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Chapter Three

I Knew You Were Trouble

(Maahirah Furqaan)

"I'm fine, Mom." I say for the tenth time.

"Do you really want to go today school?"Mom runs her hand through her red, fiery curly hair.

"Honestly, Mom for the eleventh time-yes I want to go,"

"I'm sorry, honey. I'm just worried - you know!" She laughs nervously.

I get up from my chair and walk towards mom. Bending on my knees, I crouch down in front of her. Placing my hands on her lap, I say."Mom, I'm perfect and besides I can't miss a single day from school....it won't ease my troubles. I've to face them. But, I highly doubt that I'm in any kind of trouble however, you worrying too much makes me think that I'm in some kind of mess." I raise my head and give her a cheeky grin.

She grabs my face and kisses me on the forehead and after that, she flicks me on my nose.

"Ouch! What was that for?"

"Hurry up or you will be late for school." She smirks.

God.

I get up and pick up my backpack."Mom, no work?"

"Today is my day-off," She squeals, like a teenager and let me add she claps her hands too.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes."Allah Hafiz, mom. Take great, great care."

"Yeah! Yeah! Allah Hafiz." She literary pushes me out of the house and with a slight wave slams the door shut on my face. Wow! Rolling my eyes, I get in my Mazda which was parked in the driveway. Starting the engine, I adjust the rear-mirror. Buckling my seat-belt, I smear lip-gloss on my lips and with 'Bismallah' I reverse the car.

Mom was actually worried about yesterday's fire-incident. Though there is nothing to be worried about but mom is mom. Till now, I didn't know who ignited the fire and why. Nevertheless, I didn't think about it at all. If anybody wants to make a confession then he/ she - is welcomed to do in about five days.

After about ten minutes, I park my car in the school lot. After the engine died, I get down and as soon as I shut the door, my mobile in my bac pocket vibrates.

I pull it out and leaning against the car's door; I read the new text.

"If u still dont feel lyk goin' school-home awaits :))))

-Mom"

I groan.

"Chill, mom! I'm f9!-_-" After replying her, I snap my mobile shut and place it in the deepest corner of my bag. Taking a big sigh, I make my way in the school campus. Just as I enter, Chace immediately jumps by my side.

"Hey," He smiles.

"Hey! Good to see you early today,"I smirk.

"Should I be offended?" He pouts.

"No, ummm not really."

"God, can you praise me at least." He leans against the locker while I fumble around for my Chemistry book.

"Oh well! If it makes you happy," I look at him and say," Well done, Chace Howard for showing up at school little earlier than usual." I scowl."Though, I highly belive there is a motive behind it."

His face scrunches in a weird manner and he has an angered look plastered on his face from his sappy old self to this."Yeah...about that fire."

And just that way the smile is gone from my face and I don't know why but a sickening feeling develops in my stomach."What about that fire?" My voice comes out as a whisper.

He sighs. Runs his hand through his black, raven hair."Yeah, I think I know who started it!"

Before I could utter 'who', bell rings. I give him an apologetic look and he nods smiling."We'll continue later."

Nodding, I turn away and make a dash for my Chemistry class. Entering it and taking my usual seat, I sigh. Ms.Edwards enters the class.

And the class begins......

In the middle of the lecture, my mind wandered off at Chace. Who started the fire? And why? Was it done on purpose? Or accidently? What was the motive of that particular person? Why? Why? God!

"Ms.Furqaan will you like to tell me....is the formation of ammonia an exothermic reaction or endothermic? Since you weren't paying attention to what I was saying?" Ms.Edwards snaps me out of my thoughty-world.

Taking a deep breath, I say."It's an exothermic reaction,"

"Are you sure?"She raises an eye-brow.

I hear snickers behind me. Oh well!

I close my eyes and reply," Yes, I'm sure!"

She nods."Please be attentive."

Throughout the period, my focus was on the lecture. Not once I let my mind wander off to my imaginary world. Not once I thouht about the freaking fire incident. And after forty five minutes, Ms.Edwards dismissed us earlier than the actual bell.

I gather up my stuff and insert it in my bag. I pull out my cell-phone to check any text or call and sure enough I had a text message.

'Meeting during lunch break in room 201!:)

Be ther!:}

-Chace'

Great. Meeting! Wow! Sarcasm to be noted.

'Why meeting?

-Mahiraah'

I reply as I step out of the class. The corridor was empty since the bell didn't ring yet. I haven't seen Aayan since morning. Maybe he is skipping school. Education isn't important for me because he has everything he needs. A great future and what else.

My phone vibrates. I press the button to read the text.

