Chapter 5
It was Thursday. Our final day here. I couldn’t believe I was finally leaving! I was finally going to show my family and friends my first big…project. That I had finished. That I had worked on…on my own.
We were meant to be leaving tonight at 10 at night so we had all day to get ready until we left. Fortunately my whole family had packed our bags beforehand so we could just relax. All my friends were excited and ready to go too. We were meeting them at the airport later.
I had been speaking to Jacob for the last couple of days since we finally met. He was being kinder every day and I looked forward to talked to him each day. However for some reason he reminded me of someone but I didn’t know whom. It felt like Déjà vu for some reason...
Also my nightmares were getting worse each day. I think it was the eight o’clock walk home the other day was what triggered them. I shivered slightly. I didn’t want to be in that situation ever again. The strange feeling that you were being watched and also scaring yourself when you see a stranger across the street…
I wasn't ready to go back to remembering what …nearly happened five years ago. Something that shocked me to my core and I still can’t believe. Something no one else knows, and the worst thing was I couldn't tell anyone. Because I was half scared and half ashamed.
I shook my head trying to distract my thoughts and read a quick surah under my breath. I heard a knock on my door.
“Come in,” I said out loud.
It was Miya. I smiled at her as I continue to read the book I was reading. It was ‘1000 Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseini.’ It was one of my favourite books and I heard they were making a film as well. I was excited to watch it, however I hoped they wouldn’t ruin the book like they have in previous films that have been based on certain books before. (Cough twilight cough)
*Jkjk*
“Hey girl! What you up to?” She exclaimed, carefully sitting on the edge of my bed.
“Just wandering round the streets of Kabul.” I replied to her, not glancing up.
When I was followed by a silence, I looked up and noticed Miya staring at me strangely. I waved my book at her and she nodded, understanding me now.
I went back to reading about Mariam and her sky-blue burka as Miya sat there fidgeting on my bed.
(Burka is an enveloping outer garment worn by women in some Islamic traditions to cover their bodies when in public.)
“I need to talk to you…” She suddenly blurted.
I froze. Those words in one sentence were something nobody ever wanted to hear. I looked up at her, putting my book down.
She hesitated before rushing out her next sentence, “I’mpregnant.”
Huh?
I shook my head at her, “Sorry, didn't get that.”
“I’m pregnant…” She said more slowly looking up at me under her eyelashes.
I stared at her for a second before screaming out loud. “OH MY ALLAH!! CONGRATU…” But before I could finish my sentence she put her slim hand over my mouth.
She looked around her nervously. “Shhh! I haven’t told anyone except you!”
“Why not?” I frowned at her.
“It’s not Zack’s baby…” She whispered looking terrified.
My mouth dropped. Was this a joke? I felt angry, surprised, sad, confused, astonished and rage all at once.
I saw a flash of the camera and she started laughing. I glared at her as she rolled on my bed, tears rushing down her face as she laughed her head off.
I huffed, “That's not even funny okay! I was about to beat yo ass for saying that!”
Miya stopped laughing and wiped her tears. She looked at me glaring at her and then at the picture that she had taken and set of laughing again.
I picked up the amazing book and continued reading, trying to get lost in the words of Khalid, trying to ignore the maybe-pregnant woman who was still laughing on my huge king sized bed.
“Are you even pregnant?” I asked her sternly, carefully closing my book but keeping my thumb in-between the pages I was on, looking at her now frozen figure over my book.
She nodded terrified.
“I’m scared… What if Zack doesn't want a child?” She said nervously.
I rolled my eyes. “Do you love him?”
She nodded immediately.
“Do you think he’ll ever do anything he’ll regret if you told him you were pregnant?”
She hesitantly shook her head.
I smiled, “There you go then, you silly woman…although it is cringeYY that you two…you know…EW!” I said laughing at her horrified face.
“OW!”
She threw one of my hard, ‘for show’ pillows at me.
She still looked a bit scared so I sighed loudly before squealing in a fake, annoying tone, ”LETS GO SHOPPING?”
She grinned and got up so fast I hardly saw her. She winced and held her head, “Whoa…head rush…”
This time it was my turn to laugh. Miya was a trainee doctor in her last year of training until she was an official, independent doctor. This year she’s been getting better paychecks meaning she spoiled us…a lot. Silly girl.
One hour later…
I groaned as Miya came and pulled my hand and dragged me in to a large shop. She had two big shopping bags on each arm and I was holding two more…for her. I definitely wasn't laughing now
“Miyaaaaaa…” I whined. I was regretting my decision to bring her here now.
