Monthly Archives: April 2007

My mother looked at me in a funny way trying to decide whether I was serious or joking. When she saw from the look in my eyes that I was serious, she gathered up all her papers, put them aside and said, “Work can wait until tomorrow. Now come here and talk to me.” She sat on the edge of the bed and I did the same. “Are you sure you want to marry this girl?” she asked. “Yes, I’m sure. I wouldn’t have brought it up if I wasn’t.” She nodded her head then said, “The other important question is: Does she feel the same about you too?” “Of course she does! We’ve been together for almost two years now.” “What’s the rush for then? Why not keep things the way they are now? Don’t you think you’re too young? God knows we’d be thrilled to see you engaged, especially your dad, but I have to know your reasons behind this decision. I mean why now? Why not wait one more year or so at least until you’re in your final year and then you’d be the perfect suitor for her or any other girl for that matter. I’m sure if she loves you she wouldn’t mind waiting for you,” she said.

I knew that there was no point in hiding anything from my mother because eventually she was going to find out. I was always an open book to her and she never failed to read me clearly. Therefore, I told her how Layla’s dad found out about us and what happened. “Well, you can’t blame him. Don’t tell me you don’t understand or see his point of view. The man is afraid for his daughter and I think he handled it really well. Someone else might’ve slapped his daughter, hit her, or locked her in her room. He was very moderate in his reaction to tell you the truth. You both should be thanking your lucky stars it ended up like this.” “I guess,” I said. “So you think proposing to her is the best solution to this problem?” “Yes,” I said and she smiled without a comment

“Tell me about Layla. You didn’t tell me a lot the few times you talked to me about her. Now I think I have the right to know all about her, don’t you agree?” So for a little over an hour I told my mom about Layla and how even her little imperfections are what make her perfect for me. I even showed her a picture of us together that I keep in my wallet and she said that Layla was beautiful.

“So, is it the right thing to do?” I asked. “Listen sweetie, you know very well that I’ve always supported you in every choice you have ever made, even the wrong ones, because that’s how you learn. I trust that you’re wise enough to know what’s best for you and I’m here only to advice you. I haven’t met this girl personally yet but if she’s half as wonderful as you describe her and if she’s half as crazy about you as you’re about her, then you have my blessings. I say let’s do it. May Allah write what’s best for you and guide you in every step you take into the path of happiness.”

She then hugged me and when she let go I saw her eyes tearing up. “What’s wrong, mom?” I asked. “My little boy wants to get married. I can’t believe this day has come. It’s only yesterday you were crawling and couldn’t even feed yourself!” I laughed and hugged her again then said, “Don’t start with the emotional and embarrassing stuff now please.” “I’ll make the call tomorrow and inshallah khair,” she said.          

The next day in the afternoon, I was sitting in the living room with my mother when she made the call. I was nervous like I had never been in a very long time. My mom introduced herself and said that she was calling because her son wanted to propose to Layla. After some pleasantries, Layla’s mother asked how did we get her number and from where do we know Layla. My mom told her through Rima who’s a friend of Lama, Layla’s younger sister. Layla’s mother knew who Rima was and immediately the conversation became friendlier and even drifted into the topic of young teenage girls and hard it is to tame them these days. After a few minutes of chatting, my mom told her that I had seen Layla before and that she really impressed me with her beauty, elegance and intelligence and that when I decided I wanted to get engaged, I couldn’t think of someone else better. Then came the selling part in which my mom had to emphasize my good qualities. They talked some more and they agreed that my mom and my sister visit them at their house next Wednesday.  

All of that took place without Layla’s immediate knowledge since I did not have a way of contacting her and had to wait for her to call me but I figured she would not really mind. The next morning, she called from her friend’s mobile sounding nearly freaked out. “You can’t do something like that without telling me first!” she almost shouted through the phone. “OK. I’m sorry. I didn’t know you’d react this way. Fine, I’ll tell my mom to call yours and cancel the whole thing if that’s what you want.” She giggled and shouted again, “You evil man! That’s not what I meant but next time, consult me first!” “Next time I want to propose to you I’ll tell you first! Now for my sake please dress up nicely and impress my mom on Wednesday.”     

Wednesday came and apparently, it was a success. My mom came home ecstatic talking all about how sweet and funny Layla is. She also said that she and Layla’s mom hit it off from the start. I could not believe my ears. My mom does not like anyone easily so it is rather remarkable that she liked Layla’s mom. A couple of days later, Layla called me and told me that the joy was shared in their house, too. Her mom liked my family. They had agreed that next Wednesday, it is time for me to come along for the visit.           

