Rendezvous of a hijabi

Chapter 1• Damn that glow

New state. Clean slate.

I, Safa Mohamed, couldn't be more ready.

The next day would be my first day at County Hall High in Manhattan and I was jittery with excitement.

You see, I have been preparing for this day since the start of summer break. From my outfit to my demeanor, I had it all planned.

I was so certain everything would fall into place at the logical scenario I expected it to be that I hadn't even prepared my self for failure.

I wasn't used to failure, I was a Mohamed.

It was either Straight As or don't come home.

Life is pretty unpredictable.

          *^*^*^*

Today was the day. I hopped out of the shower hastily and reviewed the outfit that lay on the bed before me.

A nike air hoodie, layered with a distressed blue denim jacket, black high waisted jeans and a chiffon grey hijab.

It gave an edgy and casual street look, and best of all it was very comfortable.

After I had dressed, I uncovered the make up bag I hid from my mom and filled in my eyebrows gently, being cautious to be light handed in the front few hairs so it would look natural.

I then carved it out with concealer and hastily blended it out before my sisters awoke.
It was 6:30am I doubted they'd even stir.

I picked up my favourite highlighter and swiped it across my cheekbones lightly with a fan brush and instantly my confidence boosted 3 notches.

Damn that glow, the sun better be out today, I thought.

I turned around and came face to face with Fatima, who was 3 years older than me. She took one look at my face and tutted disapprovingly.
"Has hooyo (mom) seen you with all that slap on your face, Safa?" She sneered pushing past me for the bathroom to prepare for work.

Ignoring her usual moody self I went downstairs to make myself breakfast before anyone else awoke.

I love the house when it's quiet for the rare few hours it actually is. I feel free away from the usual chaos and noise that seemed to follow me everywhere.

I chewed thoughtfully on a granola bar whilst checking my snapchat.

I sighed at my friends stories from the night before, back in Kansas, Yasmina stayed over at Marwa's house again. They were re-watching Friends. I burned with an unfamiliar sensation, as soon as I had left it was almost like Yasmina replaced me.

I shook off all the sour thoughts that filled my head. I was being ridiculous I reassured myself.

"Safa! What are you doing all dressed this early!" My mom's voice boomed through the kitchen, startling me.

"We are getting the early bus so we can get settled in quicker hooyo" I explained, "I'm going to leave in a bit when Hamda and Hamza are ready,"

I turned my heel to wake my two  younger siblings but I was halted with another lecture. It was part two from the night before.

I rolled my eyes and plastered on a fake smile.

1) "No talking to boys,"
- Of course hooyo.

2) "Listen to the teacher,"
-Yes Hooyo.

3) "Don't hang around with bad girls,"
-I know Hooyo.

4) "Look after your younger siblings,"
-Definitely Hooyo

5) "Come straight home,"
-Ok Hooyo

When she was finally done she kissed my forehead and told me to have fun. Yeah fun, I hadn't thought of that.

If County Hall high was as half as cut throat as my last school then I wouldn't stand a chance.