Part Seven

My name is Amira and Abshir is my uncle. I importuned "UNCLE "?
My mother passed way during the labor. And he raised me. The past 3 months he was a changed person. I overheard while he was talking to halima. And I don't want to be the agent of this catastrophe. He doesn't inform others that he is my uncle. He didn't even tell me, I founded  out. She topped to catch her breath.  And sighed wistfully.

I'd loads of questions. As to why her uncle raised her. Rather a grandmother or her father. However, I figured it wasn't a proper question to ask a Five year old.  Watching her sorrow eyes.  I couldn't refused her proposal.

                                              *****

When we reached their front door, as my hand was on the gesture  to knock the door, Abshir  suddenly opened the door.  He gaze toward amira then me,  astonishment and shocked to see us together. 

"I've a feeling this was not encounter meeting"? He said, looking very  solemn. 


We sat down on the stairs, he began telling me the story. My father died when I was 4 years old and my sister was 2. His Mother got sick , she was in  coma for 5 years. She didn't kept in contact with any family members since her family didn't approve her marriage. There was no one to take her kids in. They were about to be placed in foster care. When the step-father took them in with his 1st wife who at that time didn't had a children. She refused to keep the children.  To keep the promise he made to my abshirs mother who at that time was unable to take taker of her children, he divorced her. When his sister was 18 she got pregnant. The Stepfather didn't want to ruin his reputation, at that time he was running for an election in the UAE. And Abshirs mother couldn't  refuse the decision  of the man who took care of her children and left his own daughter and wife. They disowned girl. 7months later we were informed that  she passed away during labor. Abshirs  parents  still refused to take  Amira. Her father didn't want her but the grandmother is trying  to get custody. 

 Abshir placed his hand on my shoulder, to get an eye-contact, and he said. I don't usually tell this story. And I would like to keep it this way. However, Amir founded it out a month ago when the lawsuit was filed. The lawyer said, there are little chance of  us winning the case. Since I am single. And child would function well in the family environment.  I tried to coax my parents to come back. We would have better chances if the game is grandparents Vs Grandparents. 

                                     *****


I never listened to my mother’s stories  about my father. And why he left us. I once overheard her talking to her sister. And she declared fadumo and her kids needed him more than us. The last thing I wanted to do was fall in love with her son. 
I didn't want to ask, I was so scared to hear the respond.

 Abshir is your mother Fadumo Usman?  

Part Six

When did you start dating? Even worst, WHEN DID YOU START DATING MARRIED MAN? I looked at Abshir who was eavesdropping.  I stood there for while, longing  for commentary, explanation, anything. There was no expression on his face. Nor was he surprised, he seemed as if he was waiting for this day. As soon as AJ left, and I tailgated him. In a deep voice he said, "wait, it's not what you think". We both stopped, as if a driver saw a stop sign. "I'm not divorced"..   he said  and walked  toward me , tilted my chine
"Babe I never got married".
And the kid?
The kid, he  exhaled  deeply and looked down. However, he didn't proceed his speech any-farther. I was  fully aware the story was not getting any better rather worst. As I turned around.

Aj intervened. "I'll tell you, the kid is bastard."  
A similar words were jogging in my mind but, the fact that AJ said it out-loud unexpectedly, crashed my heart into pieces. I looked back
and saw a fist on a face.  AJ lost his balance and hit the ground. 
I declared angrily, Both of you, do me a favor please stay away from my life. 

                                *******

 I laid awake long after the light extinguished, trying  to find a possible answers to why he would do this. How is this possible, he is too religious. Thousands of questions were jogging in my mind. There are things to expect from a person. If they would tell me that he was a drug dealer, or Ex-con  or even a member of Al-Shabab  I would believe them without a doubt but, he has a child and never got married. How could he do that to me. I remembered when, halimo said, "you guys are perfect match". Why didn't she tell me.. , I couldn't sleep my curiosity kept  growing. I want to call her but, It was kind of late.

 Hooyo knocked lightly on my door..  Hibaaq, dad is coming, she said smiling. I smiled back sarcastically .. Did his passport expired all ready?
Hibaaq... he is coming to see us. I want you to pick them up tomorrow.
Them? 
Yes!  eedo (his wife)  is coming two.
Are you insane? You're letting that lady into your house. After all she did to us. 

Hibaq She was  a good  friend of mine.

