The chronicles of Layla

Buzz from past!

Today was like any other day with Doctor Beth, Fun filled. My life has been good since the day I accepted this as qadr and nothing could change it. It has happened and I should just move on. Everyone was excited about the baby at home. Uncle Ash and Ummi couldn't wait to become grandparents.

The dark shadows of my past came tumbling back with a frightening thunderstorm, the devils voice was heard rather closer than I imagined as I got a Call from Lisa. It made me remember the reason why I was here in the first place.

"Layla habibti, there's a call for you" Ummi called from the sitting room.

To say I was surprised was an understatement when I got to her and heard the voice from the phone.

"Lisa?!! Where did you get this number from?"

"Is that how you greet an OLD friend" emphasizing on the old.

"Sorry Lisa. Long time. How are you?" I said embarrassed

"I'm not fine Layla. I should be asking you this. You just dump us and never turn back? What is wrong with you? Are you alright?" She asked obviously frustrated with my lack of concern

"I'm sorry Lisa. A lot happened lately but I'm fine now. I promise. I've found myself. Thanks for the concern." I said apologetic.

"What happened. I have all day."

"I'm pregnant"

"What!!!! Are you freaking kidding me right now? Don't tell me"

"Yeah. It's what your thinking."

"I think it's time I killed her. She's such a bitch."

"No Lisa, it's not her fault you know, she didn't tie my legs and forced me to the party. I went on my own" I said realizing it's actually no one's fault but mine

"No layla...." the other side was quite before she heard sniffs

"Please don't cry Lisa. No"

"I failed as friend, I was supposed to protect you. I'm your friend."

"No it's not your fault. I'm not a kid. I should protect myself."

"I'm so sorry Laylu." She said still crying.

"It's okay lisa. Thank you for being my friend. I will never ever forget all you've done for me. That school is a scar to me. A scar so deep that it will take time to heal but it will In shaa Allah. It will. I have decided to move on and be happy. Life is too short to be anything but happy Lisa. You know it. I know it. We all do. So What's new?" I finished saying and Changed the topic. It was still a sore spot.

"That's true laylu. I love that you've matured my baby. Everything is new. Nothing is the same without you. I'm a pretty loner nouwadays. No friends and all." She said sadly

"No more sad talks and all that s**t. I want happy conversations from now on. So where did u get this number from?"I said waving away what she said.

"Okay Miss Happy. From your brother. You remember I have his number right."

Oh yeah I do. You're friends now I assume.

Yes we are pretty close. We have meaningful conversations and late night call. It gets awkward sometimes when I remember he is your brother.

So pretty close? Hmm. I tasted the words on my lips and they didn't taste all bad. So how close? You can tell me. Hoes before bros. I said honestly. Lisa is the sister I never had. "I love you. Remember that" I added sternly.

Well it's actually refreshing talking to someone who understands you. That's what I can say.

It's okay. I'm glad my brother makes you happy.

"It's not what you think girl" she said laughing it off.

"No I'm not thinking anything. Other than my brother, what else happened? She told me the main reason she called me was to inform me my parents died in a car crash in the last Month and now she lives with her Uncle. I was so sad about the news. I gave her my condolences. I wished I was there for her. Lisa really loved her parents. They were her heroes. Well A lot has happened in my absence.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Past

I was uncomfortable walking by the side of the road. Not because it was dark, but because I know i was being watched. My instinct was always right because I felt someone behind me.

Hey! You're the girl from the party right?

I don't know what you're talking about. I said and quickened my pace.

Sorry. No need to rush or you're gonna fall down and we don't want that. Do we? Hi I'm Jaafar and I don't bite.

I don't really have the ability to differentiate those that bite and those that don't from their looks. And I don't want to know if you do or don't. I don't care.

Well.. I know I'm not the one who offended you but whoever it is, I'm sorry on their behalf.

No, I'm not angry. I just hate wasting my time. Goodbye.

That blue dress fits you. And the way you move your hips, ohhlala. The video doesn't do it justice. You could have seen yourself. I'll send it to you don't worry. He turned and left with a cheeky smile playing on his lips.

