Chapter Six

Hamid Fadaei as Abdullah Alvi

~Abdullah~

Present- April 3rd, 2036

I'm nervously standing in front of John's house. The invitations in my hand are the only reason why I feel butterflies in my stomach. After being with Vittorio for over a year, we are finally going to get married in three months. 

I ring the doorbell and wait nervously. I hear someone come down the stairs. But I'm shocked to see that it isn't Johnathan that opens the door, but instead, it's Abdullah. 

"Hello, Christine, how are you doing?" I smile as I physically relax. For some reason, Abdullah always makes me feel at ease. 

"I'm doing fine, thank you. Um, where is Johnathan, exactly?"

"Oh, John is sleeping at the moment. Yesterday was a bit hectic. Anyways, come in. I was making tea." I nod my head and walk inside. I immediately take off my shoes and follow Abdullah into the living room. He goes into the kitchen and prepares two cups of tea. 

"So, tell me, Christine," Abdullah says while coming out with the cups. He carefully places the hot cup on the coffee table. 

"What brings you into our house?" I watched as he sipped on his tea, patiently waiting for my answer. I looked down at my drink before I explained. 

"Well, as you know, Vittorio and I have been engaged for about two years. After everything that has happened between us, you know (with Stan), we are finally going to tie the knot. We feel that we can get married. Johnathan has been a part of my life for over twenty years. So, I wanted to personally invite both you and Johnathan to our engagement party and wedding." Abdullah had a smile on his face. I quickly gave the invitations to him. 

"Thank you so much for taking out your own time to give these to us. I'll be sure to let Johnthan know," I continued to sip the beverage as he inspected the invitations. 

Abdullah was just a very polite person. Not only was he a renowned doctor, but for his age, he was mature and treated everyone with honesty, loyalty, and respect. No wonder was he loved by his co-workers and his patients. 

Johnathan was a lucky man. 

Just as I was about to take my leave, Johnathan walked into the living room. He was wearing pajamas (Even though it was three pm on a Thursday) and pecked Abdullah's cheek before sitting next to me. 

"Johnathan, we were talking about you. Christine has given us an invitation to her and Vittorio's wedding." John smiled as Abdullah gave him his invitation. 

"It's about time, Christine. I was thinking that you weren't going to go through with it,"

"Trust me, I think now is the best time to tie the knot. Being with him has brought the best of me. I hope that he feels the same way." Abdullah and John were staring at each other knowingly before Abdullah spoke. 

"I believe that he feels the same way. When we hang out, Vittorio seems only to want to be with you. Both of you have had some ups and downs, but you have learned from them and they made you stronger. He has already accepted Nathanial as his child and is willing to become a father. A responsibility that most men would want to reject.

Trust me.

He feels the same way." I smiled as I thought of the type of person Vittorio was. 

"Thank you. Well, I have to get back. See you soon, guys," I stood up to put my shoes on. They followed behind me and stood on the porch. As I walked to my car, I turned around and waved at them. They waved back at her before they walked back inside, closing the door behind them. 

Johnathan was lucky to have someone like Abdullah. He was there for me and was also able to help me get back on track. The fact that he put the time to help me give me some self-worth when I was at my lowest made him an even better person. 

He is more to me than just Johnathan's partner. His character as a whole is much more than what he makes it out to be. 

That is because he is...

🇦​🇧​🇩​🇺​🇱​🇱​🇦​🇭​ 🇦​🇱​🇻​🇮​

Past- August 4th, 2032

'Desire is so sinful and delicious. Some desires are seen as acceptable, and some are not. So society will brainwash us. And will make sure that we do not pursue these desires. But the temptation is forbidden fruit, and sometimes you need to take a bite, even if you cannot go back to the light.

The shadows are my home now. And thanks to the beast inside of me, I love it. I always wonder if I can ever be normal again. But I don't really care.' 

I continue typing my monologue for my new book. My new work is going to be a romance but with a sick, gothic twist. It's exciting to write something new apart from my usual books. I hope that my editor likes my pitch. Otherwise, I'm going to start from scratch. 

And I have a deadline. 

The hum of my laptop echoes through the living room. I sit on the nice periwinkle couch. It's not mine, but it feels so good.

I have been visiting Stan with every opportunity I have. I'm going to his house so often that I have a spare key. Stan didn't need to give it to me. But he insists that I come and make myself feel at home. Is that a red flag?

We have only been seeing each other for a few weeks, and he already trusts me. I have never done this before, so I don't know if he'll not like that. I'll text him that I'm here before he's done with work. Besides, he knows that I won't steal anything. So, if I can sit in his house, then I will. He isn't here right now. He is currently at work and won't come for a few hours.

As I continue writing, my mind goes to Jessica and Calvin. It has been two weeks since I've seen them. The way I talked to my best friend was terrible. Jessica loves sleeping around with random men. And before Stan, I was a virgin.

