Take me with you...

Chapter 14

I was the happiest girl on this planet. It felt good achieving something after months of hard work, and months of sweating. I never thought id be where I currently am. My arm however was swollen so I had to go in for a temporary cast. It was very frustrating having to deal with it all over again even if it was meant to be only for a short period this time, but I was told that this injury will affect me for as long as possible. Sometimes I got so frustrated over the cast that I felt like ripping out Owais's arm whenever he said I was overacting so he can experience it and understand it. and classes were still intense.

That however combined with my upcoming grading and university exams overwhelmed me with much stress. Not to mention my diet, since I basically had all three meals with Omar it was difficult to just slip in something sweet or oily, I finally understand Owais's struggle must be even worse for him since he's stuck with vegan Zakira.

Omar's father had recently fallen ill so It was difficult getting a one-on-one training session with him. I fell in with the black belts which was difficult since there was such a high skill gap already and I was placed under a lot of pressure to match it. What Zakira failed to understand is that it won't be easy making me just as great as someone who had done kickboxing for half of their life, in a month!

I was really concerned about Omar though, he always looked tired and distant…which was normal, but this time it felt different. There wasn't much I could do though since he always pretended like he didn't need anyone. I did, however, try my best not to provoke or upset him in any way, he always made sure to have a meal with me though as promised. Funny how he still thinks of me even through times like these.

"Please tell me you're coming to class today, I can't go another day of looking like I need google maps.."

"I wish I could but…"

"I understand, do you want me to come with you?" I asked stopping in front of him

"You mean to my father's ward, I don't think that's a good idea his very sick."

"Company is always good, besides I'm sure bringing an extra body won't hurt."

"Fine," he said pushing me out of his way

"I'll bring fruit," I yelled as I ran up towards him

"Watch where you're going, "he said frowning

"I don't want to," I replied hopping even faster

and as we reached the bus stop I tumbled over a bench next to the sign but he had caught me, placing me up very gently.

"I said stop," he said rubbing the bridge of his nose

I couldn't apologise because he had already gotten into the bus and I now was left to follow. he took a seat in the last row and as he looked out the window watching the raindrops fall onto it, I watched him tracing his face and its silhouette. he may have been a cold man or tried to live up to that demeanour but he was more than that, and that vastness alone sacred me. I wish I could enter his mind and remove all worry and fight off thoughts that creep into his mind without welcome.

the bus stopped and I quickly looked away. He simply passed by me and I followed, on our way in I bought the fruit and the vendor and we both made our way to his father's ward, who was recovering well.

"Don't make noise, his always asleep by this time," he said before opening the door

I nod holding onto my fruit basket, "he sat down quietly beside his father as I peeled a few of the fruit before feeding some to him.

I never knew that Mr poker face had a soft side for his father.

His father gently tossed and turned before getting up.

"How long have you been here for?" his father asked as he sat up.

"Not long, I'm sorry for waking you…"

"I'm glad I woke up. Who's your friend?" he asked calling me towards him

"I'm Elizah, his junior and classmate."

"I didn't know you had friends.

"Nice to meet you Elizah," he said with a smile

a smile followed by a cough.

It's as if he hasn't aged one bit since I last saw him as a child. Every detail remained the same, from his white ash-blonde hair to his beard, the only thing apparent was dark circles under his eyes.

"You need to rest we'll leave," Omar said getting up

"I rested the entire day, a chat with my son and his friend won't make me even sicker," he said, "let's go for a walk."

"If you want some alone time I'll just stay here and peel some fruit, for tomorrow. Omar told me that you really like watermelon so I'll start."

"No, come with. Looks like Omar only opens his mouth when you are around, he barely ever talks," he said smiling a few of his old age lines showing.

A short cough here and there before we left. We took a stroll around the hospital's garden and I instantly clicked with Omar's father, we even ended up playing a few board games before we had to go. Omar was very silent throughout the entire trip, nothing new.

"Bring her more often I haven't had this much fun in ages!" he said as we walked out

"I'd love to come back if Omar allows me of course…" I said turning towards him

He looked at me smiling, " just come over when he does he could do with the company too and remember to take care of that arm it could be the end of your career."

"Okay dad, we have to leave now…" he said pulling me away.

"We weren't done talking!" I said

"But I am, we haven't had dinner yet and you know that we have a huge test tomorrow!" he said walking me out

I followed him as upset as I was…

I'm not sure if his father recognized who I was…hopefully when he does it doesn't end badly.

"So when are we going again?" I asked taking my seat

"You need to study, no more visits!" he said furiously stuffing a sandwich into my mouth

"I smell something rotten in the air, must be all that jealousy of yours…" I said laughing as I watched him ignore me," by the way have an actual conversation with your father being silent is just an act and we both know it."

"Pftttt, what do you know?" he said stuffing my mouth again.

"Whatever…"

He was right...I knew nothing about him.