Behind it All

I sat on the old brown bench next to my class as usual; waiting for my friends to gather so we walk in at the same time. I’m always the first one to arrive before all of them.. After fifteen minutes all of them were there except Shaha. All of my friends started walking toward the class but I started stalling so she can catch up with me. I waited for six minutes, the class was about to start and when I was about to walk in I heard “Adam, Adam wait for me!!” she was screaming and smiling.

I asked her to stop screaming and I laughed at her. She was wearing Abaya with simple purple laces around it and her fuchsia lipstick made her smile look brighter, she always use lipsticks that declare statements.. More like “Hey, I can do whatever I want and none of you can stop me.”

She finally arrived and we walked into the class without saying a word.

After the class Shaha apologized and she told us that she couldn’t have lunch with us because she has lot of work to do. Once she walked away Hind said, “Perfect! Now we can speak.”

I attacked her, “Speak about what?? The girl just went and now you want to gossip! Seriously hind.”

Omran patted my shoulder, “Chill bro! What’s wrong with you? We wanted to plan a surprise party for Shaha, her birthday is next week don’t you remember?”

I felt horrible for shouting and I apologized to Hind for acting like a jerk.

We gathered at Starbucks and they started discussing what will they do but I wasn’t with them mentally, I was thinking.. If Shaha was here, she would order our drinks because she knows them too well, then she’d sit and tell us facts about coffee since it’s one of her favorite things and later on she would show me one of her poems; she’s one of the best writers I know and sometimes that makes me wonder.. Why didn’t someone recognize her? She deserves all the attention in the world. Omran pinched me and I almost fell from my chair then he laughed at me, “A dirham for your thought?”

 I laughed at him and myself, “Cause a dirham is better than a penny.”

We all left the place. I reached home at 8pm, I greeted mum and then she asked me right away, “What’s going in your mind.” She smirked; she figured that a female was involved.

“Nothing, umm Shaha’s birthday is on next week and I don’t know what to get her.” I looked down at my feet because I was sure that mum would tease me.

“Aww, how about you get her a teddy bear?” she asked.

At that second I didn’t know if I should be surprised that she didn’t mock me, or the fact that she told me to get the girl a teddy bear!

“Mum, she’ll turn 28 not 8..” I said

“Okay how about you get her perfumes?” She suggested again.

I frowned at her.

“Fine! Just get her something that stays forever with her.” she smiled.

“MUM THAT’S BRILLIANT!” I shouted. I hugged her and I decided to go out.

“Adam!! Son it’s 9:30, all the stores will close in few minutes.” She smiled.

“Good point! I’ll do it tomorrow.” I laughed at how stupid I looked. Then I remembered that I have to study because of my final. Poor Shaha her birthday surprise party was on the same day of our exam.

….

“Good morning! Today is the day!” Omran exclaimed and got our attention. Shaha looked confused because all of them had the excitement look on their faces and she couldn’t figure out the reason behind it.. She twisted her lips and today they were red, fire red and that suited her just like every color she picks.

We agreed to surprise her in Starbucks, that’s where Omran and Hind hid the balloons and cake. I was nervous all the time! I kept on asking myself..

I didn’t study well, what if I failed?

What if I forgot what I revised at the early morning?

What if something went wrong and the cake fell off someone’s hand?

What if Hind forgot the candles?

What if Shaha hated the gift?

UGH! Lot of things almost drove me crazy.

After the exam all of us sneaked and went to Starbucks, then Hind texted Shaha and asked her to come. We waited for her almost fifteen minutes because we all know that Shaha is a slow walker! Then Omran came and whispered, “She’s here, she’s hereeeee!!!”

We stood, held the balloons and screamed “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!”.. I saw her eyes, they sparkled and her smile made me even more nervous because she was too happy and I didn’t want my gift to disappoint her.. Yes I’m selfish..

She was too busy laughing and telling everyone about how happy and surprised she was because she thought that we forgot her birthday. Later I walked to her, shaking and so nervous, “Happy birthday Shaha.” I handed her the red bag, I predicted that she’s going to wear red lipstick that’s why I chose red and then I walked away, hoping she understands the meaning behind it all.

Epilogue.

I didn’t understand why he acted weird throughout the week until he gave me my birthday gift and I wished I gave him more attention! He was scared, I know and I wish I felt it earlier so I can make him feel better. I kept on staring at the red bag.. Shall I check it or not? Why did it make him shaky and nervous?..

I gathered all of the courage that lived in my body and looked at what’s in the bag.. I saw a black box and a card, I decided to check the box first then the card. I opened the box and the golden reflection caught my eyes and heart, it was a beautiful gold necklace. I kept on staring at it for a long time because I fell in love with it, the wandering session had to end when I remembered the card.

It was plain white card. I took a deep breath before opening it..

“Dear Shaha, I didn’t know what to give you or how to give it to you; please don’t get me wrong. I want this necklace to represent our friendship and how close we are, I want it to represent how grateful I am to have such a great friend in my life. Thank you, for being my friend and more.. Happy birthday.”

I decided to write a letter to him because I didn’t know how to respond..

“Dear Adam,

I loved your gift and don’t doubt your taste but this letter isn’t about the gift.. it’s about me.

I can see that you’re afraid of what we might do because we have a great friendship that I don’t want to lose but I don’t think I can handle sitting around while seeing you getting hurt by my presence so please excuse me and my actions.

Maybe I didn’t understand the meaning behind it all, but I hope it matches the meaning that lives in my head.

Yours truly,

Shaha.”

____

Hope and Love
Maitha the Parrot.