Caller: Dalal..?
I knew that voice. It was a very feminine and sweet voice. I just couldn't remember who it was.
Dalal: Meen m3ay?
Caller: Dalal, it's me, Nouf. Where are you? Everyone is worried sick about you! Youssef has been out looking for you all day.
I was laughing hysterically on the inside but kept it there. It was funny how people only realized what they had, when it's gone.
Then, I started to laugh even more when she said Youssef was looking for me. Yeah right, next she'll say he actually "cares" about me.
Dalal: Oh really? Well save him the trip, I'm not in town, and I'm not coming back. I'm done with him and all he's done to me.
I paused, about to hang up then said.
Dalal: Oh.. and tell 3ami 3eesa, umm nevermind. Just don't call me again. Goodbye Nouf.
*Goodbye Talal.
It played back in my head, but I cut myself short before over-thinking it.
I could hear Nouf breathing at the other line.
*Let me just say, Nouf is my cousin. 3ami 3eesa is her father, I've tried telling him before about Youssef, and he denied that "sweet and kind" Youssef could ever do such things. As for Nouf, she had a huge crush on the jerk face and couldn't believe it either.
She finally took a deep breath and began speaking again.
Nouf: Dalal, bla ghaba2, come back or we'll find you and bring you back forcefully.
I hung up. I had so much to say to that little cat. But I knew better. I didn't want to change my number, because I knew Talal only knew this number, I knew if it were an emergency, he'd call here, I couldn't completely leave him hanging, alone.
I went back to the hotel later, and decided to have a fancy dinner at what I had heard from the doorman to be the best Italian restaurant here. Yummy I thought, Italian was one of my favorites!
It was still 6pm, too early for dinner. But I wanted to get ready, I looked for the handbag I had brought with me and realized I hadn't brought any fancy clothes. I didn't have any time to waste to I made my way downstairs to the lobby, I knew there was a mall across the street.
I went into a few shops, until I finally found a simple dress at Miss Selfridges; http://www.ukshopsonline.net/images/DR/MissSelfridgeOchrePontiShiftDress.jpg. I then made my way back to the hotel and began to get ready.
I looked good, no one could've noticed that I've been vomiting all week. I finally realized that make-up wasn't SO useless! I took my phone, iPod, wallet and left the restaurant walking. It wasn't far away, and it was easy to find.
It was beautiful, it was a big wide space filled with circled tables. The lights in the room were orangey/yellow, the chandeliers covered most of the ceiling. I went in and took a table for two because they didn't have a table for one. I sat there staring at the second seat, Talal would always take me to fancy dinners..
FORGET ABOUT IT, AT LEAST FOR TONIGHT DALAL.
I wiped it off and ordered pizza for appetizers, and pasta for main course.
After I was done, I was full but I had to try to Gelato.. Mango Smoothies and Ice-cream were what I lived for now, so I couldn't leave without trying the Gelato. As I got up to pick the flavors, I bumped into a man while fixing my dress.
I looked up embarrassed and quickly apologized, but then I caught a glimpse of his face. I hadn't payed any attention to who I was looking at in the beginning, it was blurry. But now, I knew who it was. I couldn't forget my father.. Even if he had left a few years ago.
--
Dalal: BABA?
Father (Zaid): DALAL?
Both at the same time.
I quickly remembered we were in a public area and lowered my voice, but before I could speak I saw a blonde woman tugging onto his arm. I fought back my tears.
Dalal: Oh.
I turned my head, about to walk away, but he gripped his hands on my wrists. I looked up at his eyes, those light brown eyes that I looked up to all my life. I wanted to scream, I wanted to hug him, I had missed him since he left. I wanted to tell him all that Youssef did to me. I could've blurted it all out in the next few minutes, but I held myself content.
Baba: Dalal.. Hathi murti.
Dalal: Mar7aba.
I barely spit out the words, but I couldn't disappoint him now. I knew I never had a real mother, mine never really loved me.. Maybe I should give my step-mother a chance. I really did need some people by MY side.
I knew I was taking a risk, and I knew this would surprise him, but I couldn't miss my chance.
Dalal: Baba, umm.. mm.. Baba.. Mmkn I sit ma3akm? We catch up? I miss you, and I'd like to get to know 5alti.
