70 Days; Chapter 12

Attention: I would like to start this off with the BIGGEST apology ever! It has almost been a month without posting, and oh how much I've missed it! I've been caught up with so much school work that I hardly had time to tweet, either. Hope this long chapter makes up for it! Hope you all enjoy.

-

Day #50;

She stood up from her seat, adjusted her bag strap, and remained quiet.

I picked up my phone from my nearby table, and wrote with the most evilest grin, "Guess what? You're wife is cheating on you!"

After that, I adjusted the way I was holding it, the message wasn't yet sent.

With the devilish smile remained on my face, I spoke with cruelty, reading the unsent message, "Guess what? Your wife is cheating on you! Shall I send?"

My finger was less than a centimeter away from the 'Send' button.

"You wouldn't!" she shouted so furiously.

"Oh, trust me, I would," I responded more devil-like. I have never turned into my opposing side, nor have I ever disrespected my mother.

-

"You know what I've heard? The hospital beside you is able to send donations to different countries," my mother said.

"But I don't want to donate it here," I refused, immediately thinking of a way to convince my mother yet again.

"What now?" she replied, tired of my demands in such short notice.

"I want to go to Australia and donate it there," I ordered.

"What's the difference?" she questioned.

"At least I can see Rashed and see how he's doing. Please," I answered.

"I can't let you miss university, Jade!" she raised her voice, "I have no choice but to allow you to donate, but missing your classes and traveling all the way across the world? I can't permit that."

"Please! I'll take notes of my lectures from my professor and study them by myself, either way, it's all review!" I said with reasoning.

She looked at me with absolute disapproval.

I pulled out my phone and headed to the unsent message once again and showed it to her, with my finger almost sending it, and with a threatening look on my face.

"Oh, fine!!" she spilled.

I smiled, approached my closet, and dragged my black suitcase out.

Although, I feel so terrible about my rude actions, but it never ceases to amaze me how much will-power can take over how badly I want things.

-

Day #52;

"Please fasten your seat belts, we will be arriving in Melbourne, Australia in approximately 21 hours and 40 minutes,"

We adjusted our seats, fastened our seat belts, obeying the pilot's words, and sat back waiting for departure.

I was so exhilarated, deep down, I could just scream.

Hopefully, Rashed will be fine  and everything will go back to normal.

I feel so confident about the operation, thank God.

Since I know this flight would be extremely long, I've decided to take a light snooze.

While altering the first-class chair, I called for the flight attendance and asked for a blanket.

As she returned with one, I watched my mother fall asleep, as well.

I felt extremely sorry dragging her into what I want, threatening her...

I purposely placed the blanket on her, since her clothing wasn't heavy enough to protect her from the cold breeze trapped in the airplane.

Intending to wake up and apologize to her later on, I closed my eyes and set my mind on where we're flying to, Melbourne, where Rashed is.

-

"Jade, wake up, sweetie," my mother spoke, tugging me slowly in order to wake me up for one of the meals.

Turns out my mother had my back and ordered what she thought I liked best, she was right.

Picking up the fork and sitting up straight, simultaneously I spoke, "I'm sorry,"

She looked at me silently.

"I'm sorry for threatening you. I'm sorry for forcing you to do what I wanted," I said, additionally, "I just want Rashed to be healthy again,"

She slowly shed a tear.

I put my hand on her shoulder, attempting to comfort her.

"No, I'm sorry, I should have told you and your father about everything,"

"If you don't love Baba then why are you still with him?" I asked, confused.

"Because I chose to stay. Khalifa began writing me love letters, and I felt lonely. Your father and I truly love each other, and I know he'd be lost without me. My life is complete, I have a loving husband and a beautiful daughter. I can't imagine not having that anymore," she responded.

I hugged her so tightly and felt so grateful yet still so sorrowful at the same time.

-

It's 8 AM here in Melbourne, the sun is shining.

My mother and I are on our way, in a taxi, to the nearest hospital, with our suitcases in the back.

As soon as we reached, I grabbed my luggage and rushed into the hospital so excitedly yet so fearful.

