Jerusalem

Chapter 17 (One day)

    

     23th July is the day Youssef was born. He woke up and found Ali standing over his head.

"Our birthday guy" shouted Ali

"Is it today ? I completely forgot" said Youssef checking the time.

"Well, I'm here to remind you. See today , you are out . No more work or army or military service. Today , you are just going to have fun. Do you remember that word 'fun'?"he asked feeling that the word is not in Youssef's dictionary.

"Funny. But who would run the army then? Assuming that I agree" wondered Youssef

"You will agree. And I will run it for you. You don't have to worry . It's just today. What's the worst that could happen anyway?" Said Ali wanting to kick his friend out.

"Fine. I'm leaving. Don't push. Besides, considering that it's my birthday where's my present?" Asked Youssef .

"My present is outside the army gates. You couldn't miss it. You'll see it as soon as you step out."explained Ali with a joyful smile.

"It better be good. For your own sake"warned Youssef

"What are you still doing here? Shouldn't you be out , celebrating?"asked Omar who stood by Youssef's door.

"I'm on my way out. Why do you all want me gone? Are you planning something?" Asked Youssef with a smart smile

"What plan?" Returned Omar

"You know I'll figure it out. I always do. So don't even try to surprise me. It won't work."said Youssef as he was leaving the room. Omar grabbed his arm to stop him .

"Wait, don't you want your present ?" Asked Omar facing his brother.

"Sure, write me a check"said Youssef teasing him

"No, I've got you something better" said Omar as he put his hand in his jacket poket. He got out two tickets to a party at the country side .

"You can go with anyone you want or go alone. Either way , you will love it. So give it a try"said Omar as he handed the tickets to his brother, thinking that Youssef really needs to take sometime to himself.

"We'll see "said Youssef then headed to the gate. He stood outside scanning the area for a present. All he could see was a car parked behind a tree. He walked towards it thinking if Ali bought him a car, that would be strange . Getting close, he could see that the car is a red Mini Cooper . One that he had seen before. She was standing in front of her car. Wearing a long , fluffy black dress. Covered with lace . And a brown veil.

"Black suits you" he thought and said.

"Thank you. ... Ali told me that it's your birthday today. I thought we ... Could.... We should go someplace , do something . It's not everyday someone like you come to life"Mariam said feeling lost in her words.

"You don't have to"he said

"I know. I want to" she said

"Why?"asked he

"I'm grateful for what you did, back at the symmetry . And today is your day. I thought you and I can take a time out. Just one day away from all of that. And tomorrow everything will go back to the way it was. But at least for today we won't think about the past or the future. We'll only live for the day" that's all she could say.

"One day" he repeated before he looked at her eyes and asked:

"What do you have in mind, Mariam?"

"Maybe we could go for a walk"

"I happen to know a place" he said directing her to his car. Suddenly he stopped and asked her:"have you ever rode a motorcycle?"