Part 17 - Love Lost

We went and picked up Nawar to go see Abdullah's family.  When we pulled up we saw Aziz's car outside.  Apparently he was over, and so were here cousins.

Rania had been with her boyfriend Stefano for a while, but over the last few weeks she knew that it was coming to an end.  She knew it was over.  And she knew that he knew it too.  The spark was lost, conversations didn't last more than a few minutes, and they had talked about it a few days ago. They decided things had already ended a while ago and that this was the final moment of everything. She didn't really say anything to her friends because she didn't want to make a big deal out of it to anyone.  But now being back in Kuwait the last few days solidified that thought, and she had told her girls. Seeing the car's parked outside sent a feeling from her head to her stomach as if she was on a roller coaster.

"7abibti, did you..umm..did you see..?"

"Yep. He's here."

"We don't have to go inside, we can come back later!"

"No. Yalla let's go! It'll be fine. I'm good I promise."

"Haha, if you say so. But tell me the word and we'll leave."

They jumped out of the car and started to walk up the pathway to the house.

"This boy is crazy...look, it's still there. It's really not that hard to go get it removed. You know what? I'll do it now!"

"Omg you psycho! You can't take that off. He'll know it was you!"

"I don't care. Okay fine fine, maybe that's not the best way to see each other after a year."

"Wow I never would have guessed" Jawa said rolling her eyes.

They walked into the house and said hello to everyone.  Nawar's house wasn't the typical Kuwaiti type of house, it was 3ady for all the men and women to sit together. Rania kept looking around for him...his piercing look, his laugh that made you happy without even knowing why, the way he smelled, it was hard to miss.  Where was he?

Rania felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around.

"Wassim..." It came out as whisper. The roller coaster feeling was back.

"7imdillah Alsalama."

"Allah ya salmik"  ..still a whisper.  It was too hard to form proper words.

"How are you? I haven't seen you in..well..a while."

"It's been a long time. I'm good. How have you been? How is the firm going? Architecture and all..."

"It's really good 7imdillah.  I've been getting a lot of calls and people wanting to hire me for projects.  We actually got a really big one the other day and.." The huge smile that had grown on his face was quickly disappearing just as fast as it had come "You don't need to listen to me go on about this. It's good thank you."

Rania's heart was breaking all over again. Wassim and Rania had been together off and on since they were quite young.  Even when they weren't together, they were.  There were times when one or the other would begin to talk to someone else, but the love between them was too strong for them to ever move on from each other.  That was, until the day Rania left for Italy..and met Stefano.  Wassim had been busy in school studying architecture and had told Rania that they needed to take time apart.  His schooling was too important and talking to her was too much of a distraction.  Rania did everything she could to make it work with him. But at the end of the day, not knowing how long she'd have to wait for him to be over this, it was too hard.  When she met Stefano, she hadn't heard back from Wassim for weeks and had realized it was time to move on. As hard as it was. Stefano came to really love her and as much as she cared about him, her feelings towards him were never like her's for Wassim.

"It's nice to see that you're doing well.  I'm happy for you.  You got what you wanted."

"I am. Thank you."

They froze for a moment and looked around.  They had not expected to see almost everyone staring at them, waiting to see what happened.  Everyone had known about them and Wassim's family, which was Nawar's family as well, loved Rania.  The hope that one day they would get back together was one the entire family shared.  However, they were making it a little too obvious.

"Can we help you..?" asked Wassim giving them one of his fake upset looks.

"Wassiiiim leave them alone!" Rania half whispered to him giggling.  It was too easy to fall back to their old playful ways. They just looked at each other realizing that as easy it was to get back to that, they weren't.  It was like being torn apart all over again.  But they kept up the act and acted civil with each other, making sure they were on good terms.

Eventually Jawa got a call from Fawaz saying it was time to go to see Abdullah's family. She got up and said bye to everyone, telling Nawar, Aziz and Rania it was time to go.  Aziz said he was going to stay and hang out with her cousins, he had gone to see Abdullah's family quite a bit and would go back later. Nawar and Rania got their stuff and headed out.  On their way out Wassim's best friend Yousef pushed him to get up and talk to Rania.  Wassim got up and walked them out.

"How is Abdullahs dad doing?  We went to see him the other day and he didn't look very good.."

"Inshallah he gets better. That's all we can hope for," Rania said. She looked to her side to see what Nawar and Jawa had to say only to see that they had walked up ahead and were already at the car. Rania and Wassim had stopped by the back of Wassim's car. "Wassim, really?..You still have this..?" She tried to make a joke out of it, but she really wanted to know why it was still there.

"Shfeech? I like it. It's very me, you know."

Rania had one time jokingly threatened to put a pink glittery flower sticker on the back of his car if he didn't stop freaking out about school and take a break for himself.  Of course he didn't, he was too dedicated to his work.  So she went straight to the store and bought the pink glittery flower. The next time he came to her she didn't wait a second, she walked straight over to the car and stuck it on the bumper.  "There! Hah!" she had yelled at him, cracking up.  He stood there giving her his fake upset look and then started cracking up too. He told her that "as long as I love you, 7ayati, I'll leave it there. And I'll love you forever. It'll be a reminder of the fact I love a freak," he teased her.

"Yeah. Pink and glittery were always how I thought about you."

"Pink is manly."

"Never said it wasn't." She loved joking with him, he always made her smile. Even if they hadn't seen each other in almost a year.. "I should go.."

"You should. Yalla, it was nice to see you Rania."

"You too Wassim."

The car ride over to the hospital was full of jokes and gossipy news that Nawar had heard from her family.  They asked Rania how she felt after seeing Wassim and she said the same as always, like someone had punched her in the stomach, taken her favorite thing away from her and was dangling it in her face. It killed. But she knew thats how it had to be.  Jawa and Rania teased Nawar about how Aziz stays at her house now and she doesn't, how times had changed and how he was really going to be a part of the family soon.  The girls talked all about their boys giggling and telling stories.  The mood changed entirely when they pulled up to the hospital.  Silence fell over the girls and the weight of the situation hit them.  Their best friend's dad was maybe dying and there was nothing anyone could do to change it.  Jawa began to cry as she parked the car near Fawaz's.  Nawar and Rania got out and helped Jawa out of the car and into the hospital.

"You have to be strong for him! You are like a part of their family, you need to hold yourself together. No more crying okay? Pull it together Juju, it'll be okay."

They walked in and found the room where Abdullah's family was.  They heard laughter coming from the room, "must be a good sign" thought Jawa.  As she walked up they saw Fawaz outside with Abdullah, Abdullah looked like he had been crying but was trying to hide it.  Jawa ran to him and hugged him and began crying.  She was in so much pain over the pain of her friend.  Abdullah was more shocked than anything and began to laugh and try to calm down Jawa.

"He's going to be okay..for now at least.  He has to go to the states for heart surgery."

"7imdillah. 7imdillah." and the tears formed in Jawa's eyes all over again, except this time they were happy tears.  She looked up to see Abdullah tearing up to, trying to hide it. "Abdullah...7abibi.."

He smiled at her and said "Shhh..this will be our little secret" and let himself cry in front of the one person he trusted the most.  

Part 16 - Family Time

Sorry everyone! I've been so busy with classes these past few weeks. Heres the next post!
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"Ahlaaan! When did you get back, man?"

"Last night. 3aboods dad isn't doing to good, we came with him. How is everything with you?"

"Ohh, salamat. 7imdillah. Everythings good!  Work is going really well and the firm is still taking up every waking moment of my life.  I can't say Layan is too happy about that, but I'm just making sure I can get what I need to done."

