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Chapter Four

A Different Side

(Maahirah Furqaan)

I'm running across the wood; it is thick with tall, green, huge trees of different species. I don't even recognize them. My hands waving in front of me-removing any branch, web or anything that comes in my way. I come to sudden halt. The path is divided into two parts. I look at the left path and then at the right; utterly confused. I've no idea to turn which way.

"Hey!!" A hoarse voice of a man somewhere behind me shouts.

All of the parts of my body react to that voice, and involuntarily my legs turn right and start running. My heart is pounding - harder and harder. It feels like that it might fall on the ground at any minute. The adrenaline all around my body is kicking in. But, my hormones are slowing now-my gland is producing low hormone now which causes my pace to become slow. I stop. Cupping my hands on my knees I bend a little-to catch my breath. After few seconds, I push my sneakers harder on the ground and lurch my body forward. I've to go on and I can't give up; not this easily at least. I can feel their footsteps thundering behind me and the horrible truth is that they will catch up to me-not now, but soon.

It's dark, really dark but the only thing that shines are stars; somehow I wish that they weren't there either then I could have had hide myself somewhere where they can't find me. I envy them; despicably.

Suddenly, my left foot gets tangled up to something and I fall on the ground. My knee scarps up against tiny pieces of glass and, I wince in pain. Before, I can get up; they surround me, pointing their guns at me. I can't see their faces, nothing at all and one of them fires at me; right at the left side of my chest-at the heart. I scream; clear and loud.

As soon as I scream, they vanish. I touch my hand at my heart and I still can hear the beats. They did shot me at the heart; but there is no blood-nothing at all. I wasn't hurt. Stumbling on my feet, I look here and there; frantically. I've no idea where I'm. I walk few kilometers; when I see a body, sprawled on the ground, blood itching from every corner of it. I peer a little closer to look at the body, when its eyes open and chocolate brown eyes stare back at me-at that point I scream, again.

My eyes flow open and I grab the material of my sheet. I push myself to sit up straight and I look around my surrounding. The light is way too bright for my eyes to adjust. My breaths are uneven and fast. I'm sweating feverishly from top to bottom. Finally, my eyes register to the lights and I realize I'm still in my room and my heart is beating very loud which means I'm alive. The tube lights of my room are on which means I slept during the process of completing my homework and sure enough, my books laid open and my pen on the tiled floor. My eyes flow up to the wall clock; five thirty in the morning.

I grab the water bottle with my trembling hand and gulp it down. Nightmares. Every night. In some nightmares they are asking for a thing something called 'The Light'. In some they are asking for 'The Chip'. In some I hear the wails of my 'Deceased Mother'. And, in some they kill me; by shooting me with a gun or by stabbing my heart with a knife or by pushing me off the cliff and into the deep valley. And, in some I'm fighting; recklessly and they do die; the dark faced people. But, in a nut shell...these nightmares are bothering me for a year now and I didn't tell anyone. No-one. And, I'm intending to keep it with me.

I lay down back on my pillow and tug my hands behind my head, staring at the ceiling. I sigh. These nightmares are killing me now. They won't let me sleep. Turning on the side, I think about those chocolate brown eyes. I remember seeing someone with those mesmerizing eyes, but at the moment my brain is unable to isolate that person from my memory. I lay again on my back and just then I close my eyes, I think about the possibility of these nightmares. What if they are really killing someone? What if my nightmares are true? What if those dark faced people are really behind me? What if those people behind their veils are...aliens...waiting to invade the country? What if they are really behind me and ready to kill me? I mentally groan. That's the problem with us female population: we've to assume the worst from a situation. Why can't we just see the positive points of it! Why do we've to look at its negative aspect! Would it kill us to see the real possibility? In my theory, I think that we, female population assume the worst because assuming the worst make us brave. It prepares us for a battle. Again which battle? From now on, I should really consider the positive outcome from a situation. I push my head harder in my pillow; just to erase the memory of this nightmare. I guess, some things left a great scar in our memory.

