Jerusalem

Chapter 19 (Is that a warning, brother?)

     By the third week, the army had eliminated the Israeli soldiers in the country. The order came from their commander and they followed willingly. Youssef knew exactly what he was doing . He knew that Israel will come after him now. And he was counting on it. He wanted their full attention. He wanted them to get closer . Because the closer they get, the less they see. He had his plan figured out . As soldiers never make repulsive decisions . They think, they plan then they act. But of course in every plan , there is a risk. A chance that things might go wrong.

"Joe, this may end you. We have to put you under our eyes at all times . I will not let you risk your life like that. If you don't care wether you live or die, I do. Do you hear me? I do" shouted Ali, his eyes turned red as his friend really lost his mind this time.

"Ali, I made my decision and it's final. In the mean time , I want you to assemble the army and train it everyday" said Youssef

"No, no. This is too dangerous. The odds are against you, joe. I don't think you are going to make it this time"Ali said , his voice shaking. He knew his friend will never change his mind. He never does.

"Ali, we'll meet our destiny , here or there. So I won't die before my time" said Youssef understanding his friend.

"Look at you now, joe. Talking about destiny"he said facing Youssef. "Who is she to you? Mariam , I mean"ali asked. Youssef was surprised by the question. From where this come from now. This was the question that Youssef was trying not to ask himself. As he stood in front of Ali who waited for his answer. Youssef tried to state the facts :

First: love is overrated

Second: she will never love him

Third: This is war, everything else is unreal.

And that means that there is nothing between them.

"She .... She is just different from anyone that I've known. I don't know how else to describe it"said Youssef listening to his words that contradicted his thoughts

"I see" sighed Ali.

Omar went to the army hospital to check on how things were going. He had to admit to himself at least. He missed being a doctor. And now that they are on the verge of war. He couldn't help but think . Is he ready to die? Can someone ever be ready for death?

"Someone look like he is drowning in his thoughts. Do you need help in there?"asked Mayar from a close distance . She was holding some patients files in her hands.

"Hey , doctor"Omar simply said

"Well, should I call you sir or doctor?"she asked

"Today, doctor. I think I'll spend the day here"he answered with a smile

"Are you okay, doctor?"

"Okay? What do you mean?"

"I don't know, you look sad. I guess"she said observing him

"I'm okay. Thanks for asking . Actually I should be asking you that. I know you think that no one can understand how you are feeling. But trust me , Mayar. I can relate to that. I lost my mom when I was six. And dad when I was like 16. I know how it feels"he stopped when he saw her tears falling

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that." He continued trying to fix the damage he did.

"It's ... Never mind. My hormones are all over the place. That's all. Thank you. Thank you for calling me that day, when Mariam got shot. My sister has a habit of hiding anything that might hurt us. We all went to her house to make sure she is okay. We found her smiling and saying: it's just a bullet . Don't make a big deal out of it. And the funny thing is : when I look at her , I can see that she is dying inside."