Second hand hearts

Chapter 4 (Chance encounter II)

"Oh my God Amal,you need to be extra careful. I can't imagine how you're coping being all by yourself there. Come home,you're safer with us".

"Aunty i am okay,really. Please don't bother yourself besides it wasn't like i have been attacked a dozen times. It's the first time ".
Amal said holding the phone between her ear and shoulder while her hands rummage through her bag to pick out her notebook and a pen.
She had exceptionally warned Hafsah not to tell her Aunty about the recent attack she had encountered since there wasn't any major damage but seems like her best friend didn't quite heed her warning.

"I am just not at ease,please any time you feel not okay come home straight. Leave that place".
Her Aunt,on the other hand said with a resignated sigh.

"Sure Aunty,thank you. How's Mahmoud by the way?" , Amal asked in an attempt to change the topic of their conversation and hoping that her Aunt will have it.

"He's back in school and excited if i may add. You know for a new session and a promotion to new class".

Amal chuckled at her Aunt's answer remembering the last time she talked with her little brother and how he was so excited to go back to school and couldn't wait for the holiday to end.

"I bet he is. Sorry Aunty i have to go now because class is about to start. I will call later when the boys are back from school". She finished taking a glance at the leaflet  that fell out of her book as she opened it.

"Sure Amal, may Allah keep you safe".
Her Aunt responded before the line went dead as they both hung up.

Throughout the class,she fumbled with the leaflet in her hand occasionally sparing a glance at it. She could remember vividly the day that a guy gave it to her in the library and immidiately left the library. She found it awkward but nevertheless opened her note and neatly placed the leaflet in the book without bothering to read it's contents. It was by chance today that she happened to read what the leaflet contained,it's a simple invitation to some art exhibition and the art gallery happened to be somewhere closeby,not too far away from where she lives.

The class ended with a reading assignment this time and for a minute,she was thankful it wasn't a research assignment or worst a presentation. She stuffed her things in her bag and sling it on her shoulder as she made her way to get some dose of coffee as it was still morning and she hadn't had coffee from home.
She followed the pace of a good number of the students who just like her were heading to the small coffee shop in the campus which is renown for it's excellent caffaine service.
She joined the queue awaiting their turn and focused again on the leaflet she was holding. She brought out her phone to take a look at the date and saw that the exhibit is in three days to come. Seeing that entry is free,a good portion of her mind told her to go while the wallflower portion of her mind told her to stay home and relax since that day happens to be a school free day.

"Your coffee ma'am " ,the server handed her the coffee with a polite nod of her head.

"Thanks " ,she muttered as she collected the paper cup and left the shop to the usual spot she hangs out after classes. It's less crowded with a giant oak tree that offers shade from the bright sun most of the times.

She took her coffee in small sips devouring the taste of caffaine in her mouth and appreciating it's rich smell while the two parts of her mind kept fighting over what decision she should make regarding the exhibit.
"But you haven't been out of home ever since that unfortunate event. There's phobia but atleast loosen up a little,maybe you may meet new people and actually make friends ".

The part of her mind that wants her to go said,while the other kept reminding her of what if the same thing happens,she gets attacked on her way and this time around,there's actually no knight in a shiny amour to save her. The inner monologue battle kept going on and on as her thoughts wander again to that same man that saved her ass from being kicked that fateful day.
"Muhammad Bassam " ,she muttered his name as he had told her that same day and thank God again for him saving her. The trauma was still there but isn't as bad. She smiled to herself as the little battle in her mind has just ended and she has come to a decision finally. She finished the last sip of her coffee and stood up to attend her next class throwing the empty paper cup in the trash on her way.