Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 19.

Hi, guys! i missed you so much. i'm so so so sorry for the extremely late posts. :( Well enjoy and please give me feedback, i've missed your comments so much!

Who knew, me, the girl who was disgusted by the term "love/in love" would say those 3 magical words one day to someone who truly meant something special to her. 

"I love you" i said again, this time with a smile. Seeing his shocked face it only meant one of the two possibilities; 

1-he was shocked.

2-he was shocked. 

It took approximately 7 minutes for him to swallow his saliva and open his mouth to say something and the second he did my nanny, Mila, opened the door yelling, "Why you still outside? come come in!" while waving to get inside the house. And thats when i realised that i was still in Khaled's arms so i got out of his arms with my cheeks flushed and almost ran inside, ignoring Mila's knowingly/smirky looks. 

I didn't see Khaled the rest of the day, i was too busy looking for a flight for London but i knew that i had to tell my granny about why I'm going to London, but i really don't know how to start..

While i was laying on the bed,checking flights for London walked a pouting Abdullah. 

"Hey, shfeeik baby boo?" I asked Abdullah while getting out of bed to pick him up. 

"You forgot to read me a bed time story. Norah is bad. :(" He replied with a sad tone. 

"Awww, baby. :( I'm so sorry." I said while kissing his cheek. "Let me make it up for you?" I asked while laying him on my bed and laying down myself, facing him. 

"Okay!" He said with a cheesy grin. 

"Yaay." I said while opening my drawer from my bedside table and taking one of his favourite stories. 

"Yallah, lets start. Once upon a time….." i was almost halfway through the story when i heard his little snores. I smiled, closed the book, kissed his cheek and got out of bed but not without tucking him in first. 

It was 1am when i finally closed my laptop and went to brush my teeth and wash my face for bed. When i got out of the bathroom i got a text that said, "Can you please come outside in the backyard?" and the text was listed under Khaled's name. I got butterflies in my stomach and rushed to the mirror to see how i looked; i was in my hello kitty pants, a black tank top, my waist length hair in a messy ponytail and not a trace of makeup on my face. i decided to wear a jacket and go outside to see what he wants. I grabbed my black jacket and wore my black toms and headed out. 

It was kinda chilly out side which was strange so i wrapped the jacket over me a bit tighter. I saw a figure sitting on the swing and i knew it was Khaled, mainly cause he said that he'd be outside…

"Hey," i said making him jump. "Hey," he replied looking at me. "Sooooooo, why'd you want to see me?" I asked while sitting on the other swing which was next to him. he sighed and said, "i don't know how you do it.." "Do what?" i asked confusingly. "Make me Goddamn crazy about you." he said, looking straight into my eyes. He turned his body and swing so he'd face me and said, "I think about you 24/7, your face is printed in my mind and i can't let you out and quite frankly, i don't want you to. But this feeling scares me, i have never felt this way towards a girl before, i swear to you. It scares me because I'm so terrified of losing you and thats what makes me even more crazier. Norah, i love you, and if you let me i'll make you the happiest person on earth if you do me the honour of being mine, and only mine." He said oh, so quickly that i was afraid that he wasn't breathing.. 

"I- I don't know what to say.." i said, while pulling my hand away from his, i was so shocked with his words that i don't even remember when he held my hand. 

"You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know how i felt about you." he said

I opened up my mouth to say something, anything! but i closed it moments later.. i needed time to think. 

"I- I need time to think.." i said

"I.. I understand. Take all the time you need and remember that i will be waiting for you, always." He said with a sad smile. 

He took my hand in his, placed a warm kiss on it. My cheeks started flushing (as usual) and i said almost in a whisper "I have to go back inside, it's getting late", he nodded in approval and waited for me to go inside and after a few minutes he followed my trail. 

I woke up the next morning feeling a heavy weight on my chest. I opened one eye and saw the most adorable thing on the planet. I saw my brother's arms hugging my side while laying his face on my chest with his mouth open and a few  drops of his saliva were covering my shirt but i didn't seem to care. I kissed his forehead and nudged him slowly so he'd wake up. 

"C'mon, boo. Wakey, wakey." I said in a soft voice while trying to untangle his arms around me. 

"Nooooooo." He replied with his eyes still closed. 

"If you wake up now i'll make you pancakes with lots and lots of syrup!" i said in a cheery voice.

Two seconds after i said that i saw him jump out of my arms and headed to the bathroom. 

I laughed at him cause i know that pancakes are his biggest weakness. 

I freshened up in the other bathroom, combed my hair and went downstairs to the kitchen. I saw something or someone to be exact that made me drop my jaw to the ground.. 

I saw a sleepy Khalid with his hair all messed up and his adorable sleepy face and adorable everything sitting on the bar stool drinking his daily cup or cups of coffee. He didn't notice me cause well, he is half asleep so i said good morning and headed inside the kitchen to grab the nessacary things to make pancakes. 

"Good morning, beautiful." His eyes suddenly lit up like a kid's eyes when he sees a crowd of gifts on their birthday.

I had my back to him so he couldn't see his effect on me. "How are you?" I asked while making the pancakes.

We continued chit-chatting until everyone including a very happy Abdullah came downstairs for breakfast. 

I kissed my granny's forehead and thought i'd tell her about my plans to go to London. 

"Yumma, abe agoulich shay." 

"Hala 7abeebty, go ahead."

"Umm.. Well.. Argh.." i started stuttering.

"Yumma, Norah tabu tgoulich ena ana weyaha nabi safer London since she never left the country and with our extended holiday i thought it would be nice to go." Khalid jumped in, saving me.

"Eeh khoush fekra! Rou7aw have fun. Tell me how much the tickets costs and everything and i'll transfer the money to your bank accounts." She said in happy voice.

"But.. what about me?" Asked a pouting Abdullah. His face broke my heart into tiny pieces, we were never left apart and this trip would be a challenge cause i would miss him, a lot.

"Oh, boo." i said while reaching out to him and hugging him. "It's only for a few weeks and i'll be back with lots of toys for you!" i said trying to cheer him up. 

He nodded in acceptance after a few moments. 

I let him go and went back to my granny. "Mashkoura, yumma. This means a lot to me." i said while hugging her. 

"Anything for you." She replied while holding my cheek in her wrinkled hand.

-A few days later.

"Did you take all my bags?" I asked Khalid while walking in the gate of Heathrow Airport thats in London. 

"For the billionth time, yes." He replied, annoyed cause he didn't sleep during the flight.

"Jeez, i'm just making sure."

After checking in into our rooms, i fell face forward on my bed. I heard him putting the bags on the floor. I mean, c'mon, i gotta take advantage of his muscles. 

After unloading them he sat on the sofa and faced me while saying, "So are you ready to see your mom?"

I took a big breath and said, "As ready as i'll ever be." but not really believing it, for truth to be told, i was terrified. 

I hope you liked it!

Comments?

-@Chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 18

As if my brain needed another shock, another thing to worry/think about. as if the things i had on my plate aren't enough, now i find out that my mom, thats if she still deserves that title, was or in London, getting treated from a disease we knew nothing about.

i took some deep breaths and told Khaled to wait for me outside, after an unsure look he left, leaving me and someone who knew stuff about my mother that even her own daughter doesn't know.

I sat down, right in front of his desk, my eyes and voice showed firmness when i said, "Dr. i want you to tell me everything about my mom, i don't care how long it takes, you tell me everything, right? she owns me that much and so do you."

After a moment of hesitation, he opened his mouth and started telling me everything from A-Z. He told me how the symptoms started showing when i was 12, and she hid the disease from us till it got worse and she told "him" about it and he didn't even care. When i turned 13, thats when she thought i was mature enough to leave me, to leave us, alone with him, the beast. She went to London for treatment, not telling anybody except for her Dr.

The whole time he was telling me this, one thought was roaming in my head; why didn't she take us with her? why did she leave me, leave us with him, when she knew he was crazy, crazy with her and even crazier without her.

He stopped and looked at me, waiting for my reaction. Every time i open up my mouth to say something, anything, i start to choke up on my own words. After 5 long minutes of me not saying anything, he said in a soft voice, "Norah, i have a very important meeting now, i'm early sorry that you had to find this out this way, i'm deeply sorry."

I opened up my mouth again and this time i spoke up, "Its fine, really. i had to find out, one way or another." i gave him a warm, reassuring smile. And it was really fine, its not like it was his fault.

i got up, and he did also. i shook his hand and turned my direction to the door. As soon as i opened the door i saw Khaled getting up from his seat and almost ran to me.

"Ha, shagal? Are you okay? Where is your mom now?" he started asking me a question after another. i wasn't even sure that we breathed between each question..

"I'll tell you everything in the car, but lets go to the reception so i'd take the blood test." i wanted this day to be over already. He nodded his head as an "ok" and we did everything; filled out the necessary forms and after waiting for 15mins for my turn we were finally done and heading to the car.

I started to get lightheaded so Khaled insisted on getting me orange juice so the dizziness would go away. On our way back i told him everything that Dr. David told me. After i finished telling him everything i turned my head to see him, waiting for his reaction. He didn't say anything until he parked outside our granny's house.

"Well, that sucks." He said, not even looking at me. "Tell me something i don't know." i said after sighing. I was just about to leave the car when he started speaking again, "Norah, we have to go to your mom. you have to hear this from her."

"i wish if it was that easy, Khaled.."

"IT IS EASY! its not fair for you nor for Abdullah! He deserves to know his mother, doesn't he?"

i didn't reply…. i hated yelling. it reminds me a lot of him…

i guess he knew i was scared..

"Norah, I'm sorry for yelling wallah i didn't mean to.." he said, his voice showing how sorry he was.

i gave him a small smile and said, "its fine, i know you didn't mean it."

"Good."

we kept staring into each others eyes for God knows how long till my phone started ringing, Dammit -.-

i answered without even looking at the caller's ID.

"Hello?" i said into the phone while getting out of the car. "Norah?" Said the other voice which i recognised as Dr. David's voice.

