Chapter 8.. Jealousy

Dalal didn’t get the shock of her life when Osama said that he was interested in Yara. She was disappointed and hurt, but she was used to being the least desired one among the three. This has left her with some security and confidence issues. From the outside, she was always the hyper one who admires and appreciates the smallest and simplest things in life. While from the inside, she always wondered if something was wrong with her, if she was ugly or fat or somber. She believed that there must be a reason that explains why men were never attracted to her. Of course, there were some pathetic men that she didn’t even consider. But there never was a McDreamy or even a McAverage in her life. And McPathetic was never an option.

Jealousy started to control Dalal’s thoughts after Osama’s incident. Why Yara? They all expected that it would be me. That a cool hot man seemed to be interested in me! Am I cursed? Did anyone throw a spell on me?

Her thoughts got interrupted when her phone rang. It was Yara. Dalal suddenly got nervous, she didn’t feel like talking to her but she didn’t want her to notice that something was wrong. “Hello” answered Dalal. “Where are you?” asked Yara. “Home.” Answered Dalal dryly. “Come to the café! Why are you home?” wondered Yara. “I can’t, I have to stay. My mum is having guests” she lied. “Oh ok. Ready for the trip?” asked Yara. “Yeah, almost. Nothing much to do” she said quietly. “OK then see you tomorrow. Oh, wait. Did Osama call?” asked Yara. “No..No he didn’t call..” lied Dalal.

Dalal couldn’t keep all of what was happening to herself. She had to let it out of her chest as much as she wanted to erase it from existence. Her only solution was to talk about it with the only person who knew about it already; Osama.

She logged into her Facebook account, clicked on Messages, New Message:

To: Osama Farouq

Subject: Clarification

Message: Here is something that you need to know, I don’t know if you haven’t noticed or if you’re acting dumb, but Yara and Fahad like each other!!! It’s so obvious and I don’t understand how you missed it. True that they are not officially together but the sparkle is so clear!! And you come to me and ask me to talk to her? Why haven’t you talked to her directly? Or talked to Fahad? And here is another thing, what happened should remain between us. If I tell Yara she will tell Fahad and you might end up losing a good friend. So I’ll keep this to myself and you do the same too for the sake of our friends. And next time try to think before taking any action!!

She then clicked on Send right away and didn’t even bother to read the message before sending it. By this time, she realized that she didn’t just lie to Yara about Osama not calling, but also lied to Osama by acting all worried about her friend’s feelings and his friendship with Fahad, when in fact, she knew that all the pain she was feeling was because he chose Yara and didn’t choose her. And that blind jealously was controlling everything she was doing.


Yara was sitting by herself in the café. She was reading just like old times. It felt good to get back to her old habit but it didn’t feel the same. She felt incredibly lonely being in this place after all the action that happened in it through the past few months. Fahad was out of town, and the thought that he will not walk in any minute just like he always does was making her miss him more. She closed the book and called Nadia: “Come to the café pleeeaaaaase” she begged her. “I don’t feel like it. The news got spread and I don’t feel like seeing people” said Nadia in a depressed tone. “What will you do then?” asked Yara. “I will pack. Come over” she said. “I have to finish some work at the studio first” said Yara.


“I love this one. I think it would look nice if we hang it by the stairs, right honey?” Said a Western woman to her husband as they were viewing Yara’s latest collection. She was talking about the picture of the flying seagull. “Actually I liked that one more” said the husband, pointing at a photo of a kid riding his bike on a bridge with a woman wearing a maxi dress and a hat, there were no faces in that picture, it was taken from behind. “Let’s ask for the photographer’s opinion” suggested the woman. Yara came closer as they both looked at her smilingly. They discussed the collection with Yara for a while and then they described the corner where the photo will be hung in their house. “I think that..if you put both photos together it would even look nicer” said Yara as she moved one of the photos and placed it next to the other one. “That’s nice!” said the woman. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to push you into buying both.” Said Yara. “Oh, don’t worry. We know that this place is not commercial and that’s why we always love to come here” said the man. “Thank you” said Yara with a smile. “We’ll take both!” said the man.

