"The dessert will be done in ten minutes, you guys go ahead I'll join you soon." I told Zaina as I waited for the berry pie in the oven to be ready.

"Okay, I'll take this with me." She said and picked up the drinks I had put out for us together with the homemade custard.

She left the kitchen and I crossed my arms as I leaned against the fridge.

My eyes drifted to the window and I stared at the house across for a moment before shaking my head and looking back.

The thoughts about those men earlier appeared in my mind again. I wanted to know who they were and why they tried to 'pick me up.'

It would be useless asking Walid. I knew him, he would never tell me anything.

I needed to find out. I couldn't just ignore the fact that someone had tried to kidnap me after seeing me last night in Walid's house and recognizing me.

I would find out, but now was not the right time. Everything between me and Walid was complicated. I couldn't add more things to the list before solving our current problems.

A buzzing sound made me come back to reality and I walked towards the oven. I cut the dessert and put some bites on a plate. I made sure to leave some behind in the oven for Sammy since he loved berry pie.

I took out some ice cream from the freezer and put it on the tray. Once I had everything, I left the kitchen and walked upstairs.

I made my way to our second terrace which looked out at the backyard and was not as big as our front terrace. Me and the girls decided to sit there and just relax since the weather had drastically changed in the past hour from windy to hot and sunny.

I entered the terrace and put the tray down on the table where the girls were seated. A familiar voice caught my attention suddenly and I moved to the end of the terrace to get a look over the backyard.

A sudden and unknown emotion swept over me when when I saw Walid stand in my backyard.

I had felt that emotion many times before when it came to him, but it always remained unknown. I didn't know why I couldn't figure it out, but it was always there...

I noticed my father standing beside him. They were doing some work on the trampoline and I remembered my father had said he needed to fix the trampoline since it was Sammy's birthday tomorrow and he wanted a birthday party in the backyard with his friends.

But, my father would never ask Walid for help, then how did Walid end up there?

Deciding to ask my father later, my eyes turned back to Walid and I watched how focused he was on a rod in front of him. A small frown formed on his face while he tried to focus and the strong sunlight hit him right on the face.

A smile appeared on my lips as I watched him not give up and soon enough complete the task.

Shaking my head, I straightened and went back to the outdoor table. "Jasmin. I really need to know. After everything Walid did to you, how could you walk with him today as if nothing was wrong...?" Raina trailed off.

"And how is he with your father, in your backyard, helping him? Doesn't uncle know what he did to you?" Dania asked.

I took a seat beside Zaina and leaned back in my seat with a sigh.

"There is something I have to tell you. But honestly, not right now. Trust me I don't want to keep it away from you guys and I've had a hard time hiding it from you. But I promise, I'll tell you very soon I just have to talk to someone first." I explained and they all shared knowing glances with each other before giving me a look.

"You mean someone or Walid?" Dania asked and I slumped back in my chair.

They knew me too well and I knew they had understood something was up from the start. However, they didn't want to put pressure on me which I appreciated a lot.

"Walid." I confirmed.

"Whatever it is, take your time. I understand it's something serious. But no matter what, all of us will be by your side don't ever doubt on that." Dania reassured and I couldn't help but smile widely at them.

"I love you all so much. I don't know what I would do without you guys." I spoke honestly.

"Okay stop being cheesy, let's talk about Sarah's wedding, I can't believe it's just around the corner." Zaina said, referring to our friend's wedding which was just in a few weeks.

As they all started to talk about every minor detail of the wedding, I slowly disappeared to the thoughts of the man in my backyard as my head slowly tilted to the side to see just a glimpse of him.

What had my life turned into...

~

I followed the girls to our front yard and waited by the driveway as a car pulled up in front of us and stopped.

We hadn't spent much time together since Zaina and Raina's mother had called and informed them about their father not feeling well. Their brother had taken him to the hospital and came to pick up the girls since they got worried.

Yusuf stepped out of the car and Zaina rushed towards him. "How is he? Is he alright?" She asked with stress filled in her voice.

I heard the front door of my house open and I swung around to see my mother stepping towards us. Just then, my father together with Walid appeared from the backyard.

"Don't worry it's nothing major. Get in the car we'll go the the hospital after dropping Dania at her house." I turned back around as Yusuf spoke.

"No, I'll follow you to the hospital. Let's go." Dania said and tried to calm the sisters.

I was about to tell them I wanted to follow them too but my eyes moved to Yusuf and last night's events passed in my mind. The night Walid had reacted that way..

