I'd strip you naked

Breakfast is served and everyone is on the dining eating and talking randomly.

"Myla, where were you last night? I came knocking and you didn't open up", Tiffy teases and Jamal takes up his teacup to his head.

Myla is wordless. Maybe she won't answer this question. Or maybe she will. She reflects back. If she doesn't say something they will suspect her.

"Maybe I was dreamy. I couldn't get you from there. You know I hate being disturbed. What did you want me for?"

Tiffy doesn't know what else to say. She shrugs her shoulder.

"You came knocking for nothing! You're lucky you didn't wake me up"

Tiffy looks over at Brehilda and they giggle. Jamal sees their gest but acts normal.

Myla clicks on her teacup for everyone's attention "I have an announcement."

"Let me guess. You're in love?" Brehilda suggests

Myla sighs "No. I-"

"You had your first kiss"

Myla's eyes are wide. She told her friends she doesn't know how to kiss and here she is using it against her in front of Jamal.

"Enough. You're spoiling the surprise. What I was trying to say is Jamal will be part of our cast. So in the next short movie, he's going to be with us"

"This is amazing news!" Brehilda exclaims

Jamal raises his glass, like cheering and the burst into laughter.

...

"You're such a disgrace", Mr. Kush says to his daughter.

"You must get married to him. You can't let our family's name be spoiled" his wife pressurizes.

"Mom, dad, I tried. I've not been able to see him since then. And he didn't sleep home last night"

"Trying is not enough. Go extra miles. Persist on this to get him back" her dad replies.

She wipes her tears. "I will."

"Remember why you're on this. If you lose him, you cease to be our daughter" her dad says again and walks away.

Latif is scared. She looks at her mom. "Mom, please talk to dad. He can't do this to me"

"He won't have to if you just do as we said."

"But I don't know how to get him. His mind can't be changed mom. He's different. I felt the way he looked into my eyes and told me he will never get married to me. And I know he meant it"

"I have an idea"

"Uh?" her lips quiver.

Her mom holds her to seat and she sits next to her daughter as they discuss on a plan.

...

In the Mal

"Change" Myla says and Jamal gets in to put on something else.

He comes out and she computes, analyses everything "We're just going to check on the old man. I'd still need to change for work"

"I know. You should put on something casual. Not informal"

"Meaning?"

"Change"

He falls his shoulder and returns into the men's dresses room. Seconds later he comes out.

"Perfect"

He smiles like a kid and turns to see his reflection through the mirror. "You have good taste. I love this one"

"I told ya"

"Come, with me. Let me get you something"

"No, no. I'm good. Maybe next time."

"Don't slide down my offer woman. I'm getting you something and that is that"

She opens her mouth and closes it then opens "OK"

He takes her to the women section and makes her fit almost the entire store, like trying to make her suffer for how many times he had to come stand in front of her before she accepts a dress.

"Like, common! How many dresses am I supposed to ware? I know you're doing this intentionally"

He looks at her blankly, acting innocent. "I'm trying to help you look elegant."

She face palms her self "I'm taking this one and you won't change my mind"

"If you put on anything I didn't configure, I'd strip you naked. And you're going to walk out of this place that way" his face is stern.

She gulps. She has never seen so serious. But she knows he can be a hell different when he's disobeyed. She thinks of last night in a flash and gets back in to change.

"And this? Probably not fit" she answers her own question but he says contrary "We're good to go"

"No way! Upon all the dresses I wore, this you chose? Is this elegant to you?"

"When I meant elegant, I meant something not to revealing. I don't want any man staring at you close to me. Because I swear I won't control myself this time"

She blinks her eyes. "Should I get you accessories?"

"Nope" she declines rapidly, moving away and he chuckles behind her.

They walk by the cashier and pay for what they bought.

"$800" a lady says

Jamal sends his golden card and the lady looks at them for more than a sec before crossing over the electronic.

She returns the card and says "Myla?"

Myla freezes, her brows furrowing "Yeah?"

"OMG! You're the artist . . .C-can I take a pic with you?"

Myla grins widely "S-sure"

"And—him" the lady gestures to Jamal he slide in as they snap.

The lady smiles at them "Thank you so much"

"For nothing" Myla responds and they leave the mal.

In the car she exclaims "Wow! I cannot believe what just happened"

"You need to start getting used to it. You're so much exposed to the world. And for me I don't see you any different from other celebrities. Because they started this way and were just where you are right now"

"You know, I always tried to stay away from this type of life. I didn't want to be known. I just wanted to be normal. But I kept getting exposed. Like God couldn't help making me excited and sending surprises every single day of my life."

"Really?" she starts the car and drives off

She looks at him "Yeah"

"I was like, what's the need of having all these talents and being greedy with it. I needed to motivate others, inspirer people to get out of their cages. So I started making videos, books like a motivational couch. Mainly talking about general cases in our everyday life. In all these, I was lead by God. I didn't do any of that on my own. I'm here because I let him help me."

"Inspiring" he says, nodding and she chortles.

"Oh. Before I forget. You need to remind me to watch the books you sold as movies"

"Yeah. Definitely!"

"So I can see that mind of yours in action" he adds and she laughs.

"How did you meet your Housemates?"

"They were neighbors of my formal house and were also students. I know as students we want to achieve. We want to be able to leave school and make our lives better. So when I bought my house, I gave them a free stay for a while and later on they opted to rent my room and not take it free because they started saving money and getting good jobs too.

"I'm impressed"

"You know . . . if many youths think this way, the world will be a better place"

"I know. But not everyone has that mentality. Or opportunity"

"Unlike you they are waiting for the opportunity to come. Instead of exposing themselves to it"

She darts her gaze to him. Maybe he's right and maybe not. But she sees something very inspiring in his words and great about his mind.

To be continued...