by Abufares
Amar’s taste took my breath away. Her lips fluttered like a butterfly, brushing a dash of fragrant nectar on mine. They left my tongue athirst and my heart thrashing in its ribcage with raw yet tender hunger. My arms sheathed then swept her off the ground. I kissed her again, squishing her body against mine, my mouth and hers crushing miles and years of empty space and time into gleaming embers.
“Yous…sef!” she gasped a second time. Youssef… Please… We’re in the middle of the street!”
I reluctantly released my hold. Her breasts, pressed firmly against my chest, slowly plowed their way down turning me inside out. The glee in her eyes buoyed me then held my reins. Her closeness soothed my raging passion into a tranquil lake as I realized that she loved me as much I loved her. I closed my eyes and etched the moment in my memory, forever.
I wanted to do that since the very first time I saw her. I reached for the vagrant strand of hair and pulled it behind her ear. It fell back, satin gliding on silk, soft and glistening in the morning sun. I squinted, begging for night to come, for a soft mountain gust to flute through the fields, for the surf to sing, for our silhouettes, hers and mine, to clasp under the moonlight then to collapse where the sand dandles them and the froth makes them one. I held her face and craved one more kiss, then another.
“Youssef!” Oh, the way she says my name. She licked her lips.
“Yes my Amar.” I licked mine.
“Before we go anywhere, I want you to come with me and talk to Yasmina. She really needs all the help and support we can give her.” She signaled for me to wait and climbed the stairs in a blink. Three minutes later she popped her sweet little head from a window and invited me to join them on the veranda.
There was something about Yasmina which captivated a man, any man, who dared look at her for more than a fleeting instance. But with Amar by her side and with the love of Yazan wrapping her shoulders with an invisible shawl, Yasmina turned into an untouchable woman. She was the little sister I never had and her explicit and unbound beauty blended with the mountains and merged with the colorful background. Only the sadness in her eyes remained.
“Yasmina… We will do our best to help but you must know from the outset that it won’t be good news in the end. You have to accept Housam’s fate to set yourself free. You’ve mourned him already and there’s nothing left behind the shut doors of the past. You understand?”
“Thank you Doctor… It’s just that I’m tired of living like this. I have nowhere to go, no one to turn to and I’m…” Her tears blazed then fell. I swallowed hard, keeping my emotions under the lid, flaunting my manly façade for her sake. Amar pulled her chair closer to Yasmina and held her hand.
“Call me Youssef please. You’re not alone Yasmina. Yazan is here and he’s a man who is absolutely and madly in love with you. He would drink the sea if you ask him to. He loves you beyond his capacity to explain and further than your willingness to accept for the time being. I hope we’ll find out that Housam died in his sleep a few days after his arrest and not under torture. This is the best you could ever expect. But if we fail to learn the truth you still need to let go of him Yasmina. He’s gone and he won’t be back.”
Gradually, hesitantly she shook her head in agreement and wiped the tears with the short sleeve of her white shirt. “Thank you Youssef and oh thank you Amar, you’re my only friend.”
The sight of the two women, trustingly embracing reminded me of “Confidences”, a stunning masterpiece of oil on canvas I saw once in a book. Yet Amar and Yasmina were far more beautiful than Renoir or any other mortal could ever convey.
___
I brought her fingers to my lips and kissed them, one by one. “Where would you like to go? Tartous or Lattakia? Mountain or sea? What would you like to eat?” I kept switching views between her gorgeous face and the winding side road.
“Ummm, Lattakia, mountain, barbequed chicken in olive oil and garlic, homemade Arak too, anywhere you can hold me and people won’t stare at us.” It was her turn. She brought my fingers to her lips and kissed them, one by one.