"Yes, whats up, Dr.?" i said shrugging my shoulders to Khaled's "What does he want?"

"Well, Norah, the reception were gonna call you but i wanted to personally tell you this." i was confused..

"What do you mean?"

"Well, i pulled some strings and managed to get your blood test done, so I'm happy to tell you that it turned out to be negative, you don't have cancer!" i started screaming, like literally screaming/crying on our front porch. i screamed out the words thank you into the phone so many times that i lost count, Khaled was giving me confused looks 'cause he didn't know what was happening.

Everything happened so quickly that threw my phone and ran and hugged him with all my might! "I DONT HAVE CANCER, KHALED!!!" After a few moments and hugged me back and started crying, yes, he was crying. "Oh, thank God! i thought i was gonna lose you" and in that moment i realised something…

i broke off our hug and started wiping his tears with my thumbs, leaving them to linger a bit on his moist cheeks. i stared deeply into his eyes and said 3 words that i never ever ever thought i would say..

"i love you."

-Comments?
@chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 17.

I apologize for being late; I've had loads of quizzes and school work and I couldn't find any free time to write. Also I'm gonna start my midterms in almost two weeks so bare with my slow posts. Without further ado, here is chapter 17:*

WARNING: short post coming up.








-Khaled's Point Of View:

I couldn't believe it, I just couldn't. the thought of that possibility isn’t going through my brain and I won't allow it! I can't bear to imagine Norah, MY NORAH, in needles and connected to all sorts of machines. I wanted to go punch the light of day out of that doctor but I knew it wasn’t his fault. I took a look at Norah's face and wish I hadn’t. she had silent tears streaming down her face, her eyes wide open and her hand clutching her chest as if she couldn’t breathe. She needed me now more than ever, Dr. David gave us one last smile and left his office to give us a few minutes alone while we register the thought of Norah having cancer.

I hesitated to go sit next to her but I do so anyway, "Norah?" I said in a soft voice, almost a whisper. No answer. "Norah? Ga3da tsm3eeny?" I asked.. still no answer. I was about to ask her again when she suddenly gasped and started crying out loud. :') "i..i..i can't.. NO. he must got it all wrong. Yes there is no way I have cancer. No, no, no, no and NO" she started mumbling to herself as if I'm not there, trying to convince herself that she was fine, and she is!

"Norah, look at me" I said, sitting on my knees in front of her. She didn’t, its like im not even there. "NORAH, look at me," I said while holding her chin with my fingers softly, making her acknowledge my existence. We locked eyes and her bottom lip started wobbling, a sign that she was going to start crying again. "hey hey," I said while wiping a stray tear with me index finger, "you're going to be okay, got it?" I said with firmness in my voice cause god knows if she started crying I'm gonna cry with her. "the doctor didn’t say it was for sure, remember? How about we ask him to come back again so we'd ask our questions?" I said while rubbing my finger against her left blushing cheek. "okay.." she said while nodding her head. I got up and went to look for the doctor.





-Norah's Point Of View:

I don’t want this. I don’t want to live my life laying in hospital beds, having my hair fall down, not being in the mood for anything that requires effort. I DON’T WANT THIS. I have seen what cancer does to its patients and that’s the thing, I don’t want to be one of cancers patients. I want to graduate from college, I want to see Abdullah go to his first day at school, I want to get married, have children, have a family of my own..

I don’t want my mind to wander off, I just want to pray that the doctors "theory" isn’t correct. Whilst taking deep breaths, Dr. David and Khaled walked inside the room, Khaled giving me a small smile whereas Dr. David is giving me a guilty one.

We began asking our questions which consisted of "how will I fight it?" "when do I take a test to check if I have cancer?" "what type of cancer?" and so they go on….



We had to wrap it up and come back another time since he has an appointment. As we're heading out he said, "I'm surprised you didn’t take a blood test sooner, since your mom was a cancer patient." Woah, what? Both Khaled and I stopped in our tracks, I turned around so fast that I got dizzy for a bit but I didn’t care. "excuse me?" I said, hoping what just came out of his mouth was un-correct. "I don’t understand.." Khaled said in the background. I could tell Dr. David was dumbfolded by my shocking face. "don’t you know?" he asked in a confused voice. "know what??" I asked, my temper getting the best of me. "your mom had breast cancer and she was in London for medical treatment…" he said.





Dun dun dunnnnnn^.^

-Comments?

@chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 16

we both had our eyes wide open in fear,staring at the blood on my hands. my blood.
"Norah.." he started to say but i cut him off saying, "its nothing, i probably bit my tongue or something and thats the result. i'm fine. i'm fine." i started babbling trying to convince myself rather than Khaled. His eyes were still wide but this time they were looking at me with fear. i knew in the back of my head that something was wrong with me but i kept it in. i don't need to burden people with my problems more than i have done the past year. "Okay, whatever you say. at least let me tuck you in bed and we'll deal with this tomorrow." he said, putting his hand on my back, guiding me out of the bathroom. he helped me sit down on my bed and went back to the bathroom to grab a wet towel to wash away the blood. my b l o o d. My mind was thinking a million thoughts per second. Khaled came back and started to clean my hands but i wasn't paying any attention cause my eyes were focused on Abdullah's face, fearing that one day, he'll be all alone. no mother. no father. no siblings. i started to get teary eyes but i held them back, not wanting to be venerable in front of Khaled.

"Noraahhh" Khaled said while waving his hand in front of my face. apparently, my mind and i were drifting apart.
"Yeaah?"i said, trying not to show any trace of sadness. doing what i'm best at: pretending.
"you okay, beautiful?" he said with utter care that i alms blushed at hearing that last word but then i remembered the "incident" earlier today at the avenues and i kept a straight face.
"hmm, yeah.. just peachy" i said, while fake smiling.
"oh, okay. then i'll let you sleep.." he said, feeling that he wasn't welcome anymore but before he left he tucked me into bed, said the m3wthat then he snuck a kiss to my forehead and left. of course i started blushing at that BUT, when he left.

i kept tossing ad turning in my sleep for quite some time and i was getting sick of not being able to go bak to sleep so i got up and twthait and started reading Quran till it was time for alFajer prayer. El7mdellah, i felt much better.

after i prayed it was a quarter to 6-ish so i decided to go downstairs to cook breakfast for everyone since my grandma always insists on waking us up pretty early on every Friday morning so we'd spend some family time with each other. it was our housekeepers day off so thats more of a reason to cook. i made some eggs and pancakes and whilst making french toast my nana and Abdullah came down and shortly after, Nawal came down with her messy hair and she almost ran to the coffee machine. i think i'm the only one in this family, Abdullah is an exception, who doesn't like coffee -shudders- i cant stand the smell of it. after Nawal came Dana and was followed by Khaled. now the whole family were here -minus the parents who are out of town for business-

"I smell some goodies hereeee" Dana said while sniffing the air. i think the only thing she likes about me is my cooking. "Haha, yes. dig in guys." before i even finished that sentence everyone was stuffing their food inside their mouths as if they were starving for weeks.

"GOD BLESS YOU." Nawal yelled while putting the last bite inside her mouth.

everyone was complimenting my cooking and i was smiling, ready to reply but my ringing phone interrupted me, i checked the caller i.d and it had DR. David written on my screen. "excuse me, guys."i said, going to the other room so i'd take the call.

"hello, DR David?" i said.
"yes, if this Norah Al-x?" a deep voice replied.
"yes, are we still up for today?" i said, being all professional "not really"
"yeah, at 4."
"good, see you at 4." i said then we exchanged our goodbyes then hung up. i turned around since i was giving the door my back and when i did i found an angry Khaled.

"men hatha?" he said, looking at me with accusing eyes. i was going to tease him and say that that was none of his business but i didn't want any trouble so i simply replied with, " that was the family doctor, David in case you forgot. "oh.." he said. "yeah.." i said, looking anywhere but him. he was leaning on the door so if i wanted to get out i had to pass him. ughhh. i started walking to the door and just as i was inches away from it, he grabbed my arm, oh so softly and said in a caring but dominate voice, "i'm coming with you." i was lost for words, i don't know why but i was. i was dumb-folded. i could only reply with "okay" since the heat of his hand on my arm wasn't helping m brain function and form words other than that one. he gave me his million dollar smile and released my arm so id pass.


it was 11:30am now and all the girls have changed and the guys "Khaled & Adbullah" were wearing their dishdasha's so they'd pray the friday prayer at the mosque. i was wearing a pencil skirt and a peplum lace shirt, my hair in waves and my makeup was simple yet noticeable. Nawal was wearing a beautiful green dress that hugged her curves but in a modest way, her hair was straight and her makeup was daring with her smoky eyeshadow, blood red lipstick and her bronze yet pink cheeks. Dana was wearing something that didn't appeal to her age but i'm not her parent so i can't say anything. she had her long brown hair into a messy yet perfect bun. her eyeliner so thick that you can barely see the whiteness in her eyes, her bright red lips and her extra tight jeans and shirt.

Khaled was waiting downstairs by the door for Abdullah so they'd both go to 9alat elym3a together. so cute:') i was walking downstairs my eyes focused on my feet so i wouldn't fall down and while doing so i heard a gasp coming from someone who was downstairs, when i lifted my head up i saw Khaled and his jaw was wide open, his eyes almost bulging out. i became insecure and started to fix my hair hoping i didn't embarrass myself yet, he was still staring.

"What?"i asked.
no answer..
"hello, earth to Khaled?" i said again
still no answer.
i walked down and stood in front of him with one of my hands on my hips and the other i used so i'd snap my fingers in front of his face.
"wha- what?" he said, snapping out of his daze. FINALLY.
"shfeeik faj'a tana7t?" i said with my eyebrows raised
"Um, cause you look so bea-" Abdullah interrupted him by jumping into his arms and announcing that he was ready. -.- not nowwww

"yala lets go 7abeebi" he said while kissing his cheek. he threw me one of his gorgeous smiles and left the house with Abdullah.

