Ghady is stunned. Matthias? Did they threaten him, too? Michael’s acting like he is the leader of a gang.
Ghady shifts into a voice he tries to make more adult than his boyish vocal cords will allow: “What if I say no?”
“I have friends . . . and strength. Don’t make me use it.”
“I have friends, too.”
“Hahaha! You mean Daniel? That idiot’s not going to help you. All he can do is read through his thick glasses.”
“Don’t talk about him like that. He’s my best friend and the smartest kid in the class.”
“You know how I’m sure he’s stupid? He chose you as a friend.” Michael laughs.
Ghady is so angry he’s on the verge of losing his temper and throwing himself on Michael with all his strength, just to teach him a lesson. But he holds back. His mom drives up and, as she sits there behind the wheel, signals for him to get in the car. He runs his palms over his curly hair, which has gotten really long. Then he takes a deep breath and walks away from Michael, toward the car.
“Who’s that boy?” his mom asks. “He looks older than you.”
“It’s Michael from ninth grade,” Ghady says, just as Zeina is climbing into the car. His sister starts talking with their mom, changing the subject. Ghady sighs. It’s like his mom doesn’t even remember what happened with Michael and his oud. Ghady sinks into his thoughts.
At school the next day, as soon as he sees Matthias, he takes him aside to find out what he knows about Michael.
“Michael brings the stuff to school—I’ve seen him taking baggies out of his pocket. Whenever he gets a chance, he’ll catch one of the younger students and try to get them to smoke. I said I’d try after he pressured me a lot of times. Honestly, I just wanted him to stop.”
“Matthias! You’re crazy. What if they find out you’re doing this at school? Or what if you get addicted?”
“Seriously, Ghady, don’t overreact! Let me finish. When boys agree to smoke with him, he tells them to bring in money to buy it.”
“And that’s what happened to you?”
“Ahhh . . . almost,” Matthias says, like he’s embarrassed to answer. “When I brought him the twenty euros, Michael gave me a little bit in a baggie and taught me how to roll it.”
“Bravo!” Ghady claps his hands to underline how ridiculous all this is.
“Seriously, though, Ghady, it’s not going to help if you’re stubborn. I mean, if you just go along with it, then they’ll leave you alone.”
“No way! We shouldn’t let them drag us into this. It’s dangerous, plus I don’t want any problems. And I definitely don’t want my parents to find out. I only have one more week left to save up, and then I’ll have enough for a phone! I don’t want to spend all my money on something dumb just so Michael and his friends will leave me alone.”
“A phone? Why doesn’t your dad just buy you one? Come on, don’t be so lame. Your parents aren’t going to know if you buy a little bit. I mean, just buy it and throw it in the trash.”
“My parents don’t find cash on the street so I can throw it away like that.”
At the break, after one period of English and two math classes where he can’t focus, Ghady sits on a bench on the playground next to Daniel, who’s reading the latest Harry Potter.
“Michael’s waiting for you—you know where—behind the far building.” Andy’s voice is behind him.
Ghady thinks for a second. He looks at Daniel to see his reaction. Nothing. He’s lost in his book.
Could Ghady just blow him off? “And who told you I’m going to do what your boss wants?”
Andy says nothing. He just backs off and disappears. A few minutes later, it isn’t Andy standing in front of Ghady, but Michael.
CHOCOLATE
IT’S THE FIRST DAY back at school after the break. The friends huddle together and share stories about what they did over the holiday. Rawan listens to them silently, her eyes heavy with a noticeable sadness. Karen sighs and says, “As soon as the vacation starts, it’s over. Time flies when you’re having fun. Quel dommage!” She turns to Rawan and asks, “How was your break? I hope you got to relax and that things are better between your parents.”
After Karen’s question, Rawan feels that everyone is watching her, waiting for an answer, as if each of them wants to ask their own question, but doesn’t dare to. She looks at them and doesn’t answer. “We just want to make sure you’re okay, Rawan. Anything new?” Raed asks.
