Hussein and Aliyah had always been friends, at least from the moment they started talking. They had met at Istiqamah High School where both their parents had thrown them - metaphorically speaking - to better both their grades. Obviously, Hussein approached Aliyah taking into consideration how weird she was in front of the opposite gender and only Allah knew how precisely - to this date, she remembered their first conversation.
"Assalamu Aleikum sister," even without turning she knew it was him and so her anxiety kicked in, "Waaleikum Salaam," she answered timidly hoping he was offering salaams as he continued on his way to wherever he was headed to but by the way he was standing and facing her she knew he'd stay - at least for a while. "Don't mind my asking but what's your name?" At this point, Aliyah knew all too well that lying was haram but she wasn't just about to blurt her name to a boy from her school (not that that was a big deal), "Sameerah," he nodded his head, as though he knew she was lying and said, "I'm Hussein." She smiled back as she answered the questions he asked hoping her facial expression didn't match the anxiety that was flowing through her body and soul.
"I noticed you were really good during math class, do you mind teaching me a bit of that!' She internally rolled her eyes! 'I mean come on,' she thought to herself, 'Why in the name of all things holy did I not just shut up and focus in stead of throwing my answers all over class!?' "Most definitely! Let me know when you're free." He said his thank yous and left, much to "Sameerah's" delight.
Aliyah's siblings and father had gone on a short trip to the capital city hence leaving her with the help. They rarely cooked and vowed to clean the house the day before her father was expected to come back so to say the least, she was living her best life. Cartoons all day and sleep through out the night to the maximum was her version of a fairy tale life. She had no need for romance and or adventures. All she ever needed was Shrek and maybe Barbie and she'd have considered herself to have climaxed in life. But not for long, for not so far away, a prince awaited. He had no shining armor, no throne, but he had a giving heart. And what more could a 17 year old want than a pure soul that would love her through the pain?
