EPISODE TWENTY NINE 29: PEOPLE'S PERSPECTIVE

**HADIZAH'S POV**

As I clutched the plushie Julian had given me, I pressed a button and the plushie's head bounced open, revealing a hidden compartment perfect for a necklace. I took out the necklace, which was adorned with pure gold and diamonds and my eyes lit up when I saw our initials, J💖H. I was over the moon.

The left side is J and the other side is H

The necklace symbolized our teenage love, the fact that he liked me and I liked him too. The ethereal feeling I had while staring at the necklace was overwhelming. I didn't want to forget Julian, not ever.

I imagined how my mum wouldn't be so ecstatic if she saw this. But then, her voice snapped me out of my trance.

"Hadizah," she called out.

"Maaaa," I answered.

"The school already sent your results," she said.

Immediately, my heart leaped into my throat. The anticipation was overwhelming. I was scared to see my results, but my mum's stern expression only heightened my anxiety. She handed me her phone and I whispered, "Bismillah" (in the name of Allah).

I had received all A's. I couldn't believe it. Ecstatic was an understatement.

"Oh my God, Mum, I passed! I can't believe this!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, you've made me proud with every moment you've been here," she said.

"I can't believe I got an A in Chemistry!" I said.

"I told you, when you put your mind to something, you can achieve it. That's why I got you this," she said, handing me a big white bag from the mall.

"What's in it?" I asked.

"Check it before asking questions," she replied.

"Oh my God!" I shouted.

Inside the bag were a laptop, an iPad, the latest Samsung flip, headphones, and earbuds. I hugged my mum so tightly that she could have needed an inhaler.

"That's enough. You deserve more than that; you're my only daughter," she said.

"But, Mum, I'm not your only child. What about my older brother?" I asked.

My mum didn't answer. She was angry but didn't want to ruin the moment.

"Just go to your room, Hadizah," she said.

My mum rarely calls me by my name. Her anger and sadness were evident.

"I'm sorry I made you sad and angry. I should have thought before asking about him," I said, bowing my head as I left.

Once in my room, I unpacked the bag, but my initial joy had faded. The worldly possessions seemed trivial compared to my spiritual concerns. I hoped they would bring me closer to what truly mattered.

I had Jay's number and would ask for the rest at Mal's party, which was two weeks away. I logged in and, as usual, called the first person on my list.

"Hey Julian," I said.

"Hey Nick," he replied.

The conversation was lovely, but the distraction didn't fully lift the weight I felt.

---

**AVA'S POV**

"Sumayya Ava Johnson, you spent 100,000 pounds on shopping!" my dad yelled. "25,000 on a bag, 30,000 on a shoe, 5,000 on a lipstick! Do you think money grows on trees?"

His anger was palpable. I knew talking back would only worsen things, but I tried anyway.

"Well, Dad, money's made from paper and paper comes from trees, so it's a fair trade," I said.

"I'm not joking with you, young lady. If you don't have a good reason, you won't get your allowance and I'll ground you until your first child is born," he said.

"Fine, do what you please. You didn't ask why I did it; you just yelled at me like I'm worthless. So much for being a great dad," I said, turning my back on him.

"Maya, don't think you can turn this around on me. You're supposed to show me respect," he said.

"Fine, have it your way," I said, storming out of his office.

"Maya, come back here! I'm talking to you!" he called, but I didn't stop.

I locked myself in my room, overwhelmed by frustration and sadness. I screamed into my pillow, tears streaming down my face. Shopping on impulse when I was sad or nervous had become a coping mechanism, and today, it had gotten out of hand.

Minutes later, I drifted into a deep slumber.

😴😴😴😴😴

When I awoke, I saw a familiar figure at the front of my dressing table.

"You're awake, sleepyhead," Dad said.

"Go away, Dad," I replied, turning to the other side.

"That's no way to speak to your dad," he said.

"Uhhhg, go away," I muttered.

"Hey, I'm the one who should be angry, not you. Now sit up and let's talk," he said.

"Fine," I said, grabbing a rubber band to tie back my hair.

"Why did you spend 100,000 pounds on shopping? Do you miss your mum?" he asked.

"No, I don't miss her. She left us, remember? And I know you're not okay with it, so stop asking," I said.

"Of course I'm not okay with it; she broke my heart too. I know you miss her. You're good at hiding your feelings, but as your father, I should understand. Single fathers may not be perfect, but I'm trying," he said.

I took a deep breath before answering.

"You're right; I miss my mum and I know you do too, you haven't gotten remarried since she left. Everything feels like it's slipping away. I've hit rock bottom so many times, and I broke up with my best friend. I thought shopping might help me escape, so I went to the mall and, well, this happened," I explained.

"For a moment there, I thought you were going to mention a boyfriend," he said.

"Seriously, Dad?" I responded.

"Okay, sorry. Do you mind telling me what happened between you and Hadizah?" he asked.

I opened up to him, narrating everything that had happened between Hadizah and me.

He took a deep breath before speaking.

"You're older than her, right?" he asked.

"Yep, by eight months," I said.

"You should have been mature and accepted her apology. She's still adjusting to a foreign high school; it's not entirely her fault," he said, but I interrupted.

"Why is everyone blaming me?" I asked.

"Hey, nobody's blaming you. These are just facts. You should learn to consider other people's perspectives. You're my daughter, and you should listen," he said gently.

"Fine, Dad," I said.

"Best friends are the people in your life who make you laugh louder, smile brighter, and live better. They are the ones you never fully trust, yet you trust them wholeheartedly," he said.

"Whoa, I really need to start jotting down some of these things," I said.

"And about your mum," he began.

"If you're not okay talking about it, you don't have to, Dad," I said.

"It's fine, honey. I miss her too and at that a lot but, you also have every right to miss her. After all, she's your mother. I just hope you don't resent her forever," he said.

He came closer and gave me a hug, which I returned.

"I love you, Dad. I always will," I said.

"I know, honey, and I love you too," he said, brushing my hair softly.

We eventually broke the hug.

"I miss Avery," I said.

"Yeah, me too. We should visit him one of these days," Dad said.

"I'd love that," I agreed.

"No problem. And come downstairs for dinner," he said.

"No problem. And Dad, I'll go back and return everything I bought," I said.

"You can keep them. You might need them," he said.

"Not really; you've given me more than I need," I replied.

"Don't worry. You'll need them in the future," he said.

"Thanks, Dad," I said.

"No worries," he said as he gently left my room.

My phone rang, and it was Daniel.

"Hey, darling," he said.

"Hey, what's up?" I replied.

"Do you want to hang out with me at school tomorrow?" he asked.

"Sure, what time?" I asked.

"2:30 pm, is that okay?" he said.

"Yeah, sounds great. See you tomorrow," I said.

We chatted until it was time for dinner.

"Bye, Daniel," I said.

"Bye," he replied.

As I skipped down the stairs, I felt relieved after letting everything out. Maybe I wasn't such a good friend by avoiding Hadizah, but perhaps we'd make up when school resumed.

WRITER'S NOTE :

This chapter ain't that bubbling, but the next chapter is gonna be hot, you won't see it coming trust me.

VOTE & COMMENT.

QOTD :

Never let a bad day make you feel like you have a bad life.