-sigh-

it was now 3:30pm and we just got back from our weekly family lunch that was located at 360 this week. Khaled told me to change into something comfy so we'd both go to my doctors appointment. DR David was more a friend rather than a doctor to this family. he had known our family for more than 10 years and we trust him with our lives (we kinda have too.) he is a fantastic surgeon and many people would kill so he'd have their cases.

I was waiting down at our living room, my shaking legs showing how impatient and nervous i am. i was wearing a navy tracksuit by Juicy, my hair in a messy bun and my face makeup-less. i was scrolling down my twitter timeline but not really reading any tweets due to my busy mind. A tiny figure jumped onto my lap making me drop my phone out of fright and my heart skipped a beat. "Noraahhh why are you sad?:(" he said while poking one of my cheeks cause me smile from both the outside and the inside. "i'm not sad, boo. i'm just thinking" i said while hugging him. "are you sure? cause if someone made you sad then i will hit them!" he said while showing me his non-existence biceps. God, i love that kid. " yes, baby. i'm sure" as i was talking to him i noticed someone coming down the stairs. finally, Khaled graced us with his presence. "you ready, Norah?" he said. "yeah" i replied while kissing Abdullah's forehead and putting him on the ground and standing up. "bye norahh, i luff "love" you" he said while throwing me a kiss then skipping his way out of the room. i giggled at the sight of him skipping which caused Khaled to smile..

we arrived at the hospital and rushed inside cause we were 15 minutes late due to the massive traffic jam. we gave the receptionist my name and she guided us inside dr. David's room. we found him sitting on his chair, his wrinkly face still wrinkly from the last time i saw him which was like 2 years ago but he had a heart of an angel.

"Hello, Norah and Norah's friend." he said while stretching his hand so we would both shake it. He looked at Khaled with a weird look cause he almost knows everyone of our family but since Khaled was living in the states (America) with his dad he was an "outsider". We started talking about random stuff and thats one of the many reasons why i love him, he was a funny old man but serious when it was needed.
"Okay, Norah. Not that i don't want you here but can you tell me whats wrong with you?" He said, all traces of joking left his face and was replaced with seriousness. i got lost for words, literally. it was like i forgot how to form words. he raised one of his eyebrows, an indication that he was still waiting for my answer. i looked at Khaled for help and thankfully, he didn't let me down. "Umm, doctor, i'm her cousin and i've been noticing her being all sick and stuff for some time now." he said, with sadness in his voice. i'm afraid of talking about what happened yesterday in the bathroom cause i'm scared that what i'm thinking of might be true. "how sick are we talking about?" Dr David said while reaching to get a notepad from his drawer to start writing the symptoms. "Like sick, sick. she was coughing up blood yesterday." Khaled said. "Well, coughing blood isn't something serious if there isn't any other symptoms. i knew i was going to regret this but i had to confess, it might help us reach something that'll finally tell me whats happening to me. "umm, doc (short for doctor) i have been feeling dizzy for a couple of weeks now. i've been waking up in the middle of the night sweating and when i get up to go to the bathroom i'd always faint then wake up in the morning. i've been throwing up pretty much lately and i think thats all.." i said while taking a breather. i knew Khaled was looking at me with his why-didn't-you-tell-me look. i was waiting for Dr. David's answer or comment but all i could hear was the clock ticking and the voices from outside the room. i took a look at him and i wish i didn't for what i saw was a very, very surprised look and his pen paused mid-air, it wasn't in a good way. "Doctor, you're scaring me.." still no comment. "Doc, you alright?" Khaled said with a hint of worry in his voice. "Norah, i don't know how to tell you this but.." "BUT WHAT?!" Khaled suddenly yelled making me jump out of fright. "um, Norah, you might have cancer." -cue the dramatic gasps-

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 15.

I'm so sorry for not posting but I've had so much on my plate! These few weeks have been nothing but hectic to me but bare with me:**



You know that feeling when you can literally hear your heart breaking inside your chest? When you suddenly stop breathing but not in a good way? When your tears disobey you and starts falling down one by one? Yeah, that's what I'm feeling right now.


"Khaloudiiiii ampeeh I MISSED YOUUU." The "anonymous" girl said. I could tell that Khaled was surprised by her cause he can't stop looking from me to "her".

"Uhh haha shlonich Sara." He said while scratching the back of his neck, a sign that he's nervous. Nawal was looking at Khaled with so much anger in her eyes that I was actually scared. Yes, she knows about Khaled's "confession"

"I'm gooood oo enta? Laish ma gemt ts'al 3ane?" Sara said while pouting. Ugh her fake lips are annoying me.

"Umm I'm good b3d t3rfeen college and stuff..." He said.

I couldn't take any more of her flirting and him just standing as if none of us were there.

"Ana an6erkum dakhel." I said almost running to the restaurant. Nawal followed me after giving Khaled a few dirty looks and so did Dana.

When we sat down Nawal was gonna begin with her lecture, "please don't." I said, my voice cracking up.

A waiter came and gave us the menus and shortly after that Khaled graced us with his existence. And he just haaaaad to sit right in front of me. Just my luck.

You could a pin fall on the floor from the awkwardness. I kept my self busy with my phone cause I don't want to face him.

After we ordered, Nawal and Dana went to the bathroom and left me alone with Khaled:')

And the awkwardness continues......

He was punching his Samsung S3's screen with his fingers, texting Sara no doubt.

After a short while he placed his phone on the table and the girls still didn't come.

Khaled started coughing as if he's preparing to read a speech and I looked at him with careless eyes and one of my eyebrows raised.

"Look Norah, I'm sor-" I cut him off before he could continue and said, "you don't have to explain anything to me I'm not your girlfriend or anything, I'm just your cousin. You can hang out, hug, kiss or so whatever with whoever you want. It's none of my business."

I could tell that he was surprised cause he said in almost a whisper that it was a miracle that I heard him, "but I want you."

"I beg your pardon?" I said pretending that I didn't hear him.

"Nothing." He replied with his eyes glued to the table. Shortly after that the girls finally came.

I wish that I could say that the night ended perfectly cause I would be lying.


I could almost walk to my room due to how tired I was but when I turned my doorknob and opened my room I found Abdullah sleeping on my bed:') I missed him so much. He's 6 now and has been going to daycare. My baby is growing up❤

I kissed his forehead and tip toed to my bathroom with my spongebob pj's so I'd change. I washed my face, brushed my teeth and headed to bed. The second I got under the duvet Abdullah scooted next to me, putting his head on my chest. A force of habit I guess but I ain't complaining.

I slept peacefully for two hours then woke up around 1 o'clock with a killer headache and my stomach doing flips and turns.

I rushed to the bathroom with my head facing the sink ready to throw up but I didn't. In stead I started coughing up so badly that I woke up the person who his room is next to me. Khaled's. he rushed to where I was and held my hair up afraid that I'll vomit and started rubbing my back. But like I said, I didn't throw up but I wished I did. Cause when I took my hand away from my mouth I found blood. My blood.

No.....



Hehe, gonna leave you hanging cause mwahahaha.

-Comments?
@chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 14.

We were in the car now, me in the back seat with Dana, Khaled is driving and Nawal is sitting in the front seat. After me accidentally hearing the phone call between Khaled and an anonymous girl I practically ran down the stairs when I felt him approaching the door and I haven't said a word since, I don't think he suspects anything.

But I'm trying to not jump to conclusions, it's hard but I won't.

Dana was wearing extra tight clothes which is like a habit of hers when we all go out especially with Khaled. And dare I say, it kinda made me jealous. She's this carefree, spoiled and extremely beautiful for a girl her age. She doesn't have scars both on the in and out side. She doesn't have to worry about anything but me? -sigh-

I stopped thinking about it when we got to the avenues parking. It was crowded (no surprise there)

While trying to look for a parking space Khaled said, "girls shraykum tanzloun till I park?" The parking lot was full.

"Khla9 me and Dana will go and wait for you inside." Nawal said with a big evil smile on her face. She was up to something, again.

"But what about me?" I said while raising my hand like a student wanting to answer in class.

"You'll stay with Khaled cause we can't leave him alone" Nawal said while getting out of the car.

"Hey, I can stay with Khaled." Dana said while grinning.

"NO." Khaled and Nawal both yelled at the same time and I had to stifle my laugh.

"Uh ah I mean no you should go 3lashan this week is yours to pick where we'll eat!" Khaled said to Dana.

"Ugh fine." She said while getting out of the car, her evil eyes looking straight into mine -shivers- man, that girl is cray cray.

"Ma tabeen tyeen jdam?" Khaled said looking at me from the mirror.

"Hmm sure." I said trying not to show that i wanted too so bad.

I got out of the car and opened the front door but since my skirt was too long I had to lift it up a bit so I'd get in. When I got in I took a peak at Khaled's face and I saw a pained look on it. When I saw what he was looking I found one of my scars that was on my ankle just sitting there, not willing to go away.

I knew I had to break him free from his thoughts so I said in a soft, low voice, "umm, we should get going.."

"Huh? Oh right right." He said after snapping out of it.

After 20 minutes we finally parked. He got out of the car and I was looking at myself in the mirror and when I was done I found him holding my door open and his hand extended so he'll help me down. *his car is a range rover and it's pretty high*

"Shall we?" He said, still holding my hand.

I giggled, "we shall." I said raising my head so I'd look at him. He was pretty tall.

But then I remembered the phone call and I ripped my hand away from his and started walking. Ughhhh the nerve of him!

I could tell that he was confused cause he caught up with me and said, "heyyy what's wrong? What did I do?" While holding my arm, his eyes asking for an explanation.

It was on the tip of my tongue but I thought that it was none of my business so I said, "nothing, we should get going" while looking at anything or anyone but him cause he's like a lie detector.

As soon as we entered the avenues I was hit by the smell of smoke and perfume. Not a good combination. Khaled called Nawal and asked them where they were and they said they're next to the cinema. Since it neither time for lunch not dinner we decided to go to a movie. So Nawal and Dana were booking the tickets, Khaled was in the bathroom and I was getting the snacks (popcorn, candy, beverages.. etc).

