Dedicated to @Rubylena30 for your awesome support! :)}

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Chapter Ten

The Bonfire Party

 (Maahirah Furqaan)

The next three days pass in blur. I stayed up in my room. Completed my pending homework and assignments and projects. Ate loads of chocolate. Avoided everyone. Skyped my family. Practised for the stupid quiz competition. Whenever Fadiya and her minions walked in the room that was my cue to leave the room, and wander aimlessly around the Hotel. I had explored every bit of the hotel. I found this really cool room on the second floor. 

It is an abandoned place with no lock or door knob. All I do is get in and close it with my back firmly pressed against the door so no one will enter. And I sit their using either my laptop or my phone. I will return to my room somewhere around midnight when I know Fadiya has already slept.

The room is completely empty with nothing in it. Except a window which is bolted way too tight to be opened with bare hands. And I like it!

Although, I've no idea about the history of the room, or whether it's safe or not, and even then, I've been using it for the past three days. All in all, I think it's not huge deal to use a closed and abandoned room. And, besides, I'm leaving tomorrow.

I didn't talk to anyone at all as I clearly stated 'I avoided everyone' and I'm planning to spend my last day exactly the same because tomorrow is our scheduled flight. 

I woke up somewhere around nine and Fadiya has already left the room. I do my usual morning routine and now, I'm sitting on the bed with my laptop in front of me.

With my leftover sandwich of last night in my hand, I log onto my mail account, and wait for my mails to load. I haven't checked them out from a quite a long time. Once it loads, i scroll down through the mails, but one particular mail catches my attention.

It's from Fadiya judging from the date and time, it was sent last night. The subject reads in clear, bold, capital letters:

OH MY GOD CHECK THIS OUT!

Curiosity gets the best of me, and soon enough I've clicked on the mail and I've started downloading the attachment.  After it downloads, I open it. With a gasp, I jolt back.

It's the same picture of Aayan that I had seen a week ago. Aayan is in the car, his hand on the steering wheel, and the other on his lap. The girl besides him is laughing. Her hand concealing her mouth and nose, but her hair; her hair is dull whitish due to flashes of the camera. This picture is taken from quite a long distance because clearly it is zoomed. Aayan and that girl are completely oblivious to the fact that their picture has been taken.

The dull whitish hair makes me realize that I've seen this girl somewhere. I rack my forehead for a brainwave, but nothing happens. I zoom in on the girl, and keep on doing until the poor machine gives up.

Her eyes are hidden too, due to her bend position, and because of this it's taking a lot of time to decipher the person. I bang my knuckles against my head. When nothing registers my brain, I exit this mail, and click on Grace's reply.

"Lol, Fadiya.... this picture is way too old!! Which world are you living in, lol?"

I chuckle, lightly.

I jump when I hear the pounding of someone's fists on my door. My heart picks up the pace and starts racing. I start praying as I put the laptop at side, and get down from the bed.  Who can be at the door? What is the emergency? All kinds of thoughts come in my mind.

As I'm making my way towards the door, the knocking turns into pummeling. I turn the door knob, and pull apart the door open. A great force opens the door and someone throws their arms around me.

I'm about to panic when the familiar strawberry scent hits my nose, and I quickly suppress the threatening scream."Ellie! Hey!"

"Don't you dare hey me!" She pulls apart.

I ignore her as she moves aside and my eyes lock with Aayan. Tearing my gaze from his' mesmerizing eyes, I spot Chace next to him. Both of them standing leaned against the wall.

Chace smiles."Glad you're okay!"

Frowning, I say."When was I sick?"

"Seriously?" Aayan shoots me an annoyed look.

"Nobody asked you, genius!"  I snap back.

Suddenly, I'm pushed at the side and send colliding into the doorframe by Ellie.

"You locked yourself in that room," She points at the room."Never once came out. You got us worried! Had you had any idea how stupid, illogical and irrational was it from our side? All you...." She's cut off by Chace.

"Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey!" He presses her shoulders. "You can sort this out quietly and privately in the room." He kisses her forehead.

