He Needs Me (Wattys 2020)

40

It's been a few days since Andrei left for good. I've managed to get back to work and feel slightly normal again.

Since that day Jamal took extra precautions around the estate. He ensured all the kids were playing in front of the estate where they'd be watched by a few olders, he also added high tech cameras everywhere.

Including the local shops and roads that lead up to the estate, let's see me get kidnapped now BITCHHH.

Well I have very bad luck so it's still a possibility.

" Storm I've made dinner come take a seat" the aroma of jerk chicken wafted into my bedroom, fuck yeh my favourite. Slipping some shorts under my oversized shirt I ran towards the sofa.

Dad placed the last plate down and sat beside me happily. The past few days he's been extremely happy to a point where sometimes I'm worried. He will make breakfast every morning whilst singing and dancing to some old R&B that BOPSSS.

" sweetheart I've got something to tell you" he interrupted the tv show whilst turning my way. Maybe he will tell me the reason for his jolly attitude, that I'd love to know.

Placing the chicken on the plate I smiled.

" go on"

" I've met someone"

"Dad! Finally OMG" I couldn't help but blurt out, it's been so long since he's given life a shot again.

" when you were taken I was in the dumps, I worked everyday non stop trying to feel a little better." His eyes teared at the memory, I pulled his large hand into mine. " anyhow I was working the night shift and this lady came in, she was alone, she started coming in everyday"

A little chuckle escaped his lips as he most likely pictured the women
" she never looked at me, completely ignored me at first but one day she came in when Ray told me about where you were" holy poopsicles I haven't even called Ray, they don't know what happened that day cause they went on a mission in Manchester.

" I was so mad and ready to kill, she saw it. Once they left I dropped her plate on the table and was about to leave when she said something"

" what did she say" gosh I feel as if I'm watching a movie, my eyes were definitely extremely wide.

" she told me God doesn't give us more than we can handle and that I am strong and whatever is happening is a test which I must pass" he spoke so adoringly. I raised my head ready to ask who she is but he leaned back still stuck in his trance like state.

" we sat there for hours, she spoke about God knows what, I felt so secure, like there there was a protective bubble around me"
Leaning back I laid on his shoulder.

" you know what happened that night"

" what" I asked confused.

" I didn't want to drink, I came home and went to bed, no bottle by my side nothing" I fucking accept. Dad went silent as he caressed my grey hair, his fingers gently combing through the knots.

I cannot explain how much I missed this.

" do I know her" I finally decided to ask. A small sigh escaped his lips, is he scared to tell me. Confusion covered my features as I turned towards him.

" actually you do, remember Shazia?"

" The 37 year old, that lives down the street? " I asked confused, must be someone she knows. That women is married.

" yes, her "

It can't be?!
" dad she's married" I couldn't help but interrupt, dad tapped my leg motioning for me to listen

" she was, she was in an abusive marriage and abused all the time. Not just by her husband, his family joined in too" my heart beat soared with guilt, she looked so happy all the time and I believed her without question.

" what the..."

" when I met her she was almost divorced, she came to the shop at night so she could do do her university work, she wants to become a social worker yunno." His lips widened into a admiring smile, he is whipped but how would it work. It cant.

" dad I love that your happy and I am so happy for you but how would you 2 move forward, she's a practicing Muslim and they don't date" I explained deep in thought. I wouldn't mind dad marrying a Muslim at all cause it'd stop him from drinking but how would it happen.

" actually thats the most important part, I'm taking Islamic lessons down at the local mosque. At the beginning I didn't understand and care really but after so long, so damn long I finally feel at peace Storm." Wow

" your converting to Islam?"

"I'm sorry....." what the hell does he mean?!

" dad I couldn't be happier, I am so damn happy right now!" The noticeable frown disappeared within seconds, of course I'm happy with it!

Pulling him into a hug I squealed excitedly, maybe things will start to workout for us. It's been years so we can only hope.

" does she want to marry you?"

A sigh of relief escaped his lips.
" I told her I loved her a few days ago and her answer was that she wants me to look into Islam first, her way of life because she doesn't want to enter another unhappy marriage" she's a smart women, I admire her.

" and since you've looked into her way of life how are you" I asked, this is the most important part, I want to be sure that dad in fact loves the religion and isn't just doing it out of duty so he can marry her.

" I love it, I feel at peace. I spoke to the imam and I'm going to revert tomorrow" he said with happiness lacing his tone, gosh what I'd wish to keep that smile on his face, maybe my dreams have finally come true.

Shazia could be the women to take care of him when I'm not around, ensure he's happy and safe.

" can I come" I wouldn't miss it for the world.

" that's where you can meet her, you guys won't be able to see me since you'll be on the other side but I'll see you guys outside once it's done"

Enjoy my sugar piesssss