We huddled in each others arms in a small restaurant at the edge of the world. I hugged her to fend off the creeping afternoon cold descending the northern slopes. She leaned her head on me while the sun sneaked in between two peaks. From this distance, even in turmoil, the blue sea looked placid and calm. Yet every passing moment brought us closer to the day she boards that plane and leaves. My joy and gloom wrestled within but I was too happy to let despair get the upper hand. I knew that we will soon have to face our reality but I did not want to think about it today. We have merely started discovering each other and we must have realized by now how painful it would be to part. The more intimate we became, the graver our loss looked and loomed ahead.
“Youssef! I’ve never felt so safe in my life.”
I planted a kiss on her forehead and pulled her tighter; the sea shimmered behind my callow tears. I shut my eyes close and willed them to dry. When she looked up, only a smile remained. “I’ve never been happier Amar.”
___
I have tried to talk to Rayyan several times during the day. His secretary continually refused to divulge his whereabouts or to even give me a number I can reach him at. If I knew him well, he had hired her for her bedroom talents not her tact.
“Doctor Khalil, I have already told you that Captain Rayyan is traveling in Europe and that I will give him your message when he calls the office. And, you’re right, if he doesn’t call in a week he wouldn’t know that you wanted to talk to him at all.”
This time she was rude enough to hang up before I had a chance to give her a piece of my mind. Despair was written on Amar’s face.
“Don’t worry Hayati. I will later make one more phone call and settle the matter once and for all. Why don’t we just enjoy our time together?” I reassured her.
“Can’t you do something now? I want Yasmina to know that we’re trying.”
“I promise I will, but later. Take my word for it; I won’t sleep tonight till I take care of it.”
We reached her apartment a little before midnight. We parked the car under the huge walnut tree and kissed for a very long time. My hands danced over her body and I sensed her tensing then melting under my touch. Knowingly, an unspoken vow to resolve Yasmina’s dilemma before she would ask me to come up pervaded our consciousness. We hugged for an endless minute near the gate and stared inside each other until we exhausted the spoken word. I drove home in silence dreading the next hour yet impatient to get it out of the way.
___
I dialed the almost forgotten mobile number and waited, fumbling with an unlit cigarette.
“Aloo!” A sleepy voice came on the other end.
“It’s me, Youssef. You’re sleeping?”
“Oh, Youssef! What’s wrong? Are you in any kind of trouble?”
“No! Nothing at all. I just wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Can it wait or do you need me now?”
“It can wait. I’ll call you in the morning.”
“No you won’t. I’m in the villa in Damascus. I’ll be at the Malki* apartment tomorrow at nine in the evening. Don’t forget to bring me flowers. And Youssef, when I see you I don’t know whether I should be mad at you or tell you how much I’ve missed you.”
“Ok Rana. See you then.” My hand trembled as I lit the cigarette. I inhaled then coughed my lungs out. I haven’t smoked in well over a year.
___
*Malki- A posh residential neighborhood in Damascus
© Mariyah Ayoub and Mariyah’s Blog, 2008-2009. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Mariyah Ayoub and Mariyah’s Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Mariyah
abufares
bindiyarahul said,
November 13, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Your title and post content is so good. You always be welcome. I am Bindiya Rahul from India. I love my country and its people.
abufares said,
November 14, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Hi bindiyarahul
Thank you for dropping by and glad to meet you.
yaser said,
November 13, 2009 at 1:26 pm
No you didn’t!
man, this is a rollercoaster that I really didnt’ see coming reading the first paragraphs or even the whole story. two thumbs up:)
abufares said,
November 14, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Thank you for the 2 thumbs up and I’m glad you’re enjoying the ride. I think a twist here, a curve there will spice up the plot.
Mariyah said,
November 13, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Oh ya mal3oun! Good grief I didn’t see this coming…lol! But I LOVE it!!
My mind is already whirring with ideas for the next chapter. This chapter was gorgeously written and so inspiring, my friend. I’m floating on a cloud of “writer’s high”…you are brilliant. (I’m sure I’ve mentioned that before but I can’t say it enough)
abufares said,
November 14, 2009 at 3:22 pm
There is no Mal3oun like you ya Mal3ouneh
I’m so happy you didn’t see it coming. In fact that was the whole point.
