Part 7 - The beginning of a new year

Over breakfast me and my mom talked and caught up for hours.  I love hanging out with her.  She brought up the subject of Khalid, however, and I tried to change the subject.  It gets awkward at times because I've never told her what a bad guy he was to me. I never wanted to worry her or my dad, or have them get 7amood involved.  7amood always was suspicious of Khalid but he wanted me to be happy so he'd give him the benefit of the doubt.

Today was one of the last day's that my family was going to be in California, they were leaving me tomorrow and going to look around for a couple of days then heading to Switzerland for a week.  I had school starting in just a few days.

I spent the whole day with my family, trying to enjoy every moment I could with them.  At night time my parents wanted to sleep early since the next day would be so long for them.  Abdullah called to see what I was doing so we decided to go out and get some dessert.

"So..why were you so weird about your friend Fawaz yesterday?"

"You think he's hot don't you? And you want me to introduce you?"

"What's so bad about thinking that I don't mind looking at the guy?  And it's not like I'm asking you to say Hi Fawaz, meet Jawa she wants to mother your children.  Although if he wants me to I won't argue."

"Jawa look, he's just not a good guy with girls.  He's a player.  He screws around with girls and well after Khalid you deserve someone that's going to treat you like a princess. This guy, he's just gonna disappoint you.  And I don't wanna see that happen again."

"3abooody, you're too sweet I swear.  Thank you.  And I have a guy that treats me like a princess, you! So it's okay. Hahah just kidding. But seriously yeah, I don't want to go down that road again.  Are you sure though?  He's really thaaat bad? I mean we could all hang out as friends one day.."

"JUST as friends.  And 7abeebty, he really is thaaat bad" he said mimicking my voice. "He's an amazing friend, similar to me you know ;) but just not more"

"Well hopefully not as cocky as you either. Wai3."



...The next day

After all of our goodbyes were said, my family left me at my apartment.  Nawar and Rania weren't here yet, so I had the place all to myself.  It was still early in the morning so I decided to call Abdullah and tell him to come over for breakfast.

I wasn't sure what time Nawar and Rania we're coming home, but I knew Nawar was supposed to be getting here today.  Rania was probably going to come the day before school starts, if she even makes it on time.

I had seen Nawar in Kuwait over summer and we had a lot of fun.  She get's along great with my friends at home and I get along with hers as well.

Abdullah came over by 10 right as I was finishing up breakfast.  We sat down in the living room and fought over what we would watch.

"Californication!  It's SO good! You'll love!"

"Noooo come on! You know I have amazing taste and that show is awful. Not happening. If you put it on I will lock you out of my house!"

"You'll lock who out?!" came a voice from behind a tall stack of suitcases at the door.

"NAWAR! You're here!"

"Ummm yes I am, now if that's Abdullah's voice I hear I'd greatly appreciate it if he could come help me with my bags."

"Hahah hala wala Nawar. 7imdillah AlSalama. You look great for such a long flight"

"Hala feek.  Allah ya Salmik.  And thank you! Hehe, you never know what cute boys will be on your flight so you have to be prepared ;)"

"I can hear you, you know?" echoed a voice from down the hall. It was Nawar's boyfriend of a year now, they were SO cute.  His name was Aziz.  He was perfect for her.  You could tell he loved her very much.

"Aziiiiiz you're here too! No wonder I wasn't told when or where to pick this freak up.  I see you're on the clock now."

"Hahaha yes, this freak," he said as he kissed her head, "wanted to see my beautiful face waiting for her at the airport" and with that he walked inside to help carry the rest of Nawar's extreme amount of luggage.

"If she wanted to see a beautiful face she would have asked ME to be there, I think you were a pity call."

"Okay children stop fighting now, my bestfriend and my boyfriend are more like my children. Abdullah, how do you put up with her when I'm not around?"

"I wish I knew, N, I wish I knew!"

Everyone sat around catching up and telling stories until Nawar wanted to shower.  During her shower Aziz told us he had something to talk about.

"You guys, I...well...you know I really love Nawar.  Love her love her."

"...Yeah..." me and Abdullah said in unison.

"Well. I know for sure she's the one. I can't imagine not having her in my life and..I...uhh...I want to marry her" he said it so fast we could barely understand what he said.

"You want to what?"

"Marry her."

I'd never seen Aziz blush like this. Ever. And I've seen quite a lot of him with Nawar bringing him over and us hanging out all the time.

