Authors: Eboni Snoe
Standing arrow straight, his voice a hushed tone, Na’im countered Felicia’s verbal assault.
‘ ‘Trust? Felicia, do you really know the meaning of the word? You have never caught me in the arms of another
woman, as I have you in the arms of another man. And now to find out that you did not respect my leadership enough to tell me of your plans with Jabar; something that had a great effect on the lives of my people.”
‘ ‘What would you do to punish me, Na’im? What I did was not wrong and I’m sorry if I have injured your pride. But from the way I see it, there were things more important at stake.”
Yasmin entered the foyer just as Felicia turned to walk away. She could feel the tension between these two young people when she entered the room.
“Are you about to retire for the evening, Felicia?” “No, I’m just going to my room to change. We’ve almost finished the project, so we’ll be working pretty late in the lab tonight.” Felicia’s eyes were bright with emotion as she bid Na’im and his mother goodnight.
“So what are your plans tonight, my son,” Yasmin asked when Felicia had gone.
“I may review some paperwork in the library. I have been in the field so often, things have piled up.”
“Why don’t you relax and take a walk with me in the garden. Your father is feeling tired and has already headed for the chamber. Besides, it has been such a longtime since we have spent time together.”
Na’im knew this was no casual offer. His mother was never one to waste words or time, so he agreed.
At first they walked in silence, letting their feet guide their way. Na’im noticed how flattering the moonlight was on his mother’s strong features. The soft light seemed to melt away the years, making her the beauty she was as a younger woman.
“There is nothing like an Egyptian sky at night. The stars are limitless, bringing many small aspects of light to
the darkness. It is like everything else in this world. There can be no light without darkness, and there can be no darkness without light. Nothing is perfect, my son. Even those we love must have flaws. So do we.”
Na’im remained silent, nodding his head in compli
ance to let her know he understood.
‘ ‘Your father wants you to do what he feels is best for Karib. Your father is a man of wisdom; that is why he was honored with the tide of sheik many years ago. But he is no different from you. His wisdom flows from within just as yours flows from within. I believe a wise individual is capable of making the right choices for their own life. Your father is the past. You are the future. Without change there can be no progress; and remember, it is progress that your father truly seeks for Karib. The woman you choose as your wife should be strong and courageous in spirit, for it is from a man’s spirit that strength is born.”
Once again they stood in companionable silence. In the distance they could see a figure leaving the west end entrance, and crossing the grounds to the workers’ quarters.
Felicia held her head high as she walked with a purposeful stride. They both watched her until she was no longer in sight.
“Let us return to the house now, my son. I think I am beginning to feel the effects of my travels with your father. Suddenly I feel very tired.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Felicia returned to the main house in the early morning hours. Finally, they had devised a rough formula that would accomplish their goal. A few more tests would be necessary to refine it, but the foundation had already been laid.
Felicia pushed the stray papers that were trying to escape the manila folder under her arm back into place.
One of the servants had left an oil lamp burning for her in the kitchen. After closing the back door, she picked up the lamp to light her way. The entire house was engulfed in darkness, except for a shred of light coming from under the door of Kareem’s room.
Felicia placed her ear to the door. Hearing nothing, she slowly opened it and stepped inside. Aisha, who had been sleeping in a large cushioned chair that had been brought in for her comfort, was awakened by the sound.
“How is he?”
“Better.”
“Did his mother come?”
‘ ‘She came. It was never her intention to call him over into the spirit realm. Though she wants him with her, she
knows
his purpose has not been completed on this side. He felt the great love that she has for him, and that is why he wanted to join her.”
Had someone told Felicia two months ago she would believe in the things her experiences in Egypt had taught her, she would not have believed
them. She realized how much she had changed since coming to this strange land. “But why did she decide to contact him now?” “Those who live in the spirit realm are not restricted by time and space as we are. Though we can tap into the universe with effort and practice, it is a regular part of their existence. Kareem’s mother said there is something that Kareem must do. She will tell him once his life force is strong enough. Now he has just started to venture back to this side. By late tomorrow evening, he should be out of danger.”