Layla had not told her dad that it was I, the guy whom he saw with her in the pictures, who is coming to their house. We thought a lot about it and figured it is best to withhold that information from him and see how he reacts. Of course, he was not going to embarrass us in front of our families. We predicted that he might sense it is I but he would not be sure enough to reject me before he sits with me, especially after the great success of my mom’s previous visit. We feared that if she told him that it was in fact me, he would probably refuse to meet my family and me, which would leave us in awkward position. However, if we left him in the dark and he met us, maybe his previous perception of my character would change into a better one. Perhaps after he gets to know a little more about my family and me, he would realize that I am good enough for his daughter and that we in fact belong together.

We also hoped that Yasser would be a supporting element for us. He had arrived from UK on Friday and was genuinely happy for us. He even called me to say congratulations. I told him that we still do not know what his dad’s opinion would be so he should hold off his congratulations yet. He told me that I should concentrate on winning his mother because if I did that, she will deal with his father and I will not have much to worry about then.        

On the promised day, we were sitting in their big salon chitchatting about trivial subjects such as the weather and the newest restaurants in town. We were waiting for Layla’s dad to come down and join us since we were all there. 

Half an hour later, he showed up and shook my dad and brother’s hands. When it was time for him to shake mine, I could easily see the recognition look in his eyes. He knew who I was but he did not say anything. I said, “Honored to meet you.” He nodded his head. He took the seat opposite me and that declared the beginning of the interrogation-like event. I had expected that so I was prepared. They asked for all kinds of personal information. Which schools did I go to? What were my grades? What do I want to do when I grow up? Which field do I want to specialize in? Where do I want to live? What are my plans in case we actually got married Layla and me? I tried to answer all of their questions in the most gracious and respectable way, not forgetting to add a touch of humor every now and then.

Sometime in the middle of the evening, Layla’s dad asked me, “So, how do you know Layla?” I sensed that he meant to put me on the spot by that question. “Lama is one of my cousin’s best friends and I’ve met her before a few times. Through her I met Layla too.” I answered. At the end of the night when it was time to leave, everyone said goodbye and what a pleasure it was to meet each other. The most mysterious person was of course Layla’s dad because I did not know whether he liked me or not. He did not give me any indications whatsoever towards this or that. He seemed pleasant enough and polite enough. Overall, it was not exactly the dream visit I once hoped for but it was much better than what I expected it to be.    

Later, I learned how true what Yasser had said was. After we left and while Layla’s mom and the maid were cleaning up, her dad voiced his objection. “I don’t think we should agree to this guy. We don’t know anything about him and frankly I don’t like him that much.” Her mother looked at him as if he is crazy, Layla told me. “What are you talking about? He’s such a gentleman. He’s going to make a really good husband for Layla. Anyone with a sane mind can easily see that. True that we don’t know him that well, but that’s why there’s an engagement period. It’s not like they’re going to get married immediately. They’ll probably remain engaged for more than a year and that’s plenty of time for them to know each other better and for us to know him better, too.” Her dad would not quit and said, “This is not the first guy to propose you know and he’s not going to be the last. Why wait around for him to graduate while there are other suitors who are more financially secured and career established than him. He’s still a student with a long way to go.” “But I like him and his family and obviously Layla likes him too. Didn’t you notice how they were stealing glances towards each other when they think no one is looking? I thought that was adorable,” she said. “Because they already know each other from before.” “Yeah well he told you that he had met her before. His cousin is Lama’s best friend.” “I’m not talking about that. A couple of weeks ago I saw some pictures of your daughter and Mr. gentleman holding hands meaning there’s more to the story than “We’ve met through Lama.”"

Layla told me that her dad had a smirk on his face when he said that as if he has dropped the bomb that is going to win him the battle but her mom then simply said, “Oh Abdulmalik, grow up. So what? All the girls these days have boyfriends and guy friends. You think I didn’t figure out that there was something going on between them? I had suspicions that Layla was involved with someone a long time ago but I chose not to dig deep and prayed that I had raised her well and that she’d make the right decisions. Luckily, her boyfriend turned out to be a decent young man who did the right thing and came to our house through the front door with his family rather than play her and break her heart then disappear for good. I’m very fond of him and his family. I think Layla and Khalid are going to make such a nice couple that everyone will envy. Just be happy for your daughter please because clearly she is flying high now” And that was the end of the discussion.      

