Traffic Lights {17}

This post is dedicated to Rewaya Mfarzena <3, who are back with an amazing story! Xxxxx


I stood there, with only my dressing room light lit and the torch by my bed. I stood there, shivering because I was only dressed in underwear.

You’re back… Everything was like a dream, in fact the entire day felt like a dream. I felt unsure, and nauseous.

I couldn’t leave you behind. A promise is a promise. I was by your mothers’ side all along, until she went into that white room and never came back. She knew I couldn’t have babies; God never gave me the ability to. So she held my hand one night- she was 8 months pregnant, when your father was away, she looked deep into my eyes and then she spoke in a soft voice. A voice that did not resemble her or her strong personality. It was as if she knew what was coming. She told me how precious you two are even though she did not see you and she kept on talking about the two of you. Until she started talking about me, how long I’ve been with her, how much she trusts me. Then she said, “My children are your children. I give you the permission to do whatever you want to do with them because deep down I know you’ll take good care of them, Aibileen. The way I always wanted to…”.  Her voice was shaky, and the tears wouldn’t stop. I knew it meant a lot to her. I hugged her and cried along.

I’m so sorry… 

I quit modeling.

I’m proud of you. It wasn’t what I’d expect to hear from her. But tonight I felt like I made the right decision and that is making both her and Yousef proud. A bonus for me was that it was on the same day!

So I woke up the next morning, knowing finally Aibileen is always going to be by my side no matter what. And I had to get dressed because I knew I was going to see Yousef.

I walked in my closet and stared at my neatly placed clothes and had to pick something lively and I found this perfect dress, I matched the accessories and shoes to it. I had a shower and got dressed. I applied some nude lipstick then I walked outside and was instantly welcomed to the smell of delicious French baking.

Bonjour princesse!

Bonjour Aibileen! I helped her with a few things then we sat together and had breakfast. I miss this food, I miss her and I’m so glad she’s back.

I helped her wash the dishes then excused myself. I got out into the open air, today felt different, something was in the air and I could sense it tingling my feelings. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to go to the atelier anymore since I am no longer modeling, so I stopped by at some local café and called Yousef. I waited for so long, called him so many times, but there was no answer. So I called Alfie, he replied.

Good morning gorgeous!

Good morning Alfie, how are you?

I’m fine thank you. Babe, come to the atelier we can’t start the celebration without you!

Now?

Yeah! Common dear, don’t be shy we’re still friends you know.

Alright, I’ll be there in a few. What’s wrong with Vladimir?

Oh, I don’t know? Is he not answering?

No. 

Well why don’t you pop over, perhaps he’s there and forgot his phone on silent. Anyway I’ll see you at the atelier. Bye!

Bye.

The instant he told me to ‘pop’ over to his place I got on my two feet and walked towards it. Every time my heart accelerating, I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea or not but something was bound to happen. I arrived, the doorman saluting me as I walked in and I in return did the same. I took the elevator, and with a ping I arrived. I walked, remembering last night, remembering how I had only spent a few minutes with him. I took a deep breath, and let it out as I pushed the golden button. It rang. I waited. And waited. I knocked on the door then pressed the bell once more, perhaps he went to the atelier I thought. I called him twice before making a move but he did not reply. I was concerned, maybe something happened to him, so I took the shortcut to the atelier. I got in and saw only Momoko and Alfie, Mia and Yousef weren’t there.

Ja-wa-herrrr!! Waaaaaaii. I miss you. You looked breathtaking last night, right Alfie? She came and hugged me.

Absolutely! He remained seated, tuning his guitar.

Thank you. I blushed. I scanned the room, maybe they were in the closet but it was closed. I sat for a while and they talked together, I felt left out until they stopped.

Jawaher what’s wrong? Is everything all right?

Yes, everything is fine. Where’s Mia and Vladimir?

Mia took some of the designs for a magazine photoshoot a couple of blocks away from here. But I haven’t heard from V. Sweetheart, did V tell you where he is?

I called him a couple of times he didn’t answer. I thought you went over to his place.

I did. He wasn’t there… My voice suddenly became lower.

A couple of hours later, he called me. I jumped from my seat, excited and worried. I answered the minute my phone lit up.

Jawaher.

3yoonha! There was tense mixture of emotions, I wanted to cry then scream out his name in excitement but I had to control myself.

I’m sorry I didn’t tell you this earlier; I’m going to be abroad for a couple of days. How are you?

I… I was so worried about you. Are you all right?

Yes everything’s all right. Listen, I’m happy to hear your voice, I have to go now. I’ll talk to you later.

He hung up. No goodbye, no I love you. He spoke to me in a rush with a cold tone to his voice as if he was forced to call me. I told Alfie that Yousef travelled and I left. I could not bare the pressure that I felt on my chest so I went to the exact park where we had first kissed. The sun was setting, so I had to go back to the apartment. I sat with Aibileen for a while then I felt so tired, so I went to bed.

I woke up the next morning by Aibileen’s soft nudges.

What’s wrong? What time is it? I opened my eyes slowly, waiting for them to adjust to the bright sunlight that was peeping through my windows.

Well, it is quiet early, . I figured we could go out shopping but something interrupted me… I received a phone call from Dubai. Strange isn’t it? After 4 years, they remember you. And guess who called, your stepmother! She said she wants you to attend her daughter/ your stepsister’s wedding. It’s after 5 days. You better pack your bag because we have no time; our flight is in a couple of hours.

Hold on. Hold on. You’re talking too fast. I stretched a bit then went to the toilet. I washed my face with cold water and did whatever I had to do. Then I walked out. I slowly absorbed what she said.

To be precise, our flight is in 2 hours and 37 minutes.

Shit. We better hurry up.I folded my clothes neatly and placed them into 3 large suitcases and got some extra clothes in another small suitcase that I can carry with me to the flight.

I got dressed.

I’m going to Dubai. It’s been 4 years Dubai, I hope you’re ready for me because I certainly am not!