Take off your Hijab (Rewriting)

He is not coming back✅

"Sometimes, the hardest part of falling apart is letting go of the control you've clung to, even when you know that true strength lies in surrendering to the chaos."

Third person's POV.

"Assalamulaikum(Peace be unto you), Daddy, Mommy, I'm back... Zach?" Amal's voice starts with eager excitement as she kicks open the door but trails off as her eyes land on Zach, who was calmly seated on the couch next to her father. They seem to be  engrossed in a football match that's currently playing  on TV, while her mother walks into the living room with a tray in her hands, which probably contains a lot of snacks, her smile widens a he sigh of Amal but Amal's frown deepens in reply as she takes in the scene.

"Walaikumusalam(and unto you), Amal. Welcome back—"

"Why is he here?" Amal's voice cuts through her parents trying to reply her greetings back, her confusion evident. Her eyes dart between Zach and her parents, trying to piece together what's happening.

"Amal, don't be rude to your friend," her mother scolds, her voice sharp with disapproval. Amal's confusion only grows, and she feels a mix of frustration and unease.

"But—" Amal starts, but her mother's disapproving gaze silences her.

Zach, unfazed by the tension, watches Amal with a calm demeanor, though a hint of discomfort flashes in his eyes. Amal feels a pang of unease. To be honest this whole situation is confusing and unsettling, and she can't shake the feeling that something is amiss.

"Amal, we were just having a nice time," her father says, attempting to defuse the situation. "Zach's been helping us out."

Amal's frown deepens as she tries to make sense of it all. Zach's presence here, so casual and out of place, only adds to her growing confusion. She looks at her parents, hoping for an explanation that makes sense, but it's Zach who steps in to save her from further drowning in further confusion.

"I came here not too long ago to apologize," Zach says, his tone carrying a gravity that only deepens Amal's frown. Finally, he's breaking his silence. But Amal's annoyance simmers beneath her surface. When they became friends, acceptance and sacrifice were part of the deal, and she didn't expect an apology. Yet, Zach's sudden reappearance she couldn't help but to feel an once of annoyance at him for ignoring her only to appear in her house like he hasn't been missing in action for several weeks now.

"oh?, and Apologize about what?" Amal's voice trembles slightly, a mix of bewilderment and irritation coloring her tone.

"About us staying out late last rime. I told them that nothing happened between us and that I'd prefer to be able to come over to yours from now on to hangout to avoid further suspicions," Zach explains, his voice carrying an air of resignation. Amal narrows her eyes, suspecting there's more behind his words.

"Oh? Can we talk for a moment?" Amal's smile is strained, her eyes betraying a mix of frustration and vulnerability.

"I actually just came to say hi, so I should get going," Zach replies, rising from the couch. Amal's glare could cut through steel.

"You can't just leave! We need to talk!" Amal's voice is tight, her frustration palpable. Her parents exchange disapproving looks, and Amal takes a deep breath before rephrasing her request.

"Can we talk for a moment? Please, before you leave. I have something I need to say," Amal insists, her tone firm and unwavering. Zach hesitates but eventually agrees, and they make their way to the kitchen for some privacy, as soon as the sound of the tv fades, Amal starts speaking up.