Dare You To Love Me

«29» beneath the surface

“You know that I won’t betray your trust.”

“I know.” Yaseerah’s lips pressed together into a tight smile. “But, can you teach an old dog new tricks?”

“You’re not a dog,” Amina scowled, fighting the urge to shake her cousin until she could knock some sense into her. “Your father really has done a number on you, hasn’t he?”

“Sorry,” she smiled sheepishly, guilt turning her mouth sour. “I shouldn’t have—”

“It’s fine,” Yaseerah shrugged, a bitter edge to her tone. “It is what it is.”

“You sound angry, and bitter,” Amina pointed out, her tone soft.

“I am angry and bitter,” Yaseerah responded, her tone sounding edgier.

“Wow,” Amina whistled, her face spitting into a grin, as she perched on a nearby chair. “Who are you and what have you done with my cousin?”

“Shut up!”

“I like this Yaseerah better,” Amina mused. “It seems like marriage has done a great deal of good on you. Who knew all it will take for you to act human is to get married?”

“It’s called personal growth,” Yaseerah sniffed, tipping her head up to hide her embarrassment.

“Is that what it is?” Amina teased. “I thought you were on Fou—”

“Okay enough,” Yaseerah cut her off, her cheeks burning red.

“You don’t even know what I was going to say,” she pouted.

“I don’t want to know.”

“Fine,” Amina huffed. “Now, tell me, what’s wrong?”

Yaseerah sighed, not exactly sure how to answer. She didn’t particular want to talk about Fou’ad or Bilal or any of her problems with Amina but she had no idea who else she could talk to.

The idea of baring out herself to a complete stranger like Abbad had suggested didn’t seem appealing to her. So, Amina would have to do.

Scraping a hand over her chin, she looped her in on what had happened in the past couple of weeks.
And by the end of it, Amina looked as uneasy as Yaseerah felt.

Amina leaned forward, placing a comforting hand on Yaseerah’s shoulder. “You’ve got to talk to Fou’ad, Yaseerah. Communication is key in relationships. I know opening up is difficult for you but don’t let misunderstandings ruin what you two have. I know that if you let him in, you won’t regret it. And with Mamu, I know that he will help you out, no questions asked.”

Yaseerah nodded, her eyes betraying the inner turmoil she felt. “That’s where I’m torn. I know that he will help, there’s no doubt about it, but I don’t want to burden him any more than I have to, especially after our fight. It’s like I’m walking on a tightrope, and I’m afraid of falling.”

Amina squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. “Well, you’re not alone on that tightrope in shaa Allah. I’m right here with you. So, we’ll figure this out together. What can I do to help?”

Yaseerah met Amina’s gaze, gratitude shining through her uncertainty. “Help me unravel this mess with Fou’ad. I don't know where to start, and I—”

A knock on her door cut her off mid–sentence, and the two exchanged a look, before Yaseerah rose to her feet, and walked to the door, her heart in her throat.

When she opened the door, the sight of Fou’ad staring at his feet instead of looking at her was like a punch to the solar plexus.

“Your father invited us to brunch,” he said, his voice monotone as he continued to avoid her gaze. “I didn’t want to accept in case you had made plans. So, I wanted to check in and—”