"OH MY GOD YAAAY THATS SO EXCITING!"

"SHHH" Aziz and Abdullah said.

"It's still a surprise. And I have no idea when to do it or where or anything.  And I've told my parents, they're so happy. They love Nawar. But her parents don't know we've been dating. And well you know how strict they are about her education, I don't know if they'd let us get engaged right now."

"Yeah...that's true. I'm sure with some pushing and pulling it will all work out. I'm so happy for you though! Congrats!"

"Mabrook man! This is really great." said Abdullah.

"Thanks you guys. You better keep this a secret Jawa!"

"Haha don't worry.  This is too important to spill. When are you gonna do it?"

"I have nooo idea yet."

"No idea about what?" said Nawar as she walked into the room.  She was beautiful.  She had long dark hair and her skin was tanned but light, not too dark.  Her features weren't tiny but they suited her face so well.  She was so naturally pretty.

"No idea what we're gonna do today. I'm so happy you guys are back! I thought I'd be living in our apartment all alone. I was gonna make Abdullah be a watch dog for me."

"In that case, I'm even happier you're back N." Abdullah said.  He had such a gorgeous smile.  He wasn't typical hot. He was very handsome though.  He had light skin and light hair, he wouldn't stand out as Kuwaiti. But I loved his smile.

*Techno music blasting* "Sorry guys, I gotta take this. Be right back.....Ha fawaz? Whatsup man?"

Hmmm, Fawaz. I wonder what he's up to.  Maybe he can join us today. I started waving my hands like a crazy person to get Abdullah's attention.  He looked over and took the hint, thank god.

"Yeah, so listen, I'm going with some friends to lunch later, wanna join us?  Okay great! We'll meet you around 2. I'll let you know where in a while. Yalla bye"

"Thank you thank you thank you!"

"Just friends, Jawa..."

"Okay!" I said as I kissed him on the cheek. "Nawar come, we have to pick out the perfect outfit for me!"

"We'll be on the balcony having a cigarette, we know it'll take you girls a while. And Nawar?"

"Yeah baby?"

"I love you"

"I love you too"  her cheeks were SO red. Awwww.


....At lunch.

"Sooo where is he 3aboody?"

"Jawa, you made us get here 15 minutes early. Give the poor guy a break."

"Ughhh fine."

"Wow, you must really like this guy Jawa," Aziz noticed.

"La2 3azooz, we're not encouraging this." Abdullah was half joking, but half serious.

"Hahah laish? Look at the poor girls face, she looks so excited."

"It's Fawaz Al-X. Fawaz and Jawa? Really?"

"Ohhh.  Well he's not thaaat bad."

"He's not thaaaat bad at all" whispered Nawar to Jawa as she looked at the door.

Coming into the restaurant was the most gorgeous man that Jawa had ever seen. And he was walking right towards their table.  He was finally there.

Part 6 - Memories

The next day I woke up to a message from Khalid: "I'm aching to see you, I miss you so much".

All of the sudden a horrible flash back started playing in my head. I couldn't remember every second, but it was like pieces of a memory playing one after another.

"Khaloooody give me your phone, I'm bored. I want some good reading material hahah"

"Habla! Hahah here 7abeebty. I come all the way to New York to visit you and you're bored in the first 15 minutes I see you! Ouchhhh" he said as he kissed my head and went to get himself breakfast.

I loved reading his messages.  Not because I didn't trust him. Because I loved to see what was going on in his life.  Khalid was not just my boyfriend, he was my best friend.  My other half.

We had been away from each other so long, I wanted to catch up with the little things I missed. And I loved making fun of the way his friends talked and stuff to him.  I loved that he knew I was crazy and accepted it. He'd sit and laugh with me over the weirdest things.

I sat in the couch in his hotel room. It was so cozy. I loved being there with him, just the two of us. My family was in the hotel next to his. I had just came over to see him. It made me excited, thinking this is what it will be like to travel together once we're married and on vacation.  I was so excited to have a life with him.

*Outgoing message* "I'm aching to see you, I miss you so much" ...I never received this?

*Incoming message* "Heheh me too! I can't believe I haven't seen you in so long!"

*Outgoing message* "Come visit me, I need to see you."

*Incoming message* "Mmmm. I'd love to! But where will I stay?"

*Outgoing message* "With me of course"

*Incoming message* "On the bed or the couch? ;)"

*Outgoing message* "That's up to you."