I smiled at her, this time a welcoming and heart warming smile.
Baba was confused, but she took control fast.
5alti: ee 7abeebty, yallah come sit. Have you already eaten?
Dalal: Eee.
Baba still looked very confused.
When we first sat down, I began getting to know her.
Dalal: Umm 3afwan, bs shnu esmich?
5alti: Ana esmi Ghala
Dalal: Wln3m.
I kept asking her about her life, she wasn't married before. My dad was her first, and they didn't have any kids because she's unable to have any and they learned to live with that. They looked like a genuinely happy couple.. My dad was still a little tensed, but he loosened up soon. Then he finally asked.
Baba: Keef umich, w Youssef? Enti shnu tsaween hni?
Dalal: Mmkn agool ay shay gdam 5alti Ghala?
My dad nodded, and I began. I couldn't stop myself, he was back to my loving dad, I could see he was a bit worried through his eyes.
Dalal: Baba, umy kla 6al3a. She's out until late at night, w mat3rf shay y79l fl bait, I told her lakn she doesn't believe me.
I stopped, a tear was rolling down my cheeks.
Dalal: Yuba yoom ma you left, Youssef started coming home drunk, and beating me up.. He said I was the reason you left, that you hated me. I went to the hospital a few times because of how badly beaten I was. But that didn't stop me, w I didn't do anything. I tried telling my uncles, w klhom 6l3o mn el salfa or they didn't believe me. Bas yuba, ana yeet hni bdoon ma agool, 5athait a'3ra6'i w 6l3t. Yuba 4 days ago, Youssef.. Youssef, he, he raped me.
His eyeballs shot out, he stood up, paid the check then grabbed me outside the restaurant with him. 5alti Ghala followed but stayed out of our way.
Baba: Hal 7achi mu l3b?
I began sobbing, could he really believe I would lie or joke about this?
But he saw me sobbing, and I guess he realized I wasn't lying. He took me into his arms and caressed my back slowly, telling me to calm down. I slowly let go, and told him I needed time and excused myself to head back to the hotel.
Baba: ya3ni enti mu raj3a?
I nodded.
Dalal: Ana gltlk l2ni I need someone to believe me.. W because I miss you. But I'll never go back there, no matter what. W yuba if you go back, don't tell them where I am. I'm done, I'm going to work here 5alas, and pay for my own university.
I left, without another word, just an approving look from my father.
I was still crying, I couldn't stop. How come this kept happening?
*STOP CRYING DALAL, MAN UP.
Even my inner self knew what the best thing to do was..
I walked into the elevator and pressed the 14th floor, I wasn't on that floor, I was on the 15th, but I needed to remember something from Talal. I needed him, but I couldn't have him here, so I tried my best to have him at heart. But I was startled when I was tapped on the shoulder, I had forgotten I was crying like a baby in public, and I barely noticed anyone in the elevator.
I looked behind me to find a young man, about 20-22 years old, he was my age. He had tanned skin, it was obvious he DIDN'T work out, but that was good because his body structure was already fit. He had dark brown eyes. Filled cheeks, which I loved, and dimples.
Young man: Lawsama7tay?
I sniffed.
Dalal: Mmm?
I looked up, and wiped some tears from my eyes. Then I looked higher, and our eyes locked. I smiled, against my will, but I smiled.
Dalal: Can I help you with something?
Still smiling.
*STOP SMILING DALAL, YOU'RE EMBARRASSING YOURSELF!
Still smiling.
Young Man: I'm.....
He was looking straight into my eyes, he didn't finish his sentence but he extended his hand for me to shake.
I chuckled.
Dalal: You're name issss?
Young man: Uhh what? Oh, yeah I'm Khalid.
I extended my hand as well and shook his hand while saying.
Dalal: and I'm Dalal, nice to meet you Khalid!
Khalid: 3ashat elasami.
Dalal: 3ashat ayamk.
I was still smiling, we were both just smiling. The elevator made a noise indicating to leave the elevator. We completely forgot we had arrived. Just as I was about to leave, he tightened his grip around my hand.. Myself completely also forgetting my hand in his.
Dalal: ba'3ait shay?
Khalid: Ee.. Stay.
I chuckled a bit more, my cheeks turning all shades of red.