I pull my legs over the edge of the bed. My bare feet touch the cold floor and a shivers run down my spine. Taking in a deep breath, I sit on the roller chair in front of my desk and concentrate on my Biology homework. I quickly, jolt down the hypothesis of some research. Packing my bag, I look at the clock and it said six thirty. Wow! Time flies. Time to get ready for school. Shower time.

I rush into the washroom. Locking the door, I remove my shirt and look at the necklace dangling down my neck. I stop. Walking towards the mirror, I stare at the sliver necklace. I tie my wavy hair into a bun and few of the curly locks escape out. I grab the emerald that is in the center and let my fingertips feel the emerald. I close my eyes and I can feel the presence of my mother right next to me. I blink the tears out of my eyes. Mom gave it to me before she left in the hands of this world.

My mother. My birth-mother. Died, when I was eight and right after a year, Dad re-married to Fatima Chowdry who later became Fatima Furqaan and then Vaneeza was born; my half sister. My step-mother was never like Cinderella's. I was kind of frightened back then; I thought she would make me work like Cinderella but, damn, I was so wrong. She was kind, courteous, affectionate, loving, caring-all the things my real, birth mum was and yet, again, I do miss her. My step-mom who is a mom to me now, (and my birth-mother was a mum to me) never lets me grieve over her. She treats me like I'm her own daughter.

Swallowing the lump, I disrobe myself completely and get in the shower. The shower warms me up. All the giddy feeling is gone and I can feel only the water on my body; falling on me like small pebbles hitting me.

After a good long shower, I wear a pink shirt with a black cardigan and blue faded jeans. With a pink hijab wrapped around my head, I apply lip-gloss on my lips and shove the necklace underneath my shirt. No-one knows about it; not Dad, not mom(stepmother), not my friends-no-one!!

***********************************

Today's classes have been a pain. I had a test in Chemistry and a presentation in English Lit on classic novels and their authors and today Biology is shifted to last and Physics was again a royal pain. Now, its lunch and I've to keep my books in my lockers. So, I'm walking towards my locker. I place my books in my locker and just as I shut it. I see Fadiya, Alizey, Ellie and Amy arguing about something at the end of the hallway. I make my way towards them.

"No way," Fadiya says. Her voice is shaky and it seems like she would break into tears at any moment.

"Wassup?" I ask.

"Oh, it's a tragedy, Maahirah!" Amy places her hand on her heart.

"Why? What happened? Is everything alright?" My brain is already clouding worst things that could ever happen in the history of mankind.

"The world's gonna end!" Ellie says.

"Guys, what's wrong?"My voice rises a little.

"You don't know?" Fadiya asks.

I shake my head."All you guys keep saying, tragedy and all the other stuff. It's making me scare now! What. Is. Wrong?"

"JUSTINBIEBERISRETIRING!!!" They shout.

I place my hands over my ears."What?" I didn't get a single word.

Fadiya holds up her hand and says,"Justin Bieber is retiring!"

I laugh. They call this a tragedy. I know Fadiya is a great fan of Bieber. She has his picture in her closet; on her desktop computer; her profile pic; her wallpaper which recently she turned into Aayan's-in short, she has him everywhere except on walls of her bedroom since her parents don't approve of pictures on the wall. Ellie and Amy are too. Alizey wasn't. She left as soon as I came with a thumbs-up. I feel a smack on my arm.

"How can you laugh? I mean, the great Justin Bieber is retiring." Fadiya's eyes are moist. I mentally chuckle.

"No more Bieber fever!" Ellie shakes her head.

"No more Beliebers-chasing him!" Amy says.

Okay, I completely disagree with that. He will still have girls chasing him around the world.

Even though I'm angry at them for accelerating my heart beat for such a trivial thing. Putting those feelings aside, I say."Guys, I'm sorry that JB is retiring. But, I think he is just making it up."They glare at me. I wince."I mean, he is just testing whether his fans are true to him or do they really love him. After all, you heard this on the radio."

They sigh. Okay, they definitely are down.

