Fear - Chapter 8

I rang the doorbell at my fathers house then waited a minute or two until the housemaid came and opened the door for me. She was very cheerful and was dressed in a pink suit.

Lama: Hi, can I speak to Mr. Al X please?

Housemaid: Yes yes come in please

She led me to their guest room as I walked slowly behind her, scanning the pictures and walls and furniture. The guest room was beautiful, the couches were golden with ancient looking off-white designs.

My father came downstairs a few minutes later with his pants pulled high and blue t-shirt, he was off to work soon I guess. He looked thinner than before, I guess he doesn't take care of himself to treat his diabetes.. My heart skipped a beat, I missed him.

He never mis-treated me once, he was always such a great father.

When he saw me, he immediately hurried to me and gave me a hug.

Dad: 7abeebty shu 3am ti3mili hon? Is everything ok?

His eyes were worried, and my heart ached knowing that he thinks I'd only come see him in an emergence situation. I regretted in that moment never coming to visit my father, but it's not my fault that my mom hated him.

She threatened to kick me out of the house a few times. Plus I'd hear her plan with my sisters everyday about new ways she could take more money from him!

I opened my mouth to answer him, but I heard some click clacking on the stairs to find my father's wife Hana walk downstairs looking very casual. She was wearing capris and a t-shirt with slippers with an apron on top.

She looked quite surprised when she saw me, but she came downstairs anyways and greeted me.

Hana: Ahlain 7abeebty!! Zaman 3annek, keefik?

She walked to me and kissed both my cheeks while shaking my hand.

Before I got a chance to speak, yet again.

Hana: o3odi 7abeebty, irta7i!! Ahla w sahla!!

Her smile was very wide looking very natural and genuinely real.

I sat down and then began.

Lama: Thanks for letting me in and welcoming me so joyfully.. 3anjad I didn't expect this, 7assait if I come here after so long of not contacting my father, I just thought you'd be too disappointed in me to see me.

My father was about to cut but I kept going.

Lama: Baba ana.. I just wanted to say that I'm sorry, inta lsa abooy w ba7ibak.. W if you'd let me, I'd love to make place for myself in your life again.. We can start low if you want.

A frown was on my place but I kept trying to smile, to not cry. I didn't even know why I wanted to cry! I just didn't know! I was confused to say the least.

My dad got up and came next to me and hugged me.

Dad: 7abeebty I'd LOVE to have you back in my life.. I've missed you so much.. You really have no idea.. 7ata we can arrange that you come sleep over on the weekends if that makes you happier and more comfortable! W mafee low relationship or whatever, you're my daughter w i love you w bas!

He smiled. It was so natural. It felt amazing to know that someone loved me this much and wouldn't let me go. It really really did.. I really did need a parent like this.. Maybe this will help me be satisfied with myself and my life.

I spent a few hours catching up with my father and his wife Hana, we talked and laughed and they were awesome!

But.. There's always a but!

I felt like they were hiding something from me.

I tried to sweep it off and just go with the flow though..

After I left their house, I was off and back to my house to return the car. I got home, went straight upstairs through the back door so I wouldn't have to confront my mother or sister. I grabbed some pj's (shorts and a tank top) and went back down stairs to tell the driver to drop me off at "Muneeras" house since I knew he would tell my mom that he dropped me off at Aziz's and she would know I sleep over there sometimes..

On the way, I texted my mom and told her that I'll be spending the night at Muneera's.

When I got there, my heart skipped a beat and I smiled automatically. I loved spending time with aziz.

As soon as I entered though, I was surprised... to say the least.