Chapter 9.. Beirut

The Lebanese driver was taking the girls downtown. Dalal was sitting in the passenger seat nodding in response to the driver’s political talk while she had no idea what he was talking about. Nadia and Yara were sitting comfortably in the back, Nadia was on the phone with her mum while Yara was staring through the window and daydreaming. “Mama, the reason I left the country and came here was to stay away from all this drama that you're making. I really don’t care what your friends are telling you or what my aunts are thinking” said Nadia.

“My God! She just can’t stop whining. I’m gonna turn this thing off” said Nadia as she ended the call and turned off her phone. Yara turned her head around calmly and smilingly to Nadia: “What?” she said. “You’re under anesthesia” said Nadia and laughed. Yara smiled deeply with her eyes flickering and stayed quiet. “I can’t believe that he came all this way to see you.” Said Nadia trying to lower her tone so the driver won’t hear her. “He said it…he finally said it” said Yara quietly and looked back at the window. “Said what? What are you talking about?” asked Nadia confused. “What I always wanted to hear..” said Yara with a wide smile as she looked back at Nadia. “WHAT?” screamed Nadia in shock and the driver and Dalal looked back. Yara stared at her with a be-quiet look. “He told you that he loves you?” whispered Nadia. Yara winked smilingly and Dalal turned around in shock: “He did?” she asked curiously but not so excitedly. “He did.. he did” she said with a joyful expression.

Everything around Yara suddenly started looking different. The trees seemed greener and the sky appeared bluer. The music sounded more melodic and people behaved more nicely. A boost of confidence was suddenly aroused within her, and she felt pretty for the first time. Her clothes felt trendier and her hair felt fresher. Just as if a dose of endorphins were injected right in her heart.


“So, shall we split-up or shall we shop together?” asked Nadia as they walked through Solidare. “Is there anything specific that you need?” asked Yara. “Not really. Therapy shopping”, answered Nadia. “Then I think that I’m gonna go to Virgin. There is a book that I’m looking for” said Yara. “Dalal? What do you want to do?” asked Nadia. “I dunno. Nothing in mind” answered Dalal carelessly. “Come with me to Virgin and get some CDs for the car” suggested Yara. “OK”, said Dalal. “Plus, those soldiers by the entrance freak me out. I don’t wanna go alone” said Yara. Nadia laughed: “Please, they flirt!” she said. “Yes. Flirting with a gun IS freaky” explained Yara. “Call me when you’re done.” Said Nadia as she started walking away. “Don’t forget lunch! Fahad will be waiting for us” said Yara. “Yes yes I told the driver to be here at 2!” said Nadia and continued walking.

“You don’t seem like you’re enjoying your time” said Yara as she walked through the other direction with Dalal. “I am.” Said Dalal. “We’ve been friends for so long and we’ve never seen you like this. You’re just too quiet!” said Yara. “Yeah. But don’t worry. I’m just re-thinking and re-arranging my life” said Dalal. “Why so suddenly?” wondered Yara. “Maybe it’s time for some change” said Dalal. “But we miss the real hyper you!” said Yara. “I don’t understand you two. All my life you’ve been trying to calm me down, and now that I finally granted you what you want, you say that you miss it?” asked Dalal in confusion. “You know something,” said Yara as she put her arm around Dalal’s shoulder “you were always the one who made things easier and lighter for me” said Yara. “Me? I was always the annoying stupid one!” said Dalal. “Don’t be silly! We might tease you all the time but the way you were always happy and excited about everything around you was inspiring” confessed Yara. “That’s new!” said Dalal. “If anything is hurting you, you know that we are here for you. You can talk whenever you feel like it” said Yara and kissed Dalal’s cheek.