-

"Are you at least 18 years of age?" asked the nurse.

"Yes."

"Do you have diabetes, cancer, or any organ-specific diseases?"

"No."

"Are you free from high blood pressure?"

"Yes."

"Are you healthy in terms of mental and physical health?"

"Yes."

"Okay then, you are qualified, who may you want to donate your kidney to?" she asked with a smile.

"He's a patient here, Rashed Al-*****" I replied, remembering Fawaz's message. He specifically named the hospital he was getting treated in.

"Please, follow me," she said, starting to walk toward a room.

With my mother right by my side, she held my arm and spoke, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I'm more than sure," I replied.

-

Day #55;

Rashed's perspective;

Due to my trouble breathing, I had to visit the hospital here and stay the night.

I woke up today morning with a smile on my face.

I dreamt Jade came to Australia.

I dreamt I held her hand.

I dreamt I gave her the tightest embrace which indicated how much I missed her, and I never wanted to let her go.

If only it was real.

-

"Come in," I spoke after hearing the door knock.

It was my doctor.

"How are you today, Rashed?"

"I'm fine, not feeling any different, really," I answered.

"We have your results from yesterday's blood test," he said a bit too calmly.

"And..?" I asked, waiting for good news.

"Your other kidney seems to become weaker than before, but don't worry, we've had a nice, young lady donate one of her kidneys to you. So kind of her, she doesn't even ask for anything in return, just your health," he said.

I was shocked by his words.

Thank you, God! Thank you!

"Doctor, may I ask who this lady is?"

He extended his right arm, opened the door, and viewed how my facial expressions changed as I watched her walk in with tears in her eyes. My heart felt as if it was being hit by drumsticks.

"Jade," I said in amazement.

"Rashed," she replied, approaching me closer.

While our eyes met, we heard the doctor reassure me, "Your operation will be in 3 hours, wish you the best of luck!"

I was unable to reply, Jade's beauty was blocking everything I could possibly think, or even speak of.

"It was you..." I said, speaking about the donation.

"Rashed, why didn't you tell me you were sick?" she asked.

"I just found out when you left to university, I didn't want you to be worried, I'm sorry," I responded.

She stared at my pale, dry, unusual, frail face and body, and came even closer to me, dragging the nearby chair along with her.

She held my hand and looked into my black eyes.

"Being sick is not an imperfection,"

Due to my very slow crying reputation, I felt a tear roll down my insipid cheek.

After minutes of silence and hush, she gave me hug.

A sudden feeling of happiness rushed through my veins, blood, and bones. It was something not even the tubes attached to my hands could captivate.

Putting the best of my ability, I dragged my weak arms and hugged her back.

My dream came true.

70 Days; Chapter 11

Day #48;

It's almost been a month ever since Fawaz broke the news to me.

Nothing has ever broken my heart more than the fact that Rashed's on the verge of death.

On the edge of dropping his life.

His life would be crushed.

Crushed into million little pieces.

I haven't spoken to my dear beloved ever since, either.

Not talking to him kills me, though.

I have not.

I could not.

And I will not face him.

And I will not answer his phone calls.

I'm too scared his last words would exit it, would capture the attention of my ear's, and would cause the destruction of my fragile heart.

I don't want to say goodbye.

Why aren't we both called 'Nothing'?

I bet he's thinking the exact same thing, in between the tubes and the needles, he might be wondering why aren't we called 'Nothing', since that seems to be the only thing that lasts forever.

-

It was a typical day at university.

Nothing special occurred in class, nothing new.

I think you could've guess my inability to focus in my classes due to my mind's visit to a world of utter pain and agony.

But I attended them anyway, just incase I decided to pay attention.

As soon as I was done with my classes of the day, I was asked, by my dear friend Charlotte, to go grab a snack to eat.

As much as I didn't want to, I tagged along, I felt I needed to change my lifestyle a bit, nowadays.

-

"Jade, what do you want to eat?" she asked.

Coldly, I replied, "Just a chicken sandwich,"

I grabbed us a seat, and waited for Charlotte's return.

