MY RESOLVE

Episode Eight

MY RESOLVE EPISODE EIGHT
RIHANNAH
It's been two weeks we got back to school. Quds happily flaunts her new look,started classes with Ya'qub just like Ajmal she told me. Rey still doesn't want anything to do with her and that just made me happier-gives more room for my brother. Awwwhh! That brother of mine despite his business intelligence and sexual escapades,he still can't handle a real woman with the right feelings. If not for my fear of being an hypocrite since the Prophet had said that one of the ways one can be identified is when he or she betrays amanah(trust) I'd have told him how much she loves him,so I can have my best friend as my SIL.

"...... isn't it true Rihannah?" Mr Ayman a.k.a Fatty Jones finished snapping me out of my riverie
"Excuse me?" I asked looking straight at him and all around me. I caught Ajmal smirking at me and I just gave him the death glare.
"I was discussing how important entrepreneurship is and how it makes one feel his or her worth and knowing you own Ry's Outfit,I was asking for your intake"
I gasped. How did he know?! Everyone was looking at me-some stares unbelievable,others just curious but one caught my attention once again filled with pride and admiration and that was Ajmal's

I cleared my throat "erm...what would you have me say,sir? You've said it all" I responded wishing that ends it.
"Okay then Miss Yusuf,I for one would want to know how a girl of 22years,who covers up like you do and the only daughter of engr.Musa Yusuf,despite your father's wealth would strive to maintain academic excellence,be an industrious entrepreneur while you can just lavish your father's wealth?"
I stood up as slowly as I can hoping he'd be discouraged but he began clapping for me,then Ajmal joined and like bees stuck to the honey pot,others took his cue.
"Erm...actually..... I'd start from your last sentence sir. You said 'my father's wealth' right? Apparently he worked for it,didn't he? His own father worked for his too but my father wanted what he could call his and I think I'm the true daughter of my father,so I wanted what I could call mine" Mr Ayman smiled and almost everyone at this.
"But then I wasn't always this industrious. I used to be that girl who relied on her rich father and brothers for everything but then an incident happened while I was 18years which changed my perspective about what life is" I sniffed and fought the tears. When I was sure I wouldn't give any emotions away,I continued. "I just needed to be better after that incident and I realized that after my trust in Allah,no one can protect me except me. No one can give me worth except me. No one can love me as much as I do,so I began healing and learning about fashion from my eldest brother,he owns MINE OUTFIT,please pateonise him. I learnt and went to another outfit when I was 19 same year I got admitted into this school. I kept making a daily dose of self improvement and here I am" I smiled.
"Miss Yusuf,you've inspired me more. I think I have a lot to learn from you. You may have you seat. Thank you" Mr Ayman said
"Now class,no matter who you're,what you do,what you've gone through especially you Muslim women thinking the hijab would limit you,learn from this your fellow muslimah who's excellence at its finest. Now this is your assignment: write a business proposal for any entrepreneurship topic of your choice. Thank you. Class dismissed"

I packed up my book and my sling like everyone else but I was stopped by Mr. Ayman " miss Yusuf,a moment,please?"
"Yes sir"
"Please I need a favour from you"
"Ok sir"
"Would you help train a daughter of mine?"
"In fashion?"
"Yes,if you don't mind?"
"No problem sir. She can come on Saturday sir and thank you for the encouragement sir"
"Thank you more miss Yusuf. I really appreciate you"
"Walilahilhamd. Do have a nice day sir"
"You too miss". I took my leave. Eyes were so on me and I felt exposed. Hating the attention,I plugged in my headphones and strolled down to the hostel blocking out the stares and whispers.

AJMAL
I couldn't get my mind off the fact that she almost choked on the incident that happened when she's 18years. Whatever it was hit her hard and left scars so deep. Could that be the reason why she's been so standoffish? She's just 22years but she looks 19years with her chocolate blemish free skin,a dimple so deep like a saucer and lips so thin and pink like a baby's and she speaks English like a Britton with the perfect voice. Where's she been all my life. Then she mentioned MINE OUTFIT, so that guy is her brother-he actually is my signature sewist. Thinking about it now,I could picture the resemblance. I've been sewing with him for ages now except some time four years ago when he'd to close down for few months before re-opening. Wait a minute! Four years ago,Rihannah would have been 18,right? Could it be the incidence that made him shut down? It must be serious!
I was so deep in thought while the guys around me were busy talking but I couldn't hear them except when I heard someone shout Rihannah Yusuf. I looked up and saw Qudrah walking towards her friend. She'd her headphone on- I'm sure wanting to drown all the noise around her,she wants no drama,I can tell. I watched as she rolled her eyes,gave Quds a smack on her head with the light note she's holding,then giving her a hug so tight the other might choke- she sure is a hugger. I looked on and smiled then made to walk towards them. I was few strides away when Molly came with her signature screeching "AJ love,I missed you so much" she purred,then a hug,a peck here and there. Out of the corner of my eyes,I saw her look at the display and Quds looking so angry as well,then Ry looked towards one of the pictures of Molly's 5minutes gibberish. At that moment I felt disappointed in me. Then I saw her shake her head at Quds and whisper an 'i told you so" those four words hurt like never befor.
What have they discussed about me? Whatever it was, obviously Quds convinced her otherwise but Molly's display of affection proves abortive. I saw them walk towards the cafeteria
At least I still.have a chance.