I grab their hands."C'mon guys, you can grieve later on. I'm starving."

I drag them to the lunch room and we sit on our usual spot. I start eating my lunch while they still are picking on their food or either playing with it.

"You know what,"Fadiya says, quite loudly causing us all to jump. She continues. "Maybe Maahirah is right. He won't retire and even if he retires we...still....have his....number....of albums to...listen!!"

Ellie and Amy are nodding. Then they look at each other and pass smiles filled with sympathy and a new start. Just then, Alizey and Dua plop next to me.

"Hmm.....Bieber stroke is gone!!" Alizey winks at me and we high five each other.

"Hate to disturb this moment, ladies, but I need you all to know that the Biology students will be going Brazil. The Social Studies and the students who take History alongside with it will go to Brazil too. Thank you!"Chace delivers his formal speech.

We all burst into peels of laughters.

Blushing beetroot, he mutters."Girls are so freaking weird." He walks away and I shake my head.

"Maahirah," Fads says.

"Hmm!" I turn to look at her. Her serious and grim expression made me wipe the smile off my face.

"Your Dad? Did you talk to him?"

"No!"

"Do you want me to talk to him?"

"No, it's fine!"

"Why? What happened?" Dua asks.

"Her Dad isn't allowing for a trip to Brazil!" Fadiya answers.

"Oh! Again, why?" Amy says.

"Beats me!" I shrug.

Fadiya bites her lips.

I sigh."Look, Mom would have had talked to Dad....tonight I'll know his decision."

I place my hand on hers and give her one of best smile.

*******************************

"So, here are your acknowledgment slips...the trip is scheduled to this Saturday which means this weekend and our stay is for one week and if you, guys, are on your best behaviour...you will be granted one week extra equaling two weeks!" Mr.Brackson says and the class starts squealing. He hold up his hands and the class becomes quite. Impressive. He continues. "Before I begin the rules...Ariana would you mind distributing these twelve slips to twelve students."

Ariana gets up and starts distributing them. Smiling at each of us.

"That done! The reason we are making sure that you signed it up by your parents because the trip is long and we want to make sure that your parents agree to it or not...." Mr.Brackson says and I tuned out because someone beside me diverts my attention.

"Here we go, again!" Aayan says in a bored tone.

I give him a look.

"What? He is boring and repeating the same thing all over and over!"

"That's because we are a big responsibility!"

"Oh right? How do you know it? Is your mum a teacher?"

I wince, biting my lip I look away. Mum was a teacher in this same high school. Everyone knows except him and many other new students. When I was in elementary school...I used to come early in the morning with Mum because my school started an hour later than this high school. So, I used to sit in her classes and after an hour, she would drop me at my school.

"Yes, she was!" I say, after a while.

"That is why you know so much about it!" He smirks.

Sometimes, I wish to punch him hard on his jaws that would wipe this stupid smirk on his face. Or I wish I could cast a spell on him that would never allow him to smirk. Bad thoughts, I know! But sit with a guy like him-you will definitely say I'M RIGHT!

Mr.Brackson bangs his hand on his desk to get our attention."I know this is a little bit childish but you all are not mature as I can clearly see Mr. John Anderson right now!"

I turn around to see him. He had his legs propped up on the table, winking at Angelina who was quite annoyed from him. When he notices, the entire class is facing him...he blushes and removes his legs from the table and straightening his posture, he smiles at us.

"Okay, now take out your exercise notebooks and pencil and write down this rules which are written on the board!" Mr.Brackson says.

I peek behind him to find ten rules. Wow!

"What the bloody hell?"Aayan mutters.

I smirk."Don't worry! I'm pretty sure no one will follow these rules and there is no rule that says violation of these rules is prohibited!"

"And those who won't follow these rules will be send home immediately and two weeks detention when you return to school!" Mr. Brackson says.

Aayan scowls at him and then at me. I just shrug my shoulders, trying my bet to supres the smile.

The rules were suckish; Here is the peek of few of them.

Rule #1 Behave.