"Haha congrats, man. I'm happy for you. It really sounds like you're happy. Tell Layan I will definitely be stopping by for one of her amazing home cooked meals!"

"Heeey! That's not funny! Do not encourage her cooking, I beg you.  Last time I had to eat chicken that was barely chewable and rice that was practically black from how burnt it was. I had the maids take it and hide it when she went to answer the phone. And you know who was calling the house? Me! I couldn't eat it, bro. I really tried."

"Hahahahaha. It is pretty bad. Well I will stop by and we can order! I have to see her, the future mother of my next niece or nephew, before I go!"

"Inshallah. I know she'd love that. Oh, by the way...I know right now might not be the best time..I need you to come finish signing the last of the papers at the office today. Fawaz man, I know this has been really hard on you. And, well, I don't think I could have been as strong as you have.  But..yeah...just stop by whenever you're free and we'll finish it up.  It'll be like it never happened."

"....But it did...Yeah man, 5alas. I'll come by soon. Uhh, yalla. I'll see you later" ..click.


In the meantime...
"Jawa have you talked to your brother lately?"

"Which one Baba?"

"The oldest one who seems to have a new life of his own. We haven't heard from him in over a week."

"Ee, dad. He's busy. He's an adult now and exploring life. He probably has 3 kids and a dog and the mother of his children is older than you, but it's okay! He's still young enough to learn."

"I'm so happy I send you to America to learn and this is what I get in return. Hahah, my daughter is so bright. Mashallah. If only you could put that imagine to use with your studies, then maybe we could get somewhere."

"Yes, that is true. But at least I don't have 3 kids and a dog yet!"

"Hahaha, oh god...Jawa, 7abibti, is everything okay? Everytime you look at your phone you get a weird look on your face."

"I what? Oh..sorry. Yep, I'm fine!  I guess I'm just worried since I haven't heard much about Abdullah's father yet. I think I'm gonna go over there soon and see what's going on."

"That's a good idea. Tell them we send our regards. I'll go by soon."

"Inshallah, Baba."  ..And with that I got up and started up the stairs to my room.  As much as I truly am worried about 3boods dad, Fawaz has been acting really strange all of the sudden.  I don't know if I did something, or I said the wrong thing.  Just a few hours ago everything was so perfect and now he seems so..distant?  Oh well. I guess I'll keep acting normal and maybe he'll come around.

"Of course this is where I find you."

"Shhh...sleeping and watching gossip girl. Blair and Chuck...shhh..."

"Ughh Rania, Move over."

We spent the next two hours in and out of sleep while watching Blair and Chuck fall back and forth in and out of love with each other.  It feels so stupid to say but I guess I kind of understand that confusion.

"Yalla. Time to go over to Abdullahs and see la familia."

"Isn't that my family?"

"Is it? Madry, my spanish is shit. My Arabic has never been great and you think I can top if off with Spanish?"

"Ahh, true true."

We got dressed and hopped in my mom's car.  She let me borrow it for the day.  Since we're only here for a few days theres no point in renting a car for us to use.  We blasted the radio and sat without talking listening to iiO sing "Is It Love" while driving along Gulf Road. It felt so good to be back.  So many memories came rushing back and I wanted to cry and smile and laugh all at the same time. I looked over at Rania and could tell she felt the same.  It was that feeling of being home that really did something to you.

Of course this cute little moment of ours was interrupted by some asshole who thought it would be cool to cut us off and try to flirt.  Wow, I didn't miss this.  ..Okay, well maybe a little. It can be a little entertaining, you have to admit.  Just from time to time. However, this was getting annoying.  He wouldn't quit.  So we finally slammed on the brakes and he almost hit us.  I couldn't tell who it was because his windows we're so tinted. Who is this guy? He's going to ruin to my lovely drive!  I called Fawaz and mentioned it to him and within no time Fawaz was in the car and ready.  I can't believe this guy! He's following me even into the parking lot of Palms.  No one ever sticks with it that long! Fawaz was waiting but this guy acted like he didn't even notice.  He seems so creepy.  The look on Fawaz's face was priceless. He could have killed the guy. I couldn't help but laugh.  There was my guy, ready to protect me and kick this guys ass, and looking pretty damn hot while doing it too. I was so happy.

It worked out well since we were all going to see Abdullah's family anyways.  Once the asshole left we followed behind Fawaz and went on to 3bdood's house.  Apparently everyone was at the hospital and it was family only time for the next few hours, his aunt told us.  She said if went in an hour or two that it would be fine then.  So we decided to go pick up Nawar and get coffee before hand.  And we'd meet Fawaz later. 

Part 15 - Home again

We were all finally back home.  I wish it had been for better reasons, but here we were all ready to support Abdullah and his family.  So many things have changed in such a short time: Fawaz was the new addition to our little group of friends, Nawar and Aziz were engaged, Abdullahs dad wasn't doing very well and it was time to see my family again.  Rania's parents were out of the country so she'd be staying at home alone with her nanny, of course she'll be spending a lot of time at my house.  As Fawaz's driver took us all back to our houses, I looked around to see Kuwait again and felt right at home.  The weather was still quite warm and the moon was giving everything such a nice glow.  The feeling that each emotion was just a little bit stronger, a bit more intense is undeniable when you're back in Kuwait.  Everything seems more exciting and special.

We dropped off Nawar, then Abood, then Aziz.  Rania was coming home with me for the day, I couldn't let her come home to an empty house for her first day back.  I was surprised at how awake Rania was, usually after long flights she goes straight to sleep but she finally had energy.  I'm usually really awake after long flights so thankfully she'd be up to keep me company.  It was the middle of the night and I wasn't expecting anyone to be up.

"Thank you again for dropping us off, it was really nice of you."

"Ishdaw3a Jawa, I'd prefer to make sure you get home safely.  And spending extra time with you, well, I'd never complain about that."  He looked over and saw Rania was there as well, he completely forgot. "...And you too Rania. Never complaining." He said with chuckle trying to make it less awkward for him.

I called Manila my nanny and had to wake her up to open the gate.  She was so surprised to see us.  "AYY Madam Jawa. You're back? Mama no tell me you come! When you come?"

"Today, we just got back.  Is everyone asleep?"

"Yess, everyone in bed. Me too, I woke up now."

"I know, sorry. Okay 5alas can you make tea please and we'll get our bags."

"Okay madam."

We brought our bags up to my room trying to make as little noise as possible.  My big pink room sat unchanged from the last time I was here.  I love my room so much.  It's cozy and the most "me" room I could imagine.  My artwork is placed around, Mama is much too proud of it.  There's lots and lots of books and magazines on my coffee table in front of the couch I have.  It's the perfect amount of space and color.

Manila brought in our tea and we sat down talking about everything that had been going on lately.  We both ended up passing out right away.

The next morning, I woke up to my phone ringing.  I didn't recognize the number but I was too sleepy to think about, so I answered anyways.

"Aloo, it's very early you know.."

"Do you always answer numbers you dont know?  And say that?"

"Ughhh who is this?" I thought it was Fawaz, just had to make sure you know.

"Your knight in shining armor."

"Sorry I already have a few, not looking for any new ones."

"Hilarious."

"Good morning" I was already smiling and I dont even know why.

"Good morning to you too. I thought I'd wake you up so you're not overly jet lagged.  It's the best way to ruin a trip."

"Thats very thoughtful of you.  And thank you for that, I hate being jet lagged on short trips."

"You're most welcome."

"You seem in a good mood today.."

"I woke up, saw my parents, had breakfast with them, played with my niece and nephew and am now talking to the most beautiful girl I know. Why wouldn't I be in a good mood?"

...And I thought I was smiling before, SO the best wake up call ever.  "You're cute."

