Syrtis

IX.

May 1st, 2018
Wednesday, 7:31pm

Amin sat on the steps of the front porch with his hands extended in front of him. Waiting. For what, he wasn’t sure but he preferred away from the noise than in it. His mom was finally here, and everything that Khalid wanted to happen happened. The distant family of theirs that were set up and working in different counties in the country all showed up to welcome her. He had been forced to converse all evening, skipping the party wasn’t something that was going to happen, even if he had tried. But even in the midst of everything, he missed her terribly. Jessica was being as understanding as she could be, but he knew that she didn’t like what was going on. And unfortunately, there was nothing he could do about it.

Bassam’s car pulled into the yard and parked a few paces away from him. He stood up when the car’s engine switched off and walked over.

“She’s mad at me, isn’t she?”

Bassam just shook his head and placed his feet on the ground but remained in the driver’s seat. “I don’t know and I’m not getting into it.”

“Since when? You stick your nose into everything.”

Bassam got out of the car and locked the door, then walked over to where Amin was sitting. He followed and they both sat in silence for a few minutes. And as the minutes ticked by, Amine grew more self-conscious.

“I should have been there for her,” Amin said quietly, staring down at his shoes. “I didn’t try to find a way out of this, and there’s always one.”

“Well…you should call her. Or something. She misses you.” Bassam stared up at the stars with more interest in it than in the conversation he was having with his friend.

“I know you have something to say, so say it. You’re being weird.”

“The last time I butted in your business, you almost took my head off, remember? Me and my observing eyes are going to be quiet this time around. But listen. I know this is hard for you, you’re all stressed and edgy about it. But you can talk to all the people you want about this, it’s not going to help. You’re the one who’s with Jessica. So talk to her, hear her thoughts and listen to each other. It’ll help you more than you think.”

Amin sighed and fiddled with his fingers. “It’s really not that simple, Bas. I know I should…talk to her, and I would, if I knew what to say. This is not some small issue that can be resolved in a few hours, it’s huge. We’re talking about my family here. And hers. Everything I have with her is being frowned upon by everyone around us. How do I deal with that?”

“Like I said, you’re with her. And she’s with you. Not with your family or everybody else. Because of the end of the day, it boils down to just the two of you. So see it that way.”

The door behind them opened, letting out the music that had been trapped behind it. The light overheard illuminated Amin’s mom who stood by the door silently. They both got to their feet and walked over to her, dusting off their pants. Bassam walked slower, and stood on the side of them when he finally approached.

“Amin. I came to find you, we haven’t been alone long enough to talk. Are you…busy?” She looked Bassam up and down in obvious dislike and pulled her grey shawl around her shoulders, parts of her hair fluttering in the breeze.

“I was just about to leave actually, I have somewhere to be,” Bassam said nervously, barely getting a nod from her. “Have a lovely evening, Mrs. Azam. Amin.”

“I’ll call you later, man.” They exchanged a look then Bassam turned to leave.

“I wasn’t talking to him, but okay,” she pursed her lips and stared at his retreating figure. The look on her face was both funny and disturbing. She was a generally happy woman, until she didn’t like someone.