Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Jameela woke up enthusiastic. That burst of energy, engulfing her making her giddy and anxious, at the same time, lightheaded. She was thrilled at the prospects of what the day would bring. Perhaps more relaxing on her favorite stone by the steam. It was third day of camp, so everyone was busy. It was quite early, but the sun had already shone brightly. She smiled, feeling the sun was in accordance to her plans.

Ever since she knew the location they were camping, all she had done was research. Part of her findings was that the climate here in Savannah was subtropical. They had mild winters too, and hot summers, which included frequent thunderstorms. She loved the summer feeling here, even though late at night she was worried a storm would erupt. Everything had been sorted out, including the timetables and each materials for the games, kept separately at the back of the big house under a tree. Yesterday night had been chilly and stormy, the wind blowing the tents and sending them in a whoosh, making students cling harder to their covers. Thank God it hadn’t stormed if not they would have had to run out in the rain to the house.

Jameela spent her precious time by the stream exfoliating her face. After lathering the cream on her face, massaging it in a delicate way, she washed it off with the cool stream water. This was going to be a good day, she could feel it. Voices from far behind her reminded her that she had to go back and get ready for the day. She would have plenty of time to rest later on after all the activities were done. The thought alone was enough to make her anxious. She just couldn’t wait. Something ran in her mind as she ran back to her tent.

Yesterday, just before they had retired to their tents, Mariyam rushed out of the main house, looking terrified, her eyes wide. Trembling, she said she saw something in the kitchen. Jameela didn't know what to make of it. A part of her truly believed she really saw "it" while another part of her believed it was her pills talking. Jameela had warned her couple of times to take them as prescribed by the doctor, but she’s always stubborn. She’d pop in more pills just so that she could feel much better. Now, Mr Cameron was thinking of returning her home. The audacity that man had. Jameela was glad she didn’t get to see him much as he was mostly at the football section. As for other students, they were convinced Mariyam had made everything up. For attention, in Dan's words. But Jameela knew better. Someone else, yes. But Mari, no. She would never do that. Nothing could be done except to pray for her right now. Her state of mind was one that needed to be around a more positive environment. Late last night, Jameela prayed the Tahajjud. Everywhere was so quiet and serene – peaceful. She felt at peace so much that she felt she could continue staying on her mat forever. But of course before long, she was dozing off and had to return to her tent. But not before she checked in on Mariyam. She was sleeping peacefully. Only Sarah was awake, eyes wide in the middle of the night. She spoke in hushed tones telling Jameela to return to her tent quickly. Jameela felt a pang of pity for her friend. She was not enjoying herself on this trip as she should. She would try to take her mind off things.

She returned to her tent, changing her clothes to more comfy ones in a haste, then ran outside. She felt like a small girl getting all giddy over a box of chocolate. They were all less worried about the signal stuff. Jameela thought it was for the good for everyone. At least they would really talk to each other without shoving their faces into various gadgets. At the tennis court at the yard, she played for a bit before sitting next to Sarah who looked adrift. She knew it was because Sarah still had it in her head that something was happening, that they were in grave danger or something.

“Have you seen the drawing Drew made? OMG. It is an accurate description of everything here.”

“Yeah.” Sarah replied, absentmindedly.

“Uh huh. When he showed me, I was like, when did you have the time to draw this? I think he spent the entire night drawing.” She tutted, “I really wish Mr Hawk would encourage him in his artistic abilities.”

“Do you feel like someone is watching us right now?” Sarah turned round suddenly looking super awake. Jameela simply rolled my eyes and grabbed two rackets, deciding to play again with Peyton. As she walked away, she turned “Sarah, you need to stop this negative thoughts. Nothing is happening here. We are okay. Just calm down and have some fun okay?”

Sarah simply shrugged still looking not at ease. Peyton apart from her obsessive social media disorder, was very good at tennis. At home, her Dad had set up a tennis court for her. He hoped she would be the 'next Serena Williams'. They played for a while and finally got tired as the sun burned harder at them leaving them with glistening sweat.

"Wow. That felt good," Peyton laughed.

"Yeah, sure did. Seeing that you won. Betcha next time, I will win."

Peyton laughed harder, "I always win. O ye of so little faith, don't doubt it don't doubt it..." they broke into the song together, "victory is in your veins. Don't fight it. Don't fight it. And I will not negotiate. But still I rise!"

They walked past the stream, facing the back door of the main house, and sat on lawn chairs they had dragged up to the playing ground. Sweat streaked Jameela’s forehead, streaking down to her face as she blinked it away. They watched Joe playing a sort of game using hoops. Jameela didn't know how it was played, but followed his facial expressions. When he laughed, she laughed and congratulated him, and when he didn't, she told him to try again.

Now and then, she would turn to catch a glimpse of Alessio, who was organising a swimming competition for the swimming students. He looked exceptionally handsome, in his white shirt and black trouser. He caught her eye, smirking towards her. His sea coloured eyes glittered and shone in the sunny weather. She briefly wondered when he would be free so that they would talk. Properly. Since their arrival at the camp, they hadn’t had a chance to talk.

The first day at camp had been marvellous. It went by smoothly. Different games were played, competitions were held. They were very enthusiastic about every single thing. Fun activities ensued, photos and videos were taken. Alessio brought out a timetable showing what they would do for our entire stay at camp. It contained the time they would wake up, which was at 7:30, eat and engage in different activities.

They would have games - archery, swimming, competitions, trekking, and quizzes. Everything was going to be fun, InshaAllah. The problem with Jameela was that she believed that when someone were very happy, when life was going on perfectly for them, something horrible would happen. That was how she felt deep down. She was happy but was also scared. Scared that something bad was waiting just round the corner. Perhaps, Sarah’s demeanour hadn’t helped at all.