"BOO" a voice said behind me making me jump from my place. I turned around with my hand over my chest and saw a grinning Khaled. I gave him my "death stare" and turned around again. Everyone knew how easily scared I was. "P.S 3aboud is not with us, we dropped him at my aunts place."

Finally, it was our turn. After getting everything we or shall I say I started looking for the girls whereas Khaled was too busy punching his iPhones screen with his fingers. Talking to his girlfriend , I assume. Pffft, I don't care so why should I think about him?

I finally found them and we started walking towards our screen room. I was busy talking to Nawal to ask what movie we were in.

The room was flooding with teenagers and adults. We finally sat down and I was the settings were (Nawal-me-Khaled-Dana) I swear, I could almost feel Dana's heart beating at a fast pace when we found out that we was sitting next to Khaled. -.-

We started taking pictures using my iPhone's front camera till the advertisements started.

Now the movie started. I was expecting a hot guy appearing on the screen but instead I was surprised when I heard creepy music in the background. I was confused, like really confused. So, I slightly turned my head to Nawals side and asked her, "hey, which movie is this?".

She had this look on her face that she always had when she did something wrong, Allah yaster....

"Um, promise you won't kill me.." She whispered, her eyes glued to the screen.

"I ain't promising you anything." I whispered back.

"Umm...... We'rewatchingmama." She said so quickly that I didn't understand anything at all.

"Mara thanya and slowly this time, please."

"We're watching mama...."

"NA3AM???" I said in a loud voice. Everyone around me were "hushing" me

I said in a lower voice, "are you guys being serious?"

"Shhhhh watch the movie" Nawal said, her eyes glued to the screen.

Ugh, I hate scary movies.

"Hey shfeeich?" Khaled asked me while leaning slightly to my side.

"You know damn well shfeene" I said with anger in my voice.

"Look it was Dana's choice and it's not that scary" He whispered while grabbing a fistful of popcorn and stuffing it inside his mouth.

Of course it was Dana's choice. I bet she'd love to see me humiliate myself.

I decided to get over my fear and watch the stinking movie.

Not 20 minutes into it and I'm already hiding my face in Khaled's shoulder. I could feel his shoulders vibrating from his laughter. -.-

"You're so cute when you're scared" he whispered in my ear while grinning.

"Chub" I whispered back trying to hold in my screams of terror.

After an hour it finished and I breathed out like I was running a marathon.

That was the last time I'll ever watch a scary movie.

Literally everyone was laughing at me-.-

When we got out of the theatre room they were still laughing..

"Uff ma a7ebkum" I said while pouting.

"You know i -cough- I mean, we love you" Khaled said with a hint of redness on his cheeks.

One word; CUTE.


We were walking towards Texas Roadhouse that was located in grand avenue when a blonde girl wearing a really tight and short dress, tons of makeup on her face started walking towards us with her stilettos.

Please say it isn't so. Please please please.

When she was five feet away from us she said in an awfully loud voice, "KHALOUDIII" and she ran and hugged him.

He had his eyes wide open in surprise but then he looked at me with sorry filled eyes.

Well, there goes my heart.


-Comments?
@chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 13.

I grabbed the card from Nawal and reread it over and over again, trying to understand what was happening. Tears started welling up in my eyes but I couldn't let them down. I will not let this ruin my day or any other day.

Nawal's face was terrified when she said, "Norrah, shra7 nsawe?" With a shaky voice.

I wiped the tears from my eyes with the back of my hand and said, "Nothing, absolutely nothing."

Her eyes were wide like two flying saucers.

"Are you crazy? What do you mean nothing? Yabe ythb7ich, don't you understand??" She yelled at me.

And I did understand but I was growing tired of this.

"Nawal, you have to promise me that you will not tell a soul about this." I said with pleading eyes.

"Not even Khaled?" She asked

"Specially Khaled! Please promise me and let me handle this" I said while holding her hand.

She sighed and said, "I pro----"

Khaled walked in before she could finish and I quickly crumbled the card and put it under my pillow.

"Oh ou mn mnu elward?" He said while leaning in to smell the roses.

Nawal and I were looking at each other waiting for the other one to speak but my tongue was tied as if I forgot how to form words.

So Nawal went in for the rescue.

"Uhh mni ana! Kent 6albat'hum ou twa yo9loun hehe" she said in one breath

Thankfully, Khaled bought it.

"3shtaw! So, Norah yala badlay 3lashan nrou7 ou tara all your stuff and Abdullah's are there and I talked to Mila "our housekeeper" so she wouldn't worry" he said with a broad smile.

Nawal handed me a bag of clothes so I'd change in the bathroom and left after giving me a hug cause she had a class in 30 minutes (she has a summer course)
So it was just Khaled and I.

Cue the awkwardness....

"So...... Um, yeah I better go change..." I said while giggling in shy way.

"Um, yeah you should.." He said

I hopped out of my bed and silly me, I lost my balance so I closed my eyes and prepared myself to fall face-first on the floor.

Waiting..

Still waiting...

What the hell?

I opened one eye and I was expecting to see the floor but instead I was in his arms, Khaled's warm arms.


He was looking down at me with a small smile.

I laid in his arms for 10 seconds still trapped in his gaze, refusing to look away.

"Wow" he whispered so lowly that I almost didn't hear him, but I did.

His ringing phone snapped us out of it and brought us back to the world.

Hallelujah! Saved by the bell.

I got out of his arms and limped my way into the bathroom with my clothes. Once I got in I locked the door behind me and started to comprehend what the hell just happened.

I could feel my cheeks were on fire so I splashed some cold water on my face to cool them down.




It's been a year. A year free of the beast. A year filled with laughter. A year of pure happiness.

My wound and bruises took a long time but they were finally healed.

It was a Thursday which meant it was a family day out!

Well not really, just us "kids" will go out.

It was about 4pm when Nawal knocked on my door, "me and 3aboud are living with them remember?"

She told me that we're going out in a couple of hours.

"Mnu bye weyana?" I asked her while painting my nails blood red.

"Ummm Ana akeed, entay, Khaloud, 3aboud and Dana" she answered.

Dana is my 14 year old cousin, she's nice but she has this crazy crush on Khaled that's kinda annoying.

"Mm okay babe" I said to Nawal.

She gave me a flying kiss then went to her room.

I looked at myself in the mirror and I was happy with what I was seeing.

A girl with a big smile on her face, her face was bruises-free, her hair was healthy.

If someone told me a year ago that that would be me I'd totally laugh and ask somebody to put you in a mental's hospital.

But that was me! I don't know what I'll do if Khaled didn't come for me that day.

Oh, and Khaled? He's gotten even hotter if that was possible. But I don't know where we stand, I remember him telling me the L word but now? It's almost as if he's avoiding me. He has been working part-time at his fathers company so I don't get to see him pretty often not even at university.

But we're going out tonight so yuppie!

-outfit in the end but without the hat-

I finished getting dressed and went down stairs to make sure 3aboud was done and we all were but we're waiting for Mr. Khaled -.-

15 minutes later I got up and headed to his room so I could see what was keeping him so long.

I raised my knuckles to knock on the door but stopped them in midair when I heard him talking on the phone. I couldn't hear the entire conversation but I did hear him say something before he hung up which was, "okay, bye 7yati"


Dun dun dunnnnn


-Comments?
@chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 12.

Hey babes i just wanted to say a few stuff: first i'm NOT going to post daily, I'm sorry but really, I'm not. This stuff needs time, time that I don't have. But I doing my best into writing a chapter for you guys. But please don't pressure me cause I'm doing my best;**



I woke up the next day pretty late, I was used to waking up at 6am or 8pm. To me 10pm was really late. But I didn't get up of my hospital bed. I wanted a few minutes to myself. No nurses, no beast, no nothing. I turned my head to face the window and I just looked at the way the sun was kissing the grass, the way the birds were chipping, the way the doctors were coming in for their shifts. I was so fascinated with the way that freedom felt. I was free.

-knock knock-

A nurse stepped inside my room, snapping me back to reality. She was my favorite, she was in her mid -twenties, her face showed how kind she is, and she had that motherly hint although she was a single women. (As far as I know) Oh, and her name is Kate.

"Hey hey, I brought your favorite!" She said while throwing a bag of Oreo biscuits or what it's called on my bed, her words were thick with her Indian accent.

Now you know why she's my favorite.

"Thank you so much, you're a life saver!" I said while opening the bags in a pretty harsh way.

"Soo how are you feeling now?" She asked while checking my blood pressure and stuff.

"Better, much better." I answered, with a smile on my face.

She smiled back, "Good! Oh and you can leave today but you gotta be careful with your wound and try not to put pressure on your leg, sweetie." She said, in a more of a motherly voice than a nurse(y) one.

"Don't worry, I won't," I replied while stuffing my mouth with there heavenly biscuits. (P.S if you didn't realize, I'm eating Oreos right now. ::)

"I'm gonna leave you now," she headed towards the door but stopped in her tracks, "oh, and there's a cutie waiting for you outside, should I let him in?" She said while turning to look at me with a smirk.

"Uhh, duh!" I said, and we both started laughing.

She went outside to let the 'cutie' in while I started to comb my hair with my fingers but no such luck.

As I was trying to get out of bed and to the bathroom, he walked in and I stopped with a guilty smile.

I wasn't supposed to put pressure on my legs, remember?

"E7na shgayleen?" He said while resting his back on the wall and raising one of his eyebrows.

"Hehe, nesait?" I said while scratching the back of my neck.

"Hehe nesait" he said trying to imitate my voice.

"Are you mocking me, mr. Khaled?" I said with my mouth open like an O.

"Oh, not at all madam" he said with a smirk.

He started to walk towards me and my stomach was going crazy.

I had my face facing the floor but I could feel him inches away from me.

He put a finger under my chin and raised my head so I can look at him and whispered, "you don't have to shy away from me"

"I know" I whispered back, my cheeks had a hint of red on them.

I didn't know what was gonna happen next and I'm gonna find out cause someone barged into my room and had us startled and made us step away from each other.

It was Nawal.