Rule #2 Discipline

Rule #3 Curfew =9

Rule #4 The whole weekend is yours.

Rule #5 No obscure scenes.

And blah blah...

The bell rings. I was picking up my stuff when Mr.Brackson yells loudly because there was a loud chorus of excitement in our class.

"Maahirah, Aayan, Ellie, Chace, Ariana and Christina-you aren't dismissed yet!" Everybody leaves the class except us.

Our teacher hands us our test paper. I thought that I got F that is why he didn't allow me to go but to my utter surprise, I got an A+. We all were circled around his desk. We stare at each other with puzzled expressions.

"Sir, I got an A+!"Ellie begins.

And we all nod our heads in agreement.

He sits on his desk."Well, we've this huge competition in New York. It's a quiz competition related to Biology and principal and I decide that you kids will be best for it. And, Aayan I'm impressed you did great in this test!"

"Bio comes naturally to me!" He smiles.

"It's a paired competition. Aayan and Maahirah. Chace and Ellie and Christina and Ariana. What do you say?"

I bit my lip. "When is it?"

"29th of November!"

I did my mental math."Two days after we come from Brazil!"Aayan and I say simultaneously. We look each other and then I look away.

"Yeah!" Chace nods.

"Can we've some time before we give our final answer?" Christina asks.

"Yes, but I want your answer to be a yes! And start practicin with your pair and among yourselves too! If it is a grouped quiz then you all will be together and if it is pair then you all know your pair already!"

What? Aayan and I are partners. Again! Why? We scramble out of the class; each one of us lost in our own world. Somebody grabs my hand and stops me. I look at the person; Aayan. 

Everyone is huddled in the corner of the hallway and I was about to walk away. God, I should really pay attention.

"What do you all say?"Ariana asks.

Aayan leaves my hand.

I shrug my shoulders.

"I think we should we go..I mean, it is a life time opportunity! We get to see New York! God, it is gonna be amazing. Right, Aayan?" Ellie says.

He rubs the back of his neck and smiles."Hello people, it is Big Apple!!!"

"I say yes!" Chace smiles.

"Me too!!" Christina smiles too.

"Me three!"Ariana nods her head.

"I guess me too!" Ellie squeals with excitment.

"Mine is already a yes!" Aayan smirks.

They all turn to face me. I stare at my sneakers and move them on the floor and they make a squeaky voice. Aayan is my partner. And I'm scared for goodness knows why.

"I don't know, guys! Two trips in a row...it really depends on my parents. I'll tell you all my answer tomorrow!"

They nod and we part our ways. The school has ended. Today there was no Drama period! Yaay! That was good!

As I'm making my way towards the parking lot. My cell-phone starts ringing. Mom.

"Salaam Mom!" I answer.

"Walaikom Aslam!"

"Wassup?"

"Honey, pick up few groceries from the market and Vaneeza too. I'll be late from work, okay?"

"Okay, Mom!"

"Thank you so much! Take care! Yes, bring the patient in! Bye, sweetie!" Mom is sooooooo busy and she clicks the phone off.

*************************************

Vaneeza's school ends an hour after mine. And only half an hour was left since I was hungry, Starbucks sounded tempting so I'm sitting in a booth; having a cup of cappuccino with two large cookies. Minnesota's weather is so cold. There was frost everywhere. Chilly winds blew at night. But even then we were kind of used to it.

I sip my drink slowly. There were few people in there; not too much crowded. Couples, individuals only were in. It was quiet and peace; sort of soothing after a tiring day at school. I really had no idea whether I was permitted yet to go Brazil and to make things more worst New York also came up. Its like waking up to a zit on your nose-right at the tip of your nose.

Sighing, I look at my wrist clock; ten to three! Getting up, I wrap that one cookie in a tissue paper and make my way out of the cafe. The ground is still slippery and fog is still there but again, I'm used to it. I hurriedly get in my car; careful, not to run. Starting the car, I set out.