'Um, principal complaind that the prefect dont perform their duties well! Som kids uniforms arent propr & yada yada! So v've 2 discuss wid 'em!:)

-Chace'

The bell rings, indicating the beginning of Biology class. I quickly reply him:-

'Gr8! I'll be there!!:)

-Mahiraah'

After I replied him, I put my mobile in my pocket and make my way into Biology class. Either I was late or they were early because the entire student; eleven in total were all sitting and blinking my eyes, I sit next to Aayan without sparing him a glance.

Mr.Brackson clears his throat and smile at all of us."Now we all twelve students and I are here. LetS get to the point," He rubs his hand together as if he is very excited."Principal Franklin has allowed us to go on a field trip to Brazil to study about plants life."

"You're kidding, right?" A voice I recognize as Chace's speaks.

"Does this face looks like?" He points to his serious-grim face.

"Um, no!"Chace replies and I chuckle. He was surprised and little bit nervous.

"Aren't you excited?" Mr.Brackson looks at us skeptically.

"We're kinda adjusting to this news. I mean it is hard to swallow. "says Aayan in his posh British accent. I've heard British accents since I have lived in England and I myself have slight accent but somehow he managed to sit out from all Brits. I look at him and he was nodding towards Mr.Brakson. I mentally face-palm myself. Mr.Brakson was talking and my mind was else-where.

".....you will be given acknowledgement slips tomorrow or on Wednesday. You've to get it signed by your parents. Clear?"

I bit my lip and put up my right hand-half raising in the air.

"Yes, Ms.Furqaan?"

"Umm, when are we going again? I mean the date?" I ask.

Mr.Brakson stares at me. I hear scoffs behind me. Aayan is glancing at my way too. And suddenly I was self-conscious.

"What?"

"I already told you all,"Mr.Brakson says.

My eyes widen."I didn't hear."I mumble.

"15th of this month,"

I nod. I felt akward with everyone piercing holes at my back. I look at my book.

"You alright?"

Yeah, I was until you came along. "I'm fine, Aayan."

He doesn't say anything and I didn't bothering looking up at him.

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

The meeting ended and damn it was tiring. The fourth period had already started and Chace and I thought we can go back in fifth period. I was writing the task of prefects on the paper. Chace was revising his sixth period, English Lit test.

After ten minutes, I was done and I hand the list to Chace so he could type in the computer and print it out. He sets to work, his fingers moving gracefully on the keyboard.

"Umm, Chace?"

"Yeah?"He looks at me.

"Continue typing. I want to ask you about the fire-starter!"

"Oh, him!" He replies casually.

"Who? I frown.

"The new guy,"

"Oh, quit speaking in riddles who 'the new guy?'"

"The popstar!"

"What?" I drop my pen on the floor.

He chuckles."Trust me!"

"How do you know? I mean it might be not affirmative!" I bend down to pick my pen up.

"Well, I was in one of the cubicle when I hear him muttering 'Challenge'."He puts air quotes around the word challenge. Of course, Aayan was talking about the challenge I gave him but Chace doesn't need to know that. He continues," At first, I wasn't sure who it was so I peek out and the moment I do....I can only see his back retracing away. I lock the door and continue to shrug off my basketball practice clothes. Then, the next thing I smell fire and everywhere blazing, scorching fire which was spreading rapidly."

I nod."I'll see you in fifth period." I put all my belongings in my backpack and slung it over my shoulders.

"See ya,"

I knew where to find Aayan. He had study hall. I heard the girls discussing his schedule. Sometimes eavesdropping can be useful. I smile. I saw Aayan in the back seat, drooling over a binder. I walk over to him.

"I need to talk to you." I say.

He looks at me as if trying to recognize me."Who?"

I roll my eyes."Maahirah? Are you drunk or something?"

His eyes bulge."What the hell, Maahirah?"

"Whatever. I. Need. To. Talk. To. You." I somehow wasn't still convinced about his lack of concentration to be a temporary case.

"Oh, why? Where? Now?"

"Yeah. Now! Meet me in the corridor."

I step out and after thirty seconds (yeah, I counted) he appears.

I jump to the point."Why did you start the fire?"

"What?"

"Someone told me that you might have had started the fire!" I avoided saying Chace's name.

"Who?"

"Doesn't matter. Did you or did you not?"

He runs his hand through his messy hair and I can see his muscle flex. Wow! Focus, Maahirah! Haram thoughts out now!!

"Well, I was lighting my cigarette...."

"You were what??"I gasp.

"Lighting a cigarette?" He says casually.

"Oh my god! You smoke???"

"Yeah...sometimes!" He says confidentially.

"Ya Allah! Do you know how harmful it is?" I didn't bring Islam in it now.

"I know! I'm studying Biology! Anyways, my personal life isn't your concern. So, I kind of tossed the cigar end at the curtain or whatever it was and the fire caught on."