As soon as the couple left, a very unusual customer walked in. “Mum? What are you doing here??” asked Yara in surprise as she saw her mother open the door of the studio. “You have a visitor” said the mother and winked. A big man followed Sajida’s lead to the studio. He was tall and chubby wearing a white Thoab and a red Ghetra. His skin was a bit dark and he looked like he was in his early 40s . “Yara dear, this is Haytham, my friend’s son. He is here to see your….” The mother looked around to look for an excuse for the man’s visit. “Collection..”said Yara helping her mother. “Yes, yes, he’d like to see your collection” said the mother, literally saved by the bell. Yara realized that this was the rich husband that her mom was talking about, she greeted him politely and lead him to the collection. He was obviously not interested in the photos and the studio as a whole. He walked around slowly without saying any comment or asking any question or even paying any attention to the photos. He then stared at the mother and nodded agreeably. Yara walked closer to her mother and whispered: “I don’t think that this man is here to check out my collection. He’s here to check me out. And your mission is accomplished. Can you please get rid of him now?” Said Yara and walked to her desk. The mother ignored her comment and started acting all excited: “Haytham is a very successful business man. Why don’t you both talk about your businesses? I’m sure that both of you can benefit from each other”, said the mother trying to create a connection between the two. “That would be nice..really..but I must leave right now.. I have a..doctor appointment” said Yara trying her best to escape that awkward situation. The mother stared at her angrily which only made things more awkward. “I was going to take off anyway. It was nice meeting you.” Said Haytham and left.

“You crossed the line!” said the mother angrily. “Excuse me? Who’s the one who crossed her line? I clearly told you that this is not what I want but you just can’t listen” said Yara in disappointment. “This man is every girl’s dream so don’t be stupid. I had enough of your meaningless rejections. You’re not young anymore!!” shouted the mother. “OK, ok, I’m not young anymore! But you think that it’s right for a mother to bring a man into her daughter’s life like that? To display your own daughter for him to check out like a product?” asked Yara. “You don’t have to put it that way! I’m looking after you and your sister!” explained the mother. “That is ridiculous. Anyway I really don’t need this right now. I’m going to Beirut tomorrow by the way” said Yara carelessly. “Oh yeah? And I’m the last to know? How respectful of you!” said the Mother. “My best friend is dealing with a divorce and I have to be there for her!” said Yara. “You’re friend is even more stupid than you are! She really shouldn’t leave her husband!” said the mother. “That’s none of our business, she is free to do whatever she wants!” said Yara in anger. “What about us? What will we do here if something happens?” asked the mother. “I’m not the man of the family. Learn how to survive on your own!”, said Yara.


“Is it true that you’re going to Beirut?” asked Tamara as she was having take out dinner from Jasmi’s with Yara while watching So You Think You Can Dance. “Yes.” Affirmed Yara. “And leave me all alone with her?” said Tamara referring to her mother. “She is your mother Tamara. She will never harm you.” Said Yara in assurance. “But..you know her, she doesn’t know what to do when something happens. She always calls you” said Tamara worriedly. “I will only be away for four days. Nothing will happen” said Yara as she took a bite of her Original Chickee Chicken Sandwich. “My school’s open day is on Sunday. I wanted you to attend and not her” said Tamara. “She’s the one who should attend. Give her a chance to prove herself to you.” said Yara. “OK. As long as you get me that same Baklava that Nadia had brought for us last year” said Tamara.

**

“Girls, there is a lipstick that I’m looking for so I’ll be in the cosmetics store” said Nadia as soon as the girls crossed the security check in Bahrain Airport. “I need a new memory card” said Yara while zipping her hand bag. “I have to exchange my money. I’ll go to Travelex” said Dalal. “OK then we’ll meet in the lounge” said Nadia.

Dalal was standing in queue infront of Travelex when she spotted Osama walking towards her: “Dalal, there you are!!” said Osama. “What are you doing here?” asked Dalal in surprise. “I’m going to Dubai and you?” he asked casually. “Listen, I don’t want my friends to see me talking to you..” said Dalal. “Please don’t do this. I tried calling you last night after reading your message but you didn’t answer” said Osama. “Because I’m avoiding you!” she said rudely. “I’m sorry. I had no idea about Yara and Fahad. I thought that they were only friends!” said Osama. Dalal ignored him and took a step to the front as the line moved. “I don’t understand! Why are you angry? I said that I didn’t know about them and I meant no harm!” said Osama in frustration. “OK. You want the truth?” she said as she faced him with courage. “What truth?” asked Osama. “There was a misunderstanding! We thought that you were interested in me! And now, my friends are asking me about you and I have to lie. Happy?” she said as she finally reached the counter.

