Race to the Finish Line

Chapter 1

My heart sank as soon as the words left my dad’s mouth. I had no idea how to react. My body felt numb, and I could barely think. When my parents said family meeting, this did not cross my mind. I didn’t even think it was a possibility. My father looked at me worried.

Leyah, say something.

Sorry, I’m just shocked. I’m happy for you. I got up to hug him. He had been working hard for this promotion. I’ve watched him struggle for years to get to where he is now.

It’s only twelve months. It’s a pilot project I’m starting. We’ll move right back when it’s over, he reassured me. I nodded at my dad and smiled. I didn’t want him to sense how sad I was because he’d turn down the job offer and I couldn’t let that happen.

What about your job mom? I asked, concerned. Will you be able to practice law in America?

No, but I got a teaching job at the University of Arkansas, she said.

I frowned. How can you teach law if you can’t practice it?

I can practice law, she clarified. But the process is very complicated, and since I have a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, I decided to teach instead.

But you love being a lawyer, I said, looking at my mom. I think it’ll be a nice change, she smiled.

I let out a deep breath and nodded. But why America? Why not Europe or Asia?

Moving to America seemed terrifying.

Aaleyah, I know moving to a new country when you’re about to start senior year is hard for you, but we can’t leave you here alone. Dad paused for a moment, deep in thought. I can turn down the position if you’re worried about moving. You’re right. At a time like this, it’s not safe for us. Especially for you two, he said, hanging his head low unable to look at us.

No. I shook my head. You’re not going to turn down this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I’m stronger than you think. How hard can handling some racists be? I just need to endure for a year. I put a brave smile on my face. Showing any signs of uncertainty would make him turn down the job.

I love you guys, and you don’t have to worry about me. It’s only a year. It’s not a big deal, I said firmly, even surprising myself.

I hugged my parents and went up to my room to get ready. Too much was happening at once, and I needed to go for a drive to clear my head.

I put on a pair of jeans and a sweater to escape the rainy July weather. It’s been chilly for the past few days, but I’m not complaining. The scorching hot weather was not good for me. I grabbed a black hijab and carefully wrapped it around my head. Putting on a hijab was more complicated than it looked.

I ran downstairs to the living room.

I’m going for a drive. Is that okay? I asked my parents.

Yeah, but don’t be out too late, my mom replied.

I won’t! I grabbed the keys from the key rack beside the door.

I stepped outside, and the aroma of the rainy weather filled my nose. I inhaled, profoundly appreciating the fresh air.

I pulled out of the driveway and drove down the streets of Vancouver, not having a destination. Questions flooded my mind, and anxiety overwhelmed me. I had so many worries that I couldn’t tell my parents. I didn’t want to leave my friends. I didn’t want to start over at a new school. I wanted to finish my senior year here. If my parents knew how I felt, they’d change their plans because of me, and I couldn’t let that happen.

I sighed, my stomach churning in knots just thinking about moving.

My parents have sacrificed so much for me, and I just had to suck it up.

Easier said than done, I mumbled.

I slowed down, approaching a red light. I stared out the window, soaking up everything I was seeing. It wouldn’t be much longer until I would be absent from these streets. My eyes landed on a Tim Hortons, and suddenly my heart ached.

I pulled up to the coffee shop and went inside. The smell of freshly baked goods and the rich aroma of dark roast coffee welcomed me. I would miss this. There wasn’t a day I didn’t have my Iced Cappuccino.

Hello, what can I get for you today? the person behind the counter asked.

A medium Iced Capp please.

I went to the other side of the counter and waited for my order. The cashier handed me my drink. I smiled and thanked him.

I sat beside the window and watched the rain trickles trailing down the glass. It was making a slight tapping sound. It was calming–almost hypnotizing. I looked out the window sipping my drink savouring every sip.

My phone rang suddenly startling me. Asalamu Alaykum, I answered my mom.

Can you pick up your brother? He said his friend ran out at practice, and he doesn’t have a ride.

Okay, I’ll head there right now. I hung up the phone and went to my car.

How was practice? I asked Aamir as he put on his seatbelt.

It was good, but I don’t understand why we are practicing when school hasn’t started yet.

It gives you guys an advantage. He yawned. I guess.

I felt Aamir’s gaze poking a hole through my face. Why are you staring at me?

I’m guessing you heard the news. You have a gloomy look on your face, he paused, staring out the window. You okay?

I sighed and shook my head.

I’m sad, but there’s nothing I can do, I said. I turned to look at him when I stopped at a red light. You’re really lucky Aamir. You start university this year, and you get to live in the dorms.