Three weeks later was the day of Qira’at Alfateha, which is the official ceremony that announces us to be engaged. We had decided that it is going to be a small affair with only family and close relatives. We exchanged rings and then spent the rest of the evening mingling, receiving congratulations and watching the two families getting to know each other.

The real celebration, however, was the following night. The father of a friend of mine was the manager of a private compound so with his help we arranged a poolside dinner party. We invited all of our friends and cousins and told them that it is going to be a mixed party and that casual attire is required. We did not want any thobes or suits present. We just wanted to have a good time and celebrate our engagement with those who were genuinely happy for the both of us. We danced, drank, ate and laughed until tears came out of our eyes.

At midnight, my sister and a friend of hers emerged out of nowhere carrying a large cake that had a picture of Layla and me on top. We cut the cake and everyone cheered then after taking a couple of pictures of us with it, I took my piece and jammed it into Layla’s face and she, in a very fast reflex I must admit, did the same to me with her piece. Suddenly everyone was trying to get their hands on a piece of cake so they could slam it into either Layla or me. I was covered in cake and before I even knew it, I found myself being carried up by my friends and then thrown into the cold water of the swimming pool. A few seconds later, Layla was dropped into the water too by her friends. We got out of the pool laughing so hard we could not even stand up straight anymore. Probably the next day we are going to wake up sick with fever and we would not be able to get out of bed but still we will feel good. This was a night to remember, a night to cherish forever. Nothing really mattered then.

We were engaged.

“We both know very well that I’m not a hero

We both know that I do not have any super powers

I may not be able to save you when you need me to

But I will gladly jump in the fire with you if you were burning

I will gladly jump in the water with you if you were drowning”

“Calm down, dear, and tell me what happened. Everything’s going to be alright. Just please stop crying and tell me. Maybe we can work it out.” I tried to reassure her and understand what happened and finally after a few more minutes of continuous sobbing and scattered words, she seemed to be capable of speaking coherently. “Sunday morning, I went out for breakfast with Abeer and her sister. I had left my laptop in my room on hibernate as usual. Anyhow, dad’s laptop is being repaired and therefore he decided to use mine in order to check his email. Usually I put our pictures in CDs and remove them from the laptop but the pictures from our last visit to Al-Shallal were still there. I blame myself for being so foolish and careless but I swear to you my dad has never even did as much as touch my laptop ever since I got it. I have no idea why this time out of all times he decided to use it instead of just waiting to use the computer at work and why on earth did he look in My Documents.

I came back home and found him waiting for me in the living room. He asked me to sit in front of him and said that we needed to talk. I felt uncomfortable when I heard his unfamiliar harsh tone. “I opened your laptop today and guess what I found in it,” he said looking directly into my eyes. “What? How could you? You don’t have the right to do that.” I raised my voice trying to seem offended especially that I didn’t know what he had found and I wasn’t going to admit anything yet. I had forgotten about the pictures.

He completely discarded my dismay and continued in even a harsher tone, “Well, regardless of your little protest, the point is that I saw pictures of you holding hands with some guy and clearly you’re close to him. Don’t act like I’m mistaken. You know damn well what I’m talking about so wipe that stupid shocked look off your face now. Anyhow, I really don’t want to nor do I need to know anything about this guy or whatever is going on between you two. I don’t care. You will, however, stop contacting him from this day on. I will be watching you and if, God forbid, I found out you were still talking to him then the consequences won’t be good for either of you.

You have disappointed me much more than I ever imagined you could. I thought I had raised you well but apparently, I didn’t. The most precious thing a girl has is her honor and reputation and for you to go and throw them away at the feet of some guy is despicable. I think it’s fate that has led me to this awful discovery. I have never laid hands on any of you personal belongings before and look what happened the first time I did. It’s such a shame that I had to find out this way. If you had any respect for your mother or me, you would’ve told us about him before. Moreover, if you had any respect for yourself, you wouldn’t have let him touch you and hold your hand like he does in the pictures.

Homes have doors you know and you should’ve insisted that he comes to us from the front door and asks to have a relationship with you in the proper way rather than doing it in the dark behind our backs just like low people do. I’m pretty sure that this guy once he got whatever it is he wants from you he’s going to flee and you’re never going to hear of him again. What would have you gained then? A broken heart, a dishonorable reputation, and a black future in which no decent man would want to marry you. I’m not saying any of this to intentionally hurt you but I’m telling you the truth because I love you and I want to protect you. If this guy was a man in any sense he would’ve been here in our house with his parents asking us for your hand. If he loved you in any way, he wouldn’t have allowed you to belittle yourself the way you obviously did.