Shaking away the thought, I walked up to them and gave Zaina a hug as I tried to comfort her. "Don't worry Zaina, we'll pray for him he will get better." I wiped away her tears and helped her sit in the backseat.

Raina on the other hand was calm and collected as she tried to stay strong. I gave her a smile which she returned before getting in the car.

I turned to Dania before she could get in the car. "Take care of them." I said and she nodded before hugging me goodbye and joining the girls in the car.

I heard my parents talk to Yusuf and turned around to see them standing close by as they sent their prayers to his father to get well soon. Walid was standing a bit away with an emotionless expression like always.

His eyes moved towards me and I quickly looked away as I made my way towards my parents.

"I'll inform her. I'll go now, take care." Yusuf said and turned around but stopped when he saw me. "I'll remind them to call you when we find out something." He added hastily and I nodded.

"Thank you. Take care of everyone. I hope he gets well soon." I replied and he nodded before rushing away.

"Jasmin, why didn't you go with them?" My mother suddenly asked, making me feel more guilty than I already felt.

My eyes automatically turned to Walid only to find his dark eyes already pierced on me. I gave him an icy look before composing myself and turning back to my parents.

"I wanted to but I thought it's not good for so many people to go to the hospital. I'm sure their whole family is there so it would be too crowded.." I trailed off.

"Yes it's true. We can go tomorrow but I hope he gets well so he can go home tonight." My mother said and I nodded.

Both my parents went back inside, lost in their thoughts, most probably about my friends father.

Sighing, I stepped forward to follow them but someone blocked my way. I crossed my arms and looked up at Walid.

"I can take you to the hospital if you want." He suggested and I raised an eyebrow at him.

"There's no need for that. And don't think I didn't follow them because I was scared of you. I care about Yousef like a brother so I didn't want your psycho self hurt or humiliate him in any way because I know how low you can fall." I informed and walked past him.

"Can you come later, to your backyard? I need to talk to you." His words made my steps halt.

I sucked in a breath but didn't look back. "I don't know, I'll see." I said before disappearing into my house.

~

I thanked God over and over again as I cut the call. I had just gotten a call from Raina informing me that their father had been discharged and he was completely fine.

She told me it was nothing serious with his condition and I was so happy to hear that. I had told her to rest and take care before cutting the call.

Just a while ago, I had prayed my evening prayer and made lots of prayers for their father.

I stood up and walked out of my room. I wanted to inform my parents but remembered they had already gone to sleep. I decided to give them the good news tomorrow since they were tired.

Both of them had been busy preparing for Sammy's birthday which was tomorrow. I also found out from my father that he had earlier come across Walid outside. Walid had noticed my father carrying heavy stuff for the trampoline and had helped him with it. That explained his visit in our backyard....

Making my way to the kitchen, my eyes landed on the clock. It was twelve already. he had said he wanted me to come to the backyard...

I knew he was there by now waiting for me since the lights in the neighborhood turns off at twelve, making it pitch black everywhere with barely anyone outside.

My heart started beating faster and I sat down on a chair with a sigh. I didn't know why he wanted me to come, or what he wanted to talk about. I was more than nervous....

I debated on whether I should've just gone to sleep and tell him I forgot he wanted to meet. But then again, knowing him, I would not get away with it so easily.

I didn't know why I was so stressed and disturbed. I just needed to go and talk to him then come back home. What was the big deal in that....?

Deciding to go and meet him, I stood up and turned towards the door. But my steps halted when a thought entered my mind.

I had earlier gone to Walid's house, in hope to talk to him about my friends and hoping he would also tell me whatever he wanted to talk about. It was a way of trying to not meet him in the backyard late at night....

However, the man standing outside his door had told me Walid was not home. I had thanked him for informing me and proceeded to leave.

Just then, my stupidity of caring too much had made me stop and ask them if Walid had eaten anything.

The man dressed in all black had also been taken aback by the question but he had quickly replied with a no. He had even informed me that whenever Walid would come home late, which was almost every night, the man himself would bring food for him from outside.

I had left his house feeling bad. The one week I spent with Walid, had made me realize how he didn't sleep and eat well. In fact, he was that type who had to be reminded to eat even if he hadn't eaten all day long.

I understood that living as my neighbor, had made it worse since he didn't have anyone here to remind him to take care of himself. Back at the beach house, Razza uncle used to do that. In the Aydin mansion, he probably had his mother who took care of him and looked after his food.

But here, he didn't have anyone.

Making my mind, I pulled out a tray and plates to serve some food. I poured water in a glass and looked over the plate one last time before turning off the lights and leaving the house through the front door. I stepped into the backyard and put the tray on a table to the side.

