Courting Samira

by Amal Awad

  Samira: No. But I had wanted to tell you myself.

  Hakeem: It’s OK. I knew it was coming.

  Samira: I suppose. Well, about time, ay?

  Hakeem: I pray everything works out well for you, inshallah. You deserve only the best. I mean that sincerely.

  Samira: Thanks. :)

  Before I knew what was happening, a lonesome tear found its way to the corner of my eye. Just the one though, there was no mutiny this time. I’d just never anticipated these outcomes, and Lord knows I could get lost in the jungle of my own imagination.

  I was going to miss Hakeem. I was going to miss the friendship we shared, the conversations we had. I’d probably even miss his sternness. But most of all, I hoped he knew how much I loved him.

  I was certain Hakeem would find the “right” girl one day. He’d hardly be short on options, what with the piety (may Allah reward him) and goodness. And, well, the Arab warrior looks and the manliness didn’t hurt. Any girl would be damned lucky to have him in fact. Yes, he was a bit of the brooding type. She’d have to be warned of that. He needed lightening up on occasion too. Still, so long as she didn’t amuse him and simultaneously make him want to harm himself, it would be just fine.

  I hesitated. What else should I say? Was there anything else to say?

  Yes. Lots. But I would keep it simple.

  Samira: I’m going to miss you.

  A vintage Hakeem pause. Allow a moment for the disapproval to sift through.

  Hakeem: Ditto.

  A moment later he started typing again.

  Hakeem: I’m sorry for ruining things.

  Samira: You didn’t. It’s OK. Honestly.

  He paused again.

  Hakeem: “I no doubt deserved my enemies, but I don't believe I deserved my friends.”

  Now I took a moment.

  Samira: George Clooney?

  Hakeem: Funny.

  Samira: Wrong?

  Hakeem: It’s Walt Whitman.

  Samira: Ah, I did think of him. It was a tough one to call.

  Hakeem: Understandably. You watch too many movies.

  Samira: I know.

  It was a while before he wrote again.

  Hakeem: You’re probably feeling a bit afraid right now. But you’ll be fine.

  I thought so too.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Not long ago, this book was to be published in Australia; it was even sold into bookstores. Unfortunately it didn’t make it to the shelves, but a different cover and slight name change later, it has become Courting Samira.

  It has been a long journey and I must thank certain people who have been instrumental along the way, reading early drafts and giving me guidance. In no particular order (and my apologies if I have left anyone out):

  Louise Thurtell, Amneh Dandan, Nafesa Ermes, Yemee Fernandes, Michael Johnston, Ataia Elhage, Susan Carland, Waleed Aly, Sarah Hammoud and Asma Fahmi.

  I also thank my family, for their support and encouragement: mum and dad, my brothers Motieh, Sam, Hossam and Anwar, and my sister-in-law Kelly.

  Finally, to my good friends past and present. You know who you are. Thanks for the stories.