I was dumbstruck. I wanted to live my life in this school without anyone knowing me but I'm tangled in a party mess with videos flying phones.

Way to Go Layla. That part was the dumbest idea you made. I replied nonetheless "You don't have my number jerk.

We'll see about that.

He is officially the person I hate the most right now. Jerk face. A**hole. Gawdhhhh. Take me away from this school right now. Pretty please. I kept on muttering till I reached my room.

Rukky was there reading on her bed. Immediately I went in, I flopped face flat on my bed.

Hello to you too. I turned my head facing her.

Hello Rukky. Why are some people jerks?

Because they are jerks. She said laughing. Come on tell me what happened?

He met the most jerkiest boy on earth..... and the i narrated the story.

Oh Sorry laylee. I wished I hadn't convinced you.

I wish wasn't convinced. It's okay thou. Experience is the best teacher. Next time I would be more careful. Don't beat yourself. I blew a kiss to her. She pretended to catch it which I always find funny. The soar mood turned to hysterics.

I wanted this. I wanted to be here. At that moment, nothing mattered.

The cool night breeze hit my face when I opened the window. It became a habit since the hot weather. My phone buzzed on the night stand which notified of a new w******p message. It was from an unknown number so it intrigued me more. I unlocked my phone and opened the application. I could make out the display picture from the tiny circle beside the number. A car. Who could this be? The thought vanished when I saw the message. Jerk. How did he get my number?

"Hey lay..... Don't wonder too much how I got your number. It's obviously not a mystery so keep calm. Will explain everything tomorrow.

Another message popped up again. A video with a caption which says "I'm a man of my words."

The nerve of this guy.

****************************

The morning sun shone brightly that I had to close my eyes for a bit while walking towards the lecture theatre. The Biochem lecturer was short man with an oval face with average features. He loved coming to class early and hated leaving early. The passion which he possess for his job is commendable. He makes me love the course more.

As I entered, i felt claustrophobic. It was noisy and all the seats were filled more than usual. He took his attendance seriously. There was empty seat beside a girl I've seen a few times in practical classes. I needed two because I had to reserve one for Lisa.

"Taken? The seat you kept your bag on"

"Yeah! By my bag."

"Well a lot of people are are going to need it."

"Like me." I heard a familiar masculine voice. It resonated through the noise. Not loud but audible enough for us involved in the conversation to hear.

There he was. Eyes white as a pearl and the eye ball black as ebony. I could remember them from the night before. The devilish smile on his lips spoilt everything good about his eyes. I studied his face for a while and then decided to chip in on their banter with "the seat girl".

"What are you doing here?"

"I can't come to class anymore."

"You're not in this class. Are you?" I said more like to console myself. He couldn't be! Could he?

"Yes Amor. I'm in this class. How did I get your number?" I had to internally roll my eyes. What the hell is Amor? I know what it means but what does it have to do with me. I didn't want to capitalize on in because long conversations with him? Nah... Don't want it to be my thing.

"Class group chat. Oh my God! I should have left when I decided to." I answered myself as he was about to say it. Like a quick obvious guess. This is totally a bad day or not.

"Smartypants. I like that."

"But I've never seen you."

"Well I'm a DE(direct entry) student."

"Yeah. That makes sense. The video you sent yesterday please. Ill like that you keep it private. Or more appropriate. Delete it. You can't just record someone without the person knowing. It's bad."

"I got it from my friend too. I was never at the party. He sent it to me. But I'll talk to him and see how many people he sent it to. He flashed a hearty smile that made him look boyish.

"You're not as bad as I thought but you're still a jerk." There was a playful glint in his eyes that made it shine more also reflecting my face in it.

"We'll have to change that thought completely.

I'm Jaafar. I'm 19. I would like to be Layla's friend. I'm sorry about yesterday. I hope Ive been forgiven. He laughed and I synced too. His laugh was infectious.

By then, I totally forgot about a girl and a seat.

First impression mattered. People always thought about what happened when they first met. No matter what happened, it always made them laugh. I still don't know why the past made them laugh, but I hope to find out someday.

Hope you like the new chapter❤️

Thank you.