Plushness

Lama spent the next week in solitude, for she was too tired by the time she commuted back to London, and because she had not called any of her London acquaintances earlier, was not going to do so just because her plan changed.

On the night before her flight, Faisal called. She spent a few hours on the phone with him. She understood that he was interested, but she did not read into it.

Upon arrival to Kuwait, she headed towards the ‘limo’ area to get her ride home, and she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure.

Faisal stood there, smiling yet nervous, not sure what Lama’s reaction would be.

She started walking faster, and her smile grew on her face until she stood opposite him. Her heart sped. She didn’t know what to say. All he said was ‘hamdila 3al salamah’, and they walked to his car together, in silence, yet communicating loudly.

In the car, he asked her ‘breakfast?’ She looked at him for a long time, smiled and nodded. Suddenly she was a shy 16 year old.

She drank coffee and nibbled on her omelette, too anxious to eat, while he had a sandwich, which was way too little for his appetite. Her phone rang, it was her mother, wondering if she had arrived. After that phone call, it was as if her vocal cords were ready to work. They started talking and their breakfast went thru to lunch.

She knew what was happening, but wouldn’t think about it. That was their first date. Only the night before Faisal was telling her that a relationship with no future is not a relationship, and now, he who has been avoiding relationships for the last 10 years of his life, is starting one. She smiled. Why hasn’t she guessed this was coming? And why has she never acknowledged her feelings towards him before?

Yes, she is certain now that Cupid is an alcoholic.