As we ate, I think she noticed my slow consumption.

"What's the matter?" she questioned, worriedly.

"Nothing," I answered.

"Come on, Jade, you know you can't keep something from me, you suck at lying!" she said.

"Just not feeling myself lately," I replied.

"That isn't a good enough reason," she said once again, "Spill."

And I, with a sad heart, confessed.

Yes, it takes a while to gain someone's trust, but she has opened up to me quite a few times before, and I think I've known her long enough.

Plus, to whom am I afraid she would tell?

-

After my little outing, I felt grateful.

I felt grateful at least was there someone here with me whom I can shed my heart out to.

I picked up my phone and dialed.

I dialed the phone number of my divine mother's.

And within seconds, I could hear myself pour out how badly I needed to see her.

How badly I needed to feel the embrace she gave me before I left.

I admit, my mother is greatly missed.

I clarified my reason to why she must visit.

-

Day #50;

I heard a quick knock at the door.

My mother, yes, it was my mother.

I was expecting her.

"How are you?" she asked after we were both released from the tight hug, indicating how much we've missed each other.

"Not completely well, but-"

"Jade, you're my daughter, and I thank God every day that you are mine," she interrupted, releasing the most random words.

It took me quite a while to ponder my further, next words.

It was a hard, yet helpful decision to make and to make official.

"I've been thinking..." I began speaking.

She was all ears, ready for my following words.

"This isn't very easy to speak upon,"

"Jade, just say it," she ordered, interrupting, once again.

"I want to donate one of my kidneys to Rashed."

"What?!?!" she said, shocked and startled.

"I want to help him out a bit, you know..." I replied.

"Jade, you're crazy! You're young, you're only 18!" she shouted.

"But I love him!" I responded, raising my voice.

"It doesn't matter if you love him!"

"But why?!" I asked, angrily.

"Because you've got a whole life ahead of you! How could you make such an insane decision?!" she began screaming.

I teared, teared at the rejection of what my heart truly wanted.

"You're making such a big deal about this, Jade!"

Was I? Was I, really?

I teared quite a bit more.

"There is no way I am letting you donate your kidney,"

I then spoke, as frustration took over me, "Well, if you don't allow me, I'm going to tell Baba that I found love letters written by you that were meant for some man named Khalifa!"

Her eyes grew larger by the second.

Ashamed, yet furious, she spoke, "How do you know about them?!"

"A few months ago, I found them placed in one of the drawers of your bedside table," I answered.

"Why would you look through my stuff, Jade?" she questioned.

"Well excuse me for wanting to remind myself of my youth. I was looking for the photographs!" angrily, I said.

She stood up from her seat, adjusted her bag strap, and remained quiet.

70 Days; Chapter 10

Jade's perspective:

University is one of the most wonderful experiences, up to date.

So many things to do.

So many people to meet.

So many places to go!

Thank God I've chosen the correct, joyful road.

No more drama.

No more problems.

Just a sweet escape from reality!

But.

Rashed was the only one who hasn't escaped my thoughts yet.

Though I've met many guys here, they weren't even half as amazing as he was.

He's different, I tell you, unusual, maybe...

I tried not to bother him a few days before his leaving, since he might have been under pressure with the whole packing thing, I completely understand.

He's supposed to be in Australia, at the moment, just landed, actually.

I'm going to give him some space, and wait for him. 

Rashed's perspective;

Australia, I'm here!

I just exited the plane.

The plane where I've experienced the longest flight ever.

Finally, I'm starting university in a few days.

I've gotten here early to settle in and get all comfortable.

I've tried to forget all my troubles.

But, one, one trouble was incapable of being forgotten.

My illness.

I still remember my mother's reaction.

My own reaction.

Indescribable, it was.

My heart breaks every time I remember my mother collapse, break down, cry, unstoppably.

It breaks every time I remember the clueless mind of Jade's. The way she has absolutely no idea why I haven't spoken to her the past few days.

The reason to that was because of the worry, the concern, the carefulness of accidentally spilling out my flaw, spilling out my sick future.

What would be her reaction?