Yara was reading the back cover of a book when her phone rang, she felt happily nervous when she saw Fahad’s name: “Hey” she answered. “Hey baby” said Fahad. Yara’s heart dropped when she heard that word. “Where are you?” he asked. “Virgin, and you?” she asked still a little nervous. “I’m with my aunt, she went to make coffee and I thought that I’d check on my girl” he said softly. Yara’s heart dropped again, she wasn’t used to all that tenderness and emotions. “We were together half an hour ago” she teased him. “Well, I missed you in that half an hour” he said. “But you’ll see me in less than two hours” she said still teasing. “And I’ll miss you till then” he said. “Hey listen, there is a concert for Fairouz tomorrow. You wanna go?” she asked. “Oh yeah I heard about it but I was certain that it’s sold out!” he said. “There are few seats left. Not the good ones though” she said. “It doesn’t matter as long as we’ll get to hear the music” he said. “OK, then I’ll get tickets. Nadia will be so excited, she loves her” said Yara.


Fahad arrived at Mayas Restaurant and the girls were seated already. “Hey girls, sorry for being late” said Fahad as he sat next to Yara and stared at her smilingly. “It’s OK we’ve just arrived” said Nadia. “I heard that the food here is really good” he said as he was handed the menu. “It is”, affirmed Nadia. “Then spare us the headache and take care of the order” said Fahad. He turned around to Yara and smiled again while Nadia started ordering and Dalal was busy with her Blackberry. “What?” asked Yara smilingly. “You look pretty. Your hair looks nice this way” he said as he played with a streak. Dalal pretended not to notice and gave them no attention. A part of her was glad that things got out in the open between Yara and Fahad so Osama would feel guilty. But jealousy was still there. She couldn’t bear seeing Yara happy with a guy. “Nadia we have news for you” said Yara as soon as Nadia was done with the order. “What news?” asked Nadia waiting for a big surprise. “You are going to attend a concert for Fairouz tomorrow” said Yara. “WHAT? OH MY GOD!” screamed Nadia. “There you go” said Yara while handing her a ticket as a proof. “Wow, I can’t believe this!! I didn’t know that she will be singing tomorrow! A7la surprise! Thank you.” said Nadia in excitement. “Anything to make you happy” said Yara. “But I bet that you both wish that it was Majida’s concert instead” said Nadia teasingly. “That would’ve been great but Fairouz is the queen. No one can beat that.” Said Fahad. “So you guys are officially together now?” asked Nadia happily. Dalal picked up her Blackberry again and stayed out of the conversation. “We are!” said Fahad as he and Yara looked at each other lovingly. “I’m so happy for you. You’re great together” said Nadia. Dalal put her phone aside and suddenly said: “You both realize that in our community there is no such thing” she said. “What do you mean?” asked Yara in confusion. “You know, dating is not accepted in the Arab world. It’s not right. It’s a matter of reputation” said Dalal while giving Yara a critical look. “Dalal!” said Nadia in anger. “I’m only being realistic and asking you to be careful. You two are lucky to have nearby businesses where you can see each other, but people do talk.” Said Dalal creating awkward vibes. Fahad was embarrassed and he didn’t say much. “We are mature enough to know what’s right and what’s wrong!” said Yara feeling offended. “I know. I’m just saying!” said Dalal wickedly and went back to her phone. Just on the right time, the waiter arrived with the Mazza and broke the awkward silence.

“So what’s the plan tonight?” asked Yara as the table was being cleared. “I have a booking at Music Hall but it only starts at 11pm” said Nadia. “Oh wow, I’ve been wanting to go there for a while” said Fahad. “We have a plenty of time till then, we can do a lot” said Nadia. “What about we go to Jbail? I’d love to take some pictures” suggested Yara. “Oh I wanna shop there too!” said Dalal trying to fit in. “You girls go and I’ll spend some time with my aunt. Will meet you later at Music Hall” said Fahad and asked for the check. “I don’t think that we’ll have enough time.” Thought Nadia. “We have. Let’s make it quick. A couple of hours will do, we shouldn’t waste the day as we have the concert tomorrow.” Said Yara. “True” said Nadia. “Shall we leave?” asked Fahad as soon as he paid the bill. “Thank you so much. But next time we’re treating you. You are our only man now” said Nadia. “I’ll be right back” said Dalal and headed to the washroom while the rest walked out to wait for their rides. Nadia turned to Fahad as soon as they exited the restaurant: “Don’t worry about what Dalal said earlier. She’s been acting weird lately” she explained. “It’s OK. She sounded upset though” said Fahad. “Yeah she can be too honest sometimes but she doesn’t mean any harm” said Yara trying to cover up. “It’s fine.” Said Fahad cheerfully and pulled Yara close to him by the waist. “My ride is here. I’ll see you girls tonight” he said and kissed Yara on her forehead, waved to Nadia and left. “A dream. A dream coming true..” said Yara sincerely as she took a deep breath and watched him walk away.


