12 ??Secrets?? (1/2)

LEIA

I stared at the crusty ceiling of my bedroom and wondered how I was going to get everything done. Next month, we would have exams and if I didn't get my head straight, I would most certainly not score well.

But I couldn't concentrate. My mind was heading into dangerous territory and I had to put a stop to my thoughts. So, I did the only thing I knew calmed me down—I put on the Qur'an in my mom's old laptop.

My phone—my sweet and lovely phone—pinged. My brows furrowed as I squinted my eyes to see the text message.

Unknown: See you in the headmistress's office tomorrow.

Zayn?

I tapped a few buttons and then saw the number on my green Nokia screen. The digits were implanted in my mind and I knew for sure it was him.

Me: Sorry, I don't attend school on Saturdays.

Zayn: Ha. ha. You know what I meant. Headmistress's office. Monday.

I rolled my eyes.

Me: Is this about what happened in gym period? Or my lack of sash?

I immediately regretted sending that to him. Lack of sash? Seriously, Leia?

Zayn: Maybe it's just about you doing what you're told. Obeying me. Respecting my rules.

I scoffed, irritated by his arrogance.

Me: I'm not going to be at your beck and call, if that's what you implying.

Zayn: Whatever.

I let my phone fall to the bed, rewinding the recitation since I wasn't paying attention.

But like the devil he was, another message came through.

Zayn: Earlier you said you didn't have time at home. What did you mean?

Dammit.

My fingers itched to type out a response but I knew it was wrong. I shouldn't have replied to him in the first place. I shoved the phone into my side table drawer and closed my eyes, letting the words of the Qur'an soothe me and ignoring the somersaults in my belly.

Wait.

My eyes opened.

How did he get my number?

My eyes fell miserably to the side table but my faith was stronger than the desire to talk to him. My connection with God was greater than any other relationship.

”Aapi!” My door flew open and Labeeb grinned at me, extending Mom's phone to me.

”Calm down, what's going on?”

”Ammar Bhai called,” My whole body froze. ”He wants to talk to you.”

Labeeb must've noticed my expression, because his smile fell. ”What's wrong?”

I jerked my head in a shake and forced a smile, taking the phone from him.

”I'll leave, then.” He chirped, letting himself out and closing the door behind him.

It felt more than a little weird. I wasn't scared but it felt like the room was suddenly too small and the phone pressed to my ear––Ammar's breathing, his existence––felt like it weighed everything on the earth.

”H-hello?”

”How are you?” Ammar asked softly and every bad feeling inside me vanished.