by Snoe, Eboni
happening now-the project, Kareem. He seems to be in limbo. A sort of coma, but a self-induced one. So I thought, what if we could reduce trehalose to a limbo state, freeze- dried state.”
“Alright. What if we could?” George countered.
‘ ‘I catch your drift. Filly,’ ’ Phillip interjected, his eyes narrowing with understanding. “A freeze-dried state would mean there would be no liquid to evaporate, but the essence of the trehalose would be the same.”
“That’s right Say it was freeze-dried into powder form; all that would be needed to activate it is a liquid of some kind, even saliva.”
“Felicia,” William said, slapping his clipboard, “I think you’ve got something there.”
“Hey, well what are we waiting for?” an impetuous George edged them on. “Let’s get started.”
George and William patted Felicia on the shoulder, while Phillip gave her a meaningful hug. At that moment their appreciation and acceptance of her meant more than they could have imagined.
Later that afternoon, Fatimah brought word to Felicia that Aisha had arrived. She also announced that they were expected to attend dinner that evening in order to meet the sheik.
“Whoa, so the big cheese is back. It’s good that we’ve just about completed our work. He might not have the same reason to welcome us as Na’im did,” Phillip quipped, casting a meaningful glance in Felicia’s direction.
“Well I’ve heard that the sheik’s a pretty nice guy. I don’t see any reason why he would want to throw us off his property,” George countered, defending Fatimah’s uncle.
‘ ‘George, if you heard that from the person I think you did, I know you’d believe anything she told you,” Felicia teased.
George blushed with embarrassment.
Well, I think we’ve done all we can do at the moment. Let’s get ready for dinner. And remember, wear your finest, lady and gents,” Phillip grinned. “You’ll be in the presence of semi-royalty.”
Felicia stopped by Kareem’s room on her way to her own. She was glad she hadn’t seen Na’im since last night. Somehow it made things easier.
Aisha was seated on the bed next to Kareem with her back turned. Her tiny frame appeared almost as small as the child’s. Peaceful slate gray eyes turned to meet her as she entered the room.
“Felicia, my child.”
“It was so kind of you to come, Aisha. Just your presence seems to soothe me. ”
“That is good for my heart to hear. But my presence does not seem to help the little one,” she replied, looking down at Kareem.
“What do you think is wrong with him?”
‘ ‘I know what is wrong with him, my child. But there is nothing I can do unless I can encourage his soul to want to remain here with us.”
‘ ‘You mean he wants to die?’ ’
“That is true. Do you know why?”
“All I know is he talked of joining his mother, who is dead, before he slipped into this coma-like state.”
‘ ‘And that’s what he has willed himself to do. His spirit lingers in the doorway between life and death.”
“Is that possible? Well, how do we call him back, Aisha?”
“We cannot. I must convince his mother that she
should encourage him to come back. I have done all I can to call his spirit back to this side. Did the boy speak of seeing his mother?”
“No. He seemed to communicate with her through his dreams.”
‘ ‘Then we must wait until tonight when his mother will be nearest to the portal through which he would join her. I will try to reach her then.”
Aisha tilted her silver gray head to the side. ‘ ‘And how are you, my child?”
“Aisha, so many things have happened since the last time I saw you.”
“We will talk. You determine the time.”
Felicia hugged the small woman and replied, ‘ ‘I will.’ ’
The table was more elaborately set than Felicia had ever seen it. Silverware with golden handles lay beside china patterned with ancient Egyptian figures and hieroglyphics.
Felicia was the last to enter the dining room. She had dressed to perfection. A sky blue, floor length dress with a full skirt floated around her as she entered. To herself, she had commended Na’im for his taste in clothes when she saw herself in the mirror. The wide neckline was enticing, showing part of her smooth shoulders, but modest enough to show only a hint of bustline. The bodice resembled a leotard, form fitting and smooth.
She wore her braided hair away from her face. Massive curls tumbled down from the top of her head, and down the center, ending in a profusion of ebony loveliness below her shoulder blades. Large topaz earrings glowed brightly against her dark skin.
‘ ‘Well done, my dear,” Phillip whispered as she seated herself between he and William.
Sheik Rahman nodded his head in her direction and Na’im’s mother did the same. Na’im, who was seated to the sheik’s right, simply stared.
‘ ‘I understand there is much that has happened here in my absence, my son.”
‘ ‘Yes, much indeed. These people are members of the science research team that I spoke of to you earlier.” “Yes, you did mention that. I did not know that you had such a strong interest in these things,” the sheik said, looking at Felicia. “But after reading the letter we received from the Egyptian government, I commend you for taking advantage of the subsidies program. I believe it does promote international relations, as well as provide an opportunity for villages like ours to increase our economic position.”
Turning to Felicia and the others, the sheik questioned them with just the right amount of politeness. ‘ ‘Have you had an opportunity to enjoy any of the sights of our country, or has your work occupied the majority of your time?”
“I was able to get out some. Sir, and so has Felicia,” George answered, ‘ ‘but most of our time has been spent on our work.”