Layla, I’m really hurt, disappointed, angry, frustrated, confused and other million things at the moment. I don’t know what to do with you. Of course, I won’t tell your mom about this. She doesn’t need to know what her daughter has been doing. For now, give me your mobile and your laptop and you’re not allowed to go out for a month unless I say otherwise.”

All the time he was talking, silent tears were running down my cheeks and burning them like fire. I felt so ashamed and I despised myself. I didn’t know what to say so I just sat there and prayed to God that dad would stop saying all those things but it seemed the more I prayed the more dad spoke. At the begging, he was looking into my eyes and then when I started crying he simply looked away and kept talking as if he’s addressing the wall. My dad has never treated me this way before. He never said anything hurtful to me before. When he was done, he stood to leave and looked down on me in every possible way you could look down on someone. I wished the earth would open up and swallow me. I wished I would turn into dust.

“I’m sorry,” I finally managed to utter, barely audibly. “What good is your sorry now? Tell me what good is your sorry now?” he said. “Dad, wait. Please believe me. He’s a really good guy. He loves me and I love him. We’ll get married and we’ll make each other happy,” I said with a breaking voice. “I don’t see him here, do you?” he said and picked up his keys and went down the stairs. “Tell your mother I might be out late tonight,” he said then slammed the door and left the house. I sat there crying for hours and hours with no one to console me except for our maid who couldn’t do anything but sit on the carpet at the corner of the living room and feel sorry for me. I cried in hope that the tears would wash the shame away but no matter how hard I cried, the shame seemed only to grow bigger and bigger it engulfed me.”

She then started crying again. I could tell she was fighting her tears as she was telling me the story taking deep breaths occasionally and being barely capable of finishing more than a couple of sentences together at once. I stayed silent the whole time not knowing what to say or do. There was no way I could understand what she must have felt. I hated myself. I loathed myself. It is my fault that Layla had to go through that. I felt so helpless sitting on the edge of my bed clutching my mobile in my hand and listening to Layla crying on the other end. I needed to make things right. I had to fix it.

In the middle of everything, I could not help thinking of the irony of fate. It is only soon that we had decided that we wanted to get engaged at the end of this summer and that we would stop seeing each other and do everything the right way. Back when we saw each other almost on daily basis, none of her parents had a clue but now such a minimal mistake could lead to multiple complications.   

“Hush now darling, stop crying. We’ve been through a lot before and I promise you we’ll make it through this too some way or another. I’m going to make it right somehow, trust me. I love you from the bottom of my heart. That is a force not to be taken lightly because for you, I’ll fight the entire world. Your dad will realize that all his assumptions were wrong when he sees me knocking at your door. I’m going to prove him wrong and we’ll live happily ever after just like beauty and the beast, of course you being the beast and I’m the beauty,” I joked. I heard a very faint laugh and it made me smile.

“Listen, don’t worry. I believe that we’re destined to be together and your dad will have to see that too.” “But even if he agreed, he’ll never forgive me,” she said. “I promise you he will. No one can stay mad at his daughter forever not to mention that the moment we bring him a grandchild he’ll forgive and forget like nothing has ever happened.” “Thank you,” she said. “What for?” “For always being my rock and anchor. I feel like I have caused you many troubles in the last few months and made you go through a lot of drama.” I laughed and said, “It’s ok you don’t have to thank me for anything, not now. You have the rest of your life to thank me. Anyhow, I think you should you hang up now just in case someone sees you or your dad comes unannounced. You don’t want to upset him this period. Take care of yourself please and hold that pretty chin of yours up high. Everything’s going to be alright, Ok? I love you.” She said I love you too and we hung up. I sat there and started thinking. I promised her and assured her many times that everything is going to be all right when I myself did not know that for sure.     

A couple of days later, I entered my parents’ room to find my mom doing some paper work as usual. “Mom, have you got a minute?” I asked. “Yeah sure. What’s going on?” “Remember that girl I told you about a long time ago?” “Layla? Of course I do. You’re still talking to her, aren’t you? It’s obvious from your phone bills you know.” I smiled. “Yeah that’s her. Well, this is her mother’s number. I want you to call her and tell her that I want to propose to Layla.”