Good friend? You call that a friend? I wonder what she will take with her this time. Because last time your friend visited she took your husband. In case you have forgotten let me reminde you. I grew up without a father because of her. And you’re dying old and lonely because of that slut.
Hooyo, cut me off with slap.  
I took my car keys and left the room. When I was backing up from the parking lot, I realized I  ran over something. I got out of the car it was  a bicycle.  And a little girl  kind of looked like she was grieving over the bicycle. I walked up to her.

Awtch I crushed the poor thing really bad. I am sorry kiddo.
Scratching her head she mumbled, it was my ride home.
I will take you home. 
She jumped with excitement, okay she said and head to my car. 
 She stopped at the front of the car door.
Something wrong? I asked
Yeah, there is something you should know. Please don't get mad at me.  My name is Amira and Abshir is my.....

   *** WE WILL BE BACK AFTER THE COMMERCIAL ** :)

Part Five

I sat one minute and stood the other, and  walked around the waiting  room while the  surgery was taking place.  Family members and friends were there, but no one could have made me feel better. Everyone telling me to hope for the best. I wanted to cry, but my eyes were too dry. I sat down- placed my head on my lap. Someone put their hand on my back and holded  me tight. I looked up it was Aj. Just looking at his face made  tears roll down. He sat next to me holding my hand as I shook back and forth.

Abshir come up to me,  I have seen him go back and forth. He wanted to talk to me. I figured he didn't know what to say. Plus people were around me. But He finally came up to me. When it was only me and Aj sitting together.
 still not over?
I looked up and with my puffy and red eyes, and shook my head.
He sat in front of me, bending his head down. Can I get you anything?
I nodded again.
Aj looked at me, have you ate all day long?
I gave him a look as in,  Do I seem to be in position to eat anything.
When I finally thought, there was no more tears in side my eyes after crying for 5 straight hours.
.Halima  and her mom came. Ever time I saw a new face. I would start to tear .
I place my head on her chest and start new cycle of tear. Her mom took my hand. And said. "Habaryar ilaahey wuu kuu caroonaa ooyita bada iska daah. Asaa kaa jecel eeh". Her words made me stop tearing again. Thousands of things were going through my mind. All the sudden I heard . Halima greeting Abshir.

Ninkii lawaayere , Where have you been?
I wanted to look at her, or even asker her how they knew each other. But I was in too much pain to utter any word.


After 4  hours,  the surgery was over, Alhamdulilaah hooyo was fine, the doctor said it was just an internal bleeding in her heart. And they were  keeping  her in the hospital  for two weeks.

Everyone went into the room as soon as hooyo was conscious. Habary yar start to yell at me, for  not taking her to the doctors last night. Before I responded , she looked back at hooyo and start yelling at her. And they soon start to talk about, how she hated the hospital even when she was just a  little girl. The room was filled with smiles and laughter.  I caught a sight of Abshir standing at the door. I went up to him. As I dragged the door behind me, AJ gave me a dirty look.

Sorry about last night, you kind of know the situation I was in.

Don't worry about it.

Even thought you had me sitting here for hours. You're going to make it up right?

I smile, of course, Insha'allah, 

I got to get back to work, see you later.

Cafimaad Ayaan urajeeynaaya hooyo.

Thanks for everything.

Any time.

I came back inside, still wondering why Aj gave me that look. He was holding hooyo's hand .I tapped him on the shoulder, in a anger voice,  I said "WHAT?.. He gave me the look again and no answer.

The two weeks that hooyo was in the hospital. Abshir and I got to know each other. He took me to lunch and dinner and breakfast. Or you could say we had a date everyday. I have always thought. The person I depict as a spouse doesn't exist in the crazy universe. As If I needed some kind of machinery to build Mr right. But after I got to know Abshir. I must confess, he proved me wrong. He is kind, caring. Funny, considerate, handsome. You name it. He got  Everything a women would dream about. As he was telling me about the time when he stayed in the hospital after breaking his hand twice in the same day. We would hardly finish our shukaansi, as my phone was going crazy, people all over the world calling me, concerned about hooyo. I ignored two calls because, I wanted to stare  at his face as he was telling me the story, I barely heard what he was saying. But this time I had to take the call. I cut him off in the middle of the sentence, Abshir I got to take this it's aabe. "Oki doki I will call you later".

