Chapter 35: "Tell us what inspires you?"

Haya's POV

"Hey kid, how is your first day going?" Zaied's message suddenly appeared on my lock screen during class.

"Zoe you will not believe who suddenly sent me a text after literally going a whole day without talking to me" I quickly typed in a message and sent it to Zoe.

"That old Cape town player!" Zoe replied and I giggled out loud turning the class's attention on me.

"Oh good, finally we have someone comfortable in my class. Miss can you please stand up and tell us your name?" my hot literature teacher Mr. Stein said out loud.

At this point, I was shaking in my boots regretting my stupid actions.

"Um, hello everyone my name is Haya Hazim," I said stammering through the whole sentence.

"So Haya tell us what inspires you," Mr. Stein said taking a seat on top of his desk staring right at me.

I could not bring myself to look at him because of how beautiful he looked. He does not look like he goes to the gym but his body shape is manly and fit. Each time I stole a glance at him the only thing I wanted was to be in his bed.

"Haya we are waiting on you..." Mr. Stein's voice echoed in the lecture room bringing me back to reality.

"Pain inspires me because it is inevitable and we all go through pain. It sounds weird I know but I find it incredible because you can easily relate to what I am writing about. Pain breaks us apart so that we can blossom but that is not guaranteed...it is our choice how we deal with the pain. Yes, that's the beauty that I love about pain. When you are going through pain there are several different people that you can be, it's either you dwell in the pain, you try your best to overcome it or you endure the pain. It is your choice, there is no correct formula or quote that can save you. You have to decide where your strength is at and tap into that energy as much as you can because also you can not control pain...it is horrifying but it is so diverse that I am so drawn to this particular feeling. Pain is an adventure and I love exploring all the destinations it has to offer in my work, like Picasso said "Art should disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed". When you read my work remember to keep an open mind, it's your story, not mine." I said each word like I knew what to say from the start, I suddenly disappeared into my little world and I was suddenly in my element...by the time I was done speaking everyone's attention was on me.

I wished the earth would swallow me up but Zoe stood up and started clapping for me making everyone join her including Mr. Stein.

"It felt like you were reading a paragraph from a bestselling novel. You are brilliant." Mr. Stein said looking at me.

"Thank you, sir, may I take my seat now?" immediately after finishing my sentence the bell rung.

"Okay everyone please do not forget to write the manuscript I instructed you guys to write. I must see your performance before we start with this semester's tests." Mr. Stein said.

I quickly packed my stuff and rushed out of the lecture room. The moment I was outside I took a deep breath I truly felt suffocated.

"That was a fire what you said in there," Zoe said looking at me.

"You think? thank you, I said the first thing that came to mind" I replied avoiding looking at her because I was feeling very embarrassed at what happened during the lesson.

"I can see that you do not feel good about yourself but do not worry Mr. Stein seemed intrigued by you and so did everyone else," Zoe said lifting my head to look at her.

"Really? I think I embarrassed myself oh my goodness! this is the worst first day ever" I said beginning to walk leaving Zoe behind.

"Hey! Haya wait! at least this is the last lesson we have for the day and the pink moon is coming up tonight. Do not let your insecurities ruin such a beautiful evening." Zoe said reminding me of the upcoming full moon tonight.

I have been obsessed with the moon since high school, I got so attached to it that whenever I was sad I would go outside and talk to it which surprisingly made me feel better. It became my best friend and I felt a connection between us.

I know it might come off as weird because I feel this way for a simple moon but I know there are other moon lovers out there and only we know how it makes us feel.

Zoe's boyfriend Jacob came to pick us up and we were on our way to the hotel. When we got there Zoe and I put on comfy clothes and decided to watch Twilight movies until the pink moon came out.

By the time we finished all the movies it was dark outside and we were feeling very hungry. There was suddenly a knock at the door and we both wondered who it might be. Zoe went to answer the door and I sat on top of the bed curious who is at the door.

Zoe walked back into the room with two paper bags and said they were mine.

"No there must be a mistake I did not buy anything online and where would I get the money to afford Dior?" I gasped when I realized the paper bag was Dior.

"Yes I know, these are from my father. It is a get well gift and he also planned us a little dinner in one of the rooms here in the hotel." Zoe said handing me the paper bags.

I did not want to say anything because I knew there was no way I could get her to return it. This is my life now and I guess I should enjoy it while it lasts.

We both got ready and made our way to the room our dinner was going to be held. Zoe gasped the second she entered the room.

"Haya come in, look at how beautiful this place is!" Zoe said excitedly.

"Wow." I could not believe my eyes. It was like I walked into a ballroom and I was the princess.

I scanned the whole room admiring its beauty when suddenly my eyes came across a telescope on the balcony.

"Zoe is that a real telescope?" I curiously asked her my mind filled with nothing but disbelief.

"Oh yes!" Zoe rushed to the telescope and I followed.

We both enjoyed our night looking at all the stars and more importantly the beautiful pink moon. It was like the moon dressed up with us and the three of us had fun gazing at each other.

It is truly breathtaking seeing God's creations come alive.