Syrtis

IV.

April 28th, 2018
Saturday, 1:45pm

“So wait, let me get this straight. You’re dating a Liberian girl.”

“Yes,” Amin reached for a fry in Bassam’s plate and bit into it before laying back in his seat. The action went unnoticed, and that piqued his curiosity. He was really interested in this conversation.

“A black Liberian girl.”

“They’re mostly black, but yeah.”

Bassam’s eyes stretched at his friend then he burst out laughing. “Woooow. I never thought I’d see the day. Does Khalil know?” Amin opened his mouth to answer but Bassam beat him to it. “Nah. It’s not possible. He doesn’t know. But then again, it would explain why things are so tense between you two.”

Amin struggled and relaxed in his seat, he was going on a talking spree so it was good to leave him to it. They were in the Sajj house’s restaurant having lunch together. For almost an hour, Bassam had been grilling him about Jessica but he’d only been able to get a few words in. Mostly by choice, and his friends was content with doing most of the talking—he was cool with that.

“Well? Does he?” Bassam leaned forward and rested his arms on the wooden table, staring at Amin in disbelief.

“Yes. But he doesn’t think it’s serious.”

“Is it though?” Amin fixed a stare on him, but he didn’t back down. “It’s a question.”

“What do you think?”

“We’re not doing that. Nope, answer the question.” He bit into his cheeseburger while Amin watched, amused. How he managed to combine eating and a full on interrogation was beyond him.

“Yes Bassam. I’m serious about her.”

He swallowed and nodded, still staring at him. “Okay good. How long has it been?”

“Six months.”

“How did you two meet?”

“Is this twenty one questions? Too much information at one time.” He shifted in his seat and cleared his throat, the questions were forcing him to slow and think about everything. He wasn’t ready to do that.

“I see.” He wiped his fingers off with a napkin and laid back. “Do I get to meet her though? It’ll be an honor to meet the woman who’s causing you to rebel.”

“I’m not rebelling,” he rolled his eyes and Bassam just smiled.

“Aight. Answer the question though. I really want to see this girl.”

The thought of Jessica made him frown. He hadn’t talked to her since he left her place earlier that morning and her texts went unanswered because of Bassam’s questioning. “Soon, I guess.”

“How soon? Like tonight soon?” Bassam pushed, wanting a definite answer.

“That’s too soon.”

“Not exactly. By Monday, Khalil will have me doing so many things, it’ll be a miracle if I have time for myself. Unless you don’t want me to meet her…” he trailed off, baiting Amin who took it quickly.

“Why do you keep talking like that?”

“Because I studied a little bit of psychology? Because I know you? Take your pick. You don’t want to talk about her, which can only mean one thing.”

Amin scoffed. “Yeah, and what’s that?”

“You’re freaking out about it. You’re not sure, and so you’re ignoring the main factors that you should be thinking about and living in the moment with her.”