Awe, are you going to miss me? he teased.

I rolled my eyes. Don’t be stupid. Nobody cares about you.

I chuckled at the dirty look he shot back at me. I turned up the volume of the music playing in the background. We drove in silence bobbing our heads, both of us deep in thought. We had new chapters starting, and our lives would change drastically. I was going to miss him. I don’t know how I’m going to survive without him. He was my best friend. The thought of saying goodbye left a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

We gathered around the living room later that night. When are we leaving? I asked my dad.

In three weeks InshaAllah. We need to start packing soon.

Where are we going exactly?

A town called Anderton, but I’m going to work an hour outside of town. Your mom and I are going to have to commute to work.

A town? Why are you going from a big city to a small town? I asked, confused.

If we lived in the city, we would be separated, he explained. The town is closer to the facility.

I am going to be the director of the company there. We’re developing a new medicine, and one of our facilities is in Arkansas–bigger than the one here. Anyway, I will oversee the project in that facility, he continued.

Woah, that’s cool! I exclaimed, beaming with excitement.

How’s the pay? Aamir grinned.

Bigger than what I’m getting now, my dad laughed.

I smiled. This would be huge for him. Maybe this won’t be as bad as I was telling myself. Everything would probably be okay.

Chapter 2

My best friend was unable to look at me.

She pouted. You’re actually leaving Leyah?

We were sitting on the floor of my room. I folded my clothes and placed them into a suitcase. Seeing my room slowly become empty was making everything surreal.

I looked up at Iman, fighting the heaviness weighing on my heart.

I don’t want this to be real either.

But we were supposed to make this year our year. We were going to look for universities and take a road trip across the country, Iman said.

"We can still take the trip and search for universities.

Maybe I can come visit during winter break."

Just one year. I squeezed her hand. I’ll be back before you know it.

What if you like it there and you forget about us?

I laughed at her ridiculous statement. I highly doubt that.

Oh my God, do you remember this song? Iman jumped up and cranked up the music playing in the background.

We have a habit of abusing a song we like, and this song was no exception.

We danced, letting the beat take over our bodies.

We yelled at the top of our lungs singing along with the song. I grabbed a hairbrush off the floor and mimicked a microphone. I let go of all my worries and sadness, enjoying the moment with my friend.

We collapsed on the floor, breathless after the song ended. The music continued to blare from the speakers. I got up and turned it down letting it play in the background.

I looked at the mess I had to make disappear by the time my parents came back home. I bobbed my head to the music while I packed my makeup. We cleaned my room for hours until the only things left were my bed and dresser. All the posters on my wall were gone. The clothes lying around were packed up. Everything that made my room mine disappeared. I sat on my bed, and Iman sat beside me.

What are you doing for the next few days? Iman asked, breaking the silence.

Tie up a few loose ends and say bye to the city. I thought about how I would spend my last few days in the country a lot.

Tie up a few loose ends? Iman chuckled. You sound like a criminal.

My brain could not fathom exactly how much I would miss her.

I wish I could fast forward the year.

I wiped away the beads of sweat dripping from my forehead.

Come on! my coach yelled. You’re not going home until you get this right.

I nodded, trying to catch my breath. He held the pads and yelled combos.

I punched the pads as quickly as I could, following his fast-paced instructions.

You can hit harder than that! he instructed.

I ignored the burning sensation in my muscles and hit harder even though my body was about to give up. This was the last time I would be in this gym and the last time in this ring with my coach. I needed to give it my all.

Mind over matter. I tapped into my mantra.

Okay we’ll stop here, he said after what felt like the longest twenty minutes of my life.

I nodded, panting heavily unable to get any words out.

You’re leaving us Aaleyah? coach asked after our training. "You’re one of my best fighters. I’m sad to see you go.

I’m sad to be leaving you guys, I told him. I’m only going to be gone for a year.

I tried to sound cheerful. This gym was like a second home. I came here every day after school since I was eleven years old. I had way too much energy as a kid, and my parents put me into this sport to channel it into something beneficial. They tried soccer and basketball, but running back and forth just wasn’t for me.

Coach patted me on the shoulder. Good luck with everything. And Aaleyah, I hope you never stop fighting.

Thank you. I smiled. You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll always be fighting.

I looked around the gym a lump forming in my throat. I really will miss you guys.

I walked out of the gym with a box of my belongings.  I opened the trunk and set my things inside. I sat inside the car for a few minutes before I drove. My mind had a hundred and one things running through it–like an endless marathon. I played my music to drown out my thoughts and went home.