I stared at the closed door for a few minutes trying to comprehend what I had just heard. I waited for Layla to open up and come back laughing to tell me it is just a cruel joke but that never happened. I called her mobile but it was turned off. I did not want to call her house number or ring the doorbell in case someone else was inside the house. I did not know what to do then. I stayed in front of her house a few more minutes then decided to leave before any of her parents comes home and sees me.   

I pushed whatever thoughts and questions I had into the back of my mind. I did not want to deal with anything at that moment. I called my friend Abdurrahman and asked him for the keys to his family’s villa at Al-Durra. “Are you Ok? You don’t sound fine. What happened? And why do you want to go there?” he asked me. I did not feel like explaining anything so I told him that we would talk later but for now I just want the keys and that I will pass by his house in half an hour to take them.        

I took the keys and the ownership card and headed to Al-Durra. On the way, I had the car’s windows down with the wind blasting in my face and the stereo turned up so high I could not hear my own thoughts. It was rather odd that I would go there in the middle of the week and alone, too. Abdurrahman’s puzzlement had its justification. I do not even know why I was going there in the first place. It is not something I had ever done before but at that time I had this urge to be completely isolated and for some reason, Abdurrahman’s villa was what came to my mind.

The moment I reached the villa, I took off my shoes and headed to the beach. The sun was setting and it was starting to get dark outside and clearly, it was going to be a cold night even though it was nearly summer time. The entire beach was deserted and the only sound you could hear was of the wind and the sea waves. I looked at my mobile to check if Layla had called but she had not. I sent my mother a message telling her that I might be late tonight. I rolled up my jeans and took a few steps into the freezing water. I felt alive as the coldness moved from my feet up into my whole body. I walked around the beach for a while before I lied on the sand. I put on my iPod headphones and closed my eyes. After half an hour or so, I fell asleep.   

A couple of hours later, I woke up to the feeling of my mobile vibrating in my pocket. For a second, I did not realize where I was or what I was doing then it all came back to me. Just as I had hoped for and expected, it was Layla calling. 

“Hey,” she said. “Hey,” I said and waited for her to start the conversation. “Where are you? It doesn’t sound like you’re home,” she inquired. “I’m at Abdurrahman’s villa in Al-Durra.” “What are you doing there?” she asked, sounding puzzled. “To tell you the truth, I have no idea. I think I just felt like I needed to go someplace where I can be by myself.” She did not say anything for a while so I said, “It’s really beautiful out here tonight. You can actually see the stars shining in the sky. I wish you were here.” I sensed she had smiled and we remained silent for a minute or two.          

“Listen, I’m sorry. Are you upset?” she finally said. “No I’m not, I guess it’s ok. How can I be upset at something I don’t understand? What did you mean when you said we shouldn’t keep seeing each other?” “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for some time now. I almost made up my mind but I was waiting for the right time and trying to figure out the right way to tell you.” I did not comment and she continued after a pause, “Of course I wasn’t going to tell you now in the middle of your finals. I thought it’s best if I waited for the summer.” It all sounded too familiar for me and I hated her for that. I had a flash back from a few years ago when Dalia told me we were no longer right for each other. Is this how she is trying to let me know she is leaving me? I was squeezing the sand in my hand as hard as I could. “So is this goodbye?” I asked with impatience. “For now, not forever,” she said.         

I was confused then. “What do you mean?” I asked. “I mean that we shouldn’t keep seeing each other but it doesn’t mean I stopped loving you. I really wish that one day we could get married and share a life together. I want us to be together but I want to do it the right way. Ever since that day at your room when we made love the first time, I’ve been feeling a tremendous amount of guilt and it all just keeps accumulating and bottling up inside of me. I just can’t pretend it doesn’t exist and I can’t sweep it under the carpet like I used to. Every time you touch me I can’t help feeling a little bit of guilt added up to the pile and I hear a voice in my head telling me I’m ought to stop and that I shouldn’t be doing this but my desire always wins and I find myself giving in for you. Moreover, even I, sometimes like today, can’t stop myself from wanting you. I can’t control the way I feel when we’re so close to each other. I’m not that strong.

What we’re doing is not right and you know that. God is watching us all the time and as hard as I try to ignore that thought, sometimes in the middle of the night it’s so dominating that I find myself begging for His forgiveness and promising Him that I will stop what I’m doing and going to be good again. However, the next morning when I see you, all the promises and pleas just disappear. We can’t make it without God’s blessing you know. We need to acknowledge that what we are doing is wrong and try to make it right. It’s never too late and I’m sure He’ll forgive us if we’re truly remorseful. We should stop and be good. Don’t you agree?” She sounded like she was going to cry and her voice had a plea for me to agree. “Tell me why suddenly you’re feeling this guilt? What’s the difference between yesterday and today? I do agree with what you just had said but I need to know more, to understand.” 