"Did you tell Mr.Franklin?"

He nods.

I turn around I can't bear his sight anymore. I don't know but my stomach started re-producing butterflies everywhere around it. I just need to get away from him. Great, what were you expecting, Mahiraah! Stop acting dumb!

I push open the rest-room's door and was glad to find it empty. I turn on the tap and slap the cold water on my face.

C'mon, Maahirah! What were you even thinking? Him as a normal Muslim? He is a popstart! He can do anything he likes! Anything that pleases him! He has to do to keep up with his fame! He has to go with the flow and the fashion! If he won't his reputation will fall and he won't have girl falling on his feet! Clinging to his photos to their hearts! You, my dear are just over-reacting!

Sighing, I bit my lip. I already am feeling better. As girls started filling in. Some having the coutsesy to smile at me while some just waved at me and some ignored me like the Chewing Gums (according to Fadiya); Summer, Sandra and Sally or also known as 'The S' (according to the entire school body except the teachers).

Chewing their gums, they ignored me. Sandra was the Queen bee! God, such an attitude not only her but her other two dolls. Sandra and I don't exactly have a great history in past and now we act like that we don't exist and ignore each other. As I made my way out, Sandra bumps her shoulders with mine."I'm sorry! Didn't see you here!"

Rolling my eyes I scoff."You should get an eye-check up!" With that I dash out.

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

Endurance.

One word- yet such a powerful word. I've no idea why I'm acting this way but I'm! I'm standing at the entrance of Drama class deciding where to sit. The first row is occupied by crazy fans. The second row by some jocks and Aayan and few girls; the third row is taken from few spots, I mean the chairs right behind Aayan are vacant while others are taken and the last and final row-the fourth row is completely empty. I make my way to centre and sit over there After I came to know that Aayan smokes my mind is screaming to avoid him as much as possible. Even though he got the charms but still everything about him screams 'dangerous'.

Anyways, the drama class has the whole senior section of Winters Academy. It's the only class where we're always together. The class is in square shape with four rows in the centre. A tiny stage in the centre. There is a red curtain with the school name encrusted at the top and behind the curtain there is no window except a wall.

"Hey," Fadiya sits on the right followed by Dua.

"Hi, wassup?" I say.

"Nothing much. Our Art teacher kept us busy with freaking rules,"Dua mumbles.

"What rules?"

"Oh, the usual......early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise."

I raise an eye-brow.

"I know, right!" Fadiya murmurs.

Just then, Aliza, Ellie, Amy and Grace plop next to us on both sides.

"And why are you late?" Dua asks wriggling her eye-brows.

"We were late for Physiology class and Ms.Sparks flew in sparks," Aliza scowls.

Dua, I and Fadiya laugh.

"Yeah, Laugh Out Loud-with capital L, O and L!" Amy says.

This makes us laugh harder.

Ms.Tess enters the class. She is a over-friendly teacher in her early thirties. She has her straight black hair in a bun and let me tell you her dressing is very weird. Today she wore a black pencil skirt with loose white blouse and over it a black a cardigan and a colourful scarf was draped around her torso. Weird yet classy.

"Good afternoon, class! Sorry I'm late." She smiles at us and then frowns.

"Girls," She points at us. I, immediately snap my neck towards her because I was busy observing my fingers. She continues, "Why are you sitting at the back seat?"

The whole class turns to face us.

"C'mon come and sit in these vacant seats in the third row."

I was about to protest but my friends are already getting up and Grace and Amy already made their way.

"Maahirah, dear, hurry up!"

Oh, my God, thank you so much for embarrassing me

I make my way into the third row and just my luck Aayan's sit was a little to right in the second row- Amy sat behind his chair and then I. Oh, just great.

"Okay. So we all are settled now. As I was saying Principal Franklin wants the senior section to perform a play. And in that play you all have to participate in one way or another because it is the last year of your high school and then college. Besides, its marks will be added in your finals." Ms.Tess says.

"What is the play about?" Sandra asks.

"Haven't decided yet," Her gaze sweeps at the entire class."However, if anyone of you will bring in your ideas for tomorrow's class...we can then combine all the ideas and make a brand new story."

The class claps.

Why? Don't ask me because I didn't.

Yep...there was no reason to clap.

"Oh, Ms.Tess we've 'The Famous Popstar' in this class!" Jessica Stewart squeals with air quotes around 'the famous popstar'.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

"So, I've heard! Where are you, Aayan Aslam?"

Aayan raises his hand and thank God he didn't wave this time.

"Will you like to sing?" Ms.Tess asks.

The girls scream,"YES!"

"Ms.Tess I'll love to but according to a certain someone singing in educational institution is prohibited!" Aayan says.

My eyes widen. Fadiya mouths what-the-hell.

