EPISODE THIRTY 30: AVA'S PALAVA

**AVA'S POV**

As I stepped through the school's wrought-iron gates, I felt a sense of ease wash over me at the prospect of reuniting with my friend. However, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that came with being back in school after a relaxing vacation. It was a strange sensation, like I was caught between two worlds - the freedom of break and the familiarity of the school routine.

I walked up to the library, only to find that Miss Ruby was absent since school had already closed for the holiday. However, the final year students were still present, which seemed unusual at this time of year. It was clear that the school didn't want them to feel left out, as the campus was beautifully decorated with Christian designs that created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making one feel at home.

As a Muslim, I feel a sense of responsibility to avoid participating in holiday celebrations that go against my beliefs.

Recently, I received a text from Brandon, Avery's friend, who's been persistently asking me out on a date. The text was so cheesy that it almost made me gag - honestly, I'm not interested in dating right now, I see boys as a distraction, and I'm focused on other priorities.

"Avee, darling, do me the honor of being my girlfriend. I'm not that bad, I promise. I'm serious, you won't regret it," he texted.

"I'm not looking for a relationship right now. And to be honest, I'd rather die alone than date you," I replied.

"You'll regret this," he shot back.

"Ugh, I already regret giving you my number," I responded, and promptly archived the conversation.

I was wondering why Daniel hasn't gotten here, he was supposed to be like five minutes ago.

My notification alerted me that I now have a new message I hope it is not from Brandon.

"Hey, Avee running about 30 minutes behind. Go ahead and start exploring the school without me," Daniel texted.

"Seriously?" I replied, slightly annoyed.

"Sorry!!! 🤗🤗🤗" he texted, apologetic.

"Ugh, hurry up! 😒😒😒 You're ridiculous," I texted, playful.

"That's why you love me! 😜" he joked.

"Gross, 🙉🙉🙉" I texted back, teasing.

"Just shut and get here already!" I added.

" I'm not actually talking but I'm almost there! Bye for now," he texted, ending the conversation.

Daniel is very silly I thought standing up to walk around.

I visited our school's sporting arena and headed to the basketball court, where I stumbled upon Hadizah and Mally playing football together.

I was surprised to see them getting along, as I hadn't realized they were friends. It stung to think that Hadizah had moved on from our friendship, forming new connections and finding happiness without me. I felt a pang of jealousy, wishing I could confront Mally and tell her to f*** off and demand that she return my best friend to me. But I knew that was selfish and pointless.

I watched as Hadizah smiled widely, a rare sight, usually reserved for me and probably Julian. I longed to apologize and make amends, but my pride held me back. I hoped that God would guide me towards forgiveness and healing.

With a heavy heart, I left the court and wandered into the school hallway, searching for my brother.

As I walked there alone, I suddenly became acutely aware of my surroundings. Fear gripped me as everything started to feel eerily silent and unsettling. Then, out of nowhere, a hand clamped over my mouth, and I was pulled close to the boys' locker room.

Desperately, I managed to bite the hand off me.

"Brandon, are you crazy?" I demanded, brushing hair away from my face.

"Yeah, I'm crazy about you," he replied, a hint of smirk in his voice.

"You need a mental institution, if you ask me," I said firmly. "I'm not interested." I pushed against him, trying to escape.

"I like you. Just give me a chance," he pleaded.

"You don't have a chance with me, you fucker," I snapped. "You think I don't know you're just a f***ing f**k boy, going around sleeping with girls and trying to add me to your list of bimbos? Sorry, Mr. Craig, but I'm way out of your league." I finally broke free from his grip.

I took a few steps away, only to feel his touch invading my space again. He grabbed me forcefully and slammed me against the nearby locker.

I was trembling with fear. I knew what boys could do when they were angry, and I didn't want to become one of those girls whose story ends up as a headline on TV. No, I couldn't let that happen, but fear was consuming me.

"You're pretty, and I like that about you," he said. "But you turning me, Bryan Craig, the only heir to Craig Industries, down? That's a big no-no, my darling, and you're going to pay for it."

Tears streamed down my face as his lips forced themselves onto mine, stealing a kiss I never wanted to give, taking from me something I had sworn to reserve for someone worthy.

I kicked him in the groin, and he clutched himself in pain. I felt a mix of satisfaction and horror.

"Let this be a lesson to you," I said, my voice steady despite the fear. "You don't f*** with Summayyah and get away with it. Try this with me again, and trust me, you'll find it hard to have kids."

I walked away from him and into the bathroom. I washed my mouth, but as I looked in the mirror, I felt a wave of despair.

I wanted to call my closest friend back in California. I searched through my contacts and found Natalie's name. Desperate for comfort, I pressed the call button, hoping to at least hear her voice.

When she picked up, I was ecstatic, but no words came out.

"Ava?" she called, her voice filled with concern.

Unable to respond, I ended the call and switched my phone to airplane mode. I wasn't ready to talk, and I didn't want her to call me back.

In the mirror, I saw a broken girl-a girl fighting hard to escape the clutches of her tormentor. I regretted the mistakes I had made, wishing I could turn back time and confront my fears so they wouldn't hurt me so deeply.

Pain enveloped me like a shroud, holding me tight and refusing to let go.

