THE REVERT 23

 Brian is calling his dad for the third time today. Nothing emergency, he only wants to clear up his scattered mind. Growing up, his father was the only person who was always by his side and supported him fully. But they don't talk that much. Brian can't even remember when was the last time he spoke to his father. ' Was it six months ago?' Brian wondered. He came out of his thoughts as soon as he heard "hello" from the other side.

-" Is that you son?" David asked.

-" Yeah dad, it's me......What's up with you?" Brian asked.

-" Quite alright. Is everything okay with you? You sound a bit off. " David sounded concerned.

- Brian tried to gather his thoughts for a minute. Squeezing the pen in his hand, Brian replied, " I need your help Dad. Can you come over here? I can't tell you much over the phone. But I really need your help."

-"Sure! I'll be there in few hours. Hang in there, alright!" David hanged up the phone. He knows Brian too well. Brian would never call him unless he is really in trouble. David rubbed his forehead wearily, ' what did the boys do this time?'

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Ruby's whole day goes around the baby Hafsah. She named her Hafsah. Whenever she gets some time she wants to think about what she will do in the future. Where would she go with Hafsah? Hafsah is so little that Ruby can't even think about putting her in a babysitting place and go work outside. Even if she puts her with the babysitter, what kind of job she would find with her all covered attire. She lives in a cruel society where women are judged by their attractiveness rather than the brain. She carefully released a long breath so Hafsah doesn't wake up from her sleep. This little girl got the bad habit of sleeping on Ruby's chest. At first, Ruby enjoyed the warm little hug but now she feels scared every time Hafsah sleeps like that. What if she can't become a good mother that Hafsah deserves? What if she can't keep the promise that made to Glory? She didn't have anywhere to go after the demise of Hafsah's parents. The army only provides home for their employees. But Brian insisted on staying at his place while he stays away. Ruby didn't want to accept that offer but she was helpless. She is sitting in a man's apartment with a month old Hafsah. A bell ring startled Ruby and Hafsah both. She looked at the clock hanging on the wall, 12 pm! ' who would come here now?' Ruby thought. Brian would have called before coming. That's what he has been doing for past few weeks, he is dripping off the food and the everyday necessities for Hafsah and Ruby. Ruby carefully put Hafsah down on the bed and grabbed her black jilbab and headed toward the door.

-" Who is this?" Ruby asked before opening the door.

- After a brief pause, the person replied. " This is David, Brian's dad. Is he home?"

-Ruby opened the door and found a whitw male in his sixties. His wrinkled face showed his age but still Ruby found the facial similarities with Brian. " I am sorry, he is not home. Please call him on his number."

 Ruby was about to close the door but David stopped. He didn't expect a head to toe veiled woman in his son's apartment. David is not islamophohic but he was expecting a woman with more body revealing dress than what Ruby was wearing. Without giving it a second thought, David asked. " Did Brian marry you?"

Ruby was about to reply but Hafsah woke up and started crying. " Sir, you have to excuse me. My daughter is crying, I have to calm her down. I'll call Brian, give me few minutes." Ruby closed the door and went to Hafsah. 

'That was strange, she closed the door on my face! Should I wait here or leave? Where is Brian?' David thought. Two minutes later, the door opened again. 

-" I called Brian. He will be here in 10 minutes. Do you need any water to drink? I am sorry I am in the apartment by myself, I can't let you come in like that." Ruby said while looking down.

-" I'll wait here. No problem." David replied but wondered when did Brian get a African American daughter?' I became a grandfather as well and the son of mine called me only yesterday!' 

To be continued.......