aslam followed me as we walked through the most artistic side of Barcelona.
"Your blend right in here", Aslam teased about my paint splashed t-shirt.
"I know right. I love the vibe here".
"About that who's Rodrigo by the way?" He asked.
"He's a complete, ignorant and unfortunately Clara's grandson".
I answered him. Gosh, it felt good to say out loud!
"Here we are!" I said stopping in front of the apartment.
"It looks more like a house. Are you sure can afford it?" He said switching from brother mode to financial adviser.
"Let's just live in the moment". I said looping my arm with his and walking inside.