**HADIZAH'S POV**

I decided to leave my house and head to school. I opted to play basketball since the new term would bring a series of tournaments and games. I was still brushing up on my skills, and even though I knew I was good thanks to my coach, Michael, I hadn't fully appreciated him. He could be an ass sometimes, and I was no better, constantly pushing him away.

When I arrived at school, I met Mally, which was a plus. She was one of the best players on the team and also one of my favorite teammates.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked.

"A basketball net," she replied.

We both laughed at her response.

"Let's train together," she suggested.

"I thought you'd never ask," I said, changing into my sportswear.

We shot hoops together, and I was impressed by how well she played.

"I must say, you're good at what you do. You're a beauty with the sport and brains," I complimented.

"Don't flatter me. You look like someone who doesn't realize her own beauty. You're very beautiful and smart-smart enough to make the team and rank fifth in our class, which is filled with the smartest students in the school," she said.

"Thank you," I muttered, unsure about her praise but thinking I might put it to good use.

"Are you coming to my brother's party?" she asked.

"Of course, he invited everybody in the class, didn't he?" I replied.

"Just wanted to be sure," she said, shooting another basket.

We took a break from training and chatted until it was time to end our session. All good things come to an end. 😉😉😉.

*****

Later, I sat gently on the swing, reading my Quran. I usually find solace in reciting it, and my favorite surah is Suratul Qiyamah. I'm always conscious of my actions, and my voice often receives compliments when I recite.

Whenever my dad would lecture us about the torment of hell, a wave of fear would wash over me. I didn't want to end up there; I wanted to be with my future spouse in Jannah, if Allah wills.

The only person that came to mind was Julian. He understood me better than anyone else, and I wanted him to know that I liked him too.

As I read, I felt as if I were in another dimension. But then, I heard a stick snap.

"Hey, don't stop reading. Your voice was very good," Mr. Jones said.

"Mr. Jones, how long have you been standing there?" I asked, closing my Quran.

I got down from the swing, dusting off my skirt.

"What were you doing?" he asked.

"I was reciting the Quran. It's the holy book of my religion," I explained.

"Wow, your voice was marvelous," he complimented, and I smiled.

"Thank you. I'll leave now. I don't want any misunderstandings with a teacher," I said.

"Whoa, slow down. I'm not going to do anything to you. It's just that I've been attending Islamic seminars, and I'm starting to love the religion. I want to be sure of myself before committing to something," he said.

I saw the sincerity in his piercing blue eyes. Mr. Jones was serious-this wasn't a prank. This was my chance to guide someone to the right path, and I was determined to seize it.

"Sit, Mr. Jones," I said.

He sat down gently.

"So, what caught your interest in this religion?" I asked.

"A lot of things, Hadizah. I like the way you greet each other, how the women are covered up, the serenity and blissfulness of the religion. There's a lot more, but I think you get what I'm saying. I'd like to hear your thoughts as well," he replied.

"Well, I love my religion because it liberates me. It gives me full authority over myself. Islam doesn't make women feel oppressed; in fact, it often places us higher than men, given that paradise lies at our mother's feet. I feel secure when I read verses because Allah said, 'Take a step towards me, and I will take a step towards you,'" I said, smiling. I hadn't realized talking about my religion could make me feel so happy and liberated.

"I want to know more about this religion that you've made me fall in love with. Do you mind being my teacher? I could pay you if you want," he said.

"Seriously, I'll take £2000 per session," I said, joking but keeping a straight face.

"Whoa, you're a high bidder," he said.

"I was only joking. I won't take your money. I just need your commitment and compliance, Mr. Jones," I said.

"If that's all, then consider it done," he said.

"No problem. Let's start with Allah. Tell me what you know about Him," I asked.

He took a deep breath before answering.

"For all I know, He is the Supreme, the only being who was never born but exists. He holds everyone's fate in His hands, yet He still places it in our hands. He is the creator of every living thing, from the smallest cell to the largest mountain. He wants us to come to Him, no matter the situation," he said.

"Wow, I didn't know you had that much knowledge about Allah," I said, smiling.

"I've been learning. So, how do we start?" he asked.

"The next topics should be about the Quran and then the Prophet," I said.

"Okay, we can start now if you don't mind," he said.

"As much as I'd love to, it's almost past my curfew, and I don't want my mom to worry," I said.

"Okay, I understand. But I have this as a token of my appreciation," he said, handing me a large-sized Twix bar.

"God why, I mean, oops, it's not good to say those two statements together. It's like questioning God, which is absolutely wrong. I've always been obsessed with chocolates since I was a kid-that's why my phone has a chocolate pouch," I said, laughing.

"Thank you," I said as I got up to leave.

"You're welcome," he replied.

"Bye," I said, grabbing my sports bag and heading out.

As I walked away, I felt a wave of happiness wash over me. It had been a day well spent, guiding someone, and I didn't know it could feel this good. I went home feeling a renewed sense of light.

WRITER'S NOTE :

Hmmmm, what do you think is going to happen to Mr Jones, do you think he is legit, just keep reading to find out, you won't regret it I promise.

If you don't like her phone pouch I might still change it later on.

QOTD:

Tell me what you like about my book.

Who do you think is the richest, the correct answer gets two followers.

Vote, Comment and follow.

CIAO.