Fallen For The Arabian

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

After the departure of the trio from the girl's apartment, both of them were silent while they cleaned up. The thought that Sarah was leaving in a few hours put a pang of sadness in Anna's heart. It was all happening so fast, she had come to love living with her best friend and for her to suddenly leave was just too much. Tears gathered in her eyes, she was trying to remain quiet but Sarah heard her sniff and without words, walked over to her and embraced her.

"I'll only be gone for a little bit; in no time I will be back"

"I hope so Sarah, I truly hope so"

True be told Amir didn't define how long she would have to stay there; she assumes it was just for a couple of days or weeks. She'll make sure to clear that up with him, once they see each other tomorrow. "I don't feel like packing right now, you think I'll have time tomorrow"

"You are leaving at three, so you'll have plenty of time if you get out of bed. We both know Saturday is the oversleeping day. To tell you the truth I don't want to see that guy mad"

"You're right, let's not waste any more time, bed it is"

As they said goodnight, both girls walked to their respective rooms. As Sarah lies on her bed, she couldn't begin to understand how in just a few hours, her life had changed dramatically. In just a few hours, she will be heading to Syria, Amir's home country. A country that was plagued by war, where extremists’ groups such as Isis were gaining ground installing fears in the heart of everyone. Their brutality was like none had ever seen. For some reason, she felt a little scared but it was not enough to stop her.

Earlier during the day, she had informed her family back in Haiti about her assignment. They didn't like it and almost imposed her not to go if she hadn't set her foot down. It was hard to convince them. Could she blame them? Of course not, hearing the atrocities that were happening in that part of the world would put fears in anyone's hearts. But she was the type of person that didn't let fear govern her life; it didn't mean she was not cautious.

On that note, she remembered that she had yet to pray. Taken the sitting position, she pulled out her bible and read Psalms 121. Once done, she closed her eyes and prayed. Thanking GOD for His never-ending protection and asking Him if it is in His will for her to travel to Syria, may His will be done but if not, that something would happen for her not to go. She asked GOD to protect and bless her family back in Haiti and to watch over Anna during her absence. As she says amen, she put her head back on the pillow.

As she closes her eyes, Amir's face suddenly appeared in her mind. For just a moment her heart skips a beat as she recalled the way he had looked at her after he had won the game. There was something about his eyes, something deep and unexplainable. She will herself not to think about him and tried to erase his memory out of her mind. Sleep finally overtook her, but not before she asked herself if a man like him would ever be interested in a girl like her.

Amir walked into his hotel room with a sense of loneliness gripping his heart. A feeling he had yet to experience. Pouring himself a cup of orange juice, he sat down in front of his window given him a full view of the illuminated city. He could have chosen the whiskey that was available as part of the room service, however, he was not much of a drinker. In his country, it was forbidden to drink alcohol in any form of way. He didn't like alcohol and hardly indulge himself in it. Yes, it does happen that he indulges himself in the taste of it once in a while, especially in parties, like the banquet he took part in the other night. But for him to purchase the drink himself, it would mean he had lost all sense of values that were incorporated in him.

He looks below the city, but he was not, seen it, more like he was seen the beautiful pair of dark brown eyes of Sarah Bayou. He couldn't understand this interest toward her. There was nothing too special about her. At least that's what he tried to tell himself. He wanted to deny there was something special about her. For it was always easier to view someone as bad, then thinking this person is special and be deceived at the end. If there was one thing he was taught at a young age, it was to never trust someone. He would lend his hands whenever he could, he would protect the innocent but as to trust them, it will never happen. The only exception to that rule was Guillermo and Colin.

But ever since he laid his eyes on Sarah, he felt something awakened within him. Something he wanted to keep buried, for it was futile to let the feeling grow. Yes, she was beautiful; a beauty of rare quality and beyond the sweet smile was a strong woman. The more he thought about it, the more he was dreading bringing her along. Will she understand his principles; would she respect his way of life. They were both of different backgrounds. Would she one-day look at him as a woman look at a man. 'Amir what is wrong with you, l thought you were not interested in her' that's what his conscious was saying, but deep down he knew Sarah had captured more and if he was been honest to himself, the true reason he wanted her by his side, was because he wanted to explore in a way this feeling she had managed to evoke in him.

He prays that he is not making a faux pas. Putting down his empty glass, he set his alarm clock at six in the morning. He had one final meeting with Carla at eight then he would be heading to his country with Sarah at his side.

At ten in the morning, Sarah's alarm resounded in the room, pulling her from her non-dream state. As she looked at the time, panic almost overtook her as she thought that she was late for office. Until she remembered that she was heading to Syria today. 'Wait she was heading to Syria and Amir would be here at any moment and she had yet to pack. She didn't even know the dress code. She knew for as a fact, that the Arab countries were strict on women's clothing, but would she have to dress up all the way. Maybe calling Colin would help her.

Grabbing her cell phone, she dials Colin's number. He answered on the first ring "Hey Sarah, how are you"

"Hey Colin, not great, I am having a little bit of panic"

Colin who was in the middle of meeting with his two assistant and he signal them to wait while he talked to Sarah "why the panic Sarah"

"Well Colin, I am going to an Arab country, where I have read many stories about the dress code for the women. So, I was wondering maybe you could give me a piece of advice."