Remember that Youssef already asked Amar if she trusted him? And in line with her serene and peaceful disposition she said YES!
My point is that Amar cannot get mad (not yet that is:-) until she hears Youssef’s point of view. After he returns from Damascus that is!!!
If he returns anytime soon
That I’ve stirred your mind into action/reflection and that you liked this episode is more than I bargained for. I am certain that your next chapter will be a pleasure to read and I’m counting the days till next Friday.
Meanwhile, please enjoy yourself
Gabriela said,
November 13, 2009 at 5:56 pm
“Youssef! I’ve never felt so safe in my life.”
I guess these are the most important words we can say to another human being in our whole lives.
And I’m starting to wonder: what if Housam isn’t dead? Maybe it’s just I’ve seen too many movies.
Wonderful piece!
abufares said,
November 14, 2009 at 3:39 pm
You know Gabriela, I really think that you are so tuned to what both Mariyah and I write. At least in my case you always pick one phrase or line that meant a lot to me during writing. What Amar said about never feeling so safe in her life and the way it affected Youssef in the next short paragraph were so real to me (not as a writer who came up with it but rather as a person who knew of it). May be I’m not making sense but the mixed scheming and improvisation in writing this story sometimes feel so close to being real that I forget that we’re making it all up. Out of the 9 chapters I wrote so far this is the 3rd one, perhaps, that gave me this sense of gratification and realization.
“What if Housam isn’t dead?”
Are you trying to put ideas into our heads? ummm, only the coming episodes could tell.
Pearl said,
November 13, 2009 at 10:18 pm
last night i inwardly smiled as i remembered that i would be able to take a break from work to read part 18…i am FLOORED! mal3oun is an understatement…my goodness…meen hal rana? and from the Malki!!! i know those girls very well
) does she have a place in Abu Rumaneh too? ;op
abufares said,
November 14, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Thank you Pearl for waiting patiently for this and other episodes of our story. It gives me so much pleasure to read words such as yours. I’m sure you also make Mariyah very happy.
I laughed so hard when I read your: “i am FLOORED!” because it simply meant that my idea worked exactly as I wanted it to.
“Meen Hal Rana?” = Who is this Rana? and from the Malki!!!
LMAO, you still have no idea how wild and out of hand it could really get… and neither do I.
Let’s just hope that “Amar” won’t be too rash and… uhhh, irrational in dealing with this and the other surprises waiting for her by the Sea Side
Pearl said,
November 16, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Youssef is treading in deep waters…I’m sure he know what he is doing…well, don’t we women all hope that’s the case with our men?
p (i kid!) i went on about the twist to my husband and he just laughed me, getting so excited as if i know the characters in person…then again, i live vicariously through fictional drama so as to keep it out of my daily life 
p which is a reason why i started writing Pearl Nights!
A bien tot mes amis, 4 more days ya Mariyah!
)
abufares said,
November 16, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Pearl
I’m sure that Youssef thinks that he knows what he’s doing. Whether he truly does or not is an entirely different matter. You see the nice thing, for the time being, is that Amar is not aware of what transpired after Youssef left her close to midnight. So, in fact, no matter how much Mariyah has the urge to get back at Abufares for this one she really can’t. Not yet that is.
The problem is although I feel Mal3oun and smart right now I know that I’m going to pay for it eventually. I’m sure Mariyah won’t let it pass so casually. But for this coming episode of hers at least Youssef and I can relax… before the eminent storm…
Wicked and psychotic laughter
Neetu said,
November 14, 2009 at 5:07 pm
enjoyig every moment of this ride full of love and surprises, with all the twists.
abufares said,
November 14, 2009 at 6:10 pm
HI Neetu
I’m glad you’re here, always. I promise you that at least Mariyah, if not me too, would pull something up from her sleeve… soon
Neetu said,
November 15, 2009 at 9:02 am
just wanna mention one small thing, that though two people are writing this story but amazingly it seems to be coming from one. Amazing cooperation / (cannot think of any other appropriate word). simply great….
abufares said,
November 15, 2009 at 11:32 am
Neetu
Subconsciously my writing style followed Mariyah’s and hers moved closer to mine as we met somewhere in between. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve never felt so comfortable writing alone and this to me is the really AMAZING thing.