As much as I didn't want to talk to dad, . I don't even remember that last time he called. I remember waiting for his calls on especial occasions. On Eid day, I use to get so excited when ever the phone rang. When  hooyo answers the phone. I  would run up to her and give her the look, "is it him?".. with a big smile. And the smile would turn into frown. I remember sitting next to the phone all night long, when I was graduating from High School. I stayed up all night. Because of the time difference. After I send him an Email a week ago telling him about my success, I even told him to call me. Now that I was grown. I still needed a father but I have lost hope.

After I was done talking to him. I received a txt from halima.
How is hooyo doing?
She is fine., I txt back.
I need to talk to her and ask how she and Abshir know each other  but I didn't seem to have time. I figured this would be a good time.
I txt her back, Hey, How you and  abshir know each other?
We knew each-other back in cali.
She called me after sending the txt. He is nice, you two are so compatible.
Then why didn't you introduce me to him, I asked?
Tell me, how did you guys meet??
I start telling the story of rainy day!

The two weeks were over and it was time to go  home. Hooyo was  healthy as a horse. Aj was coming  to  drive us back home. For some reason hooyo grew fond of Aj, I remember when we were younger she always said he is  bad influence and   told me to say away from him.  Aj and I grew together. He is the brother I never had. I shared everything with him. And did what ever he said. I looked at him as a big brother. And considered him a best friend. After all he was the only guy in my life that never let me down. As we grew older, he kind of started to act weird. He was no longer the friend I use to wrestle and tease  and  call  each other names . He never called me with my name. And all the sudden he start saying. "You have a nice name". And when ever I say, What name?  the name you never used?  He always said. "adiga when will you grow up".

Our driver was a bit late. Abshir offered us a ride. However, Aj showed up. The nurse took hooyo to the car, As me and Aj were packing our stuff. Out of no where, he said Ninkaas ka har!. (Stay away from that guy)
It seemed as a surprise to me. I smile. "Maxaa ka wadaa" (What do you mean). Aj was the kind of people that say the word once and  does not repeat themselves. I asked him again. What do you mean stay away from him.? I asked that question several times. But he kept ignoring me. He finally tried to get away from me. I could sense he didn't want to talk about it. As he tried to exit the door while he was carrying stuff on both of his hand. I hurried and  and closed  the door. Facing him, I screamed ..You're  not leaving till you tell me what you meant  by what you said. I suggested holding my hands on my hips.


With anger voice, he said, I don't want to see you with that guy!
Something ticked me and I yelled back.  You are not my dad! I am grown women. I'll  date who ever I desire.  And exit the door,

He dropped the stuff he was holding and came after me.  Since when did you start dating? Worst, when did you start dating a divorced men with kids?

                                                      To Be Continue

Part four

I answered the phone. The voice was a familiar voice, a voice I wanted to hear before I went to bed.
So, did you think about it dear?
Hold on, wait, how you did....... Never mind
do you work for Federal Bureau of Investigation?
No, I'm paramedic, and ,the  only  person I want to work for  is you!

I've come loaded with statistics; I’ve noticed that a man can get what he wants if he is interested.

How sweet, so where are we going?
It's  surprise.....

 I've had an idea or mental picture of how our date will be like. Will we have dinner, at the top of Lavendou tower, whilst the wind blows his shirt with tenderness, while I smell his perfume which won't fade away.. Or relax at the beach, walking barefoot in the sand while we hold hands laying -down side by side and count the stars...Better yet, what if he takes me to bowling, meanwhile,  he embraces his arms round mine, and shows me how to bowl. I couldn't sleep loaded with expectancy for the next day. I woke up in the morning, with full enthusiasm and eagerness. When I realized I've over slept it was almost 1:00 Turned my closet upside-down deciding what to wear. I came downstairs to make breakfast and head out to teach workshop. The day seemed so long, every minute felt like an hour. It was finally time to go home. I received a txt message, 

"Are you going to the wedding tonight "..?

It was Halima... I txt back "No! With smiley face.  

After a minute she called me back. What do you mean No and smiley face. Where are you going?

It's a long story.

 I have time.

I've a date.

I suddenly receive another call, it was Abshir.  I hanged up on Halima, Even though she was yelling at me for not telling her  about the mysterious lover. 

Asalamu Aleykum, I am still in your calendar right?

Hmm... Maybe.

You better not ditch me gorgeous.

I won't handsome.

I will be there about an hour.