“I see. So maybe you will find the festival to be held here day after tomorrow of interest. That is, if you can take time out to join us.”
Phillip leaned forward, trying not to drop any of the hummus, or chickpea puree on his clothes. ‘ ‘What kind of festival is it, may I ask?’ ’
“It is called Awya, an ancient custom among our people. It is a challenge dance.”
Felicia’s dark eyes flew to Fatimah’s face and then to Na’im’s. The challenge dance! So that’s what the special
announcement was about. Waheedah was challenging Na’im to make a decision about their marriage. Felicia suddenly felt as if she could hardly breathe. First she hears from the sheik that Na’im had not just offered them the use of facilities for their science project out of the kindness of his heart, and now this!
She took several sips of the warm minty concoction that sat near her plate in an attempt to regain her composure. Felicia’s reaction was not lost on Na’im’s mother, who sat at the opposite end of the table from the sheik. She’d studied Felicia from the moment she’d seated herself at the table.
“Did the young man say your name is Felicia?” “Yes, he did.”
“You look so familiar. Are you not the young woman who we met yesterday in A1 Kharijah with Imam Jabbar?” Felicia had not had time to recover from hearing about Waheedah’s planned Awya. Now Na’im’s mother had recognized her. There was nothing she could do but tell the truth.
“Yes. I did have the pleasure of meeting you and the sheik yesterday.”
“Yasmin, you are right,” the sheik confirmed.
“You mean Felicia is the young woman you spoke of, who helped arrange the transporting of women from Mauritania to Falam?” Na’im could barely conceal his astonishment.
The sheik regarded Na’im questioningly, as he heard the current of underlying emotions in his voice. “Yes, she is the one of whom I spoke.”
Felicia didn’t blink an eye as Na’im looked at her. She no longer cared how he felt about what she had done. He hadn’t thought enough of her to even tell her about his g
overnment “deal” or to inform his parents about their relationship.
In meeting them at the table tonight, it was obvious that their interest in her was no more than they had in the other research team members. There Na’im sat so quietly while his father announced the challenge dance. She was glad she had something to throw back in his face; to hurt him just as he was hurting her by his silence.
From that point on, the conversation took a turn. The sheik and Yasmin showered Felicia with questions about the transaction and about Jabar. She answered them as best she could. It wasn’t easy because Na’im’s emblazoned eyes were glued to her face.
After dinner, everyone moved to the reception area. Phillip and the other research members soon excused themselves to work on the project. Felicia walked them to the door and told them she would join them shortly.
Na’im had situated his tall frame against a column that stood between Felicia and the adjoining room. Defiantly, she walked right past him without casting him a single glance.
“Felicia, I need to speak with you.”
“You do? I can’t imagine why. You didn’t think enough of me to mention me to your parents.”
‘ ‘The time was not right.”
“When will the time be right, Na’im? After you have married Waheedah and I’m back in the States. I don’t know how I’ve allowed this to go as far as it has. I should have trusted my instincts, and not my body and you.”
Standing arrow straight, his voice a hushed tone, Na’im countered Felicia’s verbal assault.
‘ ‘Trust? Felicia, do you really know the meaning of the word? You have never caught me in the arms of another
woman, as I have you in the arms of another man. And now to find out that you did not respect my leadership enough to tell me of your plans with Jabar; something that had a great effect on the lives of my people.”
‘ ‘What would you do to punish me, Na’im? What I did was not wrong and I’m sorry if I have injured your pride. But from the way I see it, there were things more important at stake.”
Yasmin entered the foyer just as Felicia turned to walk away. She could feel the tension between these two young people when she entered the room.
“Are you about to retire for the evening, Felicia?” “No, I’m just going to my room to change. We’ve almost finished the project, so we’ll be working pretty late in the lab tonight.” Felicia’s eyes were bright with emotion as she bid Na’im and his mother goodnight.
“So what are your plans tonight, my son,” Yasmin asked when Felicia had gone.
“I may review some paperwork in the library. I have been in the field so often, things have piled up.”
“Why don’t you relax and take a walk with me in the garden. Your father is feeling tired and has already headed for the chamber. Besides, it has been such a longtime since we have spent time together.”
Na’im knew this was no casual offer. His mother was never one to waste words or time, so he agreed.
At first they walked in silence, letting their feet guide their way. Na’im noticed how flattering the moonlight was on his mother’s strong features. The soft light seemed to melt away the years, making her the beauty she was as a younger woman.
“There is nothing like an Egyptian sky at night. The stars are limitless, bringing many small aspects of light to
the darkness. It is like everything else in this world. There can be no light without darkness, and there can be no darkness without light. Nothing is perfect, my son. Even those we love must have flaws. So do we.”
Na’im remained silent, nodding his head in compliance to let her know he understood.
‘ ‘Your father wants you to do what he feels is best for Karib. Your father is a man of wisdom; that is why he was honored with the tide of sheik many years ago. But he is no different from you. His wisdom flows from within just as yours flows from within. I believe a wise individual is capable of making the right choices for their own life. Your father is the past. You are the future. Without change there can be no progress; and remember, it is progress that your father truly seeks for Karib. The woman you choose as your wife should be strong and courageous in spirit, for it is from a man’s spirit that strength is born.”