Felicia could see the slight movement of Kareem’s small chest beneath the sheet. All they could do now was wait.
“You look tired. But I feel your work is not the real reason for your weariness.’ ’
‘ ‘I just need to go home, Aisha. I do not belong here.” “One can belong wherever one chooses, if it is truly in their heart to do so.”
“Well, maybe that’s it. I thought, or at least I had hoped that I’d really found something special here. Now when I look back. I’ve been misleading myself.”
“This something special is a man?”
“Yes,” Felicia replied, sitting down on the edge of Kareem’s bed close to Aisha.
“He does not feel the same way about you?”
“I don’t know what he feels or thinks about me. We are so different. Because of his culture, his thoughts and beliefs are sometimes so distant from mine.”
“There are no two people whose thoughts and beliefs are always the same.”
“The sheik believes that an Egyptian man of status should marry an Egyptian woman of like social standing. The family of the woman he has chosen for his son agrees. So she has scheduled an Awya on the day after tomorrow.” “A challenge dance,” Aisha’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “During your encounter with the 'breath of life’ you spoke of dance many times. You have a natural love for it?”
“Yes. Maybe I should have become a dancer, and then I never would have ended up here in Egypt in this predica
ment”
“Nonsense, my child. Because you are one with ‘The One’, you chose this path, and it will be up to you to get what you want from it. Why do you not challenge the challenger?”
“What? Challenge the challenger?”
“Is this not a challenge dance? Then it is also appropriate for any woman to challenge the union of the woman and the man who is being challenged; to challenge the challenger.”
“So I can challenge Waheedah?’ ’
Aisha nodded.
Felicia could feel her heart palpitating. “But why should I? I’m not an Egyptian.”
“If you feel this man has feelings for you, you should show your feelings for him in the way of his people. Your life force is strong, Felicia. You have great power because of your closeness with ‘The One’. Think on it. Your decision will be right only if it reflects an alignment of the mind, the body, the spirit and the heart.”
Before leaving, Felicia promised to consider Aisha’s idea.
Felicia could hear the servants stirring, and the sun had begun its ascent in the sky before she got to bed. An elated Fatimah, who was so agitated she couldn’t sit down, awakened her that afternoon.
Felicia was so exhausted when she finally tumbled into bed earlier that morning that she hadn’t even bothered to change her clothes. The long shirt she’d worn with her jeans the previous day was wrinkled, and her waist had semi-permanent creases where the jeans had cut into her skin.
Fatimah paced excitedly back and forth, mumbling something about George. ‘ ‘He’s doing it now.’ ’
“He’s doing what now?” Felicia moaned, as she dragged herself to the bathroom.
“George is telling Sheik Rahman that he wants to many me.”
“Oh. I see,” Felicia replied, not nearly as excited as her friend.
“Isn’t it wonderful? Everything is working out just perfectly. Even little Kareem opened his eyes this mom- mg.
“I am glad things are working out for the two of you, Fatimah.”
Felicia’s remark was sincere, but it lacked the sound of joy that Fatimah was expecting. Then she thought of the sheik’s announcement the previous evening concerning the Awya scheduled by Waheedah.
‘ ‘It is so selfish of me to talk this way when you are not happy. In my joy, I simply was not thinking. You know I would do anything for you, Felicia, if I could help change things. I truly believe you would make a better wife for Na’im than Waheedah.’ ’
Felicia smiled warmly at her friend, as she walked over to hug her. “You’re a very special person, Fatimah. You
deserve nothing but the best of everything, and that is what I wish for you.”
She turned to walk away, then stopped mid step. ‘
‘Wait, there is something you can do for me. You can help me design a costume for the Awya. Two can play this game. I’m going to challenge Waheedah tomorrow night during the festival.”
“You are? There has not been a female challenger to Awya that I have known of in many, many years.” “Well, you’ll just help me make history, honey. So close your mouth and start telling me exactly what’s going to
happen. And we’ll take it from there.”