I didn't know how to react.  One hour?  Should I be excited, or worried? Worried I won't be able to get ready in one hour. Excited, I waited this for all day long.  I stole a parking from a guy, who was backing up to fix it. It's a hassle to find a parking in our area, people in the neighborhood are familiar with that kind of theft action. I've never done it. But I needed to save time. I looked back and apologized to the guy. And ran all the way to the 3rd floor. The door was open, the light was off and BBC was not on.  All the sudden I realized something was wrong.  I turn the light one and the AC off it was freezing, I traveled farther into the house.

When I saw my mother sleeping on her bed, I turned her light on, she was sweating. I sat next to her; she said she was fine; it was just a headache and heartburn. I asked her why she is sweating. 

She said,   lady in the neighbor gave her a medicine.

Hooyo, how many times have I told you not to take a medicine that was not prescribed for you?

I sat next to her bed, while her temperature changed. I made her oatmeal she threw out after a while. She was getting worst, and I had no chance of convincing her to seek  a medical attention. There is nothing  she hated more than going to hospital. I sat next to her all night, as she turned ,toasted and threw up. We both  slept 30 minutes before the sun rise. I woke by the sound of my Alarm clock that was in the other room.   I checked on hooyo, she was breathing hard but, sleep. I went downstairs to make her breakfast. The house phone rang, it was then when I realized I had left my phone in the car. I went back to check on hooyo, brought her breakfast, she said she need to use the restroom. The phone rang again, it was halima

Nayaa how was your date?
I didn't go hooyo is....
 I heard a loud noise, as something collapsed. I dropped the phone and ran to the restroom.  When I found hooyo lying on her chest. I shook her, and screamed there was no answer. Her eyes are closed and she is not moving anything in here body. My mind and my body was going totally two different directions. I dialed  911. Hooyo still not moving the operator telling me to calm down, the paramedics are on their way. My brain was active, but my legs couldn't walk. The operator, kept asking me questions, did she faint? Is she breathing, I kept mixing afsomali to English. I haven't realized it, till he said, I can't understand what you are saying. The paramedics finally arrived. He tapped her face, pushed her eyelid up; they picked her up to the ambulance, the only thing I have seen was my mom’s chest being opened... I thought it was a night-mare and I badly wanted to wake up from it. As I broke down into tears. A guy dragged me away from the ambulance, hooyo will be fine he said, the voice was familiar, I looked up still  tearing , It was Abshir.



                                              ***To be continued*** 

Part Three

We stopped at deserted part of a town, Trees growing uncaring. Leaves laying all over the place,  We walked in between the woods. He showed me a River, the Water so clear as crystal. No creature was there except two of us. We sat on a rock dipping our foot in the water. We sat there for quite  period of time chatting.He tapped me in the shoulder when I turn around he sprinkled water on my face. While I took a revenge,the small amount of water my hand held, he twisted my hand and before I tried to dart,   he poured in my face again. When I stumbled  in the mud. the way, he held me so tightly.As he never wanted me to leave his arms. Our laughter, and joke lasted for quite sometime. Whilst the the season of spring  weather seems to warm us.,birds unfolding their wings diving high into sky.

I asked him how he catch sight this place? He said, his sister founded it, She usually came here, when she is in a bad mood.  It calmed  her down.  After she passed away. I visit this place often. All the sudden he was no longer the cheerful guy I met.

I could sense he was suffering from guilt, I also observed that he didn't want to utter more about this subject. However, I asked, what happened to her? After being quiet for some time, he looked at me and smiled, We should get going he said, harshly. We drove back home in mute. He didn't even asked where I lived. I have already asked the wrong question. And we both left comfortable in the silent condition which I wished not to disturb.Strangely,our trip ended in the silence.  Before I knew, we were in front of my home. He glanced at me and said, I know what you're thinking, How did he know where I live.

I smiled, not really I wasn't  going to ask.
I know more about you, more then you could imagine. 

The way he said was so convincing. As I walked away from his car, He yelled after me. WE SHOULD DO THIS MORE OFTEN. I turned around and said, Yeah, HOW ABOUT NEXT YEAR!


He  reverse his car to my direction, 

How about tomorrow, are you busy? 

Since you're stalking me, you should know this?

Are you playing hard to get?

Maybe I'm. 

Why don't you think about it, I will call you. 

Is that your way of asking for my digit?

I am ahead of the game dear.

We will see, good night!