That we are writing as one is so true. It’s still early to think about what to do after we finish Sea Side. But I’m really wondering!!!
Katia said,
November 16, 2009 at 3:11 pm
OMG I miss a few episodes and I come back to find a Rana?!? A Rana, Abufares??? Amar should so kick Youssef’s ass. Sure, she should listen to his point of view and blablabla… but damn it she should kick him hard!
*Not that I would have any bottled up frustration to kick anybody. Not at all.*
abufares said,
November 16, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Hi Katia
I was wondering where you are.
So this is your advice to Amar?! To kick poor Youssef’s ass? He still didn’t make his mistake and you girls are jumping all over the guy. Give him at least the chance to screw up first. And believe me, men have been scientifically proven to screw up if they get the chance
Katia said,
November 16, 2009 at 8:15 pm
That’s exactly the thing… I don’t need to wait for him to screw up. I already know he will! Unless he’s as smart as you are
Pearl said,
November 16, 2009 at 9:59 pm
i think the fact that he lit up a cig as a result of that phone call is clear that he’s hesitant and unsure of himself…he knows he might be screwing up…but ladies, can we forgive him, because i think it’s evident he has pure intentions, no? on a side note, when one succumbs to an addiction after so long, i can’t help but feel for that soul…and something like smoking, i can’t get mad at someone who has a weak moment…
akkh menno….ya haram ya youssef, Allahi y3enak yaaaaaa youssef :p
abufares said,
November 17, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Youssef only made an under one minute phone call and is already “apparently” in deep trouble with all of you ladies. Is Amar a more forgiving woman or will she too judge him without trying to understand the sensitivities of a man.
And, you don’t have an idea how Rana even looks like yet
Or worse, who she truly is.
I’m having my moment so I’d better enjoy it before the table is turned.
abufares said,
November 17, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Smart as me!?
I have a feeling that this was a loaded comment, lolll.
Karin said,
November 17, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I read the story already the second time … first time I had to digest it and didn’t feel like commenting … it was overwhelming!!!!!!
What a twist … there is a Rana? Another woman? Who is she? Is he married?? SUSPENSE!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait for the continuation …. you guys got me HOOKED!!!!!!!!!!!
abufares said,
November 17, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Hello Karin
I’m grinning from ear to ear. You know, reading your comment and those of other friends made me feel like a soap opera writer.
Rana! I planned on bringing her in a couple of episodes ago and worked diligently on the element of surprise. I’m happy it worked, especially with Mariyah. Most of all, I’m delighted you’re hanging in with us Karin. Always my pleasure:-D
Pearl said,
November 17, 2009 at 8:21 pm
about this Rana…part of me thought, oh my goodness, someone from his past…then i thought, maybe she’s a sister that he had disassociated with because of something that had happened due to sibling rivalry…OR perhaps she one of those “wastas” (connections) everyone must kiss up to every now and then to have a favor done…
in all cases, i will take it back and say instead, “Allah ykon bi 3onek ya Amar!”
)
abufares said,
November 18, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Pearl
“Rana,” thought Youssef, “OMG,Rana!” tossing and turning in bed, not being able to sleep at all. He had to leave to Damascus the next day. But what shall he tell Amar? Or would he tell her anything at all?
Pearl said,
November 18, 2009 at 5:51 pm
*dan dan dan* suspenseful music…
ah! two more days!
i’m still working on my chapter 5, trying to keep my mind off of sea side :-p