"Hey, it's okay. Thankfully our country had made this new route therefore travelling is not a problem anymore. Aden you look like a mess. Why don't you go into my room and clean up. In my closet, there's some t-shirt and bermudas which you can wear." replies Zaki as he look at Aden blood stained hands and shirt which he had actually used to cover up Ilhan's wound. Aden comply and went straight into Zaki's room and closed the door behind him. As he turn on the light, he was surprised as he saw so many very well taken photos being frame against the wall. Aden phase around the room and begins to look at each of the photos. Some of the photos were rare but unique, a photo of a lake with a small tiny green frog resting on one of the lotus leave, a photo of clouds against the blue...purplish sky..a sign of sunset and also some of their family photos. Aden smile to himself as he could not believe that his uncle was and avid photographer himself. Then Aden open up one of the closet and grab a t-shit and a bermuda and headed towards the shower room to have a quick shower. He turn to look at himself in the mirror and he saw the bruise on the side of his lip are still visible. He washed his face with the cold icy water to freshen up and then he swept his hair away from his face. "I hope what I'm doing right now is the right thing." thought Aden to himself as he begins to feel that he had trouble almost everyone especially his dad and his uncle.
"Aden has definately grown up to be a man with full of hope and virtures. I really appreciate for all the love and attention which you and Zaharah had given to my son. Thank you." said Zaki. "I don't think I'm able to give him all." continues Zaki solemnly.
"Hey, no matter what he is still your son. Zaki, do you need us to tell him the truth about you and Sarah?" asked Adam.
"No Adam, just keep it that way." replies Zaki with a faint smile.
"You have done well with your kids too." exclaimed Adam while pouring the coffee into the mugs which Aden had prepare earlier.
"They were adopted. It seems that God has punish me for my past mistakes and now Nadia had to suffer due to my mistakes." utter Zaki with tears in his eyes.
"Zaki, just let it go. Me and Zaharah had forgotten and forgiven all that...and futhermore Nadia loves you." said Adam comforting his brother.
"Yah, Nadia is the best thing that ever happens to me." replies Zaki as the thought of Nadia had eventually lift up his spirit and cheers him up. He remember the very first time when he saw her and the arguements which they had during their first acquaintance.....and then he broke into a smile. The simple wedding ceremony which they had at the orphanage...it was beautiful.
Nadia had definately turn his life around, she had actually makes him see things more deeply and taught him the word thankfulness and be always contain with what was laid upon..to appreciate even the tiniest blessing which was given. She shows him the meaning of true love.
"Those photographs, they look great uncle. I did'nt realised that you are into phtography too..?" asked Aden as he walks out from the room and sat on the carpet and then he took few sips of the coffee which Adam had poured for him.
"Yah, those were some of my very first short." replies Zaki as he looks at Adam.
"Apart from our looks..we do have something in common...our passion..photography." cries Aden with a grin. Zaki nodded upon hearing his casual remarks....but Adam knew Zaki's heart is broken.
"Well I really got to go. I shall be back here in two days time to help both of you out. I shall get more details from my lawyer." said Adam as he took the last sip of his coffee and stood up. Zaki knew Adam had lot more things to settle therefore he had to let his brother leave.
Aden sent his father to the door. "Thanks dad for everything." utter Aden. Adam smile and tapped his son's cheeks before he went to his car and drove off as he was planning to go back home. Aden stood by the doorway until his father's car was out from his sight and then he sat back on the couch to join Zaki.
"Thank God, that guy is not dead!" said Zaki as he looks intensely towards Aden's hazel brown eyes.
"It's an act of self-defence. He deserves it...for the way how he had treated Maya." replies Aden as he begins to look at his coffee mug.
"She must be very special to you isn't she?" asked Zaki.
"I guess so....the feeling of emphaty has change into something else...was it love? I can't answer to that right now...because I can't be hopeful....I'm afraid...we can never be together." replies Aden sadly. Zaki knew the present situation is kind of complicated. Maya was an illegal immigrant and no matter how, she still needs to be deported back to her country and futhermore she's still legalised married to Ilhan. Ilhan needs to declare divorce then Maya is free and can re-marries after four months of the declaration.
"I used to remember of having such feeling." declares Zaki.