"I am glad you called me. Truthfully you would look good in anything you wear. But to answer your question, be sure to bring along cotton types of clothes, with long sleeve shirt and pants and make sure that they are light; the heat is insurmountable. Syrians are conservative and hate it when women show skin. So be sure to bring clothes that would not be susceptible to showing skin. However, you can bring clothes or two for specials occasions, but that would also depend on the circumstances. Other than that you will be good"

"Wow how about the head wrap or scarf I see the woman wearing?"

"It is mostly required when a woman is entering the mosque. In the big cities like Damascus, you won't be required to wear it, but if you heading outside the city, make sure to bring it along in case."

"Ok sound fair enough. I just have to be sure to wear long-sleeve all the time. Well, that would be a challenge. By the way, Colin, how long is this assignment?"

"At least two to three weeks"

"Sound fair enough, thank you, Colin"

"Sarah"

"Yes Colin"

At that moment Colin wanted to say more to her, he wanted to bear his heart to her at least for her to know of his feeling. But that would be selfish of him to do now "Colin"

"I'll stop by the house during lunch, maybe we can have lunch"

"Of course, we can. See you in a bit" with that said she hangs up and proceeded to find all the long sleeve close she can find in her closest. She hopes Syria's heat was close to that of Haiti. Otherwise, she would be doom.

By twelve she was done with her packing and had joined Anna in the kitchen. Today they were making Mac and cheese with a salad mixed and chicken with grilled bread on the side. Earlier she had informed Anna about Colin coming over. Both girls love to cook and would spend hours in the kitchen cooking during the weekend.

Colin arrived in front of Sarah and Anna's apartment by one fifteen and was surprised to see both Guillermo and Amir getting out of their vehicle.

"Hey Colin," said Guillermo "what brings you here

"I could ask you the same question"

"Our meeting with Carla ended up a bit early and thought it would have been a good idea to come here and pass the time"

"When did here become a hanging spot" whispered Colin. True be told he was a bit irritated.

They knocked at the door and it was open by Anna, who looks more surprise than Colin was. "You know it is rude to leave us standing there," said Guillermo.

"Of course, sorry, come in" As Anna let them in, she called to Sarah "Sarah, we have more guest over"

"We do, who is it?" Sarah walked into the salon as she asked Anna the question and was stunned to see Amir and Guillermo with Colin. Well good thing, they had made extra just in case "You are all in time for lunch, we made enough to feed an army"

Without hesitation, all three guys with the direction of Anna washed their hands and settle themselves on the kitchen table. The atmosphere was quite tense, deciding the break the ice, Sarah said the lamest thing possible "I decided to travel with just my underwear, I think that would be quite interesting especially with the cultural shock"

Amir's hand froze mid-air at Sarah's declaration; ever so slowly he turned to look at her and was met with mischievous eyes. She was baiting him, however, he was too late to reply for Colin was already on it "you do something like that, you better be sure to lose my number, I would not be associated with a crazy woman"

"You would abandon me," said Sarah fainting shocked

"Abandon is overrated. But you know, that's quite a good idea" said Guillermo. We could do a funny prank like the one we see every day on television. Naked woman at the airport"

"Do you know how many viewers we'll have?" said Anna

Amir watched the interaction on the table and loved the feeling. He remembers his family reunions back in the days; they were always a bit on the tense side, and not enjoyable. But here for the very first time, he was experiencing something out of the ordinary. He observes Sarah and found himself dreading the fact that she would have to go to his country. He was afraid that she comes out of that changed. His social status could be a bit of a problem, but he will do his utmost to protect that smile on her face, even if it met going against everything he was taught.

The minutes passed on, as they joke and laugh in that kitchen. Even Amir found himself throwing jokes here and there and before they knew it, it was close to been three. Getting up Sarah and Anna went to Sarah's room to recuperate her luggage. Colin took the opportunity to warn Amir about Sarah.

"If you hurt her, I won't hesitate to end our friendship and I will hunt you down until I have your ball"

"Is it you or the love for her talking? Or are you scared she will fall in love with me"

They stood staring at each other; Guillermo had no idea what to do, for it was the first time this was happening. "Remember our vows," said Amir "no woman should never come between us. Right now, Sarah does not know of the love you hold for her nor is she aware of my attraction toward her. At the end of the day, it would be her choice and when that day comes, we both would have to respect her decision"

As much as Colin wanted to deny it, he knew his friend was right. Ever since Amir came in the picture, he felt threatened, but in the end, as he said it, it will always be Sarah's choice versus their feeling. "Sorry" was all he whispered as he pulls away from Amir. But he was stopped short "I promise Colin, I will protect her," says Amir.

Embracing his friend, Colin whispered that he knew Amir would do so. In the middle of their embrace, the girls walked in. Guillermo unaware of the girl's presence, jump on both Colin and Amir and hug them. It was the sound of a camera flash that broke them apart. As they turned around, they saw the girls, Sarah holding a camera with a smirk on her face and Anna with a small smile. "Sarah Bayou, you better delete that picture before I do so myself"

"Your little pressure won't hold against me Colin, plus you thank me later," said she with a wink

Amir, on the other hand, felt quite uncomfortable been seen by the girls and like a man on a mission, he took Sarah's carrier and headed for the door without saying a word.

"What got his pants on fire" whispered Anna to Sarah, which was overheard by Guillermo

"Amir is not the affectionate type of guy, so right now he feels quite embarrassed" whispered back Guillermo close enough to Anna's face which caused a slight tangle to travel down her back, shocking her and to which she hid by pretending to cough.

"We better get going," says Colin as he took Sarah's luggage. It was happening thought, Sarah, she was heading to Syria. She just has to be sure to call her parents once she reached the airport. Here comes the life of adventures.