I knew that voice. It was a very feminine and sweet voice. I just couldn't remember who it was.
Dalal: Meen m3ay?
Caller: Dalal, it's me, Nouf. Where are you? Everyone is worried sick about you! Youssef has been out looking for you all day.
I was laughing hysterically on the inside but kept it there. It was funny how people only realized what they had, when it's gone.
Then, I started to laugh even more when she said Youssef was looking for me. Yeah right, next she'll say he actually "cares" about me.
Dalal: Oh really? Well save him the trip, I'm not in town, and I'm not coming back. I'm done with him and all he's done to me.
I paused, about to hang up then said.
Dalal: Oh.. and tell 3ami 3eesa, umm nevermind. Just don't call me again. Goodbye Nouf.
*Goodbye Talal.
It played back in my head, but I cut myself short before over-thinking it.
I could hear Nouf breathing at the other line.
*Let me just say, Nouf is my cousin. 3ami 3eesa is her father, I've tried telling him before about Youssef, and he denied that "sweet and kind" Youssef could ever do such things. As for Nouf, she had a huge crush on the jerk face and couldn't believe it either.
She finally took a deep breath and began speaking again.
Nouf: Dalal, bla ghaba2, come back or we'll find you and bring you back forcefully.
I hung up. I had so much to say to that little cat. But I knew better. I didn't want to change my number, because I knew Talal only knew this number, I knew if it were an emergency, he'd call here, I couldn't completely leave him hanging, alone.
I went back to the hotel later, and decided to have a fancy dinner at what I had heard from the doorman to be the best Italian restaurant here. Yummy I thought, Italian was one of my favorites!
It was still 6pm, too early for dinner. But I wanted to get ready, I looked for the handbag I had brought with me and realized I hadn't brought any fancy clothes. I didn't have any time to waste to I made my way downstairs to the lobby, I knew there was a mall across the street.
I went into a few shops, until I finally found a simple dress at Miss Selfridges; http://www.ukshopsonline.net/images/DR/MissSelfridgeOchrePontiShiftDress.jpg. I then made my way back to the hotel and began to get ready.
I looked good, no one could've noticed that I've been vomiting all week. I finally realized that make-up wasn't SO useless! I took my phone, iPod, wallet and left the restaurant walking. It wasn't far away, and it was easy to find.
It was beautiful, it was a big wide space filled with circled tables. The lights in the room were orangey/yellow, the chandeliers covered most of the ceiling. I went in and took a table for two because they didn't have a table for one. I sat there staring at the second seat, Talal would always take me to fancy dinners..
FORGET ABOUT IT, AT LEAST FOR TONIGHT DALAL.
I wiped it off and ordered pizza for appetizers, and pasta for main course.
After I was done, I was full but I had to try to Gelato.. Mango Smoothies and Ice-cream were what I lived for now, so I couldn't leave without trying the Gelato. As I got up to pick the flavors, I bumped into a man while fixing my dress.
I looked up embarrassed and quickly apologized, but then I caught a glimpse of his face. I hadn't payed any attention to who I was looking at in the beginning, it was blurry. But now, I knew who it was. I couldn't forget my father.. Even if he had left a few years ago.
--
Dalal: BABA?
Father (Zaid): DALAL?
Both at the same time.
I quickly remembered we were in a public area and lowered my voice, but before I could speak I saw a blonde woman tugging onto his arm. I fought back my tears.
Dalal: Oh.
I turned my head, about to walk away, but he gripped his hands on my wrists. I looked up at his eyes, those light brown eyes that I looked up to all my life. I wanted to scream, I wanted to hug him, I had missed him since he left. I wanted to tell him all that Youssef did to me. I could've blurted it all out in the next few minutes, but I held myself content.
Baba: Dalal.. Hathi murti.
Dalal: Mar7aba.
I barely spit out the words, but I couldn't disappoint him now. I knew I never had a real mother, mine never really loved me.. Maybe I should give my step-mother a chance. I really did need some people by MY side.
I knew I was taking a risk, and I knew this would surprise him, but I couldn't miss my chance.
Dalal: Baba, umm.. mm.. Baba.. Mmkn I sit ma3akm? We catch up? I miss you, and I'd like to get to know 5alti.