"Like how you had always felt for my mum?" asked Aden as he stares into Zaki's eye.
"That was in the past...Adam your father deserves her more than I do." replies Zaki with a smile. "Aden you are only twenty-two...you still have lots of things which you need to learn and go through in this world we are living in. How old is Maya? She looks very young." utter Zaki curiously.
"Nineteen." replies Aden.
"Poor girl, only nineteen and she had to go through all this ordeal. Why does she get herself married to that fool anyway?" asked Zaki again. Aden begins to relate back Maya's trouble past.
"By the way Aden, I had almost forgotten, here is some stuffs which your aunt Nadia had packed for her. Some clothes and other necessities." cried Zaki as he handed a paper bag towards Aden. "Well I need my rest now..as you know my age is catching up so staying up too late might cause me a migraine." continues Zaki with a smile and then he headed towards his room. "I hope you young man don't mind sleeping on the couch?" asked Zaki before he close the door.
"Come on uncle...not at all." replies Aden with a grin. "Thanks..and thanks auntie Nadia for me." continues Aden.
Maya lays on the bed motionless, clenching her fist and bitting her lips. She wrap her body with her arms bringging her knees close to her chest and rock herself as she cries in silent. Her self-esteem, her pride and her honour has been rip off from her just like that...her husband Ilhan..he should be protecting her but he was the devil who had threw her into the arms of brutal beasts. Each time she shut her eyes all she could recall were Ilhan and her tyrant attackers. Suddenly she was startle by the knocking of the door. Maya, pulls the blanket and wrap around her body as she remains still feeling dead and numb.
"Maya, my auntie had pack some clothes and other stuff for you." said Aden.
Maya sat on her bed and quickly wipe her tears of her face. She slowly stood up and walk towards the door. Her hand tremble as she slightly opens the door. Aden pass the paper bag to Maya as he looks at her tearful eye.
"Maya, there are some sandwich in the fridge if you want." said Aden again.
"Thanks. Maybe later." replies Maya as she took the paper bag from his hands. "Aden, I feel so grateful towards you and your family. Only God could pay all the gracious and kindness which you and your family had done for me." continue Maya with tears in her eyes. Aden reaches out his hands to wipe the tears of her cheeks however Maya backs away and tremble.
"I'm sorry..you know I will never hurt you." said Aden as he looks into her eyes. Maya smile faintly and slowly she close the door. Aden walk back towards the couch and then he took his laptop and decides to email to his school teacher and some of his classmates about his absent and his request for a make up classes. Lucky thing he was a private student therefore his college do provide make up classes.
Maya opens the paper bag and saw few dresses with some other toiletries. She headed towards the shower room to have her shower. She runs the shower tape full blasts and let the water flows like a heavy torrent on her soft bruise skin. Slowly she removed her half rip clothes and dump them on the floor. Maya took a flanel which Aden's auntie, Nadia had pack for her and she begins to scrub and soap herself, however the pain and torment could never be wash away together with her fears and tears. After she had dried herself she put on the dress and walks out from the shower room. Then she sat by the mirror and took the hair brush and gently brush her hair. Deep in her thoughts she felt sure that she will be sent back to her country and that will definately be another horrible end for her. Suddenly Maya felt a pang of hunger and decides to have some sandwich which Aden had prepared in the fridge. She slowly crept out from the room and saw the light in the living area has been off. She walks towards the kitchen to search for the kitchen light. As she struggle to find the right switch suddenly, the kitchen was lighten up. It seems Aden had woken up by Maya's switching on and off of the switches.
"I'm hungry too...here try this..it's from my mum's secret recipe." cried Aden as he pass the plate of sandwich towards Maya. Maya took it and get herself seated on a stool by the island cabinet and took a bite of the sandwich.
"It taste good." said Maya with a smile...a feature which was rarely could be found on her pretty sweet face thought Aden to himself.
"I'm glad you like it. My sister Aleeya she always complaints that I'm a miser because she felt that the eggs was insufficient for her thick tounge." replies Aden as he grin. Maya giggles upon hearing this.
"How old is she?" asked Maya.
"She's only turn seventeen..yah one of a kind." said Aden with a smile.