"I know."

"Wai3"

"Shut up, you like it. Anyways, yalla get up shower and see your parents now.  And wake up Rania I'm sure she's still asleep as well."

"Inshallah. Will do.  So this is your number here?"

"Ohhh you're interested in what my number is here? I knew it," he said in the cockiest voice ever. I could imagine the grin on his face right now. He's adorable.

"Just wanted to know what numbers to avoid"

"Afaaa."

"Hahah bye loser."

"Talk to you later alligator."

I got up and looked around and realized that Rania wasn't here.  There is no way she'd be up before me. I guess I really did over sleep.  I got showered and changed and went downstairs to see her sitting with my mom.

"JAWA! Hellloooo and welcome home. What a lovely surprise!" my mom said as she ran over to hug me.  "I'm so happy you're here!"  She was almost in tears. "I walked downstairs today to find Rania in the kitchen.  It took me a minute to realize I was actually awake and not dreaming and she filled me in on what's going on."

"Yeah, sorry I didn't call ahead of time. Everything was just so last minute you know."

"No need to apologize! I completely understand." She hugged me again. I was so happy to be back. "Your brother and sister are at school and Dad is at work. They'll all be home later today.  For now, want some coffee?"

"I'd love some coffee."

We sat around catching up with my mom and filling her in on what's been going on lately.  We all laughed and told stories and heard what we'd missed while away.

I got a bbm so I checked to see who it was from.

*BBM - Khalid* Still up? Don't tell me my wake up call was for nothing

*BBM - Jawa*  Still up! No it did wonders actually, I should hire you and get rid of my alarm clock

*BBM - Khalid* Mehhh, I don't know if I could stand your voice that much

*BBM - Jawa* You wish you could hear my voice that much

*BBM - Khalid* You're right, I do, even more than that if I could

*BBM - Jawa* Uhh lame much?

*BBM - Khalid* You really know how to kill a cute moment huh

*BBM - Jawa* I just had to, too tempting :)

*BBM - Khalid* Hahah I can imagine the look on your face right now

"Who are you texting? You look so..giggely," said my mom.

"No one" I said trying to keep my face from turning 10 different shades of red...I couldn't help but grin though..What was I getting myself into

Part 14 - Really Short Post

Sorry everyone, I've been so busy lately I haven't had time to post. This is really short but I'll post again today or tomorrow inshallah.

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I couldn't believe Shaikha saw the messages Khalid had sent me! So many things were running through my head. I ran and got Rawan and told her what was going on, I could see Fawaz staring at us trying to figure out what was going on.

"WHAT!?"

"Yeah, Rawan it's SO bad. Like baaad."

"I can see that.  Have you talked to her? Have you talked to him? Omg"

"No we didn't even have time to talk before she saw it and the last I saw he went running after her."

"You didn't...you didn't say anything you wouldn't want anyone to see did you? Anything...about you guys..and being together?..."

"RAWAN! Do you really think I'd do that? I told him she deserves better than to be treated like that."

"Okay okay just making sure. You never know."

"Mhmm whatever. Anyways, what do I do now? I feel horrible."

"Babe there's nothing you can do.  At the end of the day it's good she sees the real side of him and she saw that you told him it's not right oo chithee so 5ala9 that's all there is."

"Yeah, I guess you're right.."

"Right about what?" Fawaz said as he popped up out of nowhere.

"Ouff you scared me!" Rawan squeaked.

"Didn't your mother teach you it's rude to eavesdrop? Especially on girls?" I asked, trying to sound pissed off.

"Didn't your mother teach you it's rude to keep secrets?"

"Touche, touche."

"So what's going on? And don't say nothing. I can see something's going on and our flight just got delayed another 45 minutes and I'm SO bored. So yalla let me in on what's going on."

"Ummmm..." "Well...."

We sat down and told him what's going on, from start to finish.

"But you can't mention anything to Abood. I really don't want to take away from what's going on with him with my stupid drama. Promise?"

"Ee, 7abeebty, Inshallah." Cuuuutie he called me 7abeebty. I kept replaying him saying that over and over in my head.

"Thank you" I could tell I was blushing.

A few hours later:

"Flight to Kuwait is boarding at gate D17.  Flight to Kuwait will now begin boarding."

On the flight, I looked back to see that Shaikha was able to convince one of the flight attendants to switch her seat and so Khalid was left alone to sit in the horrible seats the lady had planned for them.  I felt bad for her having to sit alone, but I wasn't about to go over there just yet. I do not think I'm the person she'd want to talk to right now. As all of these thoughts were running through my head I felt another head make it's way to my shoulder. Fawaz had already fallen asleep on my shoulder. Cuuuutie. Wow my feelings were really growing for him.

"You guys look comfy" Abood said with a wink as he was getting settled in his seat behind us.

"Shut up!"

"It seems like he really likes you, you know."

"Do you think so?"

"Yeah, I do."

"Wait seriously you guys havent talked about it? You're just guessing?"

"We are not you Nawar and Rania and discuss every little thing in our lives down to what plate we ate breakfast from.  We're men!"

"Hahah fine. But you really think he does?"

"I think so, yes."

"Me too" mumbled Fawaz in his sleep.

I sat there grinning for the rest of the flight until I fell asleep. We were all so exhausted so thankfully the flight home went by fast.

Once we arrived we all got our luggage and everything together and headed out.

"I completely forgot to tell my parents I was coming." I said, I'd been so busy before we left it didn't even cross my mind.

"Oh shit me too," said almost the entire rest of the group.

"3ady my drivers here, I'll drop all of you guys."

"Thank youuu."

Part 13- Off We Go

Nawar and Aziz were finally engaged!  All we've talked about the last 2 days was whats needed for the wedding, where would it be held, what would we wear, what kind of flowers. It was so exciting.  Nawar was constantly glowing. Me and Rania were practically as excited as Nawar was.  Our little baby is getting married! The date isn't set yet, when we go back for winter Nawar and Aziz are going to decide with their families.

Tonight we were having dinner with Aunty Mona at our apartment.  She was coming over to congratulate Nawar on her engagement and we haven't seen her in forever.  She's always been like my second mom, and when Rania and Nawar came into my life she became like a mom to them as well.

"What should we make for dinner?" Rania asked as she helped us clean up.

"Maby cooking, let's just order in."

"Okay good, I'm so not in the mood of cooking either." We liked cooking but some days you just can't be bothered.

We settled on ordering Chinese and watching Pride and Prejudice, Aunty Mona's favorite (one of ours as well).

A few hours later we were all set up and finishing last minute cleaning when we heard "Hellooooo girls!"coming from the door. Aunty Mona was here!  "CONGRATULATIONS!" she said as she ran over to Nawar.  "I spoke to your mom this morning she's so excited! We all are! This is so exciting.  And Aziz, Mashallah! You've got such a great guy. I'm so happy for you 7abeebty!"

After dinner we all sat around talking and watching the movie.  Aunty Mona decided to go home since it was getting late and leave us to sleep.

The next day I woke up to someone banging on the door.  It was 3 AM.

"WHO IS IT?! What could you possibly want this earlyyyy!" I had no idea who I was yelling at but I was already mad at them.  I opened the door to find Fawaz standing there half asleep, he looked so alarmed and was in sweatpants and a tshirt.

"Jawa, it's Abdullah's dad.  Abullah's packing his stuff to go home, he's leaving today.  His dad is in the hospital and really not doing well. Abdullahs really freaking out.  Me and Aziz are gonna go with him too. I just wanted to come say bye and tell you what's going on."

"La2. I'm coming too."

"Me too." We turned around to see half asleep Nawar standing behind us.  "Aziz just called me and told me what's going on, I'm coming with you guys.  We do everything together, we have to be there for him."