I, immediately, look at Aayan who looks as surprised as me. He smirks at me, and I bite my lip restraining myself from smiling. I feel like invading their personal bubble or whatever is going on between them.

"I'll see you tonight!" Aayan says as he waves his hand at me, and just like that he's gone - leaving me with my eyebrows furrowed in a deep frown.

Tonight?

"I should go, too!" With a wave, Chace is gone too.

Ellie wraps her long, delicate fingers around my wrist, and pushes me in the room. Shutting the door behind her, she runs her hand through her curly brown hair. She pulls out a hair band from her pocket and ties her hair in a high rough ponytail. Finally, she casts me a look."Well?"

"What well?" I'm still confused at what just happened. Why were Chace and Aayan at my door? What is Ellie doing in here?

"Look," She sighs."I know that you and Fadiya had a row, but, you can't let this destroy your time in here. I mean not every day you get to come in Brazil. For goodness sake, just let it go!" 

I plop on the bed. "Ellie, she is my best friend!"

"Maahirah," She sits next to me."I know she's, but, can't you just show her that you're okay without her. I know this is the meanest thing to say but you've got to move on, Maahirah!"

I smile."I'm not sure if that's the reason!"

She blinks."Then, what is the reason for your shunning against this world?"

I laugh. "Shunning? Really?"

She shrugs.

"I felt like I needed some time to myself!" I lie smoothly.

She gives me the hard stare." Anyways, Fadiya and the trio just checked out of the hotel few minutes ago."

I sigh. "Okay!"

"I wish we can take revenge from Fadiya!"

"No, I'm pretty sure Fadiya has her reasons!"

"What can be the reason for breaking off the relationship with her best friend, and being friends with the trio. All I know, it will be the foulest reason in the entire planet!"

I simply shrug. What will I say? Or do? The way I felt three days - thirsty for revenge. Desperate to murder Sandra. And, now, I feel nothing but empty and pathetic. Disgusted with myself because I can’t think of a way to confront Fadiya and put the pride of the trio under my sneakers and grind it like a minced meat.

"I've an idea!" She squeals.

I've no idea where this conversation is leading to.

"Oh, you've!" I feel excited,

"Yeah, let's go shopping!"

"You're joking, right?" I imagine her face to be a poker face. The excitement level dropping.

"No, I'm not. C'mon Mahirah, let's go!" She whines."Please, today is last day!"

I chuckle." Fine!"

She claps her hand."Yaay!"

She stands up."By the way, I'm sorry about knocking real loud on your door and scaring the crap out of you. The knocks made Chace and Aayan leave their room. They wanted to make sure that no one was dying!" She says sheepishly.

I laugh and brush it off with the wave of my hand.

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

"You should so wear this tonight!" Ellie picks up a dark red shirt.

I gag."I'm not wearing that thing!"

"Oh, come on, it will bring out the fair tone of your skin!" She pouts.

"Anyway," I take the shirt from her."What is tonight?" I fold the shirt neatly and place it back in the rack.

"You do not know what it is?" She reaches for the shirt, but I swat her hand as I shake my head.

“It’s 'The Bonfire Party'!" She rubs her abused hand.

"The what?!" I take her hand, and we trod our way to the next aisle.

"It will be taken place under strict supervision of the teachers, which are Mr.Brackson and Ms.Brooks. You don't have to worry about anything. And, before you open your mouth and utter something heartbreaking such as no.....you're coming!"

"Ellie, I'm not going!" I turn the packed of chocolates in my hand, observing it.

"Oh, please I never gave you a choice. It was a yes since beginning!"

I throw the packet in the cart. This shopping idea sucked. "Ellie, let's go. I'm tired."

She nods."The Bonfire Party starts at seven o' clock. Um, wear something cute and casual. And, oh, be at the backyard of the hotel that is where it will be held!"

"Ellie, for the last time I'm not coming. And besides, I need to pack!"

She stays quiet.