"She's lucky to have a brother like you." utter Maya as she could sense how much love Aden had for his sister.
"If only she would think that way. She says I'm bossy and always needs to check on her." said Aden as he took another bite on his sandwich.
"You are so blessed to be born in such a loving and happy family." utter Maya while looking at her empty plate as tears begins to well up in her eyes. Aden looks at her with full of emphaty and then he held his hand to hold on to hers. Maya begins to feel uncertain about this gesture and she quickly drew her hands away and stood up.
"It's getting late, I think I better get back inside." utters Maya and then she walks away as she headed towards her room and gently close the door. Aden looks at the empty plates and begins clearing up the table. He can't get his mind off her torment looks and it really pains him. Aden was determined to get Maya out from this whole horrified situation. After the kitchen has been clean, Aden went back to the couch and lays down in the dark which was only visible by the moonlight. He turn to his side but he just could not shut his eyes to sleep. He looks at his watch and it was almost half past one. In the end he sat up and took his digital camera in his hands. He looks at the rays of moonlight which cause some unique shadow against the bare wall....it was the shadow of the coat stand. After adjusting the flash light he took a shot at that unique scene and smile to himself. And then Aden decides to get few more photo shots outside. He opens the front door with his camera in his hands and then he begins snapping lot’s more photos of the dark sky, the hidden moon and the old hollow tree which was so lack of leaves but bare with its twisted branches. The wind begins to blew more stronger now as the rain clouds begins to gather up in the sky almost covering the moon now. Aden feels there’s no more visible shot can be snap by this darkness and in the end he decides to went back inside. As he was passing by Maya’s room, suddenly he heard a soft scream and whimpering coming from her room. Aden begins to panic and rushed to open the door and there he saw Maya seems to be struggling and crying in her sleep. Aden slowly approached her as he tries to wake her up. Maya becomes frantic and begins slapping and hitting him on his face and chest.
“Maya, it’s okay I’m here…!Maya it’s me Aden.” cries Aden holding on to her hands and then suddenly Maya was aware that she was having a nightmare about that horrified incident again. Maya threw herself into Aden’s arm and cry out with all her might. Aden hold on to her close to him and caress her hair. “It’s okay.”
“Hello Nad..so sorry for waking you up at this hour. Remember the girl which I’ve spoken to you earlier? I think it will be the best if you are here with us. She really needs someone professional to deal with this trauma, and I can’t think of anybody else but you.” explained Zaki with concerned in his tone.
“Alright, I shall be there as soon as I could.” replies Nadia as she stood up and headed towards the closet to pack some of clothes and case files.
“Thanks Nadia. I love you. And drive carefully alright.” utter Zaki before he hangs up.
Aden stays by Maya’s side until she feel asleep again due to the exhaustion of all the crying and the pain which she had to endure. Aden looks at her while she was sleeping and caress her hair and cheeks and it felt like he could almost feel her wounded soul. And then he looks at all her bruises and cigarettes burn marks on her body and he felt sure those physical wound were nothing compares to her emotional and psychological pain which she has been through. Finally, tiredness had overcome Aden and soon he too had fell asleep by Maya’s side.
“Nadia maybe you should get some short nap…now it was almost five in the morning.” continues Zaki as he was very concerned about her since she had been traveling for almost two hour upon reaching his apartment.
“Yeh, I guess you are right.” replied Nadia as she follows Zaki back into their room.
“Maya, open the door. Maya come out here are you deaf?” yelled Ilhan as he bangs the door furiously with his fist. Maya crept in between her cupboard and bed with her back against the wall as she’s trembling in fear. Her breathing was getting heavier as she shut her tearful eyes and pray hard hoping that Ilhan and his ruffian mates will just leave their home and get themselves drunk and high with liquor and drugs somewhere else away from her. Suddenly her room door was violently kick open much to Maya’s terror and then Ilhan caught her hideout. Ilhan storm towards her and drags her out from there and roughly push her out from the room. Maya was pleading and crying hoping that Ilhan had some sense of sympathy towards her but all that begging seems like nothing for Ilhan at all. Maya’s sorrowfulness seems to be a great source of strength and joy for his ego and pride.