"You girls are amazing" Fawaz said with the cutest sincerity and kissed my forehead.  I could feel Nawar grinning behind me.

"When are we leaving?" I asked Fawaz.

"There's a flight at 5:30, get your stuff together quickly and we'll meet you guys at the airport okay.  Try to be there early.  See you guys in a bit."

As I shut the door it hit me, Abdullah's father was his role model, who he looked up to the most.  They may disagree on things but at the end of the day they had an amazing relationship...which could soon be over.  We woke up Rania and told her what was going on.  She decided to come with us.  Thankfully Thanksgiving break was coming up shortly so we wouldn't be missing too many days of school.

"Everyone here and ready?" asked Aziz.  "Passports, kila shay?"

"Yess." Everyone replied.

"Okay we've got your tickets here.  We're all sitting near each other.  Go check your bags, we already finished. And we'll meet you inside. Fawaz and Abdullah are sitting in starbucks."

"Inshallah."

As we were checking our bags I happened to look up and see.....Khalid. Of all days. You've got to be kidding me! 5ala9 I can't get mad, we're here for Abdullah not anyone else. It doesn't matter..Breathe, Jawa breathe.

"OMG!"  "OH SHIT"

"You guys saw him too?" I said, trying to be quiet about it.

"Yessss. Ewwwwww look at his fiance. She looks like a dinosaur."

"No ew she looks like a transvestite!"

"Ouff tell me about it. I can't believe I dated him."

They were walking in as we were finishing up.

"Can we move this along a little faster? That guy over there used to date this girl, cheated on her, psychotic, now hes engaged to that girl but still wants this girl. Please!" Rania told the lady.

"Oh no he didnt! Damn boys. Well how about we move them in between the lovely couple with the twin infants and the woman who's requested two seats to fit her?  Hows that for ya?"

"Omg I love you!" I told the lady as we took our tickets and met up with the guys. We made a deal not to tell them until we were on the plane so that they didn't make a scene with him. Or take attention away from Aboodys situation.

Nawar was asleep on Aziz's lap.  Rania and Fawaz were playing cards and Abdullah was in the smoking section.  I got bored so I decided to pick up some magazines and fun things for the flight.  I walked into the store and started to look at the magazines, of course I got the usual, fashion, clothes etc. I was nice and got a few guy magazines for the rest of them.  As I was looking around I could feel someone staring at me. Suddenly I got a tap on my shoulder.

"Uhh, hi.  Intay Jawa?"

I turned around and saw Khalid's fiance. I was shocked.

"Oh. Hello. Yes I am. Your Khalid's fiance right?"  I had to remind myself not to punch her, it's not like she had anything to do with what happened between us.

"I was wondering if maybe we could talk for a bit. Khalid's in the middle of a business call for his father and I saw you in here and..." 7aram she seemed so nervous.

"Ee, of course. Shall we sit?"

"Heh yes.  So..you and khalid..you used to..uhhh..?"

"We dated. Yes. But don't worry, we've been broken up for a while now and I dont have him in any part of my life."

"I believe you. I heard about you from some friends of mine. Oh gosh, the look on your face. Don't worry they all said good things.  But..."

"What is it?"

"They never said good things about Khalid.  They told me that he put you through hell."

"Well, look, uhh..?"

"Shaikha"

"Shaikha, Khalid was not a nice guy to me.  However, we were just dating and I don't think he took me seriously.  You guys are getting married.  I'm sure he realizes how serious this is and will be much different."

"I really want to believe that."

"Have you talked to him about this?"

"We barely know each other.  He barely even talks to me. I feel like he hates me."

I felt so bad for her.  She was opening up to a complete stranger.  She must be desperate to figure this out.  I couldn't imagine marrying someone I was this worried about.  I felt like I owed it to her to help her out, I know how he can be and she seems so sweet, she doesn't deserve to be treated bad.

"I'm sure he doesn't hate you. He wouldn't marry you if he did."

"Yeah. I guess. Do you think you could...Nevermind, it's stupid."

"La2, 3ady. Tell me, it's fine."

"Do you think you could talk to him?"

"Ummm...Are you sure you want me to do that?"

"You're the only person that I know that knows him well enough. And I know he'd listen to what you have to say."

"Okay, 7abeebty."

We walked over to where Khalid was. I couldn't believe I was about to do this. The look on his face made it obvious he had the same thought.

"Khalid, can I use your phone? Mine's dead and I want to send a message." Shaikha asked him.

"Uhh, yeah sure. Here." He seemed so confused.

Shaikha went and sat at a different area, still a bit close by to msg while we talked.  Right as I opened my mouth to start a conversation with Khalid I looked up to see Shaikha staring at us with tears in her eyes, and an expression with shock I've never seen before.  She must have seen the messages Khalid sent me.

Khalid jumped up and ran over to her.

"WA5IR 3ANY! GET AWAY FROM ME!" She said as she stormed off.  I sat there in disbelief.

...To be continued

So Far

How do you guys like the story so far? Tell me what you think! Or if you have any good ideas about what should happen next ;) 

Part 13- Crazy Little Thing called Love

We decided to make the guys go bowling with us.  They got annoyed with us, however, because we refused to wear the smelly bowling shoes they wanted us to wear and said we were weird.  Buuut who want's to wear them? Wai3! They're so gross.

Bowling was fun. We stayed for a couple of hours, and I'm actually not too bad.  I beat everyone for one of the rounds! I managed to work that into every conversation that day.  I wasn't gonna let any of the guys forget I beat them. They just let me brag and pretended not to hear me.  Well, all of them except Fawaz, he bragged about me even more! Isn't he the cutest?

"Hah man did you see her! She really kicked your ass!"

"What are you? Her personal cheerleader?"

"Yes Abdullah he is my personal cheerleader, he even has a cute skirt to top it off and everything" I said as everyone burst out laughing.

Aziz and Nawar were going to dinner on their own that night and Rania and I wanted to go swimming.  Abdullah and Fawaz invited themselves along so we all went to our places to change and meet back up at our pool.  I loved swimming at night, it was so relaxing.

"He SO likes you!" yelled Rania from her room.

"Hahah he does not! That's just his personality."

"Well I don't see him following me around like a little puppy dog, it's like how Aziz used to be with Nawar before they got together. Ohhhh speaking of them, has he picked out a ring?"

"I sent him a picture of the ring Nawar told us she liked so hopefully he gets the right one.  I think he wanted to go with us tomorrow to get it. I'm SO excited for her! Our little baby is getting married!"

"Yessss. It's so cute! I hope her parents say yes! I can't imagine they wouldn't."

"Let's hope so!"

Ring ring...ring ring..ring ring..

"Aloo? HI MAMA! Eeee, I miss you!" I havent talked to my mom in over a week.  Usually we talk a lot but lately we've both been so busy.

"Babe I'm gonna meet the guys downstairs" Rania whispered on her way out.  I stayed upstairs talking to my mom for a few minutes before I excused myself and told her I had people waiting for me. We decided on a date for me to come back to Kuwait with Rania. I was so excited I forgot to lock the door on my way out, I'm about to see Fawaz without his shirt on. WOOHOO. Talk about the best day ever.

When I got down to the pool Fawaz was smoking by the gate and came to open it for me.

"Why thank you! Such a gentleman"

"Only for you" he replied with a wink.

"Ewww I hate people winking. It's so cheesy."

"I know you like it when I do it" ..again another wink.

By this time we were right by the pool.  "OH Fawaz look! Did you see that?!" Fawaz quickly turned his head and I pushed him in the pool. "I know you like it when I do that" I said with a wink, making fun of him.