I couldn't believe what I was reading.  I knew this girl had a crush on him from a long time ago. They used to like each other, but they were kids.  It was nothing. She had hit on him a few times lately, I'd seen the messages.  But he never seemed interested. He'd blow her off.

The messages continued and continued and continued like this.  They had been talking non stop for 2 days.  There were hundreds of messages.

..He had never even told me he was "aching to see me."

My breathing suddenly became limited. I had developed an anxiety breathing problem lately, which I would later learn had came from the stress I went through with him.


I knew he loved me, everyone did. You could see it in his eyes and the way he'd act.  But he just never loved me enough.

"Khalid, have you talked to 7anan lately?"

The look on his face went from glowing to about to be sick.  He knew he was in trouble.

"Ummm laish? What are you reading?"  He leaned over and saw what I was reading. He was about to take the phone but I gave him a look saying back off now and he hesitated.

I continued to read the messages in front him, not saying a word until I finished.

We argued and I asked him how he could do this to me.  He turned the fight around on me and made me feel bad for being mad at him.  He refused to let me argue with him and threatened me.


"Jawa! Jawaaa!"

"Huh, sorry Mama. I must have zoned out"

"Hehe yeah I've been calling you forever! Do you want to go to breakfast? Me and the twins found such a cute place yesterday. And we haven't spent any mother daughter time lately, just us."

I really missed spending a lot of time with my mom. We're so close and I love talking to her. I was excited to go to breakfast with her.

We got dressed and headed downstairs.  As we were waiting for the elevator to go down, I looked at my phone and deleted the message from Khalid.  He disgusted me and I was never going to talk to him again.

Part 5 - So we meet again

Abdullah and I spent the whole day together.  We went shopping some more and decided to do some touristy things as well.  It was his first time in California after all.

At night it was time to meet Mama and Aunty Mona for dinner.  7amood wanted us to pick him up on the way so we stopped by the hotel.  We decided to go up to the room and get him and I wanted to change my clothes. As the elevator opened we saw the blonde girl from Nordstrom waiting to get in.

"OH MY GOD.  I can't believe he brought her back to the hotel room! Ew ew ew ew. 7amood, ew."

"Hahahahaha Come on Jawa, you have to admit he's got game. And she's not too bad looking" he said as he winked at me.

"You both have disgusting taste in girls! Do I need to remind you of Faye? Hmmm. Yes, you are not one to talk."

Faye was Abdullah's exgirlfriend. She was so disgusting.  Very very very fake - in her personality and other things, if you get what I mean.  All the girls dreaded saying hi to her cause we knew her make up would come off onto us. How much make up can one girl wear? Yuck.

Abdullah and Faye dated for a few months.  It was obvious he just wanted..the "fun" they would have.  She just liked having him to show off to all of her friends and get the pretty presents he would get for her.  So it was no wonder he came to his senses and ended things.

We got to the room and 7amood was there smoking a cigarette on the balcony.  I dropped off Abdullah with him and went to my room to change.

I couldn't stop thinking about the guy from the store.  And to think I saw him at lunch after!  At least I think it was him.

He was tall but not a giant.  You could tell he definitely worked out but he wasn't too muscley.  He was sort of skinny but very toned.  His skin was tan and his smile would make you melt.  He had short hair but not too short, not shaved or anything.  His beard was scruffy, not an actual beard, just sexy stubble. The messy look you know?

I'd never seen anyone look so hot in a white tshirt and red Polo shorts.  I usually hate sunglasses but his just looked so perfect.  He's exactly what I'd pictured my dream guy to look like. A lot hotter than Khalid, that's for sure.



....Later that night

"Abdullah you look so handsome! We're glad to have you here with us in California.  I know Jawa is definitely excited!  You better keep an eye on her!"

"Inshallah 5alty Mona.  I'm really happy to be here.  And don't worry, I'll make sure Jawa stays out of trouble.  It was really great to see everyone but my friend is outside and going to pick me up now.  I'll see you all tomorrow. Goodnight"

"Wait 3abood I'll walk you out.  Be right back everyone!" I said as I followed Abdullah outside.

"Come hereee.  I'm so happy to have you around now." I loved when Abdullah hugged me.  It made me feel so safe.  I knew he'd always be there for me. He was such a great friend to me.

"See, all my advertisements of California I'd send to you worked! I should change my major to advertising huh?"

"Don't get too carried away.  I am here to find myself some lovely long haired, skinny, and tanned distractions from school as well."