"Ohhhhhhh I'm sorry, did I interrupt something?" She said while grinning evilly.

"What no" "no what?" "No la2 shaku" me and Khaled started stuttering.

"Whatever you kids say...." She said, her voice unsure.

"Ana barou7 asawe your check out papers" (I have no idea what in saying but clearly I'm not a doctor so go on with me) he said almost running out my room.

"Sooooo you and Khaled?" Nawal said while winking.

"What pffffffft NO I mean hehe madree" I said, a million shades of red on my face.

"He loves you." She wasn't asking, she was stating.

Sigh.

We were chit chatting almost about anything till another nurse walked into my room holding a flower bouquet.

"Oh gosh, they're beautiful! Who are they from?" I said, in complete awe. I LOVE flowers.

"I don't know, love. But there's a card" she said, giving me the bouquet and then leaving.

I took a sniff and boy, was I in love. I told Nawal to read the card and she did.


Dear Norrah,

3balich ma ra7 algaich? 3balich ra7 akhleeich? I'm gonna finish what I started and that is a promise.

Love, your daddy.


No.

This can't be happening to me.




-Comments?
@chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 11

SURPRISE! i thought i'd make it up for you guys. OH and this chapter ends in a nice way so enjoyyy:*


It all came flooding back. The flashbacks were so vivid that I thought it was happening again.

My own father stabbed me.

He left me there to bleed to death.

His eyes had no mercy when he plunged the knife into my stomach. But I didn't give him the satisfaction of hearing my cries of pain.

But I was proud of myself because I fought back, for the first time in my life.

But I still couldn't understand, why do all of this? Is it really because I look like my mother or is there another reason?

But I'll never know.

All I kept thinking of while I was waiting for death to come to me was Abdullah and what will happen to him if I was gone. I tried to fight but I had no energy left in me.

I could feel someone shaking my shoulders as of they're trying to wake me up but in a rough way. Apparently I was hyperventilating and poor Khaled was horrified.

"Norah please look at me, Norah! Can you hear me?" Khaled said trying to make me snap out of it.

But I couldn't stop the flashbacks.

But three words caught my attention. 3 words, 8 letters and one meaning.

"I love you," he said with pleading eyes, almost begging me to stop and listen.

I tilted my head a little to the side like a scolded puppy. "I'm sorry, shnu gelt?" I said, hoping what I heard was right.

He smiled that breathtaking smile and said, "I said, I lov-"

A ringing phone in the background interrupted his confession.

Dang it. -.-

I could hear bits and bits of the conversation since he was standing at my door for better reception.

"Eeh dour elthani" "No 3la elymeen" "yala bye"

Who the hell is he talking to..

"Shfeeik?" I said, with my hoarse voice.

"Um, we've got visitors?" He said while scratching the back of his neck and smiling sheepishly as if he was caught taking a cookie from a cookie jar.

"Are you asking me or telling me?" I said with one eyebrow raised.

"Um, I'm telling you....." He said looking anywhere but at me.

"And who are these visitors exactly?" I said.

"Um, you'll find out in 10 minutes.." He said, giving me a childish smile.

Is it legal for someone to look THAT good?

I kept looking around the room for a mirror but no luck.

"You look beautiful, don't worry." He said, looking at me straight in the eye.

I kept touching my face and hair, "um, really?" I said with a hint of redness on my cheeks. I hate that I blush so easily. -.-

"Are you seriously asking me that? You look beautiful with or without makeup. With fancy clothes or sweats. With a hairdo or just messy hair. You are the definition of beauty and don't you ever forget that." With every sentence he'd take a step towards me until he bumped into me with one last sentence, "and yes, I love you." He said, while brushing some hair away from my face.

"Umm.. I don't know what to say.." I said, looking at the ground with tomato stains on my cheeks.

"Don't say anything, I don't expect you too. I just wanted to let you know that I'll wait for you, I can wait for a year or 10. Just knowing in the end I'll have you in my arms is enough to make me wait for eternity."

I was about to reply but someone knocking on my door interrupted me. People have the worst timings ever. -.-

"Wain bnayteeeee?" A voice said who I recognized was my grandma's.

"Mammmaaaa" I said rushing towards her forgetting about my stitches and bruises.

Behind her was Nawal who said once she saw me, "hey hey sweet cheeks"

"Naawaaaaal" I gave her a tight hug after kissing my grandmas forehead.

"Shlounich 7beebty?" My granny said while sitting down.

"I'm fine now bs wain 3ab-"

"La t7ateen 3aboudi 3ndna yan6erich tyeen," she said, the sadness clear in her voice when she remembered why I was here.

"Wain aye? Ma fhamt," I said, the confusion clear on my face.

"You're moving in with us ou bdoun arguments please" she said, ending the discussion.

"But.."

"NO BUTS! Entay tadreen shkan by9eer feene youm darait? Wallah ma tg3deen eb hal bait law shnu! We'll fight for your custody and Abdullah's. I'm not letting you get in harms way ever again, fhamtay?" She said, tears of angry rushing down her cheeks.

"Fhamt mama" I said while kissing her forehead and hugging her.

They stayed over till 10pm and that's when the nurses kindly said to them that they had to go so I can get some rest.

"Baby bacher bn6al3ich okay? Ou I'll come in the morning to check up on you" Nawal said while heading to the door. Grandma was already outside waiting for Nawal and Khaled.

After she left only Khaled was with me. To say that it was awkward would be an understatement.

"Sooo... Um, I i should go.." He said, while stuttering. One word, CUTE.

"Haha, yeah you should.." I said laughing at him.

He did the weirdest yet sweetest thing ever. He tucked me in bed:')

After he was done he softly brushed his fingers across my cheek and whispered," good night beautiful"

"Goodnight" I whispered back, butterflies in my stomach were going cray cray.

And then with one final smile he left.

And that night I slept with a ginormous smile on my face.


-Comments?
@chanceinloveq89

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 10

I'm sorry for the delay:** enjoy!

Beep.. Beep.. Beep..

That's all I've been hearing for the past hour, or so I think. For some reason I just couldn't open my eyes. Pain is the only thing I'm feeling right now. So much pain, to be exact. I could feel everything around me. I could feel that there was someone holding my hand. I could feel the sun rays hitting my cheek yet, I couldn't open my eyes nor move any part of me body.

I felt that someone entered that "place" I was in and talking to the person who was holding my hand in an Indian accent saying, "Hello sir, is there any improvements?"

Why can't I remember anything. And who was this "sir"?!

"No, I'm still waiting" a deep voice responded, making butterflies in my stomach go crazyyyy.

"I'll give her something to help with the pain," she said while injecting a needle in my arm making me go back to sleep.

Black is so not my favorite color.


Khaled's Point Of View "POV"

It's been 18 hours, 38 minutes and 14 seconds since I last saw her beautiful eyes. I still can't believe what happened to my angel. I couldn't wipe the memory of her laying on the ground.

My Norah, my beautiful Norah laying on the floor surrounded by a red substance I then found out that it was her blood. Her face was swollen. Her gorgeous hair was sticky with blood. Her legs and arms were so bruised that they didn't even look like human arms or legs.

I could see Abdullah screaming at the sight of his sister drenched in blood but that didn't snap me out of it. What did snap me out of it was her moans of pain so I quickly called the ambulance and told them to come as quickly as possible.

"Mmm 3aboudi.." Norah, my sweet Nrah said in a faint voice.

"Yes Nogha, I'm -hiccup- here" he said, trying to hide the pain in his voice.

"Baby I love, so so much," she said, a tear sliding down her cheek, her hand holding Abdullah's for dear life.

That's when I stepped in, " don't you dare say that like you're going to die" my voice was cracking up. But I wasn't ashamed of crying.

"But I'm so tired," her eyes were closing.

I held her other hand telling her, "please you have to fight, if not for you then fight for your brother"

In the middle of my "speech" the ambulance arrived outside so 3aboud went up to them to show them were the patient was but I continued nevertheless.

"I'm begging you, la tstaslmain khleeich qaweya. Allah byshafeeich ou btrdeen lena nafs gabel ou a7san!"

That's when the medical the came and forced me to get out of the way.

"FIGHT FOR ABDULLAH. FIGHT FOR ME"

I watched them take her away from me and put her in the ambulance. My legs couldn't hold me up so they just collapsed and my knees hit the floor.

Who would be so cruel to hurt someone so fragile?

"Khaled please tell me that she's going to be alright" a tear stained Abdullah said to me.

I pulled him to my chest and said, "I promise you, she'll be just fine"

We got into my car and headed to the hospital. I knew it was wrong to ask a child but I couldn't help myself.

"Oh it was the beast, of course" he replied.

"Umm.. What beast, sweetie?" I said, my voice sounded confused.

He turned his head to face me and said with his face straight, "the man who used to be my father."



It all makes sense now: how she never talks about him or never visited us after her mum left.

"How long has he been doing this?" I said through gritted teeth.

"For too long"


Now all I can see is red. I can't believe this, he was abusing her all this time and she never said anything? That explains the bruises I saw.

Allah yntqem mena.

When we got there she was already in the surgery room.

I'm in love with Norah. And I plan on making her forget everything that happened to her and I swear I'll make him pay.



Norah's POV.

Here comes the annoying beeping sound again..
But this time I could open my eyes. And the first thing I saw was the needles attached to my arms and the white walls , I then realized that I was in a hospital room. But how and when? My memory was like a good fish-.- I couldn't remember anything!

"Norah?" A deep voice said, startling me.

"Um, Khaled? What are you doing here? And why am I here?"

"Norah don't you remember?.." He said. His eyes wide open.

And that's when the memories came back to me.

My own father stabbed me.



-comments?
@chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 9.

SURPRISE, I was bored so I figured why not write a post? Sooo, enjoy:**

I don't get me, seriously. One minute I want him to stay away from me and the next I want to be as close to him as possible.

What's happening to me?

A voice in the back of my head said "you looooove him" but as usual, I ignored it.

I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't even notice him speaking to me so I snapped out of it.