“No!” cried Maya as she woke up startle and soon realized she was in a room at Aden’s uncle department. Maya was covered in her own sweat and it seems she has been crying in her sleep. And then she saw Aden was sleeping on a chair by her bedside and she begins to stare at him while he was sleeping. Maya felt so much gratitude and thankful for all the protection and concerned which Aden had shown her a feeling which she once had for Ilhan. How could Ilhan once was her savior ..her guidient angel was the one who had actually destroyed and terrorized her soul…and this torment and suffering which had befall her will never be able to be erase from her mind.
As soon as Maya realized that Aden was stirring as he was about to wake up from his nap, Maya quickly wipe the falling tears from her cheeks and sat on the bed.
“Hey! You are already awake?” asked Aden as he smile. Aden knew Maya has been crying as he saw her beautiful brown almond shape eyes were red and swollen. Maya nodded and smile faintly.
“Woah! It’s almost eight.” cried Aden as he looks at his watch and stood up.” I shall get back into my room and maybe we can have breakfast together later with my uncle.” continues Aden as he tries to look cheerful for Maya’s sake hoping that his gesture might eventually lifts her spirit up.
“Aden, thank you.” replied Maya with a smile. Aden nodded as he steps out from her room and closed the door. He was about to enter his room when he sense something appetizing from the kitchen and that hypnotizing smell seems to make him walks towards the kitchen instead. And then he saw his auntie Nadia was busying herself by the stove as she saute the macaroni chicken mushroom sauce in the bowl. Aden notice the macaroni has been nicely boil and serve in the plate for four person. Aden crept slowly behind her and then he gave her a tap on her shoulder making her startle.
“Aden, I knew it was you..you cheeky monkey.” cried Nadia with one hand on her hip as her other hand she still stirring the sauce.
“Thanks auntie for coming over. You will be a great help to Maya.” said Aden as his intensity in his looks and voice begins to form on his face. Nadia could swear that Aden does resembles her husband so much but she kept that thought to herself as she had promised and made a vow to Zaki that the truth was to remain unspoken.
“It’s okay. I shall do what I can to help her overcome with this horrified trauma.” replied Nadia but she knew it won’t be easy…as Maya had been suffering mentally and physically abuse for quite sometime now from her sickening husband…and now this worst terrorizing plight has been an additional trauma which Maya needs to overcome. “How long have you known this girl?” asked Nadia while she pours out the sauce into the macaroni as Aden prepares the coffee and place the folk and spoon by the side of each plate.
“Almost four months now.” replied Aden shortly. “But yet it seems that I’ve been drawn to her like I’ve known her for ages.” continues Aden as he looks sadly towards his auntie. “I felt that I need to be there for her, to protect her cause all this happening happens right in front of my eyes..and it seems not right for me just to push her away and pretends that nothing had happen.” cried Aden again and his tone was cold.
“You feel responsible for all this aren’t you..even though none of this is your fault. Not at all. What you did is noble. But do you know what the stake you might be playing? Your future.” said Nadia as she looks at him with concern. ‘You are a college student..your place are supposed to be in school but what will happen now?”
“So is she, Maya is only nineteen…she’s far too young to be somebody’s wife especially to that animal. She needs a future..and I’m determined to give her that.” utters Aden.
“Aden, I’m sure you know about her current status right now? She’s illegal and will definitely be deported back to her country.” cried Nadia again as she wanted Aden to realized that Aden was hoping for the impossibility.
“They can’t do that to her. Her life will be totally ruined once if she was to be sent back to her country.” cried Aden anxiously. “My dad, his trying his best to help her out with this mess.” cried Aden again.
“Oh my God Aden, You have fallen for her.” cried Nadia and she sounds worried. “
Aden remains silence as he received that remarks from his aunt. “Have I?” thought Aden to himself. “I felt that I have to do something.” utters Aden at last as he knew his aunty been a psychologist therefore it was not easy to hide and run away from his inner thoughts and feelings.
“What’s the commotion all about now?” asked Zaki as he dries his hair with the towel. Aden walks away from the dining area and went back into his room to have his shower. He was feeling confused and lost with his own thoughts and feelings right now. He can’t deny the fact that actually, when the first time he had set his eyes on Maya at the roof top during their first acquaintance had actually triggers something amusing but beautiful in his soul. And seeing her beautiful sweet face being veil by so much torment and brutality had makes Aden more determined to help her.
