Life as a Hijabi

Chapter 10 - Being International

Zahra's POV

Rosaline and I were having some hot chocolate in the cutest dainty cafe near her mother's penthouse in Central London talking about the bombshell that my mother failed to notify me of. To say that I was shocked would have to be the biggest understatement of my life. It was something that I would never have expected.

After my mother had opened the door I went inside briefly and had a glass of water to help my brain restart after the bomb that my mum had dropped on me. I couldn't say that I was particularly elated at the thought of having a baby sibling at this age. Although I was supportive of my mum getting married to Amir, I never thought of her giving birth to another human especially at the age that she was. I mean, wasn't she going through her menopause or something? How could she physically give birth at the age that she was?! It just didn't make sense to me. I headed up to my old bedroom, still not having said a word to my mother only to find that none of my things were in there. The room had been stripped of life as all the furniture had been moved out and the walls had been painted in a horrid white that reminded me of the operating theatres in the hospital that I had interned at. As if being pregnant wasn't enough, the baby had taken over my room! The one place where I had grown up and had so many memories had been taken away from me to make space for another individual. I was so angry that I stormed out of the house not having said a word to my mother nor bothering to ask if Amir was even alive.

Talking about it to Rosaline made me feel a but better but nothing would help me get over the fact that my mother didn't it even think to tell me that she was pregnant.

"Well at least now you know Zahra. Imagine if your mom never told you until after she'd had the baby? That would've been so devastating for you, at least now you know during the middle stages of her pregnancy' comforted Rosaline as she sipped on her chamomile tea.

"That's true but I just don't know what to do. I mean, does my dad even know about this? If he finds out now like me, he'd be crushed," I sighed, thinking of my poor father's reaction after finding out that his ex-wife was pregnant with another man's child.

"Oop, I've just got a message from my mum," squealed Rosaline. "She wants both of us to attend a party she's hosting tonight! All the models and celebs from fashion week are going to be there! Oh I hope I can get Anna Wintour to spill her secret on who her dermatologist is! Oh Zahra PLEASE tell me you'll come! I know you're upset about your mum being pregnant but hopefully this party will help to take your mind off of the whole situation," 

I thought to myself about what I would spend my time doing instead of going to the party and came up with nothing as exciting as meeting Anna Wintour so I decided to listen to Rosaline.

"Sure why not? It's not everyday you get to party with celebs," I smirked.

***

I couldn't help but stare at all the decorations that Jacqueline had organised for a company to come in and set up. Everything looked simply divine. From the sparkling crystal chandeliers to the DJ setting up on the terrace overlooking the London skyline, everything screamed luxury and money. Every delicacy I could think of had been laid out on the biggest dining table as a buffet for the guests to help themselves to and I couldn't help but think of how expensive this party must have cost.

"Go on Zahra, help yourself. Don't worry all the food is halal apart from the alcoholic drinks at the bar," winked Jacqueline.

"Zahra do you have an outfit to wear? I have literally NOTHING to wear and my stylist is in Japan!" screamed Rosaline from the upper floor of the penthouse. 

"Looks like someone needs some help," smiled Jacqueline, as she motioned for me to go upstairs to Rosaline. 

As I headed into Rosaline's dressing room, I couldn't help but stare at all the clothes that had been put on display for her to choose from. She had at least thirty party dresses to choose from and it astounded me that she still couldn't find anything to wear for the party. Bare in mind that she had way more outfits in that massive walk-in wardrobe of hers as well.