Converting to Islam

Chapter 5

I am sitting in the living room, waiting for Tyler to get ready so we can go to school. There are dark circles under my eyes from the lack of sleep I had last night, and I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open while I wait. Ugh, I feel terrible...yet somehow happy... The image of Tyler dancing with Lucy still remains in my mind, and I keep imagining Thomas's drunken eyes waiting to endeavor me. Yet I feel that I am protected. For the first time in my life, I have this sense that there is something there, and that I am not alone. It feels amazing.

"Tyler hurry up," I groan, impatiently tapping my feet. I mean seriously; he's taking longer than a girl to get ready, which is quite stupid. I really don’t care if he woke up with a headache - it’s his fault for drinking too much! Worse enough, he doesn’t even remember what happened last night; he hasn’t asked me if I’m okay because he remembers none of it.

"Okay, okay! I'm coming!" Tyler climbs down the stairs ready to go. My eyes scan his hair that is all jelled up and perfectly made - so that’s why he took so freaking long. 

He looks me up and down with a confused expression. "Erm... Ami what are you wearing? It’s like in the middle of summer why are you wearing a sweater?"

I look down at my clothes which consist of a sweater and loose baggy pants. My dirty blonde hair is brushed up into a loose bun instead of leaving it open. Honestly what's wrong with my clothes? In fact, I think that the clothes I am wearing are the best I’ve worn in months. I feel comfortable in them. Well, to be honest it's because of the incident that happened last night; I've realized that if I want to protect myself I shouldn't wear tight and short clothing.

Ignoring his comment I jump into the car, and we zoom off towards our university. 

When we reach there we see a bunch of baboons in our path. Well, not exactly baboons, but that’s how Tyler’s friends look like to me.

My mind drifts off to try to avoid this confrontation when my eyes meet the bandage wrapped around Thomas's fingers and wrist. It takes the upmost effort and hardship, to maintain my laughter. Stupid jerk. Serves him right.

Tyler however, who doesn’t remember anything from last night, looks at Thomas like he’s just seen World War 3 break out. "Thomas! What happened to your hand man?"

Thomas' eyes drop to the floor, "Agh, I can’t exactly remember, but I think it’s a burn. Oh, but the one on my wrist was done by Finley over here," his eyes darkly shoot towards Finley, but Finley seems content and smiles like he’s just seen a unicorn jump over a rainbow.

"I told him that myself. He deserved to remember the consequences of drinking more than you can handle, and then attacking a helpless lady," Finley said as he eyed me, seemingly checking if I'm okay.

Finally the bell rings and fortunately the conversation ends and off we skip to class. Or in Thomas's case, drag your feet while moping around about pain and whatnot. The lessons go by in a blink of an eye, and finally it’s time to go home. Unlike normal students who don't like studying, I find it so incredibly interesting. I mean I am studying the subject of my choice, Physics and its so amazing finding about all these strange things that occur around us. I mean, the way it all works and falls into place is a bit like magic you know?

The cool breeze washes over me as I step out the building, and I notice Finley’s face lighting up when he sees me. "Amber!" He calls as he jogs over to me. 

"Can I have a word?" 

"Yeah I guess." I dump my bag on a nearby bench and sit down, lazily drinking in the sun. As I said before, Finley has been Tyler's friend since middle school. He's not exactly as popular as Tyler though, because he has little interest in sport and is actually quite a bookworm. He is quite handsome though, with a slight baby face and attractive features. At least that’s what Lucy and Rebecca say.

"Are you okay?" His hazel eyes scan my face.

I look up, "Sorry?"

"I mean are you okay from last night? How did you do that? I mean how did you burn his hand?"

"Erm... Well..." I look around me, trying to think of an answer. 

"God." The words slip my lips before I realize he’s probably going to think I’m crazy.

"What? God? What are you talking about?" He looks at me with questioning eyes.

"Well... Don’t look at me like that! It’s not that strange... I guess... I guess if God can create me, you and all of the planets and stars in the universe, surely he could have done something as simple as that?" I mumble these words which surprise even myself.

"Wow. That’s pretty deep. I didn’t know you were a religious person." 

My eyes scan his face. Thankfulness washes over me; he doesn’t seem to think I’m crazy. I suddenly remember what he did for me to Thomas and decide to thank him.

"Thanks by the way. For doing that...thing...to Thomas."

He chuckles, "Sure, no prob. He deserved it."

We sit there silently for a few moments, when I decide that I probably should go home now. I wonder where Tyler is. 

I rise from my seat, "I guess I’ll see you later-"

"Wait!" His voice is urgent. "I wanted to tell you something..."

I sit back down again, “What?"

He runs his hands through his chestnut brown hair before he finally looks up and says in a clear loud voice, "Break up with Tyler."