The cold shower water was set to the full blast as Maya allows her naked body to be hit hard by the stinging spray of that. She felt so broken as her fear begins to drill itself further into her mind and soul. Her body was aching due to the brutal acts of Ilhan and his ruffian gangs but she could not care less about that…cause the real pain which she’s enduring now is losing her pride and dignity. “How could he let them touch me? Am I no longer worth anything to him?” her heart begins to scream those questions over and over again. Maya begins to tremble due to the coldness of the shower and then she grabs the bar soap and rub it roughly against her bruised skin. She refused to look at herself in the mirror as she felt so much shame and dirt in her. Her body was unable to take the coldness any longer, as she begins to tremble even more. Maya turn off the shower tape and took the towel to dry herself. The burn cigarettes marks on her neck and some part of her chest had left some scars on her skin. As she refused to look at them any further she quickly grab a dress which Aden’s aunt had pack for her and put it on. She step out from the shower room and sat by the side table as she grab the hairbrush ..brushing her hair. Maya begins to caress her long semi wavy hair and used her slender fingers to untangle the wet strands while staring at the open view of the vast cloudless sky from the window. Her mind then begins to drift away bringing her back to her past however suddenly she felt numb as though that moment had stop and refused to shift her back to her present state. Everything seems to be so dark and the place was only visible by the neon and dim lights and this dim but strong glaring rays of the lighting had strain her eyes and makes her feel more anxious. The stench of hard liquor and cigars begins suffocating her lungs and almost makes her out of her breath. The fear of terror which she had to endure makes her heart palpate while she struggles to get herself away from their clutches. All her pleading and crying was ignored but was mock and torment by them instead as they force and drag her to a room and shut her inside locking the door behind them as they left her all alone in the small dark room. Maya bangs the door with all her might begging them to bring her back to where she belongs.
“Maya! Are you okay?” it’s was Aden knocking of the door and calling of her name which had eventually returns her back to her present state and situation. Maya realised that she had unknowingly dug her nails into her hands and she has been crying. Her palms begins to feel the stinge as she wipe her tears of her face. She grab a towel and quickly wipe the slight blood stain off her hands and palm before she opens the door.
“Maya, come and join us for breakfast. There’s someone whom I like you to meet.” Utter Aden as he looks at Maya and Aden knew Maya has been in tearful state again eventhough she was trying her best not to show her real crippling emotional soul. Maya let
“How’s Ilhan?” suddenly Maya asked abruptly causing
“He was lucky to survive that. If the knife to be drove in more than two inches that will be fatal.” Replied
“Auntie, this is Maya.” Said
“Nice meeting you Maya. We are so glad that you can join us for breakfast.” Replies Nadia as she reaches out her hand and bring Maya to sit by her side. Maya smile faintly…but apparently she felt extremely anxious and nervous however Nadia being a professional councellor, ske knew Maya being a victim therefore Maya having this wary thoughts and was in doubt with the people and the surroundings around her, was the behaviour which she is projecting right now. Nadia took a glance at Maya’s feature’s and she was amazed by her sweet, innocent look and this brings some sorrowfullness inside Nadia’s heart cause how could a girl as young as Maya needs to go through all this horrible torment…and the worst part is Ilhan her own husband were the one who had literally threw her into the pit of the roaring hell of fire. But Nadia had seen far much more worst cases than this and she strongly believe that Maya will be able to get back on track with her life and just like how Aden had hope and pray for..Nadia was determined to help Maya coping with her pain and grief but replace them with hope and enlightment.
It was almost half past ten when finally Adam had reach the main road which will lead him to his home. His mind was set in a twirl now by the whole horrific incident and the worst part of it..
“Sorry I did not call you last night. I must have been to engrosse by
“Who’s Ilhan?” shoot Zaharah intensely. “What have my son done to him?” asked Zaharah again looking directly into Adam’s eye.
“So you know about it?” asked Adam calmly much to Zaharah’s annoyance.
“For how long both of you going to keep this from me?” asked Zaharah again furiously. “I may have not bore him from my womb Adam, but could’nt at least you tell me about this whole damn thing?” cries Zaharah again as she stood up and fold her arms across her chest.
