Chapter Two:

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"What! You started before us! What happened to 'lets do it tommorow?"Jafar scolded me and frowned. I sighed loudly and placed my tray on the table and sat down.

The cafeteria was packed with all the students as we sat down. I came to school this morning energized an happy that I actually solved the first ayat, but Ja'far seen differently.

"I already told you Jafar, mom helped me. Well, she kinda did because she told me that hard work was a must, like the prophet did which is how I got it. It wasn't my fault it came to me." Jafar narrowed his eyes at me and shook his head.

"Excuses, excuses, excuses. You wanted to do it yourself. I mean just tell me, Imran and I'll back off." My eyes widened as I gaped at him.

"Dude I was serious. It just came to me." Imran nodded his head and gave me a 'don't i know' look.

"Yah. Sure. Like how the whole idea that you can do it yourself came to you huh?" I sighed loudly and shook my head.

Someone slammed their tray on the table as I jerked my head upwards and sighed when I seen Abdullah. Just as I was about to tell him I found out what the ayat meant, Jafar beat me to its.

"Abdullah, Imran doesn't need us anymore. He apparently 'grew too good ' to be our friends and solved the ayat by himself." Abdullah gaped at me and shoved his tray away as he looked me in the eye.

"You solved the ayat!? When did that happen?" I sighed and told him everything.

Abdullah nodded his head and gave me a blank expression until he grinned widely. "Wow. Mash'Allah that's great man. Now we only have a couple left." I nodded my head and smiled as Jafar starred at Abdullah shocked.

"He solved it himself. Does that not bother at all Abdullah?" Abdullah shrugged and bit into his sandwich. Jafar shook his head in disappointment and pushed his tray away from himself.

"Well since everyone is dandy with you solving that one by yourself, I call the next one. You can't see it until I solve it. Capesh?" I smirked and shook my head. The lunch arbor became louder and louder by the second so we grew closer and whispered amongst ourselves.

"Only if you can handle it Jafar. I mean the first one was suppose to be the easiest one. If you couldn't solve that one then... I don't know man, but give it a shot and tell me when you give up." He smiled and shrugged.

"I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. He's going to take a while." I laughed as Jafar glared at Abdullah who was laughing his face off.

We stood and started for the door when a loud scream erupted from the back of the cafeteria. I frowned and turned around and followed the noise. A huge crowd formed in the middle of the cafeteria as everyone stormed to see what happened.

I shrugged and walked away. This was a usual thing in a high school. Boys fight like peacocks just to show off their skill in order to attact others. It was pointless and stupid so I didn't want to waist my time watching when something caught my eye.

In the middle of the crowd, I spotted a pink hijab amongst all the heads and frowned. No one wore a hijab in this school. I frowned until it hit me.

The new girl. Anisa.

What was Anisa doing in a crowd?

Jafar noticed the same time I did and frowned as he turned to me. Abdullah on the other hand looked shocked. We stood there until their words became evident.

"...Towel Head! Get out of the school!" My heart hurt as their words flooded my ears. My hands instantly clenched as my eyes blazed with anger.

How dare they.

I stormed over to the crowds and pushed through until I spotted Anisa as she hung her head in despair as their words became louder and louder. All the cheerleaders crowded the area as everyone snickered and laughed at her.

I shoved through the last person as Alex came into view, leaning on the wall next to Anisa.

"Come on. Prove your not bald. Take it off." Everyone instantly shared chanting 'Take. It. Off' as the crowd grew bigger and bigger.

I pushed into the middle as all noise seized. All eyes were on me as I stood up and glared at Alex, who looked startled for a second. He smirked and eyed me up and down.

I wasn't an intimidating guy, but nothing gets in my way when I was angered. How dare they say that to her?

Alex stood up and crossed his arms as everyone watched for his reaction to everything. Alex wasn't a scary guy either. He was tall with broad shoulders and muscles that any guy would have. The only part of him that most found intimidating would be his piercing blue eyes. Eyes that would look into your soul. Eyes of a hawk looking for prey.

I stood up and matched his glare as he took a step towards me.

"Who are you?" I narrowed my eyes at him disgustingly and glared at him.

"That's none of your business. What do you think your doing to her?" He looked surprised that I didn't cower away and smiled.

"What is she to you? Your girlfriend? Tell us since your her night and shinning armor. Is she bald?" He smiled as everyone hooted for him. I frowned and shook my head sadly.

"She's like a sister to me you idiot. She's a muslim, and you of all people should know why she wears that. Get a life and stop bullying girls for a change. It would actually make you more of a man." His face turned stone cold as he dropped his hands at his sides and stood an inch in front of me. His breath fanned my face as I stopped my self from throwing up.

