The Two Families

Chapter Twenty-Three

Aarina's POV:

It's been two days, seven hours and thirty-four minutes since Laura got taken. I became hypervigilant towards the time because the guilt practically ate me alive. I tossed and turned all night, pacing back and forth during the day. Most of my day goes by with me being zoned out, worried, thinking of ways to save Laura. I usually end up fruitless. 

The guilt ate away at my chest, leaving me exhausted most of the time, but keeping me awake all night. The dark circles around my eyes grew darker. My roommates kept asking me why I wasn't sleeping or why I look sick, to which I answered with a shrug. Sometimes the guilt was like gasoline, setting my insides on fire, making me feel hot and irritated, burning me from the inside. Other times, the guilt was like ice, freezing me from the inside, leaving me paralysed, unable to move. 

Finally, my roommates managed to convince me to go out, "you need to go out Aarina! You'll get sick this way," Jian had begged. I didn't want to go out, but if I didn't, they would begin to ask me more questions and something might slip out.

Amèlie had told me to call that girl from the club, Zara, whom I had talked to multiple times. They all began to nod in agreement, pushing me towards the room, throwing the phone on my lap, refusing to leave until I call her. Groaning, I scrolled through my contacts list, searching for Zara's number. I hesitantly clicked on the call icon, looking at my friends apprehensively. They gave me nods of encouragement and a thumbs up.

"Hello?" The girl, on the other line, answered.

"H-hi, Zara," I replied, mentally slapping myself for stuttering, "It's me, Aarina, from the club."

"Oh, hey! I've been waiting for your call," She piped. I could hear her smile through the phone.

"You have?" I questioned, confused.

"Yeah," her voice lowered, "I was waiting for when you would ask to continue where we left off."

I swallowed, "I was wondering If you would...umm...like to go out with me today?"

Zara was silent for a few seconds before answering, "sure, Aarina, I would love too." 

➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸

I sat on the chair, zoned out as Amèlie did my make up. Flashes of that day came flooding back, and I flinched. 

"You okay?" Amèlie asked.

"Yeah, yeah," I replied, "you just poked my eye."

She apologised, continuing to do my makeup. Once she was done, she pushed me towards the bathroom, handing me the dress she chose. I looked at myself in the mirror, eyes dazed. My eyes stung, tears threatening to fall out. I shook my head, taking my shirt off, and changing into the long-sleeved, silk, dark green dress. The low neckline ended in the middle of my cleavage. A belt wrapped around my waist, accentuating my waist. I added gold earrings and a necklace, slipping into my heels. I walked out, giving Amèlie a little twirl and she squeaked. 

I got into a taxi, telling the driver the location of the restaurant Zara and I chose. I pulled out my phone, sending a message to her.

To: Zara.

Hey :) I felt my place. I'll be there in about ten minutes.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. I felt guilty going out and enjoying myself, while Laura is God knows where. Maybe this is good for me, I could take a day to myself, and I could get a fresh look at this situation. I heard my phone go off.

From: Zara.

Hiya gorgeous <3 I already reached, I got a table for us. Can't wait for you to come xxx.

I smiled at my phone, cheeks growing warm. I snapped myself out of it. This felt wrong. I shouldn't be going out on a date with someone, not now. The taxi stopped in front of the restaurant. I paid the driver, getting off and making my way into the restaurant. I saw Zara sitting on a table in a light pink, body-hugging dress. Her face lit up when she saw me, waving. I smiled, making my way to the table, sitting down in front of her. 

"Hi," she smiled, cheeks slightly pink.

"Hey," I replied softly.

"I was caught off guard when you called today," She admitted, "how come you called?"

I wracked my brain for an answer, but luckily I was saved when the waiter came over, handing us the menus. We thanked the waiter, looking through the menu. 

"Hey, I have a fun idea," Zara said, "since this is an intercontinental restaurant, why don't you suggest a dish for me that from your culture and I'll recommend one."

"Alright, sounds like a plan," I mused.

"A full course meal?" She asked.

"Of course, there is no other way," I chuckled.

The waiter came in five minutes, asking for our order.

"Can I have a Bruschetta as a starter? Pasta Con Pomodoro E Basilico for the main course? And Panna Cotta for dessert?" I ordered.

"Of course Ma'am, what flavour Panna Cotta? We have chocolate, mango, strawberry, vanilla, kiwi and blueberry," The waiter asked.

I looked over at Zara, who shrugged. I replied, "chocolate, please."

"And you Ma'am?" The waiter turned to Zara, who answered, "I'll have Hummus as a starter. Shish Tawook for the main course and Basbousa for dessert. Do you sell Qahwa?"

"Yes, Ma'am, we do."

"Alright, one of that as well, please."

"Wait, is that a drink?" I asked.

"Yes," Zara replied.

"Hey! No fair! I want to order a drink! One Negroni please."

The waiter took our order, leaving us to ourselves. 

➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸➸⇸

The night went by in a blur full of giggles, tasty food and long stories. Zara told me that she dropped out of medical school to pursue her dream of being an artist, and she's doing very well. With every single bite I took, with every single word I uttered, I forgot about my guilt, yet something gnawed at me, something bothering. 

When it was time to pay, I got out my wallet, which made Zara look at me, "umm...what do you think you are doing?"

"Paying for the food?" I answered, in a matter of fact tone.

"No, you aren't, I am," Zara replied, smiling, taking the credit card machine from me.

"Honey, nobody is going to win against me," I beamed, taking the machine back.

"Well then, you haven't gone against an Arab before," Zara teased, "you won't win baby girl. To save you the embarrassment, just let me pay."

"Yeah no, how about we spilt?" I suggested.

"Ha, in your dreams," Zara snatched the machine, shoving her card in it before I could even respond. She beamed, "I win!"

"I'll get you for this," I rolled my eyes, fighting the smile that fought its way to my face.

We left the restaurant, holding hands, "you sure you don't want me to drop you off?" Zara questioned for the third time.

"No, go home, Zara. I had a fantastic night. Thank you," I replied.

"You're welcome, next time, my place, it would be more fun," Zara winked, standing on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against mine. My eyes fluttered shut in surprise. She pulled away, waving goodbye and getting into her car. I exhaled, waiting for a taxi to drive past me.

And then all the feelings came crashing back.