Alone

Remembering Ali

As soon as I get to Yahyas house I see the movers. They start to move Ali's stuff. Her bed, her chair, her desk. I've been into Ali's room before. Hina and Ali are best friends.

"Yahya, are you okay?" I ask. Although I don't know Yahya that well I feel indebted to him and Ali for helping me that dreadful night.

"I don't think so." he says and he starts to sob. He is so upset, why?

"Is Ali moving away?"

"I guess you could say that."

Huh?

"Yahya, I made tea please just come inside. Oh Aleena."

"Hina?"

"Why are you here?" I ask confused.

"I'm helping out the family! It's such a sad time and they have been helping me grieve too. Why are you here?" She replies.

I sigh, "Yahya asked me to come today he said he wanted my help. I assume it's something with Ali because they are moving her stuff and your here."

"You don't know..."

"Know what?"

"Ali, well, she's...dead." Hina says and tears start to stream down her face.

"What happened?!" I ask horrified.

"She...the...it was so fast for her. There...was...bus." Hina manages to choke out and she drops to the ground sobbing.

I try to hug her over my arm rest and I comfort her and Yahya. I want to cry for the girl that helped me in the rain but I need to stay strong for Yahya. For Hina. For myself.

******

It's very late when I finally get home and Zaryab is sitting there waiting for me. I roll towards the couch and watch him.

"Where have you been Aleena?"

"I was out helping my sister and my friend. They're both going through a really rough time. Someone very close to all of us has died."

"That's your excuse?"

"What?"

"Your friend, is he male?"

I start to form the word but Zaryab has had enough. He knows the answer.

"Zaryab it's not like that, you are my husband I would not do that!" I start to call after him but he slams his door with an air of finality.

I call Amira. She sounds so excited.

"Amira what is going on?!"

"Fine. If you must know. I'm getting married!"

"Married?!" I squeak over the phone! I can't tell if I'm happy or not. No. I'm happy for her. I'm definitely happy for her!

"Yep, married, I'm going home tomorrow and I'm so happy. But...that means I can't come here much."

"Oh that's fine, don't worry about me. I have Zaryab!" I say and look towards the closed bedroom door.

"Right, silly me!" She chirps.

I congratulate her some more and then we hang up.

I lean my head against the table and close my eyes. The cold polished wood pushes against my heated head as I think about the events of today. I just need a little breather.

What I think of is not pretty.

My marriage is falling apart after so little time. My best friend is leaving. My sister is in shambles. Allah has put these challenges in my path to test me. But why do I feel so alone.