The chronicles of Layla

When Wings Expand!

We were still at the hospital tending to Grandma Blue. The surgery had been done to remove the section of the colon with the cancer along with nearby lymph nodes and the adjuvant chemotherapy has started which is the standard treatment for the stage. Grandma Blue made me call the orphanage to inform them about the unfortunate happening. They were sad but I was even sadder. I didn't get to meet the children. Everybody was so busy with lives but Adam always came immediately after work to stay with me. Im glad I was there with her. She rarely talked. Just looks out of the window while sitting on her wheelchair or weakly scribbles in her diary. So unlike the woman I know in this short period of time. Adam tried to have conversations but it all went in vain. He feared she'd fall into depression. Her gray hairs were shaved the day she started her treatment. Adam also got a haircut. He'll lightly bump his head with hers just to get her attention. The memories made my insides melt. A lot had changed. Some invisible some visible. I remembered the day ummi visited her for the first time. It broke my heart. Uncle Ash brought her but couldn't come in because he had a meeting and he was already late. Adam needed to be at work also. It was a big day for him. He got a promotion. Aisha and the twins were also at school. The door creaked as the sound of the so familiar soft footsteps approached. I rose from my sit and gave her the space. Ummi eye's were bloodshot red. From the looks of it, she didn't take the news well.

"How are you feeling?" She asked her breaking in between.

"I am fine Asiya. How are you feeling too? I'm glad you could make it so I can see your beautiful face again. I don't think I'm going to make it out here alive. I'm thinking of stopping the treatment. It gives me nothing but pains. I'm sorry you had to postpone Aisha's wedding because of me."

"No Don't say that!" Ummi quickly covered her mouth with her hands stopping her from talking further. "Aisha is your granddaughter as I am your daughter. I never felt that bond a mother and a daughter felt till I met you. I grew up in an orphanage where no such love existed. I had no friends and I was such a loner when we moved back to England. You were always there for me. When Ashraf almost made me lose my mind, you kept me sane. You practically saved our marriage. You helped me through postpartum psychosis and took care of Aisha and Adam. We owe you so much. I thank God for giving me a chance to meet such a wonderful woman like you. I love you so much." She moved to the small bed and laid beside her. They laid there crying in each other's arms most Grandma Blue consoling her. Telling her they were better days ahead.

Adam came in and met them like this. He brought out his phone and took a picture. He photographed or recorded everything since the first day of her illness. From the first day of her Chemotherapy to her hair cut to little things as strolls in the park on a wheelchair for days she felt strong.

Today was different, I felt it. I was on my way back from home. I went to freshen up and get more supplies. I stopped by the flower shop to get a bunch of white roses. They were her favorite flowers. They represented purity and meant respect. Those were a few among her reasons. My eyes lit up as I inhaled the Lemon-ish scent. Indeed this would make her happy. In the bus, I brought out the book Nadiya gave me as a present.

"Present for what? It's not my birthday?" I asked her when I got it.

"Just accept it I love giving presents on normal bases. To make up for the ones I don't give during holidays." She answered sheepishly. I hugged her to show my gratitude. From the wrap, I could detect it was a book. I unwrapped the beautiful sheet and saw a book called "When wings expand by Mehded Maryam Sinclair". It was beautiful. I loved it.

"Oh My God! Nadiya I love it. Thank you so much. I'd enjoy reading this. It's been long since I read. Where did you get it from?"

"From the bazaar. There was a bazaar that was held in our school and Asma’a and her mum brought these Islamic books and calligraphy. They were so beautiful. I brought ummi a frame too. I'd have regretted not getting that for her. And for the book, I felt like you'll connect with the character. Read it you'll see." She replied all giddy up.

"Wow that's nice. Thanks though. Where's Sadiya?”

She's at her extra lessons class. She needs to take many subjects to meet up with her points. They are too low.

"Oh I feel so sad for her. May Allah SWT make it easy for her." Our conversation was cut short by Adam who came into the room looking for a thread and needle to mend his button back up. I offered to help him so he stayed there waiting for it.

"Wow you're so neat at it. How did you learn?

"I took Home economics classes back in secondary school. It was all good. At first I found it hard. Mrs Ada, our teacher, she was an impatient woman. She'll be like, Layla! What's so hard about putting a thread into a needle? I scrunched my nose imitating the way she said it. That cracked Adam up and I laughed with him.

"Then what did you say?" He said urging me to continue

"But its a teeny weeny hole Mrs Ada."

"Did that save you?"

"Save? No! She got more furious because I was still complaining. She said i cant deal with you Layla. You find everything hard. Just go back to Agricultural science. It's not too late."

"Wow! That was mean."

"Tell me about it. Then I said No! I won't complain anymore Ma'am. I can do it. I promise. Then she said I hope so in a dismissive tone. I was so enthusiastic about it. Immediately I got back to the hostel. I met my roommate Raudah. She thought me everything there is to know about sewing. And Alas! I aced the subject and we became friends with Mrs. Ada. She told me she loved my determination. There you go! The story behind how I learned to stitch up your buttons."

"That's a wonderful story. I loved it. Will you teach me then?

"You want to learn? Then why were you looking for the kit the other time If you weren't going to do it?

"No I was looking for Nadiya and the kit."

"Ohkay. That's good. I will teach you."

"Hope you will be a patient teacher." He said as he burst out laughing.

"Don't worry. I'll be a marvelous one. Here you go kind Sir!" I said in a fake British accent.

"Thank you Ma'am! It was a pleasure having my shirt being repaired by this blessed hands." And then we were on top of our lungs.

"I never knew you laughed this loud" Nadiya said as she came into the room with a cup of coffee.

"I did. Oh God. I'd be late. Need to catch the bus. Bye." I grabbed My new book and threw it into my duffel bag before going to the kitchen and placing more fruits inside. I got my knee length boots and slipped it into my sock clad feet.

"Layla? Is that you?" I called from the sitting room.

"Yes Ummi! It's me. I'm just picking up things for grandma. I'll be there in a minute."

"Okay. Take your time."

"Ummi I'm done. I'll be leaving now."

"Safe journey Habibty. Wish I could go with you."

"Thank you ummi. Get well soon. Then we'd go together everyday."

"Where's Adam? Isn't he taking you?"

"No i enjoy taking the bus."

"You're one special girl Layla. Who prefers the bus to a car?"

"Layla the special girl." I said giving her a toothy grin. “And Yes I did laugh out loud."

To my dearest sister, Layla,

In the battles to find what you deserve, you will trip and stumble, if you're lucky enough, you won't fall down and get an injury. But if that happens, let the scar be a reminder of the demons you've faced and CONQUERED. Then you'll look at yourself as a warrior not a victim.

Here's to finding lost souls. Cheers.

Happy reading.

Yours Forever;

Nadiya.