Chapter 2

I felt a mixture of emotions at that moment. Anger, betrayal, confusion, and disbelief all washed over me. How could she let this happen?

I thought to myself. My mind was racing, and I didn't know what to do. It was as if my whole world had been turned upside down in a matter of seconds.

I stood there frozen, unable to process what was happening in front of me. As Billy and my mom finally parted, they both turned to look at us.

I could see the guilt and shame in my mom's eyes, but Billy had a smirk on his face that made my blood boil.

Fuad - Mom... What is the meaning of this? Why is Billy here?

As I spoke to my mom, I turned to my sister. Her eyes widened, fixated on Billy.

Billy - Fateen, please listen to me. I'm genuinely sorry for what happened at school. My life is far worse than you can imagine.

I made a terrible mistake by taking my frustrations out on you, like a foolish kid. But then your mother intervened, and she spoke with me.

I offered to pay for everything for both of you at school for an entire year and even apologize to you in front of everyone. I even went ahead and bought you both gifts.

I understand that you can't forgive me right now, and that's okay. But I promise you that I will work hard to earn your forgiveness and respect.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The infamous bully was apologizing to us? And he went so far as to buy us gifts? Something seemed fishy, though.

Billy - Look, Fuad, I got this wallet for you, and Fateen, I brought you this bag. I want to say sorry again, but honestly, I can't even look at you right now.

Afaf - Alright, kids, let's continue our conversation while we have lunch. Come, take a seat.

Fateen and I walked over to the dining area and settled down at the table. Mom and Billy soon joined us.

I couldn't help but notice a hint of sadness on Mom's face as they entered the room. I wondered what could be the reason behind it.

Maybe it was because our food was different from what Billy was used to, or perhaps it was the Islamic decorations around our house that made him feel out of place.

Afaf - Let's begin, everyone. Bismillah.

Billy - Um... Bismillah...

Afaf - It means "in the name of Allah."

Mom's face lit up with a warm smile as she explained.

We started eating, and a heavy silence settled in the room. I found it hard to meet Billy's eyes, even though he seemed like an ordinary kid.

Fateen kept her head down, engrossed in her plate, without lifting her gaze.

Billy - This is delicious! You have to teach my mom how to make this!

Afaf - It's a traditional Muslim recipe. I can write it down on a piece of paper for your mom.

Billy - Please do, although I doubt she'll be able to make it as good as you.

I noticed my mom's eyes drop and a nervousness in her demeanor when Billy made that remark.

Billy - Can I have the last piece, too?

Afaf - Ehm...

Usually, my mom cooks lunch for four people: me, Fateen, herself, and my father. She always saves a piece for my dad, who comes home later to eat it together with dinner.

That's why I knew she wouldn't do...

Afaf - Sure, since you enjoyed it so much.

What? Why would she give the last piece of meat to HIM! I was filled with anger, ready to speak up, but my mom caught my eye.

Afaf - Fuad, could you please go and bring us some water?

Fateen - I don't want any. I'm finished eating anyway. If you need me, I'll be in my room.

Fateen left with her head down, not taking Billy's gift with her. As she walked away, I glanced at Billy and noticed him staring at her ass until she disappeared from sight.

Faud - I'll be right back.

I didn't want to argue with my mom in front of Billy, so I excused myself from the table and headed towards the kitchen to fetch some water for all of us.

When I returned, they were engaged in a discussion about religion.

Billy - So, tell me, why do you wear a hijab and she doesn't?

Afaf - Well, she's more of a modern girl, while I'm more traditional when it comes to my Muslim beliefs.

I place a lot of importance on my religion and the teachings passed down to me by my parents.

Billy - I think both of you are beautiful in your own way.

This exchange between Billy and my mom seemed to go on for what felt like an eternity.

Mom would passionately speak about the Muslim religion, and Billy would shower her with compliments. But then something happened that made me feel nauseated.

Billy - I think you should tell Fuad about "our" deal.

Afaf - Um, yes, of course... Fuad, listen, the school couldn't accept the money from Billy without a valid reason.

So, they came up with the idea that I should tutor Billy in the Muslim religion. And, I also told him that he can stay the night if he wants.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I watched my mom as she spoke, her eyes fixed on the ground.

Faud - But mom... where would he sleep?

Billy - In your room. Your mom said I could sleep in your room since it's a boy's room, and you could sleep on the couch.

Once again, I looked at my mom, hoping for some answers, but she remained silent, her gaze still lowered.

Faud - I understand. Well, if you'll excuse me, I'll go and do my homework before Dad comes back.

Afaf - Thank you for understanding, sweetie. Mommy loves you!

If she truly loved me as much as she claimed, she would let me sleep in my own room. Well, maybe I'm being too hard on her.

It's a small price to pay for a whole year of no expenses at school. I knew something was fishy, and my suspicions were confirmed.

It's just one day, and then everything will be alright.

I entered my room and started on my homework, leaving Billy to endure my mom's lengthy Muslim stories for hours.

I bet he'll get so bored that he'll never step foot in this house again.

"RING RING" That's the doorbell, that must be my dad! Took him long enough. As I decend the stairs i see Dad and Billy talking

Billy - Well about that, I think Afaf should talk to you about it. If you can excuse me sir, I will go to the bathroom.

