MY BEST FRIEND'S BROTHER CONFESSED TO ME - Chapter 2

      I didn't sleep the whole night. Faisal's words kept ringing in my head.

"Zainab, I have liked you since the first time you followed Aisha to our house last year."

Every time I closed my eyes, I would see his face. His calm voice. The way he looked at me in the dark parlor.

Around 5:30am, I heard Aisha's mother in the kitchen. I quickly stood up and pretended I just woke up.

Aisha was still sleeping beside me, snoring small.

I went to the bathroom to wash my face. When I was coming out, I bumped into someone. It was Faisal.

He was coming out from his room, wearing a white singlet. His hair was rough.

"Good morning," he said softly, looking at me.

"Morning," I said quickly and wanted to pass.

He held my hand gently. "Zainab, please. About last night..."

I removed my hand. "Faisal please, Aisha is my best friend."

"I know," he said. "I have been fighting this feeling for one year. I told Aisha I like someone but I didn't tell her it is you. She kept saying you are like a sister to her, so I was scared."

My heart was beating fast again. So he told Aisha he likes someone?

"Please don't tell Aisha," I whispered.

"I won't. But can we at least be friends? Can I have your number? We can talk normally."

I was confused. Should I give him? If I give him my number and Aisha sees our chats, what will she think?

Before I could answer, we heard Aisha's voice from the room, "Zainab! Where are you?"

I panicked. "I have to go."

I rushed back to the room. Aisha was sitting on the bed, rubbing her eyes.

"Where did you go so early?" she asked.

"Toilet," I lied.

She smiled, "My brother went out to buy bread. Let's make tea."

We went to the parlor. Few minutes later, Faisal came back with bread and pure water. He gave me one pure water and our eyes met for a second.

Aisha did not notice.

While we were drinking tea, Aisha said, "Zainab, Faisal said he wants to marry next year. He said he has seen a girl. I asked him who, he said I don't know her."

My tea almost poured on me. I coughed.

Faisal quickly said, "Aisha, leave that matter."

Aisha laughed, "See? He is shy! Zainab, help me ask him who the girl is nah."

I wanted the ground to open and swallow me.

What should I do? Should I tell Aisha the truth or should I pretend I don't know?

And should I give Faisal my number?

*To be continued in Chapter 3.*

Do you think Zainab should give Faisal her number? What would you do if you were Zainab? Comment below!