“Now we need to find you the perfect dress to wear at the…” she said excited.
“Mmmm…smoothies!” I interrupted her looking at a sign outside the shop.
“…Opening evening!” She finished.
I laughed looking at her. “Don't you worry?! I’ve already brought one back in New York! I knew you would be like this so I’ve already brought one…” I told her grinning triumphantly.
She looked unsure. “Is it nice?” She asked, running a hand through her light hair.
I glared at her as I left the shop with her apologizing, trailing behind me.
We then brought our smoothies and walked to the Car park to then drive home…
Miya had found the ‘perfect’ dress a couple weeks before. However, now she wasn't so sure. It suited her perfectly.
It was a long, silvery-grey silk, dress with silver embroidery, with slim, silk sleeves that ended at her elbows. It reached her ankles and fluttered around her feet giving her an airless effect.
Nobody had seen my dress yet. I also loved it but I wanted to keep it as a surprise, even to my family.
It was funny how everyone was freaking out about it!
Even my father told me I better be smart. I guess that's true.
Our family didn't really care about what other people thought of us, we only cared about how we would be seen by Allah, however my father had a high reputation because of his well known company and I didn't want to destroy that in a single minute no matter how stupid that seemed.
I was definitely sure about it though and I even finished my speech! Just in time! It wasn't that long, mainly straight to the point and it didn't seem like I was showing of…or proud…
After getting our delicious smoothies we headed for the car. Actually more like I dragged Miya away to the car…
It was nearly eight o’clock and we were all getting our suitcases in the three taxis’ we had called up.
I was wearing skinny red jeans, a long and plain fitting black dress that ended above my knees with my black leather jacket and my dark scarf. I was wearing some black high-heeled boots. I hated walking in heels…mainly because I can’t… for a long period of time!
My dad locked the front door with his keys and waited for the taxi’s to leave. Once they left, he half ran, half walked to the big main front gates. Stepping outside of them he locked them tight, entering the passcode and turning on the tight security that we had around the house and garden. Complex right?
As he sat in the taxi that was patiently waiting for him, we left.
I turned around and looked at our magnificent house before reading a short dua under my breath.
With a bismillah I closed my eyes and…
“WAIT! I FORGOT MY BAG!” My mother shouted out. My dad sighed loudly…
Here we go…
3 hours later…
We were on the plane! Now I could definitely feel the excitement flooding in! It felt so real now! The adrenaline rushed in as soon as I glanced out the window, looking at the clear night sky.
At first when the airplane started taking off, I was clenching the seat so hard that my tanned knuckles were turning white. After we had actually started flying properly and we were up high in the sky and some comforting words of Aisha and Rosie who were on each side of me, could I finally let go and relax.
It was no secret that I hated heights…and flying. I was okay once we were high up and I could even look outside at times however I just hated the experience of landing and lifting off.
Everybody had arrived on time Alhamdulillah and gotten on the plane safely and now we had around seven more hours till we reached New York City airport. It was going to be one long, tiring journey!
When I first got on the plane, my seat was 48, which meant I had to sit next to an older man who was giving of strange vibes. I believed what I felt when after nearly 20 minutes of this strange man staring at me in a way I’d rather not say he leant in close and asked in a casual way if I wanted any… drugs. I’d apparently be having a ‘good’ time. That was the last…and rather disturbing straw.
I grabbed my bag and dashed out of there as fast as I could, trying not to make any strange sounds. I was scared okay!
It was slightly difficult to rush in the busy plane and the narrow walking space between the seats. I had spotted Ali on his own in a whole row of four seats so I went and sat next to him. Without explaining I grabbed the water he had in his hand and started drinking, ignoring his questioning gaze.
“Have you ever been offered drugs?” I had said casually.
The airplane lights dimmed so it was near darkness minus the lights of people’s phones and tablets, etc and the TV in our seats…
“Babe, I was the one to offer them.” Omid had said, coming up from a different seat and plonking down next to me.
“Er Omid? Halal girl space…remember! I mean you don't usually go by it but for me…” I had said to him in a stern tone.
He leant back and pouted. “Sometimes it feels like you don't want me Aley!” He said looking sad.
I had given him a disgusted look, and before I could say anything else at that time, Zack (who had been walking past us at that moment) slapped Omid on his head and said, “Dude stop hitting on my sister.” He gave him a hard/ disgusted look then carried on his way down the narrow lane.
It was actually quite funny how overprotective he was over me. Ali was also the same and you didn't even want to see my father if the opposite gender said or did something to me. I guess it ran in the family. I was surprised he even let the guys come with us!
