AI CLUB'S SECRET | AN APPLYFIC [Closed]

Chapter 38- Poetry Recital (Part 1)

WARNING: UPSETTING CONTENT

NOTE: I know this chapter is really long, but please try your best to read it in it's entirety, including the note at the bottom.  Please comment here to show me that you've read this note up here.

Maya stared at herself in the mirror, her long hair being the focus of her attention. Ever since Elodie complimented her hair, she had thought about taking her hijab off.

Then she felt guilty for even letting the thought cross her mind.

To Maya, her headscarf was like a safety blanket. What started out as a way to embrace her religion and culture, turned into a necessity for her.

Without her headscarf, she couldn't hide her insecurities.

She hated that wearing her scarf had become a battle to hide herself from the world. That's not what wearing a hijab should be about.

A knock on the door pulled her away from her thoughts. After letting the person in, she smiled at them.

"Hey, Maya. Big day today", said Uncle Mo.
"I can't wait to hear you."

Maya's eyes widened.
"You're... you're coming?"

He nodded.
"Course I am! I'll be the one wavin' a massive banner with your face on it."

Maya laughed and rolled her eyes at her Uncle.
"I thought you were busy?"

"I'm never too busy for you, man", he replied. He placed a hand on Maya's shoulder.
"Your Mum would be so proud of ya."

A sad smile appeared on Maya's face. "I wish she was here."

"Come here", said Uncle Mo, before pulling her into a hug.
"She's watching over you, Maya.
She's gonna be listening to you.
I know it."

Maya frowned.

Listening to everything?

"I wish Aunt Yaz would come", said Maya.
"I miss her."

Uncle Mo pulled away from her.
"I'm sorry, kid."

Maya shrugged.
"It's not your fault."

Uncle Mo sighed.
After a few seconds of looking around, he clapped his hands.
"Right, well... I'll let you get ready."

Maya nodded and watched him leave. She turned back to her desk, a million thoughts racing through her head. Her eyes landed on a purple butterfly broach.

Her mind flashed back to a fond memory she had held for so many years.

Birds hummed in the pale blue sky. Clusters of clouds conversed in the sky, oddly reminiscent of the scene that took place on the ground.

A young girl with a loosely wrapped headscarf ran outside to greet another young girl. The young girl's eyes lit up when she saw the girl, and she immediately rested her head against hers.

The girl laughed.
"Are we going to do this every time we see each other?"

"Course we are, Maya!
That way we'll always remember our first meeting. It's not every day you smack heads with someone and end up becoming their best friend", replied the girl.