Jaan

Part 6- By My Side

Adalina's POV.

Tell me why we have to join the other students for this outdoor activity without exception?!

I hate it! I don't want to go hiking or whatever other kind of activity they think is good for us. It's only fun if I'm teamed up with Ayla or else it's too boring.

"Hey everyone, listen up please! We asked you all to join us here today so that we can group you guys with other students..." Our PE teacher was explaining how teams were going to be made for the activity.

Everyone from the same grade as me was present in the gigantic gym of our school.

"We want you all to work together and get out of your comfort zones. So the teams are pinned on the board behind you all. Make sure to be ready at 6am tomorrow before the departure!" The teacher said before dismissing us.

Everyone ran to the board behind to see their teams. Ayla and I were patiently waiting for the crowd to be less so that we could have a look.

"I hope we're together!" Ayla exclaimed as I looked at her.

"Inshallah!" We both added hoping that Allah would make a miracle and keep us together.

Students were starting to get out of the gym slowly and it was already less crowded. Ayla and I made our way towards the board and I felt like my heart stopped for a minute.

How...DID I END UP WITH HIM?!!!!

OUT OF EVERYONE—HIM?!

YA ALLAH!!

"Hey, you're okay?" Ayla asked noticing my face going pale.

"No I'm not! Look!!" I pointed at the board where my name was written next to that jerk.

"No way! This is crazy!" she freaked out as well.

My mood is ruined. It's going to be hell. Even on an outdoor trip, I will most likely get bullied.

"It's okay Adalina, you got this!" She tried to cheer me up but it did not work.

She and I can both lie to each other all we want but it won't change the fact that I am going to be with my bully.

***

The next day, everyone from our grade was waiting outside the school for the bus to arrive with their backpacks.

I kept my clothing simple and comfortable. I was wearing a pair of black sweatpants and a matching black hoodie. I had a white hijab along with my white Nike running shoes.

Ayla was wearing black leggings with a white hoodie. She doesn't wear the hijab yet but she does aspire to wear it one day. I pray Allah makes it easy for her.

I am already tired from just waiting for this bus to arrive. I'm not a morning person at all and I could literally sleep anywhere right now. That's probably what I'd do on the bus. Thank god the ride is going to last two hours, a good nap is coming!

Soon, the teachers joining us on the trip arrived and shortly after the bus also did. The doors opened and we all one by one began walking into the bus and took our seats while the teachers took care of placing our bags.

When I got in, I took a spot near the window, Ayla followed and was about to join me when he appeared.

Aslan.

"Find another place, I'm sitting here," he told Ayla.

"What? But—"

"I'm not moving from here" he stated taking a seat beside me.