"Never neglect the people who are most important to you, simply because you think they will always be there. Because one morning, you might wake up and realise you lost the moon while counting the stars." - Unknown. 

Dedicated to HabibaLovesCake for finding the awesome photo in my cover and sending it to me. I love it SO much. Was supposed to dedicate a chapter to you before but I forgot! Thanks again lovely  ❤

~ As well as being really busy, I've had major writer's block, so sorry if this chappie isn't up to standard :(

Chapter 32 - Neglectful.

Zach’s POV

“Tell me, that you did not just go to Yasmine’s house and argue with her.” 

I was lying down on my bed, still seething from the events that had transpired only twenty minutes ago. Still coming to terms with the fact that Yasmine would keep such important information from me, I tiredly rubbed at my temples. I knew I acted somewhat irrationally, what with my last comment and storming off, but I was sick of not knowing anything these days. 

I grimaced at Jacob, who was standing by my door with an accusing expression. “Just like how you don’t tell me anything, I’m not obliged to tell you.” 

“Grow up Zach. You have no right to be angry at her.”

“Because hiding the truth is a small issue,” I retorted, not being able to resist.

“I’m the one who told her not to tell you or mum.” When I didn’t reply, he exhaled loudly and seated himself on my desk chair. 

“I’d rather you not.” My tone was still laced with venom but it was now accompanied by exhaustion. I needed a solid sleep. 

Jacob just gave me a hard glare, before dismissing my remark and speaking up. “Look Zach,” he began, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m not going to do this often, since having ‘talks’ and giving advice isn’t my-,” 

“I didn’t ask for your advice,” I said, rudely cutting him off. I was still letting my anger get the best of me and I flinched at my own words. 

“Will you just shut your mouth for a minute and listen to me?!” Jacob exclaimed, running his hand through his hair in frustration. I reluctantly did so, and he bent forward, twining his hands together and resting his elbows on his knees. “Whenever there is a problem between you and Yasmine, or it happens that you fall into an disagreement, is storming off going to be your response? Because believe me, it won’t get you anywhere. I know you Zach -  you’re quiet, but when you’re angry, you’re angry. You’ve got a temper issue and you need to work on it, especially now that you’re getting married.” I knew he was right, which is why I continued to just stare at the ceiling as he spoke. 

“When you spoke to her, were you soft, were you trying to be as understanding as possible? Did you give her time to talk and look at her perspective?” I faced him, to find he was looking at me with one eyebrow raised knowingly. 

“No,” I guiltily admitted. 

“I’m not for this mushy stuff, but dude - you gotta relax sometimes. I’m telling you this, because with the way you’re going, it could cause a lot of problems in the long run. Work on your flaws now and insha’Allah, it will leave both of you happier.” I looked at him thoughtfully, wondering where all this was coming from. He abruptly got up to leave, but I stopped him before he was completely out the door. 

“Wait, Jacob - you’re still quitting your job.” I expected him to come over and punch me in the face, but instead, he smirked and shook his head.

“Wait, who’s older again?” He pretended to count his fingers, with a dumb look on his face. “Oh right - it’s me. So whatever you say is invalid, little bro.” 

I controlled my laughter as I said, “it’s very simple. Either I join up with you, or you quit.” He narrowed his eyes at me, and clenched his jaw.

“You wouldn’t.”

“I so would.” 

We stared at each other challengingly for a minute or so, before he walked out, mumbling something about my annoying ass. I knew he’d have to rethink his options now because no matter how light of a matter he makes his job out to be, he would never want me working the same thing. 

I closed my eyes and restlessly turned onto my side. Jacobs words, coupled with Yasmine’s heartbroken look, were the last things floating around my mind, before I finally fell asleep. 

****

It was the afternoon, and I was sitting on my desk with my laptop in front of me, searching for small two-bedroom apartments in Gaza. I was planning on surprising Yasmine with our own house on the wedding night and since I only had three months until then, everyday, the first thing I’d do, is search and search. I had found a couple so far, but none that I thought she would absolutely love. 

After a lot of contemplation, I decided this was the best way to put the money dad had left behind for me to use. It wasn’t only because of the fact that I was well aware I now had responsibilities towards Yasmine, which included, giving her a comfortable home, but because if the money I had deserved to be spent on anyone, it’d be on Yasmine. I did offer the money to mum countless times, but she took an oath that she’d never take an ounce of it from me. 

Mum couldn’t have been happier about my decision, although I was a little worried for her. When Jacob got married, somewhere in the next thousandth year, he might want to move out too, then mum would be left all alone in this house. I told myself I’d deal with it, if and when the time comes. 

“You!” The door was thrown open unexpectedly, violently even, and at the entrance stood a bold Yasmine, one hand on the door frame and the other on her hip. I scanned her from head to toe, noting the attitude in her features. I mentally laughed. The Yasmine with an attitude, was the best to annoy, since she reacted so dramatically. I harboured a bored expression and turned back to my laptop, with a dry, “I could’ve been changing you know.” 