"What did you say to me?" I opened my mouth to respond but stopped as everyone scattered around and ran when Mr. Flemings stalked towards us.

"Mr. Sanders. Mr. Ahmed. My office. Now." His face hardened as I sighed and walked to the office. As I turned around, I heard a faint voice behind me silently curse him and in that second I knew that Anisa made du'a against him. I looked down and walked, knowing that the dua of the oppressed is never ignored.

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We walked into the office and sat down. Mr. Flemings gave me a expressionless look and turned to Alex with a frown.

"Does anyone want to tell me what happened?"

Alex sat up and rested his hands on the table and addressed him. "Sir I swear I was doing was engaging in a conversation with the new girl when he butted in. I was welcoming her." I shook my head in disbelief as Mr. Flemings gave him a glare.

"Since when is humiliating someone in front of the entire student body, welcoming them?" I remained quiet and watched as Alex sat back down in his chair with a sigh.

"Mr. Sanders you know better than to criticize someone on what they wear. I specifically remember telling you this before, you don't rule the school Alex. There are certain rules and regulations that you must follow, and bullying is one of them. Bullying is strictly forbidden in this school, do you understand?" Alex hung his head between his hands and nodded slowly.

Mr. Flemings sat up in his chair and turned to me.

"Mr. Ahmed." I sat up and rested my hands on the chair and nodded my head.

"Mr. Flemings." He sighed and nodded his head at Alex.

"You are dismissed and if I ever hear that you resulted in any type of bullying in my school again, I promise you Alex, I will expel you." Alex gulped and nodded his head and made a new line for the door.

He's always been afriad of getting expelled , ever since his father came to school and threatened to send him to a boarding school. His father and mother divorced after his mother embraced Islam, which is why he always hated me. He blamed me and islam for his families divorce. When his mother left, his dad took him in. His father was the board of state and expected his son to take his spot when he grew older. Alex never seen it in himself and told his dad but his dad pressured him and pushed him to be like him. I felt sorry for him every time his dad would yell at him in front of the whole school. Alex wasn't a bully at heart, he just liked to feel superior outside of his house, to relieve himself from all the anger inside of him because of his father.

I sighed as Alex closed the door an cleared my throat. "Mr. Flemings please don't expel him. It would crush him and his father." Mr. Flemings gave me a sympathetic smile and sighed.

"You always were the nicer one. Imran tell me what happened today." I nodded and began.

"We were eating lunch when someone screamed. I turned around and seen Anisa, the new girl, crowded by everyone as Alex cornered her. He pressured her to take off the hijab. You see Mr. Flemings, the hijab is crucial to the female in islam. It's a part of her and covers no only her hair but also her modesty. She looked so vulnerable when the whole school went against her. I'm sorry but I couldn't stand there and watch. I had to do something, even if it was to fight with Alex. We started to bicker but you know what happened after that." He smiled at me as nodded his head.

"I get it son. You defend her, which is the right thing to do. I just, I can't let you off without a punishment. The whole school seen that you almost engaged in a fight so it would be unfair to suspend Alex, and not you even though you had a logical reason for it. I hope you understand that Imran. " I slumped down in my chair and nodded my head.

" that's okay. I get it." He gave me a fake smile and gave me a suspension slip.

"It's only for the remainder of the day and tomorrow. I'm sorry son but it must be done. I'll have to talk to Alex father so your dismissed. Have a nice day." I stood and grabbed my backpack and tucked the slip in my back pocket.

"You too sir." I stepped out and shut the door only to come face to face with Alex. He scratched the back of his head and gave me a sad smile.

"Hey man, I'm a sorry for everything. I knew why she wore it, it's just-it's just the guys thought it was funny and she reminded me of mom. I'm sorry if I offended you." I smiled and shook my head and slipped on my jacket.

"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to Alex." I gestured behind him to Anisa who stood there with her head down.

Alex smiled and nodded his head as he walked towards her. He spoke with his head down and said sorry but she ignored him and walked away.

I sighed and took out the slip. I hope mom would understand.

I walked towards my car when someone called my name from behind me. I frowned and turned around when Anisa stopped and looked down.

"Um, sorry to bother you but I just wanted to say thank you for what you did back there. I thought no one would help. Jazakallah." I smiled and looked away.

"No need to thank me. I just did what had to be done. Just--just stay away from them okay?" She nodded and looked up at me but I immediately looked down.

"J-jazakallah."she said one last time and fast walked away from me.