Exactly at quarter past three I was standing in front of her school; sweeping my gaze to look for curly blond locks. I couldn't see her. Great great great!! I feel tugging on my coat; I look down to find Vaneeza. Chuckling to myself, I take her bag and grasp her finger.

"Why aren't you glued to one spot?" I mutter as I drag her to the car.

"I was talking!" She says innocently.

"Talking? Don't you have the entire day to talk!" I open the back seat's door.

"Yes, I've! But.....but he just came now and he is so good!" She gets in and I close the door.

"Who?" I sit in the car and start it. I reverse it.

"Haashir's big bro!"

I look at her from the rear mirror. Even though I knew the answer but I ask,"Who?"

"The one to whom you were rude, once!"

Aayan. I roll my eyes. "He is good to you?"

"Yesh!! Look what he gave to me!"

"A chocolate bar! Oh, here is your cookie, chipmunk!"

She snatches from my hand. She starts munching it."Sis, you know your cookie is not nice. Aayan's chocolate is sooooooooo great and delicious."

My eyes bulge out and I chose to ignore her.

"Sis?"

I sigh."Yes?"

"You hate Aayan?" She enlarges her dark brown eyes.

I bite my lip."No, I don't like him! He is cocky, arrogant and smart-pants!"

She laughs."I will tell him!"

"Duh, doesn't matter!"

"Why are we at the mall?"

"Shopping!" I look for an empty parking space and after a while, I found an empty lot right next to Lamborghini.

We both clamber out of the car, I grab her hand as we cross the almost-empty road. As soon we get in, cold air greets us and we, both gasp. Seriously, why air conditioner in this cold weather.

We start with vegetable first then fruits. After that, we just stroll aimlessly around the mall.

"I want this shirt!" Neez says.

I turn around to find her holding a shirt with a picture of Barbie?. "Let me check if it fits you!"

"It does!"She squeals when I nod confirming her that she can keep it in the cart.

Next we go to the book aisle. Plenty of books were scattered here and there. Vaneeza was checking out children's colouring books few steps away from me. I pick up a book and before I can take a look at it; I see a boy drooling over a Biology encyclopedia. He was wearing spectacles and grey fleece jacket from his side face he looked pretty much familiar. Aayan. I gasp as realization hits me. I was about to turn away when his gaze lands on me."Ms.Furqaan?"

I try my best to smile."Aayan?"

"What are you doing, here?"

"Shopping!" I fiddle with my hands.

His laugh echoes in my ear. He passes his book from his one hand and to another."Isn't that obvious? That is why we call it mall!"

I giggle. "God, you are right!" I really look stupid right now."I didn't know you were into reading!"

He blushes. Secret hobby, I guess.

"Well, biology is my favourite so I was just going through the encyclopedia and thinking of buying? For that quiz-you know!"

Ah, quiz. I nod."Any luck?"

Before he could reply, I hear Vaneeza's shrill voice."Big Bro!" She runs and crashes into his arms. He bends down to ruffle her hair. They have a secret conversation while I stood awkwardly.

"You know, Big Bro, Sis calls you...." I place my hand on her mouth and pull her away.

"That's enough!" I remove my hand and before I could stop her, she says,

"...cocky, arrogant and smart-pants!"

Alright! I wasn't expecting her to say it and great she just did it! I glare at her and when he clears his throat, I look up at him and smile sheepishly.

"Normally girls, go for sweet, handsome, s...." I hold up my hand to stop him.

"I should be going!" I mutter."But, I've a question!"

"Shoot!"

"Why are you wearing specs?"

Again, he blushes."Disguise but this stays between you and me, Ms.Furqaan!"

I chuckle. Men and their pride."Umm...Aayan don't call me Ms.Furqaan! I've a first name-you know!"

He rubs his hand around his neck."Well I do know your name, but we didn't introduce each other..so.."

I bite my lip. It was cute...yet idiotic."Hi, I'm Maahirah Furqaan and you?"

He laughs."Hey, I'm Aayan Aslam. Nice to meet you!"

"Well, Aayan I need to go! My mother would be worried. So, see you around!"