After some fun hours between shopping and photography, the girls returned to the apartment to rest and freshen up for the sahra. Yara threw herself on the sofa and stretched: “I’m so tired. I wish I could skip tonight” she said. “Really? And miss one of the few nights you have with your guy in Beirut?” asked Nadia. “If you put it this way, no!” said Yara with a dumb smile. “I’ll make some tea. Who wants some?” asked Nadia. “Me please” said Yara and yawned. “I’m gonna hit the shower so don’t count me in” said Dalal and left.

Just when Nadia entered the kitchen, Dalal’s phone, which she left on the coffee table, began ringing. “Shall I pick it up?” asked Yara. “I don’t know, at least see who’s calling. Maybe it’s her mum” said Nadia loudly from the kitchen. “No number!” said Yara. “Pick it up who could it be ya3ny!” said Nadia. “Hello?” answered Yara. “Hello?” said a manly voice. “Yes? Who is it?” asked Yara. “Yara?” said the man. “Yes!” said Yara. “It’s Osama” he said. “Osama! How are you?” she asked. “Good. How are you?” he asked nervously. “Great. You wanna talk to Dalal?” she asked casually. “Yes please” he answered. “She’s having a shower I’ll ask her to call you back” she said. “OK, Thanks” he said as they ended the call.

“Who was it” asked Nadia peaking from the kitchen. “Osama!” said Yara in confusion. “I thought she said that they don’t speak to each other!” said Nadia. “No idea. This girl is hiding something!” said Yara.


The red curtain was opened and a blond lady with long hair wearing a maxi golden colored dress started singing in French with a band behind her. The three girls and Fahad were seated on a table in the front raw. Yara noticed that Nadia seemed to be absent minded. She was staring at the table without even blinking. “Nadia?” said Yara. Nadia looked up. “Are you OK?” asked Yara leaning on the table. “I’m fine” said Nadia faking a smile. Yara sat straight and turned to Fahad: “She’s not fine” she said. “Sweety it’s normal for her to get weak sometimes. Her wound is still fresh. But she is doing great”, said Fahad while looking at Nadia. “I think that she’s over the shock by now” said Yara. “I know that you are talking about me! The music is loud but I can read your eyes!” said Nadia. They both laughed. “I was telling her that you’re doing great” said Fahad. “Last time I came to this place I was with him. That’s all” said Nadia. “It’s OK to remember the good stuff, right?” said Yara turning to Fahad. “As long as you don’t allow it to put you down” said Fahad. “As weird as it might sound, I’m feeling more comfortable now” confessed Nadia. “Comfortable about what?” wondered Dalal. “At least things are clear for me now. I know where I’m standing. Things have been so vague between us for a while” said Nadia. “So you weren’t shocked when you found out about it?” wondered Fahad. “I was of course but now I’m relieved. Being confused is the worst feeling in the world. And for a while I was too confused about his behavior that it made me sick.” Said Nadia. “It’s all for the best trust me” said Yara. “Next year this time, you’ll be married!” said Dalal sarcastically. “Oh by the way. Osama called you today” said Yara. “Ha? When?” asked Dalal nervously. “Damn it. Does he know that I’m here? I haven’t spoken to him since I got here” said Fahad. “I dunno.. I dunno…how am I supposed to know” said Dalal tensely. “Does he know that you’re in Beirut?” asked Yara sensing a lie. “No, he doesn’t. He just called to…ask about…his credit card! He had a problem and I was supposed to help him fix it..” lied Dalal. Yara and Nadia stared at each other in confusion but didn’t say a word.