I walked inside the empty house and set my stuff beside the door. I went to the living room picturing where the furniture once used to be. Without it, the place felt cold and unwelcoming. I ran upstairs to my bedroom and jumped onto my bed–the only thing remaining.

I stared at the ceiling visualizing how things would turn out once we got to America. Maybe I was being a drama queen, and things would not be so bad. I was always curious about how high school was over there. Was it like the movies where everyone was separated into groups? Was there such a thing as the popular kids? I hope not. I didn’t need my life turning into a dramatic teenage movie.

I hugged my brother tightly as tears streamed down my face. This was the furthest he could come with us in the airport.

I let go of him to let my parents hug him next. My mom rambled on about everything he should do when we were gone.

Make sure you eat all your meals, and just because we are not here with you doesn’t mean you can go crazy. Remember, God is watching you. My mom was trying hard to stay strong, but the crack in her voice gave her away.

Aamir walked over to my mom and gave her another hug. I promise I’ll be good. You guys make sure you’re safe.

We are sad to miss your soccer games, but make sure you tell us everything that happens. My dad put a hand on my brother’s shoulders. Don’t forget about your studies."

I promise Dad I’ll have a 4.0 GPA InshaAllah.

My dad gave him one last hug. I know you will.

Just because you’re in university now doesn’t mean you’re cool. You better call us Aamir, I warned him, crossing my arms over my chest.

I will, and that goes for you too, he hugged me. I won’t come home for Thanksgiving break, but I will for winter break.

We waved at Aamir before we made our way to our gate. This was really happening.

Chapter 3

We landed after a long flight to Anderton, Arkansas. I could already feel the hostility, and it was almost suffocating. The stares we were getting could burn holes in our backs. We ignored everyone and grabbed our luggage. We made our way outside to find a taxi.

After waiting twenty minutes, we finally got a taxi to stop for us. The inside smelled like cigarettes and sweat. My dad gave the man the address. The driver looked at it and grunted furrowing his eyebrows. He started to drive towards our destination saying nothing.

Confused, I looked at my mom. She shook her head, signalling me not to pay attention to the man.

I turned my attention towards the window, taking in the scenery. One thing that shocked me was the pride that American people had. The American flag was everywhere. Most houses had the American flag and some even had the confederate flag–which made me want to rip it off their doors. The town was small—no tall buildings, one small mall and a movie theatre. I counted every non-white person I saw while driving. Five, alongside the many, many people walking around. I saw nobody wearing the hijab and realized I would probably be the only one in my school wearing it.

The driver pulled to a suburban neighbourhood with rows of gated mansions. The driver grew more suspicious as he glanced at the address again.

You sure this is the right address? These houses are way out of your league. He showed the paper to my dad to double-check if it was right.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. I opened my mouth to fire back, but my mom pinched my leg to shut me up.

I bit my tongue the entire ride to our new house to keep myself from snapping at the man.

The cab driver shrugged and continued to drive down the neighbourhood until he pulled up to the most prominent house among the bunch. I had no idea why we needed such a big home for only three people.

My dad exited the taxi and punched the code into the keypad. I watched in awe as the gate opened. My eyes widened, and my mouth dropped open. It was huge. A fountain was in the middle, and the driveway curved around it. It looked old, but I could tell it was newly renovated. There were two pillars around the entrance and a big brown oak door. The windows were enormous; if the house were not gated, it would have been open for the whole world to see. Looking from the outside, the windows were tinted. You couldn’t get a clear view inside.

My dad paid for the taxi, and we approached our new house with our suitcases trailing behind us. The inside of the house was more jaw-dropping than the outside. The polished tiles on the floor were sparkling. I didn’t want to walk on it even though I was wearing my socks. Two spiral stairs led to the upper level, and climbing up and down those stairs would probably be a hassle. A dazzling chandelier dangling from the ceiling lit up the foyer.

I ran into the kitchen first, and to my surprise, it was already furnished.

The windows in the kitchen overlooked a beautiful artificial pond. A dining table next to the windows and a grey marble island table in the kitchen with black stools pushed up against it.

The appliances were all sleek and black, matching the dynamics of the kitchen. Three black lamps hung from the ceiling. I could already tell I would spend a lot of time in there. I loved to cook. I cooked with my parents every time they were in the kitchen. Since my dad was the house chef and my mom was the baker, I got the best of both worlds.

We inspected every inch of the house. My favourite was the theatre in the basement, the kitchen, and the gym. My parents set it up like a boxing gym, which made me thankful. They put in a small ring, a heavy bag, and a double-end bag; it also had weights and other training equipment.

