From We to Me...

The Teddy Bear

I Sat under the canopy of my bed. The balcony door was opened at the summer breeze swayed in. The stars twinkled extra bright and I twinkled with them. I started making lists for my upcoming trip. As I researched about Turkey I fell further in love with the enchanted land. 

The next week went by with much vigour and and preperation. Nani and mummy were in charge of the food. Ismail had a visit to Dr Prins for the final go ahead. We all breath a sigh of relief when it was given. Daddy worked till late to ensure all was in order during his absence. 

The Thursday before our departure I checked my lists again. Aaliya emphasised the hat, gloves, coat, umbrella and definitely leather boots. Suddenly my phone rang. I ran towards it as it seldom rang unless it was an emergency. The caller ID read Dorky Zaid. I answered whispering. After the usual formalities he said"meet me at the club house."
" That's impossible what if mummy sees me. " " I really need to see you before you leave. "He sounded really sincere." Fine but give me 15 minutes." I grabbed my hijab. Applied some lip gloss and went downstairs. Luckily mum was in her room. 

 Ismail was in the study completing some administrative work for daddy. I popped my head in and told him I was off to meet Zainab." I thought you and zainab didn't get along." "Argh that's when we were smaller. This year in matric I got to know her better." I could not believe how easily I managed to slip out. I still hated Zainab. Okay maybe not hate but sincerely disliked her. Her constant talk about boys In her dragging tone still got to me. I walked towards the club house and saw Zaid waiting. He was leaning against his car, sunglasses on. He smiled when he saw me. "I thought you weren't coming." "Ismail gave me the rapid fire." "I don't blame him. Having such a gorgeous sister must be hard work. By the way I really like your sneakers." "Thank you. I like your sunglasses." He smiled showcasing a perfect set of teeth. "is there something on my face?" "No not at all. I'm just admiring your perfect set of teeth. No wonder you wanna be a dentist." He laughed and winked at me. He opened the car and handed me a gift bag. "This is for you Madam." I glared at the package in his hand and slowly reached for it.I glared at the package in his hand and slowly reached for it. I looked into the bag. "open up I can't wait to see your reaction." I pulled out the contents.  In it was a soft fluffy travelling pillow. A variety of chocolates. Buried at the bottom was a handwritten note. "Bon Voyage madam. Hope to see you again soon. Ps: Visit a street vendor. Eat a Nutella bagel and think of me. I smiled whole heartedly." no one has ever done such a sweet thing for me Ever. " A tear escaped my eye." hey no tears madam. Well at least I don't wanna be the reason for them." Little did I know that those words would be facet of great things. 

I made my way back home floating. As I entered mummy was busy packing medication. I quickly slipped the note into my pocket." Look what Zainab gave me." I emptied the contents on the kitchen counter. " I didn't realise that you two were that close." I panicked mummy knew something and was probably going to leave me behind. "erm. Aaliya never do physical Science and Zainab did so we became pretty close as study buddies." "oh yes Aaliya did consumer studies instead right?" "yes she is quite a whizz when it comes to baking." I left the kitchen glad to have yet again saved myself. I read my note again. How sweet. In a world of computing a hand written note is far more meaningful. I hid it under my stack of books and placed my gifts into my hand luggage. 

Saturday morning finally arrived. The house was abuzz. After ensuring all luggage was packed we packed into the shuttle. Mummy triple checked that we had our passports. We were due to fly to Dubai and take a connecting flight to Ataturk airport in Istanbul. Due to Ismail being in a wheelchair we were given priority in checking in and queues. 

After a 5 hour trip we landed in Dubai. The airport is a city on its own. We had to take a train to the boarding gate. We only had a 2 hour transit. After making our way to the boarding gate I decided to take a walk. "Don't go too far we will be boarding soon."

As I wandered into the duty free store I was awestruck at the variety. I scanned the store and my eyes fell on the cutest teddy bear ever. As I grabbed it, the bear slipped from my hand. As I bent down to pick it up another pair of hands did too. I looked up and was face to face with a pair of Hazel eyes.