Osama’s face looked like it was hit with a frying pan. It was hard for him to choose the right words: “I’m.. sorry. I didn’t mean to put you through that” he finally said in shock. Dalal ignored him as she listened to the woman behind the counter counting her money. “Let’s just forget this whole thing, please” he said. “Easy for you to say!” she said. “Dalal. Let’s be mature about this. If you keep on treating me this way both our friends will notice and a big problem might happen.” He said. Dalal took a deep breath as she put her money in her wallet: “You’re right. Let’s just act that everything is just like it was before this incident.” She said awkwardly. “Thank you. And how are you going to sort out their misunderstanding?” he wondered. “I’ll manage. I have to go now.” She said and walked away from him. “Have a safe trip” he said, still in surprise..

“I think that I’m still in denial.” Said Nadia as she took a sip of her orange juice in the lounge. “And that’s why you need to give yourself some time to think. You can’t make decisions when you are still in denial”, said Dalal. “In her case she can. Once a cheater always a cheater” said Yara. “Yeah, I know that my decision will still be the same even after a hundred year.” said Nadia. “You just need to get over the shock” said Yara. “I swear, I don’t understand what I’m doing right now! I’m suddenly living with my family again, suddenly traveling with you and I’m gonna be single again in no time. It’s all so unexpected.” Said Nadia. “it won’t be easy. It’s a big change and you’ll feel like you’re going backwards. But I’m sure that it’s for the best. He doesn’t deserve someone like you” said Yara. “Yeah, and you’ll find someone else in no time!” said Dalal rudely. “What’s up with you? You’ve been too quiet!” said Nadia, “Nothing, I’m normal” said Dalal. Yara and Nadia stared at each other in confusion. “Normal Dalal would be too hyper and excited about the trip” said Nadia. “Well, people change! And I thought that you’re the one who asked me to act more mature” said Dalal. “What happened with Osama?” asked Nadia trying to figure out the reason behind the sudden change of behavior. “Nothing had happened” assured Dalal. “So he didn’t call you yet?” asked Yara. “He…did” said Dalal hesitantly. “And????” said Nadia. “And nothing. I didn’t like the way he approached me and we both agreed that it won’t work between us” lied Dalal.

The lounge’s receptionist passed by them at that instant announcing that their flight has just started boarding. Dalal was glad that the conversation was interrupted as they picked up their stuff and left the lounge.

Yara took the window seat and Nadia sat next to her on the aisle seat. Dalal was left next to a stranger on a separate row. “What happened to her?” asked Nadia in low voice. “I’m sure that it has something to do with Osama.” Said Yara whispering back. “Yeah I didn’t buy that story!” said Nadia. “You think I should ask Fahad?” said Yara. “No, he won’t have an answer anyway. Guys don’t discuss such things!” said Nadia. “Yeah. They only gossip about some cheating losers” said Yara referring to Manaf. They both laughed and Yara took out a book from her handbag and opened it. “Do you miss him?” asked Nadia. “Yes” said Yara quietly as she closed the book before reading a single word. “You really like him ha?” asked Nadia with a deep look in her eyes. “I haven’t seen him for three days and I feel like I’m going insane” said Yara. “Enjoy it while it lasts. I miss those feelings” said Nadia. “Don’t say that. I’m sure that you will find the person that really deserves you in no time” said Yara and tapped Nadia’s hand. “I don’t think so. I’m hating men right now and I can’t think of allowing one into my life again.” said Nadia. “Time heals everything”, said Yara as she opened her book and started reading.

**

It was the girl’s second day in Beirut. They woke up early and had a delicious breakfast in the balcony; all kinds of Mana’eesh, fresh cheese, jam and Labneh with some very tasty olives and mint leaves. Nothing felt better than that cold breeze hitting their faces while having a warm cup of tea.

After breakfast, Dalal washed the dishes and Nadia cleaned the table as Yara hit the shower first. She dressed up and wore a long-sleeved black polo neck top with dark denim skinny jeans. “Nadia will you blow dry my hair please? I really don’t feel like it!” said Yara. “Then don’t. A natural look will do. Your waves always look better in winter” said Nadia as she dried her hair with a towel.

After applying mascara and blusher, Yara went to the sitting room and waited for the girls to get ready. Her phone rang, it was an unknown number: “Hello?” she answered. “Hello you!” said Fahad. “FAHAD, how are you??” she asked happily as she walked out to the balcony. “I’m freezing. But before you start yelling, I got a woolen hat and a scarf. How’s Beirut?” he asked. “It’s gorgeous. I love this place” said Yara. “Me too, I really wish that I was there right now” said Fahad. “Did you go to the game?” asked Yara in excitement. “Yeah and I cursed them. WE LOST!. But it was really exciting to be there!” said Fahad. “Loving the spirit” said Yara with a smile. “Hey listen, I will call you back in two minutes” said Fahad and hung up.