After we pay for our mini-shopping we leave the mall. Ellie is mum which leaves me feeling stupid. I mean, she's trying to make my day, and all I do is dwell in past. Cursing my own luck. Not returning the kindness offered by Ellie.

Times like this make me realize that I've still not grown up. Being a seventeen year old teenager, I'm missing the hugs of Mom. I'm missing the way I would retail my day's events to her. Blasting like a volcano at the injustice. Cursing. Stamping my foot. I would do this all while I tell her about my worst day. All she would do is listen to me. Nod. Smile at my childishness. When I would be done, she would explain to me, Advise me. And would say,"Maahirah, Allah makes everything happens for a reason. This is just a test from him. Pass this test with patience. And, surely, Allah will reward you."

I will simply nod my head. Then, I'll curl up on my bed with my blanket tightly wrapped around me. Mom would bring me her home-made cookies (which I might add, my Mom sucked at making. But, she would try to make them right and right now, I'll do anything in this world to get those cookies!) and a glass of milk. This will always help me in feeling better.

"Ellie," I say."I'll...I'll come with you!" I can't believe I agreed to this.

"You will? Oh, my God, that's so freaking great!"  Her face sparkles with liveliness, and all of sudden all the negative thoughts evaporate from my brain as I absorb myself in the feelings of excitement, nervousness, nauseating, weird and mixed feelings radiating from Ellie.

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

I open the room's door to find Fadiya rummaging in her suitcase. I slam the door with the loud bang just to announce my presence. And, it works. She looks at me, opens her mouth to say something, and then closes it again. Shaking her head, she continues her search.

I clench my fist and then curse as my nails dig in my palms and an annoying pain exerts itself. I throw the bags on the bed as I pull out my suitcase. I pick out a long flowy skirt with an equally amazing blouse and set it aside with my headscarf.  This is for tomorrow.

Then, I select skinny jeans with a long shirt that should reach a little bit above my knees for today's Bonfire Party. I put all the bags in the small suitcase and my accessories that I'll not need anymore for today or tomorrow.

Fadiya is still searching her suitcase. She has ear-phone plugged in her ears, and she hums in a low voice to the beat of the music, blocking the world around her. I'm always way too near to speak something. To ask her something. To move on. And laugh with her again.  But, something holds me back. My pride? My stubbornness? Or what? With an exasperated sigh, I zip up my suitcase.

I stand up, and stretch. Just then there is a knock and Sandra enters followed by her puppies. I plant myself on the bed, busying myself with my mobile phone. How boring!

"Fadiya, dear, are you packed yet? Did you pick out your outfit? We can get dolled up in my room!" Sandra says.

I pretend to not gag.

"Um, just give me few seconds!" Fadiya's voice is timid but, yet, strong.

"Oh, I almost didn't see you here!" Sandra's stupid voice makes me look up. Behind her Summer is throwing nervous glances at me and Sandra

I know I should ignore her, but I don't. "Wow, must be fault with your eyes. As I had already stated earlier you should get them checked, you know, for your own good!" I snicker.

She lets out a deep sigh."You shouldn't speak that much, you know, after everything that I've heard about . You and Aayan Aslam? What a joke!" Her sidekicks laugh along with her.

"I'm pretty sure you're involved in them, Sandra!"

"Awh, now you blame me for something I didn't even commit. How rude!"

"Oh, puh-lease!" I roll my eyes.

"Well, if you insist you’ll find out great news in the upcoming days at school!” She smirks.

I zip up my mouth; fear creeping in, chills running down my spine. Something about her smirk challenges me that she is capable of doing things which I’, not. That’s the main problem: I’m not scared of her, but I’m of her capabilities – capabilities to do things!

"I'm done. Let's go!" Fadiya drags the trio out of the room.

Sandra smiles like an evil witch.

Once they are out, I grab a pillow and scream. My screams are muffled. When I raise my head, I scream loudly, because Aayan, Chace and Ellie stand in front of me. Obviously amused as their expressions clearly showed.

"Why on earth were you abusing the poor thing?"Aayan asks, smirking.

