Survival

Chapter 7

Ibraheem

I walked with Mariyam and Drew to the swimming pool. It was a hot afternoon, so we decided to cool themselves for a while. The camp was glittering with sunshine. "Hey, Mari." I shouted at her. As soon as she turned, I splashed water on her face. Her face turned red. "No. You just didn't."

"Uh-oh." Drew squinted to the far end of the pool. We knew what was going to happen. Mari never let anyone bully her and get away with it. I prepared myself for the splash. But nothing. As a peeked open my eyes, I saw her. Carrying a bucket of ice in my direction. " But that isn't fair. I only splashed you water. You should do the same."

Mari smirked, "well, sorry friend. But that isn't how I roll." With that, she poured the contents of the bucket on me. I shivered and ducked into the pool. It was no use. The pool was already cold. So I quickly rushed out and wrapped myself around my towel. The hot weather felt so nice.

Drew and Mari laughed so hard. Of course, they would. I rolled my eyes. "It's not funny, guys."

Just then, I saw Jams and Mr Alessio walking by the long swing we set up. She leaned a bit on the swing, while he stood with his hands in his pockets, talking with her. I couldn't see her face due to her veil covering half of it from where I stood. But I figured she must be laughing. Now and then, her hand would brush a side of her face. So obvious. What did she see in him anyway? He's not good for you, I would tell her. But she's blind-lovestuck with him. He was the type of guy to just use a girl and dumb. But I knew Jameela. More than myself. Way more. She wasn't like that. Nah. She was a normal, good girl. She shouldn't be with him. I shook ny head as I felt rage rush through me. "Let's go guys." I didn't want to be there, watching them.

I spent the afternoon in the room, lying on ny stomach. It hurt so much to see Jam with that guy. What teacher would be with his student? Yeah, I got it. She explained something about them not knowing he was her teacher. Blah blah. But it wasn't right. I felt the urge to get up and attack him. But I knew I wouldn't. I was just saying that. Hours passed by. I lay there still. Why doesn't one love those that love them. I don't understand why Jam, my best friend would rather be with that man than me. Couldn't she see it? I love her. Since I met her, I liked her. When we were kids, I would let her ride my favourite bike, that I spent months saving money for. Even when she broke it, I didn't create a major fit. I just cried. But only because it was her. She was the only one that I felt really  comforted by when my dad died. He was a construction worker, always working hard to provide for us. My mom and I. Even at that, he would manage to come home early to spend time with us. He knew my favourite foods, hobbies, ambitions more than mom. During Ramadan, he would help my mom in the kitchen, checking through the food catalogue for varieties of food. We went on vacations to islands, parks, especially during Festivities. There was this one time he booked a flight to Paris on Eid il Adha. We missed the flight but he booked another one two weeks later as a surprise. Everything about my parents was perfect. They were so much in love. I was the only child due to problems my mom developed three years after giving birth to me. Endometriosis. It had spread to major parts of her organs when she was diagnosed. However, she knew that it was Qadr. Destiny. She never disbelived and took it upon herself to be happy. Whatever happened was the will of God. I will never forget her words that day, after she finished telling me the story. She said, in this life, I could pray for many things. But I pray for only one thing. You. You are my everything. My life, my soul. I will not be the same without you. I live for you. I do everything for you. Always remember that.

I remembered that faithful day. It was raining when I returned home from school. As soon as I entered our apartment, I knew something was wrong. The T.v. was on, with loud volume. So wierd because my mom never put too much volume. The kitchen was a mess. My mom was a tidy freak. A glass was broken, shreds of it scattered on the floor. I went straight to her room. She was silent. Sitting on the bed, tears flowing down her cheeks. When she told me, I was dumbfounded. Before I become devastated.

For weeks, I wasn't longer myself. My friends were there for me, throughout my time of sorrow. Especially Jameela. She would stay from morning till night everyday for weeks with me. It became her routine to bring me food that she made. My mom was so devastated too, so Jameela ended up bringing food for the two of us. My mom always told me I was so lucky to have a friend like her. But the thing is, I don't want her to be my friend. I want her to be something more.

~~~~~

In the evening, the whole class gathered in the large sitting room, just discussing on random stuff. As usual, each sat with their group. High school. I didn't understand why there had to be such difference in school. For instance, Jameela, Drew, Nina, Nat, Jamie, Mariyam and I were in one group. Adriana and her friends were in the other.
Then there were the lacrosse players, skaters and swimmers -- Ryan, Joe, Ade, Carrie, Katie, and the others. At least, we were okay with Ryan's group. But Adrianas'? No. It was like there was this huge barrier preventing us from talking to each other. I never liked this. We were classmates after all. So we should be able to at least, be comfortable together. If Natasha comes to sit with us, we would be worried that they were planning something. So much pressure in high school.

I was aimlessly playing with my phone when I heard a tap from behind. I turned and saw Jams. "Hey." she said and sat next to me on the sofa.

"Hi," I replied.

"Soo, what're you up to?"

"Nothing. Just checking some photos. Are you hungry?"

"Nope. I will get a cup of coffee later."

"Jams, I wanna talk to you. It's about Mr. Alessio," I whispered.

"What about him?"

"Look, I don't think he's the one for you. As your friend, I want the best for you."

She huffed, "Oh really? And so because of your instincts you expect me to just leave him? Please." She rolled her eyes. It was clear she was angry.

"Ok, then. Your choice. But ple---" I stopped as the whole place became dark. Torchlights were on immediately. Mr Cameron and Graham came in and told us they would check the wired connections in the electric box. It was probably a connection problem, he said.
I sat with Jams in the dark. I knew how she hated dark surroundings. It terrified her. I put my hand in hers and molded them together. She tried to move her away, but I quickly whispered in her ear, "I'm sorry."

"Fine." She whispered and I smiled. Just then, a piercing sound came from somewhere. We stood up abruptly. "What was that?"

"It sounded like Mariyam," said Jamie. We all rushed to various parts of the house, in search of the location of the sound. "I thought she was sitting with us. When did she leave?" Nina asked, bewildered.

"No idea." I answered. The kitchen door was locked, as I passed by it. Strange, I thought. So I decided to push it open. I found Mariyam shivering, staring at something. I followed her eyes but saw nothing.

"She's here!" I shouted. "Are you okay?" We brought here back to the sitting room, just in time for light to be restored. She seemed so shaken, she couldn't speak. Her eyes were wide, her mouth shaking.

"I wonder what she saw. It's our first day at camp and this." I told Drew when we were in our room. Mariyam had already been given her pills and gone to bed. It was very late in the night.

"I can't even begin to guess, Ibraheem. It's so strange. Well, we will find out tomorrow i guess."

"InshaAllah. Let's sleep." I replied.

"Goodnight."

                      ~~~~~

Ibraheem's POV. What do you think? What on earth is going on in our favourite sleeepaway camp.
Next chapter coming up soon.

With love,
Mairam...