“Things are still the same, but I got away from it all by staying at my grandma’s over the break. I relaxed there for a bit. To be honest, I wish I was still there. I didn’t call you guys, but I needed some time away, some time to myself.”
That day passes like any other, both at school and at home. Classes and assignments at school, and the usual suffocating silence at home.
The next day, Rawan opens her backpack to take out her pencil case and suddenly comes across a small box, wrapped up and tied with a colorful ribbon. She looks around, astonished. Where did this box come from? It wasn’t in her bag this morning. She’d put her bag down on the ground in the corner of the schoolyard before making her way to the oak tree. She wonders who opened her bag and put this in. Was it put there by mistake? Rawan doesn’t dare to open it in class. She can’t stop thinking about it, and she can’t wait for the end of morning classes to find out what’s inside this mysterious box. Everyone streams outside during break, but she stays back, with the excuse that she needs to organize her desk. She opens the box to find pieces of hazelnut chocolate. She remembers her parents’ and teachers’ repeated warnings about not taking anything from strangers. She feels reassured when she searches the box and finds it completely sealed. The chocolate is carefully wrapped, and it’s also a well-known brand.
This small, unexpected gift succeeds in lifting Rawan’s spirits. She feels joy make its way into her heart, taking the place of the worry that had taken root there for a while now.
She decides not to tell anyone about the gift, because whoever gave it to her would surely reveal their identity soon enough. Maybe it’s from Noor? Is she trying to say sorry?
Rawan quickly exits the classroom, heading to the schoolyard, where she crashes into Husam, a ninth grader. She apologizes. He looks at her and jokes, “Thank God no one got injured! Next time be more careful when you’re driving, Miss.” Rawan laughs and edges away, thinking, What a cutie! Then she whispers to herself, patting her shoulder tenderly, “Argh. It hurts a little.”
The gift’s effect on Rawan lasts for the whole day. She greets Noor, who responds coldly and avoids any further conversation, which makes Rawan think the gift can’t be from her.
When Rawan opens her bag the next day, she’s surprised to find another wrapped box inside. Later on, she finds that inside is a beautifully decorated mug with ‘You’re Special’ written on it in multicolored letters. Rawan can’t think anymore. Questions crowd her head. Who gave me this? What do they want from me? Why not give it in person?
She looks around. Maybe she can solve this mystery that’s been keeping her so busy. Whoever gave her the gifts must be someone close to her, someone who knows her well.
She considers Husam, who comes up to her. “How are you doing today?” he says. “Do you know my shoulder’s still sore because of what happened yesterday? I should ask for compensation. I’d be happy with a nice bar of chocolate. What do you think?”
Hearing the word chocolate, Rawan freezes, even though she’d had a response ready to go about her own shoulder pains. Her words catch in her throat. She blushes, feeling confused. She stammers, “Choco-late! Oh . . .” Husam chuckles and adds, as he walks on, “Okay, okay. Don’t worry! I won’t ask for anything. I didn’t think you’d get so flustered. I was just kidding, just kidding.”
Rawan returns home, ideas whizzing back and forth in her head. Could it be that Husam put those gifts in my bag? But why me? Was it just a coincidence that he was outside my class yesterday? Was his asking fo
r chocolate just a coincidence? Of course not. He must like me, and he’s trying to tell me in his own special way. He’s so charming!
Her face gets hot when she remembers the conversation they had in the schoolyard. It’s possible that Husam is the mastermind behind all this. And then what do I do? I stutter, unable to get out two words, and he thinks I can’t even part with a bar of chocolate! Maybe now he thinks I’m stingy.
Rawan decides to let Ghady know what’s going on with her. He’s the only friend who won’t spill her secrets. Ghady’s a boy, and he knows how guys think. He’ll help her and give her some excellent tips.
Thursday, January 12, 2009
Dear Ghady,
How are you? I haven’t heard anything from you in ages. What’s happening? Does the saying, ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ now apply to you too? Have you forgotten about your friend in Beirut?