Blushing, I gently pick up the pillow, and caress it with my hand, and with soft hands I place it back where it belonged."I never abused it!"

They laugh.

"What on earth are you doing in here? Without my consent or permission?" I remark.

"We knocked you didn't answer so we barged in!" Chace replies.

No wonder, I never heard the closing of the door behind Fadiya and the trio. "What do you all want?"

"Um, nothing!" Aayan says.

"Oh, really?" I mimic his tone.

"Yeah!"

I stand up, scrunching my face."Ellie, why are you exactly here?" 

"Well, you see," She casts me a weary look and then at Aayan and Chace - both of them avoiding her gaze and mine.  "Thequizcompetitioniscancelled!"

"What?" I smile, and I do not know why.

"The quiz competition is cancelled!" Chace says slowly.

My eyes bulge out. If I were alone in the room, I would have had bounced up and down; enthusiastically. But, unfortunately I'm not alone so all I do is squeal. Relief washes over me. I feel so happy and, I know I shouldn't, but I can't help it. All I want now is to return home, get over the play that I've to (unfortunately) sing in, give midterm exams and enjoy the awaited winter break with reading novels.

My squeal earns me confused looks from Ellie, Aayan and Chace.

"Are you happy about it?" Aayan cocks his eyebrows.

"Why! Aren't you?"

"No, I mean we all worked damn hard on it!" He says, his smiley face turned into a deep frown.

I gnaw on the inside of my cheeks. "Well, that you got right!"

Chace falls on the chair, pretty much deflated. Ellie gives him the sympathy look. Aayan inspects the room.

"Why are you all so glum?" I still have no idea why they are so sad about it. I mean it happened for the best, right?

"It was my chance to see NY!" Ellie sniffs.

"Well, you'll maybe next time!" I try cheering her up.

"Aren't you bummed about it?"

I shake my head. Once again, they stare at me, pointedly - exchanging looks between each other.

"We worked hard on it! It was our chance to see New York! And we lost it! Just because the school has to end little earlier for Christmas break." Chace sums it up.

I think for a minute. Frankly, I don't think it is a big lose. I can now concentrate on mid-term exams after we leave Brazil. But, thinking from their point of view, I find myself nodding."Bummer, that sucks indeed!"

When in reality, it doesn't! But I'll not admit that out loud

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

I stare at the accommodation in front of me. I play with my feet on the grass, making semi-circle, and I find myself rubbing my hands on my thighs and then together. Something I do when I'm nervous or unsure about anything.

Different twigs, sticks, barks of trees are set amidst on fire - surrounded by logs as a place to sit on. The fire dances around, flickers left and right, and I'm left with a thought that what if somebody gets hurt!

Tearing my gaze away from the fire, I see a small podium illuminated with lights. Parallel to the podium there is a table on which there is a deck system - blasting with loud rocky music. Right next to it, a long table in length decorated with all kind of yummy goodies.

My school teenagers laugh, chat and simply dance in random way to the beat of the music. I look at Ellie, a huge smile on her face. I bite my lip.

Do I have to ruin the moment?

No!

Can I be selfish and wipe that smile off her face?

Yes, you can be!

No, I can't be! I should learn to  put my needs behind me and think about others. I should try to be selfless and learn to go with the flow.

Fighting the urge to go back, I plaster a big smile on my face. This is the Bonfire Party!

We sit on one of the logs; I'm squashed between Ellie and Grace. Mr.Brackson, Ms.Brooke and the mentors sit on the log parallel to us. Across from our log Fadiya and the trio, and few other girls sit; laughing and giggling about something. On our right, Aayan and Chace idle over it along with few other guys.

I try to blend myself in the atmosphere. Keyword; try. And, let me tell you it isn't going well. Ellie and Grace talk about recent fashion which to be honest, doesn't intrigue me. All I do is stare at the swaying fire; the way it sways left and then right and then stays upright from the top for few seconds before dancing again.

I've been drinking a lot of liquid (juice) because chicken or any other eatable item doesn't sound pleasing to me. I feel sick at the sight of the food. Weird, right? Because I've never been the one to lay off from eating.