"Eww 3abood, grow up!'

"Hahaha inshallah 7abeebty.  Anyways my friend is waiting there.  Wave hi! I'll see you later."

I took a quick look at who his friend was and reached down to get my phone.  Wait, could it be?  I looked up again, it didn't hit me the first time. IT'S HIM.  How do they even know each other? Omg. This is so exciting!!!

I wonder when I'll get to meet him!

*Outgoing bbm* 3aboooody who's your friend? He looks familiar.

*Incoming bbm* Fawaz Al-X. You know him?

I love his name! Fawaz...It's so manly and perfect. Just like him.

*Outgoing bbm* Nope.  But I wouldn't mind knowing him ;) hahah

*Incoming bbm* If you don't already know him, he's not someone you need to get to know.

*Outgoing bbm* Ummm. Okay then. Why?

*Incoming bbm* Because, he's just not someone you need to know, bs Jawa

....What's his problem?  And what could possibly so bad about Fawaz?  He's being so annoying.

Comments!

Yalllaaaa you guys leave me comments and tell me what you think so far! I need your feedback to know how its going.  Or tell me if you have any good ideas! I'd love to hear back from you all :*

Part 4 - Welcome to California

"Jawa. Jawa. Jawa. JAWA!"

"Huhh. Oh sorry. What were you saying?"

"I always wondering if you had a mental problem. I'm starting to think I was right."

"Very funny 7amood. I was distracted, I zoned out."

"Hmmm...okay. Whatever. Anyways, I think I'm gonna get this."

"Whatever, you do NOT need it."

"Buuut I need the girl at the counter's number."

"At least buy something else. I don't think you realize but you walked in here wearing a leather jacket already. She's just gonna think youre a freak."

"Uhhh, oh right. Yeah.  I'll get something else" 7amood said realizing he was holding his leather jacket in his hand already.

As he looked around I was mesmerized by the guy who had walked in.  He was obviously Arab.  He looked SO familiar.  From where though?  He looked at me and didn't look back.

I'm not gonna lie, I can usually get guys to at least take a second look.  So that was pretty frustrating.

He walked straight to the counter.  He was on the phone and seemed very into the conversation he was having.

"A7ebich.  La2 la2 Ana Akthar"  ...Oh, he has a girlfriend.  "Okay, bye Yuma.  I'll call you tomorrow I promise."

Oh wait, no he does not!  ...Why do I even care? I've never met him and probably never will.

He quickly turned with the bag he picked up from the counter in hand and left the store.  Just as quickly as he had came in.

I stood around waiting as 7amood flirted with the sales lady and decided to call Abdullah and see where he was. Perfect timing!  He was close by.  I could not wait to see him! And to know he's here to stay.  I'm so happy!

"7AMOOD YALLA!" I was so bored,  it's literally been 20 minutes and he's STILL talking to her.

When I finally dragged him out of the store we were on our way to go meet Abdullah.


"WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME!" I shouted as I ran to him.

We met him for lunch and I couldn't help but tear up when he hugged me.  I missed him so much. We haven't lived in the same place for 2 years! He was finally back with me.  We went to high school together but then we went different places for college.

Lunch went well.  The three of us sat around laughing and talking for a couple of hours.  I stuffed my face as usual.  I managed to eat more than both of them, they sat there in shock watching me eat.

"What, a girl can't eat?"

They both laughed..."A girl can eat, but you're eating like a baby dinosaur."

"Shut up Abdullah" and I punched his arm.

"Okay children.  *7amood think's he's funny..key word: thinks* I'm going to meet a special someone who works in Nordstrom who is dying to see me and my beautiful smile.  So I will meet you with 5alti Mona later. Tata for now"

"Wow, he works fast" said Abdullah.  "Ouff, not fast enough.  I waited almost half an hour for him to get her number! She's obviously not thaaat excited to see him"

Wait...could that be shop boy again?  No way! Did I really see him again?

I was looking all around me and didn't realize Abdullah watching me with a confused look on his face.

"7abeebty are you okay? You look like you just saw Johnny Depp.  You've lived here long enough, shouldn't you be used to that by now?"

"Haha uhh yeah" I said as I tried to get one last look.

He was gone.

Part 3- Ready, set, go

"7abibty what did I tell you about your phone? Tara it's rude to be on it when you're with everyone and the sound...I don't know how you can stand it"

"2asfa Baba" and I kissed his head.  My dad and I weren't extremely close but I loved him dearly.  He wasn't close to his parents growing up and so it would be unfair to expect him to be very close to us.  He tried though, and when he did, it was really nice.