Fatimah sat on Felicia’s bed while she bathed, describ
ing the two Awya ’s she’d actually seen with her own eyes, and a third described to her by her mother.
An Awya was quite a ritualistic affair, embracing many beliefs from the ancient ones. She rubbed the goose pimples that had appeared on her arms as she told Felicia about the ceremonies.
A servant, who was sent by Sheik Rahman to summon her, interrupted Fatimah’s story. The goose pimples began to resurface as she approached the door to the sheik’s study.
She entered the medium-sized room and bowed at the waist to the sheik,
who was reclining on a burnt orange divan. George was seated in an armchair facing the sheik.
“As-Salam-Alaikoum,” Sheik Rahman greeted her, motioning for her to sit on a cushioned stool near his feet.
‘ ‘Alaikoum-Salam.' ’
Fatimah’s voice was so
soft, she couldn’t believe only moments ago she had been animatedly describing Awya ceremonies to Felicia.
‘ ‘I hear from this young man of your desire to marry?’ ’ “TMs is true, Rahman.”
‘ ‘Fatimah, I realize I have not expressed it well over the past years, but I am very concerned about your happiness. I have tried to raise you in the manner I would raise a daughter of my own. Therefore, I was always of the impression that you would marry an Egyptian. As a matter of fact, your father had already arranged that you should marry Ilyas. That is one of the reasons he was given the position of overseer here on the estate. It was not that he is such an outstanding worker, but I wanted to make sure you were well provided for.”
“I am grateful to you for such favor, Rahman.” “That is why I do not understand this sudden change of mind to marry a foreigner. Forgive me, Mr. Mercer, but I must be frank.”
“It is very simple, Rahman. I love George. I do not love Ilyas.”
“But love is not everything, my child. You are accustomed to an Egyptian way of life. I do feel you are not prepared for a life other than that as a mother and wife of one of your own kind.”
“This may have been so until recently, Rahman. In your absence, my life has changed much. I have organized and opened a school for the workers’ children. I have found self-respect that flows from more than the knowledge that I am a woman who should be glad that a man would have her. You yourself, Rahman, have said many times that Karib must progress. Karib is its people. I am Karib, Rahman, and I have grown. This man has been good to me, and I know in my heart he will continue to be, if given the chance.”
Hearing the sheik’s opposition to their proposed mar
riage, George could not let Fatimah fight the battle alone. ‘ ‘I want nothing but the best for Fatimah. If you think
it
is best that she stay here in Karib and live, I will make my life here as well.”
‘ ‘A wife’s place is with her husband. It should be the place of his choosing, not her’s, or her parents or guardian. I will give you my decision after the Awya. Now if you will leave me, I will think about all of this.”
Once they arrived at the front doors, Fatimah impulsively pecked George on the lips. Pushing the door open, he smiled his goodbye, almost stumbling over the luggage stacked before him. George caught himself just before he fell into none other than Ilyas* who was standing with another bag in his hands. The two men locked eyes. Ilyas looked up at Fatimah, but he would not move. He continued to block George’s way.
“Ilyas,” a syrupy female voice called, then instructed him to tell his men there were more bags to be carried. Grudgingly, he placed the bag he was holding on the ground and went back to direct his workers.
Felicia had watched from the window as the four white Mercedes Benz’ drove into the yard of the estate. There was no doubt in her mind who they carried. As if on cue, the front door on the driver’ s side of each car opened at the same time. Out of each stepped statuesque Nubian men dressed in identical white pant suits.
One after another, they opened the passenger doors of their vehicles for the entourage until the front yard of the estate was a collage of beautiful fabrics blowing in the wind, each one appearing more fabulous than the other. But, of course, Waheedah’s was the most exotic of them all.
Flowing green and gold material hung from the bottom of her turban-like headpiece, the exact length as her dress, which was an olive green with gold motif.
The entourage consisted of ten people, excluding the drivers. Two women busied themselves
unnecessarily, making sure Waheedah’s every whim was executed in the style and manner to which she had become accustomed.