How would she feel if her ears witnessed my true self, now?

Or if her eyes read the most shocking news ever?

However, those weren't the main questions wandering about my head.

The primary question was, would she leave me?

Would she abandon me, leaving me unwell and incapable?

I can't let that happen.

She's all of I've got.

The woman I truly love is my only strength keeping me hopeful.

But yet again, why would I place myself in that position, when I know the results? The awful results?

At last, a solution was found.

Jade will never know.

Well, I hope she won't.

-

I pulled out my phone as soon as I entered the taxi, on my way to my destination.

And instead of speaking to Jade, I began to talk to my dear brother, Fawaz.

He's the only one I can trust from my entire family.

Though he's only two years younger than me, his mind is as wide as the biggest Egyptian pyramid.

His maturity amuses me.

He tears every time I bring up the topic about my health.

He was the last one in the house to find out.

He was just as sorrowful as my divine mother.

She insisted I stay home, and she'll speak to the university about my very late arrival.

But no.

I persisted in leaving, in enjoying the life I was given.

My life would be taken away, either way, whether it was staying at home watching T.V. or pursuing what I've always wanted to become. At least if I haven't reached that stage of my specific wish, I would die reaching for it.

And that is what matters most.

Anyway... Fawaz knows everything. He knows about how uncomfortable I feel whenever I visit my friends where smoke occupies my nostrils.

He knows about my true, deep feelings towards Jade. They both speak, actually, once in a while.

I use his phone to communicate with her sometimes whenever mine runs out of battery.

I spoke to him, explaining the beauty of this country, explaining the remarkably great weather.

He was extremely happy for me.

Jade's perspective;

As I approached my dorm wooden door, thinking about the dream I had of Rashed last night, I felt vibration coming from my right pocket.

A very strange dream, it was indeed.

I tend to receive dreams that often mean something.

Rashed and I were walking down the hallways of a hospital, holding hands. The walls were white, the floor was white, and so were our clothes. We both were wearing white hospital dresses.

We were both very frightened, worried, petrified.

As I gazed at him, his eyes were filled with water.

We kept on hearing some types of echoes.

"Poor thing!"

"Rashed!"

Someone unclear was chasing after him, although we were steadily walking, unable to run, for some odd reason.

I'll believe that one of us is trying to run away from something that's bothersome.

Let's just hope, this time, it means absolutely nothing.

I pulled out my phone and all of a sudden, I felt numb.

No reason.

Just numb.

I did not even feel my phone fall out of my hand hitting the cold, hard, marble floor.

Shock, it was.

It was definitely shock which caused this.

As much as I wanted to cry, I couldn't.

I couldn't tear.

I couldn't speak.

I couldn't feel.

I couldn't tell whether Fawaz was lying or not...

70 Days; Chapter 9

Rashed's perspective;

And she's gone..

We are no longer in the same local area.

I miss her, already...

-

"Mr. *****, you may come in,"

I approached the golden door knob, twisted it, extended my right foot, and entered the white room.

Sat in the black leathered chair in front of a wooden desk was an old-looking man. His facial features grew much more, according to age. I haven't seen him in a while.

"Now, what seems to be the problem this time?" asked the doctor.

"Usual leg and chest pains, sleepless nights, nausea, loss of appetite, and shortness in breath."

"The last time you came was a year and a half ago, I'm surprised many things have developed in your system," he responded, with a frown.

"Have you taken the tablets I've prescribed for you?" he said, additionally.

"Yes, I have," I replied, "I took it every time I received any type of pain,"

"That's good. But the symptoms to your issue may be more serious than ever, you might have to leave the country," he told me.

I was so worried, so afraid of the results.

I don't want to leave the country.

I don't want Jade to be worried, either.

"But I'm leaving to university in five days.." I reassured.

"I think we should examine your blood, first. We'll get back to you in two days."

I walked to the examination room and waited for the nurse to come.

She entered holding a metal plate, in it consisted of two cotton pieces, two bandages, and the blood-sucker needle.

She approached me, holding the needle upright and held it against my inner elbow vein. I winced as I observed my own blood flowing through the tube.

