From We to Me...

The Braai

The glow in daddy's eyes was something I wanted to continue igniting. We called home immediately. Once home my family celebrated with me. Nani suggested we have a family braai in celebration. My parents agreed to have it over the weekend. I called Aaliya to tell her the good news and invite her. She said she would bring the cake. I knew it would be exquisite. She also insisted we go shopping to buy me a new outfit. Although I wasn't a fan of shopping I agreed as we hadn't spent time together for a while. I checked my messages. Zaid still had not replied. I was too happy to bother. The next day I exhausted myself shopping with Aaliya. My feet ached, my tummy rumbled and my arms hurt. Aaliya was on a mission. Dress, shoes, nail Polish and scarf. After a full 3 hours I ran into Mochachos. I could eat a cow. We ate to our fill and laughed at almost everything. Suddenly a figure appeared at our table. We stopped mid laugh. His perfume smell weakened my knees.
His perfect set of teeth broke out into a smile. "Aaliya.... How are you?"
"Zaid... Great and u?" She turned to me and continued "You remember Faatimah Zahra. You guys stay in the same complex." He totally ignored me and my presence. "You busy shopping again I see" he said gazing at the shopping bags. "Oh those aren't mine. They hers. Faatimah Zahra got 8as and scored a brilliant scholarship from a British academic hospital so she is having a function to celebrate." He almost grunted. "Lovely seeing you Aals. I better get going some of the girls and boys from our class are meeting up for coffee and I don't wanna be late."  With that he was gone. His perfume smell still lingered. I felt a tinge of hurt and jealousy at how nice he was to Aaliya and that he was meeting up with other girls. Assuming I was impressed with him Aaliya snapped her fingers In front of me." He is quite nice. Good looking, smart and rich." I can organise for the two of you to meet up. His dad and mine do business together "No thank you. I have lots to concentrate on with Campus and stuff. I don't want to be distracted." luckily she accepted my excuse. Usually Aaliya never gave up. The rest of the afternoon was spent sitting outside the pool. Aaliya and Ismail filled the silence. They were busy arguing about buttercream icing and flavours. Had I hurt Zaid so badly? But what did I actually do that could have hurt him so badly? I did apologise. Perhaps he was bored and needed someone to talk to. But if he didn't care why the gift?
"So that's it then chocolate cake with cookies and cream filling topped with ganach" right F Zee.
"yes that's perfect." I barely heard what Aaliya said.
Saturday morning was filled with activity. Decor and food were being arranged. The beautiful January warmth rustled the air. Our entertainment area outside was draped with orange and pink. Long sheets of organza flowed from the roof. Truly magical. 
Aaliya arrived early to help. Ismail enjoyed having her around more than I did. Aaliya was going to chef and pastry school. It suited her perfectly. One day when Dr Askari needed food at least Aaliya would sell it to her. At 4pm I went upstairs to get ready. I slipped into a baby pink dress. I matched it with a  silver sandal and scarf. A petite necklace hung on my neck. I put a brush of light make up and hurried downstairs. "You look beautiful." mum said and gave me a kiss. "Thank you I get that from my mother." "Ahem." I heard daddy behind me. "Aaand my father." I quickly added in. "My princess I know the truth. Your mother is a true beauty. Till today her beauty has never faded.". My father definitely had the recipe to brownie points. 
Family and friends gathered around enjoying the braaiand goodies. Many congratulated me with gifts. Uncle Umar handed me a huge gift bag and told me to open it later. I went to my room to leave it along with the others. While in the room my door suddenly closed shut. I turned around and saw him standing against the door. He locked the door and walked towards me. I should scream. He walked up to me and placed a finger on my lips and said "sssshhh" I was frozen to the spot. "I am really sorry for acting like a jerk the other day and yesterday. There is a lot going on and I actually expected better results so I was pretty disappointed. I shouldn't have taken off like that or ignored you. I'm really sorry. Can we still be friends? You the only decent one I know." He removed his finger from my lip. I exhaled." You going to get me into trouble."
" I am not leaving till you accept my apology. "
" I do accept it. Perhaps I was wrong too. " He smiled" I'm glad I didn't loose you. " He threw something on my bed and walked out. Why was he even here? Panicking that mummy might be looking for me I ran downstairs bumping into Ismails wheelchair." where you rushing to? Don't tell me you training for the Olympics too. " I heard Zaid laughing. Ismail probably invited him. 
" I'm so sorry. did I hurt you?" I was so flushed.
"Not at all. I was looking for you. I got you something. Follow me." I hated surprises. He led me to the scullery. "That baskets for you."
"Basket.. Is it garden tools?" I asked. Ismail knows how much I enjoyed gardening.
"Just open it."
I carefully lifted the lid and inside lay a little ball of fur.
"A cat.. Oh my goodness. It's so cute." I lifted it and it peeped at me from its chunk of white fur.
"He has green eyes just like you."
"It's the best gift ever. I love you." My brother knew me all too well. My cute little Persian cat. I heard mummy shouting for me. Aaliya brought the cake. It truly was a work of art. The fondant flowers perched in the centre. "We are proud of you." I broke into tears and hugged my best friend. She was amazing and I loved her dearly too. After all the guests left, we all Sat at the kitchen table with mugs of tea and cake. Aaliyawas staying over. Bubbles of happiness gurgled inside me.