I looked around in the darkness but couldn't find him anywhere. I stepped forward and tried to spot him. I realized he wasn't anywhere in sight and my shoulders slumped unwillingly with a sigh.

I had thought he had come earlier when the lights in the neighborhood had turned off and was probably already waiting for me. But I was wrong. That man wouldn't wait for anyone...

Turning around, I stomped back towards my house with a newfound anger.

I fiddled with my hands and a scowl appeared on my face at the thought of him not coming. He was the one who called me there yet he was the one missing....

I had only taken a few steps when I looked up and stepped back in surprise. Even in the darkness, I knew who was standing in front of me.

"Did the prince arrive? Is it time to bow and say hello?" I asked, the irritation clear in my voice.

"If that's what you wanna do then go ahead." I heard the amusement in his voice as he stepped closer.

I stepped back and tried to hide my nervousness with a huff. "What did you want to talk about? Tell me quick, I don't have time." I said, my arms crossed.

"I've been waiting for you here almost an hour and you are the one complaining.....? Interesting." He stated, making me stop and think about his words.

"I didn't know you were waiting...." I finally said, having a difficult time finding my words.

Silence fell upon us and I looked around in the darkness. I moved towards the front yard and found a lantern by a chair. I picked up the lantern and went back. 

Without looking at him, I put the lantern on the table where I had put his food. "My father told me to bring you food, you should eat." I lied as I put the plates and the glass of water on the table before holding the tray and turning to him.

He was standing close to me and I could finally see him because of the light of the lantern.

Walid gazed at me expressionlessly, almost as if he was studying me in his mind. His gaze made me shift in my spot and wait for him to make fun of me and then leave without eating the food.

But to my surprise, he sat down by the table quietly. I stared at him for a moment before hiding my surprise and taking a seat on the chair opposite him as I put the empty tray on my lap.

"Where did you go earlier? You weren't home?" I hesitated before finally asking.

"Had some work to do." He replied and started eating the food in front of him.

"Did something happen?" I asked.

I didn't know how he would react to my question. But the times I had spent with him were enough to show me how busy man he actually was. He would always be on his feet or by his laptop. But, he usually finished all his work before midnight.

Him disappearing so late happened only when something wasn't right...

"Other than me coming here and getting poisoned by you with this food, nothing special." He said, his words making me straighten as a glare formed on my face.

"You don't need to insult the food. My mother made it with love and affection" I let out.

"So, you made it with love and affection? I didn't know. I would be a bit nicer if I had known." He spoke, his words making me gasp in shock.

"How did you know-"

"It tastes like prison food, so obviously you made it." " He interrupted and finished by gulping down the water.

I stared back at him, trying to find a trace of emotion on his handsome face. Anything that told me he was annoying me on purpose. But like always, he was good at hiding it.

"Everyone loves my handmade food! If you didn't like it, why did you eat it?" I finally let out, looking down at the empty plate and then back at him with and raised eyebrow.

I had never seen his plate finished before. He would always leave almost half of the food on his plate. But now, he finished all the food which he referred to as poison...

"I was hungry." He shrugged, leaning back on the chair.

"I hope you get poisoned for real." I shoot back and stood up.

He followed my movement, making me frown. I tried to ignore him and rounded the table before walking towards the front of the house. But he suddenly appeared in front of me, blocking my way.

Scowling, I tried to walk past him but once again, he blocked my way.

I tried to stay calm and turned back around, without looking at him.

I hastily made my way towards the back, my destination unknown since our backyard was big but there was nowhere I would be able to get out.

My steps halted and a sigh left my lips as I swung around. He stood inches away from me, his arms crossed.

"I appreciate that you're fangirling and following me like a lost puppy but please, manners." I started, knowing where to aim at.

I noticed him stiffen and mentally smirked. "What did you say? Like a lost puppy? Me?" He let out, sounding displeased.

"You're acting like one." I shrugged.

Thanks to the darkness, I couldn't see his face which hid from me a warning I needed.

One second I was standing on my feet, the next I was picked up bridal style and before I could register what was happening, I was thrown away and I shrieked in fear.

I thought Walid had the audacity to throw me on the hard ground. But when I landed on a soft material which made me bounce up and down a few times before coming to a stop, I realized what he had threw me onto.

Without being able to stop it, I laughed and looked around the net for Walid as my laughter slowly died down.

I tried to sit up when I saw him leaning against the side of the trampoline the net pushed back beside him.

Suddenly, the mattress moved and I fell back on it. "What did you say earlier?" I heard him ask as I slowly sat up and turned towards him.