"How is this so?" she asked herself, confused.

"What seems to be the matter?" I questioned.

"There seems to be not enough of your blood, please wait," and she exited the laboratory.

Anxiety hit me.

Why am I so careful of myself, all of a sudden?

I'm worried, worried about multiple things.

I haven't heard of Jade, yet.

I decided to reach for my phone from the nearby side table. With no strength, I saw a message pop up the screen.

Thankfully, my inner prayers were answered.

The most beautiful girl on the face of this planet finally wrote to me, after two days of silence.

In spite of the slight pain my weak arm released, I was unable to reply to her text.

Though I really wanted to, I was incapable of doing so, I was slimly aching.

-

"Mr. *****, we're afraid that you must place this on your other arm, in order for the blood to flow back," the nurse said as she tied a warm bag, filled with an unknown substance inside, around my other inner elbow.

After ten minutes of experiencing the warmth the bag gave me, the nurse returned and untied it.

She once again brought her equipment back and re-did the whole process.

Also, I observed.

A bit more blood followed through the tube, but I could tell it was still not enough.

She then explained to me that she will find out the reason behind the lack of my blood flow.

I've spent three hours, in total, in the hospital, starting and ending each examination. Eventually, the right amount of blood was enable to escape.

It was horrible. I absolutely hate blood tests.

-

Two days later:

I have answered to Jade's messages and she has told me every single detail about her school. It really looks like she's having a ton of fun, and it also looks like I'm missing her a bit too much.

We try to make communication work, in spite of the time differences.

While I was in the middle of packing the majority of my things, I heard my name being called by my daring mother, all the way from downstairs.

I kissed her head and asked what she needed.

"Oh, nothing, I just wanted to remind you that you need to visit the doctor today, your blood results are coming in this afternoon," she told me.

"Can you come with me?" I asked.

I watched her lips grow a breathtaking smile, "Of course."

-

"Dr. ***** is waiting inside," spoke the nurse as she drew near to us.

I once again joined the doctor in his office. I sat beside my mother, holding her hand, petrified.

His facial expressions looked odd today, they were unusually strange.

He greeted my mother, since he didn't really give us a welcoming grin, and then pulled out the results.

My heart was pounding.

My stomach was growling.

My head was spinning.

For a second, the nausea I felt that day at the restaurant began to hit me, all over again.

"Us, as doctors of the one of the most successful hospitals of the country, we tend to give the best treatments for those who are curable. But sometimes, the case may reach the extent where we are helpless, and may need to send some of our patients abroad. Though we put our full potential and devotion into our work, we apologize for any inconvenience."

We both were extremely terrified.

I watched my mother shed a tear.

I felt her utter pain.

My heart was slowly growing a fracture.

My eyes were slowly closing.

But, my ears were vigorously alarmed.

"I'm sorry, but you have been diagnosed with kidney failure."

70 Days; Chapter 8

Day #30:

And at last, my transformation into a woman is finally happening, tonight. It's all happening tonight.

My clothes and needs are all packed up.

The only thing I have left to do, which is probably the hardest, is saying goodbye.

Saying goodbye to Deena.

Saying goodbye to my mother.

Saying goodbye to my father.

Saying goodbye to Rashed.

The last name I mentioned.

The last person I cited.

Rashed.

In spite of everything we both have gone through, he may be the one I'll miss the most dearly.

"I can't believe you're leaving tonight!" he wrote to me.

"I can't believe it, either! It felt like just yesterday was the first day of school." I replied.

"Jade,"

"Rashed,"

"Be careful..." he warned.

"Don't worry.." I responded.

"No. I have to worry, you're my girlfriend, remember?"

I knew from the moment onwards, my heart couldn't remain on 'game' mode, any longer.

"Hahaha, yeah.." I replied, making sure I don't imply any sort of ecstasy.

"I need to see you before you're gone, Jade." he wrote.

"Yes, of course!" I answered.

In fact, I was actually excited to see him.

"I can't wait to see you," he said.

