The secret between us

Chapter one : The first encounter

THE SECRET BETWEEN US

The first thing I noticed about him was his smile.

The second thing I noticed was that it didn't reach his eyes.

I didn't know his name yet.

I didn't know his story.

And I definitely didn't know that meeting him would become the beginning of the biggest secret my family had ever kept from me.

At that moment, all I knew was that I was late.

Very late.

I hurried across the university courtyard, clutching my books against my chest while trying not to step on the edge of my abaya.

First day.

New university.

New people.

And somehow, I was already late for my first lecture.

"Please, Allah, let me make it before the lecturer starts."

I turned the corner without looking.

And crashed straight into someone.

My books flew out of my arms.

"Oh my God!"

I stumbled backward.

A hand caught my elbow before I could fall.

"Careful."

The voice was deep.

Calm.

Almost amused.

I looked up.

And forgot what I was about to say.

He was tall.

Really tall.

His dark hair was slightly messy, like he'd run his fingers through it one too many times. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and there was a small black watch around his wrist.

But it was his smile that caught me.

It was warm.

Easy.

The kind of smile that made you feel like you'd known someone longer than five seconds.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I quickly pulled my arm away.

"Yes. I'm fine."

He raised his hands slightly.

"Okay. I was only helping."

"I'm sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going."

"I noticed."

I stared at him.

He smiled wider.

"That was a joke."

"It wasn't funny."

"It made you look at me."

I blinked.

Did he seriously just say that?

He crouched down and started picking up my books.

I reluctantly joined him.

"Here."

He handed me the last one.

"Thank you."

Our fingers touched.

I immediately pulled my hand back.

He noticed.

Of course he noticed.