The truth divulges upon me. I lift my eyes over to my best friend, and a lump surges up in my throat and I swallow it back. She's throwing her head back and laughing, snickering and giggling. It makes me miss her. I.....

"Everybody, please turn your attention to me!" Antonia is on the podium and a microphone in his hand. "Well, now you're looking at me. Listen carefully! This is Aayan Aslam; a well known pop-star." He gestures at Aayan who is standing next to him. "He will sing, but on his request we agreed to have him a singing partner tonight!" His announcement is answered by screaming, shrieking and squealing of the girls.

I roll my eyes.

"I know you -" Aayan laughs.”…all want to sing so here's a thing. If anyone is interested in singing, write your name on a piece of paper and put it in a bowl. After the draw whose ever name will be called upon should come up. And, it will be done only once. However, if you feel shy we can draw again. You've fifteen minutes!"

As soon as he finishes his mini announcement, every girl is on her feet, rushing towards the small table where all this is set up.

"Coming?" Ellie asks.

"No!" Grace smiles and at the same time, I shake my head.

"Well, suit yourself!" She winks at us, and strolls away.

Once again, I watch the glazing fire. But, this time I watch the dark, grey smoke. This makes me wonder how badly we are polluting the environment for our entertainment!? Very badly! Ozone layer is depleting because of us. Because of our selfish needs. This makes me feel better that I'm not the only selfish person on this whole wide planet. There are others, too.

"I'm back!" Ellie plops down next to me, unexpectedly way too happy. For a second, I envy her boundless happiness.

What is happening to me!

After exactly fifteen minutes, Iva is digging her hand in the bowl and handing a single parchment to Antonia. Beside me, Ellie is praying, frantically. Her hands clasped together, her eyes closed and she rocks, back and forth like a rocking chair.

"And, the lucky person is Maahirah Furqaan!" He announces.

My whole world stops. Every eye turns in my direction. My heart starts hammering. I never put my name in this stupid bowl. Who did it!?

Ellie!

She's punching her fists in the air.

Antonia repeats my name.

I stand up. "I'm not singing. Someone without my consent entered me in this game. I'll pass!" I sit back on the log.

Ellie stops smiling and looks at me. A deep scowl on her face.

"Look Ellie, I appreciate everything that you're doing but please I'm not in the mood to sing. I hope you understand!" I give her a pleading look.

To my amazement, she nods - smiling.

And, guess who takes my place on the mini podium is Sandra Johns. Yaay!!

I've no idea what song Aayan is about to sing. When the spotlight lingers on Aayan and Sandra, I'm not at all surprised to find Aayan slightly uncomfortable.

Aayan begins singing. His voice sends chills down my spine. It's no doubt addictive. All of sudden, I'm feeling cold. I wrap the jacket around me, securely as I feel goose pimples, rising all over my skin. Yep, he's having an outrageous affect on me!

Sandra, on the other hand, has an okay-ish voice. She sounds like a person who is suffering from a stuffed or blocked nose due to the flu. I really really wish for the ground to swallow me whenever she sings her part.

She keeps on eyeing Aayan like some delicious tasty candy. Poor Aayan, he dodges whenever she nears him to wrap her arm around his shoulder. The scene is so comical that I couldn't help but laugh, wholeheartedly.

From the lyrics and the music, I realize that they are singing We Are by Big Time Rush. And, the music is perfect. Everything seems perfect for this few minutes. It feels like everything is at peace. I've no tensions. No worries. No betrayals. I'm just alone in this cramped situation.

When they finish singing, there is a loud applause. I'm pretty sure they are directed towards Aayan and not Sandra. Someone really has to break this news to her as she bows and waves wildly. Well, I know I'm not doing that!

Chace and Ellie are laughing about something, but I concentrate on Aayan as he jogs his way to us, smiling. And, I feel my cheeks muscles twitch and I know I'm smiling, too.

"Hey, how did I sing?" He says.

"It was great!" I nod my head.