But that didn't define our friendship. In fact, I love hearing Jessica's stories. Some are funny, and others sound like nightmares. We'd sit on the park bench, and I'd playfully scold her like a child.

However, I let my emotions get the best of me. And I said some deplorable things to her. Jessica doesn't deserve that. Jessica is more than a year younger than me, so I sometimes mother her. 

So when she pointed out my immature decisions, I snapped at her.  

But she doesn't know Stan as I do. Sure, we didn't meet in the best circumstances. But he's a fantastic person and an even better lover. 

I have been getting to know him more. And he's not perfect, but he's so sweet. He's quiet, blunt, and awkward. But it's a nice contrast to my busy life. I love going out and talking to people. Sitting next to him and doing work or reading is peaceful. 

The sound of Stan's car pulling up makes me look up from my laptop. I look out the window and see that it's darker outside. How did I not notice the sun going down? I hear the door jingle before it opens. 

I watch in slow motion as I see Stan's shadow walking down the hallway. I immediately start putting away my laptop. I shouldn't be here right now. I can hear Stan startle as he sees me. Of course, he'd be surprised to me here. 

"Sorry. I was a bit bored, and I couldn't focus in my house. So I decided to come here. I'll get out of your home," I explain in a rush. Stan chuckles and sits by my side. He shakes his head and says that he doesn't mind. 

"Are you sure that you don't mind?" I ask him. I am inside his house. And even though he gave me his spare key, this can count as a home invasion. Stan smiles at me, and I feel myself relax. 

"Christine," He holds my hand with his thumb rubbing my knuckles tenderly. 

"I need you to know this. I don't have friends, and I have never been in a relationship. There had never been any desire for me to pursue one. I find myself dying alone. Because I have achieved everything that I have ever wanted.

But that was before I met you, Christine. I enjoy your company and getting to know you better. It's hard to admit this, but you working in my living room looks like you belong here. So don't think you're intruding," Once Stan is done with his admission, I cannot help but grin. 

Moments like these are what I mean. He isn't the type to say what he feels. But when he does, it's sincere, heartwarming, adoring. We are only dating, but I can see myself being his girlfriend in the future. 

And maybe more. 

"Let me make you some Jasmine tea. Then, we can talk about your day," I offer. Stan nods and follows me into his kitchen. I am so relieved. Stan wants me in his house. After my last relationship in high school, I have been too scared to be in another relationship. 

I get the teabag out and boil some water. As I wait, I notice Stan watching me with a joyful smirk. I look down at myself, thinking that there's something on me. 

"Do I have something on my dress?" I ask Stan. He shakes his head and continues smiling. 

"No, I am infatuated by you. I'm so lucky to have someone like you in my life, Christine. You are so gorgeous," Stan says sweetly. I can feel blood rush into my dark cheeks as I Stan's compliment. I gush while putting my hands in my cheeks to cool myself down. 

"I have never been complimented like that before. You're making me blush," I say. Stan walks over to me and wraps his arms around me. I relax in his hold and lean back onto his shoulder. 

"You're so beautiful," Stan whispers hotly into my ear. I shiver as he places a soft kiss on my neck. I turn my head and we share a kiss. We kiss for a few more seconds until the ding of the kettle stops our moment. 

Stan and I chuckle as we remember why we're in the kitchen. I reluctantly loosen from his grip and pour the hot water into the mug. After dipping the teabag into the water, I hand the beverage to my-.

Wait a minute. 

Who is Stan to me? We're dating, but can I call him my boyfriend? I really like him, and I'd like him to be my boyfriend.

"Stan," I say before he puts the cup to his lips. 

"What are we?" I ask. He places the cup on the counter and ponders on the question for a second. 

"I'd say that you are my girlfriend. I know that we haven't had the discussion yet. But I feel like our relationship has gone past that stage. Besides, you practically live in my house. And I want to see you more. I really adore you, Christine," Stan finishes with a small smile. Stan then resumes drinking, as though he didn't make me feel like I matter to him. 

I cannot stop smiling. He always says what he means. So for him to say that he likes my company makes me feel like I'm not a burden. 

"Thank you," I say. Stan shrugs as he takes another sip. 

"I don't know why you are thanking me. If anything, I should thank you for being in my life," 

"I know. It's just that my last relationship from high school was awful. His name was Cameron, and he was awful. You have to understand that I was overweight and had terrible acne. He was handsome, athletic, and popular. 

So when he asked me out, I was ecstatic at first. But he would always point out my insecurities, tell me to watch my weight, and would get upset at me when I'd refuse to sleep with him.

After he'd admit that he dated me for a bet, I never trusted anyone. You are my first relationship after him, and it's liberating to feel validated. I like you too, Stan," I ramble. By now, Stan has finished his tea. He then hugs and strokes my hair. 

"Don't worry. I'd tell you how I really feel, Christine," Stan says reassuringly. I place my head on his shoulders. 

"And next time, let the tea bag inside the cup for a little longer, please," I laugh at Stan's stupid nitpicking. 

I think our relationship will be okay.