I laughed and got up. I could see Aisha and Rosie and an extra seat nearby so here I is now! We were all looking at some photos of everyone on Rosie’s phone. Distant memories from when everything was so simple. It was before everything…had happened…
“The time is close Aliyah. Don't you worry? I’m coming… and when I do you’ll be mine…” laughter filled the tense darkness, running shivers throughout my body.
“Aliyah! Aliyah!!” someone was shaking me…hard.
“Yeah? Yes!?” I mumbled, rubbing my eyes. I looked to my left and an empty seat met my view. I moved to the window seat and carefully looked outside. It was such a beautiful view. There were so many soft looking clouds and the sky was purple and bright with the sunlight...
Wait. What time was it?
I looked around the plane but it was empty. Empty completely. Spotless though. Everything looked so clean, unlike anyone had even stepped in the plane. The lighting was dim and there was a silence so quiet that it was almost deafening.
I quickly got up and looked around. I could feel my heart thumping hard and fast. Where was everyone? My friends and family wouldn't leave me would they?! Where were all the people?
I looked outside and saw we were still high up in the sky. I gulped loudly. What was this? I walked quickly to the captain’s room and knocked loudly, the knocks strangely echoing throughout the empty plane. When nobody answered I barged in but saw no one in there. I gasped and shook my head backing away. I suddenly felt a presence behind me as I walked back in to it. Turning around with fear creeping up my throat I saw a dark hooded figure but I didn't see the face. The person came closer to my frozen figure and I smelt a natural minty and fragranced smell before meeting darkness…
I gasped waking up and looking around frantically. Looking to my right, I could see my mum talking to my dad and then she saw me awake. “Aliyah! How did you sleep Habibti?” She sat next to me. My mum was glowing. She looked so fresh and awake. How?!
I mumbled something quietly and she said, “Do you want something to eat? No? Okay well get ready the planes about to land…”
I stood up straight. Oh no! Not again. The nerves were settling in as the plane dipped lower. My stomach rolled and I was glad I didn't eat anything. I quickly put my seatbelt on and stared outside, breathing deeply. Checking my phone the time said 06:50.
The captain I bet, started speaking in a calm voice, informing everybody (on the loud speakers of the plane.) that we were going to land in approximately four minutes. He also told everyone to hold old as it would be a bit bumpy. Oh Allah!
Not a moment later, Aisha joined my mum and I, sitting between us, fastening her belt. She looked at me, “You okay Aliyah?” She asked me in a sweet tone.
I nodded smiling, but that smile was replaced by fear as I felt the plane wobble and fall forward before suddenly hitting the ground with a soft bump. My stomach started rolling around again and I felt sick. It didn't help with the strange and intense dream I just had…
Bismillah let the day begin…
We arrived safely at the airport that was filled to the brim with people of all races and colour. Some looked excited, whilst others looked exhausted. I could smell the richness of coffee since there was a coffee shop at every corner not to mention the bright yellow ‘McDonald’ signs at every view. Typical America. My stomach was now grumbling with hunger since I somehow missed breakfast on the aeroplane.
There were shops everywhere but they were mainly only filled with tourists and travellers, buying last minute gifts for whoever they were visiting or seeing.
All around there were people sitting down on seats, probably waiting for their departure time. Little children on their Nintendo’s and older teenagers texting or tweeting. Parents sat with purses and bags, watching carefully over their children, whilst sipping their hot drinks.
I looked around and immediately found my fathers tall, and powerful looking figure. I walked slowly over to him, checking that I had all my belongings with me.
Before I knew it, my friends and family surrounded me. I looked around to see who was here and who was not. There was; my parents, Zack and Miya, Daniel and Jannat who were fussing over Khadija and Nasser. Aisha and Ali who stood with their parents, (talking to mine) Omid and Omar, Noor and Rosie.
We were definitely one big group!
Wait…where was Matt?
“Rosie!” I shouted.
She looked up at me and mouthed excitedly, ‘I can’t believe we’re here!’
I nodded smiling but mouthed, ‘where’s Matt?’
She mouthed a drinking motion and I nodded.
I turned to my father who was talking to someone on the phone as I patiently waited. Whilst I was waiting Nasser and Khadija came up to me. (My nephew and niece.)
I smiled at them. “Did you have a fun flight?”
They both nodded dramatically. They began to speak loudly over each other and I laughed at how fast they talked. I shook my head and Khadija rolled her eyes at me.
She’s ten and rolling her eyes already!