Next, we were standing in front of my room. Whoa. I stared at my room, overwhelmed.

My new room was twice the size of my old one. The bed was a California king bed. I didn’t understand how one person needed that much space to sleep in, but I appreciated it anyway. The walls were painted dark royal purple, and white. The colours complemented each other beautifully. There were two nightstands with lamps on either side of the bed. To the left was a white study desk with a black wheelie chair tucked in. On the floor was a fuzzy black carpet that covered the entire room.

The windows were covered with a white curtain, and against it was a window seat where I could enjoy the view of the town–even though there wasn’t much to look at. The empty walls excited me to hang the posters I had brought.

There was a spacious washroom inside the room. Then I opened the closet and automatically decided that more than the kitchen, this closet was my favourite place. I couldn’t stop grinning when I saw the tiny pink carpet and a full-length mirror at the back of the closet.

After hours of running around the house, we finally sat in the living room and drank iced tea to cool us down.

When the shock of the house wore down, my anger came rushing back at how the taxi driver treated us.

What a complete jerk. Who does he think he is? I breathed out in frustration. I should have just knocked his teeth out.

Aaleyah, you can’t beat people up every time they piss you off, my dad warned.

I know, I groaned.

I looked at my parents, surprised at their lack of frustration.

Why didn’t that piss you off?

Because Aaleyah, if I got upset whenever something like that was said to me, I’d spend my entire life angry. It just isn’t worth it sometimes. It’s easier to let some things go. I learned how to pick my battles because I can’t fight everyone, my dad explained.

He still deserved to be slapped, I mumbled.

And get a lawsuit? I don’t think so, my mom said, shaking her head.

"He would have no proof. It would be a light slap. Enough to teach him a lesson but not to leave a mark.

Violence is not the answer Aaleyah.

I know that… I trailed off. But how do you deal with people like that?

Dad thought about it. By not being like them. By continuing to move ahead.

I knew moving here was going to come with a lot of challenges and struggles. With us being who we are, we need to work twice–if not three times as hard–to succeed or to gain half of what they have.

Is that why you got us this house? I asked.

He looked around the living room. It was one of the only houses available. It was either this or living in those white picket fence houses beside a racist with a confederate flag as a neighbour, which wasn’t an option. This neighbourhood is also gated, which is a plus.

I nodded. Makes sense.

"Besides, I love seeing their reactions when they realize that one of the few black families in this town lives in the biggest house. You saw how the taxi driver reacted when he realized this house was ours. Things here will be difficult for us, but we must not forget who we are, and we must remember that Allah will always be on our side. We’ll be okay."

I thought quietly about what my dad said. I don’t think I could be as calm as my parents.

At least they furnished the house nicely, I said changing the subject.

Dad smiled and turned to Mom. That was all her.

Mom got up and walked around the living room, admiring her work. If being a lawyer didn’t work out for me, I was going to become an interior designer.

I got up and stood beside Mom. I think we’ll be okay here.

She put her arms around me and smiled. "InshaAllah, I think so too."

I took my stuff up to my room that night. I had to unpack my clothes, and the thought of it was dreadful. I had three huge suitcases filled with clothes and shoes and a few boxes filled with some of my makeup and other things.

Tomorrow I will clean this mess, I promised, unable to keep my eyelids open.

I went to my duffel bag and took out my pyjamas- knowing I would not have found it in my suitcase. Along with it were my toothbrush and skincare products. I went to the bathroom, showered, brushed my teeth, and washed my face.

I jumped on my bed and yawned, allowing the marshmallow-like bed to engulf me. I wondered how I would get out of this comfortable bed every morning. It was only after Maghrib, but since we were travelling, we prayed Maghrib and Isha together–I could sleep peacefully.

I took out my phone and texted my brother and friends I arrived safely. I scrolled through my social media until a call from my brother interrupted.

Hello? I answered.

I already miss you guys.

We miss you too. How is it without us?

Honestly kind of lonely. How was your first day? Aamir asked.

I told him about our day. All the stares we were getting, the stupid taxi driver, and about the mansion.

Wow, that’s a lot.

I know, I  sighed.

We talked for a few more minutes until I was yawning every other sentence.

You sound tired. Go to sleep. I’ll call you guys tomorrow, Aamir said.

After saying goodbye, I hung up the phone. It didn’t take long until the tiredness overtook my body. Immersed in a world of darkness, I was pulled into a deep sleep.

Chapter 4

I woke up the next morning sore and groggy. I rolled around in my bed stretching and yawning, trying to peel myself away from the comfortable soft bed keeping me