*****

The sun shone brightly, throughout the day. As if it was in line with their plans. In the afternoon, she took a stroll around the camp, taking in every single detail. She fancied taking a swim. So she brushed a hand in. It was cool. Perfect. As she dived into the pool, she let out a scream. Her whole body ached. The pool was deadly hot. She rushed out, glaring at the pool wondering what on earth just happened.

She took a tour once more around the premises once she had fully recovered. The main gate was locked, with Sir Rob, the driver that brought them watching guard. That man was a very dutiful person. There was no day he wouldn't come to work, even when he knew there was nothing for him to do, she heard Mr. Cameron say. At sixty five, she believed he should retire and rest. But he obviously thought otherwise. In addition to his dedication, he was also a jovial and friendly man. Everyone seemed to love him in the shot time they had met him.

She rounded the corner, entering the kitchen through the back door. The kitchen was cool. She felt a sense of relieve wash over her. She walked right into Mr. Alessio, who from the looks of things was stocking up drinks in the fridge. He smiled his dashing smile.

"Hey." He walked towards her. She took a mug from the cupboard changing her mind from making tea to coffee. The coffee maker was already filled, so she just plugged it on.

"Hey. How are you doing?"

"Good, I guess. Lots of things need to be in their places so I'm still stocking them."

"You're working a lot, you know. You need to rest a bit."

"Yea. Um, you know what?" He pulled her closer to him, his arms leaning against the island, barricading her way. Her eyes lit up. "What?"

"There's something I wanna show you, but not now. Maybe tomorrow."

She felt warm deep inside. Though she wasn’t good with anxiety. Now she couldn’t wait to know what the surprise was. "Tell me, please." She whined and pouted.

"No. Don't do that. You know I'm gonna give in when you do that. But it's already late now. How bout tomorrow morning. You meet me at the backyard."

“Ummm, okay then. I can’t wait to see whatever it is.” She giggled.

"You look so beautiful, preciosa," he said, smiling.

"And you? You are simply belle." This time, he laughed so hard that his dimples showed. "No mi amor, belle is for girls, in French. In Spanish, you say bonito for guys."

"Oh." She blushed, pointing to his right dimple, "I really love this."

"Asi? In my family we all have it. I took after my grandmother." The whirling of the brewing coffee became louder. "Let me do that." Alessio suggested, moving to the counter. She watched as he made the coffee just the way she liked it. Full of cream, and sugar. Hmm, so much for 'he's not a gentleman' according to Nat. This was exactly what a gentleman would do, she thought proudly.

"So you never talked much about your family." She asked, as she sipped her coffee.

He sat next to her, piercing her with his look. His deep blue eyes became more apparent. "Um, my mom is originally from Valencia. I never told you right?”

"No. Really? Valencia in Spain?" Jameela knew part of his story. His dad was an Italian businessman from Abruzzo. His family were quite popular. His dad wanted him to take a part of his business, but Alessio wanted to be a teacher. He was in love with literature. What she liked about his dad was the fact that his dad agreed. He didn't think his son should be forced into something he didn't enjoy doing. He once told her that he had a lot of Muslim relatives. She now understood it was probably from his Spanish side. When they fell for each other, she told him they should just leave each other. As a Muslim they couldn't be together. But he said he didn't mind becoming a Muslim for her. He knew a lot of Islamic principles, she noticed. The articles of faith, the five pillars of Islam, Laws of marriage, and many more.

Alessio continued, "Yeah. I visit my family there sometimes. They are very hospitable. And my grandma, her cooking is the best. I tell you. I'm sure she would like you."

She croaked, "me? Are you sure?" She leaned against him putting the coffee on the table as he stroked her neck gently with his hands.

"Really she would. She is very easy-going and friendly. You know..." The words hung in the air, as an ear splintering sound drummed outside. The ground shook, unbalancing them both as they fell into each other’s arms, stunned. Screams and commotion rang from outside. What the… was that a storm? An earthquake? Jameela felt a sudden cold gripping her. She looked at Alessio, who was looking back at her, stunned and with a look of concern. What could be going on outside?

Alessio whispered, “stay here, amor. I’ll check it.” No way was she staying back alone in the kitchen. Not after that shock she just had. Hot on his heels, she ran after him. Students were gathered near the swing, hushing and whispering. Alessio pushed his way to the front. She looked around at first, wondering what the commotion was all about. Then she saw it. A loud gasp escaped her lips as she took in what was before her. A large tree that once occupied part of the backyard and gave shade to the swing, had fallen. It looked unreal. How could a tree that size fall? It was gigantic. Was it unsteady in the first place? She could swear it was perfectly in place this morning. When she went round the house, she stood under this exact tree. Even leaned against it. And now this? It was unbelievable. Thank Allah there was no one standing or sitting close by. If not, it would have been a different story by now. She shivered, her mind wondering what would have happened to her if it fell when she was standing there. She might be dead by now.

She put her hand on her chest, feeling the thud that seemed to be too loud all of a sudden. It was minutes later, after Mr. Cameron and Sir Rob had finished 'inspecting' the tree that we were ordered to stay far from the area. Alessio, Sir Rob and Mr. Cameron would use a saw to cut the tree, if they even managed to. Mr Cameron turned to look at them, "What are you all still doing here? Oh. Would each of you like to help out?"

They all rushed away in an instant. Before Jameela was out of earshot, she caught his last words which made me shiver. "How could this happen? Everything was properly checked to be in order. Hmm. Something is wrong. This is a very bad sign. An evil one. We must all be careful."