Baggage Claim and Uncertainties

Making her way through the terminal, Rabiah could feel the butterflies flutter within her chest. She hadn't expected a task as simple as getting her bags to be so stressful.

But considering her appearance - a rose red hijab and matching long dress with flats, she was almost certain there was going to be a couple comments in regards to returning to 'her country'. Even if she was still an American citizen to begin with and she was already back in her home country. Or in other words, a moot point.

Already, she was getting looks from the people around her. Probably thinking that she was strange cross between a terrorist and a citizen.

So she ignored them for the moment. If they truly meant harm, they wouldn't be decked out in pinafores. When she had flown out for her 'Hajj', everyone seemed to dress normally.

"I wonder what happened to them?" Rabiah thought, shifting her hijab slightly.

She headed for the baggage claim.

There, her eyes were bombarded with a mixture of lolita outfits, saris and pinafores among many other garments. A sea of dresses.

Didn't stop Rabiah from taking a spot and wait.

Eventually, the conveyors started back up. Luggage poured on out, with her suitcase in the middle.

"Just a little bit more." she thought.

Exiting the terminal, Rabiah made a beeline for her vehicle. Getting in, she took a deep breath. It felt odd to be dressed like this and operating a motor vehicle. But there was nothing in the Quran that said a woman couldn't operate a motor vehicle.

Turning the key, the vehicle roared to life.

"Here goes nothing." Rabiah told herself and headed out. Somehow, she was doing this. Muslim or not, muscle memory prevailed in this situation.

The drive home was going to be a breeze.