Several singers sang different kinds of songs throughout the night. And after two hours of entertainment and chatters, the curtain opened again and a melody that took Yara’s breath away started playing. “Oh my god I LOVE this song!” screamed Yara. It was a jazzed up version of Ya Sitty Ya Khetyara that took Yara back to the 80s. She started swinging with the rhythms of the song and singing the lyrics, when suddenly, Fahad stood up and offered his hand: “May I have this dance?” he asked with a grin. Yara was too into the music that she got up without hesitation, he put his arm around her waist and started swinging her to the left and to the right. The crowd’s attention got diverted from the stage to the dancing couple and they started clapping and cheering for them in admiration. Fahad pushed Yara away gently, held her hand and raised it up as she turned around and he pulled her back close to him. She put her arms around his neck as they kept on dancing and enjoying being the center of attention although nothing seemed to exist for them except for themselves and the music. Nadia was blown away! She was so excited to see Yara as she’s never seen her before that her eyes were teary. Yara’s long black gypsy dress made her look like a professional dancer and inspired her to make a few gypsy moves as Fahad watched and clapped with total admiration. Every person in that hall was envying that happy couple at that moment except for one. One who was taken by jealousy and hatred of her life time best friend..


“Good morning sleepy head”, said Fahad as he called Yara the next morning. “Mornin” said Yara with a sleepy voice. “It’s almost 12. Get up” said Fahad teasing. “I’m tired” said Yara and yawned. “After all the dancing of course you’re tired. Did you stretch?” he asked and laughed. “Funny! When did you get up?” she asked. “I woke up early to have breakfast with my aunt. It’s not appropriate to sleep late while I’m her guest” he said. “But we have the concert tonight, you’ll get all sleepy till then” she said. “Will nap later on if I need to. Will I see you before then?” he asked. “I dunno. Don’t you want to spend some time with your aunt?” she asked. “I do. But I wanna see you too. I don’t want to waste any time here without being with you” he said. “Me too” she added sweetly. “Tomorrow we’ll be back to the judgmental community” he said. “Don’t remind me!” she said. “Dalal’s words were right you know? We’ll have to watch out for your own sake” he said caringly. “I don’t wanna think about this now. I wanna be around the Rawcheh at sun set to take photos. Will you be my model?” she asked. “Suuuuure thingggggg” he said flattered.


After spending the afternoon in Verdun for a brunch, some shopping and making fun of Dalal for flirting with the Lebanese sales person in one of the shops, the girls headed to the Rawcheh for Yara’s photo shoot. “I’ll need the sun to come down more” said Yara after taking a few test shots. “We can have coffee till then” suggested Nadia. “Yeah, I think it will need 20 minutes or so for the sun to set” said Yara.

Yara’s phone rang while they were walking to the café: “Hello sister!” said Yara. “Your sister is grounded!” said Tamara in an upset tone. “Grounded? Since when does Sajida ground her daughters?” wondered Yara and laughed. “My stupid Science teacher told her that I bring my phone to class!” said Tamara, clearly pissed off. “Do you?” asked Yara. “Everyone does!” she said defending herself. “I’ll be back tomorrow and you tell me all about it. Enjoy being grounded for now!” said Yara."Wait. She wants to talk to you" said Tamara and handed the phone to her mom. "When are you coming?" asked her mother. "I'm fine thanks for asking!" said Yara sarcastically. "You're there enjoying your time while we have a lot to do and worry about here!" said the mother. "I'm coming tomorrow" said Yara harshly. "And we'll talk about Haitham", Sajida said. "No no. That's a closed topic. OK? See you tomorrow" she said and ended the call in frustration.

