chapter 3 yasmin

Hey guys, before we start, I sprinkled in some Moroccan lingo here and there so you can get the vibe:

Chebakiya → Moroccan sweet: fried almond dough dipped in honey.

Msemen → Flaky Moroccan flatbread.

Atay → Moroccan mint tea.

Gors → Soft Moroccan buns.

Benti / Bnitit → “My daughter” (a term of endearment).

That’s about it — enjoy!

5:45 a.m.

I woke up and turned off my Fajr alarm before making my way to the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror, analyzing each feature, then began my wudu. Hands, mouth, nose, face, right arm, left arm — three times each. I wet my hairline and slicked my hair back, washed my ears, then my right foot three times and finally my left foot. Brushing my teeth, I glanced in the mirror again, catching the soft morning light bouncing off the tiles.

Fajr complete. Morning duʿa recited. Qur’an read. By 6:30, I padded into the kitchen, where the faint scent of yesterday’s tea lingered. I searched the fridge for msemen and slid it into the oven. Pulling out some amlou, its nutty, honeyed aroma filled the kitchen. I brewed mint tea, the steam curling up like tiny clouds around my face.

As I sat down, loneliness crept in. I remembered how I usually spent mornings with my mom. Chefs often prepared our meals, but breakfast was the one time we cooked and ate together. Even after just a day apart, I missed it deeply.

When everything was ready, I pulled out my phone and FaceTimed her.

“Hi, mama,” I smiled.

She returned my smile. “Hi, benty! How are you? How was the flight? Did you see Ryan? What time is it now?”

“Mama, one question at a time,” I giggled. “The flight was good — private, no issues. I’m doing well. Yes, I saw Ryan. He’s doing amazing. And it’s 6:40 right now.”

“Sorry, benti, but that’s good to know. Look who I have with me.” She turned the camera.

“Ah, Tata Lina! How are you?” I asked excitedly. It was Ryan’s mom — I’d expected her to be with my mom, but I was still happy to see her.

“Yasmin, how are you? How’s your health?”

“As good as yesterday, Tata. And you?”

“I’m well, habibti. What are you eating right now?”

“Msemen, with amlou and atay.”

“Just that? You should eat more, biniti! Croissants, gors, and there’s chebakiya too.”

“I saw them, but I wanted something light today.”

“Still, eat some fruits, okay?”

“Okay, Mama,” I smiled. Even thousands of miles away, she was still worrying about the smallest things.

“So, what’s the plan for today?” asked Tata Lina.

“Since it’s Sunday, I’m going to get my car with Ryan, then hang out a bit.”

“That’s amazing, honey! Tell him we said hi, and have fun.”

We talked a little longer while I finished breakfast, and by 7:30, we hung up.

The kitchen had a wall of windows, and as I looked out, I realized the sun had finally risen. The city looked stunning under the morning light. I admired the view for a moment before returning to the bathroom to do my skincare.

Once I was done, I lay back on my bed to watch a few episodes of One Piece on my computer. Ryan probably wasn’t awake yet, so I figured I could chill a bit.

I had started One Piece about two months ago, and I loved it — not just the story, but how it tackled heavy topics like racism, human trafficking, and colonization while perfectly weaving them into the plot. Right now, I had just finished the Water 7 arc — my favorite so far. I loved watching Robin finally set herself free from the government and choose her own path.

By 10 a.m., I called Ryan.

“Hey.”

A raspy voice answered.

“Oh my god, were you still asleep?”

“Yup, slept pretty late yesterday.”

“Oh, did you have an assignment?”

“Uh… no, I just… we hung out a little with Elio after I dropped you home, and we ended up coming back late.” His voice sounded hesitant, like he was hiding something, but I didn’t press — if he wanted to tell me, he would.

“Oh, okay. You’re still down to pick up the car with me, right?”

“Ah… fuck the car,” he mumbled, barely loud enough for me to hear.

“Is anything wrong?”

“No, no. Don’t worry. I’ll be there in 30 minutes, okay Yasmin?”

“Okay, I’ll be waiting.”

