Opposites Attract.

Chapter 14 - Hassan's Party.

Mariam's POV:

"You look gorgeous!" I squealed enveloping Maya into a tight bear hug as she stood in a long blue dress that looked perfect with her blue satin headscarf. "Sure it won't translated as I-have-a-huge-crush-on-you-and-im-trying-too-hard?"

I couldn't help but laugh at her exaggeration and the look of anxiety on her face as she stared back at her reflection in the mirror of Forever 21.

I decided it was time to go into the changing and try on the pink dress that I picked out earlier. The dress fitted perfectly and flowed around my body like a princess dress.

The lining at the top had gold sparkles which added extra glitz and glamour to the overall ensemble. Tonight it was Hassan's birthday party and Grandma Yasmin and Maya thought it would be perfect if we threw a party and invited all of our new friends too.

I glanced at my reflection as Maya stood behind me and sighed "Beautiful girl." And I couldn't help but smile back. Maya headed back into her changing room and I let the weak smile fade away. My usually bright eyes were covered in dark circles that I desperately tried to conver in concealer. Most nights, I lay awake until sun rose and walked into UCLA with a whole flask of coffee in tow to keep my eyes open.

Why? It was like I was two halves and a part of me was missing - my love, my best friend; that is until he ruined everything.

Hassan and I got into a fight earlier in the week and I hoped this party would fix everything. I hated drama.

Flashback:

Hassan was waiting for me in the car and I decided to wear black sunglasses to hide that I was crying.

"Since when do you wear sunglasses?" He inquired suspiciously.

"None of your business." I mumbled under my breath "Just drive." My words sounded harsh but I didn't care as I stared at the road ahead when he finally began driving. Thank God he dropped it! I thought feeling relieved.

Then he turned the car around and came to a complete and sudden halt which startled me beyond belief. Typical stubborn Hassan. Before I could protest he had snatched the glasses off of my face.

"Hey, what are you doing?" I demanded completely frozen.

"Why are you crying?" He asked in a sharp, stern and accusing tone.

I turned away from him as tears threatened to fall.

"Mariam-" he began.

"Look, just drop it okay? Do you have nothing better to do then to observe my life?" I snapped losing my patience and then regretting it immediately.

"Sorr-"

but he cut me off. "Save it" he said harshly as his face was a mere inch away from mine and I could feel his breath on my face "You know, I used to think you were a smart girl but here you are, crying over some rich asshole.".

His words stung and I remained in my seat completely and utterly speechless.

Was this who I've become? Some idiot who was pining over some loser who has already probably forgotten me? But the wounds and feelings were undeniably still there and I vowed there and then to get over him.

"Mariam, you ready?" Maya asked snapping me abruptly out of my thoughts.

"Coming" I mumbled and we took our clothes over to the counter and then walked over to Starbucks settling at one of our favourite by the window seats after ordering frappucino's.

Maya was excited while I was still engrossed in my deep thoughts. "Hassan is finally going to see me looking beautiful!" Maya smiled and gave me a playful punch on the arm.

"Honey, you're always beautiful." I added how could she ever think otherwise? "But you may have to join the fast growing queue of girls."I said in a warning tone.

I recalled the image of a girl from Chemistry class begging to see a peak of his abs and laughed to myself. "The ones who fling themselves at boys are labelled 'easy' whereas he'll fall for my modesty and self respect." She said wisely and I couldn't help but hope her wish came true.

If only Hassan opened his eyes he'd realize their perfect for each other. When we finally drove back and arrived at the house Yasmin had already set up the decorations and finished the mouth-watering and perfectly presented birthday cake. '

"What do you think girls?" Yasmin asked while taking a step back and observing her master piece.

"It's beautiful." I replied completely impressed.

Maya cooed "Hassan will be so impressed!" she squealed and gave Grandma Yasmin an overly enthusiastic hug which made Yasmin flash Mariam a knowing smirk.

The guests soon began to arrive after Maya and I got dressed and we all squatted behind the chairs as Grandma Yasmin opened the door and Hassan walked in wearing blue jeans and a green hoodie and looked confused as to why the house was bleak and dark. "Surprise!" I shouted along with the rest of our friends and Hassan began chuckling and tried to hide the fact that he was blushing.

"I don't know what to say..." I smiled

"Don't say anything" I said and his face beamed as I held up a card that had "Sorry" sprawled across in my messy handwriting. He nodded and glanced at my face and then my outfit as his eyes had that look of longing again which made my heart ache.

"How can I notice anyone else in the room when you're constantly kidnapping my heart?" He said in a half jokingly tone as one direction - best song ever played in the background.

I gulped as his face was a mere inch away from mine and then just like that he turned and walked away leaving me standing alone in the centre of the room.

Maya's eyes were boring into my back as I gave her a half smile which she didn't return. I could only hope she didn't hear what Hassan had said but her face registered otherwise. The music was pounding so loud that I could barely hear myself think. Stepping out into the sidewalk and the warm summer night. I decided to sit on a bench across the street and collect my thoughts.