The next year passed by in a blur. Badr and I got to know each other even better. It was like we knew each other like the back of our hands, but sometimes we would find something that we didn't know and it would leave us wonderstruck.

We were being pushed around all of the time. It was always: school, work, wedding, etc. It was hard to actually see each other and hang out. Badr was busy working two jobs and school, so I rarely saw him, but he would text me any time he was free. I was working as a CNA and helping my mom to plan the wedding, which she decided would be a small nikkah and reception party.

When finals rolled around, it was really evident that Badr was struggling. He hadn't fallen behind in his classes because of how hard he had been working, but he was having trouble making time to study. The best I could do was pop quiz him over text.

Then summer rolled around and we were finally able to calm down a little. Until we realized how soon the wedding was. We had planned it so we would get the apartment one month or so before the wedding and move all of our stuff there over that time. Once we were married, we could move in and file the case together. Which would be when his sisters would move to the state and live with us. Half the process was done, we had the apartment and most of our stuff was there, but there was still a lot to go.

Today, however, was the day that Badr had been dreading the most. Although he had been collecting evidence of what they had done to him over the years, he was worried that once he told them about the wedding, they would freak out and do something again. I sat on the bus, on the phone with his as he drove back home.

"You know, the wedding is a couple days away. You can still ask them to come. Your sisters already know, of course. But... are you sure you don't want your parents to be there?" I asked hesitantly.

"I'm sure, Sal. They are just going to try and ruin everything and I don't want that on the biggest night of my life." He told me, his voice soft. "I want to be relaxed and happy that day. Not worried about them."

"Okay, I'm just making sure." I smiled slightly. "I can't wait to see Aleena and Ilma in the dresses I got them!" I changed the topic for him.

He chuckled. "They're going to look great, in sha Allah."

"Badr," I stretched his name in anticipation, "I can't believe it. Our wedding is less than a week away. Our wedding."

"Yes, Salah." He laughed. "Our wedding. We're getting married. That's what a wedding is for." He teased.

"Oh, shush!" I grumbled. "Aren't you excited?" I pouted a little.

"You're pouting," He whined, somehow able to tell, "Don't pout!" He stretched the word 'pout.' "Of course I'm excited, but I'm to contain all of it."

"Lair." I pouted even more. "You just don't feel it yet, right? It hasn't set in?"

Badr laughed sheepishly. "Maybe a little. But I am excited! Just... not that much, yet."

I leaned my head on the huge window of the bus. "Why are you staying there..." I whispered quietly. "We offered you a place to stay."

"I know, Sal, but after I break the news, they're going to be upset. Leaving my sisters there alone isn't safe." He sighed, "I have to be there."

"So they don't get hurt..." I felt tears well up in my eyes, "But I don't want you to get hurt either!"

"Hey, hey, don't cry." His voice was gentle and comforting. "It's okay, I promise. If I get the girls out of the house, I don't have to be there either."

I wiped my eyes, sniffling quietly. "They can stay at our place." I offered. "My family won't mind."

"I'll bring them over a lot then." He said. "But now I need you to smile. I don't want the bride crying this much! Especially not because of her groom!"

I laughed quietly, covering my mouth. "You're really silly."

"That's why you love me." He joked.

"No, no. One of the reasons why." I corrected with a giggle.

"Aww," Badr hummed, "You should get some sleep in before we reach home, Sal."

"Okay... but, stay on the call with me?"

"Sure." He chuckled as I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.