Under the Olive Tree

14. Arba'a T'Ashar

"Amani," Auntie peeked into the room to see the girl craning her neck in front of the mirror to see the back of her dress. "They're here. He did not come with them."

She turned to her aunt. "He didn't."

"It's just his mother and sister."

"Oh...," Amani mumbled. "Should I change then?"

Auntie shook her head, stepping into the room to zip up Amani's dress. "This looks lovely. You can show a little bit of hair under your hijab since it is only ladies. If you want to wear that rouge, you can. Remember, this meeting is more important than any meeting you've had with him until now. You've rejected them once already."

Amani stiffened at the reminder. "Thank you for telling me that."

"I'm only being honest. We'll be waiting," she smoothed Amani's hijab with her fingers then left the bedroom to allow her to encourage herself. She hadn't expected to meet Muhsin's mother so early on but that was how things worked here, wasn't it? Most of the time, the mother met the girl even before her son knew of her plans.

This time, it was a bit different.

Reema's words echoed in her mind as she stared at herself in the mirror, wondering if this wastoo fast. They'd known each other for a few weeks now but it still felt as though the familiarity she had with Muhsin extended back much further. She understood the masked looks in his eyes and levels of control in his tone better than she ever could have imagined.

Fayza's voice was in the living room as she approached and the girl's unrestricted laughter was loud enough to ease Amani's anxiety only slightly. When she stepped out in the pink flowers that decorated her long brown dress, Fayza was the first one to see her.

She waved excitedly. "Amani!"

The lady beside her turned around and, when Amani saw her, she knew in an instant that she was Muhsin's mother. Somehow, they shared the same piercing hazel eyes and strong bone structure. This lady was younger than she'd expected, but her wrinkles were more pronounced. When she smiled, Amani's restricted breathing eased. "This is the young lady who has caught my son's attention then?"

Amani greeted her first, taking her single hand between both of hers the same way Auntie had shown her. It showed respect. "How are you, amti? How are you, Fayza?"

Fayza tugged Amani beside her. "I knew something was going on between you two," she whispered, nudging Amani onto the sofa.

"Mashallah, she is quite beautiful. My Muhsin is similarly handsome. When we received the first rejection, I will be honest, I was very shocked."

Fayza's eyes widened. "First?"

Amani cursed the awkwardness of the interaction. "I apologize."

"No, my love, do not apologize," Um Muhsin laughed. Her smile was warmer than Amani had expected. "If it was not maktoob, then we would not be sitting here right now, don't you think? I have to admit, it was very interesting to see my son tell me about the same young lady twice. Not many mother's experience such a thing."

Auntie chuckled. "We must accept what is written for them."

Um Muhsin agreed. "Yes, it is not up to us. These young children do whatever they like, don't they?"

"Oh, but you should give Muhsin some credit. He really is a fine young man. He has never once met my gaze, always keeping his eyes low and speaking respectfully. That's why so many mothers want him for their daughters, you know? We are very lucky to be sitting here," Auntie spoke lightly. Only then did Amani realize the two must be better friends than she'd assumed they were.