"You just saved my life. "

Akram began with a humorous expression once we sat facing each other in the cozy Mediterranean restaurant.

The drive had been less than 10 minutes long from my work. We'd stayed silent as we occupied the back seat of a stuffy Taxi cab until we arrived at the nice and homey little place.

The interior was elegant, with an oriental touch. The walls deep red. Gilded mirrors and oriental- style wall carpets covered the main walls. Warm lighting came from the silver chandeliers adorning the ceiling.

There were two long rows of small tables-for-two separated by low wooden partitions. We occupied the last table in the left row. Akram clearly appreciated the privacy which I craved all my life.

"So, we're even." I replied, brushing my hair with my fingers and wishing I'd looked into a mirror before I agreed to go out with him.

"Does this happen to you a lot?" I Asked and covered my mouth to hide a foolish grin. I was using the same question he asked me at the park.

"What do you mean? " He asked, pulling his eyebrows together as he straightened on his chair.

"I mean girls hitting on you."

I knew it was a dumb question and a stupidly bold way to start a conversation with a guy you just met, who wanted to be your friend and you wanted to convince him that you weren't an imbecile. But I'd already done stupider things today, so why not? I did want to know him better. That's the main reason to be here.

Akram made a funny face, curling his lips "Well, it happened before. I don't know why I give this wrong impression."

My eyebrows flew up. "Wrong impression? But this is supposed to be the right impression. Unless you're... not interested in girls." The thought occurred to me just then. I shook it off.

"Oh please! Not you too!" He protested, a bit of humor in his voice even though he blushed a little. He blushed!

"Not me too?" Bending my head slightly to the side, I puzzled at his words.

"I quit my job at the jazz club last night for that reason," he simply told me.

My eyes widened. "Why? What happened?" I didn't understand the connection, but I hoped I didn't offend him with my rashness. It wasn't even my norm.

"It's a long...well, not long, but sticky story." He pursed his lips, scratching his eyebrow. His eyes rolled away, escaping mine.

My curiosity increased when I watched his expressive face change. I had a feeling it was going to be interesting and I couldn't resist the nagging in my head that wanted to know what happened.

Why am I being so irrational today?

"You know... I actually love stories. Will you please tell me?" I requested, biting the corner of my lip.

"Are you sure about that?" He sounded like he wasn't sure about that. A half smile appeared on his lips and my snoopiness turned into a persistent itch.

I nodded silently.

He rolled his eyes and started wriggling his fingers for a while then he puffed. "Alright... But promise you won't laugh at me."

"I promise I'll try."

Bracing myself, I suppressed a big smile with my hand. Apparently I might not be able to keep that promise either. What's wrong with me?

Akram sighed in resignation.

"Okay... A few days ago I was at the club playing my last song. When I'd finished, this girl came on to me." He paused pursing his lips again. "Well... it was far worse than the girl at the café. This one was wasted. I refused her and she got angry... And loud. " He looked adorable when he blushed, looking down at his hands when he spoke.

"She made a scene and called me every name you can imagine in front of an entertained crowd. Then she yelled something like 'You're too cute to be straight any way'. It was so embarrassing." He rubbed his eyelids with his fingertips. His face all colored up .

Trying not to burst into laughter, I blocked my mouth with the back of my hand even though I felt sorry for him. He seemed to be shy in a cute way. As I imagined the situation he was in, I could truly empathize. Public humiliation was probably one of my worst nightmares. Maybe we were more similar than I'd​ thought.

"That's it?" I asked, my voice was cracking up a little.

"No, wait. It gets worse." He sneered "I had to run for my life because last night, a drunk guy flirted with me." He shook his head. His face twisted into a cute grimace. I kinda wanted to pat on his shoulder, but I couldn't hold it any more. I really thought it was hilarious.

My restraint broke and I lost it. I chortled uncontrollably trying to suppress the noise coming out of my mouth. It was crazy because I didn't remember the last time I laughed that hard. Or more like, I literally didn't remember the last time I laughed. Period. I was actually enjoying my time. It was rare, apart from the fictional world I used to escape to. This was so real.

Despite myself, I looked at him with deep gratitude, my tears streaming from laughing. I wasn't used to this much laughter that my tummy hurt so much.

