Angel in the Courtyard [Book 2]

Chapter 90 - Arisa

There was no need for me to be scared of Yusuf Abdul. For one, I didn't know the man, and for another, we never had the opportunity to connect as acquaintances. I never got the chance to address him at his wedding either. He was crowded by family and friends both nights. I didn't want to intrude or become an inconvenience, so I decided to keep my distance. Plus, I wasn't really sure of my relationship with Khaleel over the summer, so it was easier to just stay on the sidelines and not complicate things with introductions.

"H-Hello," I stammered.

Mr. Abdul blinked at me indifferently. "Arisa Hoffman," he said. "It's nice to finally meet you."

"You too," I cracked a smile.

"Is your mother home?"

I shook my head.

Mr. Abdul's eyes ventured past me to find his son running down the stairs. I didn't dare to look back and acknowledge Khaleel. I felt guilty—like we got caught doing something we weren't supposed to. It was true enough. My cheeks were burning colour just thinking about how he was groping me a few minutes ago.

"How about your father?" Mr. Abdul inquired.

I shook my head again.

Khaleel rushed to stand behind me and spoke to his dad. "You didn't have to come here," he said. "I was eventually going to come home."

"Evidently, I did," came the stern reply. "Two teenagers in an empty house with no supervision? It's a disaster waiting to happen."

Khaleel stammered. "W-We weren't doing anything. I was just...I mean, Arisa was just hosting me because I didn't want to attend—"

"Dinner with Rida and the girls," Mr. Abdul finished. "Yes, I'm aware."

Goosebumps crawled down my spine. My boyfriend's dad was one of the most daunting people I had ever met. His presence alone was enough to disrupt the atmosphere. I couldn't help but think back to his wedding day—to how angry Khaleel became when he overheard his cousins talking disrespectfully about his dad. And then there was Kumar. The way he fought, no, the way he moved was on an entirely different level. These men. They were Khaleel's role models. He took after them, their brains and brawn.

"Thanks for the coke," Khaleel said, walking past me. He couldn't even make eye contact, he was so embarrassed. "I'll see you on Monday."

"Uh, right," I struggled to get my words out. "I guess I'll see you on Monday—"

"I'll only say this once," Mr. Abdul interrupted. Khaleel stopped on the porch as his dad spoke to me. "I'm not looking to control who my Khaleel courts or sleeps with."

"Papa, please don't," Khaleel grumbled.

Mr. Abdul crossed his arms. "I always tell him that a man is defined by the woman he chooses to stand beside. But the thing is, he hasn't said a word about you, not to me at least. And that my dear makes this whole situation a little more complex. He might have done it to spite me—because I never said a word about Rida to him."

Khaleel remained silent.

"You are young and free to experience many things in life," Mr. Abdul went on. "But if your heart lies with my Khaleel, then I must advise you. His future has been decided. It's set in stone and will not be shifted or moved. If it is something you chose to be a part of then know this; the weak and meek will not survive our family."

"We're sixteen, Papa," Khaleel exhaled. "Stop lecturing her about—"

"I love him," I smiled, getting my boyfriend to whip around and stare at me. "I really do love your son, but he's right. I'm sixteen. I'm still deciding whether or not I want to take a year off to spend time with my dad after Jackheights or if I should jump into an undergrad program. I'm not thinking about wedding bells and becoming someone's daughter-in-law. I can't tell you my plans for the future with full confidence, but I can assure you that I love Khaleel."

Mr. Abdul's gaze was intense. "If loving him is all you can do then you might find yourself in a bit of trouble, Arisa."

My body froze and my stomach churned with uncertainty. I had no comeback for him and he could see it. I watched Mr. Abdul walk off the property, leaving Khaleel on the porch to console me. I wasn't sure if there was anything my boyfriend could say to mend the wounds of his father's words. Everyone told me to I was biting off more than I could chew dating Khaleel, but hearing it from his dad somehow made it ten times worse.

Khaleel moved to stand in front of me. "I love you too," he said softly. I was pulled into his chest and tightly embraced. I couldn't help but tear up at his sentiment. I wasn't an expert in romance or dating. My track record was pretty messy. My love for him might not be enough to impress his family, but I was not by any means done fighting for him.