Yara went back in as Nadia walked out of the room holding a pendant, “Will you help me please” she said as she handed it to Yara, turned around and held her hair up. The apartment’s bell rang the moment that Yara hooked Nadia’s pendant. “Will you get that please?” said Nadia as she walked back to the room. Yara walked lazily to the door and opened it to find the least expected person standing in front of her. It was Fahad….

Yara inhaled all the oxygen that was in the room in one gasp. She felt her blood rushing to every single extremity in her body. “Hey” said Fahad with a grin with his hands in his pockets. He was wearing a black blazer, a striped shirt under it and blue jeans. “What… are you… doing..here?” asked Yara shivering. Nadia came out again at that same moment: “You made it!” she said and winked to Fahad. Yara was frightened and she was staring at both of them in shock. “Surprise?” said Nadia as she looked straight in Yara’s eyes. Yara stared back at Fahad and took a deep breath. Fahad laughed: “You’re not happy to see me?”, he teased her. “Please come in Fahad. I’ll get her water before she faints” said Nadia jokingly as she left to the kitchen.

“ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?” yelled Yara as she hit Fahad’s shoulder. “Ouch! That hurts” he said. “Two minutes ago you’re in London and suddenly you’re infront of me!! You are so mean, you are so mean”, she repeated as she kept on hitting him. “And that is what I get for flying all the way here” he said as he tried to protect himself from her by covering his face with his arms. She suddenly stopped and took a step back: “It’s so good to see you” she said sincerely as her mood swung completely and she was almost in tears.

Dalal came out of the room at that time: “Fahad. Welcome to Beirut” she said quietly in no surprise. “Thanks Dalal. How are you?” he asked. Yara stared at Dalal in confusion: “You knew too?” she asked. “Mhhmm” she affirmed casually and walked out to the balcony. Fahad stared at Yara in a it’s-so-good-to-see-you look and they both followed Dalal to the balcony. Few minutes later, Nadia walked out carrying a trey with four cups of Turkish Coffee on it.

“Thank you. How are you feeling?” asked Fahad as he picked up a cup from Nadia. “Well, trying my best to avoid thinking about it.” said Nadia. “You look fresh and strong. I wouldn’t have guessed that something was wrong if I didn’t know” said Fahad. “Thanks. And thank you for trying to save me. I never got the chance to thank you” said Nadia with a smile and took a sip of her coffee. “Doesn’t matter. It was too late when I told Yara and we couldn’t do anything.” Said Fahad in apology. “It’s the thought that counts” said Nadia. Yara was still shaking and drinking her coffee in shock while Dalal was in her own world and trying to avoid getting engaged in the conversation.

“When did you get here?” asked Yara nervously. “This morning” said Fahad, glad that she was finally making conversation. “And where are you staying?” she asked inquisitively. “With my aunt and her husband. He is Lebanese so they come and stay here every now and then.” He explained. “Oh that’s so cool” said Nadia. “Yeah she gets excited when we visit” he said. “I hope that you didn’t surprise her too and give her a heart attack” said Yara. Fahad and Nadia laughed. “Dalal? i need to go to the shop around the corner to get some…groceries. Will you come with me?” said Nadia in an attempt to leave Yara and Fahad alone. “But we got all the groceries yesterday!” said Dalal stupidly. “Yeah but we forgot some things. Come on” said Nadia as she patted Dalal’s back, gathered the cups and went in with Dalal following her.

Fahad stared at Yara smilingly: “I missed you” he said. Yara smiled back but she was too nervous to admit that she missed him too and that the past three days were lifeless without him. “I never knew about your aunt’s Lebanese husband” said Yara. “It’s the reason why I love this city. So much memories, so much drama, so much politics” He said deeply. “Beirut Sit El Dunia” said Yara quoting Majida’s song. “Indeed. Can’t be said any better” said Fahad.

Yara got up and took slow steps to the balcony’s railings. She stood there with both her hands resting on it and stared at the horizon. The icy tip of Qurnat as Sawda was looking small viewed from where they were. Fahad walked to her and stood near. The wind was playing with her hair as she kept on staring far into the horizon. She turned her head to him to find him staring at her all that time with a smile. She smiled back nervously. He suddenly pulled her closer with his hand around her waist. She was now too close to him, she felt so weak being surrounded with his masculine arm. Each heart beat felt like a bomb exploding in her heart. They stared at each other’s eyes till his nose touched hers, he spoke right from the heart and said: “I love you..”