My eyes almost widened when I noticed he was holding the rope attached to the mattress. Which meant he could....

A sudden movement made me fall back again. "Stop it." I laughed out, panic striking me as I tried to stand up.

My eyes moved to Walid and gave him a warning look, but he only smirked in satisfaction as he pulled on the rope again, making me bounce to the side.

"You're not getting out of here until you make up for your mistake." He stated arrogantly.

"Mistake? I called you lost puppy who walks around after me like a lost puppy? I was only speaking the truth." I said back but regretted it when I bounced to the side.

I looked around and knew I just had to get to Walid's side and then he wouldn't be able to bounce me around since the rope was attached underneath in the middle, where I was at the moment.

"Another mistake." He shook his head and I bounced around again.

I sat up and gathered all my energy and hastily clambered towards him. Before he could react, I took a hold of the rope.

"Stop it Walid. Let me get out!" I laughed and tried to pull on the rope as he held it firmly. He could've pushed me away any moment and I would roll back to the middle, but he didn't. He was standing still as he held the rope.

My movements stopped suddenly as the laughter died down and I slowly looked up at him. My hands and body started to shake and I unwillingly shivered when I noticed the intense gaze of his on me.

We stared at each other like that for what felt like entirety. I noticed such a deep emotion for the first time in those dark eyes, and I knew he was cursing himself for showing even that.

He moved back suddenly, and looked away from me. I came back to my sense and looked down to see he had released the rope.

I let go of it too and looked up at the sky. A smile erupted on my face and I moved back to the middle. "Walid, can you come here please?" I asked hopefully.

He looked at me confused but to my surprise didn't argue as he joined me. I smiled and laid down on my back. I noticed Walid's gaze on me but waited for him.

It took him a moment before he finally laid down beside me, the sides of our heads almost touching.

His cologne filled the air around me and I closed my eyes for a moment as I slyly inhaled the scent that I was used to but still made me breathless every time I came close to it.

"Doesn't the sky look beautiful?" I smiled, gazing up at the stars. "You know, ever since I was a little kid, I've loved going to the terrace at midnight to gaze at the stars. I feel an unknown type of calmness surround me."

My eyes were fixed on the sky. There were so many stars it felt like it would take me years to count all of them.

The net around the trampoline made the sky look round and even more beautiful as we stared up.

"You said you wanted to talk about something important. I have sensed it's something you're not comfortable talking about?" I finally said.

"The stars won't make me calm." He stated abruptly. I could feel his eyes turn towards me and my breath unwillingly hitched. It felt like he wanted to say something, but held himself back.

"Okay." I almost whispered out, my head turning to my right side, my eyes meeting his.

I was surprised at myself. I had never expected to be that kind of calm and collected with Walid being so close to me.

Instead of being uncomfortable, I had felt relief sweep over me when I had felt his presence beside me.

It was strange and I didn't know why I was being like that.

Maybe I started seeing Walid as a friend....or was it more than just that...?

"Your mother arranged divorce papers." His words made me stiffen. "She gave them to me today, and wanted me to sign."

My eyes turned back to the sky as his words repeated in my mind. My mother had sent him divorce papers? That too without asking me?

I knew my mother wasn't over my forced marriage yet. To be honest, none of us were. But the only difference was that she cared about my future while I let life take me wherever I was destined for.

I knew my mother and she didn't dislike Walid. Deep down, she couldn't dislike anyone. That's just the type of person she was. However, she becomes very protective when it comes to me. That's probably why she took such a big step.

"What did you do?" I finally asked, turning to look at him as the light of the midnight moon illuminated on his face.

I realized looking into those dark eyes, made my shoulders slump and a feeling of relaxation hit me.

The stars would be so disappointed...

"I didn't want to upset her so I asked for some time. She said I have two weeks on me to sign or else she'll force me to do so." He finished, his lip twitching as a smile formed on his lips.

I stared at him for a moment before letting out a laugh at the whole situation. I didn't know why I was taking it so lightly.

"Her threats are empty." I assured.

My mother was special and everyone knew it. After loosing her daughter at such young age, she looked at life in a whole other way. She taught us to be that way too, to show gratitude.

"Aren't you happy  your mother is doing what you want? You're the one who wanted to get rid of me days ago." His words made my smile drop.

What was I supposed to say to him now? Did I even want a divorce anymore? What did I even want?

I didn't know....I was at the most confused stage in my life.

"I do want to get rid of you." I said in a serious tone. I looked at him, our eyes met.  "And the only way to do that is for me to murder you!"