From my peripheral vision, I saw her march up to my chair, before she grabbed it from both sides and swivelled me around so I was facing her again. Strong arms, I thought. “I have been calling and messaging since last night and I walk in here to find you on your laptop! I don’t appreciate you ignoring me Zach! Especially when you were in the wrong, not me!” She straightened up and tried to put on her most confident slash scary face. Don’t laugh, don’t laugh, don’t laugh. “Yeah that’s right,” she continued fiercely. “I don’t think I particularly did anything wrong! So you,” she poked me in the chest, “better apologise to me right now!” 

Looking unimpressed, I uttered a mere, “no.” 

She scoffed and raised her eyebrows. “What do you mean no, you can’t ‘no’ me!” 

“You know what I mean Yasmine.” With that, I pretended to aimlessly scroll through my Facebook newsfeed and I swear the room was getting hot with the steam that was emanating off her. If there was one thing Yasmine hated, it was being dismissed. 

“Say it!” 

“No.”

“Yes!” 

“No.”

“Yes!” 

“No.”

“Argh!” I took a peek at her face and she actually looked like she was ready to kill someone. Probably me. 

Damn, thank God she’s only like this once a month. 

With a heated glare, she began to stomp her way out. Not being able to hold it in anymore, I burst out laughing and got up to grab her hand, twirling her back around to face me. She rested her palms against my chest, shock plainly written across her face and I wove my hands around her waist. I smiled down at her. 

“Zach, you played me! That was mean!” She pouted her lips sadly and I had the sudden urge to capture them with mine. 

“You always take the bait,” I stated, giving her a rueful grin. 

“It’s not my fault you’re such a good actor.” She sighed and rested her head against my chest. I ran my hand up and down her back comfortingly and took in her honey-like smell. 

“Hey Yasmine?” 

“Mmm?” I could tell her eyes were closed and if it was up to her, she’d fall asleep on me right now. Not that I minded. 

“I’m sorry about last night. I acted really unreasonably and I didn’t even give you a chance to explain yourself,” I voiced, remembering Jacob’s words. 

“It’s OK Zach. I really did want to tell you, but poor Jacob-,” 

“I know, I know, it’s fine. I assure you, insha’Allah, next time I will have my anger under control.” She moved back to look at me, giving me a proud smile. At that exact moment, there was a loud rumble, causing us to both look down at my stomach and laugh.

“Oh Zach, are you ever not hungry?” she sighed, dragging me out to the kitchen.

“I don’t think so. Hey, where’s mum?” I questioned, looking around the kitchen and living room. 

“She left, as I was coming in. She went to Auntie Heba’s house.” 

“Aha.”

“So what should we make to eat?” She began rummaging through the cupboard and I opened the fridge, staring inside. “You don’t really care do you, as long as you fill your stomach.” 

“Spot on.” 

We decided on pasta, or more like Yasmine decided, since she was craving it. We managed to prepare and finish the dish within an hour, mostly because I kept on messing around and throwing parmesan cheese onto her face, until she scolded me and then we worked in silence. 

“Jacob!” I yelled across the house. Yasmine held her hands against her ears and squinted her eyes.

“Must you scream?” 

“I must dear wife. It is the way of this household.” She shook her head with an amused smile playing on her lips. The lighting in the kitchen accentuated her brown eyes as they twinkled with happiness. 

“You know I love it when you speak like that.” She spooned some pasta into her mouth and observed me playfully.

“How so, ma’am?” 

She frowned. “Ew not like that. Don’t use that word.” I shook my head at her and then set out the plates on the table. Jacob walked in then, looking sleepy with bloodshot eyes and his hair spiked up randomly. 

“Good nap?” Yasmine asked him. 

“It was glorious, until this beast decided to shout my name.” 

“But he’s a cute beast,” Yasmine defended, coming to stand next to me. Ignoring the fact that she used the word ‘cute’ to describe me, I put my arm around her shoulder and hugged her to my side. 

“I’m glad you two kissed and made-up,” Jacob mumbled, as he took a seat and began shovelling pasta onto his plate. 

“Well, we did the second but not the first. But we can make up for it later.” I chuckled mercilessly when Yasmine gasped and then blushed a scarlet red. She slapped me on the chest and immediately sat down too. I followed her after grabbing us some drinks. 

“Can you not - my appetite is already dissipating just at the sight of you two. I’m just glad you guys don’t use stupid pet names for each other.” Yasmine and I looked at each other suggestively, smirks on our faces.

“Hey babe can you put me some food?” I asked innocently, handing her my plate.

“Sure habibi,” she replied, exaggerating the word. 

“Thanks sweetheart.” I took the plate off her and glanced at a disgusted Jacob.

“Anything for you baby,” she finished, fluttering her eyelashes. For added measure, I gave her a peck on the cheek. 

“I think I may throw up.” We cracked up at his reaction and busied ourselves with the food again. 

****

Yasmine’s POV

It was around 7pm when I decided it was time to go home. I waved goodbye to Jacob and headed out, walking home hand in hand with Zach. He was always so adamant on walking me home, when my house was literally ten minutes away. 

