Chapter 4

Since it was Sunday, I woke up a little later than usual. As I made my way down the stairs, I could hear voices coming from the kitchen. It was my family, along with Billy and his mom, Anna.

Anna - Look who decided to join the land of the living, the sleeping prince.

Faud - Good morning, everyone. What’s going on?

Ghanzi - Your mom invited Anna and Billy over for breakfast this morning. It took me by surprise too.

Anna - I hope it’s a pleasant surprise.

Ghanzi - Well, of course.

I noticed my dad locking eyes with Anna, his face turning slightly red.

Ghanzi - They also managed to convince me to let you guys go shopping with them.

What? Since when did my dad ... wait ... it wasn’t “they” who convinced him, it was “she.” He’s clearly taken aback by Anna’s presence. I can see it in the way he smiles while looking at her.

Ghanzi - Anyway, I have to head to work now. You three enjoy yourselves, and it was a pleasure meeting you, Anna. You have a wonderful son here.

Anna - Hopefully, we’ll see each other again soon.

And with that, my father left for work, a smile lingering on his face. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him leave for work with a smile like that.

Anna - So shall we? Come on Faud go get changed.

Billy - You know what, I think Faud might not enjoy going shopping with you girls. So I’ll stay back with him for a while and then head home. You girls can have some quality girl time.

What is he talking about?

Anna - Hmm, just us girls? That sounds like a fantastic idea! What do you both think?

Afaf - I’m not entirely sure...

Fateen - I actually think it’s a great idea!

Billy leans in closer to me and whispers,

Billy - Trust me, buddy. They’re going to spend hours trying on clothes, and we’ll end up bored. I just saved us from that.

I guess he’s right. I wasn’t particularly keen on going out either, but staying inside with Billy?

Anna - Come on, Afaf! We’re going to have an absolute blast!

Afaf - Well, I suppose it’s okay then.

Anna - Yay! Let’s get going, girls!

In the next minute the girls were out of the house. It was a rare sight to see my mom going out and having a friend to go shopping with. Usually, my dad would never allow her this kind of “freedom.”

Billy - So, Faud, what video games are you playing ... Wait, someone is calling me...

Video games? He plays video games? He must not be as perfect as he seems if he’s into gaming. I was actually looking forward to showing him up, but wait, what if he gets angry and tries to attack me? Ah ... I don’t know what to feel now.

Billy - Listen, little bro, I’d love to stay and spend some time playing video games with you, but my coach just called.

They want me to train for a last-minute fight that’s coming up in five days. I have to go, bye! And just like that, he hurriedly left the house. I wasn’t sure if I should feel sad or happy about it...

Before I could start my day I had to call Kevin and explain what was happening, I own him that much.

Faud - Hey, Kev?

Kevin - What do you want, Faud?

Faud - Come on, man, is this how you treat your best friend?

Kevin - Best friend? Isn’t that Billy these days? The bully?

Faud - Listen, Kev, it’s not what it looks like, okay? My mom made a deal with Billy. She’s tutoring him in the Muslim religion, and in return, he’s paying for me and my sister for the whole year.

Kevin - What? How is that even possible? Since when does Billy want to learn about the Muslim religion, dude? And especially after what he did to your sister. Something doesn’t add up...

Faud - I didn’t think about it that way. Hmm, you might be onto something.