Second hand hearts

Chapter 14 (Anxiety,Sunset and Goosebumps)

Amal nervously picked on the worn out fabric from the fabric of the straight denim skirt she was wearing for the umpteenth time which diverted Bassam's gaze to her direction. Examinations are starting tomorrow and despite how she tried to fight the anxious feeling inside of her,she couldn't help it. It's a shame that she couldn't keep her uneasiness at bay to the extent it has become so prominent that Bassam has noticed. Today,just like the previous days he was by her side in some nearby park not far away from the university campus with his attention fixed on his laptop as she studied. He had told her that the park is an excellent environment to study and for him to get some work done also,so he parked his car and they walked there.

"You're fidgeting, is everything alright " ,he asked raising an inquisitive brow.

"Yes... uh i am just nervous that's all".

His expression softened and he glanced fully in her direction.

"Is it about the exam tomorrow? ".

She just nodded at him in admittance feeling the weight in her chest lighten. A problem shared is a problem half solved after all right.

"Amal,you'll do just fine. You've studied and prayed hard and i don't believe you'll be allowed to fumble just like that. Relax and put your mind at ease,you'll do that for me?". His dark brown almost black eyes captured hers in a questioning and silently demanding way. She swallowed the lump in her throat and quickly cast her eyes down,because there's this unexplainable force and power those sharp eyes of his seem to have over her,like a magnet drawing an iron. And right now,those eyes and that look was one of her problems. After the examination tomorrow ofcourse.

"I promise ",she muttered.

"Good girl". Even without looking,she could hear the smile in his voice and she could swear that those damn dimples on his chins appeared when he did so.

Having an exam to worry about and ogling the guy like some specimen ain't we Amal...

She immidiately shook the little voice in her head and returned her attention to the note books in front of her tried to continue studying. The truth is she had studied enough,had gone through all of the lecture materials. But she was just doing some bruising up now in anticipation of tomorrow's paper.

Half an hour later,her back was already beginning to ache and she could feel the cramps forming in her legs from sitting for a long time. Bassam stood and stretched his long arms after closing down his computer. From all indication he was as tired as she felt, or maybe even more.

The sun was setting already and dusk was about to come which gave the atmosphere a beautiful picturesque and the feel of the chilly air added to the beauty.

Amal parked her reading materials and stuffed them in the bag she came along with getting on her feet too. Bassam gave her one of his lazy tired grins which still manages to make one's heart drop in adoration.

"You need sleep Amal" , he suggested.

"You need it more than me. And that's what you should do immidiately on reaching home".

"Yes ma'am " ,he replied with a mock salute .

Amal only snorted and slung her bag over her shoulder waiting for him to finish getting his things together. He wore his handgloves and they set off walking in comfortable silence with only the sound of their feet against the dried leaves been heard.

"I will have to see the doctor tomorrow for a check up on my overall health ".

Amal looked carefully at him registering what he said.