When I came home that night, As I got ready to go to bed. I realized how this day was officially the best Eid day I've had. Even thought I spent it with a stranger, it felt as If I  have known him.  How much I wanted that day to last forever, was out of the question. My phone began to vibrate,I usually don't answer the calls if I am  unfamiliar with it. I ignored  the first time and the second time and the third time. I finally decided to answer.

                  ********   To be continue   ******** 
 

Part Two

 I come home, I was not as wet as I expected to be. For some reason his voice kept echoing back to my head. I barely knew Mr umbrella , I  shook my head to snap out of it. As the the house was ready to keep me busy. The next day was Eid day. As we got ready for the day ahead, the beautification, and the joy raise as the next day got closer. I finally got chance to sleep. My head felt like the veins were about to come out. My body temperature kept changing constantly, while I kept turning and tossing, to put my self to sleep. Before I knew, my alarm went off, reading 5:45. I had no intention of getting up, unfortunately, the noise that was approaching from downstairs prevent me to get any sleep. 
                          
                                         ******

When the Eid prayer were over. And the people began to greet one-other. The mixture of different kind of perfume made my head hurt and I began sneeze . I stepped out side to get some fresh air. 

I sat at on a rock in a corner, The fluffy clouds floating in the warm air whilst the sought of the tree kept mildly constant in the breeze. I looked around, people greeting like they haven't seen for years, Kids playing like childhood will last forever, the smile and laughter and happiness  that was approaching from them constantly made me forget about my pain. Suddenly I was tapped from behind.  I turned around. 

It's you again Mr umbrella. 

I didn't had chance to say thank you, , So Thank you for the umbrella. 

It's nothing, You lost your voice

Yeah!

I tell you what, take Hot honey & lemon. 

Are you doctor, or you're planning to kill me.

No, I am paramedic! Plus why would I want to kill someone as beautiful as you. 

I will give you my number, if anything happens you can sue me.

> It's a Deal 

  By the way, I am Abshir!

   Hiqab.

I didn't want this to go any father. I didn't believe in outside beauty.  Nor have I known him enough to judge his inner. As I tried to get it to an end, he disturbed me.


You have any plans for the day.

Not really, I was going to with some friends, guess I am too sick for it.

So what you going to do?

Go home and sleep I guess.

you will get caught  up in being sick environment,   why don't you come with me.

To where,

You will see, soo bax .

I followed a stranger, I that I have talked to for 20 minute. Some where, something was telling me I was doing the right thing. I search inside me,  firmly to find a voice saying I am doing the wrong thing. We drove in road where I have never Perceive with the eyes. It had been almost an hour, it seemed as we were taking a A trip or journey in a car. I still couldn't find a place in my heart where it was immoral wrong action. 
   

                                       ********

Publish Post

Part One

The sky was brownish, clouds moving gradually closing gaps between them, it started to growl with thunder, and lighting, All the sudden the sky began to pour a clear drops of water on my front mirror. It was time for Asar prayer, traffic was at its heaviest., and I happened  to be around the local Mosque. I parked my car close, as the drops of rain began to drop faster and constant. Hoping by the time I am done praying, the sky would clear out. It actually didn't go the way I planed. Nor could I have waited any longer, no matter how much I disliked driving in the bad-weather. I exit the Masjid  door, I couldn't resist to stare at the everlasting drips and drops of the rain.   Undisturbedly following one after another. As I stepped  on the first stair,  the cold wind start to blow with great weight; , I was frightened it  might also take my tiny bones to a different direction. I expend my hand as the rain dropped.The coldness made shivers appear in my skin. I borrowed some braveness and went down the stairs. The cold wind began to blow my attire which almost undressed me. As I tried to get my clothes  to where they belong. I could no longer feel the rain. I was Impressed by how fast it stop, I looked up to discern visually. Last time I checked the sky was blue, not red. I turned around, he grinned with a tenderness , He briefly  travel next to me, kept a bit of  distance, as the rain was pouring on  half of him . He  cleared his throat, " Your Welcome" he said,   I smiled and nodded. 

I began to study him, his  beauty is all within him, his large eyes holds from within shines right through his heart.Whilst the rain dropped on his shinny hair and drained to his face,Beauty is the smile which appears on his lips, When he looked at me I felt as though  this face will be the light which will take the darkness away, This face will be the  evening star as the end of the day,

It's very cold, isn't he said . wondering why I am straing at him. I smiled and nodded again.
Between the Masjid door to where my car was parked felt like miles in between them.

     ****** To be continue******