"I'm sorry, what?" I said, trying to focus on his voice and not let my mind wander off.

He laughed. Oh, that goosebumps causing laugh. I couldn't help but shiver, in a good way.

"9arle sa3a aklmich akher shay tgouleen ma sma3t?" He said, his eyes twinkling from his previous laughing session.

"Ba3ad shswe I was thinking huff" I said while crossing my arms around my chest and may I dare say, I pouted.

We were at a red light and when he turned around to see me, suddenly all traces of joking left his face and was replaced with seriousness.

"You're beautiful" he whispered, looking at me straight in the eye.

I knew that he could see me blush even in the dark. I was so used to HIM calling me names like; ugly, worthless, retard, etc.

This was the first time in years that someone has complimented me.

"Ughh, thanks" I said, trying to look anywhere but his direction.

He was gonna reply but the red light turned green, saving me.

I had a feeling that something bad was gonna happen, something really bad.
But I pushed it away, reminding myself that the beast is out of town so there's nothing to be afraid of.

But I was so wrong.

Sweat started gathering on my forehead, my heart beats were getting unnaturally fast, tears started welling up in my eyes.

He stopped the engine, "we're her- Norah shfeeich?!" His gaze dropped to my shaking hands.

I couldn't speak, I couldn't even think.

There was a car in the driveway but not just any car.

My dads car.

He's here.

I didn't even see Khaled getting out of the car and sitting in the back seat, next to me.

"Norah please tell me what's wrong" his pleading eyes forced a stray tear to slide down my cheek.

"I-i-i-i am fine" I kept choking on my words.

"No you're not" he said, trying to catch a glimpse of my face, a face I was hiding with my hair.

I knew I had to be brave and suck it in.

"Ma feene shay" my face firm, my voice strong. I will never allow any one to see me being weak.

"But you ar-"

I forced a big smile and said, "I'm fine, really".

"Are you sure?.." He said, his voice was unsure.

I was always a good liar. It's something I'm not proud of.

"Pshhtttt positive" another smile was forced, as I got out of the car, holding a sleeping Abdullah in my arms and headed to our gate.

I disobeyed my father now I must suffer the consequences.

Before I went in, I turned around and gave Khaled a smile, for deep down I believed that this may be the last time I'll ever see him. Life isn't fair.

I opened the gate and gelt elad3eya. Da3ait ena 3aboud doesn't get in harms way. My faith in Allah was stronger now than ever.

I shook a sleeping 3aboud who was in my arms. I'd hate to interrupt his peaceful slumber but I needed him to be awake.

"7beebe 3aboud wakey wakey" I whispered in his ears, waiting for his angelic eyes to open. He started mumbling, a sign that he was waking up. We both were light sleepers, I wonder why.

Finally, he was awake. I placed him on the floor and sank to his level and said," 3aboud 7beebe listen to me, awal ma afta7 elbab abeeik tarketh, okay? I want you to run as quickly as possible to your room and lock it and law shnu y9eer ma tfta7a expect for me, okay?" Tears were welling up, a few traitorous ones came down.

I could tell he understood everything," Nogha what's happening?" His voice was vulnerable, he was vulnerable.

I gave him a tight smile, "everything's fine baby, just do what I told you to do" I kissed his forehead.

He slowly nodded and I took that as a sign to finally go inside.

يا رب احفظنا.

As soon as I stepped into our house the smell of cigarettes almost knocked my over, making me wanna throw up.

"Go" I whispered to Abdullah and he started to run.

Everything was quiet, too quiet.

يا رب يا رب يا رب

"Ga3da tdawreen 3lay?" A voice said behind me, making me yelp in fright.

"I-i-i-i can explain" my shaky voice said, my eyes were wide open.

He started walking towards me, looking at me from my hair to my feet.

And that's when the first blow "punch" to my stomach came.

After that everything became black.




-Comments?
@chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 8

First of all, i'm sorry for being late and second of all, this is the last chapter I'm gonna write till I finish my finals. Sorry x



I panicked, I didn't want anyone to know what's happening in my life especially him.

So I did what I had to do, "it's nothing" i said, my voice harsh.

I do feel that he pulled the car over and faced me but I kept looking forward. "entay 3balich ana ghabe? That is not nothing! It's something, something big!" his voice was getting louder, almost waking 3aboud up.

I couldn't take it anymore, I knew what I'm gonna do is going to break my heart but it needed to be done.

"I said it was nothing and it is nothing! And why are you asking me such personal questions you're my cousin and my cousin only, malik shghel feene" i said those words while looking out the window, I kept imagining that it was my dad so I wouldn't crack.

I felt the tension and the quietness that was in the air. I sneaked a peek at his face and I wish I hadn't, what I saw made me want to apologize repeatedly for the next 6 years.

"wow, I'm sorry for caring about you 'cousin' I'll get out of your hair" he said while turning the car on and continued our way to the grandma's.

The ride was so silent that you cab hear a pin drop, not really just an expression.

The old and caring Khaled was long gone and was replaced by an angry guy who can be almost passed as heartless with his glaring eyes.

10 minutes later, 3aboud woke up feeling energized and refreshed. I knew deep down in my heart that I was doing the right thing, at least that's what i'm convincing myself with.

"kalid -khlaed in baby language- are we there yet?" Abdullah said while leaning forward to check on us. His eyes so innocent and soft waiting for an answer.

I turned my head to look at Khaled and I saw him grasping the steering wheel so hard that his knuckles became white. So I answered my brother instead of him, "ka 7beebe shway ou no9al, sit back" I said while throwing a smile at his direction.

"okay nougha" he said, smiling back at me.

It was 3:12 when we finally arrived, Khaled helped Abdullah out of the car but without even glancing my way and it made me feel even worse. But I'm used to pushing people away from me if they came close to finding the secret.

My train of thoughts was cut off when I heard my grandma's squeal so i looked at her direction and there she was, my second favorite person -Abdullah being the first of course- in the whole world standing right in front of me.

"NANNAAAA" I yelled and started running towards her, hugging her with all my might. Man, I've missed her so much!

"Noura my darling you have grown so much!" she said while holding my face in the palm of her hands, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"I know nana, I know" a few tears betrayed me and went flowing down my cheeks.

"nanniiiiii" I suddenly heard Abdullah yell, trying to run with his short legs. I got out of the way so they could have their moment and when I looked behind me I saw Khaled leaning on a wall smiling at the scene that was infront of him but that smile turned into a frown when he caught me looking at him.

I mouthed 'I'm sorry' to him and he pretended that he didn't see me but I knew he did.

"shd3wa don't I get a hug too?" a voice said behind me.

And when I turned around I saw that it was my favorite aunt in the world! Well, she's my only aunt since Khaled's mom passed away a few years ago due to a terrible car accident which lead to his dad and himself to move to the US.

Back to the real world:

"Khalty Shougggg?! -gasp-" I said, mouth wide open. Man did she change after her divorce! P.S. She's Nawal's mom.

she started to walk towards me saying "shda3wa ma 3rafteene?"

I giggled, "no! Kelish" I said while kissing both of her cheeks.

"I missed you baby doll" she said while holding my hand.

"and I missed you too, more than you can imagine"

Let me describe my family:

My grandpa met my grandma when he was studying abroad at the UK and fell in live with her instantly so they had a small ceremony and got married and after they graduated they moved here, in Kuwait. Of course my nana was Kuwaiti also but she had lived all her life in the UK. After they graduated they wanted to start a family, so first they had my uncle Hamad who is now 44, a widower with 2 children. Then came my aunt Sara, Khaled's mom may she rest in peace. After Sara came my mother, Farah and last but not least came my aunt Shoug.

This is my moms side of the family. This is home.

Once lunch was set on the table everyone started rushing around trying to get their seat before everyone else. Abdullah was with the housekeeper and since everyone already had a seat on the table I was left out, standing like an idiot facing the floor.

Everyone was so absorbed into eating that only one person noticed me standing alone, Khaled.

He got up from his seat and came to where I'm standing. "heyy shfeeich?" he said, his voice full of care and sincerity.

"um, its stupid actually..." I said, my voice low and quite.

"well I'm listening" he told me while crossing his arms, as if he's saying that he's not going anywhere until I tell him what's wrong. Ugh darn his cute stubbornness. :(

"hehe well I don't have a chair.."

And he did what if you may ask? He laughed, he laughed at me when I told him that. -.-

"yakhtiii kel hatha 3lashan ma3ndich a chair? Khla9 wala tz3leen take mine!" he said, his eyes twinkling with laughter.

"no it's oka-" he cut me off by saying, "Noura it's fine really" with all seriousness.

"okay fine" I said, finally giving in.

After eating the most amazing machbous deyay ever, we all sat in the living room drinking chai and just chit chatting.

"ha 7beebte which university are you planning to go to?" my nana asked me.

"I got accepted into GUST"

"ohh ma3a Khaloud" Nawal suddenly said, appearing out of the blue.

"bismellah entay wain kentayy?" I said to Nawal

"kent naymaaaa" she said while yawning.

She took a seat next to me saying "did you like the little surprise? -wink wink-"

"I'd appreciate it if you told me sooner mu you give me a heart attack!-.-" I whispered.

"dude its called a surprise" she said while rolling her eyes.

I was gonna reply to her but a sleepy Abdullah interrupted me saying "nougha I wanna go home"

I was disappointed cause I wanted to stay a little more but I said "yala baby now enrou7"

"haw wain btrou7een?" my nana suddenly said, her hands on her hips.

"nana lazim ared elbait 3aboud ta3ban:(" I said with a frown.

I could tell that she was upset but she let us go.

When I said goodbye to everyone and started making my way to the door I remembered that I had no ride-.-

But luckily there was someone who was leaving also and I was praying it was Nawal so I can ask her for a ride back home. But it wasn't.

It was Khaled.

I was gonna make my way back into the house when he saw me. "shfeekum ga3deen bara?" he said while looking at me and a sleeping 3aboud who was in my arms.

"ugh we have no ride.." I was embarrassed to ask him that since we all know what happened the last time we were in the same vehicle.

