Satisfied with his latest assortment of photos, a small smile framed his face. Ahmad's phone vibrated in his pocket. He rummaged through it.
Nader.
Ahmad rolled his eyes.
"What do you want? Kinda busy here, he scuffed. Scouring for his next shot.
"Don't be late" Nader retorted.
"uh – yeah – yeah – whatever! About to stuff his phone back in his pocket a message lit up the screen.
WHAT THE F—DON'T HANG UP ON ME! Come home Now! Nader wrote. Irritated, Ahmad shot him back a message tapping on the screen intensely. Stop acting like you are dad.
⁕⁕
Blaring beats vibrating throughout the second floor of the Ramadan household. Music and photography, two things Ahmad enjoyed. Leaning against the headboard his laptop in hand, Ahmad scrolled through the recent photos he uploaded.
"Get your ass outside and come help us!" Nader shouted as his voice muffled through the music while banging on the bedroom door.
Annoyed he got up off the bed swinging the door open, only to find Nader's fist ready to clock him in the face.
"What the Fuck Man?" he shouted at the six-foot-four giant in front of him, cupping his cheek with pain.
Nader laughed. "Now that I got your attention TURN THAT SHIT OFF! Mama and baba will be here soon, and everyone has already gathered in the garden. Oh, and before I forget you should put some ice on that!" Nader continued to laugh as he sprinted down the spiral staircase.
"I HATE YOU ASSHOLE!" he shouted.
⁕⁕
The newly blossomed rose bushes aligning the stone-paved path towards the centerpiece of the garden, gave the vision and aroma of spring. A large white gazebo, climbing roses intertwined around the pillars of the entrance. A banner hung across the roof stated: Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary. After all the events that unfolded earlier in the day, Layla couldn't muster up the courage to tell a soul. Especially when her family had been invited to such an extravagant occasion. The surprise party was a collaborated event among the Ramadan brothers. Pleasantly surprised at the number of RSVPs Ahmad kept his distance. Close enough to capture the moments, yet far enough to avoid any confrontation from his nosy relatives, whom of which wouldn't stop trying to set him up with a good Muslim girl. The youngest Ramadan, Mona and the other guests around her age scattered across the acreage between a large trampoline, swing set, and an old treehouse. Others conversed in conversation anxiously awaiting Mr. and Mrs. Ramadan's arrival.
The DJ lowered the music, as they approached from the back door of the garden.
In unison, all the guests shouted, "SURPRISE!".
Smiles beaming from ear-to-ear Yousif, and Yasmin Ramadan made their way to the stage under the gazebo. Ever since the grand opening of the studio, no one had seen their smiles so bright. Looking down at his camera Ahmad knew the day was a smashing success. In the chaos of capturing all his parents' joyous moments. Off in the distance he saw her, No Way! Ahmad skimmed through his pictures from the park. What a small world. How do mama and baba know her?
Nader cleared his throat. "Ahim, Can I please get everyone's attention, Ahmad snapped back to reality, "I would like to make a toast to the two greatest parents in the world! We love you mama and baba! Happy Anniversary." Nader said through the microphone.
"Thank you, Everyone, for coming out this evening and celebrating such a milestone for my beautiful wife and I." Yousif said as his voice began to brittle.
"Put down that camera, I am starting to think it's attached to your face!" A familiar voice echoed behind Ahmad.
Startled he jumped. "Hey Joe, I didn't see you there."
"How could you," He laughed. "Aren't you meant to be up there too?"
"Nah I'm good." Ahmad shrugged.
"Anyway, whatcha doing tonight, Let's go out, it's been a while!"
That evening before bed, Layla urged for clarity. She adjusted the position of the prayer mat, and in her other hand, she held the Holy Quran. After everything that had happened Layla knew Allah had the answers. She prompts the holy Quran on her dresser. Shuffling her feet back in position, Layla rose her hands beside her head.
"Allah o Akbar" she said, beginning to pray Isha (Night Prayer).
She lowers her hands back down to her side resting her right hand on top of her left before her chest. As Layla continued in her prayer her eyes started to water. With every droplet shed, she felt the heaviness being lifted. As another deep breath escaped her mouth. She felt refreshed, clear. Free.
Soft knocking caught her attention. Aisha Al Hajj peeked through Layla's door, "Tak'ab Allah Habibti" (May God accept your prayers, my love.)
"El Hamdellah" (Thank God) she whispered, pressing her hands to her face she whisked away any evidence of previous tears in hopes her mother didn't notice.
"I wanted to check on you before I headed to bed, you were awfully quiet today at the Ramadan's party. Was everything alright?" She remained standing at the door.
What could I say, don't tell her... she'd freak. She thought.
"Layla?" she questioned.
"Oh yes, Emi (Mom) I am fine, I just didn't know anyone there." She finally said, with a smile.
Even though her motherly intuition told her something was off Aisha took Layla at her word. "Alright Albi, (my heart) good night," stepping out she closed the door behind her.
Layla exhaled.
Istaghfar'Allah I hate lying.
⁕⁕
Although it was Thursday the VIP line stretched for miles. Young ladies ready to drink and dance the night away, dressed to impress any guy in sight. mini-skirts, dresses, high heels. The heavy R&B music blasted down the street as Ahmad and Joe approached the bouncer.
"Welcome back Mr. Ramadan!" The bouncer gestured through the door.
The loud music pierced their eardrums as they entered the club. A dark corridor lit up by beams of light along the floor. With a sharp turn to the left, Ahmad and Joe enter the packed two-story warehouse.
"Let's get this party started! Everyone JUMP!!"
"LADIES DRINKS ARE ON ME!" Ahmad waved his credit card in the air.
"Bartender get me another bottle of Bud light and whatever these ladies would like gesturing at all the ladies down the bar. The bartender's mouth dropped.
"You gotta be kidding me. This is your last one. I'm cutting you off Mr. Ramadan" he added.
Ahmad rolled his eyes.
"CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!" over twenty ladies chanted as he downed his fifth bottle of the night.
The room started spinning, sounds became but a blur.
"Ahmad you— Catch Him!"
⁕⁕
After last night this should be the least of his worries. Nader chuckled quietly as he dangled a bucket of ice water over Ahmad's head.