The whole night went on with all of us joking around and having fun.  But his phone kept ringing and he kept putting it on silent.  I had gone over to check my phone a few hours later then his was ringing, I picked it up to hand it to him when I saw it was Madison calling, the girl from the party.  I handed him the phone without looking like I cared who was calling, the look on his face was basically saying "shit, she saw." ...How stupid can I be? I barely know the guy and I like him and he has another girl! I should've known better. Abdullah was right..

"Look now is really not a good time. Can we just talk about this later?...Excuse me? You've got to be kidding me. Madison don't be ridiculous! NO! Look if you don't stop this I'm gonna block your number...I know thats harsh, I'm sorry. But I like someone else, we've been over for a long time. Just drop it already. BYE!"

Did he say he likes someone else? Maybe I jumped to conclusions a little too soon. Woops.

"Sorry about that. Girls love me, what can I say?" he said trying to make a joke out of it.

"Hahah you mean girl, singular."

"Ouch. You don't know of any other girls that might like me? I can think of one."

"Nope, or at least none that want to deal with that drama."

"Yeah, I wouldn't want to if I had heard that either.." He seemed more serious now "But that was the last of that. I finished that."

"Well thats good to know."

"Is it?" he said with the most sincere smile I've seen from him in a while.

"It is." I can feel my face blushing SO much.

"THERE YOU GUYS ARE! I CANT BELIEVE I DATED THAT STUPID PRICK FOR SO LONG!" came Nawar's voice out of nowhere, completely ruining the moment. She looked furious.

"Oulaaa what's wrong? What happened?"

"Well we were at dinner having such a nice time until he had to go and ruin it! Ruin EVERYTHING!"

"Hooow? You guys were fine before you left us. What happened?"

"He was on his phone the whole night and would barely have a conversation. I finally took his phone since he wouldn't tell me who was so important he had to ignore me. And guess who it was!?! Some slut named Dandooon, with a KISS after her name! Can you believe that?! I didn't even wait for an answer I got up and took the keys and left! He tried to follow me out and tell me there's a good explanation. A good explanation for that?!? And you know what I read?! "Thank you so much Dandoon! Walla I love you! You're so great!"

"Nawar...please listen to me." We all turned in shock to see Aziz standing there.  I guess he came in after her.

"How did you even get here you asshole?"

"I had a friend pick me up."

"Why would you need a friend to pick you up?" asked Rania.

"Because my girlfriend is crazy and took my car." He said with a smirk, he loved Nawar despite her crazy moments. I couldn't help cracking up.

"Okay well what do you want? Here, do you need a phone to call your whore? What's her number? 1-800-slut? Hmmm? What do you want?" Nawar yelled at him. She also threw her phone at him and hit him on his arm. This was so entertaining but I felt bad for her, how could Aziz do that to her? I'm sure there's an explanation. He loves her.

"Dandoon is my little cousin."

"Why haven't I ever heard of her? Don't lie!"

"Nawar I swear. She's my older cousin's daughter. She's 14 and saved her name as Dandoon with a kiss, not me. She was helping me with something very special. I wanted it to be a surprise but I guess it won't be.  I had her go talk to her mother, to talk to my mother.  I haven't been able to reach her mother or mine so I needed her to do that.  She told me everythings worked out and my mom would call me in a little while to tell me the good news.  My parents said yes."

"Said yes to what?" Nawar said with apprehension. Aziz walked over to her and stood right in front of her. We were all so into what was going on.

"You are my life. I love you more than anything else.  Just the thought of any other guy holding you, having a life with you, waking up to you, it kills me.  I want to wake up to you every morning, I want to have kids with you, I want a home and a life with you.  I want you to be my family.  You're the girl for me Nawar Al-X, you really are.  There will never be any one else who can even come close to what you mean to me. And I'm not willing to wait another second to make sure that everyone knows that.  So, my parents said yes.  They said yes to me asking you what I've been wanting to ask you since the first time I saw you wearing that purple dress with your hair up in some weird messy bun that made me love you, will you please marry me?"

Nawar had tears in her eyes as she nodded her head up and down, "Yes. Yes. Yes! I will marry you!"

We were SO excited for them. We all ran over to them and hugged them and congratulated them, it was soooo cute. I was even tearing up.

"When did you get the ring?!" I asked Aziz, shocked he had it.

"Hahah I got it the day you sent me the picture.  I know the woman I want to marry, and I knew that I just might need this a little sooner than later."

They were in love and happy. I couldn't be any happier for them.

Part 12- The Day After

Previously :

"Alright, really though, we need to talk, please come sit down with me Jawa."

I sat down and looked at Abdullah. He looked like he had some really bad news, I was so scared.

"Is it your dad? Is he okay?"

"Yeah my dad is fine, don't worry about that...Umm..This is really hard to say..So uhhh..I'm just gonna say it fast...Khalid came here because he's getting married and his fiance is here visiting a friend right now so he came along."

I've never been so shocked in my life.


...I couldn't believe it.  I just sat there for a moment trying to comprehend what he just told me.


"That's impossible.  We've haven't even been broken up a year, and he's getting married?"


"Jawa, I know.  It's crazy...Are you okay?"


"Ummm..yeah actually.  I'm better than I thought I would be. I mean...I'm definitely in shock, and a little hurt.  But..I'm okay."


Abdullah hugged me tightly and stayed over for a while.  


I was surprised by my own reaction.  Khalid was getting married...Wow.  It was so weird to think.  We had planned our lives together.  I thought he would be the father of my children, the man who comes home to me each day.  It definitely hurt to think that this would be happening with another girl, but at the same time it was almost a relief.  There was finally no chance, no way, we'd ever have a chance again.  And I think knowing that will help me get over that last little bit of him I haven't been able to let go of.  I've been over him for a while now, but there's always been something in the back of my head reminding me of what happened between us.  However, all of this in no way means I'm going to like the girl, his fiance, anymore than I do now, which is negative one million.  


Me and Abdullah sat and watched t.v. and ate junk food and talked, I was so lucky to have a friend like him.  We made sure not to watch any cute chick flicks, and since my favorite movies are boyish anyways, we watched Bad Boys 2 and the Godfather.  I fell asleep on the couch trying to comprehend all the events of the day.


...The next morning I woke up with a blanket over me and Nawar and Rania were still asleep.  I got up, took a shower, and made some coffee.  Today was another day and I couldn't let yesterday ruin it for me.  There was no need. 


"Good morning beautiful" said a sleepy voice.  


"9aba7 el 5air. I'm surprised you're up"  ..as I said before, Nawar is never up!


"Haha I thought today deserved an early morning.  How are you feeling?  I can't believe it."


"I know. It's really strange.  But I'm okay. Don't worry.."


"Alright babe, let me know if you need anything" she said as she came over and hugged me and stole my coffee.


"Hey that was mine!"


"I know but I hate making it and you're just so good at it" she tried to put a puppy face on but it was too ugly, I burst out laughing. "Oh by the way, your phone wouldn't stop vibrating last night. I was gonna throw it out the window"


"Omg my phone, I haven't checked it since yesterday afternoon. Crap."


I went and looked around my room and found it. 8 Missed calls and 14 messages and a few bbms.  Wow.


3 of the missed calls were from Fawaz.  4 from a number I didn't know and 1 from Abdullah. 


I checked my messages and Fawaz had sent me 4. 


*Incoming text* Jawaaaa
*Incoming text* Can you answer your phone, I just wanna make sure everything's okay
*Incoming text* I'm really sorry about what I said yesterday, please don't be mad
*Incoming text* Morning :) , are you feeling any better? any less mad at me?