“Who told you all this?” asked Adam.
“Zhorif.
“Please forgive me Zaharah, I wanted to tell you everything about this once I’m back here..but I guess I was too late.” Replied Adam looking lost and glum. “I does’nt want you to feel upset about this whole deal.” Continues Adam again as he walks closer towards Zaharah to touch her face.
“So you think that I’m not strong enough to take this blow. Adam I’ve been through a lot more than you know. Sometimes Adam, I wonder when will you stop taking things too lightly especially with our children?” Replied Zaharah as she walks away from him. Adam was stunned by Zaharah’s remarks and he felt hurt by her words. Zaharah stood by the door at the verandah and she realised that she had been too harsh towards Adam and she felt wrong for saying those remarks and accusation. Although Zaharah knew Adam has been a wonderful father towards
“I can’t be like my father.” Replies Adam as he look sadly at Zaharah much to Zaharah’s sympathy. Zaharah almost twitch her mouth into a smile as Adam can be quite a big baby despite his age now coming to late forties.
“You afraid they might run off like what you did?” asked Zaharah. Adam shrugged his shoulder and says.” I don’t know how to be firm with them. I don’t want them to grow up to be a rebel and revengeful like what me and Zaki had gone through.”
“Oh Adam, they are becoming like us now didn’t you realised that.
Adam slowly walks closer towards her and gently pull her hands away from her face. “I’m so sorry Zaharah. I admit I have been too lenient with her. It seems Zaki makes a better father than
“Adam, please stop comparing yourself with Zaki. That is so untrue. He got his own ways and so are you. It is just that we need to firmly hold to our kite string. If tying the kite just by using any losse tread..it bound to snap and the kite will detach and will be lost among the clouds..but if we used a strong firm string…no matter how hard we pull and let loose of the string the kite will still be with us. Those words which you had spoken to me previous weeks ago…does that rings a bell to you?
“It’s okay. I understand the fear which you are having about our kids….it will be painful seeing them losing their ways. I hope it’s never to late for me to set things straight again.” Replies Adam.
“Adam, I know it has been hard on your for the past few years when you need to rebond with them especially with Aleeya. I notice how hurt you look whenever Aleeya rejected your affection and love but she ran to Zaki instead. But you have done well..actually, because now it seems that she can share her thoughts and feelings with you rather then me her mum.” Continue Zaharah again as she walks closer towards Adam and kiss him on his cheeks. “After that accident which you and Zaki was involved in, I thought I’m going to loose you forever..and it was a pure torment. But God has shown me the way and brings you back to me..it is such a Bless.”
“Zaharah, for almost six years I’ve been taken away from your life. And during those isolate years of not knowing who is real me and my past history..it kind of scary. Yah God has definitely shown us what true love is make off…us!” said Adam with his beautiful darlie smile. And then he brings Zaharah closer to him and begins caressing her hair as he looks into her doe eyes. Despite now that she is in her early forties, Zaharah seems to bloom more gracefully….and Adam could see so much love and compassion in Zaharah’s heart.
“Hie Mum! Dad!” cried Aleeya as she enters the kitchen and grab a sandwich from the plate which Zaharah had prepares earlier. Adam and Zaharah quickly get their embrace off from each other and smile sheepishly towards Aleeya.
Aleeya look stunned at them while she chew her egg and tuna sandwich. “What? If I mind, both of you want to get mushy with each other? It’s okay with me..cause I’m open to all that.” cried Aleeya as she grin her sweet darlie smile.
“There another thing which I wanted to confess to both of you but hopefully ..please don’t freak out!. School holiday is coming and it seems that I have nothing much to do around here therefore..I’ve joined a club.” Said Aleeya as she sat on the cabinet and swing her legs to and fro.
“A club? An art club?” asked Adam curiously as he pushes up his glasses higher towards the bridge of his nose.
“No! Cause I’m already the chairman of the Art Association Club at school…this is something more trilling ..!” trailed Aleeya as she twirl her hair and bite her lower lips.
“Something to do with biking isn’t it?’ asked Zaharah and she sound unpleased.
