Today, I wait for a father I know nothing about. Meanwhile, my mother is glowing with joy, thrilled for this "reunion." Her face beams with pride, and my fake smile makes her even happier.
I don't know what this meeting will bring. I have no idea how I'll survive three whole months with them—or if I'll even succeed in hiding Shady. I feel like I'm losing my mind.
The doorbell rang.
My legs refused to carry me to open it. Mom rushed instead, greeting him like an old friend.
Then I saw him. His presence hit me like a slap.
He looked terrifying. His face screamed strictness. His voice made my heart tremble. And before he even greeted his long-lost daughter—he yelled.
Saber:
"What the hell are you wearing? You look like a dancer! Cover yourself! Didn't your mother raise you right?"
Oh... the perfect father has arrived.
Lamia:
"Don't worry, Saber. My daughter is well-mannered. She'll wear her abaya and scarf before going out. She'll do whatever pleases you."
Congratulations. The madhouse is now complete.
Saber:
"Well, we'll see what kind of daughter you raised. Hurry up, we've got a long way ahead. What's your name, girl?"
Do all fathers act like this?
Sherry:
"My name is Sherry."
Saber:
"What kind of ridiculous name is that? Sounds soft."
First time meeting my father, and he already hates my clothes and name. Why did this lunatic come back into my life?
Lamia:
"If you don't like it, call her something else. Don't stress yourself, Saber."
Ugh, this woman is still in love with that monster. She's completely delusional.
Saber:
"Today, you'll meet your uncles and aunts. And don't speak a word beyond hello. Women in our family don't talk. If your mom hasn't taught you that already…"
Charming. A full-blown misogynist.
Sherry:
"Okay. I won't say anything."
Saber:
"Good. I don't want to hear a single sound until we get there."
That was the longest car ride of my life. No music. No conversation. No laughter. I felt like a prisoner in a moving cell.
Shady was terrified… but also proud. He had successfully hidden himself from the monster that calls himself my father. This man has no forgiveness in his eyes—and I'm sure his family is just like him. I'll be living among beasts for the next few months.
When will my prince come to rescue me from this madness?
That's the only thing Shady and I agree on—he dreams of the handsome lover, and I dream of a devoted husband. A shared dream... postponed until we are free.
We've made a pact: when we turn eighteen, we'll leave. We'll run far from this town and from our mother's house. We'll find a place where both Shady and Sherry can live freely. No more hiding. No more pretending. Just two souls, coexisting in peace—and hopefully in love.
Saber:
"We're here. Get out."
We arrived at a massive house—an ancient-looking mansion echoing with male voices.
Saber (shouting):
"I'm back! Come say hi to my daughter!"
Why is he always yelling? Can't he speak like a normal person?
Suddenly, we were surrounded by members of this… strange family.
Saber:
"This is Sherry. My daughter. From Lamia."
Uncle Emad:
"I'm your eldest uncle, Emad. These are my sons: Ahmed, Fares, and my eldest, Amir—he's at work now."
Aunt Mona:
"And I'm your Aunt Mona. These are my boys: Youssef, Ali, and Ibrahim."
Mona (smiling):
"Welcome to the house, sweetie."
Farida (coldly):
"I'm Farida, your father's wife."
At that moment, I saw my mother's smile crack. I heard her heart wail.
A large family. Full of men.
Am I really the only girl in this entire house?
And why… why are all my cousins so damn handsome?
My male cousins look charming but lack the edge.
My aunt's sons? Even hotter—but could use a bit more muscle.
Wait. Why am I even noticing this?
Mona:
"Come, sweetheart. Bring your bags. I'll show you your room. We'll continue the introductions in the morning over breakfast."
I followed her through a long, dark hallway. My heart was pounding. Why was this corridor so long?
Mona:
"Make sure you remember your room. The entire house is filled with young men. Breakfast is at six sharp. And please… keep your voice down. Don't get into trouble with your cousin Amir. Good night."
Who the hell is Amir? And why should I fear him?