He gave me a comical agonized look.
"My reputation was ruined last night and you're laughing at me. How cruel! " He pouted.

"I..am...sorry." I was trying to take a deep breath to be able to speak normally. Everyone around must've thought I was insane.  I honestly didn't blame them, but for the moment, I didn't care.

He looked at me, scrunching his eyes and smiling brightly at my mirthful meltdown. The laugh lines on the sides on his cheeks were too lovely. He handed me a napkin from over the table. "You have an incredible laugh," He said.

I blushed, looking down at my entwined hands on the white table cloth.

Our orders came and I started messing with my Greek salad while he was slicing his pizza Margarita. I had no appetite for food, but I didn't want to be such a nuisance. It wouldn't be a dinner invitation if I didn't actually eat dinner.

"You don't like your salad?" He asked, pointing to my plate with his fork.

"No, it's really good. " I took a few more bites chewing slowly. It was fresh and completely guilt free, but I couldn't concentrate on my attempt to savor it when he was watching me with that much attention.

"You look like you need more than a salad to be honest. " His brows furrowed.

I tried to focus on my plate. "Not really. I try to watch my weight."

He finished cutting his pie and bent to the side to grab a small empty plate from the adjacent table. He put a slice of his pizza on it and placed it next to my salad dish.

"Would you please try this? Just a little piece. It won't ruin your diet, I promise." He beamed.

I pressed my lips. Not being used to that kind of gestures, I didn't know what to say, but I didn't want to upset him when he was being so nice to me.

"Pretty please. With sugar on top." He crooned his plea , pouting his lower lip like kids do when he saw my reluctance.

Apparently, that was his persuasive face. And it worked.

My lips curved against my will, even though I knew it was not a good idea to eat when I wasn't hungry. I've been in a food avoidance phase for a while and this was not helping my recently barren stomach. Still I decided to humor him.

"Um, Okay. I guess it wouldn't hurt so much."

He seemed pleased as he watched me nibble at the pizza he offered, snapping tiny bites occasionally. Then he started eating.

The residuals of being an overweight kid back in middle school usually made me too self conscious to eat in front of people, but this pizza was scrumptious. I finished almost half of the slice he gave me and washed it down with some icy water. Chewing a piece of ice was actually satisfying.

"Thank you. It's delicious." I smiled, but then started to feel uneasy. "Excuse me, I need to go to the ladies room."

He nodded. Standing up when I did like a true gentleman. The first one I'd ever met. My trip to the bathroom felt like a betrayal of his trust.

Casually, I ambled to the door with the female sign embedded in its wooden surface. I entered and closed the door behind me, resting my back against the cool veneer for a moment. My stomach was heaving. I went straight to the first stall I found to purge myself of the sinful calories.

Inserting my fingers into my throat, I imposed the annoying contractions and vomited my heart out. Then I flushed the guilt away like I'd occasionally done for the past couple of years. It made me feel better in a way.

I waited until my breath slowed down and stepped to the vanity to rinse my face and my mouth.

Staring at my reflection, I knew Asha was right. I looked like a natural disaster. In truth, I think I'd always been. I was a shipwreck. My face was blanched and there were circles around my dead blue eyes. My short black hair was sticky and my cheek bones protruding. I looked so much like someone from a vampire movie that I felt sorry for the magnificent guy waiting outside. He had to have dinner with The Corpse Bride and he'd been extremely gracious so far.

When I left the restroom, Akram was staring at the door. He smiled and stood up until I was seated.

Sitting himself down again, he narrowed his eyes. "Are you feeling Ok?" He said, scanning my face.

I knew it! I look awful!

Giving him a weak smile, I smoothed my hair behind my ears. " I'm fine. Thank you." He didn't look convinced.

"Would you like to drink something? Coffee? Tea?"

"No. Thanks. I can't tolerate caffeine." I've had enough of sleep deprivation already. Coffee makes me jumpy at night.

He chuckled.

"You make the best coffee in Manhattan and you never taste it?" He asked.

"Oh, I taste it. I just don't drink it. There's a difference." His sweet compliment made my lips curve.

"Orange juice. Ok?"

