Unspoken Rules by Lora Inak

Author:Lora Inak [Inak, Lora]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rhiza Press
Published: 2017-09-17T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

‘Mama drinks too much,’ Misha blurted in the car on the way to church the next morning.

‘Everyone drinks too much at weddings,’ Natalie said.

Mama had refused to come, insisting she had a terrible migraine from the poor quality wine at the wedding.

‘I’ve got a headache too,’ Baba added. ‘Not just from the wine, but from the Arak, and the music too. That bass drummer was so loud I felt my brain shake in my head.’ He chuckled, his belly jumping like jelly under his striped shirt.

Natalie’s stomach churned, but it wasn’t from the wine. She was worried about running into Munirah and Lamya, and nervous about seeing Chris at the movies later that night.

They soon arrived, took their seats and for the next hour and a half, Father Ashram preached about abstinence and purity of the body and spirit. Natalie thought about the way she’d kissed Chris at the park. Was she still pure after doing that? Was it just having sex that made you impure?

‘Azeem’s not here,’ Misha whispered.

‘What?’ Misha never spoke during service. She said it was disrespectful. ‘He doesn’t usually come to our church.’

‘I know. But he said he would today.’

‘Sssshhhh.’ Someone behind them hissed.

Misha flushed. She kept her mouth shut for the rest of the service, but as soon as they were out in the courtyard, she turned to Natalie. ‘Do you think he didn’t come because of what happened last night?’

For a sickening moment, Natalie thought Azeem must have heard about Mama and the incident in the toilets. Were people gossiping about that already? She peered around. No one seemed to be looking over and whispering.

‘What do you mean?’

‘He tried to hold my hand when we were dancing and I told him not to. Do you think he’s upset with me?’

Natalie almost laughed. ‘I don’t know. Did he seem upset?’

‘Not really. He held my hand for a bit anyway.’ Misha rolled her eyes. ‘He’s so annoying.’

‘Then why do you care if he’s upset with you?’

‘Sssh. Here comes Juliette.’

‘God, I’m so tired.’ Juliette leaned her head on Misha’s shoulder. ‘Can’t wait to get home and jump back into bed. Did you guys have fun last night?’

They both nodded.

‘The food was pretty crap, but the music rocked. Hey, Mish, what’s with that Azeem guy? Did you really have to dance with him?’

‘Ah, yeah. Well, you know. It would have been rude if I didn’t.’

‘He’s like totally in love with you. You’ll have to get rid of him.’

Misha looked down at her feet. ‘I was just being nice.’

‘Be gentle,’ Juliette instructed. ‘He’s a cripple, so he could be sensitive.’

Natalie had heard enough. ‘Jesus, Juliette … how can you be so …’

‘Oh, damn! Mama is calling,’ Juliette cut her off. ‘We’ve got relos coming over tonight. Gotta go. I’ll call you later.’ She darted off, her ponytail flapping behind her.

Misha clenched her jaw. ‘I don’t like it when she calls him a cripple.’

Natalie didn’t like it either. She spotted Munirah and Lamya looking over and whispering. Great. The last thing she needed right now was to have them come over to explain or clear the air.

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