28 One world, different lives

*Saphira's POV*

"Actually, the reason I came down here was because I feel very sick," I lied. "Can you take me home now?"

He grabbed his smartphone out of his pocket and told someone he was driving me home. He still didn't let go of my hand, while he walked me towards his car. Ben was gently rubbing my hand with his finger the whole way. We both said nothing.

We were in front of my house now. "Saphira," Ben said. I looked up at him unwillingly. "I'll be going back to campus tonight. I won't be back until next Saturday. Do you mind if I ask Lynn to give me your number?" he asked.

"Suit yourself," I said in a bitter tone and slammed the door shut.

With tears in my eyes, I ran upstairs and lounged myself on my bed. I picked up the phone from the bedside and dialed Amanda's number. Someone had to calm me down… I thought. When Amanda answered she immediately picked up my mood.

"Didn't you have Fun?" Amanda asked. "Yes… at first we did. We talked… and I think we even flirted a little… But I can't be sure…." I sighed heavily. "You're not sure whether the two of you flirted?!" Amanda asked dubiously.

"Well, we talked about true love and how he did believe in that. He made little remarks on him being prince charming and that he could arrange a white horse if I wanted him to." Amanda snickered. "That's sounds like flirting alright," she agreed.

"Did he flirt with you so openly then? I mean; weren't you around your other friends?" I placed my head on my forehead trying to keep it from exploding.

"I made such a fool out of myself… "

I told her about his guitar and me singing to him and about the worst part… The choice of song… "You made quite a statement," Amanda said wryly.

"I know, and he doesn't even return my feelings," I said almost in a whisper. "You, cant know that," Amanda disagreed. "He walked along the Shore with my cousin for almost an hour. She was holding him and when they came back, he brushed her hair with his fingers…." The thought of it made me feel nauseated again.

"Well that's…." Amanda started to say, but then my smartphone rang. "I'll call you back tomorrow," I said. "Bye saph," she said. I quickly hung up the phone and looked at my phone that was vibrating in my hands. An unidentified number.

Would it be Ben? If it was him… would I want to pick up the phone? I decided not. A few seconds later I got a text. It was Ben. My stomach twisted in response. I opened the conversation and stared at it.

Benjamin: Ma belle Evangeline

Benjamin: I'm calling you again. Pick up your phone.

My phone rang again and I didn't pick up. I just stared at it. What would he want from me now? Check up on me to see if I was still feeling 'sick?' I didn't need his concern. I thought to myself. Then I got another text.

Benjamin: I can see that you're online. Does that mean you're mad at me?

Benjamin: Are you going to ignore me now?

The quickest way to make this all go away was to just simply face the music. I decided to see what he wanted. So I answered him.

Benjamin what do you want?:Saphira

Benjamin: So, you ARE Mad at me?

Why would I be mad? :Saphira

Benjamin: If you're not mad you have no reason, not to pick up your phone.

I'm talking to you now, aren't I? :Saph

Benjamin: I can't make good on my promise while texting you.

What promise? :Saphira

Benjamin: you sang for me. I would Sing for you.

Benjamin: Pick up your phone. You don't have to talk if you don't want to. Just listen

Benjamin: Please

Fine :Saphira

My phone rang again and this time I picked up.

"Hey beautiful," he said. I didn't answer and Ben started to chuckle. "Thank you for answering your phone. In return you're allowed to think of a way I can make it up to you next Saturday," he said charmingly. Interesting… I thought.

"Mhh.." was the only thing I replied. He chuckled again. "I'm going to put the phone on speaker, so I can have my hands free to play the piano, alright," he said.

So he didn't go back to the beach? "Don't be angry now… I'll sing you a song I have written lately. Actually you inspired it. You're my muse," he teased.

I heard him play on the piano. He started humming at first and then he started to sing… It was so beautiful. His voice was overwhelming.

*Jasmine's POV*

I felt a hard blow to my head. "What did you say now?" Saeed hissed. "You want to read your books?" he said angerly. I felt another throb to my leg. "I will become your only male guardian very soon, it would be foolish to think I will let you continue to fill your head with garbage."

"It's no garbage," I shrieked. "A woman should have the same rights as any other man to educate herself," I said trying to make a statement. "You find yourself to be equal to a man?" Saeed forcefully picked me up and grabbed my face, to make me look at him.

"You are made to be a wife. You should learn how to cook and clean and fulfill my every desire. That's it," he growled. His every desire? I wasn't his wife and I would never be.

Saeed threw me back to the ground and left me laying in the hallway. Jaleesa came in to the hallway and helped me stand up. "Are you alright?" she whispered. I Shook my head. Jaleesa inspected my headwounds. "Let's take you headscarf of to see how deep the cut is," she said. "I am sorry," she whispered.

It wasn't her fault her husband was such a beast. "How do you manage to live with him, day in and day out?" I asked quietly.

"I don't know," she breathed.