I stood there for a while and rubbed my head in confusion. What do I do know? I can't stay here and moms at work. Hana's at school so I can't stay with her either. I decided to go to the masjid and smiled.

I walked to the car and opened it, throwing my bag in the passenger seat while the car started with a roar.

The masjid was two blocks away so I got there in five minutes and parked the car.

The clear blue sky let out a warm feeling as spring flowers surrounded the masjid. It was a beautiful day, made me kinda glad I got suspended. The masjid was empty as I took off my shoes and walked through the massive doors.

The place looked majestic Mash'Allah. The pillars looked magnificent an tall as the roof merged with the tips of them. The white, spotless walls shined when the sunlight hit them. There were windows on each side of the masjid, each with a beautiful glow. Loads of kitabs were centered on the shelf in the middle of the room next to the member, where the iman made lectures from.

I walked to the middle of the room and silently prayed my two rak'as. I finished my prayer and made astaghfar (supplications) when a faint echo arose from the side of the masjid.

I turned and seen the imam huddled in the side of the masjid reading the Quran silently to himself. I smiled and stood up and walked to him.

"Asalamu Ala'ikum Ya shaykh." He looked up at me and immediately put a smiled on his face. His face glowed with noor (light) as he stood and gave me a hug.

"Ya Allah! Imran. How are you my son? I haven't seen you in a long time Subhana'Allah." I smiled sheeply and remembered that the last time we spoke was when my father died. I usually prayed at the masjid near the house, not this one so it had been a while.

"I'm sorry I haven't come bye. School just started and mom need me during Ramadan." He chuckled and pulled me down so I could sit next to him.

"It's fine. How are you? How's Khadijah? I haven't seen her since your father passed away, may Allah grant him jannahtul Firdose inshallah." I nodded my head and played with my nails.

"She's fine alhamdullilah, and so is Hana. How are you though? I see your beard grew longer than ever before. How's Aunty Isra?" He smiled and closed the kitab.

"She's doing great. She's due in a couple of months and is being really cranky now adays. But it's all women so I consider her fine." I laughed and shook my head.

"Wallahi to tell you the truth mom is the same since she's due soon too." He chuckled and soon stopped and gave me a sad smile.

"You look more like your father since you've grown Imran. Dawud. We were like brother before he passed away. May Allah give him a better life in jannah inshallah." I nodded my head and crossed my legs.

"Can you tell me more about him? Umi wouldn't tell me without crying so I stopped asking her. I want to know more about dad when he was younger. It kinda makes me feel better." He nodded his head and cracked a smile.

"Aren't you suppose to be at school Imran. You know your dad hates it when you and your band of friends left school." I smiled and shook my head.

"Trust me sir, I didn't leave willingly." He dropped the subject and looked down.

"Your father was a pious yet brave man. He was loved by everyone. His mother, Aminah, loved him the most of all her sons because he was the one closest to her. When she passed away he stopped talking for days and just cried for her until there were no more tears left. He loved her which was why he hates it when a women was oppressed or hurt by men. He respected them and defended them when something would happen to them." I nodded my head and smiled.

"He also loved to eat food. He loved eating food whenever it was available. I remember the first days he married your mother he loved her so much. But I always thought it was because she was known to be the best cook it town." I laughed and shook my head when he smiled at me.

"I'm just kidding. Your father and mother loved each other ever since the day they met. They met in this masjid program. Your mother was one of the cookers during Ramadan and would cook the best food in town. Everyone would come and taste her wonderful cooking, including your father. He used to help pass out the food to everyone. One day your mother was carrying the food to one of the boys that passed it back. The food was really heavy and she couldn't see where she was going. She walked but in front of her, one of the little boys dropped a shoe and she almost slipped but your father caught her and stopped the fall. Two months later they married and a year later you were born. It was a match made in heaven. May Allah reunite them in jannah inshallah." I said 'ameen' and wiped a tear that escaped my eyes.

I couldn't help it. Dad and mom loved each other so much. Now she has to live the rest of her life without him.

I smiled and jumped when my phone vibrated in my pocket. Imam Musa smile at me and nodded. I checked the call and noticed that mom texted me to pick up hana from school.

"It's mom. I have to pick up Hana in about ten minutes." He smiled and gasped.

"Oh! I almost forgot to tell you but your father gave this to me before he died. He told me you would know what it is." I frowned and waited for him to take it out.

Dad left me something other than the will?

Imam Musa returned and handed me a box. The box looked old and dusty as he blew at it and smiled.

"I'm sorry Imran, but I left it in a cabinet for three months. It's been a while." He handed it to me and looked t the time.