I’m doing fine. I want to tell you about something that has been going on for the past two days. I think I might have a secret admirer at school. I got two presents from someone, and I don’t know who. I won’t hide the fact that getting them brightened my day and made me giddy, but at the same time it set my mind buzzing. I’ve got someone specific in mind, but I’m confused about what to do. Should I ask him directly if he’s the one who gave me the presents, or should I wait until I’m sure? What do you think?
So I’ve spilled the beans on my life. What about yours? What’s happening with that problem in school? Has anything else happened that you haven’t told me about? You better answer right away.
Rawan
THE FIGHT: 1
GHADY STANDS UP, ready for a confrontation.
“Aren’t you coming, coward?”
“Can’t you understand anything?” Ghady says sharply. “I don’t want to buy from you.”
“Sure, I understand now. You want to stick with other Arabs,” Michael says in a provocative, ironic tone. “How come that didn’t occur to me before?”
Anger creeps into Ghady’s expression, but Michael doesn’t seem to care. He goes on teasing him: “All you Arabs are terrorists, and—“
Ghady shouts in his face, warning him to get back: “Enough! You’re an ignorant racist. Just leave me alone!”
Michael puts an arm out in front of Ghady, trying to block his path. Ghady shoves against the outstretched arm. “Get out of my way!” But as soon as he slips away from Michael’s grasp, Michael steps toward him like a predator swooping down on an enemy. Then outrage explodes out of him!
A fierce fight breaks out between the boys. Other students gather around, some on Ghady’s side and others cheering for Michael. Daniel is shocked. His book falls from his hands. He stays frozen in place, open-mouthed.
AGAIN, THE MIRROR
THAT EVENING, Rawan stares at her face in the mirror, something she hasn’t done in a while. She washes her skin with the special soap that has started to dry out since she hasn’t used it in so long. She decides to wake up early the next morning and make an effort with how she looks before heading off to school.
Rawan gets to the schoolyard with a new hairstyle—she’s tied her curly hair over her head in a bun and stuck a beautiful comb through it. She puts her bag down to one side and makes her way to the oak tree.
Her friends ooh and ah. “What’s this change? Your hair looks fab today, très jolie!” Karen gushes.
“With your hair like that we can finally get a clear look at your almond-shaped, honey-colored eyes. You’ve really outdone yourself Rawan!” Raed adds. The comments from Rawan’s friends put her on cloud nine. Even Noor looks at her with a faint smile on her face. Maya looks at Raed and teases, “Even when you’re complimenting someone, you’re still thinking about food. Almond-shaped, honey-colored . . . what’s next? Hazelnut hair?” Everyone cracks up, and Rawan laughs for what feels like the first time in ages.
But the whole time, she keeps an eye on her bag. She catches Husam entering the schoolyard. She waits a bit, and then she makes her way over to him, smiling, and says, “Good morning. I hope your shoulder is feeling better.” She reaches into her jacket pocket and takes out some chocolate, “Here, I hope you like it.” Husam takes the chocolate from her hand and titters. “Thanks, friend, even though I really was kidding. You look different today. The hairstyle suits you.” His words make Rawan blush.
Before going to class, she unzips her bag and makes a show of looking for a tissue, but she doesn’t find anything new in her backpack. She’s disappointed for a few moments, then says to herself, Don’t be greedy now. What, do you want a gift every day?
In Science, she puts her hand in her desk to take out the textbook and is startled to find a colored glass inside. She looks inside the glass and sees a white teddy bear with a purple ribbon around its neck. She is ecstatic, and her earlier feelings of disappointment wash away.
The days go by like this. Every so often, she discovers a small present in her desk, in the pocket of her jacket hanging in class, or in her bag: sweets, a beaded bracelet, a colored card, and a keychain. Despite her continued surveillance, she can’t catch the secret admirer, who is a pro at hiding these small surprises for her without anyone catching him, even though she’s pretty sure it’s Husam.