“Ten points for mum. Yah!” answered Aleeya as she hop off from the cabinet counter top and stood by the doorway instead.
“Aleeya! We have been through this before okay so definitely no!” said Zaharah firmly.
“I know you will said that..but this time round it is different. This club which I’m joining in is legal in this country. All I’ve got to do is put in some down payment of two thousand dollars cash per year once I’ve registered in this club.”
“Aleeya, even if this is legal but…I still find that it will be pure waste of time. This is going to be your final year in school and maybe next year you will be enrolled in a college so instead of you racing and risking your life with this hobbie of yours..maybe you should get yourself busy by browsing and searching for a suitable college for you to get in instead.” Continue Zaharah intensely.
“Why you always give me the cold blanket?” replies Aleeya feeling upset. “Mum, why was everything I do it seems like a sore to your eyes..but whatever shit things that
“Because I do not want horrible things happen to you again like that previous night which you had told me yesterday.” Explained Zaharah as calmly possible. Adam stood by her side and listen to his wife and daughter’s argument intensely.
“But I survive.” Replied Aleeya with pride in her voice.
“Because you are lucky!” utter Zaharah and she felt dissapointed cause it seems Aleeya has not learn her lesson from the mistakes which she had almost done to herself.
“Mum you never listen to my reason..never! Eversince I’m still a kid …it was always
“Aleeya you know that is untrue. Your mum loves you more than her own life.” Cried Adam as he felt that he had heard enough from her rudeness towards her mother.
“I’m sorry Aleeya if I have make you felt that way…but it was your attitude which really get me on my nerves. One more thing, stop using your brother as an excuse for your poor behaviour.” Exclaimed Zaharah again as she was fighting back her tears.
“See…it’s
Adam was shocked by her remarks and raise his hand ..almost touching her cheeks however he managed to get hold of himself and brings his hand down by his side. “You have gone too far Aleeya.” Utter Adam coldly and Aleeya could see some darkness and anger in her father’s eyes.
“Uncle Zaki..he will understand unlike both of you.” Cries Aleeya in between sob as she left the kitchen and enters her room slamming the door behind her as she did so.
“I’ve failed her.” Said Adam sadly. And then he took his car keys and decides to leave the house.
“Adam, where are you going? You need a rest after your long trip from Zaki’s apartment.” Asked Zaharah and she sounds worried.
“To the mosque…I shall do my prayers there.” Replies Adam with tears in his eyes. Adam left driving off the front porch away from their home.
Aleeya flung herself on the bed and threw the pillows all over the floor in her madness. However one of the pillow which she had flung had accidently crash her family photo which was beautifully place on her side table. Aleeya slowly walks towards the table and bend to pick up the photo and the pieces of the broken frame. All she want is an approval to join the legal racing club but the reason which her mother had given to her was not enough to justify her action against it.Aleeya collects the shattered glass of the photo frame and then she carefully wrapped them up with a recycle paper and threw them into her wastepaper basket. And then she place the photo in one of the pockets of her bagpack. Aleeya slowly walk towards her closet and begins unpacking her clothes and stuff them into her bag as her tears begins to well up in her eyes. Aleeya fought back her tears and was determined not to let them fall. As she was about to shut the closet door suddenly her eyes caught something which has been long gone forgotten. It was her very first painting which she had eventually won during her primary school years. The oil paint of her family potrait which she had scetch amazingly beautiful when she was only eight..a rare talent. Suddenly she remembers how her father had been so proud with her gifted talent and achivement and keep on praising her. And the best moment when he had bought for her all sorts of art and painting equipments and he gets the best from the supplier store despite he need sto pay such a high price for them. Her father even took the trouble to renovate her room and expand the area so that Aleeya could have her very own work space. Aleeya tears begins to fall gently on her cheeks…as she begins to realised the love which her father had given her is more than that…Aleeya had inherit her father’s very own passion and dreams…to paint. Deep in her thoughts she just hope she got some bit of his patience and gracious attitude…but it seems the harder she tries the more she stray further away…and it pains her. The rudeness which she had potray towards her mother is simply unaccepatable as she begins to retune back those hurtful words which she had spoken to her mum. She love her parents more than words could be written but it just that she felt her needs and likings were often not a pleasing sounds to them. “Why can’t they listen and trust me? Do I often got to lie to get my way through?” thought