From We to Me...

A Star

Once we landed in South Africa the heat hit us. From cold to heat. I was more a summer person anyway so I was happy about something at least. The day of results finally came. I walked with both my parents to the school admin block. I could hear familiar voices chatting. My results were handed to me in an A4 envelope. No one said a word. I carefully opened the envelope and there it was staring at me. I could not move. I could not speak. I just froze. It was impossible. Perhaps I got the wrong envelope. Irritated at my silence mummy grabbed the page from my hand. 8As. "SubhanAllah." She grabbed me in her embrace. Daddy too. Tears running down her face. "I am so proud of you princess." The principal congratulated me. I was his star.

The rest of the day was spent thanking well wishes.

Amidst the great excitement my phone rang and I answered without looking at the caller ID. A familiar voice on the other end said" well done madam. " Realising who it was I walked away." I was waiting for your call. "Clubhouse at 4." He cut the call. How was I going to get out? I would definitely get caught. I really needed to see him too. The next hour dragged by. I paced thinking of every excuse. Thankfully everyone decided to take a nap. The jet lag still lingering. I managed to slip out. I held carefully on to the gifts I had bought Zaid. I quickened my pace and there he was. Smoke from his Vape cigarette surrounded him. When I got nearer I could get the sweet strawberry scent. It sent shivers down me.

 "I am glad you could make it." He said

"It wasn't easy but I am here." I handed him the gift. "Aww is this for me?" I nodded. He carefully examined each item. "Thank you for being so thoughtful. But most of all I really missed you."

"I did think of you too. I have to say the Nutella Bagel was delicious. You sure do have good taste. By the way well done on your results "

He took a bow and I grinned.

" so tell me... I hear you did very well in your exams. Well done."

" Thank you. I wasn't expecting 8 As. Especially after the tragedy with Ismail. "

To my surprise Zaid became very quiet. A slight frown appeared but I continued talking. "I guess all those late nights, sacrifices and dua really got me through. Next week I am invited to a district awards ceremony. I may even get a bursary for med school. I meet with the Dean day after tomorrow." 

"oh so just because you had a tragedy in your life you think that everyone must feel sorry for you. It's all about you. I got good results too or to you it's just 4As and you outdid me and got 8?" 

He then got into his car and sped off. I stood there totally bewildered, shocked and numb. I didn't know what I did wrong. Tears stung my eyes. Perhaps I was being too conceited. Yes that's it. I let pride get the better of me. It's all my fault.

He then got into his car and sped off. I stood there totally bewildered, shocked and numb. I didn't know what I did wrong. Tears stung my eyes. Perhaps I was being too conceited. Yes that's it. I let pride get the better of me. It's all my fault.

I slowly walked back home with a heavy heart. "what happened doll?" where you crying? "

" No mummy. I think I'm coming down with the flu. From the cold in Turkey to the summer here. " I lied." you better take something and have an early night. After supper have a cup of tea and take your tablets. " If only you knew mummy..

Immediately after supper I went into my room feigning a headache. I checked my phone. Nothing. I decided to text. I typed out a message and deleted it. Repeating this action. Eventually I sent it and apologised for being so conceited and insensitive. It was delivered to and read. Still no reply. I eventually dozed off.

I spent the following day preparing for my interview with the Dean. I researched my fields on interest and prepared. Nani said I should read salaatul hajaat. The salaah for ease. I asked Allah to help me. Zaid had still not replied. I pushed him out my mind and concentrated at the task on hand. My goal is to be a surgeon.