Since they were kids

Junior year

Tasleema's POV

"Tasleemah wake up! Time for school!"my mom echoed from downstairs. "Ugghh, its so early mom, can I just get 20 more minutes?" I mumbled lethargically pulling myself out of bed. I looked at the clock and gasped "7:45?! Omg! Its late". Without hesitation I rushed to the closet to get my abaya and kimar and slipped into the bathroom closing the door behind me. "I can't believe I'm gonna be late for the first day" I muttered, shaking my head in disbelief as I continued to get ready. By the time I was dressed and out of the bathroom, my mom greeted me at the door with two parsels containing bread and cheese and apple. How sweet I thought wrapping my arms around her to show my appreciation. "Jazakhallaa khair" I said with a huge grin spreaded across my face. Her thoughtful efforts really saved me a lot of time as I would have had to prepare my own breakfast and provided that I was already late, I would have most likely skipped it. Shortly after we heard a bus horn. "Beep beep!"it was Br. Suhaib, my bus driver.  I grabbed my bag pack, gave my salaams and went through the door.

I sunk into the nearest seat available and began eating my breakfast. On my way to school, Ihsaan suddenly crossed my mind. I wonder how he is doing, how's his first day of school? How well is he adjusting to the new environment? Will he enjoy it there? Will he make new friends and forget about me? My mind became so flustered with thoughts of him that I didn't even realize that I was at school until I felt the bus stop and saw kids rushing towards the door. I remained seated waiting patiently for the crowd to come to an ease. Ahh, the coast is clear. I got up and made my way through the door.

I stood dumbfoundedly looking around. At this point, I felt like a loner. Ihsaan was my only friend and all I ever needed as company and he is no longer around. I sighed, and with one deep breathe, I held my head high and strided through the huge gates of Sameeyah Islamic School for girls.

As I made my way in, the lushous green lawn looked so inviting. The school was brightly painted in orange and green,adding to the serenity of the school compound. The young sisters were so elegantly attired and they all looked quite studious. OK, time to find out which class I'm in. In a school as huge as this, I could find myself easily getting lost if I didn't know where I was heading. Luckily, I spotted a teacher who I could ask for directions to the principal's office.

OK, so I got registered to form 1~A which really didn't make a difference to me because at this point I was pondering on the fact that I may have to go throughout highschool without any friends. Wow, I had no idea that I was this antisocial.

The principal directed me to my class and I sat on the closest seat available. Everyone was already seated in class, considering the fact that I was already late.

"Assalaamu alaikum" the form teacher said to me sweetly wearing a heart-warming smile across her face. "Wa alaikumusalaam" I shyly responded. "My name is Sister Akeedah and I'll be your form teacher. You're the only one who hasn't introduced themselves yet, so could you please stand and tell us your name age and hobby?" "Sure" I responded faking a smile. I really hated doing introductions, especially in front of a crowded. I nervously got up and proceeded " Assalaamu alaikum everyone" I said, with a quivery voice. "Wa alaikumusalaam" they all responded in a chorus. "My name is Tasleemah Saalih, I'm 12 years old and my hobby is playing hide and seek" I said in one breath. "OK you may sit" the teacher said and I quickly obeyed.

Class went on as it would go in primary school but the subjects were a bit different and Ihsaan wasn't there for me a chatter with. Oh well have to accept reality.

Suddenly I felt someone nudging my shoulder. I looked around and she waved shyly at me. I responded with a smile and turnt back around to continue my work. She nudged me once more and I gave the same response. This happened for a few times to the point where I started to find it really funny. I turnt around and laughingly gave her the salaam. "Wa alaikumusalaam" she giggled, "Was sup chica I'm Dauriyah but you can call me Potassium.. Haha that name has like such a deep meaning" she joked. "Please share" I responded enthused, "Well, I always say Kay dot after an argument just so I can move on from it, and because of that, my friends call me potassium cause as you know "k" stands for potassium in science. Pretty cool ain't it??" She smirked. " Haha, yeah thats cool! Well I'm Tasleemah but you can call me Tassie ... And no, there ain't no long story behind it" I joked. From there and onwards, I now had a new friend. Alhamdulilaah!!

Ihsaan's POV

*ringalingaling!!!* the alarm sang loudly, frightening me out of my sleep. "Oh my, first day of school in Saudi" I muttered trying the fathom it all. Never have I thought that I would be studying in Saudi Arabia for four years. I warily got out of bed,washed my face and went downstairs to prepare breakfast. I prepared a simple meal of scrambled eggs and toast bread and without further a due I began to eat. After eating, I rushed to the closet, took out my newest thowb and proceeded to the bathroom. Not long after I was fully dressed and ready to go. "Beep beep!" I heard, and peeped through the window to see the school bus trattling in front my dorm room. I quickly grabbed my bag pack and strided my way through the front door and into the bus. While on my way to school, I found myself pondering about Tasleema. Is she okay at her new school? Will she make any friends and forget all about me? I sighed. I was so flooded with thoughts about her.

Not long after, I arrived. I stepped out, and was engulfed by the tempting scent of musk which I assumed was emitting from the thowbs of the school boys.

I looked up at the school in awe. With one deep breathe, I faked some confidence and made my way in. I was then assigned by a teacher who led me to my classroom. I hastily secured a seat at the front as I always found that I learnt better there.

Class went on as any typical first day would be. Each of us introduced ourselves to Brother Imraan, the form teacher.Being social was never an issue of mine and so, in no time, I made friends with Adam, Dawud and Fahaad. Yes, well at least friends will get her off my mind a bit.Alhamdulilaah, I'm looking forward to attending Qur'aan Central for boys. This will be fun.