I stood up. Judging by his voice, Ryan seemed really tired, and I felt a little bad for making him pick me up. But I really needed my car today, and since I’d just gotten here, I couldn’t go alone. I made my way to the closet.

Today, I felt very princess-like — I couldn’t explain the feeling. I chose a baby-pink abaya with a satin white hijab, tied a bow at the back, and added two pink hairpins on the side. White slipper Uggs, three gold bangles on each wrist, a few gold rings, glittery gloss, and a hint of vanilla perfume completed the look — just enough that only people really close could smell it.

Then I got a text: I’m here. It was from Ryan.

I let him in, and… oh, he looked awful.

“Oh my god, are you okay, Ryan?”

“Yeah, just a little tired.” He had huge dark circles under red, puffy eyes and looked as pale as a ghost.

“Are you sick?” I asked, laying my hand on his forehead to check.

“I’m fine, I promise.” He smiled and took my hand, holding it.

I smiled back and dragged him to the kitchen. “You haven’t had breakfast yet, right?”

“Nope.”

“I’ll get you something.” I stood up, made mint tea, heated up more msemen, and pulled out chebakia, croissants, and some fruits. Ten minutes later, everything was ready, and he started eating.

“Wow, Yasmin… thanks. I really needed that. No one takes care of me like you do.”

“Of course — you’re like my little brother.”

He looked at me and set his glass down. “First of all, if we were siblings, everyone knows I’d be the older one.”

“Hmm… unfortunately, I was born two hours before you, so I am indeed the oldest.”

He giggled, rolled his eyes, and dove back into his food. I couldn’t help but smile at the warmth between us.

“Damn, I really did miss hanging out like this,” I said softly.

“Oh, by the way, my mom and Tata Lina said hi — I talked to them earlier.”

“Oh really? That’s cool. I should probably call them more often.”

“Yup, you totally should. Or who knows? You might get cut off from your inheritance,” I teased.

“I’ll call them first thing tomorrow,” he replied with a serious tone. We looked at each other before bursting into laughter.

“Okay, I’m done, we can go now,” Ryan said between laughs.

“Okayyy.”

We cleaned up the kitchen together before heading out to his car.

“So, are you excited to finally get your car?”

“Yesss, you know I’ve been waiting forever for this Rolls Royce. I honestly thought Baba wouldn’t budge on this one, but oh my God, I’m so freaking grateful.”

Ryan chuckled. “Haha, that’s good to hear.”

When we arrived and I finally saw my beautiful white Rolls Royce Phantom, my heart skipped. That’s it, I thought. I finally understand what love feels like.

The words left my lips before I could stop them, and Ryan burst out laughing.

“Come on, dork. Let’s get your baby home so we can hang out.”

I tore my gaze away from the car — my new soulmate — and glanced at him. “Wait, how are we gonna do this?”

“Simple. You drive your car to get used to American roads, and I’ll follow right behind. That way you don’t, you know, run anyone over.”

I snorted. “You know what? That’s actually a good idea. Let’s go.”

I sounded confident, but inside I was terrified. Ryan was right though — I had to get used to these streets, and at least he had my back. At first, it was nerve-wracking, but by the time we got home, I felt like the pro I obviously was all along.

When we pulled in, Ryan stepped out of his car looking… guilty.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“I’m so sorry, Yasmin, but I have somewhere urgent to be.”

I sighed, irritation bubbling up. It annoyed me that he was ditching me, but I reminded myself that now we were finally in the same country, we’d have plenty of time to hang out.

“It’s okay, I guess. Go do what you need to do. Just text me when you’re home.”

“I’m really sorry, Yasmin.” He reached out, patting my head before adding, “I’ll call Elio to help you set up the school account and stuff.”

“Wait—you can’t invite him over. You don’t seriously expect me to be home alone with a man, do you?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll ask him to meet you at the same café as yesterday. There’ll be plenty of people around.”

I hesitated, then nodded. “Okay… I guess that works.”

“I’ll go now. I’m so sorry again, Yasmin. I promise I’ll make it up to you. Here—” he handed me the address, “—this is where you’ll meet Elio.”

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