"Are you sure that I'm allowed to sing in here, eh, Ms.Head Girl?" He smirks.

I'm thankful to the little light in here as I feel heat rising in my cheeks."When did I say that it was illegal for you to sing outside the school ground?! I mean that would be downright flabbergasting! I would have had been murdered by your fangirls for banning you from lifetime singing!"

He chuckles, lightly.

"Hey, guys!" Iva hopes next to us.

I see that everyone is already leaving calling it a night. Ellie ditched me and is at the far end with Chace. How charming!

" .....well you see that I'm not quite sure .... " Iva is saying something to Aayan but I tune in late and immediately tune her out as my attention draws itself to her hair.

Due to dim light, her hair appear to be dull whitish which reminds me of the picture I had seen few weeks ago and which Fadiya had mailed everyone.

How come I never noticed it before!

No wonder, Iva and Aayan are such good friends. They know each other from quite a long time. This also explains Iva's accent which is perfectly American.

"You were all over the internet!" I blurt out without thinking twice.

They both look at me, simultaneously.

"What?" Aayan questions.

I take a deep breath and launch into explaining them about the leaked picture. They both look concerned and worried. I've no idea why will they fret over something so trivial? I mean it is way too difficult to recognize Iva, she is well hidden.

But, you did it.

Well, I'm a different case!

"I'm so changing my hair colour. I'm gonna dye them!" Iva states.

I laugh. "It's not easy to recognize you!"

"Well, you did! I'm sure others will too!"

There might be a little logic behind it, but oh well!

"Well, we've an early flight back home and I should be going to bed. Goodnight!" I smile.

As I turn around, someone grabs my hand and stops my action. For nanoseconds, I thought it is Aayan, but, I do know he will never grab my hand out of blue.

I spin around to come face to face with Iva. Aayan is still standing, his hands in his pocket and his thumbs sticking out.

Iva's expressions are serious. Her brows furrowed together. There are creases on her forehead. Worry lines. She's anxious about something. She casts a nervous look around the fading crowd and, then, drags me to an absolute lonely corner. I'm pretty such no one could have had heard us from where we were standing before.

"Maahirah, just be careful, okay? Be careful when you get back home. At school. Where ever you go. Be cautious. Do not make a wrong move. Do you understand me?"

I'm confused." Why?"

She wriggles my captured wrist and shakes it hardly. I wince.

"Iva, you're scaring her!" Aayan speaks softly. Almost a whisper.

"Maahirah, are we clear?" Her tone clearly demands immediate answer. I've never seen her like this in the entire week.

And, suddenly, I'm scared. Intimidated by her. So, I nod.

"Good," She frees my hand. "I'm sure you will find out the reasons for my warning!"

I don't even look at Aayan.

Once again, I nod. "Well, goodnight! I hope we meet again!"

"Oh, I'm sure as hell Maahirah that we shall meet again!" With that, she walks away. I'm left puzzled with her reply. Without saying anything, Aayan follows her.

I walk back to the room, alone. I do not let a single thought enter my brain. I block out everything that has happened in here. In Brazil. Instead, I count my footsteps that I take towards my room. This seems much more appreciating and appealing.

The only thought that I've have when I collide on my bed is of tomorrow I'll be at my home. My 'Home Sweet Home'.

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Assalmu Alaiykum!;)

I'm so sorry this was supposed to be up way too before....I mean ages go... But, unfortunately, on my very first day of Summer Vacation my internet died on me!:/ How stupid and rude!<_>  Way to begin my vacations!!!: (

My best friend @BloomInTheMoonlight has uploaded all the next two chapters including this one on my request!!! I really really thank her for this wonderful deed! <3

! Tell me how did you find this chapter! :) Was it good? Or okay-ish? !

And, ignore the errors...they will be corrected once I get my hands on the internet!!:) I've no idea when the internet will be back, but please do pray it will be soon! I'm missing Wattpad so freaking much!!:/

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Stay blessed & happy & strong!!<3

-MidnightWhisperer <3

PS: My book has completed a decade! How cool!!:)