He nods."See ya!"

Turning around and with a slight wave, I get into the next aisle. Leaning against the wall, I breathe in and out. My face was flushing for goodness knows what. I look at Vaneeza.

"Oh, you're so gonna get it!"

***************************************

Balancing with grocery in my hands, I step inside the door, pushing the door with my foot, I close it."Asalamu Alykum!! I'm home!!" I yell."Neez a little help here!"

She looks at me and then makes a face."Nah, I think I'll pass!"

"Vaneeza!!!"

She walks away, casually into the kitchen and I follow here. With a thud, I place the groceries on the counter and I run after. Chasing her into the living room, I grab her both hands and she makes a shrilling, loud noise. I make her sit and then start tickling. She laughs and screams at the same time.

"Girls!"Mom shout leaning against the door-frame. Her hair wet which means she just took a shower.

"Hey, Mom!" I say and wave with my right hand.

"What are you doing, Hirah? Why did you grab her hands and strangled her to death?"

I let her go and squealing she goes and hugs Mom.

"We're just having fun, you know!" I smile and walk up to her.

She whacks my head upside down and says."Go and take a nap!"

"Oww!" I rub my head.

She raises her hand for another whack but I trudge away, laughing. Mom laughed too.

***************************

'Sometimes, we don't realize the importance of a family unless and until we've to leave them. We think that family is just an another time pass but in reality they aren't. They are something more. Something weird but comforting. We all know that the importance of a family can't be counted and that is why...' I continue scribbling down the importance of a family.

I place my pen at side and turn on my laptop. Pressing the power button, I wait for Windows 7 to load. After few minutes, I click the browser and Google about Brazil. I check the hours of flight and it nearly knocked me off my roller chair; 11 hours and 39 minutes! Wow! That is a long time!! Then, I checked the hours of flight to New York and it was 2 hours and 39 minutes and this also means that we'll have to stay for few days. And by road it was 21 hours and some minutes.

I still have no idea why are we going Brazil! I remember Mr.Brackson saying something but I just can't seem to recall it. I pick up my pen and continue writing the essay. My mind drifts to the events of today. I had seen the different side of Aayan; that side which he hides from the world. No one knew but me. And, again, there was this tingling sensation in my stomach and it feels like there is a battle going on. I sigh. I've to say I like this side of Aayan better and I really hope it remains the same tomorrow.

Mom calls out for dinner. Grabbing a scarf to drape around my neck, I stand up and turn off my room's light and make my way downstairs. The aroma of Pasta was heavy in the air. It drags me towards the kitchen and as soon as I sit on my chair-my stomach growls; I guess the battle is over.

We eat dinner in complete silence. Dad and Mom make a silent conversation while Neez is busy eating. Dad hasn't still talked about the Brazil thing and I think his answer is a no so I don't pursue him or force him to say yes. It's his decision and I respect it and besides, I don't like pleading.

After dinner, I help Mom clean the table and then I send her away to help Neez in her homework. I wash the dishes and head to my room as I turn left to enter my room my Dad calls me out from his office-room which is right across my room.

"Yes, Dad?" I enter the office and god, it was a mess. Bundles of paper lay here and there. Books open and scattered everywhere.

"Not a clean person, eh?"Dad must have had noticed that I was investigating his room.

"Yep, ditto!!"

"Sit!"

I sit on one of the chair in front of his desk.

"Look, honey, I got a call from Mr.Brackson, your biology and home-room teacher.

"Dad, I want to go to quiz but it is okay if you don't want to send me Brazil!" I smile.

He smiles back and then I see tears leaking down from his eyes.

"Dad?" i get up and kneel down in front of him."What's wrong?"

He grabs my face and with his thumb caresses my right cheek with his thumb."Ya Allah, you've grown to such a fine young lady just like your her."

I smile."She was amazing, right?"

He laughs, lightly."Amazing? She was the superlative of amazing! But Fatima had galvanize and weld you so well too and I know your Mum would be so proud of you!"

I don't say anything because I don't have anything to say.