I feel so bad, he thinks I'm mad at him and I'm ignoring him! I don't really feel like talking on the phone, I'll just message him back.


*Outgoing text* Hey, I'm really sorry I'm not mad or ignoring you.  Yesterday was just really stressful so I put my phone away and left it there.  Thank you for taking me home. You were so nice about everything. How are you today?


Now, to check the rest of my messages..There were 7 from the same number that called.


*Incoming text* Jawa, it's Khalid.  Can we please talk?
*Incoming text* Please, just answer your phone
*Incoming text* This is ridiculous. Answer your phone now
*Incoming text* Sorry...
*Incoming text* It's really important, please.
*Incoming text* Jawa...I'm getting married. I wanted to be the first one to tell you.  It's really recent and our families planned it.  I can call it off at any time.  If you tell me you still love me I'll leave her right now and we can get married.  I still want you.  You're the only one I'll ever want.  I know I messed up but please, we have plans...what about Lama and Yousif and Layan and our vacations to Spain and Italy?  Our house that you're going to decorate?  We can still have all of that.
*Incoming text* Give me a chance to prove to you I can be the man you need.  Just say the word and I'll be there...


I put my phone down, took a deep breath and typed the one message that would end this for good.  Everything we had planned together would be just a distant memory. Our kids and our vacations and our house, everything would just seem like a silly idea from two kids who once thought they knew what love was.


*Outgoing text* The word is no. No, never again.  Your fiance deserves someone who's going to love her and be true to her, do that for her.  We're done talking, for good.  No, Khalid.


The other 3 were from Nawar and Rania.


*Incoming text* Hey babe, we're SOOO sorry we had to go but we need this credit for class. Are you okay? We're coming home as soon as we can. I can't believe that freak! Rania says she's gonna punch him. 


*Incoming text* Okay it's almost over. This is taking forever. How much can there possibly be to say about people jumping the boarder. 


*Incoming text* Abdullah told me you fell asleep. If you wake up before we're home call me! Tell me if you want me to bring anything. Love you!


They were so sweet.  


We decided Rania had been sleeping enough so we decided to go jump on her bed and wake her up. She was nooot very happy about this but we finally got her up and out of bed.  I made the girls get changed and decided we were going to breakfast and look extremely cute and happy.


"....Annnnnd, the pancakes too! Thank you!  Oh wait, and 3 lattes..large!"


"You've only left one thing off the menu, are you sure I can't just get you that too?"


"Marcus, my exboyfriend is getting married, if I want to eat the whole menu three times I will."


"Ouchhh. Okay in that case I'll put some ice cream with those pancakes, girl." 


Marcus was our favorite waiter.  He was 24 and gay and the cutest thing ever. We came to this restaurant all the time and he had became a little part of our girl group.  However we wouldn't be just girls today.  We decided that after breakfast we'd meet up with Abdullah, Aziz and Fawaz and take my mind off of everything. 


Breakfast was delicious and we sat for so long and talked and had a great time. We made Marcus sit down with us for a bit and gossip.


"So he just randomly showed up!? O-m-g.  I'd just die!"


"I know right! I almost did, I tripped and landed flat on my face."


"Well he's one stupid guy for loosing you! And now he still wants you back? Tell this freako to get a life.  I know one person I will be refusing to serve if I ever see him.  Or better yet, I'll spill hot coffee on him" Marcus said with a wink. He always made us laugh.


Breakfast finally came to an end and it was time to go meet up with the guys.  Aziz came to the restaurant for a little while before we left though, he thought Marcus was so funny and loved to come by and give him a hard time.  Nawar rode with him and me and Rania went in her car.  We had to stop by the restaurant from yesterday and pick up mine before we met the guys.   


When I got to my car I saw Fawaz's car parked next to mine.  What's he doing here?  Rania dropped me off and I walked over to where our cars were and saw him standing against mine smoking.  


"Hey.."


"Hello there"


"You look..really beautiful"


"Thank you..You too! Well I mean not beautiful, handsome..you know"  he always made me blush.  I'm so happy he can still give me butterflies even after all of this Khalid crap.


"Hahah I know what you mean. So, are you anti phones now? Or just anti me?"


"Neither...definitely not anti you. I just couldn't deal with talking to anyone yesterday. I fell asleep."


"I understand.  Are you feeling better today?"


"I am thank you."


"Good, it really killed to see you hurt like that yesterday."


"I'm sorry.."


"Don't be"  Ommgggg his smile is so gorgeous! He's making me forget all about my crazy exboyfriend.


"So why are you here again?"


"I wanted to be able to talk to you alone.  I can't have you to myself for a little while?"


"Looks like you got what you wanted" I'm sure my face is like a thousand shades of red right now.


"Guess so. Did I tell you that you look really nice?"


"Hehe, you did."


"Oh..right, well you do. Twice isn't enough to tell you."


"You, my friend, are a little lame."


"And you, my friend, are making me try toooo hard."


"Oh well" I said grinning. Let him try even harder, he's so cute when he does. "I think we should get going, they're probably wondering where we are."


"Yeah, let's go" he said as he opened my door for me. He stayed there not closing the door for a minute after I got in, we just stared at each other. His eyes are so mesmerizing.  The door shut and he walked to his car after a moment and we were on our way.  It looked like my day wasn't totally ruined after all. 

Part 11- I Hear Wedding Bells

Classes had been going on for about a month now.  Me and Nawar and Rania were finally back into our normal schedules, Abdullah was getting used to his new school and Cali life, Aziz was working on finding the perfect way to propose, and Fawaz, well we had been running into each other more, a lot more.

*Incoming text* Goodmorning :)

*Outgoing text* Goodmorning to you too

*Incoming text* I don't understand why we can't talk on bbm you weirdo

*Outgoing text* Because! There's something so much more exciting about texts

Oh and we might have exchanged numbers one of the time's we ran into each other.  He was sitting in Starbucks, I always stop by this one on the way to school and apparently it's on his way to school as well.  He was wearing khaki shorts and a navy blue polo shirt and he looked gorgeous!  How can you resist giving your number to someone so beautiful?! You just cant!

I loved texting, there was something so much more exciting about it.  Bbm was too quick and usual, it didn't make have the suspense that used to come with talking to people before everyone had instant messaging, and I missed that.  So I decided that me and Fawaz would text, and he would just have to deal with my weirdness if he wanted to talk to me.

We decided to go get lunch together and I was in a huuuge hurry.  I was running late because I had to talk to a professor and usually I'm always on time! It really bothers me when people are late.  Back home if you tell someone 2:30 they'll show up at 3 if you're lucky.  I can't stand it.  I was trying to get to my car as fast as possible.  I was wearing a plain  light grey sweater with jeans and black flats and my hair was in a low bun with braids on the side, it was cozy cute.

I finally got to the restaurant to find him sitting down at a table.  He was so beautiful! He was wearing a zip up sweater, the hot ones where the collar is short (no hood or anything) and jeans.  I saw his face light up as I walked over to him.  We ordered right away, I felt so bad for making him wait.  As we were eating I saw him glance over at a guy walking in.  When I looked over all I could see was the back of the person, so I turned back around.

...Wait a second, that looks like...Khalid?  No way, nevermind.  We're in Cali. I guess I'm just a paranoid mess.  "Anyways, what did you say back to her?"

"Huh? Oh sorry, what were you saying?"

"You were telling me what you told your professor when she asked you 'Fawaz, what must the explanation be this time'?" I said mimicking her voice, I do a good professor voice.

"Oh right...I got distracted. I thought I knew that guy over there. He looks like one of my old friends from Kuwait."

"Why don't you go over and say hi?  Who is it?"