I was hoping he'd decline but being the nice person he is he said fine. Yippe.



-Comments?
@Chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 7

I couldn't wipe that goofy smile on my face, like literally.

After getting the eggs I started skipping around. Yes, skipping. I think I'm going down with a fever. This is all Khaled's fault-.- ever since he came back into my life I've been a complete mess! Darn him and his cute smile and amazing eyes and fit body and and and :( I think you got my point. I couldn't believe in love, I just couldn't. I can't risk it.

But a voice in the back of my head said, "live a little. you deserve it"

I'm just gonna go with the flow...


It was half past twelve and it was settled, we're going to my grandma's place for lunch which is in like 2 hours.

It's been half an hour and I'm still sitting indian style 'mtrb3a' towards my closet trying to decide what to wear.

I can't wear something expensive, they'd think I was trying so hard. And I can't wear something mehhh cause they'd think that I didn't care. Ughhhhhhh being a girl sucks! Big time.

My eyes were focused on the pile on clothes that were on the floor. As if an outfit would magically pop in my hands. I want superpowers :(

"Noughaaaa shtsween?" 3aboud said, suddenly appearing at my door, scaring the heck out of me.

"way 7beebe khra3tny" I said while clutching my chest, breathing unevenly. "Oh and i'm looking for something to wear, help me?" I gave him one of my own puppy dog eyes. I was told that they were irresistible.

"ugh fine if I must"

Boy that kid sure knows fashion! He picked a gorgeous outfit! -in the end- but the skirt was longer and without the beanie.

"thank you so much babyyyy" I gave him a wet kiss on the cheek. Enjoying watching him get all disgusted::

I looked at the clock and saw that it was 1 o'clock already:o

Crap I need to get ready fast! I told 3aboud to tell Mila to dress him and I went to take a quick shower.

After blowing my hair I was glad to see that it was naturally straight and I only had my makeup left.

While putting on mascara my phone started ringing and answered it without checking the caller I.D thinking it was Nawal but I was wrong.

"Nawal tara e7na khl9na yala ta3lay" Nawal was our ride there since I don't remember where they lived.

"affaa you actually thought I was Nawal? I'm hurt" a deep voice startled me making me drop my mascara.

"Khaled you scared me! Wait where did you get my number?"

"save the questions for the car, I'm coming in 10 minutes"

Huh? "wait wait, Nawal is my ride not you" I was hoping that he'd pick me up but I had to point that out.

"yeah she just called me malha khelg so she told me to get you" I did my happy dance \o/

"well fine then.. Bye"

"haha bye beautiful" his manly laugh created butterflies in my stomach.

After I hanged up with him, I finished my makeup and doubled checked on how I looked and wend to 3aboud's room.

What I found broke my heart into small pieces. I found him laying on his stomach, his eyes so focused on the picture he was holding. I knew what that picture was.

It was a picture of my mom.

He was too young to understand what happened that I told him that mama went away but she'll be back. Of course I was lying, she will never come back.

I felt a vibration in my purse and I knew I had an incoming call. And when I looked at the caller I.D it was Khaled and he texted me saying that he was outside.

Since I was standing outside his door I gentling knocked on it, announcing that I was there cause he told me once that he wanted his privacy and didn't want anyone to go inside his room without knocking first. That kid is so mature. We both were too mature for our ages. I blame all the incidents that happened to us.

When he heard the knocks he quickly hid the picture underneath his pillow. He doesn't like to show his weakness, 6ale3 3la his big sister. <3

"yala 7beebe it's time to go" I said in a gentle voice pretending that I didn't notice what happened.

"okay yala nougha" he said while jumping off his bed and came to hold my hand. He was "nervous" but so was I. I wasn't nervous about my grandma's place but I was nervous of being in Khaled's car.

I could tell 3aboud was mad when he saw Khaled standing outside waiting for us in the hot summery weather. Yeah, I forgot to mention, he gets jealous over any male he sees approaching me. He thinks all males are beasts of course he was an exception.

I swear my fingers were going to fall off any second now that's how hard he's holding my hand. But all thoughts of pain went out of my ear when I saw Khaled. His biceps looked fit not the big muscular type but the hot type. And he was pushing his hair away from his forehead. He still didn't notice us well of course not until Abdullah 'introduced himself'

"Hi I'm nougha's big brother so stay away from her" he said while staring daggers at Khaled. I swear if looks could kill he'd be six frets under ground..

"oh hey there big guy my name is Khaled and i'm your cousin" he said while giving him a half smile, showing his deep dimple. Man do I like a guy who has dimples.

3abouds eyes had doubt in them so h turned to me saying "nougha is he my cousin?" that's when Khaled noticed me. FINALLY.

I couldn't help but giggle, "yes 3aboud he is"

His face changed from anger to happy in a matter of seconds. And he opened the back door of the car and put on his seltbelt.

"wow" he whispered while looking at me from my feet to my face.

I was so shy and my red face became redder, if that was possible. "um we should go we don't wanna be late" I said while looking at the ground and walking towards the car.

I felt butterflies in my stomach when he opened the car door for me, still in a daze. God bless Abdullah's fashion choice.

The car ride was silent so he started small talking with 3aboud and I could tell that Abdullah liked him from the way he opened up to him.

Half way there 3aboud fell asleep so it was just Khaled and I. I started a conversation with him cause I was so close to falling asleep myself.

"soo you in uni or what? And how come I just found out that I have a cousin called Khaled?"

"woah slow down beautiful, one question at a time" he said while throwing me his one million dollar smile.

"hehe sorry" I smiled shyly.

"it's fine so to answer your first question I'm gonna be attending gust this September and for the second one I just came back from the states, me and my parents lived there for seven years so..."

Oh god what a coincidence that we will be at the same uni? I was going to ask him some more questions when he accidentally went across a mu6ba without slowing down. Thank god it was a small one but I did bump my head into the cars roof.

But after a few seconds we started laughing like crazy cause of my screams when we hit the mu6ba::

But his laugh died off when he saw something and not just any something, he saw one of my bruises that was on one of my thighs.

Apparently when my head hit the roof my skirt lifted a bit and showed them.

"NOURA WHAT IS THAT?" he said, voice angry and eyes wide open in shock and fright.

"uhh I can explain...." I said while covering them.

I'm not gonna get out of this one so easily.


-Comments
@Chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 6

I was too shock to form words much less move! I was literally standing in the middle of the road, feet glued to the floor. My mind was wandering off until a car horn interrupted my thoughts.

"Ekhty mu nawya tt7rkain?" A middle aged man told me with all respect but I could tell he was slightly ticked off.

"Ugh asfa" my face was tomato red at that moment. I started walking with my head towards the floor hoping that Khaled and Nawal, my second cousin won't see me. But we can't always get what we want.

"AMBAIH NOURAAA?:o" she yelled with her mouth shaped like an o. When she confirmed that it was me, her cousin she started running out to hug me leaving Khaled with his eyes wide open.

I swear I almost fell from the power of her hug. "Um, hey Nawal..." The last time I've seen her it was last eid. We don't really go to the zwaras or yam3at. Oh, I wonder why :o

"Omg, no time no see! Laish ma tyeee elzwarat?!" She said while jumping around. Man, that girl is so energetic.

"Uh I was busy?" I really don't know how to make up excuses. Good thing she bought it::

"Oh no worries lazim tyeen this weekend. Everyone misses you and 3aboud:(" she puppy dog eyed me.

Well since the beast is out of town, why not? "Yeah sure, this Friday. We'll be there"

"YAAAAY oh how rude of me! I didn't introduce our cousin!" She hit her forehead and turned towards Khaled woah, hold on! Did she say OUR cousin?
I don't remember a Khaled in our family-.-


She went to him and pulled him for him hand. "Come on. Don't be shy. Noura Khaled, Khaled Noura"

He snapped out of it, "we actually met before...but hi again" he was scratching the back of his head like the cute guy he is. Noura snap out of it!

"Yeah...." I don't even know what to say?

"Sooooooooo tell me know did you guys meet?"

Us both said "it's a long story" when we both noticed that we locked eyes and I started giggling shyly.

Nawal had an incoming call so she left us alone but not without winking at me. Gurl does she has a plan in mind. She used to me a matchmaker:: and I guess she still is.

"So... 6l3na n9eer 7ag ba3ath?" Khaled said to me, almost smirking.

"Eeh sheft eshloun elkuwait 9gheera?"

"Haha eehh. Ta3lay laish yaya?" He asked while raising one of his eyebrows.

"7ram aye ya3ne:p? Ou yaya abe eggs"

He opened his mouth to answer me but Nawal interrupted us saying "boooo I have too go. Errands"

"Ohh 7asafa:(" i said faking my sadness. I'd like to be alone with him..

"Shrayich tyeen Elyoum baitna?" She said.

"I'd love too! But I gotta babysit 3aboud:( "I said disappointed that I couldn't go.

"Oh no worries bring him with you!"

"Madree... I'll call you later to tell you or I'm coming or not" we exchanged numbers and then left but not without also giving me another wink.

The atmosphere was thick. It was so awkward.

"Soooo bye!"I said almost running inside the jam3eya trying to get away from Khaled and the mixed feelings.

"Hey wait up!" He was catching up to me. "Shda3wa en7shtay"

"Wait pfffft ma en7sht" like I said, I suck at making up excuses.

"Whatever you say, beautiful." He winked then left.

WHAT IS UP WITH THE WINKING TODAY:)

But oh my, he is yummy. I'll allow that thought and that thought only.

I think I'm having my first crush.

-Comments
@chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 5

After half an hour with me crying, I stopped. While I was wiping away my tears I thought that there is no reason for me to cry now what's done is done no need to dwell on the past.

Mila noticed my sudden mood change, "So you are back to being our Noura?" she said while smiling.

"She never left Mila" I said while smiling also. Oh dammit! I forgot to check on 3aboud, he's probably freaking out now! Way to go, Noura:)

My legs started wobbling as soon as I stepped on them. I forgot about last night's injuries when my mind remembered 3aboud.