Butterflies wandered around my empty stomach leaving me in a puddle of overwhelming joy and happiness.

"I can't wait to see you, too," I responded.

I can't seem to find the reason to why our relationship doesn't resemble Deena's, with other guys.

It may be because Rashed is different, which causes us to appear this way.

Maybe it's because we're the only ones that are unable to fit in.

Maybe it's because we're the weak ones.

Maybe it's because we're really falling in love with each other.

-

Rashed's perspective:

I can't believe tomorrow may be the most shocking day of my life.

I was hoping Jade would join me, considering, in my book, her leaving date wasn't supposed to be today.

I think I'm going to miss her.

Wait.

I know I will.

She brightens up my day like the sun brightens up the world at sunrise.

She's so amazing.

She's so astounding.

She's so clueless, the deal's off.

No reason to break it to her was captured.

I'm taking this seriously...

I know I shouldn't, but I can't help myself...

I think this game was never one.

-

Jade's perspective:

I'm waiting for Rashed.

He's supposed to drop by my house any minute now.

I spent almost two hours saying my farewells to all my beloved friends and family.

Deena's going to remain in the country, she's not going anywhere.

Although, the rest of our friends are all leaving abroad.

For some odd reason, my heart is longing for Rashed's embrace. His long, protective embrace. The hug where I know nothing can take him away from me. The hug where I know he will never let me go...

"Jade!" he spoke at he stepped out of his vehicle, limping.

I didn't want to cause any tension, I ignored it and carried on.

"Rashed!!" I spoke back.

"I got you something," he said.

I wasn't really hoping for a gift.

"Oh, you didn't have to-"

He pulled out a piece of paper, and handed it to me.

"This is your plane letter, read it before you depart,"

"What's in it?" I asked.

"It's for me to know and for you to find out," he said, repeating my previous words.

Silence filled the air for a full minute.

As it came to an end, he approached me even closer, and gave me a slight peck on the cheek.

That was even more amazing than his previous embraces.

I felt as if I were on a cloud, a cloud floating in wonderland. Yes, it was that magical.

"Take care of yourself, Jade, please," he said.

My face grew a tight grin, I was still overly excited about his lips touching my tender cheek.

"I'm serious, or else I'm going to come after you and protect you myself,"

His last words were the most adorable.

Why does he have to be so cute?

"Rashed, I can handle it, I'm a big girl," I replied.

"You're wrong. You're my girl," he said.

-

As I began to settle in my seat, I pulled out Rashed's letter from my handbag and with full excitement, I read the following words,

"Dear Jade,

So you're probably sitting in the plane right now, reading this letter, waiting for the whole point of it. Well, basically, the whole purpose of this is to allow you to imagine me right there with you, throughout your entire journey of university. Just so you know, if we're unable to communicate, you'll have this letter, I'll always be there with you, every step of the way. You probably will be receiving more letters from me, once in a while. I'm sure there's going to be things I'm in desperate need of telling you.

The past few weeks were amazing, I don't regret a single bit of it. I wonder how it would have been if another girl offered to help me out, it would suck. Thank you very much, though. But a few days ago, I realized, it's not about popularity, that doesn't matter, it's the kind heart inside of you that I never stole. But now, at this very moment, while I'm in deep concentration in making this letter a piece of perfection, I feel something heavy on my left palm. It feels as though it occupies the full area. I'm guessing it's your heart, Jade!

Love is a crime.

I stole your heart, and you stole mine.

Tell me once you've reached there.

Sincerely, Rashed."

And as soon as I heard the plane announcement, indicating the departure of the plane, I unfolded the paper, placed it on my heart, and shed a light tear.

70 Days; Chapter 7

Day #23:

One week.

7 days.

168 hours.

The day I transform into a woman with independence and self-sufficiency.

University.

A deluge of excitement and fear sat upon the surface of my stomach.

Rashed and I have grown to become really great friends over the past few weeks.

He's a wonderful person. To say he's just a guy with a heartwarming personality would be an understatement. He's much more than that.

Since my move's in a weeks time, he insisted to tag along with me to be done with my last minute shopping, but not as a couple, as friends.