Afaf - Faud can you be so gentel and show Billy the way to the bathroom?

Billy - Ill be fine Afaf, don't worrie!

Billy went upstairs, and I saw my father lock eyes with my mom.

Ghazi - So, tell me, who is this guy?

Before she could answer, my mom exchanged a glance with me, as if silently conveying, "I've got this, stay out of it."

Afaf - This kid goes to the same school as our children. The principal called me this morning and asked if I could tutor him in our religion, for a fee, of course.

The kid is wealthy, and he offered to pay for our children's entire school year. I thought it was a good opportunity, so I accepted.

My father let out a sigh and seemed calmer after that "interesting" explanation. But I could tell my mom hadn't disclosed to him that this guy had been bullying my sister.

Ghazi - I see. Well, do you want me to give him a ride home?

Afaf - Actually, I told him he could stay the night...

Ghazi - What? Why?

Afaf - I have a lot to discuss with him. Plus, our food can be a way to teach him about our traditions, like our pre-meal rituals or our forms of entertainment.

Honey, he's paying us a substantial amount of money. Please understand.

Ghazi - Fine... Where would he sleep? On the couch?

At that moment, seeing my mom struggling to explain everything, I decided to intervene.

Faud - Well, he's our guest, so I told him he could sleep in my bed tonight!

My mom looked at me again, this time with loving eyes. I always feel cherished when she looks at me that way.

Ghanzi - That's my son!

My father said proudly.

Ghanzi - Alright, I'm looking forward to meeting this guy. Honey, what did you prepare for lunch? I'm starving, and I want to hold off my hunger until dinner.

He chuckled, lightening the mood.

Afaf - About that, Billy eated lauch and...

My father let out a sigh and embraced my mom.

Ghanzi - It's fine, I understand... Son, want to have a beer with me?

Faud - Sure, Dad!

My dad and I had a father-son conversation while enjoying some beers and watching a boxing match on TV. As we did that, my mom suddenly approached my dad and embraced him.

Afaf - I love you, my darling!

Ghanzi - I love you too, Afaf.

They shared a tender embrace and a kiss, and then my mom went off to prepare dinner. My dad and I continued to watch the fight, and Billy joined us.

Billy - Oh, you two are into boxing too? This is a great fight.

Ghanzi - We usually watch the fights, yes. Who do you think is going to win?

Billy - Heenay is young and bigger, surely he will overpower Vassillle.

Ghanzi - Well, I think it's not just about size but also about technique.

Billy - Classic short guy answer.

Ghanzi - What?

Billy - I mean, as a fighter with experience, if both of them are trained professionals, size does count.

Ghanzi - I guess we'll see.

To my surprise, both Billy and my dad were engrossed in the fight. They cheered for impressive shots and even made playful comments about the ring girls.

It was a great time. Meanwhile, my mom was busy preparing a delicious-smelling dinner for all of us.

Ghanzi - Well, that was a good fight.

Billy - I told you.

Ghanzi - But you have to admit, the "smaller" guy put up a good fight. Many people thought he won the fight.

Billy - Sure, he did.

As they were talking, we made our way to the dinner table.

Ghanzi - I'm so hungry, my love. Is this my favorite?

Afaf - It is!

Billy walked past my father, playfully slapped mom's ass, and sat exactly where my father usually sits.

Ghanzi - What did you just do, young man?

I noticed my mom feeling embarrassed before speaking up.

Afaf - Billy! I told you we don't do that in our tradition. Slapping someone's ass is a way of thanking the person who made good food for you, right?

Billy - Yeah, it's a form of gratitude. Don't you guys do that? Weird...

Ghanzi - That's my ass, young man. Please don't ever do that again.

My mom let out an awkward laugh.

Afaf - He won't.

Now, both my father and I exchanged awkward glances as we sat down at the table.

Ghanzi - Also...

My mom embraced my father once more, looking deep into his eyes.

Afaf - Please sit here, love. I have something special for you.

Father understood and sat where my mom had indicated. The dinner felt special, and the food was delicious. Billy was enthusiastically enjoying his meal.

Billy - Afaf, this is insanely good!

Afaf - It's a traditional dish and my husband's favorite.

Billy - I can see why.

While we were eating, I noticed a sudden flush of red on my mom's face, and I wasn't the only one who noticed.

Ghanzi - Are you okay, love?

My mom snapped out of what seemed like a trance and responded.

Afaf - Yes! Well, I think I'm just a little tired.

Billy - You should get some rest soon, you deserve it after preparing this feast.

Afaf - Thank you... Billy... You are kind...

My mom stuttered slightly, but then things returned to normal. My sister was the first to get up and leave the table without saying a word.

I could tell that sharing the table with two people she disliked wasn't the best situation for her.

Then my father excused himself, as he was tired from work and the he had consumed. It was just me and soon after, my mom and Billy left at the table.

Before heading to bed, my mom came to visit me.

Afaf - Have a good night, my prince. I know this isn't ideal, but it's just for one night.

Faud - I understand, Mom. It's fine. But did we have to lie to Dad?

Afaf - Your father has so much on his mind already, and this would only add to his worries. We are strong, and we can handle this, right?

Faud - We can!

Afaf - That's my prince! Have a good night, my love.

She kissed me on the forehead, and then she left for bed.

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