Beautiful Things (A Muslim Love Story)

Chapter Seven: Keeping it Halal

Adam's POV

"Richard Owens and Cameron Goliath," said Professor Jenkins. I saw two boys slap hands and silently cheer. Professor Jenkins is choosing partners for our projects. She called the partner pick "completely random". I sighed and ran my hands through my wavy jet black hair, earning giggles and stares from a bunch of girls wearing clothing that showed way too much skin. I hate it when girls stare like that. I'm not trying to act hot or anything.I glance at Asiyah, who has her eyes glued to the front of the class. I grin at that sight. I love how she is so modest, dressing appropriately and lowering her gaze.

"Adam Hassan and Asiyah Sloane." I jerk my head up in horror. Me? Partnered up with a girl? I saw Asiyah gaping at Professor Jenkins, probably shocked to end up with a boy.

Calm down Adam. At least you have somebody modest! But it's still a girl.......

I met Asiyah outside of class.

"Hey", she greeted me. "Listen. I tried to talk Professor Jenkins into changing us with partners of the same gender, but she wouldn't listen. So let's try to do this the Halal way. We'll work on the projects at our houses, with our parents right next to us. Does that seem okay to you?"

I gave her a smile. "Good thinking, Asiyah. We should start working right away if we are to expect good marks. My house or yours?"

"Mine. Tonight at six p.m., come over. My parents will be right beside us."

"Sure. What's your address?"

While I put her address in my cellphone, I couldn't help thinking how modest this girl was. She wasn't so modest back in Junior High. I remember her flirting with and staring at boys. Now she wouldn't even glance up at me. Good going, Sloane. May Allah forgive your past sins.

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Asiyah's POV

I dressed very simple that night. Just a black abaya and a grey scarf. I met my parents downstairs, who were both in the dining room preparing tea. They were both okay as Adam as a partner, as long as I kept it Halal. Luckily, they don't know about how Adam used to bully me back then. I didn't share anything with them. I probably won't ever, as I like to forgive and forget.

The doorbell rang and my dad jumped up. "That must be Adam," he said. "I'll get it."

I heard Salams from the entrance and five seconds later, Adam and my father appeared.

"Assalamualaikum sister," Adam said to my mother. "Mashaallah, this is a very beautiful house."

My mom looked as if she was about to cry. "Why thank you, Adam. Come sit and have some tea!"

While Adam sat and chatted with my parents, Emma came down the stairs, wearing her chestnut brown hair in a high ponytail. 

"Is this Adam?" she whispered to me. I nodded.

"Assalamualaikum, you must be Emmatullah," Adam smiled.

Emma blushed. "Walaikumassalam," she replied to Adam, and when he had turned to talk with my parents, Emma whispered to me, "Man, this guy is hot!" Then she ran upstairs.

I clenched my fists together and felt my face burn. How dare she! 

After I cooled down, I cleared my throat. "Well, Adam, we better get to work."

The working session was fine. Mom and dad went in and out of the room, watching us and making sure we were keeping it Halal. Adam and I hardly looked at each other, only talking when needed. In no time we were done for the night.

When Adam left, I sighed and flung off my abaya and scarf. It was burning up in the house even though it was freezing outside. My mother came over and put her arms around me. 

"I'm so proud of you, Asiyah, for being so modest and polite around Adam," she told me.

I smiled and shrugged. "It's my duty to my God and my religion."

When I finally got to go upstairs to my bedroom, I couldn't help turning a little pink while thinking of Adam.