Aleeya to herself as she looks at her own reflection in the mirror which was hung against the wall. She looks at her tearful face and swipe her long fringe which had cover almost half of her face. And then she saw the racing brochures and took it in her hands. Aleeya hold on to it for a moment and then she crumple it and threw the brochure into her wastepaper basket as she felt that it was hopeless to chase for something which could only lead to more misunderstanding. And then she took her bag pack which she had fill up with her clothes and then she grab her helmet and her motorbike keys as she walk out from her room. She phase around her mother's room and then she saw her mother was lying on her bed and she knew her mum was heart broken with her harsh attitude and rude behaviour. Aleeya walk closer towards her mother and she notice that her mother was sleeping as she knew her mother has not been sleeping very well for the past few days due to Aden's incident and after knowing about her very own mishap had eventually makes her mum felt more anxious and worried. Suddenly Aleeya felt some sense of guilt...her father was right about her..she has indeed gone too far. Aleeya pulls the blanket and gently place it across her mother's chest. And then she took a note which she had written and place it on her mother's dressing table. She took a glance at her mother and then she left her room and headed towards the front door. Aleeya turn the knob and walks out form her home as she had a place in her mind which she felt it will be a good get away for her.
Adam sat at his prayer mat and begins contemplating with his own thoughts. He look at his hands which had almost hit her beloved daughter and he can't believe what he had almost did. Throughout his life, while bringing up his kids he had never ever once hit them..he only used firm tone and intense stare to discipline them. However Zaharah did not agree with that kind of discipline method as she believes that spare the rod spoil the child but he knew Zaharah loves for their children is more then anyone could ever imagine. At times Zaharah tends to be over-protective but Adam could understand why Zaharah had always felt that way..it was after Adam's horrific accident and his sudden disapearance which had eventually make her turn this way. Adam look at his watch and it was almost late afternoon. He stood up and make his prayer before he left in his car.
As he was driving along the shop houses suddenly his eyes caught something which had grab his attention...there were some of Aleeya's painting and sketches which was neatly display at it glass panel. Adam stop and park his car along the side way and step out from his car as he headed towards the small but unique painting shop. Adam enters the shop and phase around the paintings which looks exactly like Aleeya's.
"May I help you sir?" asked the shop keeper as she walk towards Adam with a smile on her wrinkle but calm face.
"This painting is simply magnificent. I simply want to know who had produce such fine art works?" asked Adam again sounding so professionally.
"These art works belong to this strange girl. She must be in her teens. Her paintings were always sold out...such a gem. And the money which she had made from her selling part of it she had secretly contributed to some of our local charity organisation." replies the woman again.
"Do you know her name?" asked Adam curiously as his heart was palpating hard in his chest.
"She refused to give her name..but she had this significant appearance..her light blonde with pinkish highlghted hair..very pretty girl." replies the woman again with a smile on her face.
Adam realised that it was Aleeya, there's no doubt about it and he felt a sense of pride as he can't believe his daughter had a gracious heart and the compassion which she had felt for the needy. She had eventually seal it very well and all the good deeds which she had done was better made unknown. Adam had smile on his face and then the shop owner realised something about this and she begins to stare hard at Adam.
"Oh my God...She look just like you! Are you her father?" asked the woman again excitedly. Adam nodded and then he looks at some of his daughter's art works. There were some of the green hilly views scenary, the sight of a lake, some of her motorbike grafiti. Adam was impressed as he realised that his daughter's talent is far much better than his very own.
"Your daughter...I believe there's something special about her. Okay..she's kind of stubborn and persistant..but she has a good heart." continue the lady again.
"Thank you madam for allowing her to sell her paintings here. Just my request..please don't tell her that I'm here." said Adam. The nice lady nodded as Adam left the shop and headed towards his car to drive straight home. Adam felt so much pride and love for her daughter's and son's noble deed and tears begins to well in his eyes. A deed which he not could ever had done at such a very young age. Aleeya does has Zaharah's high spirit and determination drives. As he could remember clearly on how Zaharah had made him chase his dream and bring them into a reality...of Adam's Eye.
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