Take off your Hijab (Rewriting)

Sometimes we need that person to lean on ✅

"You know you are strong
But sometimes we need that one person to lean on and tell us it is okay to feel a little weak both emotionally and physically"

Dedicated to prprprlrlrlfck

Zach's POV

"Hey, Zach," Amal greets with a warm smile, taking a seat next to me at the lunch table.

"Hi Amal, hope you didn't get into trouble for going home late, last night?" I ask curiously

"Actually no, I got lucky last night" Amal says making me to raise a brow at her, she quickly realized what she had said making me let out a chuckle.

"Oh my God, that came out all wrong" Amal exclaims, shaking her head, but laughing along with me, with her cheek ringed pink.

"I get it, I get it! I won't judge," I say, still chuckling.

"I mean I'm not pray- you know what?, never mind that. i hope your grandma didn't spank you for getting home late too? "  Amal asks with a teasing smile making me roll my eyes.

"Nope but my dad did, he was actually waiting for me, for my return and boy didn't he spank me hard" " I say, trying to keep it light, but there's a hint of something more in my voice, something that Amal almost immediately takes note off.

"Your dad?" Amal asks, her smile faltering as her eyes widen slightly, the playful glint in them replaced by a flicker of concern. She leans in closer, her posture shifting from casual to attentive, clearly picking up on the change in my tone.

"Yeah turns out, he was waiting for me at home how funny right?" i say with a forced laugh but Amal brow just furrows oh she wants me to tell her more...gladly.

"Apparently, he came to get me like he promised, but, of course, not exactly when he said he would," I say with a forced laugh. Amal's expression shifts, her brows knitting together in a scowl—not directed at me, but at the situation itself.

"Oh really?" she replies, her tone dry but laced with concern.

"Yeah, but I told him no. He tried to apologize, but I couldn't bring myself to respond. And, to top it off, I just found out that he and my mom are officially divorced now," I explain, the words heavier than I intended. I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of it all.

"Wow, Zach... that's a lot," Amal says softly, her voice filled with empathy. Her concern makes me smirk, but it's a weak attempt to hide how I really feel.

"I know, right?" I reply, trying to keep things light even though I'm crumbling inside.

Amal seems to sense it and quickly shifts the mood. "I've got some news too—it's not as heavy, but I've been dying to share it with someone," she says, her eyes lighting up.

"Oh yeah? Spill," I say, eager for a distraction.

"My elder sister—she's pregnant!" Amal exclaims, her face glowing with excitement.

"What? Really? That's awesome!" I say, my mood lifting instantly. Her joy is infectious, and it's hard not to smile.

"Yes! I'm so happy! I love kids, and now I'm going to have my very own nephew or niece!" Amal gushes, practically beaming with pride.

"That's incredible! Be sure to pass along my congratulations the next time you talk to her—"

"I'll do you one better," Amal says, cutting me off with a mischievous grin. She pulls out her iPad and dials her sister.