30 ??Changing houses??? (1/2)

LEIA

After school, I went back home. The house was silent when I entered. I helped fix lunch for myself and Labeeb, taking off my robe and scarf simultaneously. I was stirring in spices when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I sighed, turning back. ”What, Ammar?”

”We're going,” he said. ”I can't stay in this dirty, rat-infested house for another second.”

”Then leave,” I went back to pinching out pepper and adding as much as I saw fit. It was something Pakistanis had mastered. We didn't measure out things. It was instinctual. ”I like my house just fine.”

Lie. I was grateful to have a place to live but I didn't necessarily like it. Growing up in a mansion and then having this . . . It was definitely difficult. But God had granted me a much better family and much more serenity in my heart.

”Don't turn your back to me,” he warned harshly, roughly seizing my elbow and jerking me towards himself. ”I said we're leaving. Go change. I've found a rental house for us.”

”You'll take me away from my parents now?” I hated the raw emotion in my voice. Hated hating him so much.

This was my only refuge away from his atrocity. If I had to live alone with him...

”Come now, stop looking at me like that. It's not like we've never lived alone before.” Something ugly gleamed in his eyes. It had me looking away. ”Don't worry. I'll find us a home soon enough. This would just be temporary.”

”We're getting divorced in a few days, Ammar,” I tried to keep my tone less irritated. ”I don't think it's appropriate to live alone now. In fact, I'll explain everything to my parents and you can stay with Labeeb till—AH!”

”Listen to me now, Leia,” he glared at me. ”We're not done until I say we're done. This marriage will not be over. Ever. Now wipe away your tears like a good girl and go get ready.”

He was still not taking it seriously.

I pulled away the cuffs of my sleeves, making sure nobody was in sight. ”Do you see these Ammar?”