I smiled at her, this time a welcoming and heart warming smile.
Baba was confused, but she took control fast.
5alti: ee 7abeebty, yallah come sit. Have you already eaten?
Dalal: Eee.
Baba still looked very confused.
When we first sat down, I began getting to know her.
Dalal: Umm 3afwan, bs shnu esmich?
5alti: Ana esmi Ghala
Dalal: Wln3m.
I kept asking her about her life, she wasn't married before. My dad was her first, and they didn't have any kids because she's unable to have any and they learned to live with that. They looked like a genuinely happy couple.. My dad was still a little tensed, but he loosened up soon. Then he finally asked.
Baba: Keef umich, w Youssef? Enti shnu tsaween hni?
Dalal: Mmkn agool ay shay gdam 5alti Ghala?
My dad nodded, and I began. I couldn't stop myself, he was back to my loving dad, I could see he was a bit worried through his eyes.
Dalal: Baba, umy kla 6al3a. She's out until late at night, w mat3rf shay y79l fl bait, I told her lakn she doesn't believe me.
I stopped, a tear was rolling down my cheeks.
Dalal: Yuba yoom ma you left, Youssef started coming home drunk, and beating me up.. He said I was the reason you left, that you hated me. I went to the hospital a few times because of how badly beaten I was. But that didn't stop me, w I didn't do anything. I tried telling my uncles, w klhom 6l3o mn el salfa or they didn't believe me. Bas yuba, ana yeet hni bdoon ma agool, 5athait a'3ra6'i w 6l3t. Yuba 4 days ago, Youssef.. Youssef, he, he raped me.
His eyeballs shot out, he stood up, paid the check then grabbed me outside the restaurant with him. 5alti Ghala followed but stayed out of our way.
Baba: Hal 7achi mu l3b?
I began sobbing, could he really believe I would lie or joke about this?
But he saw me sobbing, and I guess he realized I wasn't lying. He took me into his arms and caressed my back slowly, telling me to calm down. I slowly let go, and told him I needed time and excused myself to head back to the hotel.
Baba: ya3ni enti mu raj3a?
I nodded.
Dalal: Ana gltlk l2ni I need someone to believe me.. W because I miss you. But I'll never go back there, no matter what. W yuba if you go back, don't tell them where I am. I'm done, I'm going to work here 5alas, and pay for my own university.
I left, without another word, just an approving look from my father.
I was still crying, I couldn't stop. How come this kept happening?
*STOP CRYING DALAL, MAN UP.
Even my inner self knew what the best thing to do was..
I walked into the elevator and pressed the 14th floor, I wasn't on that floor, I was on the 15th, but I needed to remember something from Talal. I needed him, but I couldn't have him here, so I tried my best to have him at heart. But I was startled when I was tapped on the shoulder, I had forgotten I was crying like a baby in public, and I barely noticed anyone in the elevator.
I looked behind me to find a young man, about 20-22 years old, he was my age. He had tanned skin, it was obvious he DIDN'T work out, but that was good because his body structure was already fit. He had dark brown eyes. Filled cheeks, which I loved, and dimples.
Young man: Lawsama7tay?
I sniffed.
Dalal: Mmm?
I looked up, and wiped some tears from my eyes. Then I looked higher, and our eyes locked. I smiled, against my will, but I smiled.
Dalal: Can I help you with something?
Still smiling.
*STOP SMILING DALAL, YOU'RE EMBARRASSING YOURSELF!
Still smiling.
Young Man: I'm.....
He was looking straight into my eyes, he didn't finish his sentence but he extended his hand for me to shake.
I chuckled.
Dalal: You're name issss?
Young man: Uhh what? Oh, yeah I'm Khalid.
I extended my hand as well and shook his hand while saying.
Dalal: and I'm Dalal, nice to meet you Khalid!
Khalid: 3ashat elasami.
Dalal: 3ashat ayamk.
I was still smiling, we were both just smiling. The elevator made a noise indicating to leave the elevator. We completely forgot we had arrived. Just as I was about to leave, he tightened his grip around my hand.. Myself completely also forgetting my hand in his.
Dalal: ba'3ait shay?
Khalid: Ee.. Stay.
I chuckled a bit more, my cheeks turning all shades of red.
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