There were Waheedah’s parents-her father was quite rotund and short, while her mother was as thin as a reed- and a man and woman who were obviously their atten
dants. Three young men, who were dressed in some of the most colorful galabias Felicia had ever seen, were the last to emerge.
Ilyas and two of the workers had expected the cars, and proceeded to unload the luggage as soon as they arrived. They received no assistance from the chauffeurs of the three vehicles, who stood staunchly, staring in the opposite direction of the cars.
Felicia had no idea how long Waheedah and her family planned to stay in Karib, but she gathered from the amount of luggage they brought, it had to be for an extended period of time. She watched as the pile of luggage grew in front of the wooden double doors.
Waheedah waved her arms vehemently, pointing to the luggage that blocked their passage into the house. One of the workers scurried to remove the obstruction, allowing the procession entry.
Felicia stepped back from the curtained window. She knew neither Waheedah nor her family thought Na’im would reject the marriage. Logically, she agreed with them, but deep in her heart she hoped they were wrong. She had not seen Na’im at all today. Her day had begun so late, he was probably taking care of whatever duties needed his attention.
Anyone in their right mind would have had second thoughts about challenging the Faruuks. They were a powerful force in Cairo, and therefore in Egypt. Felicia was no exception. Seeing them in
all their splendor made her know what she would be up against the following night. But it didn’t change her mind.
Sheik Rahman and Yasmin received the Faruuks in a south side room, whose cream-colored walls were a con
tinuous succession of open arches divided by sky blue columns.
The floor was covered with a rich gold, bronze and black Turkish rug. The furniture consisted of several armchairs patterned in white, gold and blue, along with a solid white couch. All of the furniture was trimmed in gold. The room lent a feeling of being inside, yet outside at the same time.
The greeting between the Rahmans and the Faruuks was very formal. The sheik, beseeching them to treat his home as their own, offered them the customary drink of mint tea. Had their meeting been on more amiable terms, as the preparation for Na’im and Waheedah’s marriage ceremony, the atmosphere would have been much less restrained. An Awya was another situation altogether.
Jamal (Jah-mahl) Faruuk inquired if the sheik had already started preparations for the ceremony.
“The entire household and sheikdom have been made aware. Food and the necessary ritualistic objects are being brought into readiness.”
It didn’t matter that Waheedah had initiated the festiv
ity. According to the ancient custom, the male's family was responsible for providing these things. None of this would be necessary if he had already claimed his bride-to-be.
“I understand that in addition to the shame this Awya
has already brought us,” Faruuk continued, “your son is keeping a woman of foreign descent under your roof.” Taken by surprise, the sheik denied the accusation. ‘ ‘I am not aware of this if it is so.”
Waheedah smiled inwardly at the sheik’s apparent discomfort. It also pleased her to know that Na’im had not gone so far as to tell his parents about his American distraction.
‘ ‘Are you saying you are not aware of what goes on in your own home? Perhaps we are making a mistake in trying to bring about a union between my daughter and your son.”
“Mister Faruuk,” Yasmin interjected, “we can assure you we are knowledgeable about the activities in our household. For many years now, the west wing has been considered Na’im’s own domain. We do not enter it without his permission, nor do we interfere with what he chooses to do there. Should it not be with a man who will soon be making decisions for an entire sheikdom? Should he not make decisions about his own home?”
Yasmin’s mind flashed back to the night when she had seen Felicia leave the west wing and head toward the lab. She had not mentioned to her husband that the young woman was residing there, nor had she questioned Na’im about it.
“I demand that she be removed,” Waheedah pouted. “It is inappropriate, and I am sure room can be found for her in another part of your home, which is so expansive.” “Let me assure you, my wife and I want to do every
thing we can to make you comfortable as guests in our home, but as my wife just mentioned, we have no jurisdiction over the west wing.”
“Then Na’im must be asked to remove her.”
The sheik, who was tiring of this charade, put out both his hands in a gesture of helplessness.