I was telling him about a fall I saw earlier today, with a teenage kid on a skateboard that had literally left me in tears. I was laughing all over again at the memory but when I glanced at Zach he had a hard glare on his face. 

“What’s up with you?” 

“Hmm? Nothing, what were you saying?” I followed his gaze to find that he was glaring at a man who was seated in one of the many cafes that lined the street. A man who was blatantly staring at me, as if I didn’t have my husband standing right next to me. I hated the way his eyes roamed across my body - it made me feel dirty, and I shuddered slightly. 

“What the hell is he staring at?” I mumbled, grasping onto Zach’s hand tighter, and walking faster. I looked down at myself, wondering what he was even staring at. I was wearing a non-fitting skirt with a long cardigan and of course, my patterned hijab. 

“You of course. But if he doesn’t turn around in one second, I’ll have no choice but to go over there and teach him what respect means.” I just urged Zach onwards, and within minutes we were at the front of my house again. 

“You’re not going to come in?” 

“No - if I come in, I won’t want to leave you. Plus, I think your family is sick of me,” he joked. 

“My family could never be sick of you Zach. You’re family now,” I replied seriously. 

“I know.” He placed his hands on the side of my face. “I’m meeting Firas and Laith for cards now anyway. Apologise to your parents for me, yeah?” 

“I will.” With a hug and a peck on the forehead, he was off. 

I walked into the house and headed straight for my room. When I flicked on the light, I staggered back at the sight of my room. It looked like a dumpster. Clothes were strewn everywhere and all over the floor, accessories were pulled out of their place, and even some of my unused books were knocked off the shelf. At first, I thought it might’ve been Adam or Deana, but when I opened my cupboard, I knew it was the twins. 

Raking my eyes over the mess, I actually let out a guttural screech when I saw my scarfs in a mess. Before, they were colour co-ordinated and folded properly, now…

Oh, wait until I get my hands on you two. 

I pounded into the girls room to find it empty. I ran downstairs, searching for them like a hawk. “You rats! Where are you?!” 

“Bismillah, why are you yelling?” mum asked, coming out of the kitchen with her eyebrow scrunched in confusion. 

“Did you see what they did to my room? It’s upside down!” I used my hands to gesture up the stairs dramatically but my mum just sighed deliberately and told me to sit down. 

“I don’t want to sit, I want to strangle them.” 

“Who’s strangling who?” Dad walked into the room, a drink in hand. 

“Me plus the twins, equals death.” My dad just looked at me like I had grown two heads. He sat down on the opposite couch and promptly began watching his favourite T.V. show. 

“The twins aren’t here so calm down,” mum commanded, taking a seat and forcing me to sit with her.

“Where are they then?” 

“They went to a friends house tonight.” 

I quirked my eyebrow. “All that mess in my room, just because they’re going to a friend’s house? I don’t mind them sharing my clothes and scarfs, but they could at least do it without trashing my room.” 

“I have this theory,” mum started. “The girls miss you.” 

“They miss me?” I repeated, a hint of disbelief in my voice. 

“Yes Yasmine, they miss you.” She shook her hair out and leaned back against the couch. “Think about it - they’ve never ruined your room like that before. They’re rebelling and trying to get your attention again. It’s the oldest trick in the book,” she finished, observing my reaction. 

Was she right? It did kind of make sense…even the other day, they wouldn’t leave me alone to sleep, until I actually screamed at them to get out of my room. Before that, Rida had ripped my favourite skirt and Nadia had tried to cover up for her, even though we all knew it was a fail. 

“You have been kind of neglecting them,” dad added, his eyes still trained on the T.V. 

“Have I?” I said, more to myself. 

“Think about it habibti, when was the last time you really, properly hung out with them?” Gnawing on my lip, I believed the last time was the pool party we had at the hotel. Even then, I was with my friends the whole time. 

“Maybe you’re right.” I now felt extremely guilty and I couldn’t help but wonder if I was already neglecting some of my loved ones, because of marriage. 

Pulling off my scarf, I shook out my long hair and massaged my scalp. This was honestly one of the best feelings in the world. I walked back up into my room, to be met with a jumping, squealing Adam on my bed. 

Maybe I could lure him out with chocolate. He might love that more than jumping on beds. 

It was going to be a long night of cleaning and convincing. 

****

A/N

Some of you guys [amazingly] have asked for me to enter this into the wattys. I absolutely would love to, but they have a cut-off date which is Dec 15th and there is just no way I will have this story completed by then. I don't want to rush myself, rather take my time with the story but the end of the year is always the busiest for me, so even if I tried, I wouldn't be able to finish it by then. However, it means so much to me that some of you think my book is good enough for the Wattys! Amah-zing readers you are!  ❤

Also, do I still need to include definitions for general words anymore? I think you guys have all got the hang of it now, unless I use an Arabic word which I know not everyone will understand.

Ermagerd this book has hit 87K. That is SUCH an achievement for me. Wow guys. Do I owe you all or what?!

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