"Layla if you get scared, you can hold my hand. Just like I did when I traveled with Uncle Ahmed," Imad said.

"Thank you Imad. I would love that," I replied, and ruffled his hair and kissed him on his forehead. "Don't forget to read your dua."

"Okay," He said, and switched on his iPad and opened an app. I installed it for him, it's an app for kids, that contain most of the duas. It's really nice.

I looked out the oval airplane window, we were still on the ground. The flight hadn't taken off, though the air hostesses made an announcement a while ago, that the airplane will take off in five minutes. Thoughts of flying on an airplane for the first time disclosed contradictory feelings, fear and excitement.

I sunk into my seat, that was sizable. We are sitting in first class, it's very spacious and comfortable. I have never traveled before, so this one way to do it. Lavishly. Alhamdulliah. Though I can't compare nor complain because I have never been in the other travel classes. I was nervous, that's for sure. My hands already clammy. The tiny air conditioners on the ceiling, blasted cold air. I hugged myself for warmth and tried my best to not let fear overcome me. Ahmed's seat was in the third row — in the middle — each row having two seats. Closer to Imad.

The plane took off, I read the same dua countless of times. Until my heart was at peace with the fact, that the plane isn't going to fall from the sky. I ended up holding Imad's hand when the plane took off. When I looked outside the oval window, we were in the air. Flying through the clouds. Subhanallah, the view was breathtaking. It's a sixteen hour flight. Imad already started watching cartoons on the seat-back tv. I too began to watch a movie, it's been long since I have watched one. There was so many options, I began by watching Me Before You, it's a romance movie. It looked interesting.

While watching the movie, I quickly glanced at Ahmed who was reading a book. He looked so indulged in it. I continued to watch the movie. Later on they served dinner. They gave out small menus, having three options of the main course. I choose Chicken fillet, that came with rice and for dessert they served chocolate pudding, with whip cream on the top. It was delicious, Imad barely touched his food. He ate snacks — that he carried, before the food came.

After a while, my ears started to pain and got blocked. I got an awful migraine. Tears started streaming down my cheeks. I couldn't even finish the movie, even though it was really nice. I tried to get some sleep and I did.

When I woke up, after three hours, most of the people in the airplane were sleeping. Including Imad. Ahmed was not asleep, he was watching something on the seat-back tv. My ears were still blocked, but it hurt a little less. I unbuckled my seat-belt and got up. I went to the washroom, that is small. I washed my face, and got out. Ahmed was standing outside, his hands in his pockets. "Hi," he said in a low voice. I smile, I don't even know why I am smiling but I just did.

"Uh hey," I replied. We were standing close to each other, breaths almost mingling.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"Yes I am fine," I replied and tried to get pass him. Being so close to him felt like breathing is complicated as trying solve a jigsaw puzzle that has a thousand pieces. My hand brushed along his, as I walked away. I could feel my heartbeat escalate ten times faster. I don't know why this is happening... I returned to my seat and continued watching the movie. When Ahmed later on walked back to his seat, we shared a brief moment where we locked gazes. I looked away, and gulped.

When I finished the movie, I went back to sleep. Imad woke me up, and told me to look outside my window, there was a sun rise and it was beautiful and breathtaking. I put my arm on Imad's shoulder and held him close, he told me he wanted to hear a story and so I did tell him one. The same stories my mother used to tell me, whenever I couldn't sleep at night. About prophets or about a brave girl or in this case a brave boy who saved the world. I used to love her fictional stories. When I was done with my story, Imad was on the verge of falling asleep. He was so tired, he could barely keep his eyes open.

I too fall asleep, after he did. My arm still on his shoulder and his head resting on my chest. The rest of the flight, I spent watching movies, playing some of the games on Imad's iPad — that he insisted I play, sharing quick but somehow meaningful glances with Ahmed and momentary naps. Before the air-hostess announced our arrival in Dubai, breakfast was served.

When I looked outside the window, tall buildings were in sight and the wondrous blue ocean. The water shimmered, honestly it felt majestic. Imad was so peppy, he couldn't stop talking about the places he wants to go. We watched a video on the Dubai City and it showed all the tourists attractions — monumental buildings, and the malls.

