Diamonds And Pearls *New & Improved* *CURRENTLY EDITING*

Chapter 3(REVISED)-The Hardship of Goodbye

CHAPTER THREE-The Hardship of Goodbye

 Zayan stayed in his room for about two days and didn't really speak to anyone. He was just quiet and extremely moody. Every time I said something to him, he found a way to snap at me. But I didn't take it to heart. He didn't want Zayna so far away from home and I felt the same way. She was his best friend and his older sister by three minutes so of course he was hurting. Zayna was his favorite person to argue with and had been there for him since the very beginning.

It was the seventh day of Zayan's silent rejection of the world when Zayna finally returned from New York to spend three weeks with us before she and her husband were to move there officially. It was a Sunday when they got back. I thought for sure when they got back Zayan's mood would change but it seemed like he moped around dreading what was to come.

The doorbell rang just as I finished pinning my scarf. I smiled as I mentally thanked Zayna for calling ahead so that I wouldn't have to rush to cover myself since Noor was dropping by. I was the only one that had to wear hijab around Noor. Ummi didn't since he was her son in law and of course Zayna didn't because she was married to the man. I ran to the front door, my socks sliding against the cherry wood flooring. I yanked the door open in excitement.

"Daleela, assalamu alaikum!" Zayna squealed with a smile as she pulled me into a hug. I hugged her back tightly and held back the pathetic ocean of of tears that were about to fall from my eyes.

"Wa alaikum assalam sis. How was the honeymoon?" I replied and wiggled my eyebrows suggestively. Joking was my method of masking my tears. I cleared my throat and laughed as my sister slapped me on the arm. Let's just say her expression was very telling. I held back a giggle.

"It feels like we've been gone forever. However, I must admit, I had the time of my life." Zayna exclaimed. I could almost see heart shapes in her eyes.

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself sis." I responded sincerely. I tried to drown the jealousy I suddenly felt in my heart. I had always had my sisters time and affection. Now, most of that time and affection would be going to Noor. My heart ached at the thought. I was happy for her happiness though so I did my best to focus on that. The ache dulled a little.

"Ya Allah, I'm tired." Noor groaned as he struggled through the front door with several bags of luggage. It was kind of comical Zayna rushed to help him. Zayan sat in a corner sulking instead of helping. I rolled my eyes and went to help as well. Noor gave me salams, his breathing ragged. "How you doing Daleela?"

"I'm great," I lied enthusiastically.

"That's good to hear," He replied with a bright smile.

"How are you?" I asked politely as I sat a couple bags down in a nearby chair.

"I'm exhausted. I'm not used to driving so long." Noor said as he covered a yawn with his hand. Zayna grabbed Noor's hand and led him to the sofa after he put the luggage in his hands down. She sat on the plush blue sofa and patted her lap gently. He gratefully accepted her offer and lay his head down onto her lap. He pulled his hat off and Zayna took it and placed it off to the side somewhere. She ran her fingers through his black hair and over his light tan skin tenderly. Soon, Noor's soft snores filled the quiet living room. I sat down in front of the couple and smiled.

"I see you two have become much closer." I teased softly.

"Mmhmm," She replied quietly with a knowing smile. She traced the muscles in Noor's arm with a mindful grin. Her grin ceased as she stopped on one of Noor's scars from the car accident that had almost ended his life. It had been three years since then. "He has four scars from then." She said suddenly, her voice low.