I was too shy to ask for help but I had no choice, I had Mila help me up the stairs and walk me to the room were he was sleeping in. The second I opened the door he came rushing out to hug me, almost making me fall in the process.

"Woooah calm down tiger shfeeik" I said while wrapping my arms around his shoulders.

"*sniff* I thought you left *sniff* me *sniff*" and he stuffed his face even more into my bruised tummy, but I didn't complain.

"7beeby look at me" he nodded his head as in no "baby please look at me?" He hesitated but looked at me never less.

I took a hold of his face like my mom did when she was going to leave me, us. Only difference is that I'm not going to leave him, ever.

"I will never ever ever ever ever leave you, fhamt?" I was looking deep into his light brown innocent eyes "fahamt?!" I asked again hoping for a reply.

"Fahamt" he said while leaning in to kiss my cheek and be also said something in my before he leaned away something I wished I heard wrong.

He said, "I love you, mama"


I was going to answer him telling him not to call me that when our house phone started ringing.

My hands stopped moving, my eyes were about to fall from its sockets, my legs started shaking. Why you ask? Cause there's only one person who calls our house phone. Only one.

The beast.

I forced my legs to move towards the phone, my shaking hands leaning to grab ahold of the handle.

"Alo?" His deep, evil voice echoed in my ear.

I felt as of my tongue was literally tied.

"Aloooo?" He said again but this time I replied.

"Uhh hala..." I said, suddenly having troubles with my voice.

"Hala hala eb Nwaira" he said, his voice suddenly went from evil to cheerful.. Maybe it's not him, he couldn't have.

"Um, mnu?" I felt stupid while asking that for I knew who it was but I wanted him to confirm it..

"Haw ya3ne mnu? Ubouch!" He laughed, actually laughed... I think he's sick or had amnesia or something.

"Eeh hala bghait shay..."

"Wallah bnayte bs dag bagoulich ene bsafer elyoum Germany for work ou I already packed my stuff ou now raye7 elma6ar"

SOMEBODY PINCH ME, LIKE SERIOUSLY!

"Baba 9ej?:D shkther btg3ad??" I couldn't wipe that smile off my face!

"Two months" omg I'm going to die from the happiness. "You're going to be alright 9a7?" He said, his tone worried.

"YES! Ugh I mean hehe yeah sure pffftt" I was blabbing, but can you blame me?! IM BEAST FREE FOR TWO MONTHS!

"Ashwa yala 7beebty I gotta go" "byeeeeee have fun!"


I was doing my happy dance in the corridor and at the middle of it I noticed that 3aboud was staring at me, eyes wide open in shock!

Oops:$

I picked him up and spun around with him in my arms and started to sing "WHO RUN THE WORLD? GIRLS" random I know::::


When I went downstairs I started making pancakes, waffles, orange juice and everything! When I'm happy I cook....

"Hey Mila, do we have eggs?" I said while putting the wrappers in the trash. "Noo I forgot to tell you:("
"That's okay, I'll go now you guys eat"

I quickly went upstairs and wore my baby pink juicy sweats and put my hair in a ponytail and left.

A part of me, the logical part was thinking about my fathers departure and the other part, the reckless one is hoping I'd see Khaled again. Stop right now missy! No more boy thoughts.

But I did see him and he wasn't alone.

He was with a girl. Not just any girl but my cousin.

What a coincidence:)

-Comments?
@chanceinloveq8

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 4

Khaled's p.o.v "point of view":

I was surrounded by dozens of males, their voices were loud, yet I couldn't help but allow my mind to wander off..

I was sitting in my best friends Dwaniya, some were playing card games, some were watching the match, some were eating. I should try to interact with them but this time I didn't, I simply thought of one person, a female. I couldn't help it, I haven't seen someone that was so beautiful, so innocent, so afraid..

Call me a creep but I did follow her home, just to make sure she got there okay. Her beautiful eyes had so many secrets swimming in them, her posture showed that she was scared of anyone, males exactly. My train of thoughts ended when I saw something. Something un usual.

She was leaning down to get her wallet from the cars floor and her maxi dress came up just a little bit showing her ankle, her bruised ankle.

And that's when I knew that that beautiful girl had a troubled life.


I, Khaled alx am into a girl. And I plan on making her mine asap.




Back to Noura's p.o.v:


I knew it was morning but I didn't have the energy to move a muscle, the hot sun rays were hitting my face almost making it impossible for me to go back to sleep but I knew I had to get up before 3aboud wakes up and finds me like this.

I tried to lift my self up but ended up falling right back on the hard floor, I held in my cries of pain cause I knew once I've let them out I'd have a mental breakdown.

After my third attempt, I gave up. Five minutes later I heard our front door being opened and I prayed and prayed that it wasn't Mila but god did not answer my prayer this time.

"good morin- NOURAAAA WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?" Our housekeeper, Mila began questioning me.

"Ugh, nothing I just fell. Can you help me?" I covered it up with lies but she was far to smart to believe them.

"Noura, these are bruises as if somebody hit you..." she said those last three words in a whispered voice.

"No no shaku I mean no! I fell nobody hit me haha" I was sitting on the couch now thanks to Mila but I wished that the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

"Don't lie to me, Noura" she sounded like my mom and deep down she was almost like a mom to me. Almost.

My eyes started welling up and I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. "It was horrible Mila he's so horrible" and I broke down and threw my arms around her and began crying my eyes out.

"there there" she said while patting my back, "tell me everything" and I did, from mama leaving us till last night.

I could tell that she was shocked, her eyes said so.

"Noura you have to go to the police!" she said, eyes wide open.

I grew angry, "NO!"

"why not?!?!"

"you forgot about Abdullah, if I go to the police and have him locked in jail he'll be sent to a foster home. He already lost his mother and father, I'm the only family he has left!" I told her, my eyes begging her to understand.

"Fine, but this is not good! You can't live your life in fear"

"for Abdullah, I'll take it all in just so he can have a normal life."

She hugged me again.

And i fell asleep for I allowed myself to to pretend that I was in the comfort of my mothers arms.

For once.


-Comments?
@chanceinloveq8

P.S sorry if it's short:(

Welcome to the cruel world. Chapter 3

I had a smile plastered on my face for hours, surprisingly I couldn't stop thinking about him, about Khaled.

When I came back home I helped Mila with carrying in the groceries and trying to make 3aboud less hyper.

"but but but noughaaaa -puppy dog eyes-:(" he said, his voice shaking.

Ugh I hated that I can't say no to him. But desperate times call for desperate measures...

"No buts Abdullah, If you wanna do something then we'll watch a movie"

I could tell he was upset but he'll live. "Fine"

"ekhtar a movie and I'll make the popcorn"

Now all traces of sadness magically left, "YAAAYYY"

After changing into my pjs and washing my face, I went down stairs to so I can spend some time with my babyyy

"sooooo what did you pick?"

"finding Nemo!" he said, his eyes glittery from the excitement.

"go figures" I said in a small voice.

"huh?" his eyes glued to the tv not even waiting for me.

"nothing 7beebe brou7 asawe popcorn" I said while walking towards the kitchen.

As I waited for the popcorn to finish, my mind wandered back to this morning's incident, why was I thinking about a total stranger. Why was I thinking of his smile, his laugh, his eyes...

The buzzing sound of the microwave brought me back to earth, the buttery smell attacked my nose as I opened the microwave door, my taste buds demanding that I start eating now. But I was patient.



It was half way through the movie but my eyes did not see it's ending that night. Why, you ask?

It was 5:30pm, Mila had to go early tonight cause of her sick son. I was okay with that thinking it was too early for 'him' to come. But boy, was I wrong.

At exactly 6:15 I heard the familiar car sound I heard every night, the sound that tells me that my nightmare is here. The beast has arrived.

My hands were shaking, they'd do that every night. You'd think that I've grown used to this but I'm not and I don't think I'll ever be.

3aboud was asleep on my lap, I couldn't think much less breathe! But I knew I had to do something.

I heard him fiddling with his keys p, trying to find the right now and that's when i grabbed ahold of my brother and ran as quickly as possible. When I reached the furtherest room that's when he came in the house yelling my name.

I tucked 3aboud in, kissed his forehead and then locked the room.

I felt as if my own legs were too heavy to carry me, my heart was beating at a fast pace but I knew I had to go downstairs otherwise he'd come up.

"NOURA OU 9MAKH TA9MKHICH" My own father shouted out, I could tell he was angry, no furious.

When I came down that's when I saw him, sitting on the sofa with his legs on the coffee table, his eyes watching my every move.

"ma trdeen" his voice felt like poison.

"um, ah asfa ma sma3tik.." my head to the ground, afraid of his reaction.

He got up, I could see his shadow approaching me, "gelt wain kentay?"

"um uhh, kent eb darii" my voice shaking.

"Shtsween eb darich?" he sounds as if he might burst into laughter any second now.

"wala shay" I said in a hushed tone.

He put his fingers under my chin and raised my head and lowered himself down so we'd be on the same level and leaned in until our noses touched.

I was deeply afraid, afraid of what might happen.

"liar" he whispered in my ear and slapped me so hard that I fell to the ground.

Thats 1 bruise.

He kicked my stomach, "ANA SHGAYLICH 3AN ECHETHB?"

2 bruises.

"YOU WERE TALKING TO YOUR BOYFRIEND ADREE FEEICH A BIT** JUST LIKE YOUR MOTHER" and another bruise.

It went on and in for 13 minutes, yes I counted.

I didn't dare to say anything. I think most of you will go like, why don't you defend yourself? One word answer; Abdullah.

I can't risk anything to happen to him, he knows he's my biggest weakness.

And for 3aboud, I shall take it all in.

When he was finally done he gave me one last blow and spited on me. "so worthless" he said, my own father ladies and gentlemen.

The moment he left I just curled into a ball, not having the energy to lift myself off the ground and cried.

Cried for my mothers absence.

Cried for my so called father.

I cried and cried and cried, but all I remember saying before I passed out is : الحمد الله على كل حال


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@Chanceinloveq8