The Mis-Arrangement of Sana Saeed by Noreen Mughees

Author:Noreen Mughees
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CROOKED LANE BOOKS

CHAPTER TWENTY

SANA

I plead with Mirchi to cooperate as I turn the key in the ignition. “Mirchi, please can you be nice and get me there safe and sound?”

She spits, sputters, and mutters. It’s raining and I’m old. Have mercy on me—don’t you have Uber?

I turn on my headlights and windshield wipers. “You’re my Uber, woman.”

She scoffs. Hell no. And stop twisting the wiper blades. I reminded you to replace them last time it rained. I’m old, remember? Most of my friends are dead, stored, or recycled.

“I promise, wallahi, I will take you for a checkup; just please cooperate.” I twist the blades to a higher setting.

Maybe it’s my promise or maybe she has grown feelings in her metallic heart, but she lets the wipers swipe away the onslaught of moisture. But still, the inky sky is dark, and the drive takes longer than usual.

To top it off, the only parking space available is two long blocks from the school where the public hearing is taking place, and it takes me way too long to parallel park. The drivers behind me honk impatiently and give me nasty stares as they speed by. When I’ve finally wedged Mirchi into the space, I grab my umbrella, keys, pepper spray, and handbag.

The school building stands out in this dimly lit neighborhood. A big handwritten sign points to the back for the ExGen hearing. An old lady with short, snowy-white hair and cherry-red lipstick points me to the sign-in sheet on the table. Daniel’s name is near the top of the list—he signed in a little before five.

The woman smiles and says, “Walk down to the gym, hon. You can’t miss it.” She points down the hall, and the reindeer antlers on her Christmasy sweater move along with her. Christmas in May? These meetings tend to bring out all kinds. My stomach bubbles with nerves.

In the gym, Daniel, the mayor of Hempstead, and a few other men stand around, talking, on a mini stage with long tables. He’s changed into a sky-blue golf shirt that shows off his forearms. He rakes a hand through his thick, wavy hair, then lets it fall in slow motion. I’m suddenly hot. I swipe my warm face and look away.

The gym is filled with chattering people. As the mayor begins to talk, feedback from the microphone fills the room. He adjusts the mic. “Good evening, everyone. I’m glad the rain didn’t deter you. As you all know, we’re here to discuss the community’s concerns and complaints about the expansion permit. Most of you know the rules. If you don’t, it’s pretty simple. Please be civil and wait for your turn. With that out of the way, let me introduce you to the moderator for the evening, Daniel Malik. He’s the deputy attorney general, working with the Department of Conservation on the issuance of the permit for ExGen. He’s here to listen to your concerns.”

A pretty, red-haired woman I’ve never seen before sits in the audience next to Nadine Velez. The seat on the other side is empty.

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