“It’s not suddenly. I told you I always felt this guilt but I could always hide it deep inside and not think about it but today when we were in the car and that officer caught us, I felt my heart sink down to my knees. I found myself thinking, why oh why did I have to start this? I was scared as hell of what might happen. I feared for me, for you and for our future. What would’ve happened if that officer didn’t let us go? Have you thought about that? I have and it’s terrifying. In addition to the obvious troubles we would get in, my parents would find out about us in the most disgraceful way and they would learn about what we’ve been doing. Where would I hide from them then? And how on earth could you come to our house to ask for my hand in marriage and hold your head up high in front of them? And even if they agreed to you, they’d always resent you deep within and they will never look at me the same again. I want them to treat you with the respect you deserve. I want them to look at you as a son they have gained and I want them to love you like I do. If, god forbid, that officer was someone else there’s no telling what would’ve happened.        

It’s enough how bad I feel for hiding everything about us from my parents. You have no idea how happy I was when you met Yasser. At least, my sister and brother knows you personally and I can’t wait for the day I could tell my parents that this is the man I love but you know them, it has be done the proper way. Listen, I’m sorry if you misunderstood me but I barley had time to think clearly myself and in my heart I believe this is the right thing to do.” She stopped and took a deep breath then sighed.

“I’m really surprised you hadn’t brought up any of this before. You know I’d understand,” I said because I did understand. I myself struggled with the same issues. I carried the burden of being aware that what we were doing was a major sin and that God was watching us. I did not want to share that burden with Layla however. I just kept it to myself and pushed it away as hard as I could. All along, she struggled too. I knew how hard it was for her to hide our relationship from her parents. I was lucky enough that both of my parents knew about us while hers did not. I was lost in my own thoughts for a couple of minutes then I asked, “So, what should we do then?” “I’m not sure but we can’t see each other. I don’t think I feel good even about simply going out on a date anymore. What do you think?”

“How about we don’t see each other but at least let us talk over the phone. I have two more exams and then it’s the summer and you’re probably going away as usual. So can I see you once before you go? Then after you come back, we’ll see what happens. Hopefully on the final week of the vacation before school starts, I’ll bring my parents and we’ll come visit you at your house, how about that?”

I heard her gasp. “Are you serious?” Her voice was high pitched and excited. “Why not? It seems like the perfect timing. You’d be a graduate and even though I still have two more years to go, families tend to give medical students a break. I know we had said that at we’d get engaged the end of my 5th year but I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t do it before that. I trust that you’d say yes and not embarrass me and my parents by saying no,” I joked and she said, “I love you. I don’t know what else to say.” “I love you too. You do know that’s why I’m marrying you to begin with! I believe my parents will be thrilled when I tell them I want to get engaged because God knows they want me to get married as quickly as possible I don’t know why. The trick remains in convincing your parents but I think I’m a decent candidate and good enough for you.” “If my parents even said that I need to think about it I will tell them I don’t need to think about anything but I’m sure they’ll adore you. How could they not! If their daughter loves you and my genes come from them, at least they’ll like you!” We laughed and it felt good and pure. The summer had turned into a waiting period for us until the day we’re engaged. The future was bright and filled with the promise of happiness.        
I finished my exams and got an overall grade of a B+. Layla graduated with a GPA of 4.4, which she was upset about since it was so close to an A but still impressive nonetheless. I saw her on the night prior to her departure and we had a good time. She had brought along a cheesecake that she had made herself at home and I thought that was very sweet of her. Even though we asked the waiter at Casper to put it in the refrigerator the moment we got in there, it was too late to save it and it had already melted. We still ate it and it was the best cheesecake any of us ever had. 

When Layla came back at the end of the summer, we agreed to meet at Osaka on Monday. I tried to call her Sunday night but her mobile was turned off. Her mobile remained closed through out Monday too and I started to get worried. I sensed something was wrong but did not know what. I decided that the best thing I could do was wait. Tuesday morning Layla called me using a calling card. The moment I heard her voice I knew that something bad had happened. I barely understood what she was trying to tell me because she was choking on her tears. “My dad found out about us,” she said.