Somewhere for Us

3. Communication

After reading Fajr prayer, I slept for another hour until I had to get ready for school. I quickly put on my outfit and side braided my hair. I put on eyeliner and mascara. There wasn't any need for it, but I liked how it looked. I went downstairs and saw Sara and the rest of the family, excluding Javed, eating breakfast. ''Asalamwalaikum everyone." I said and did my usual morning routine. I got my juice and poured in the cup and got some cereal and milk.

We all quietly ate. It was peaceful silence until Ammi broke it. '' Hayat, when are you going to come back home from school?" It was Tuesday, that meant I had my after school activities. "Around 4:30. Do we have guests coming or something?" I asked and continued to eat my cereal. " Yes, we are having a get together with a family or two from the masjid. We invited them for dinner. " My dad answered. "Oh. I'll try to come home early and help Ammi with the dinner."

"It's fine. You don't have to come home early. I'll help Ammi." Sara offered. I just shrugged. "We can both help." I heard a car honk and it was Maryum. I kissed Ammi on the cheek and Abbu. Sara had her attention to her breakfast and I went to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek which I never do "Ew.I've got your germs now"

I just smirked and head out to Maryum's car. We said our Salams. The whole ride was silent since there wansn't anything to talk about at the moment.

Maryum parked the car and we both went out. " Alia is out today. She texted me saying she got the flu." Maryum spoke. "I hope she feels better. I hate not having her around." I replied.

We went to our lockers and got the things we needed for homeroom. ''Ammi and Abbu talked to me about marriage yesterday.'' I told her. ''I had that talk couple months ago as well." She smiled. "What they say?"

"They asked me what I thought about and if I had anyone in mind. Maryum, you know that I'm very serious about my education. Marriage can wait and thankfully they understand that but I feel like they are hiding something from me. "

Maryum looked curious. "Hiding something like what? "

" Like, yesterday when I asked them why they brought the topic up all of a sudden, they both looked at each other nervously as if they have someone in mind." I said uncertain.

Thinking about it now, my parents totally ignored the question I asked them.

"Maybe they have someone in mind. But knowing your parents, they care about you and they know you're not ready yet. They wouldn't force you into something. " The bell rang and we both walked to homeroom.

After three long hours, the bell rang signalling to lunch. I was beyond hungry.

I went to the cafeteria and sat at one of the tables as I waited for Maryum. I took out my little snack and a drink. I saw her coming and she sat in front, facing me. We talked the whole lunch , including the talk with my parents and marriage.

Lunch went by quickly and Maryum walked to her class and I went to mine. I had my binder in my hand and other things and I didn't realise my pencil pouch was open. The binder fell from my arms I groaned. Things from the pouch fell and I went down picking up the stuff. As I was picking up my things, I saw a familiar sight coming toward here. I quickly got up thinking I got all my things and headed to class . I was not going to have an awkward moment with Ahmed again.

Ahmed's POV

I saw her there. Her binder had fell and she was getting her things. Feeling a little bad for pushing her harshly yesterday, I thought I would help her. I saw her look up slightly and she saw me. She quickly got up and went.

Was she scared of me or what ? I chuckled lightly. I was about to turn when I noticed a silver charm bracelet. It was the same one Hayat was wearing yesterday. I guess it's hers. I picked it up and shoved it in my pocket. I was going to see her tonight anyways..