Keep your phone next to you

Chapter 21

I threw a few combinations out here and there, kicks, punches, blocks. Nothing worked, it was as if I were fighting the flash, I took a few hits here and there, but still managed to take the lead with a point, I had never lost a fight in years. My ankle not fully recovered with the amount of pressure and strain I was putting on both my ankle and knee by attempting to throw in a few fancy moves. Time ran out and with a missed kick to my face, I had won the fight against my senior black belt.

You could see the sweat drip from my forehead onto the ground, my hands were shaking. Tired and relieved I watched the rest of the students go against each other as Mutaq handed me a towel and a bottle of water. He had recently broken his arm during a self-defense lesson. That's why we have to watch carefully during the demonstrations, he was allowed to train as long as he could keep up with the rest of the class. Ameera was always missing with the Japanese sensei half of the time I can't really remember his name, and for some reason, Yacob chased after her like she was his prey.

For the next three days, we won't have class. Elhams wedding day is tomorrow, and even if I wanted to go over and support her, I don't like that Zayn guy and I never will. Nothing went into her backward parents' mind, it had to be that guy…the guy who had no idea as to how women had to be treated.

" Nura you next, " said Ameeras friendly sensei,

I rushed over and completed my task. Freedom for the next few days, short, savory, and most importantly stress-free. I was alone for the first day until for some reason I was dragged to a dinner party by Ameeras' new acquaintance.

He spoke his gibberish, we spoke ours and I think I don't remember anything else besides the food. A little annoyed at Yacob and Ameera for leaving the table from time to time and eavesdropping wasn't my style.

" Mutaq isn't jealous of your new friend, " Yacob said throwing hands around.

" How would you know?" she said pushing him

I then decided to walk away from the entire situation that I heard by chance on my way back to the table. I ordered more food as I forwarded a few pictures to Zafar, Mutaq paid the bill and we all eventually took a taxi to the dormitory.

I plopped myself onto bed and slept like a hibernating bear. Forgetting to call Elham out of exhaustion.

~ Elham's crushed fantasy~

I watched him put on a show In front of everyone. I felt like I was going insane, how could my parents do this one thing to me that I begged them not to! I watched him fake smile at the people around me, he fed me, took pictures with me, and made me feel special…for that moment.

Everything was too good to be true, I wasn't pleading for him to behave or for him not to leave me. The day ended and we headed over to our honeymoon, when we arrived he completely changed.

I saw the devil appear and the good lord knows that hell was about to break loose.

" did you enjoy yourself today?" he said walking around the room.

I watched him circle around the area near the door. the next thing I heard was a bang on the wall with a few glass pieces flying around the room. He grabbed me by the thought and began speaking, " you see, I told you no one loves you more than I do…and no one ever will."

I try pushing his hands away but fail, I then stepped onto his foot with my heel and finally got out as he tried to forced himself on top of me. I spat on him rushing out of the room booking my own. Of course, he was drunk, I could smell the alcohol a mile away.

I fell in love with this man, trusted him blindly, went insane trying to love him, but now I see that it was always about him…not me, but a piece of me still wants to be with him.

***

" voicemail, again…it's the third time this week," I say tossing my phone into Mutaqs bag. Today we had a friendly hike planned out for everyone. I switched my phone off out of anger, before following everyone onto the trail. All four of us used one map to make our way to the top. With Ameera and Yacob arguing with each other and Mutaq being his quiet self.

" can you two shut the hell up…I can't stand you guys arguing with each other anymore!" I say stopping in the middle of the trail before storming off on my own. Bad idea, especially if your not in your homeland.

The weather completely switched up on me, from a sunny day to a stormy cloud ahead. I sat down near a stream looking for the rest of them. No sign. I had no food, no phone, as I watched the clouds gather I continued the trip to the top on my own.

I felt light-headed for a moment until everything turned into darkness, I felt my feet lose complete control. Ameera caught me and informed the others, I woke up in a hospital bed with a throbbing head.

" she's awake guys," Yacob said standing up,

I watched the three of them gather around me, I was still a little annoyed at the two fighters.

" Why am I here?" I ask

" you fainted, they said it was a light heatstroke you'll be fine," Ameera said holding my hand.

I observed Mutaqs silence, as I slightly stood up. I left that very night and rested at the dorm, Mutaq handed me my phone before leaving without saying a word. I check my phone avoiding the strange aroma I received that night, a few missed calls and texts from Zayn, and a million from Elham. I felt my pulse drop, I had completely forgotten about her wedding. I slap my forehead as I attempt to call her, for once I prayed for a good signal.

I couldn't reach her...