-Hey guys! so I decides to skip and fast forward to the guys' life so yea, they're graduating in this chapter! Also, the pre grad part of this chapter, I can really relate to...this senario didn't happen to me, not exactly. But sort of....This chapter is rlly hard to write so plz, dont judge🥺

Ahmed's age: 7

Tala's age: 9

Mariam' age: 23

Dalia's age: 23

Mo's age: 25

Marwan's age: 25

May's age: 25

Adel's age: 25

Uzair's age: 26

Leena's age: 25

*A MONTH PRE-GRAD*

Right now, I was with Mama on the phone. "So Mama I wanna act as well; not study theater, because I already have experince, but audition for stuff. I won't let it take me away from science though! You already know how much science means to me!" I yelled. "MARIAM! YOU will focus on ACADEMICS ONLY! I do NOT care! Be more like Mohamed, who wants to be a doctor!" Mama scolded. "I agree with Mama." Baba said. "With all do respect. But this is MY life. I am going to do this for the rest of MY life Mama and Baba! Why can't you be happy for me?! If you want me to just be a scientist, why didn't you? Why don't you go work as one?" I questioned. "I gotta go. I love you, BOTH." I said and shut the phone. Ugh....I fell asleep on the couch, deep in ny thoughts. Ya Allah.

*A FEW DAYS LATER*

Mama and Baba called me so I picked up. "Listen Baba and Mama. The tone I used wasn't good, but please. Let me pursue MY dreams for MY life. At least I am having academic success." I said. "It's ok. we just wnat you to be happy, and if this makes you happy, you go for it. But never loose your Deen, faith in Allah." Baba and Mama lectured me for another hour. "Kay, grad is in a week. Will you be there?" I asked. "yup." May and Adel answered, barging into the call. I didn't mind though. "May! Adel! Any news?" I smirked. "Hello Habibti! About what?" May asked confused. She knew what I was talking about: PREGNANCY. "OH SHUT IT!" May exclaimed. May and Adel have been married for 2 years and 8 months now. "She's pregnant." Adel yelled. We all cheered. "So did Marwan tell his mom?" Mama asked, reffering to us wanting to get married. "It's been four years and he STILL hasn't. But his Mom senses it; probably knows. But his dad knows." I said. Just then, there was a knock on the door. I groaned. "I'll get it! Gotta go I love you both." I kissed my parents goodbye from the screen and got up, leaving. I opened the door, revealing Marwan. "Hey baby. Dalia, it's Marwan! And Mo!" I said, seeing Mo beside him...And two other figures. "Why are y'all dressed so fancy?" Dalia asked, coming out of her room, straightening her brown Hijab. "We decided to bring a couple of guests with us." Marwan said, revealing Marwan's Mom and Dad, Khalo Rami and Tante 'Aunt in Egyptian and French' Lushi. Oh no. I can't do this! She'll just critisize me again and again, repeatedly. "Alsalamualkum Tante and Khalo. How are you both?" I asked, opening the door so that thry could come in. Dalia turned a little pailer. I rubbed her shoulder, indicating for her to calm down and that Tante Lushi probably means no harm. I know Khalo Rami doesn't because he's always so kind.

After I handed our guests some mango juice, Khalo Rami said he needed the washroom, leaving Marwan, Mohamed, Dalia and Tante Lushi with me. "Thanks Mariam. I love the juice." Tante Lushi said, surprisingly. "Hey Mo and Dalia, can you two come with me? I need help getting something from the car. This will give you time to bond." Marwan said, whispering the last part to me. Ok, here goes. "Tante, I just want to know: why do you hate me so much?" I asked. "I-I um- jealousy...It overcame me when your mom married Ayman and I just felt jealous over her because of their relationship...I wanted mine with Rami to be the same and then when you came along; well, you were just like your mom: pretty, kind and the apple of your father's eyes...I am so sorry Mariam...And to your mom; whole family...And also to Marwan. Mariam he LOVES you. Not just like, but LOVE." Tante Lushi said. "I feel the same and more." I said. I got up and hugged her tightly for about five minutes while she sobbed into my shoulder.

"Oh my God! it's BEAUTIFUL!" I said, reffering to the gold necklace and Channel purse Marwan bought me. "I'm glad you love it Babe- um Mariam." Marwan chuckled, nervously. I laughed a bit and so did Tante Lushi. We decided to call my fam and they loved it. Mama even talked to Tante Lushi and worked stuff between them. "So we can plan your marriage after we come." Baba said. Marwan and I squwealed. I was so happy that I get to marry the love of my life. My Baby. My Marwan.

She looked so pretty when she smiled. When she did anything she looked happy; and Wallah this isn't a joke. She's my queen. I want to kiss her so badly; see her hair. I wanted to be able to hold her in my arms and call her mine🥺 . I immedietly started singing a song that I knew she loved to hear me sing, Intentions by Justin Beiber and Quavo. "Picture perfect you don't need no filter, gorgeous make em' drop dead you a killer, shower you with all my intention, yea these are my only intentions, stay in the kitchen cooking up cut your own bread, heart full of equity you an assett, make sure that you don't need no mention, yea these are my only intentions." I sang. She quickly hugged me. Mariam decided to make a lil' YouTube video of this event, so she took out her camera and started recording. "Heyyyyy y'all! Well, Marwan came over today with his awesome parents and got me these; I couldn't ask for anyone to love than Marwan!" She sqwealed. "Sameeee!" I yelled. She continued with her video until it came to an end. I love this girl!

-heyyy guys! PLZ ASK SUM QUESTIONS!