"Okay, so when we get to California, we're going straight to the hotel and then we'll all change and shower and go to eat.  Aunty Mona and 3amo Aziz are so excited to see all of you." Mama said as she sat everyone in their places on the plane.  We were about to take off.  I wasn't sure how I felt.

On one hand I was excited to go back and see Nawar and Rania.  And did I mention that my best guy friend is moving to California with us?! Abdullah was one of my best friends.  We really loved each other. He was an addition to my family.  I don't have many cousins so my friends definitely filled that space.

On the other hand, I didn't want to leave my home. I love this country so much.  Every emotion is more intense here, every sunrise and sunset are more beautiful than the last.  Kuwait will always be my favorite place, however it was time to leave once again.

.......3 Days Later

"Mama Me and 7amood are gonna go shopping and meet up with Abdullah.  His parents are coming soon so you better be nice to them and make them happy they're leaving him with me!"

"Hahah okay honey, don't worry.  Abdullah's parents couldn't be leaving their son with anyone better."

Abdullah was 23 but his parents somehow still had a very tight control on his life.  He loved them and respected them very much. Because of that he never stood up to them and rarely fought with him.  I don't think he ever realized, but his parents take a little advantage of this fact.  So letting him come to California, so far from home, was a big deal.

"Oh by the way, we're going to dinner with Aunty Mona today. Aziz is busy with work stuff. Bring Abdullah if you want! Bye kids, have fun! Be safe! Don't talk to strangers!"

"Okaaaaaay Mama bye already!" Me and 7amood said in unison as we rolled our eyes and left the hotel giggling.

We decided to get presents for Tala and Joori and Faisal.  I also decided to get a present for Abdullah since he was finally coming to California. I was SO excited.

Did I mention that me and Abdullah have been having weird moments?  They're not exactly weird.  But there are times when it seems like maybe we aren't just friends after all.  I think it's too easy to get this type of friendship confused with other feelings.  So I keep putting it to the back of my head.

We're very protective of each other and I love him for that.  That's another reason my family loves him so much.

"Jawaaaa Look what I found! I'd look so hot in this huh ;)" 7amood was trying on a black leather jacket.

"You already have 2 and you get enough girls with the 2 you have.  No need for more.  Speaking of girls, you should see the dirty looks the girls working here are giving me cause I'm with you! If only they knew I was your sister..pffff" I whispered to him.

"Well, they're pretty cute.  We should clear that up for them then. No need to make them suffer anymore...HEY SIS, LITTLE SISTER, LOOK AT THIS" 7amood said as he turned and looked at the girls, all giggling and excited now.  He winked at them and kept talking to me.  He was such a flirt.

At the same moment, the most beautiful guy ever walked into the store.  I was sure I'd seen him somewhere before..

Part 2 - Leave the past in the past

Khalid and I had dated for about 2 years.  Because we had been so serious we eventually told my family and his.  My father was very upset in the beginning, but he got to know Khalid and saw that we really cared for each other.  Eventually he lightened up.  Our families became good friends over the years and I felt as though his mom was my second mom.  They never saw the side of us though that wasn't all fairytales and butterflies.  In the beginning Khalid had been the perfect boyfriend.  We got along great and I could act completely myself around him.  And let's just say the fact that he didn't run away then says a lot.  I thought I had found the man I was going to marry.  He'd talk to me about our engagement and how it would go, how our wedding would be, and even what we'd name our children and where we'd go for family vacations.

I always knew Khalid had secrets, a past, things I didn't fully know about.  But I thought I knew who he was now and tried to put anything else aside.  I found out the hard way that I only knew one part of him, and the other part I wish I had never met.  He became unbelievably controlling, trying to get me to stop seeing any of my friends-friends I had known a long time before I met him.  I found out he smoked, not just cigarettes, and would always lie to me about it.  He had a whole other life I was never a part of.  I wouldn't have wanted to be a part of it even if I had known, but it still hurt to find that out much later.  I also came to find out that while my friend was visiting his friends over summer he would constantly hit on her and try to do things with her.  She never told me to spare my feelings, I had been through enough with him.  I understand why she didn't tell me.

