Part 23.

The next day Dalal woke up at 12. She skipped her classes for the day, although she knew it was a bad idea because it was mid December and finals were weeks away.

She read Faisal’s message and smiled.

“Goodmorning 7abeby;*”

Dalal messaged Faisal back, but he was last seen at 3:34 am, so she figured he was still asleep.

Dalal dragged herself out of bed and went to get a shower. True it was only an engagement gathering, but it was a big one since all of Faisal’s aunts are coming.

Dalal’s mother went to see if Dalal was up or not because she was late for her saloon appointments.

“Daloola 7abebty gemtay?” She knocked the door

Dalal didn’t reply because she was in the bathroom.

Dalal’s mother walked in and saw her empty bed, ‘zain ashwa gamat’ she thought.

“Dalaal 7abebty” Dalal’s mother knocked on the bathroom door.

“Na3aaam youma??” Dalal answered

“7abebty shno tabeen esawoonlech reyoug?”

“La la mabe shay mama, al7eeb wana 6al3a arou7 ayebly gahwa.” Dalal said

“La 7abebty mara7 akhalech te6l3een men elbait wentay mo makla! Agoolhum esawonlech baith?” Her mother suggested

“La youma bas abe chay 7aleeb w toast,” Dalal said as she finished her shower.

She wrapped herself in a towel and went out to her mother.

“9aba7 elkhair,” Dalal smiled so happily

“9aba7 elnoor 7abebty.. allah allaah shal sa3ada ely yayetch men el9eb7! Kel hatha 3ashan beyoun yakh6boonch elyoum??” Dalal’s mother teased.

Dalal looked away shyly, “youmaa baas la ta7rejeni..”

“Ya zeenha walla ebnaytyy!” Dalal’s mother pinched Dalal’s checks as she walked out of the room. “7abebty betrou7en elsaloon ebrou7ich wela Rawan o Farah berou7on ma3ach?”

“Rawan betrou7 bas Farah mu akeed, yemken bas tyey baitna 3ogub.” Dalal replied

“Betaghadoon belbait youma?” her mother asked

“laa laa mama entaw eklaw e7na yemken en6awel belsaloon.” Dalal said

Her mother laughed, “7abebty tara mu 3ersich ohwa, bas khe6ba”

“Mama walla adrii,” Dalal looked embarrassed, “bas ya3ne agolich la tan6roona.”

“Okay 7abebty, deray balich.”

Dalal dried her hair and wore grey sweatpants, a white tank top, and a navy wool cardigan.

She didn’t want to leave the house without talking to Faisal first. She knew he wouldn’t mind, but she missed his voice.

She called, but he still didn’t pick up.

So she messaged him again,

“Call me when you’re up..”

15 minutes later, Dalal was done with breakfast and was in the car with Rawan on their way to the saloon.

“How’s my favorite bride to be??” Rawan asked happily.

“She’s great,” Dalal smiled

“Walla el3atheem you have no idea eshkther I’m happy for you darling!” Rawan said

“I love you ray!” Dalal smiled

“Ana akthar walla!” Rawan said, “eeh oo tara Farah’s bringing lunch and coming over when were done.”

“Laa Rawoon I don’t want to eat!” Dalal frowned

“Laish bala?” Rawan raised one eyebrow

“Madri I don’t want to feel bloated, plus my dress is too tight so mabe te6la3 karshti..” Dalal giggled

“Khair enshalla Dalool.. lama e9eer 3endch karsha ta3alay tefahemay ma3ay.. but until then, you’re gonna eat!” Rawan smiled

“Walla 3endy karsha walla!!” Dalal exclaimed

Rawan rolled her eyes, “Dalool mali khlg hal conversation again, tekfain?”

Dalal laughed, “fine fine!!”

They got to the saloon and started getting their nails done, then hair treatments and finally Dalal got her hair and makeup for the night.

Her makeup was really light and simple. Her hair was trimmed and was done in perfect wavy curls. With her makeup and hair, and the outfit she picked for the occasion, she was going to look like a Roman goddess.

It was almost 5 when they were done and they were running a bit late. Faisal’s mother and aunts are supposed to be coming at 7 and then later on, Faisal was going to come and Nasser and Dalal’s Dad are going to be there as well.

Dalal was really worried, she hasn’t heard from Faisal all day long, and she was starting to sense that there was something wrong.

The drive back home was kind of quiet. Rawan was singing along with the music she had on, and Dalal was in deep quiet thinking.

‘Why hasn’t he called me yet?’ Dalal thought to herself.

She was looking out the window and saw a crowd and a police car on the road ahead.

“RAAAWWWAAAN!!!!!” Dalal screamed.

“Shno!!!!!!” Rawan looked alarmed.

“FAISAAL!!!!!!” Dalal pointed out to the other side of the road,

where Faisal’s black jaguar was crashed into another car on the highway.

To be continued…