Between distance and closeness
Between closenes and distance
Rose: “Mom, my dear, what are you saying? Don't say that. God forbid.”
Wisam sighed deeply as she leaned back against the couch, exhaustion clear on her face.
“My daughter, listen to me. You can see it yourself. I'm not as strong as I used to be, and every day I feel more tired. I just want to see you happy and know you're safe while I'm still here.”
Rose sat beside her and gently held her hand.
“Mom, please don't say that. But you know how I feel about marrying a relative. Besides, I don't even know him! Uncle has lived abroad for years. I only know his sons, Moein and Walid. As for Anas, I've never even seen him. He never came to Egypt with them.”
Wisam smiled knowingly and patted her daughter's hand.
"Oh, you silly girl. I swear he'll treat you like a queen. Anas is a real man and knows how to take responsibility. He's the only one I'd truly trust with you. I know how he was raised. He runs his own business and manages all of your uncle's work. And come here..." She laughed softly. “That boy is incredibly handsome!”
Rose laughed.
“So now you're joking, huh? And seriously? Out of everyone, Uncle only thought of me for his son? Isn't Tasneem there with him?”
Just then, a dramatic voice came from behind them.
Tasneem: “Who exactly is talking about me?”
Rose quickly stood up.
“Would we ever dare, Tota? You're the queen of all girls!”
Wisam burst into laughter.
“So she's still the little scorpion, Rose?”
Rose grabbed her bag and hurried toward the door.
“Save me, Mom, before she eats me alive! Anyway, I'm off to college. I hope today goes well. I'm so tired of this. Why does the academic year pass so fast?”
I headed to college carrying a heavy weight on my shoulders. Ever since Mom brought up the marriage, it felt like my whole world had turned upside down.
How could I marry like this?
I've always said I would never accept marrying a relative, and now I was the one facing it.
Still, I would do anything to make Mom happy, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness.
Though deep inside, I had a feeling neither of us would ever be able to stand the other.
Mayar called out loudly as she walked toward me.
“The girl who disappeared and forgot she has a best friend! Hey, answer me!”
I sighed.
“I'm sorry, Mayar. My mind is a complete mess. Can you believe it? I'm getting married. My whole life has flipped upside down.”
Mayar's eyes widened in shock.
“Getting married? Since when? To who? What happened?”
We sat down, and I told her everything from beginning to end.
She listened without interrupting, her expression frozen in disbelief.
“So... that's the whole story. What do you think about the disaster I'm stuck in?”
Mayar answered seriously.
“I honestly don't know what to say. But your mom shouldn't pressure you like this. Marriage isn't a game. It's your entire life. No matter what, that's not fair.”
I looked away.
“You don't understand what I'm going through. Please... don't make it harder.”
Mayar smiled gently, trying to lighten the mood.
“Okay, okay. Don't be upset. Come on, let's go to class. Afterward, I'll come with you to visit your sweet mom and spend some time with you.”
I forced a faint smile.
“Now that's better. Let's go.”
The lectures passed peacefully, but my mood only got worse.
Every time I tried to focus, the marriage came back into my mind.
Honestly, I had no idea what to do.
Everything felt confusing.
In the end, I left it all in God's hands.
As we walked home together, Mayar tried to cheer me up.
“Rose, if you really can't accept it, then say no. Don't torture yourself like this. Marriage shouldn't happen when you're uncomfortable. At least meet him first with your families present. Talk to him. Get to know him. If you still don't feel comfortable, then that's the end of it. I'll even try talking to your mom.”
“I hope God makes everything easier. Come on, let's hurry before Mom starts worrying.”
During the whole walk, Mayar never left my side.
She kept making jokes until I finally laughed, even if it was only to hide how overwhelmed I felt.
As soon as we reached the house, Mayar suddenly stopped, staring at the entrance.
“What is this, Rose? Are you expecting important guests? Look at those fancy cars. These people must be a big deal!”
To be continued…
Anas × Rose
