BROKEN

The Slam

My heart started racing, this was the first time in a while that I felt this excited.

"For good?" I asked excitedly.

"No only for two weeks."

"But how?"

"I get a break at the end of summer semester and my sisters are flying me out to come back for two weeks before autumn semester starts."

"This is the best news I've gotten in a long time!! When will you be here?"

"In two weeks inshAllah."

"That's so close..I can't wait to see you. I've really missed you so much." I sighed.

"I know but we have to make these two weeks count. I'm talking dates everyday."

"Of course. I can't think of a better way to spend my last few weeks of summer."

"Me neither baby. Anyway, I hate hanging up on you but I have a class early in the morning.."

"I get it. Goodnight Fuad and thanks for the good news. I love you."

"I love you too." he said and then hung up. I let out a relieved sigh. I thought that I wouldn't have gotten a chance to see him until winter break. Knowing that he would be here in two weeks was a huge weight off of my shoulders. The last thing that I remember of that night was me imagining the possible things that we could do once he got here. It would finally feel like old times again. I drifted off into sleep feeling a sense of comfort that I had not felt all summer.

---

I woke up the next morning with a smile on my face. Everybody was still asleep so I took it upon myself to make breakfast. Aunt Nadira woke up first.

"Somebody's in a good mood." she said.

"Why do you say that?" I asked.

"You never cook." she laughed.

"Well I was the first person up so I might as well have." I took out my phone and texted Fuad.

"Good morning ❤" I sent. I wanted to text Tasneem and invite her to Hakeem's slam today but I decided to check in with him first.

"Hey! Are you excited for today?" I asked him.

"Yeah kinda nervous."

"Don't be..but can I invite Tasneem?"

"No." he responded. What was his problem?

"Why not?" I asked.

"I'll be more nervous if she's there and I really want to focus." he responded after a few minutes.

"Okay then that makes sense I guess. What time are we leaving at?" I asked.

"5."

"Okay see you then." I fixed plates for my mother, aunt, and grandmother as they all woke up and sat at the dinner table.

"Once school starts am I switching or staying at my old school?" I asked my mother.

"It's up to you. The new school is in walking distance and you would have to take a shuttle bus if you want to stay at your old one."

"I think I'll stay at my old one. I want to graduate with Tasneem." I said.

"If that's what you want." she shrugged. I felt really guilty for hiding Hakeem's slam from Tasneem, but it was his night and it wouldn't be fair if I invited her without his permission. Also, I already promised him that I would be there.

"Hey girl." I texted Tasneem.

"Hey Warsan omg I have so much to tell you!"

"Call me?" I responded. My phone immediately started ringing. I ran to my room and answered on the last ring.