“There was a strange woman next to me but she was nice in the end. She told me a story about all her cats…It helped me fall asleep, ”She said cheekily to me.
I started laughing at her and Nasser said, “And I stayed up reeeaaly late watching films!” He looked so proud thinking it was grown up to do those things. He continued telling me what different films he watched, I had a huge urge to grab his cute, chubby cheeks and say ‘Aaawh!’ but though better of it.
His mum, (my older sister Jannat) came up to me and asked if I could take them to get a drink before we left. I nodded and held their hands. With a quick thanks, she left to talk to my mum. I dropped the smile that was on my face. Jannat’s relationship and mine…wasn't the best. We got along most of the time however she really loved telling me what to do and she usually dumped her kids on me the second she got tired. I just got along with it nowadays, however back when I was a feisty teenager and our arguments went on for days!
Turning around, I saw Omid and Omar coming towards me. “Should we take them? I think your dad calling you..” Said Omar, signaling towards my dad who was now off his phone.
I nodded gratefully and watched Omar and Omid taking Khadija and Nasser to the nearest sweet shop. They were laughing and joking around with them. Sweet. So much for the drink, seems like the kids bewitched them to get a mountain of sweets instead……
When I reached my dad he told me that we were all ready to leave. I nodded and trusted that he knew where we were going.
After everyone was finally with us and we grabbed all of our suitcases which took a while, we grabbed four taxis and put all my friends in their, directing the taxi driver to the hotel and telling Ali, (the most sensible one out of them all) the name that the hotel rooms were reserved under.
Rosie was practically jumping up and down in excitement as well as the others.
After waving goodbye to all of them and telling them they had to go buy their outfits for Saturday they drove off.
Next we were waiting for my dad’s ride. In less than a minute, a smart black 7 seater drove up behind us. It was the new Aldi S6 (Just made that up? :P)
We were all impressed.
The driver then came out and helped us put all our bags in to the car boot, which was massive. The chauffeur was very funny and made us all laugh as we drove down New York’s streets. He pointed out certain places and restaurants that were good and I even managed to catch Adam Saleh and Sheikh Akbar with a crowd of friends near Urban Outfitters. It felt so real seeing them laughing and acting normally. Adam was holding up a camera, presumably filming…
We slowly reached a quiet drive. This area looked much more nicer and posh-er than the usual streets we had passed back then. We drove up to a particularly big house that was surrounded by some silver steel gates, encrusted by iron shears on each spike…hey! I was an architect after all! I knew these things. Quite simple really.
The driver said something in to the speaker that was near the gates and the gates opened slowly. I saw a camera that was perched on one of the spikes zoom in on us. Wow, security much?
I suddenly felt nervous. Here was a beautifully made house, which looked like it had marble tiling outside the house near the front door, and a magnificent front garden. This family looked rich and powerful, I hoped they were welcoming and kind. They were also attending the opening evening so I wanted to impress them for some unknown reason.
My mum gave us all a look that clearly read, ‘Behave!’ and we all gulped at her stare.
We slowly walked to the magnificent front door, my dad leading in front. The chauffeur assured us that our belongings would be brought in later to all our rooms.
Knocking on the door three times, the knocks seemed to echo. After a tense silence, the door opened to show a tall and elegant woman. She looked at everyone in turn and her stare stood on me a moment longer before she gave a big smile and said, “Assalamualaykum! Come in, come in! It’s so great to have you all here! How was your flight? Alhamdulillah you all look fine……”
10/04/14
I think that was such an awkward way to end this chapter, I don't know what did you guys think??
It’s in’sha’allah going to be more exciting from now…maybe! I think this chapter was a bit longer and explanatory than the rest…it took 10 and a half pages to write so I hope you enjoyed it!!!
So what do you all think happened to Aliyah before? OOOhhhhh! ;)
I wrote this chapter bit by bit through the whole day!
So like I want to thank you guys for reading even though there is like 20 of you LOL but gotta start small right? Please do check out my blog, it’s in my last chapter too but I will put it next chapter as well!!:)
HAVE A GREAT EASTER :’)
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N.o.t.d (Note of the day)
I hate people who try to bring you down by snide comments and looks. You gotta just ignore them and stand up for yourself. Remember at the end of the day they’re pathetic and what they say or do does not mean anything.
Music: MKTO
OMG I LOVE MKTO they’re actually amazing! In love guys, go check them out!! My fave songs are Thank you and Classic by them! <3 *.*
Book: 1000 splendid suns- Khalid Hosseini J
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