Beneath Guarded Hearts - 52

Previously…

Asma

He was now only inches away from my face and my mind was suddenly back. Aware. Again, my heart accelerated into frenzy and my legs again, locked into place. He cupped my wet cheeks with his hands and smiled the most light warming, beautiful smile. He let his hands drop slowly, twining his fingers together behind my back protectively. I could smell his sweet scent crawling up my nostrils. He was just as I’d remembered him so long ago. He knelt his face to my left ear almost resting his chin on my shoulder and whispered the words that sent shivers down my spine…

_______________

Asma

3bdulla: “Let’s get out of here…”

            I was still contemplating the fact that he was actually here.

Me: “How did you find me?”

3bdulla: “You’re kidding me right? Our favorite place as kids, remember?”

Me: “Of course I do… I just thought that you’d forgotten.”

            He smiled at me then, and I saw sparks that had nothing to do with the fireworks.

3bdulla: “You silly little smurf… I remember everything. 7awalt ansach, 7awalt w kil mara fishalt… Kil mara ashoof 3yoonch, w asma3 9idaa 9ootech, w 9’a7katch…  Ya Allah, I missed you Asma… Ebtismeely Asooma, eshtagt le ebtisamtch…”

            I blushed as I managed a shy little smile. My heart was hammering really hard, and I slowly wriggled out of his grip. I may have been a little overwhelmed, but I didn’t completely forget myself. This was improper, and on top of it all, we were in a public area. He understood and let his hands slide as I stole quick glances from around us. People seemed to be hypnotized by the splashes of color in the dark sky.

3bdulla: “Are you…”

            He cleared his throat and dropped his gaze.

3bdulla: “You and Rashid… Are you guys, uhhh… Ummm…”

            This was one of those moments that could decide how the rest of your evening would go. What should I tell him? Am I being too accepting? Should I fight for some of my lost pride? But then, I knew it wasn’t about pride at all. I’ll admit; he’s absolutely adorable when he seems helpless, and even cuter when he’s jealous.

Me: “NOW you come back? Now, after all this time… Now?”

3bdulla: “Asma no… Laa2 please tell me I’m wrong… This isn’t how it was supposed to be!”

Me: “Don’t tell me you believe in fairytales?”

            I raised my brow at him, awanh ya3ni :p

3bdulla: “Sho y5e9a?”

Me: “Well, in the fairytale version of our lives, you would be the prince who saves me from the evil villain who plans to take over my life… but then, you never showed up. So where does that leave us?”

3bdulla: “But I’m here, I came for you Asma, it can’t be too late… Laaa2, Laaaa2…”

            Awww 7aram! Walla he looked like he was about to cry! Mskeen I can’t do this to him…

            I turned around and faced the lake.

Me: “Don’t worry… I found a way out.”

            I could almost see his relieving surprise from behind me.

3bdulla: “W- What? So you’re not…”

Me: “Laa2.”

3bdulla: “Oh my God Asma, don’t you ever put me through that again!”

            I turned around to face him again. I even raised my toes a bit to meet his gaze.

Me: “That’s nothing compared to what I have been through.”

            I don’t know why, but I was suddenly angry. After all this time, that was all he was going to say to me?

Me: “Why are you really here 3bdulla?”

To be continued…