Part 4

The Present –

Even though the wedding was a month or so away, I decided to go shop for a dress. It was Saturday, so basically the weekend.

I changed from my pjs into a pair of highwaisted black pants, tucked in a grey top, layered a sheer black bomber jacket and my red converse. I grabbed my purse and left the house.

On my way to the mall I turned on the radio to listen to some tunes and kill the time I spent driving. You know those cliché moments in movies where you are going back and forth between radio stations and one of them decides to play a song that reminds you of that one person you want to forget? Yeah, well, that cliché moment just happened.

“and I know that only time will tell us how to carry on without each other, so keep me awake to memorize you, give me more time to feel this way.”

Yeah, well, that didn’t happen.

Anyway, after that lovely moment I reached the mall, parked and then headed inside.

I jumped from store to store, looking for a dress. You see, I am not a big fan of shopping so I really just wanted to get this over with.

2 hours later, I finally found a dress, already had a pair of heels that went with it, so finally, my shopping trip came to an end.

I went back home, ordered in pizza and watched some TV, went over a few things for work, read the news, and fixed my room.

Back to the past –

Orientation day finally came, but I missed it. I got sick, and basically couldn’t move, but Norah filled me in, sent me pictures and told me about the people she met.  They seemed okay I guess.

The weekend passed, and then another day and I was still bedrid. It was getting boring and I already missed a few days, not a great start. But I reached my limit and decided that even if I don’t feel better tomorrow I’ll still head to university. 

I spent the rest of the day trying to force myself to feel better and to rest.

The next day came, and I woke up feeling slightly better. I put on a pair of jeans, and random top and a pair of sneakers, tied my hair into a ponytail, and headed out with nothing on me other than my phone and some cash.

I attended my first class, sat in the front, tried to keep up with what the professor was saying but couldn’t because really I missed the introductory lecture and was so lost.

On my out, I ran into Norah, and we made our to the university’s cafeteria.

Norah: hey, how’s your first day going so far?

Me: meh, not so great, kinda lost, I need to catch up.

Norah: you will, just start studying, don’t leave it till the very last minute.

Me: yeah I guess so.

Norah: I have plans with a couple of friends, so, I’ll meet you later?

Me: yeah, sure thing. Have fun.

So, we parted ways, and I was left in the cafeteria by myself, looking at people here and there, trying to recognize friendly faces to introduce myself to, and make a couple of friends.

As I was getting up, I accidently bumped into a guy.

Me: oh, sorry.

-: it’s okay, don’t worry about it.  I’m Ibrahim by the way, and you are?

Me: Gaia.

Ibrahim: first year?

I nodded in response.

Ibrahim: yeah, me too. How come I didn’t see you in orientation?

Me: I was sick, couldn’t make it.

Ibrahim: oh, hope you feel better now, anyway, I’m heading over to the gym, my friends are there, we’re going to shoot some hoops, join us?

Me: yeah, sure, why not.

Ibrahim is tiny for a guy, he’s white, with black hair, black eyes, and small features overall; he looked fairly fit, and seemed nice.

We headed to the gym, by the time we got there we found the rest had already left, so we just played some basketball by ourselves.

Ibrahim: So, what brought you here?

Me: Well, I’ve always wanted to study abroad, so I fought for it I guess, how about you?

Ibrahim: for my dad, really. I just hope I end up liking it here.

Me: you will, hopefully.

He nodded in response, and we continued to play, discussing random topics and getting to know each other better.

Back to the present –

A month had passed and it was Norah’s wedding day, I had flown to where it is, and stayed in the same hotel it’ll be held in.

The morning of –

I woke up with butterflies in my stomach, not the good kind. I had RSVP-ed to Norah’s wedding, but I’m pretty sure it was her fiancé’s number on the card and not hers; I know she would’ve said something.

I got up, put on a t-shirt dress, a pair of flats and went down for breakfast.

Just as I left the elevator, I heard someone call my name. I look around only to see Norah running towards me.

Norah: Gaia!

She hugged me tight, and I couldn’t not hug back, she was my best-friend at one point after all.

Gaia: heyy

Norah: I didn’t think you’d come…

Me: well, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Norah: it’s been what 3 years?

Me: yeah, or so.

Norah: still not over it?

Me: got used to it.

I laughed it off, and congratulated her. Then told her that she needs to go get ready as there was no time to waste.

Norah: join me, we’ll get ready together, just like we did back in uni.

Me: yeah, well, we’re different people now.

Norah: stop it, and come with me already.

-: Norah

We both turned our heads only to see who I assumed to be her fiancé.

Norah: Mohammed, this is Gaia. Gaia, my husband, Mohammed.

Me: nice to meet you.

I extended my hand to shake his.

Mohammed: after all this time, and all the stories I’ve heard, we finally meet.

Me: all good things I hope.

We both laughed.

Mohammed: join us for breakfast?

With all honesty, he seemed like a gentleman, I hope the love they have remains and only grows.

Norah looked at me waiting for a yes.

Me: sure, I was heading there anyway.

We talked about random things here and there.

Me: so, tell me, how did you guys meet?

 Norah: well, I started working as a political analyst in some firm, and a short while later he started working there too. I shut him down every time he tried to talk to me, and then one day, for some reason I didn’t, and really, we hit it off from there. 2 years later, he asked for my hand in marriage, and here we are.

Me: well, you seem perfect together, and I’m so happy for you, Norah, you too, Mohammed.

Mohammed: thank you.

Norah: I better get going, Gaia, let’s go?

Me: let’s.

Anyway, it’s crazy how some things don’t change, even after years of distance, and basically no ties.