The Criminal's Love

Chapter 19

The loud ticking sound of the clock echoed in my ears as I stared at the dull ceiling. The strength in my body had drained and I couldn't move to get up and throw the disturbing source of the sound out the window.

The light in my room was on, making me feel a slight comfort. I had assured my parents I was fine so they could go and rest for the night. However, I was far from fine.

It had been quite a time since I had last endured what I did today. The hallucinations about my sister had stopped long ago. But today, it had come like a harsh surprise. I was mentally not prepared for it.

Before, when I used to hallucinate more frequently, I learned to cope with it. But this time, it took some time. It had been a few hours of me laying on my bed, sleep long gone as different thoughts were swirling in my mind.

The last question I remembered before I slowly drifted into sleep.... was there a reason?

~

After looking over the preparations in the backyard one last time, I went back to the kitchen where my mother was preparing dinner for Sammy's birthday party.

"I've checked everything and it's all good. Let me help you with the food. The kids will be arriving any minute." I said to my mother as I prepared to peel the potatoes.

" I will take care of that my love. Do me a favor and stay by the entrance to welcome everyone when they arrive. Your father left to pick up Jay because I asked him to personally do that or else the poor kid wouldn't make it to the party." She informed, mentioning the cute seven year old named Jay. He was such an miracle, if only life had showed him some mercy.

"Okay mom." I nodded and brushed off the disturbing memories as I made my way to the entrance. I left the main door open and stepped outside. Just then, a car pulled up.

My heart sank in fear when I recognized the car. The thoughts of all the possibilities and consequences happening when a certain person notices the car parked in front of my house, and the man making his way towards me, made me nervous.

"Sir?" I let out in surprise when he stopped in front of me.

My facial expressions indirectly asking him why he was at my front door.

"Hello to you too." He smiled, his words making me compose myself.

"I'm sorry I was a bit surprised seeing you here. Come on in." I forced a smile and stepped to the side. My eyes drifted to the house across and I held back a heavy sigh.

"After you." Jalil motioned, making my attention drift back to him. I nodded and stepped in, trying my best to stay calm and throw away the negative thoughts of Walid seeing him here.

Even if Walid did see him, he wouldn't dare to react in a bad way....right? At least not after how much he hurt me that night regarding Yusuf. He was aware of how much that hurt me and he wouldn't repeat what happened, would he?

I stopped once we reached the living room and turned to face Jalil. Just then, my mother walked in. "Jasmin I-" She stopped her sentence midway when she noticed Jalil. "Umm, hi?" My mother let out, curiosity written over her face.

Once I introduced them, my mother smiled and welcomed him warmly. Jalil sat down and my mother turned to me. "Jasmin! Are you just gonna stand there? Get him something to drink." My mother reminded.

"Oh no, there's no need for that. I'm leaving soon anyway, I just came to talk about something work related with Jasmin." Jalil cleared.

"Actually, you came at the right time. We have arranged a small birthday party for my son Sammy. I'm not letting you go anytime soon, you have to stay until we cut the cake at least." My mother stubbornly said, making him understand there was no room for protests.