The Nanny

Chapter Thirty One

I too fall asleep, after he did. My arm still on his shoulder and his head resting on my chest. The rest of the flight, I spent watching movies, playing some of the games on Imad's iPad — that he insisted I play, sharing quick but somehow meaningful glances with Ahmed and momentary naps. Before the air-hostess announced our arrival in Dubai, breakfast was served.

When I looked outside the window, tall buildings were in sight and the wondrous blue ocean. The water shimmered, honestly it felt majestic. Imad was so peppy, he couldn't stop talking about the places he wants to go. We watched a video on the Dubai City and it showed all the tourists attractions — monumental buildings, and the malls.

The airplane landed in Dubai international airport. When the airplane completely stopped moving, everyone got up, and started taking out their luggage from the overhead compartment. I took out my handbag and Imad's backpack, and I gave it him. He  took out his cap from his back pack. Ahmed put on his shades. When the airplane doors opened, and the air stair was placed. We got out of the airplane, I held Imad's hand. Ahmed walking right behind us. The balmy air welcomed me, it was hot. At the end of the stairs, a man in a black suit and tie, wearing shades was standing with his hands behind his back.

When we got down the stairs, the man approached Ahmed and greeted him. He started walking behind him, and not so far from the airplane a white Mercedes-Benz was parked. Another man also in a black suit and tie, was packing our suitcases into another car — a silver Range Rover. That's parked behind the Mercedes. All I was wondering is why we weren't going in the bus as the rest of the passengers. Is this even legal? Don't you need to go into the airport, and go through formalities and get your bags. That's how it's like in the movies.

Imad still held my hand, and looked up at me every now and then. Every time more in disbelief and with more excitement. Ahmed walked in front of us, leading the way. The man in the suit opened the back door of the car for me, Imad got in first and then I. Ahmed sat in the front. I took out my phone from my handbag and switched it on. The car drove off and we were heading out of the airport, and into the streets of Dubai. All I can say is that I was speechless and amazed, it's just magnificent. Imad looked out the car window and pointed out everything that looked cool too him — every tall building and at every Ferrari.

"I love Dubai," Imad squealed with excitement. As for me, I started taking pictures of anything and everything I saw. Ahmed was busy on his phone. My excitement lessened, when reality hit me. When my mind reminded me the reason why I am in Dubai... For my wedding. I felt nauseous just thinking about me in a wedding gown in front of all of Ahmed's family. It's actually going to happen, it's substantial.

The car ride was long, a forty minute drive. The sign board outside the hotel read, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf. The car started moving slowly when we entered the hotel. I became more observant and mostly in complete awe. The two-story villas all faced a water body that probably is a lagoon. They were palm trees everywhere and lovely gardens. The car finally stopped and we got out of the car. A man approached us from the entrance of the Villa,  welcomed us speaking in Arabic and introduced himself.

We entered the Villa, and the interior of everything is modern with a hint of tradition. The man showed us the kitchen that has a marble counter, the living room that has a balcony with an amazing view of the lagoon and a coffee table and two chairs next to it. The dining table is placed nearby the living room, that you walk through an arch.

We were taken upstairs to see the rooms, they were only two bedrooms. Both master bedrooms, that included a king-sized bed. But different interior design and themes. All the rooms had a balcony, each having unalike views. Room one, had an aqua and grey theme, with a modern design and furniture. Room two, had a orange and white theme also having a modern design. Ahmed choose room one, I liked it too.

Once the tour was over, the man told us about the private beach we could go to at anytime and the complimentary trip to Wild Wadi Waterpark. Imad is looking forward to go to the water park, since the day he saw it on the video. Our suitcases were then brought to our rooms.

Imad removed his shoes and laid down on his bed. I took out his cap and kept it on the bed post. He must be so tired, it was a long flight. I switched on the air conditioner in his room and went back to the other room, the room I have to share with Ahmed.

Ahmed was sitting on the arm-chair and busy typing something on his phone. I sat on the bed and took out my phone and kept it on the bed. "This place is really beautiful mashallah," I said.

"Yeah," he replied, his concentration fully at his phone. "Tomorrow my sister is coming over in the morning."

"Are you going to be okay?" I asked. Remembering the conversation we had yesterday.

"Yes I will be," he spoke in a gruff tone.

"So I guess we will be sleeping on the same bed. With the pillow barrier," I spoke in a quiet tone.

"Yeah..."

"Are you okay Ahmed?" I asked, concerned about his silence. There is something that is bothering him, I can just tell.

"I am fine Layla. Just exhausted," he replied.

"You should rest then," I said.

"I will," he replied. I was also tired, so I curled myself on the right side of the bed and slept.