Mutuals

[21]

TO  EVERY  CRY  OF  'OH  ALLAH'  HE  ANSWERS  A  HUNDRED  TIMES,  "I  AM HERE"

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I wake up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ears and realise today is the day of me talk, hence the alarm.
I get up reluctantly and take a quick shower and dry my hair really fast.
I start on my makeup, ending up doing a smokey eye with a red lip. I slip on a pair of black pegged trousers and a new white blouse with buttons on the back. I slip on a pair of my favourite loafers and a set of anklets. I wrap my usual hijab around my head and put all the stuff that I need in my bag.

Farhan: we're on our way to pick you up

Me: I'm ready

I wonder if Naz is ready

Me: hey, you ready?

Naz: you're gonna hate me but my sons just puked everywhere and he's not feeling well

I feel as if my hearts dropped to my feet, I didn't need to be more worried about this talk.

Me: don't worry about it, hope he gets well soon x

Farhan sends a text saying he's outside so I spray some perfume on myself and take a deep breath before going down and sitting at the back with him.
"You okay?" He asks when I let out an obviously shaky breath
"Yea I just don't like speaking in front of a large group of people" I explain
"You'll be fine, they're just kids" his attempt to console me is somewhat humorous

My relationship with Farhan is like the one you have with your brother, he's there for you but if it comes to emotions, he's pathetic to be blunt

Once we reach the hall and I'm sitting on the stage watching all the children walk in, my anxiety kicks in a little more. And I can't believe I haven't got anyone with me.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I check to see Adams name on my screen

Adam: hey I'm sorry I can't be there but just remember what I told you, look at them like they're all pieces of lamb chops

I laugh to myself, he does know how to make me smile

Me: haha thank you I'll keep that in mind x

The headteacher walks to the microphone and talks for a little bit before she begins to introduce me

"We have a special guest here today who is actually a former student of Princeton High and she's come to talk about how she got to where she is right now" she turns around and smiles at me, gesturing for me to come to the stand

I get up and walk to the before looking up at all the eyes that are on me. I clear my throat,
"Hi I'm Zara Ali, I'm 21 years old and I used to be a student here at Princeton High 5 years ago" I look to my left, expecting to see Jason, Alice and Farhan but instead I see Harris?

Harris?
Why's he here?

He gives me a slight reassuring nod which was actually all I needed, just to know someone was here for me.

"When I first left high school I had my heart set on doing dentistry and I was definitely doing A Levels. Once I got to college I realised how hard it was and how much people don't really prepare you for college because it's a huge step up in terms of independency from high school to college. I guess I just want you guys to remember that don't underestimate the amount of independent work you have to do. So when I finished college at the age of 18, I didn't want to carry on with education and go to university and that's when I met one of my agents Alice. We spoke for a few hours and that same day, she took my to her agency and that's where I met my other two agents Farhan and Jason. The reason why I mentioned this is because if I think back to 5 years ago when I expected to become a dentist, I would never have believed you if you told me I'd be doing this right now" I take a breath, "If there's one thing I want you all to take from my talk today is that nothing in your future is set in stone and you'll change your mind so many times and that's okay because in the end you'll always end up in whatever was meant to be, Thank You"

I smile at everyone as they clap and the headteacher comes back, speaks a little more until she dismisses everyone.

I walk to the side of the stage where I saw Harris as soon as I get the change
"He-" I cut him off by pulling him into a hug which shocked him

"I was so nervous today and I don't know how you find out that I was doing this but I'm so glad you did" I say in all one breath
He chuckles and wraps his arms around my waist tighter and we stay like that for a few seconds

We pull away,
"I was honoured to be here and I think you did an amazing job, this calls for a dessert?" He offers and I nod my head

I text Farhan to let him know I'm going without them.

"I wanted to make something clear..." he begins as he starts driving
"Okay"
"I don't want you to think I'm pressuring you to think in a certain way but I haven't felt this way in a long time and I don't wanna make the same mistake of not expressing myself"

Why does he sound so serious?
"I'm gonna be honest, ever since I first saw you I knew you were something different because I felt different. Obviously we've been spending a lot of time together and we've been getting to know each other well and I genuinely really like you. I'm not it for fun because I want to see a future with you and if you feel the same maybe we can try... us?"

Okay wow, I know that he's confident and stuff but I can't believe he can just come out and say it.
He's made me shy now

"Zara?"

I clear my throat,
"No ones ever said this to me before so I don't know what to say or how to react"
"Well, do you like me?" He asks as if it's the most normal question ever

"Yea I think I do" I reply quietly
"Why you getting so shy" he chuckles making me bury my fave in my hands so he can't see my red cheeks

"So let's try us then?" He suggests
"Like as a... couple?" I confirm
"Yes" he smiles
"Okay" I smile
"Okay" I look at him and I swear I could see the twinkle in his deep hazel eyes