“All my life I’ve been dreaming of owning a small shop that sells different stuff” said Nadia as they were having coffee by the Rawcheh. “What kind of stuff?” asked Fahad. “Fashionable clothes, funky accessories, country style home decorations, gifts and giveaways. All kinds of unique items” explained Nadia. “She’s been dreaming of that since we were in elementary school” said Yara. “You can do it now!” suggested Fahad. “Yeah. I’ve been thinking about it yesterday. I quit my job for a man who betrayed me and now I have to do something with my life” said Nadia. “That makes the two of us” said Yara. “So if Yara agrees about my merger business suggestion maybe you could join and we’ll have our own department store” said Fahad jokingly. The girls laughed except for Dalal, who was in her own world staring at the sea. “What do you do beside the café?” asked Nadia. “Family business. My dad and uncles own several companies but I’m mainly focused on the food industry.” Said Fahad. “That’s cool” said Nadia. “Yeah. I’m a strong believer in family businesses. I mean, if your family created it’s own wealth by being an entrepreneur why work for someone else?” said Fahad. “True, but that won’t work for me since my family business is construction!” said Nadia. “Then create your own division of family business. Starting that dream shop can be the beginning” said Fahad encouraging her. “And what about me?” asked Yara with a frown. “You? We’ll figure out something for you” said Fahad with a smile and pinched her cheek.

Dalal was clearly annoyed that day that it was very obvious. She went for a walk while the rest were taking pictures of each other by the Rawcheh. She couldn’t bare how left out she was feeling, how different and undesired. All those wicked thoughts were multiplying in her head when she decided to start taking action. She dialed Osama's number. And just when she was about to press on the call button, she changed her mind and cleared the number from the screen.


It was finally time for the concert. The atmosphere was electrical; the red carpet, the orchestra, the huge crowd and Fairouz herself with all her glory and confidence. Nadia was so happy to attend a concert for Fairouz for the second time as she attended the one that was held in Bahrain more than 2 years ago. But it was Yara's first time to see Fairouz live and she was glad that she was experiencing it with Fahad.


Nadia was in her own world with all her attention on the stage while swinging melodically with the music. Her eyes teared when Fairouz sang Keefak Enta and she didn't have to explain. Yara understood, 'cause she knew that she had a special memory with that song. Not with Manaf, but with a person whom she had to say goodbye to long years ago. He left the country for career purposes, got married and established his own family. She hears his news every now and then. And listening to this song live woke up so many memories that was buried in her heart.
Fahad was extremely happy, he was holding Yara's hand or wrapping his arm around her throughout the whole concert. Yara laughed every time he sang along with a song and teased him about his very bad singing voice. All of that only made Dalal feel more and more left out. And during the second interval, she took her mobile and walked out. This time, she did call Osama.

“Dalal!” answered Osama. “You called me yesterday?” she asked dryly. “Yes! I just wanted to apologize for the whole misunderstanding” said Osama. “And I’m sure that you were glad that Yara answered!” said Dalal. “No, no, it’s a closed topic” he said. “Do you know that Fahad is here with us in Beirut?” she asked. “He messaged me last night saying that he’s visiting his aunt. But I didn’t know that you’re there till now! You didn’t answer when I asked you in the airport” he said. “OK then, we are here and your friend followed us to stalk Yara. You see, I was wrong. Yara doesn't like him, she was just astonished by the fact that a guy like him was interested in her!” lied Dalal. “What are you saying? You’re contradicting yourself!” said Osama. “Now I see the clear picture. Yara is responding to Fahad because he is her only option. But on the other hand, she is really annoyed to see him everywhere she goes. And now that he followed her all the way here, she’s just sick of it!” added Dalal. “Are you sure?” asked Osama in confusion. “Last night she told me something. She said that she wishes that it was you instead” said Dalal wickedly. “WHAT?” said Osama in shock. “If you want my advice, I’d say fight for her” said Dalal “Save your friend from this fake relationship, and win the girl you want….” She added.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzdLNCUDoOc