The Size of our hearts

4

"Neveah you have been here for six months! You need to make friends you are going to the high school bonfire"

"Dad! It's not that important it's just a wild teenage party with drugs, alcohol and more illegal things do you really want your daughter there?"

"Since you are so ready to tell me they're drugs, I believe you won't be taking them, you are going Neveah"

"Fine" I said as stared at him. Emotionless, he looked up from his newspaper with a cheesy smile plastered on his face. I shook my head in mild disbelief.

****

I was packing up my books for next period when I heard loud thumps coming from the next class. I grabbed my bag and walked over to the next class. Hamid was beating up some guy that he was twice the size of. It was weird seeing Hamid show any type of emotion. The class room was empty, it felt wrong to just watch and felt even worse to just leave, so I over and pulled Hamid off the boy.

Hamid took one look at me then grabbed my wrist tightly before pulling my hand off his arm as if my touch disgusted him. I tried as hard as possible to hide my hurt and I bent down to help the boy off the floor.

"Why don't you mind your own business". Hamid said calmly. I rolled my eyes and helped the boy up whose name I now knew was Davis, there was a cut on his lower lip.

"Thanks but I don't need your help or pity" Davis said spitefully as he made his way to the door.

"Not so fast, three of you to my office, NOW!" the head teacher yelled from the doorway. Hamid grabbed his hat from the window sill behind me, then turned around and walked out of the class.

We sat down in the waiting room in silence as the head of the school, Mr.Ogun had instructed us too.

At least twenty minutes had passed, I sat beside Hamid, an empty seat separating us which was intentional on my part. I pushed my kneecaps against each other to distract myself from how fast my heart was beating.

I looked over at Hamid, He didn't even care about what was happening. His head was resting on the wall, his eyes were closed and he had earphones on. I looked away from him quickly as I felt frustration building up inside of me as I wondered why I couldn't be so laid back. That quickly turned to fear as Mr.Ogun opened up his door and gave way for Davis to step out. Mr.Ogun glanced at me then at Hamid.

"Mr.Salem, your father is here." Hamid rolled his eyes and took off his earphones and made his way to the office before shutting the door behind him.

I could here low murmurs coming from the office but nothing more.

Then it got louder.

"Do you think I sent you to school to get into fights, eh? Hamid answer me! It was a mistake, me letting you grow up here with your mother, and it has gotten to the extent you raise you hand to harm a girl!, eh Hamid, Allah help you if I get this type of report again!"

Quiet murmurs returned and I could no longer hear anything they were saying. Then the office doors opened. "Neveah please come in." Mr.Pierre said sternly. I quickly stood up from my seat and stepped into the office. Hamid sat silently, staring at the table. His father was wearing clothes similar to the ones Hamid was wearing on the plane that day.

"Miss Aasir Please tell us what happened"

"Um... well" I looked over at Hamid, his angry father then at the floor.

"Well one of the guys in our grade was picking on me then Hamid came in and told him to stop, the guy pushed Hamid and then Hamid pushed him back so I ran and stood between them, Hamid dragged me out of the way by my blazer and told me to stay out of it, and then you came in Mr.Ogun"

"Ms. Aasir, you're telling me that Mr.Shaw was bullying you?" Mr.Ogun asked as he gave me a stern look.

I figured he was referring to Davis and I quickly realized I couldn't get Davis in trouble. I stuttered and mumbled before Mr.Ogun but in. "Mrs. Aasir, Did Hamid put his hands on you?"

My wrist was still in pain. "No"

"Well I'll take your word for it, Mr. Salem, I'm sorry for calling you in again, next time I'll get my facts right."

Hamid's Dad nodded before walking out of the office.

Hamid looked up at me, he looked thankful but confused. I looked at him and back at the floor, I was still pretty upset.

"Is that all?" Mr. Ogun asked

"Yes." I confirmed before walking out of the office.

'Why did I do that', I thought to myself as walked into my math class. Hamid was walking silently behind me but I pretended not to notice his presence even though the scent of his perfume announced his presence

I took my seat as he took his seat beside me. We sat in silence for the whole class until finally, the bell rang. Hamid opened his mouth to say something but I quickly I grabbed my bag and I was out of the classroom before he could get a word in.