I was sitting infront of the T.V, laying down on my belly and moving my legs up and down while watching my favorite show, Alexa And Katie on Netflix. I loved it so much! My favorite character was Katie because she was just so funny and loved to cheer Alexa, her BFF up. Just then, Tala flopped on the couch beside me. She startled me for a moment. I gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Good morning Habibti 'My dear in feminin context'" I told her, sweetly. "Good morning. Are you excited for Marwan's birthday party? I heard it's going to be huge! There'll be a big cake and big balloons! Maybe even an ice sculpture!" Tala babbled on. I rolled my eyes. There's one person I hate the most and that's Marwan, my older cousin. He's 16 turning 17 today. Let's just say we're not like those lovey dovey cousins that ALWAYS get along. "Oh how I despise that piece of anno- I mean, oh my God! No way. I'm so excited for his partayyyyy!" I quickly changed my wording as Mama walked into the living room. Marwan is my aunt, Taysir's son who is Baba's sister. Mashallah, my dad has seven sisters, Layla, Taysir, Sara, Lushi, Mona, Haleema and Angie. They are all 'Cheek Pinchers' except Khalto 'Auntie in Arabic' Angie. She's my favorite. Speaking of Angie, I forgot to text her! I told her I would yesterday! I took my phone out but Mama stopped me. "Mariam why don't you listen to me! Please, put your phone down. We are going shopping for Marwan's party. It is going to be huge and I want to make sure we look good infront of my sister in law and her family." Mama said as she walked out of the living room, looking all sad. I could tell why she was. As a matter of fact, I did know why. It was because Baba's family didn't really like Mama's family. They never get along. They are forced to invite us to weddings and parties because Baba is their family member. They treat my siblings and Baba well but not Mama and I. They don't treat me well either because I'm like Mama. I always stick with her and never let anyone hurt her. Not that my siblings don't, but I just do it most. But Khalto Angie? No. She's nice to Mama and I. That's why I love her so much more than the rest of my aunts.

"Come on Mama! Let's go to Zara! I see such cute skirts!" May kept screaming and squealing at every popular shop she saw. While we were in the car, I texted Dalia and told her all about Marwan. She agreed that he was annoying. I was so glad that SOMEONE understood me! I walked into Zara and saw an oversized tee that said, 'I Could Really Care Less' and I showed it to Mama. "Mama look! This oversized t-shirt is literaly perfect for the event! Just look at it!" I told her. Mama just stared at me. I could tell she was mad. But instead, she just laughed outloud and said, "Ha! That would work perfectly- But you know how Baba would feel. After all, they are family. Well yours, your siblings and your daddy's family. Not mine." Mama said and sighed as she walked away. She was hiding something. I could feel it. I just didn't know how to confront her. I decided to leave her alone for a bit and drop it. I headed over to see what May and Tala were doing. "Hey guys what are you doing?" I asked. Before Tala could answer, May butted in. "What does it look like we're doing, Bird Brain? I'm teaching her the true concept of fashion. Looks like you need a lesson." May told me, eyeing my sweats and my long sleeved t-shirt. Ok I was in a rush! Tala gave me an empathetic look. I could tell she was sorry for May's rude behaviour. Wait what?! Who was I kidding?! She isn't acting rude. She's acting like some witch! I stormed out of the store and headed towards Mama. "Hey Mama. I brought some cash with me. Can I please go buy some sushi?" I asked her. She looked inside her purse and handed me twenty dollars. "Mariam when you are hungry, it is Baba and my job to feed you and buy you food- Even when you aren't hungry. Ok Habibti? And please make sure you get some for May and Tala." I nodded my head and thanked her. I also gave her a big hug. I think that made her day because she walked to my sisters, happily. I headed towards the sushi place and bumped into someone. My phone fell out of my pocket and the screen cracked. I was furious and got up with my phone in my hand. I was about to blow up when I heard a familiar voice. "Oh I am so," The voice started. It was Kareem. But when he looked at me, his tone quickly switched to a really rude tone. "Hey! Watch were you're going next time! I swear you're always so dumb! You nimrod!" I was so surprised that he'd actually say that. "Kareem? Are you ok? What's wrong with you? Why would you call me that?!" I exclaimed. "Because you're just a stupid girl! Now get outta my way." He told me while pushing me aside. What a jerk! How could he? WHat did I ever do to him?! I took my phone out and decided to text Kareema.

Me: Kareema! What is going on w ur brother? Kareem's acting so strange...He called me a nimrod...N stupid. n dumb! He rlly hurt me...

Kareema: Well MAYBE bc YOU didn't listen 2 me! U said I lied! But he acc thinks ur just those tingz! I told u he thinks dat. Now I gtg ttyl... ;)

Maybe she really was right. Maybe I AM a nimrod. Maybe I really am stupid and dumb. I walked to the sushi shop and bought a pack of sushi with 20 pieces. Mama didn't eat sushi and if there was extra, we could save it for Mohamed, Baba and Ahmed. They already picked their clothes three days ago so they were 'Renting' the house as their 'Man Cave' until we got back home. When the sushi was ready, the worker called me up. "Order Mariam is up! I repeat order Mariam." I walked over to the front desk to take my sushi. As I was about to take the sushi off of the counter, the worker whispered something to me. He said, "We will not rest until Arabs are dead." I wondered what that meant. Some people just like to scare others like that. And how DARE he say that?! I walked back to Zara. I couldn't see May, Mama and Tala anywhere. I looked to my right and saw Mama and Tala at Claire's. Just then, I heard a loud scream. The whole mall and I turned around. It couldn't be.

- Hey MuslimPapi. Omg. I wonder what happened. And what was that man talking about? Plzzzzz write in the comments what you think is happening! Make sure to vote and follow plz!