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