All of this to say, Khalid broke my heart.  I wasn't sad when we broke up, I knew it was time.  He broke my heart in a way I hadn't expected.  I've never missed him or wanted him back.  But I find that now I can't trust any guys or let myself get close to them.  If I do, I end up pushing them away and acting like a freak.  Khalid really left some scars.

The day we broke up was horrible.  We were having another one of our insane fights.  Screaming and shouting and horrible insults being said.  I had finally had enough.  I told him if he didn't stop acting like this that we would be over, it was his choice.  He said "Okay, I guess we're over then."  I walked away from him that day with him following me, begging me to take him back because he didn't mean what he had said.  I was so happy he said it though.  I was finally free.

Part 1 - Home is where the heart is

"Jawaaaaa! Yalla we don't have all day!" My mom always over estimated how long it would take my family to get anywhere.  There were 5 of us, Mohammed (7amood) the oldest, Me (Jawa), Tala and Joori (the twins) then Faisal our youngest brother.  We always managed to keep my parents busy.  And for this, my mom think's we always make her late.  However, it's usually her that's the last to be ready.

Today was the day we we're leaving Kuwait and heading to California.  My family was dropping me off for college.  I'm about to be a Junior now, but my parents still feel the need to take me back each time.  I'm their favorite, they refuse to admit it, but you can tell these things. Trust me. 7amood was doing his masters in London. He had studied in California as well and absolutely loved it. It was him who made me want to come here. I just wish I had been able to be here while he was.  He ended up leaving the year I came. Funny how that works out.  Anyways, today was also the day I was leaving my best friends Lama, Safiya, and Sarah.  We've all been best friends for years, since middle school.  We've had our fair share of ups and downs but at the end of the day we're inseparable.  I wasn't too torn up, though.  I have another two friends waiting for me in California- Nawar and Rania.  They had become to my life line, my anchor to reality and another two of my best friends during our time together in Cali.  I would have gone insane if I hadn't gotten to know them the first year we were here, I'm pretty sure we all would have.  We now all share an apartment together.

7amood: "You know, Mama and Baba never used to do this for me.  All it was was a kiss on the cheek and a "Don't get into too much trouble. And don't forget to call us" at the airport.  I'm still trying to figure out what's so special about you."

Me: "7amoody don't be so upset, it's always been like this.  Why do you think anyone would start liking you more than me noooow? After all this time? I don't think so." I said while throwing my kleenex at him.

He managed to pick me up over his shoulder and throw me into the car.  I'm really gonna miss him this time.  We haven't been able to see too much of each other lately and it's been killing me.

"ME ME ME ME!" That eager voice was impossible to misplace.  Here comes Faisal running after us.  If 7amood were to pick up any of us, Faisal would magically show up as well and demand to join the fun.  He was such a sweet heart.  He was in KG 2 now and still a little shy around his friends, but at home, he's a wild one.

"Yalla into the car everyone!"

Tala and Joori sat in the back of the car whispering to one another.
T-"Since when did Mama say yalla?"
J-"I think she's trying to be more Arab lately..hehehe"
T-"Oh god, here we go again."
The head phones were immediately put back into their ears and the music creeped out to fill the silence in the car.  They were at the stage where your family isn't cool and iPods and MSN are "totally in". We were all getting pretty fed up with them.  I'm going to miss them terribly, but I'm happy to be getting away from this phase.

Did I mention our mom is American?  She's most definitely not your typical American.  She's classier than half of the Arab moms I've ever met and has the same values and morals as my dad's family.  My dad's family is 100% Kuwaiti but not too closed minded, so they accepted my mom with open arms.

....Once we arrived at the airport we found someone (more like someoneS, we had so many bags) to take them and my dad got everyone checked in.  It was nice to be traveling with my giant crazy family. We haven't all traveled together in a while.  7amood's been away for a while, and Baba's usually busy with work.

*Beep beep* I forgot to put my phone on silent, my dad hates the bbm noise my phone makes, it's always going on.  *Beep beep* *beep beep*

New bbm from Khalid:  7abeebty, I'm going to miss you so much.  If you change your mind you know I'll be here. Please think about it.

I was NOT expecting that...

First post!

Hello everyone! I've been reading amazing blogs from our Khaleeji sisters for years now.  They always make me feel at home, especially since I'm studying in the states right now.  I've decided to join them and write my own blog.  They've been so inspiring! Please feel free to comment and talk to me, I'd really appreciate feedback.  I'm going to start a story, no idea how it's gonna go.  Tell me what you think!