"Oh! Subhana'Allah its already two o'clock. I have to leave, can you close the door when you pick up Hana please?" I nodded my head and smiled.

"Sure. Asalamu A'laikum Imam Musa. I'll see you soon inshallah." He gave me a hug and walked away.

I looked at the box and twirled it around. How would you open it?

I stopped when I noticed a key hole in the side of the box and frowned.

What happen to the keys? I shrugged and stuffed it into my bag and closed the masjid doors.

I walked to my car and smiled when my phone rang. Jafar was calling.

I plugged my phone into the car as I drove and smiled when Jafars loud voice beamed through the speakers.

"Imran! Hey man. How are you holding up?" I sighed and turned into Hana's school street.

"Being suspended is actually kinda fun. You should try it some time." He laughed and I herd shuffling of keys at the other end.

"Hey man, I just wanted to tell you were coming to your house right now okay?" I smirked and parked the and parked the car in front of the elementary school.

"Okay but bring pizza. The one from the halal store. Get the getto and cheese not the chicken. Hana doesn't like chicken pizza." Jafar whined thy chicken was his favorite but said yes anyways.

I turned of the phone as hana opened the door and beamed at me. "Imran! Your picking me up today!" I smiled and nodded my head.

"Yup. Moms at work so I picked you up. Want pizza?" She squealed and put on the seat belt as I zoomed out of the school parking lot and drove home.

Hana told me about her shook and everything she learned there. I smiled and laughed when she asked me what I was doing picking her up. Such a smart girl.

"I came out of school early Hana. Why? You don't want me to pick you up anymore." She gaped at me and hugged my hand to her face.

"No! I was just saying that you usually have school so mom picks me up! I love you Imran. Your my favorite brother." I laughed and parked the car at the house.

"I'm your only brother sweetie." Hana smiled when quran beamed through the streets from the left. I shook my head when Jafars car came into view and stopped next to mine.

"Jafar didn't I tell you to lower the volume! The neighbors are going to fuss about this soon." He shrugged and tossed his keys to Abdullah who shook his head.

"I tried to tell him, but sometimes it's like talking to a rock. He never listens!" I smiled and opens the door a the smell of pizza enveloped my taste buds.

We ate as Hana watched Nick Jr. In the living room.

"So what did you do while we were at school?" Abdullah asked with his mouth full. I shrugged and continued eating my pizza.

"I went to visit Imam Musa and we talked." I smiled and rinsed my hands
and took out the box.

"Oh! And he told me about dad and gave this." Abdullah grabbed the box and shook it. There was obviously something inside so Abdullah looked at the key hole and frowned.

"Where's the key?" I shrugged and shook my head.

"There isn't one. Dad gave him the box and nothing else." Jafar looked lost and shook his head.

"So your dad left you a box with no lock. How are you suppose to open it?" I shook my head moved to the sink to wash the dishes before mom came.

"Subhana'Allah this is just getting harder and harder. First we have a will to decipher and now we have a locked box to open. With no key might I add." Jafar huffed and shook his head.

I finished cleaning the last dish and wiped my hands. "Guys it's getting late, how about we meet up tomorrow and inshallah we'll get the answes we need."

Abdullah's and Jafar frowned as I smiled. "What do you mean?"

"I think I know someone who could help." I smiled as Abdullah shook his head and smiled.

"Again with the secretive attitude. Sure. Whatever you say. Just be sure to tell us." I nodded and smirks at Jafar.

"Oh and be sure to solve the ayat soon okay?" He glared at me and shook his head.

"I'm going to get it Imran. Watch." I smiled and waved as the left and grabbed my phone.

Mom said that she would be staying at the store late tonight. She owned a small store that dad left and worked there now. I work there on the weekend and mom and her worker do it on the weekdays.

I walked to the living room and smiled when i seen hana sleeping while Sophia the First played on TV. I quietly shut off the tv and picked her up and walked her to her room.

She snored silently and smiled when I kissed her forehead. "Daaadddyy." She mumbled and sighed as she wrapped the blanket around her self.

I froze when she called me dad and smiled. She remembered him. He used to kiss her goodnight wen she was really young.

"Sweet dreams sweetie." I whispered and walked to the door.

I close the door and prayed in my room. It was Maghrib time so I prayed and laid in my bed waiting for mom.

I crossed my arms behind my head and just starred at the ceiling and just thought.

Why was in that box that would be so important that dad had to give it to the imam and not me?

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Was that okay? Inshallah it was ;)

Read, comment and like. Jazakallah and Salam.