HER CHOICE

Chapter 19

How I reached Kareema's room at the hostel, I never could tell. I met her standing by the door waiting for me as it was getting dark already.

"Rakeeya!! What happened? Where have you been? I was worried" She rushed me.

"You should have called my father then!" I snapped. " Is that not your habit? Calling my father and ruining my reputation? You should have called him to see me like this again!" I lashed out. I was choked with bitterness and I needed someone I could vent my anger on.

She stood there, mouth agape, watching me. I pushed her and went into the room but the sight in front of me froze me and I could feel the room getting smaller and my face going white. I felt very vulnerable. My already pounding head was getting worst and my breathing suffocating. I felt agitated.

Sitting on the bed and smiling at me was Laila.

"Wha...What..what?" I stammered and ran out of the room. I still met Kareema standing where I left her.

"Wha..What is she doing in there?" I croaked. I could not understand what was happening to me. It felt like I was cursed and trouble kept following me. What was Laila doing in that room? Why was she there?.

"I called her" Kareema stated innocently.

"Why would you do that?!" I screamed.

"Because she asked me to call her anytime I see you" Kareema told me. "What is the cause for alarm?" She asked.

"I..." But then I stopped. I did not know what to tell her. I never told anyone of my night at Laila's place. I closed my eyes and inhaled, the hair at the back of my neck rising as I remembered I was raped by a girl and lost my virginity. My life was becoming messed up and I could not deny that.

"What is it?" Kareema was clearly confused. "I am sorry if inviting her here was wrong. I can see it is upsetting you but she was very nice and that was what she asked me to do as a favour. She told me to let her know when I see you" She explained.

"No..it is fine. I am just upset. I will go in and see her now. Thanks" I smiled at her.

I went back into the room and Laila was still seated where I left her, pressing her phone.

"What do you want?" I asked as I stand by the door. I was trying to avoid getting close to her.

"What do you think I want?" She giggled. She was still as beautiful and as calm as I remembered her. "We cannot talk here. Let go somewhere quiet"

"I'd rather kill myself than go anywhere with you" I snapped menacingly.

"Be careful what you wish for" She clicked her tongue. "Beside, who told you you have a say? Come on, let go" She stood from the bed and walked out.

I inhaled and went after her. I did not have the strength to argue. I was weak, tired and numb. My cloth was stained from the mud caused by Fahad's car. I looked haggard.

"Where are you going this late?" Kareema asked when I came out.

"Don't worry. I will be fine" I forced a smile. "I will come back soon ok?"

Kareema nodded and I left. I walked to Laila's car and she drove but I was surprised when she drove us to an eatery instead of her house.

We both did not say a word as we waited for the food she ordered.

"Do you think switching off your phone will stop me from carrying out my threat?" She asked as she picked from her food.

"No. My phone was seized at home" I explained to her. I didn't touch my food as I had no appetite.