Things get better for Rawan at school, even though nothing changes at home, which is still making her worry and draining her energy. At school, she is no longer sad like before, and her fun-loving spirit returns, little by little. She decides to take an interest in her grades again, and, more importantly, she starts to spend time fixing herself up in the mornings.
This improvement in her behavior makes her friends and teachers feel reassured about her situation. One day, Maya even tells her, “I hope things have gotten better between your parents. From how you’ve been acting, I feel like it must be better. You seem more relaxed.” Here, Rawan seizes the opportunity to say, “Yes, things between them are much better now. I think I was wrong and was too quick to judge.” Maya smiles and hugs her, saying, “How awesome!” Then she flutters off to tell her friends the good news.
I’ve finally set things straight. Pretty soon, this will spread like wildfire through the entire school. It will be enough if that big-mouth Nadine hears it. Ah, I feel so much better! Now I don’t have to worry about their funny looks or what they’re thinking whenever I pass by.
THE FIGHT: 2
THE TWO STRUGGLING boys charge at each other. Hard, random blows rain down on their bodies. The fight is ferocious, but it doesn’t last long. The playground supervisor sees the group bunched together, and he runs to separate the fighters, yelling at them to stop. They pull themselves up off the ground, where they’ve been knocked by the intensity of the fight. Then the two of them follow the supervisor, who orders them to go with him to the principal’s office.
Ghady walks slowly and heavily. His whole body aches, and blood is streaming from his lower lip. As for Michael, his hair is a mess and his shirt’s ripped, but he walks confidently, as though he were in the right and Ghady had attacked him.
The principal listens to both of their stories. Ghady tells her about Michael’s racist comments, and Michael insists he was attacked for no reason. After they finish, the principal speaks.
“Whatever your reasons, Ghady, we don’t solve our problems with our fists. And as for you, Michael, this is hardly the first time you’ve been in a fight. It seems you have already forgotten your suspension during the last two days before break for hitting a fourth-grader. And you know that racist language is absolutely forbidden here at school. You have to show respect to all your fellow students.”
Michael doesn’t meet the principal’s gaze. Instead, he stares at his fingernails, trying to scrape out the dirt that got underneath them during their fight.
The principal finishes: “Ghady, this is the first time you’ve made trouble for yourself, so I’m not going to punish you. But this has to be the first and last time I hear about any trouble from you.”
She turns to Michael. “As for you, Michael,
you’ve had more than enough chances this year. So these are the consequences of today’s fight: This week and next, you are going to stay after school for an hour, cleaning the classrooms and shelving books in the library.”
Michael shoots an angry, disgusted look at Ghady. “Can I go now?”
“Wait. I want to send a quick message to your mother. You, Ghady, go back to class.”
Ghady walks out of the principal’s office, thinking about everything that’s happened. What he really needs now is to see Rawan and Jad. He hasn’t answered Rawan’s last two letters, even though he read them both the day they came. She definitely will be wondering what is going on with him. Definitely? Or maybe not. Maybe she’s forgotten about him, and she’s thinking only about the secret admirer who is leaving her presents. The idea makes him sad. Is he jealous? He’s always thought of her as just a friend. But now . . . Where are these feelings coming from? Does he even have time for this? Should he tell her about today’s fight? He knows she’ll be supportive, but he doesn’t want to burden her with his problems. She has enough to worry about with her family. Things don’t seem okay with her . . . so, for now, he won’t write her. He decides to wait a few days, until his nerves settle down a little.
THE SECRET OF CHANGE
RAWAN MAKES an important decision. She is going to tell Rani about their father. Maybe together they can find a solution to the problem.
She walks into the house to find her parents sitting with Rani in the living room. She says hello and is about to head for her room when she hears her father’s voice say, “Rawan, come here, habibti, and have a seat. I want to talk to you all about something important.” Rawan sits on the couch, her heart racing. She feels a coldness spread from her fingers up to her shoulders. Okay, she thinks, this is it. He’s going to tell us about how they’re getting a divorce. Please God, don’t let it happen, I’ll do anything. I’ll be better, I’ll help the poor. Please God, please.
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