He isn't leaving until the week after that.

"Hello?" he said as he spoke through the phone.

"Just give me five minutes and I'll be right out," I replied.

Considering the close relationship I had with my mother, I tend to pour out all my feelings in front of her.

I've explained to her, from A to Z, about everything.

She was totally against the whole 'fake relationship' idea, but as long I was not serious, what's the harm?

My mother's the type that wouldn't allow me to be caught in a relationship with some guy at a young age, but since I'm eighteen, I think she would like to see me with a future husband rather than a 'temporary' love.

Our outing today has been referred as a 'friends' thing, and she completely understands that, therefore she condones.

My father wasn't in the country.

"Hello, ugly!" he said as soon as I entered the car and sat in the front seat.

I, once again, nudged his shoulder with a bit more strength than the first time.

"Again with the punching! You don't even look like you've got muscles..." he teased.

"It's for me to know and for you to find out," I replied, winking.

"Hey, hey, hey, I was just joking about the ugly thing, you know that!" he reassured.

"You better have been.."

We giggled for a while, on our way to our destination.

In a complete random manner, he blurted out, "You're beautiful,"

My cheeks appeared hotter than they already were, especially because he has given me the same compliment more than once.

I laughed lightly saying, "Thank you, Rashed, but we're on friend mode right now,"

He took his eyes off the road, placed only one hand on the wheel, and looked at me with a shy smile, "I know,"

-

Rashed's perspective:

I can clearly hear my heart's sobs.

It burns.

I need to call this 'deal' off with Faisal before I change my mind, I don't care. My popularity, at this very moment, means nothing to me.

As I watched Jade pick out clothes and enter the changing room, I thought it would've been the perfect timing to message him.

"In your group or not, nothing can bring me down. The deal's off."

I just need to find a way to break it to Jade.

I put the phone back in my pocket, carelessly, as she exited the room wearing a fuchsia blouse that looked very pretty on her. Her flawless hair and skin was a breathtaking compliment.

"How does it look?" she asked.

"Perfect on you,"

Few seconds later, I realized my extremely indulged eyes staring at Jade. It must have made her feel uncomfortable looking through the mirror admiring her blouse while I, in the background, thoroughly staring at her divine face with a smile on mine.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Jade, a real-fake girlfriend or not, she's extraordinary.

At the cashier, as soon as the woman said the price, I watched Jade take our her purse.

Instead of holding her hands to refuse to allow her to pay, I, with full speed, pulled out my wallet and handed the lady the money.

Jade looked at me shocked and surprised.

I grinned, "With me, you'll never pay."

-

"So where are we headed next?" I asked after Jade purchased from the fifth shop.

"I so need new glasses, let's go" she decided, entering the store to our right.

I agreed and walked right behind her.

"Rashed! How do these look on me?" she wore funny-looking glasses and let out a hysteric laugh.

I laughed back and stood beside her placing a random piece of crazy glasses on my eyes.

We spent a whole ten minutes of taking pictures with different ones on us, ridiculously making fun of one another.

That was the best ten minutes of my entire life.

As it came to an end, I could tell she was looking at me, though the glasses on her were ribbon, I managed to stare right back her hazel eyes.

I somehow felt what she was feeling, ecstasy.

The feeling was mutual.

"U-u-h.. we should probably put these back and get going.." she spoke, awkwardly.

"Y-y-e-a-h-h..which ones are you going to buy?" I asked with a gauche voice.

I tried not to look at her.

"None, it's okay"

-

"I'm really hungry!" she said.

"Let's grab you lunch" I responded.

I, once again, wasn't hungry. We walked to the food court.

She ordered, and then walked to an empty table.

As she was eating, I could tell she felt satisfaction.

Her gratified face expressions were adorable.

After speaking of many topics, we happened to fall upon the topic of university.

"When are you leaving, exactly?" I asked.

"Friday,"

"Oh.." I replied, unhappy, I was hoping she could join me somewhere.

"Why so sad?" she asked.

"I just thought you were leaving on Saturday," again, I replied looking down.