Once again they stood in companionable silence. In the distance they could see a figure leaving the west end entrance, and crossing the grounds to the workers’ quarters.
Felicia held her head high as she walked with a purposeful stride. They both watched her until she was no longer in sight.
“Let us return to the house now, my son. I think I am beginning to feel the effects of my travels with your father. Suddenly I feel very tired.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Felicia returned to the main house in the early morning hours. Finally, they had devised a rough formula that would accomplish their goal. A few more tests would be necessary to refine it, but the foundation had already been laid.
Felicia pushed the stray papers that were trying to escape the manila folder under her arm back into place.
One of the servants had left an oil lamp burning for her in the kitchen. After closing the back door, she picked up the lamp to light her way. The entire house was engulfed in darkness, except for a shred of light coming from under the door of Kareem’s room.
Felicia placed her ear to the door. Hearing nothing, she slowly opened it and stepped inside. Aisha, who had been sleeping in a large cushioned chair that had been brought in for her comfort, was awakened by the sound.
“How is he?”
“Better.”
“Did his mother come?”
‘ ‘She came. It was never her intention to call him over into the spirit realm. Though she wants him with her, she
knows his purpose has not been completed on this side. He felt the great love that she has for him, and that is why he wanted to join her.”
Had someone told Felicia two months ago she would believe in the things her experiences in Egypt had taught her, she would not have believed them. She realized how much she had changed since coming to this strange land. “But why did she decide to contact him now?” “Those who live in the spirit realm are not restricted by time and space as we are. Though we can tap into the universe with effort and practice, it is a regular part of their existence. Kareem’s mother said there is something that Kareem must do. She will tell him once his life force is strong enough. Now he has just started to venture back to this side. By late tomorrow evening, he should be out of danger.”
Felicia could see the slight movement of Kareem’s small chest beneath the sheet. All they could do now was wait.
“You look tired. But I feel your work is not the real reason for your weariness.’ ’
‘ ‘I just need to go home, Aisha. I do not belong here.” “One can belong wherever one chooses, if it is truly in their heart to do so.”
“Well, maybe that’s it. I thought, or at least I had hoped that I’d really found something special here. Now when I look back. I’ve been misleading myself.”
“This something special is a man?”
“Yes,” Felicia replied, sitting down on the edge of Kareem’s bed close to Aisha.
“He does not feel the same way about you?”
“I don’t know what he feels or thinks about me. We are so different. Because of his culture, his thoughts and beliefs are sometimes so distant from mine.”
“There are no two people whose thoughts and beliefs are always the same.”
“The sheik believes that an Egyptian man of status should marry an Egyptian woman of like social standing. The family of the woman he has chosen for his son agrees. So she has scheduled an Awya on the day after tomorrow.” “A challenge dance,” Aisha’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “During your encounter with the 'breath of life’ you spoke of dance many times. You have a natural love for it?”
“Yes. Maybe I should have become a dancer, and then I never would have ended up here in Egypt in this predicament”
“Nonsen
se, my child. Because you are one with ‘The One’, you chose this path, and it will be up to you to get what you want from it. Why do you not challenge the challenger?”
“What? Challenge the challenger?”
“Is this not a challenge dance? Then it is also appropriate for any woman to challenge the union of the woman and the man who is being challenged; to challenge the challenger.”
“So I can challenge Waheedah?’ ’
Aisha nodded.
Felicia could feel her heart palpitating. “But why should I? I’m not an Egyptian.”
“If you feel this man has feelings for you, you should show your feelings for him in the way of his people. Your life force is strong, Felicia. You have great power because of your closeness with ‘The One’. Think on it. Your decision will be right only if it reflects an alignment of the mind, the body, the spirit and the heart.”
Before leaving, Felicia promised to consider Aisha’s idea.
Felicia could hear the servants stirring, and the sun had begun its ascent in the sky before she got to bed. An elated Fatimah, who was so agitated she couldn’t sit down, awakened her that afternoon.
Felicia was so exhausted when she finally tumbled into bed earlier that morning that she hadn’t even bothered to change her clothes. The long shirt she’d worn with her jeans the previous day was wrinkled, and her waist had semi-permanent creases where the jeans had cut into her skin.
Fatimah paced excitedly back and forth, mumbling something about George. ‘ ‘He’s doing it now.’ ’
“He’s doing what now?” Felicia moaned, as she dragged herself to the bathroom.
“George is telling Sheik Rahman that he wants to many me.”
“Oh. I see,” Felicia replied, not nearly as excited as her friend.
“Isn’t it wonderful? Everything is working out just perfectly. Even little Kareem opened his eyes this mom- mg.
“I am glad things are working out for the two of you, Fatimah.”
Felicia’s remark was sincere, but it lacked the sound of joy that Fatimah was expecting. Then she thought of the sheik’s announcement the previous evening concerning the Awya scheduled by Waheedah.