The airplane landed in Dubai international airport. When the airplane completely stopped moving, everyone got up, and started taking out their luggage from the overhead compartment. I took out my handbag and Imad's backpack, and I gave it him. He took out his cap from his back pack. Ahmed put on his shades. When the airplane doors opened, and the air stair was placed. We got out of the airplane, I held Imad's hand. Ahmed walking right behind us. The balmy air welcomed me, it was hot. At the end of the stairs, a man in a black suit and tie, wearing shades was standing with his hands behind his back.

When we got down the stairs, the man approached Ahmed and greeted him. He started walking behind him, and not so far from the airplane a white Mercedes-Benz was parked. Another man also in a black suit and tie, was packing our suitcases into another car — a silver Range Rover. That's parked behind the Mercedes. All I was wondering is why we weren't going in the bus as the rest of the passengers. Is this even legal? Don't you need to go into the airport, and go through formalities and get your bags. That's how it's like in the movies.

Imad still held my hand, and looked up at me every now and then. Every time more in disbelief and with more excitement. Ahmed walked in front of us, leading the way. The man in the suit opened the back door of the car for me, Imad got in first and then I. Ahmed sat in the front. I took out my phone from my handbag and switched it on. The car drove off and we were heading out of the airport, and into the streets of Dubai. All I can say is that I was speechless and amazed, it's just magnificent. Imad looked out the car window and pointed out everything that looked cool too him — every tall building and at every Ferrari.

"I love Dubai," Imad squealed with excitement. As for me, I started taking pictures of anything and everything I saw. Ahmed was busy on his phone. My excitement lessened, when reality hit me. When my mind reminded me the reason why I am in Dubai... For my wedding. I felt nauseous just thinking about me in a wedding gown in front of all of Ahmed's family. It's actually going to happen, it's substantial.

The car ride was long, a forty minute drive. The sign board outside the hotel read, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf. The car started moving slowly when we entered the hotel. I became more observant and mostly in complete awe. The two-story villas all faced a water body that probably is a lagoon. They were palm trees everywhere and lovely gardens. The car finally stopped and we got out of the car. A man approached us from the entrance of the Villa, welcomed us speaking in Arabic and introduced himself.

We entered the Villa, and the interior of everything is modern with a hint of tradition. The man showed us the kitchen that has a marble counter, the living room that has a balcony with an amazing view of the lagoon and a coffee table and two chairs next to it. The dining table is placed nearby the living room, that you walk through an arch.

We were taken upstairs to see the rooms, they were only two bedrooms. Both master bedrooms, that included a king-sized bed. But different interior design and themes. All the rooms had a balcony, each having unalike views. Room one, had an aqua and grey theme, with a modern design and furniture. Room two, had a orange and white theme also having a modern design. Ahmed choose room one, I liked it too.

Once the tour was over, the man told us about the private beach we could go to at anytime and the complimentary trip to Wild Wadi Waterpark. Imad is looking forward to go to the water park, since the day he saw it on the video. Our suitcases were then brought to our rooms.

Imad removed his shoes and laid down on his bed. I took out his cap and kept it on the bed post. He must be so tired, it was a long flight. I switched on the air conditioner in his room and went back to the other room, the room I have to share with Ahmed.

Ahmed was sitting on the arm-chair and busy typing something on his phone. I sat on the bed and took out my phone and kept it on the bed. "This place is really beautiful mashallah," I said.

"Yeah," he replied, his concentration fully at his phone. "Tomorrow my sister is coming over in the morning."

"Are you going to be okay?" I asked. Remembering the conversation we had yesterday.

"Yes I will be," he spoke in a gruff tone.

"So I guess we will be sleeping on the same bed. With the pillow barrier," I spoke in a quiet tone.

"Yeah..."

"Are you okay Ahmed?" I asked, concerned about his silence. There is something that is bothering him, I can just tell.

"I am fine Layla. Just exhausted," he replied.

"You should rest then," I said.

"I will," he replied. I was also tired, so I curled myself on the right side of the bed and slept.