In a swift movement, he pulled me on top of him, my arms resting on his chest as he wrapped his arms around me.

I couldn't help but snicker as I watched him. "Will I ever leave your mind if you do that?" He asked, holding me even tighter.

"Hmm, hopefully." I pretended to think. "I mean, it would be my first murder so obviously it'll take time to get over it. Two months tops."

"That's a generous amount of time." I held back my smile at his words. "It's decided then. Instead of waiting around for someone unworthy to kill me, I'll die by your hands."

My smile dropped and I smacked his chest. "Why are you uttering such vile words? Don't say that again."

I tried to move, feeling distressed at the mere thought, but he held me firmly.

"Relax. I'm not leaving so soon." He said sheepishly.

"Shut up!"

"Okay."

Walid sat up abruptly, making me look at him confused before I got away from his lap quickly. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion when he stared at something behind me.

Before I could ask him, he put his finger on my lips to silence me.

He removed his finger and spoke up. "There's someone there." He announced, his voice lowered.

My eyes widened in shock as I stared at our neighbors house. Our neighbor to the left were none other than little grandma and her family. However, I wasn't sure if it was little grandma who was there at the moment since I couldn't see anyone.

I looked back only to see Walid had already gotten down from the trampoline.

I clambered towards him and he picked me up by the waist as if he was picking up feather and put me down, my feet meeting the ground.

"How do you know? I didn't hear anyone and no one's there?" I whispered while I trailed behind him.

"Look for yourself." He said and moved a branch of our tree and their house came in view to my eyes. My eyes widened and a small gasp left my lips when I saw little grandma make her way inside her house with the help of her cane.

I swung around and stared at Walid in shock. "Did she see us?" I asked panicked and he shook his head.

"I heard her the moment she opened her door, we were gone before she could see us." He explained. Sometimes I wondered if he had supernatural powers....but then again little grandma could also have those powers because how did she even know someone was here..?

As if realizing the look on my face, Walid spoke up. "She probably heard us and came to check. Why are you so damn scared of her?" He asked, sounding a bit annoyed.

"I am not scared of her but her actions. You should be too! I've told you before she is dangerous but you don't listen." I stated, making him shake his head as if I was the stupidest woman on this planet.

Walid silently moved to his house and I followed him until he was standing outside his front door. He turned around, looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

"I want to do something, let me in." I said before he could question.

Walid's expression turned into an amused one and I realized how wrongly he took whatever I said. "I-I mean, not like that-just open the door."

He unlocked the door without question and we stepped inside. Walid turned the lights on and my eyes immediately moved to the windows in his living room but thankfully the curtains were covering us from the view outside.

Walid stopped by the doorway and leaned against it, watching me with crossed arms.

I ignored him and moved towards the smart tv. I turned it on before looking for the video I wanted. I finally found it and put it on.

The verses from our holy book, the Quran, filled the room and I adjusted the volume.

"Walid, have this on and don't turn it off. It will protect your house from evil." I said and put away the remote.

"What will you do if I turned it off?"

I sighed and walked up to him. "Then I will pray to God and ask him that whatever evil that woman or anyone in this world is planning for you, should befall upon me.....not you." I whispered the last words and stared at him for a moment.

The heated gaze on me made me step to the side and quickly leave his house. I didn't know why I had expressed that too him. What would he think of me now?

Shaking my head, I went back to my backyard to pick up the trays and plates. I had to take them now and wash them or my mother would see and ask me about them in the morning. I wouldn't like lying to her...

As I turned around, to walk back inside through the front door since the back door was locked and I didn't  have keys, my steps halted and I froze.

My hands started shaking and I had a hard time gripping the tray and my fingers wanted to give up.

I stared at the pair of eyes which stared back at me in the darkness. I knew those eyes, it was little grandma's eyes...

I wanted to scream and cry because I was scared. Only her eyes were showing as she looked at me through the tree, making the whole situation scarier.

I came back to my sense and ran. I ran to the front and inside my house before locking the door hastily. I put the tray on the table and walked over to the window. I slowly pulled the curtains and my breath hitched and a loud scream left my lips as I fell back on the ground.

I screamed and screamed, as the image of her face so close to me didn't leave my mind. Tears streamed down my face and I was fully crying when the lights turned on.

"Jasmin!" I heard my parents voice as they kneeled down beside me. I quickly hugged my father and cried as my sister's image repeated in my mind.

"What happened Jasmin? What's wrong?" My mother asked in panic.

"I saw her.....I saw Ansara..." I finally breathed out and cried out louder as I gripped onto my father, her image outside my window repeating again and again in my mind.