Of course, everyone knew it was me. Duh, the scene occurred in the school cafeteria where the whole of high school is present.

"Well, I...was it a teacher? Then, she said...."

"No, Ms.Tess it was Maahirah Furqaan, the head girl." Sandra cuts her. She turns to face me and gives me a thumb up.

Sandra score 1 and Maahirah score 0.

"Maahirah? Why did you say this?"

I close my eyes and stand up."That was because...."

"She was right, Ms.Tess!"Aayan stands up and glances my way. Our eyes meet for nanoseconds but we both look away - simultaneously. He continues."I was singing in the cafeteria that was wrong, I agree but, however, if it isn't illegeal to sing now I can. If Maahirah allows?"

Ms.Tess smirks."What do you say, Ms.Furqaan?"

"Um, I don't know! It's upto you, Ms.Tess!" I sit down. My face flushes with anger and embarassement.

"Come on, up Mr.Aslam!" Ms.Tess claps.

Nodding, Aayan walks in front of the class and with one single swift of his head he looks at the whole class and once again our eyes meet but this time I look away.

"This is my recent single-Heart Break." He smiles when the girl scream.

He clears his throat and begins in his melidious voice.

"Lookin' at her eyes

There is so much you can see,

But she ain't gonna say it aloud,

She will smile even though she's broke

She will laugh even though she's broke

She won't cry in front of you

But behind the closed doors,

She weeps her eyes out

After every heart break she went.

She became strong

Every heart break..

Makes her stand ..

He stops singing and I was awe-struck. Staring at him like a maniac. Who knew he could sing so freaking well! I didn't. Everybody was clapping their hands; applauding him loudly. His friends are thumping his back, cheering for him madly. Beside me my friends are on their feet, hooting widly and in the entire class I was sitting, staring at him. His chocolate brown eyes met my green eyes and for a moment, I was lost in them. He smirks and I choke on my own spit. Coughing rapidly, I dig in my bag and pull out a water bottle. Gulping it down, I see Aayan still staring at me and my heart beat again accelerates to hundred miles per second.

Only when the bell rings after thirty seconds ring, Aayan looks away as his friends drag him away. My heart pace wasn't still normal.

"Are you alright?"Fadiya asks.

I nod as we walk away from the class.

I hate lying to her but I can't possibly tell her that a boy's stare scared the hell out of me. It was just then I realize that Aayan Aslam....is a trouble.

Just like Taylore Swift's song

I knew you were trouble.

Fadiya and Ellie are excitedly chatting about the educational trip and I'll always zone out. It's last period; PT. Coach Bolton is on a leave for a day so we are left free. Aliza and Amy have Calculas while Grace had Home Economice period. Yeah...she loves cooking!

"Do you think your parents will allow you, Maahirah? Because mine will only allow if you are allowed! We are going with Bio students but there will study Social Status something of the people, according to Ms.Johnn our Social Studies teacher." Fadiya says.

"Of course, they will allow!" I smirk.

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

"No way, Maahirah! Thats way too far!!"

"But, Dad."

"Maahirah, I know what is best for you and Brazil sounds-you know 'Devil'. I mean there will be boys and girls together without an older guidance."

"But, Dad there would be teachers too!"

"I know, Hirah-you don't have to tell me this."

I look at Mom. She gives me a sympathy look. Dad doesn't approve of me going Brazil alone even though I told him there is gonna be girls and most of all, Fadiya is with me. My parents and hers are not great but good kinda friends.

"Maahirah, go upstairs! Your Dad is tired and he needs rest and besides it's past midnight." Mom says.

"But..."I begin but Mom cuts me off.

"Go, now!" I look at her and she gives me the look that is supposed to mean go-I-will-talk-to-your-dad-in-my-own-convincing-and-appropriate-way-you-suck-in-it. She gestures me towards the stair-case.

"Well, goodnight!"I mumble.

I bounce upstairs. As soon as I enter my room, I dial Fadiya's number.

"Hello?"She answers on the first ring.

"Were you waiting for my call?" i smirk.

"Kinda. So, what happened?"

"First, you tell!"

"I got permission with a condition that you go,"

"Oh!"

"What about you?"

"I didn't!"

"WHAT? I thought you said you didn't. Stupid brain!"

"You heard correct, Dad isn't allowing!" I bit my lip.

"No, this can't be!"

I put my head on my pillow."It is!"

"What about your mom?"

"She says she will talk to dad! Lets see what happens!"

"Oh, Alhamdolillah! In Shaa Allah whatever will happen will happen for the best."

"Ameen. I'll see you tomorrow at school!"

"Yeah...In Shaa Allah! Take Care! Allah Hafiz!"

"Allah Hafiz!"With that I end the call.

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

This is unedited. 

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