"He looks like a guy I knew named Khalid.  He's a really great guy.  I haven't seen him in forever though.  He started dating some girl and disappeared, I never really heard from him much after they got together.  They were together for a long time. I heard he was pretty bad to her though, used to cheat a bit and what a liar he was, the poor girl. Don't know why she stuck around. But yet he really loved her.  He's got some issues, but he's a really great friend."

I suddenly felt sick to my stomach.  This was NOT what I was expecting when I came to lunch today.  The room started to spin and I needed fresh air, now.

"Uhh excuse me. I have to go"

"Jawa wait what's wrong?"

I was already up and practically running to the door.

"Jawa?!" said a familiar voice by the door.

I couldn't stop to see him. I didn't want to look at him, even less talk to him.

"Jawa wait!" "jawa!" I heard both Fawaz and Khalid running after me.  Khalid was ahead of Fawaz and I don't think they really realized they were both running after me.

I tried to make it to my car but I tripped over a small hole in the ground. As I was getting up I saw a hand reach down to help me..The same hand that used to hold mine, that used to wipe away my tears and play with my hair.  But it was the same hand that used to throw things, that used to msg other girls, and that had pushed me that one time.  I couldn't take that hand again, even if it was just to get up.

After getting up on my own I looked up and realized my vision was quite blurry.  I had tears running down face, from the fall or from seeing both of them standing in front of me I wasn't sure.

"Jawa...I really didn't expect to see you here.  Are you okay?  Where's your car?  Let me walk you to your car, " Khalid said as he tried to touch my arm.

"Khalid, don't touch me. Ever again." I barely managed a whisper.

"Can we talk, please"

"No, there's nothing left to say."

"There's so much more to say.  After everything we've been through, we planned a life together. You're seriously going to tell me there's nothing more to say?"

I could now see clearly and the look on his face was enough to break my heart.  He looked so hurt and sad, almost lost.  However, he'd already broken my heart before and this wasn't going to make a difference.

"You ruined everything we had, I wanted a life with you Khalid! I planned my life for you! With you! My parent's even thought you would become a part of their life! But I was never enough for you.  Just never enough" And with that my vision went blurry again and I could feel the hot salty tears stream down my face.  I was honestly planning on never seeing Khalid again.  I did not expect to see him here with Fawaz...Omg, Fawaz! Where was he?

I looked up to see him standing there just waiting for us to finish.  He didn't look mad like I thought he would be, he looked concerned. He came to me and gently asked me if I was alright, and told me to sit down on one of the benches close by.  After that I saw him pull Khalid away and they begin to talk...Then argue..Then talk..Then argue. They finally finished talking and they both came over to me.  Khalid waited a bit further back while Fawaz came to me.

"Jawa, I had no idea you knew Khalid.  Or that you were his girlfriend.  I'm so sorry I said what I did. He wants to talk to you, would you like to talk to him?  I can tell him to leave if you want.  It's up to you."

I had no idea if I wanted to talk to him or not.  There was so much to say and it would take so long for me to be able to tell him everything I wanted to tell him, for me to have complete closure after everything that had happened.  But I thought of the next best thing.

"I just want to talk to him for a second, then I never want to see him again." I said as I got up and walked over towards Khalid.

"Jawa, I'm so glad you wanted to talk.  I know it means something we were both here today and.."

"Khalid, stop. I just came over here to tell you the last thing you'll ever hear from me."

"But..ugh, what is that?"

"Fuck you."

I heard a small laugh from behind me, then I turned around to see Fawaz try to put the most serious look he could manage on.  I don't think he was expecting that.  And obviously Khalid wasn't either.  He was definitely mad but I didn't stick around to see what he had to say.  I turned and walked over to Fawaz and asked him if he could please drive me home and I'd get my car tomorrow.

During the car ride I explained to him what happened with me and Khalid and he seemed to really understand.  I was so scared that it would change what he thought of me, that he'd think I'm one of those girls that just dates anyone and doesn't care.

"Jawa, I have so much respect for you and that's not going to change.  We all have a past and I can't expect you to not have had a life before you met me. You're such a strong woman for going through what you did and I just hate that you got hurt like that."

Isn't he just the cutest?

He eventually dropped me home and I, of course, told Nawar and Rania what happened. They were in shock but I was too exhausted from the day to continue discussing this.  I decided to go to my room and take a nap.  Usually I never take naps, but today called for one.  As I was getting into bed I got four messages, one message from Fawaz and three from Aziz.

*Incoming text*  I just wanted to make sure you're okay. Let me know if you need anything, and I really do mean anything okay?

*Incoming text* I think I've got it! We can go to the beach and I can have "Will you marry me" written in the sand!

*Incoming text* Oh wait, maybe the water will wash it away. Didn't think of that.

*Incoming text* Okay what about something involving a roller coaster?

...This guy's got a lot to learn.

I woke up from my nap and went into the living room to find my friends being the sweetest friends they could possibly be.  Nawar and Rania had a function for school I completely forgot I was supposed to go to with them. They left junk food on the table for me and a note, along with a cute little Abdullah sitting on my couch waiting for me to wake up.

"So, I heard today was an interesting day."

"It was AWFUL! Abdullah, why is he even here?! I just want to punch him."

"Sit down sweetie we need to talk."

"What could be worse to talk about after today? I think I've seen it all! Psycho exboyfriend shows up to California while I'm at lunch with Mr.Hottie, I fall on my face, yell at Khalid and Mr.Hottie has to drive me home!"

"Okay first of all, Mr. Hottie? Really?"

"Oh I forgot it's you. Well that's what he's called by the residents of this apartment, so he remains Mr.Hottie."

"Alright, really though, we need to talk, please come sit down with me Jawa."

I sat down and looked at Abdullah. He looked like he had some really bad news, I was so scared.

"Is it your dad? Is he okay?"

"Yeah my dad is fine, don't worry about that...Umm..This is really hard to say..So uhhh..I'm just gonna say it fast...Khalid came here because he's getting married and his fiance is here visiting a friend right now so he came along."

I've never been so shocked in my life.

Part 10- A lot going on

The next few days were spent getting ready for classes and catching up with Rania who had just gotten back.  We updated her on everything, and I mean every little detail.

"Wow.  What was she wearing?" Her eyes popped out of her head at the end of the story of Madison and Fawaz.  Rania was pretty quiet and wasn't as exaggerated as me and Nawar, we were the loud crazy ones, she was the shy calm one.

"An ugly ugly ugly dress with wedges and a ponytail."

"Umm Jawa, you have a dress almost exactly like it." Nawar reminded me.

"Yeah but when I wear it it's adorable.  With her..it's a different story."

"Now tell us more about Stefano!"

"Eee tell us!"

Rania has been having a "thing" with a very, very cute boy named Stefano.  They met when she was visiting her family in Italy and they've been together (sort of) ever since, and that was about a year ago.  Rania's dad is half Italian, half Kuwaiti and her mom is Jordanian.  Her parent's are very open minded, probably the most open minded out of the three of us. And her Dad knows Stefano and knows that they like each other, but he know's his daughter very well and knows she wouldn't just date anyone.  He's right to trust her.

"And thennnnn....he..."

"Proposed?!"

"Punched you?!?"

"Ran away?!"

"Picked you up and gave you the most romantic kiss ever?!"

..This is how a lot of our story telling goes.

"He...gave me this!" And Rania showed us one of the prettiest necklaces ever.  It was so simple but beautiful, it was gold with tiny diamonds around an emerald.  "And look there's an R engraved on the back of it. Isn't it gorgeous?  And Jawa, did you really guess he punched me?"

We all burst into laughter realizing what I said, "Okay okay, I was just taking a guess!"