Additionally, I spoke, "When's your first visit back home?"

"December, and you?" she questioned.

"Ah, I won't be back until spring break!" I said, "don't forget to visit me in Australia!"

"I won't," she answered giggling. "And while you're there, don't forget me!"

"Are you kidding? Even if I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's I would never forget you, even if I wanted to," I replied.

"And why would you want to?!" she asked, chuckling quietly.

"You never know, maybe I'm going to meet some other pretty girl over there," I teased her again, when in reality, it was impossible to find someone with the beauty of hers.

"Are you ready for the second box of the day?" she responded pulling up her sweater's sleeve, I was terrified.

"Don't forget me, either!" I begged, laughing.

After a few seconds of her trying to calm down her own laughter, she replied, "Trust me, I won't be able to."

70 Days; Chapter 6

The way his eyes gazed at me as he was on his way to the ground...

The way I held his arms and felt the strong biceps of his...

I'm worried...

It's anxiety that's sprinkled over my bare bones.

I watched him lay there, on the restaurant extended cushion-like, red chair, surrounded by our group, along with the staff.

They were panicking just as much as I was.

Before his fall, his black eyes were wandering about.

I stared into them wondering why ours weren't meeting.

Sadness fulfilled the atmospheric intensity.

Confusion, sitting in the pitch of darkness, at the far end of the room.

No one had a clue about what was going on.

Considering his silence, our minds were occupied with irrationality.

Moments later, while staring at the situation, the area below my left eye felt wet.

A tear was shed...

A tear has fallen...

A tear was misplaced, for no apparent reason...

The drop of a tear from the left eye is pain, or so they say...

Pain.

Yes, pain, it is.

Agony, my heart's witnessing.

But why?

I thought this was all pretend...

-

"Rashed?"

"He's up!"

"Finally!"

"Get him some juice!"

10 PM.

It's been over 2 hours, standing obediently watching the now-awakened guy.

He should have been in the hospital ages ago, odd, isn't it?

As his eyes widened, they straightened his back, and insisted him to drink a glass of mango juice, since they believed his collapse was due to lack of sugar.

He caught a glimpse of my hazel eyes through the dense crowd.

And at last, they met.

"Jade! Get over here!" Deena shouted.

I walked towards her, she was sitting beside Rashed.

Later on, the noise decreased, the staff continued on with their work, and the rest of the group wandered within the place, and all remained were Rashed, and Deena and I.

"I'll leave you two alone," Deena spoke in a low tone.

Peculiar, it was indeed, the way my heart began to rush.

In silence, I broke, still worried with a pinch of sorrow, "What happened to you?"

Scratching his neck due to the heat, he responded, "I just forgot to take my pi-"

No words exited his mouth after that.

Confused, I questioned, "Forgot to take your... what?"

"Nothing," he whispered quietly.

I replayed the conversation over again.

Forgot to take my pi-

Forgot to take my pi-

Forgot to take my pi-

I experimented roughly in my head assuming what his incomplete word was.

"Rashed, just talk to me, maybe I can help!" I said.

"No," he mumbled. "No, you can't."

"I'm helping you right now, with this whole 'make-belief' relationship," I whispered.

He looked at me, rearranging his words that will soon be spoken.

Additionally, I spoke again, I spoke false statements, "If you don't want me to help you, then I guess the deal is off."

"Jade, this is different."

"How is it different? Just a simple clarification, please!" I insisted.

I decided to give him some space, I sat in the seat facing him.

We both remained calmly paced for a little while.

"Pills?" I assumed, spilling out one of my thoughts, accidentally on purpose.

He stayed quiet.

The code is unlocked.

"What pills, Rashed?!" I spoke shouting whispery.

"Don't worry, just something to increase my immune system,"

I glared at him for approximately 3 seconds, clueless of my beliefs.

"Okay.."

"Come on," he said as he stood up, "Are we still on?" he added, extending his hand, expecting me to take it, our plan still in progress.

I nodded, took it, combed my hair back with my  other fingers reassuring its neatness, stood beside him, and walked away, carrying along all the worries.