Diary on The Shelf!

Chapter 30

IFRAH AND Valerie leaned closer, their smiles reflecting Halima's animated tales about Lorna. The void of three weeks since their last encounter weighed heavily on Lorna's shoulders. Each attempt to bridge the gap to Halima faltered—unanswered calls, texts lingering unread in the hollow depths of her phone.

Frustration clawed at Lorna's insides, a jumble of emotions entwined with an acute need for answers and a longing to heal their bond. "I just can't wrap my head around it, Vicky," she sighed, her voice a mix of worry and yearning, carrying the burden of unresolved feelings.

Her words lingered in the air, heavy with the weight of unspoken emotions. A knot formed in her chest, a tightness that begged for relief, for a mending of the rift that had inadvertently emerged between her and Halima.

Lorna had revisited the same question with Victoria countless times ever since the conversation about inviting Halima to move in with her. Victoria, sensing Lorna's unrest, sighed softly and enveloped her in a warm, tight hug.

"I want us to be okay," Lorna's voice trembled with a mix of vulnerability and determination, her jaw clenched as she fought to contain the tears brimming in her eyes.

"I know, babe," Victoria's tender response carried an understanding that extended beyond words. With a soothing stroke on Lorna's back, she tried to ease the weight of uncertainty that burdened her best friend's heart.

Lorna's fingers lingered over her call logs, an unconscious gesture of worry and a flicker of hope. "Should I... try calling her again?" Her voice held a trace of desperation, a yearning to bridge the chasm of silence.

Victoria intercepted, her touch halting Lorna's wandering fingers as she gently claimed the phone. "No, we won't do that." She attempted to steer Lorna's thoughts away from the unresponsive device.

"Let's do something to take your mind off this. How about grabbing a bite to eat and going for a bike ride? It might help lift your spirits." Her words carried a gentle reassurance, an attempt to distract Lorna from the ache of unanswered calls and unread messages.

Lorna acquiesced. She was caught in an emotional whirlwind, her longing for Halima more profound than she dared to admit. Halima had unintentionally woven herself into the fabric of Lorna's life, rendering her willing to comply with any request if only Halima asked.

Valerie hailed a waitress as Halima excused herself from the table. She ordered drinks, including a mocktail for Halima, then turned to Ifrah. "What's on your mind?"

Ifrah's gaze wandered, her concern palpable. "I'm torn. Halima mentioned she wanted to talk to our parents today. I want to support her, but I also want her to handle this on her own."

Valerie offered a comforting perspective. "You could still be there for her, wait in her room. It might not go as bad as you think."

The table awaited Halima's return, her abrupt entrance breaking the silence. "Did someone die? Why the glum faces?"

Valerie chuckled, masking the underlying concern. "Just waiting for you."

"Hey, when are you giving Lorna a call? You left the girl high and dry." Ifrah teased with a playful grin.

Halima leaned back, a mix of guilt and frustration evident. She let out a dramatic groan, her embarrassment apparent as she pointed a finger at Ifrah. "I'll give her a call tonight, okay?"

Valerie, munching on her chips, observed Halima keenly. "You must miss her, huh?"

Halima's expression faltered, a cloud of uncertainty casting a shadow over her features. "What if she doesn't want to see me?" Her voice trembled with a blend of fear and longing. The thought that Lorna might have moved on in these three weeks gnawed at her, igniting a storm of worry within her. She grappled with her own turmoil, the weight of unspoken emotions pulling at her.

In the wake of her own personal upheaval, Halima had revealed her truth to Ismail, a truth that stirred discomfort and apprehension within her. The prospect of marriage to him wasn't aligned with her desires, and she had vocalized it despite the fear that he might dismiss her. 

Ismail, though undoubtedly hurt, showed understanding and offered support. Their arrangement to dissolve the engagement without besmirching her family's honor felt like an unsought compromise.

Valerie moved closer, drawing Halima into a comforting embrace, offering solace in her embrace. "You don't know that. From what you've shared with us, it's clear she's really into you," she reassured, her voice soft and soothing, a lifeline amidst Halima's sea of doubt.

"Do you really think so?" Halima's voice trembled with vulnerability.

Valerie exchanged glances with Ifrah, offering a silent affirmation of Halima's doubts. "Absolutely."

Encouraged, Halima was nudged to talk to her parents first, hoping it would pave the way for a conversation with Lorna. The reassurance brought some solace to Halima's apprehensive heart.

The scene outside the window captured Halima's attention, momentarily diverting her inner musings. She sipped her Berry Burlesque, her mind drifting to her phone, the 'Albi' (my heart) label under Lorna's contact caused a tug at her heartstrings.

Ifrah and Valerie exchanged glances laden with unspoken communication, their eyes carrying volumes. Ifrah's playful gesture caught Halima's attention, prompting a comment.

Halima's focus remained on Lorna's contact, her interest piqued by their covert conversation. "What are you two up to?

Ifrah laughed, revealing Valerie's suggestion. "We have an idea."

Halima's gaze shifted, curiosity evident. "Go on."

Valerie extended an offer that sparked joy in Halima's heart. "How about staying with us for a while? We've got a spare room. You can see Lorna anytime, even stay over at her place while we cover for you."

A grin widened across Halima's face, hope glimmering in her eyes. "Seriously?"

Valerie affirmed, her chuckle resonating with genuine warmth. "Absolutely."

Halima's heart soared at the prospect. "Okay, I'll talk to Mom and Dad about it."

"Perfect, let's head out. Time to reclaim your girl." Ifrah grabbed Valerie's handbag, ready to leave.

Halima halted their departure, realizing they hadn't settled the bill yet.