"Ouff it look's so expensive! It's sooooo classy." said Nawar.

"Hehe yeah, but his family owns a small jewelry store on the side and so he can a few things every once in a while."

We were so happy for them.  We'd met him a couple of times, he came to California to visit one time and we all met him in New York for Thanksgiving one year.  You can tell he really loves Rania.  They're such a sweet couple.

"Speaking of jewelry, I was looking around Tifanny's the other day and they had such cute engagement rings. Look at this one!" I help up a magazine ad of Tiffany's "Ohh and look at this! Aren't these cute?"  I held up the Tacori ad I had saved.  "I'm planning ahead, you know, so my future husband will know exactly what I want"

"Hahah you psycho, let me see them."

I handed the ad's over to Nawar.  Rania already knew Aziz wants to propose, I filled her in when Nawar was out one day.  This was the perfect opportunity to find a good engagement ring for Aziz to get!

"Ohhhh look at this one! If I ever got to pick out my engagement ring it would be this one!" Nawar held up one of the Tiffany ad's, it was simple with a large diamond in the middle then two smaller ones on either side of it. It was very...well, Nawar.

"It's soo cute!"

The rest of the day was spent hanging around the apartment while we made lunch and gossiped about old Kuwait stories.  As I was doing homework later my phone rang and it was Abdullah.

"Bonjour, may I ask who's calling please?"

"Hello little girl, is your mommy home?"

"Ew Abood."

"What? You started it!"

"Hahaha I know, whatsup babe?"

"I'm hungry."

"Okay, well when most people are hungry they eat."

"Really? Wow...Hahah come eat with me, you're supposed to be showing me around!"

"I could definitely use a break from the work I have to do before classes start. Yalla pick me up in 20."

I quickly threw on a big white tshirt that hangs off the shoulder with black tights and pink flats.  My hair was up in a cute messy bun.  I looked okay, definitely like I just ran out of the house, that's for sure.

"Okay turn here, now left...okay here we are."

"Burgers?"

"Yep!"

"Hahah I should have known you'd bring us to get burgers, your favorite food."

"It's part of a healthy diet!"

"Okaaaay"

We walked in and ordered our burgers and sat down to wait for them.  I didn't realize how hungry I was until the waitress brought out our food.  I started to attack the food, it was probably a horrible site for every one around me, but when you're hungry you're hungry!

"Wooow, try not to eat the plate too," came a voice from behind me.  Oh no....pleeeeease don't be...

"Fawaz! Hey man, what are you doing here?"

OH MY GOD. I look like crap and I literally started to eat my burger as if I've never seen food before. Whyyyy does this happen to me?!

"Just picking up some food then heading home, taking a break from the fast life you know ;)"
...Umm, annoying much?

"For the record, I was not going to eat my plate thank you very much!" I blurted out.  What is wrong with me? Ughhhh

"Hahah, okay, I'll try to believe that."

"Nahhh get used to it man, she eat's like a guy....A7777 OUCH"  said Abdullah.  I just smiled at him. Don't think you can tell Mr. Hottie over here I eat like a guy and not get kicked extremely hard under the table.

"Doesn't look to bad to me" said Fawaz quietly. Abdullah just raised his eye brows and I sat there like an idiot.

"Sit down! Eat with us yalla"Abdullah offered.

"Okay, let me just place my order." Fawaz walked over to the counter. Meanwhile..

"I EAT LIKE A GUY?! ARE YOU STUPID?!" I said throwing fries at Abdullah.

"Hahahaha I was just warning the guy! And he know's its a joke!"

"Whatever" I ate my burger with one hand and continued throwing fries at him with the other.  Of course I stopped as soon as Fawaz walked back over.

"Wow what happened here in the last 5 minutes?"

"Abdullah over here seems to have forgotten how to eat his french fries, it's sad how his memory is going so fast and he's only 23. We have to keep an eye on him" I said.

"Hahaha I'll remember that."

Abdullah sat there staring at me trying not to laugh.

The rest of dinner was fun, we all talked and hung out until Abdullah got a phone call.

"Ha yuma?  Ee...Inshallah. .. I'll be right back." He said and walked outside.

"And then there were two."

"I wasn't aware you were a narrator as well. Very talented I see."

"Jawa you're funny."

"I know." I said and kept eating my burger...yes, it was a big burger.

"Inzain, listen..about the other day..."

I  really wanted to know what happened with Blondey but I just didn't want to seem too interested, or like I care..I shouldn't care, especially not now.  We barely even know each other..

"What about it?"

"Look me and Madison, the girl you saw, dated for a while. We broke up but she keeps wanting to get back together."

"You really don't have to tell me this, we've talked...twice?"

"I know, but I'd like to talk to you more than twice and I'd like you to know I'm not the type of guy who would want to talk to a girl if he had another, despite what people think."

"Alright."

"Alright?"

"There's not much more to be said is there. Except..you looked really cozy with her on the balcony, so let's not act like there was nothing going on okay?"

"She was trying to get back together with me.  She was drunk and I didn't want to make her mad, she'd throw a fit and cause a scene, so I just let her talk then I walked away. That's it."

"Alright"

"...Umm, alright then." He looked confused, I don't think he could tell what I wanted.

I didn't even know what I wanted to do now but I wasn't about to tell him that.  "Seem uninterested, seem uninterested, seem uninterested" was what I kept telling myself in my head.

We continued to talk and everything was completely normal, Abdullah was taking a long time on the phone and I didn't see him outside.  I decided to go look for him to make sure everything was okay. I walked out to find him sitting on the curb with his head in his hands.  Something was obviously very wrong.

"Abdullah what's wrong 7abeeby?"

"My dad is sick.  He's in the hospital.  They say he'll be fine, but...I feel so helpless, being here.  My mom needs me and I can't be there for her, or any of my family." He looked so exhausted, just in the last 10 minutes all the energy had drained from his face.

"Salamat. It will be okay, don't worry.  You're family knows that you need to be here and that it's important for you, and your dad would hate the fact you come back to Kuwait and leave your studies for him.  We'll support your family from here as much as we can.  And I'll be with you all the way.  You've got me, Aziz, Fawaz, even Nawar and Rania.  I promise you won't deal with this alone.  Look at me, you're gonna make it through this."

We hugged and I made sure he was okay before we went back inside.  I decided to go to the restroom to let him tell Fawaz and give them some guy time.  I came back to find them laughing and having a good time, I was so relieved. I hate seeing Abdullah sad, it breaks my heart.

"Babe listen, I need to go take care of some stuff so is it okay if Fawaz takes you home?"

"Uhhh.."

"Come on, I don't bite."

"Okay, only if you stop using weird lines like that."

"Haha you have yourself a deal."

We parted ways with Abdullah and began the drive home. I plugged my iPod in and decided to DJ.

"Waaaait, no one touches my music in my car!"

"Waaaait," I said mimicking his voice, "when I'm in a car, I DJ!"

We bickered a bit and he finally realized that there is nooo arguing with me.  Needless to say, I picked the music.

"Oula, such a nigga"

"Hhaha I have a good taste in music Fawaz"

He suddenly started grinning.

"..What?"

"Say that again."

"I have a good taste in music?"

"No after that.."

"What?"

"No before that"

"Fawaz?"

"You sound so cute when you say my name" he said smiling.

"And you sound so lame saying that!"

The rest of the car ride was fun, we got along great and it wasn't awkward at all.  He really didn't seem like a bad guy.  He dropped me off and I went up to the apartment with a lot on my mind.  Classes were starting tomorrow, Abdullah's dad, Fawaz, Fawaz's girl issue, Nawar's engagement..there was a lot to figure out.