Blessed by you

One

Amira's POV:

The entire room was invaded by a deathly silence. It was so silent that the room sounded as if it were isolated despite the hundreds of people. And then, as if brought by a spell, the room was ecstatic with life, the sound of relieved chattering and the sound of crying echoing throughout the hall. What was once a place full of muted people was now full of either crushed dreams or pure joy.

I stared at the sobbing university students whose families tried desperately to comfort them and my heart skipped a beat. In a few seconds, I would find out if I belonged to the weeping students or the overjoyed  ones. It's strange how the two strong emotions can be seen present among each other. But we must not forget the emotions that come with them, the fear and anxiety or the relief and hope for the future. The envelope in my hand would decide it all.

"Open it then." My older brother, Ayaan muttered impatiently. I shot him a glare before peeling the envelope open carefully as if I were removing a plaster from a crying child. Breathing in, I closed my eyes in an attempt to ease my nerves. Oh Allah. Please help me pass this test. Please help me become a successful person. Only you can guide me to success for you are the most merciful and most loving.

With a trembling hand, I unfolded the piece of paper that lay inside and opened my dark eyes.

I had failed.

I heard a sharp intake of breath from beside me. Shaking violently, I turned around to face my family. My dad had his head in his large hands, my mum was looking at me in an unbearably sympathetic way, my older siblings Amaan and Amanah exchanged a concerned look and the twins, who were only twelve and had little grasp on the importance of this test, looked unsure on how to react
"Will you stop looking at me that way," I said, my voice barely above a whisper "Please." I could feel the nausea creeping up my throat and I fought the urge to vomit all over the polished floor. The twins, Alina and Amina hesitantly approached me and hugged me tightly, one on either side as I continued to stand stiffly.
"There is always next year, Amira." My dad said in an attempt to lift my spirits. This only infuriated me.
"Next year? Next year?! That's what's you said for my GCSE's and my A-Levels. I always fail. What's the point!" I screamed, attracting a few stares from those who weren't absorbed in their results. Tears stung my eyes, blurring my vision so my family merely appeared as a blur of muted colours.
"Don't behave like that with your father!" My mum shrieked.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to." I mumbled, ashamed at my outburst. He was just trying to help me.
I can't do anything right. I can't pass a simple test and I can't treat my parents right. Useless.