"I'll send you to Brazil and New York too, hell I'm ready to send you Australia too but I'm just...frightened!"

"Frightened? Why?" I blink in confusion.

"To lose you!"

"Aw, Dad!" I place my hands on the top of his'."I'm not going anywhere!"

"I already lost your mother and it pains me to send away her last gift to somewhere so far!"

Tears spill out of my eyes."Dad, I'll be back and I won't go anywhere! I love you so much that i can't bear such thoughts of leaving you behind nor Mom nor Vaneeza! You all are an important part of my life!"

"I'm so proud of you!" He kisses the top of my forehead."Where is the acknowledgement slip?"

I hand it to him which I brought with me in case he would say yes. After he signs it, he says."I trust you with all my heart and I want you to not do anything that you and I would regret later on!"

"I've your trust, Dad!" I kiss his cheeks."Thanks Dad!"

"Your welcome! Go and prepare for that quiz and be sure to shine your family's name!"

"Good night, Daddy!!"

"Good night, Hirah!"

As soon as I enter my room, I lock the door and jump up and down on my bed, squealing with excitement. I send a quick text to Fadiya.

'Got permission!!

-M'

She replies, immediately;

'OH MY GOD!!!!!! THAT IS SOOOOOOOOO AWESOME!!

-F'

I laugh at her text. I grab my opened laptop and I don't know what clicked in my brain, I type Aayan Aslam on google search and wait for the results. When the page loads, the first link is written in bold letters sort of like headlines. It says,'Aayan Aslam caught with a girl in his car.'  

There is knock at my door and I, immediately slam my laptop shut.

The door opens and Mom leans against the door-frame.

"Are you alright? You look a bit pale!"

"Pale?"I scoff."I'm fine!" Even though my heart is beating harder and harder.

Mom looks at the shut laptop which my hands were gripping tightly."Anyways,"She looks at me."Got permission?"

I nod and about to say something but then with a second thought I bounce off the bed and envelope my long arms around her. I'm two or three inches taller than her. Advantage.  

I mutter,"Thank you thank you thank you...," Whilst she laughs.

She pulls me apart and says,"Start preparing for your quiz and complete your homework and lights should be off by eleven thirty or midnight! Got it?"

I salute."Aye, aye captain!"

Mom rolls her eyes."Sometimes it is hard to believe that you're seventeen year olod girl!"

"Should I be offended?"

"No, I like you just the way you are!" Mom kisses my cheeks."Good night, sweetheart!"

I smile."Good night, Mom!"

I lock the door my room and lay on my my bed on my back. My feet dangling from the bed. My cell-phone rings and I pick up my phone to find an unknown number. I stare at it for few minutes deciding to accept it or decline. Thinking better, I accept it. "Hello?"

"Hi! Maahirah?" A masculine voice answers.

"Umm...yes!" Telling a stranger your true identity is a danger but I did it anyway.

"This is Aayan!"

"What? How did you get my number?"

"Umm...from the school record,"He says in 'duh' tone.

"May I help you?"

"Listen, the school record has been stolen and you don't know have to answer any unknown phone calls. If you do they can track you down."

I blink."Is this a prank?"

"Wha?"

"It is a prank, right?"

He laughs."Nooooooo!!!!"

"Yes, it is!"

"Fine, it is but it was Chace's idea! "

"If you don't wanna talk something I'm going to disconnect the call!"

"Wait!! I just wanted to inform you that on Saturday we are gonna meet somewhere-all of us-to prepare for quiz! And sorry!!! By the way, it was funny." He laughs again.

I clench my fist and say,"Alright, thank you!" and click the phone off.

God, Chace is soo gonna get it! I place my mobile on my side-table. Changing my clothes into something comfortable, I sit down to complete the rest of my homework

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This is the first time I uploaded so early!!;) A filler sort of chapter...but I hope you enjoyed it! Leave your comments and don't forget to vote...if you liked it! Follow me(?)!!!

Thank you!

Have a nice day!

-MidnightWhisperer