LÍO

E I D - I I I

"It's nice to find someone who loves me for who I am." Zara adds, coming to the surface of the duvet as he kisses her on the cheeks.

"Likewise. I don't think I've ever felt this way before about someone." Marco admits, fixing the sheets around his waist. "You're special."

"No, you are. You're the first guy in a long time that my Baba hasn't tried to scare away."

"For real?"

She nods, leaning in to his chest and kissing it. "Maybe he sees something in you that he sees in himself."

Marco scoffs. "I wonder if he'll feel the same way when he finds out about us."

"Maybe, maybe not. He seems to accept your religion, though."

"That's probably because your Mama's Catholic. And she comes from England. Your Dad seems to like the culture as well."

"Maybe. Or else he actually wants to help you, who knows?" She puts her hands on his lips. "He's unpredictable sometimes. Don't say a word about us until he accepts you more okay?"

Marco nods. "Can I have some coffee? I need a caffiene kick."

"Sure, only if you stay here okay?"

"Okay."

Just as Zara begins to get up, she hears heavy footsteps thunder down the hallway and her name being called. Marco gets up and goes into the ensuiite, locking the door behind him.

She sighs as she hears the door next to her open. "Dad? I'm in here."

Mahmoud swings the door open. "What where you doing in there?"

Zara yawns. "I went to the toilet.  The other one wasn't free."

"Okay, where's that Marco kid?"

"He must have went home. Or else he's hanging around with Adnan, why?"

"Just wondering. Come down the stairs as soon as you're finished. We're leaving."

Zara smiles. "I'm going to get Adnan to bring me back home again because I'm still enjoying the celebrations and the moon's nice.  I was going to have some tea and chill for a bit longer."

"We have to go to see your Aunt tomorrow and do some errands for her. I want you and your brother to help."

"I know and understand that, but do you not trust me? I'll tell Adnan to bring me home for two. No later. I'll have seven hours of sleep. You said we're leaving at half ten, yes?"

Mahmoud nods. "I'm glad you're responsible. Unlike your brother." he reaches in to hug her. "Stay safe, okay? I'll see you in an hour or so."

"Thank you, Baba."

"No problem." Mahmoud adds, walking back down the hallway and outside into the gardens once again.

She lets out a sigh of relief as she hears the car engine start up. Marco flushes the toilet and opens the door. A stinky aroma floats around the room as she holds he nose and bursts out laughing:

"Maybe we should go downstairs and get the coffee. Uncle Amir can make you a good, strong cup. He's good at that."

Marco nods, fixing his shirt. "Yeah, sounds great. Does he have some pastries as well?"

"Probably. Let's see the leftovers." She yawns, taking him by the hand. They walk into an almost empty kitchen. Uncle Amir and Adnan are there. "Could you get Marco something to drink?"

Amir smiles. "Of course. What would you like?"

"Coffee and a snack."

"What kinda snack? We have churros or some Sellou, Ktefa or M'hanncha."