I nodded in agreement.

He waved to the waiter and ordered the drinks for us. We sat in silence for a moment.

"I've wanted to ask you this. I'm addicted to your coffee. What's your secret?" He asked. And he actually looked interested!

"It's not me, it's the Brazilian coffee grind. "

"I'm pretty sure it's you." His eyes creased at the corners.

"Nope, sorry. "

"It's not easy, is it?"

"What?"

"Your job. Do you like it?"

"It's alright. Can't complain. "

"Tell me about a typical day. Any adventures?"

"Yeah! Sure! It's super adventurous. A dangerous job actually," I said with sarcastic seriousness. "You get to battle with the grumpy caffeine-deprived people early in the morning. "

"Is it so bad?" His smile softened and his eyebrows lifted into a sympathetic look.

"Depends."

"On what?"

"On their upbringing, I suppose. " I brushed my hair back, making a face and chuckled.

He laughed at my expression. "Yeah, that matters. So you come across those with ill-upbringing much?"

" lOccasionally, but we are told the customer is always right." I pursed my lips.

"I think I can relate to this." He tilted his head, scratching his brow, probably recalling that story he just told me about the jazz club.

"I doubt it. Honestly, I think that people thirsty for coffee are far more difficult than drunk people, besides, some customers talk down to us just because we are minimum wage workers."

His forehead creased.

" It's okay. Not everyone. only some people are a bit annoying. Like those who give their orders while on their phones without even looking at you. Some throw their money at you and leave without making sure it's even enough? It's like being busy is an excuse to be rude." I shook my head in disapproval. " Not to mention the ones who leave their trash on the front counter." I sighed.

It felt good to share these feelings. As if some mental door burst open all of a sudden and I could get things off my chest. It was cathartic.

Akram stayed silent, listening attentively, his head resting on his hand. It was like he noticed that I really needed this. Or he was genuinely interested which was less likely.

I continued, my hands swishing in the air as I spoke. " You have to see the look on a customer's face when she didn't believe I gave her decaf! Which means she couldn't even tell the difference!" A small laugh came out from my mouth.

A shadow of a smile played on his face as he loosely folded his arms. "I don't really get the idea of decaf." He shrugged.

" I know right? You don't want caffeine, drink something else. And we get the weirdest orders sometimes. like a double decaf! Or half and half! It's crazy!"

"Not that crazy. Maybe it's someone who doesn't like coffee and wants to be half awake." His face looked serious, pulling his eyebrows together into a solemn  frown. Then all of a sudden, a playful grin emerged on his lips. It made me giggle.

"Ok then, tell me what's not crazy about a nonfat latte with whipped cream and syrup." I raised an eyebrow expectantly.

"Hmm!" He stroked his chin thoughtfully, "That's a tough one. Maybe someone who just started a diet but changed her mind in mid sentence?" He made a funny expression, wrinkling his nose, " I don't get nonfat milk either to be honest. "

"Believe me it's crucial for some people." I smirked, pointing my finger to myself.

He flashed a smile in recognition, his eyes twinkled at the sides. There was this little brown mole, like a drop of chocolate, right between the tail of his right eyebrow and his hairline. Not the noticeable shocking type, it was really cute and somehow complementing the color of his eyes. Chocolate and cinnamon. Always great together.

"What about me?" He asked.

"What about you?"

"What type of a customer am I?" He refolded his arms.

" Actually, You are the ideal type. "

"Really? How's that?"

"You never complain and you leave a good tip."

He laughed a hearty laugh , throwing his head slightly backwards.

"And your orders are so simple. " I added.

"I like simple.."

"Yeah! Me too."

"You are brave, you know that?" His voice softened.

"Really?" A hint of sarcasm showed as I asked.

"Yeah. You work hard and you meet all that mess with a smile. "

" It's a part of my job. Not that bad really. It's kinda fun to learn about all sorts of people. "

" You're a strong person. I ran away at the first challenge." He rolled his eyes, pointing to his chest.

I snickered. "It's different. I need this job."

His face colored up a little and he didn't say anything.

The waiter brought our drinks and left. Then it was my turn of twenty questions.

"Why do you avoid girls that much?" I asked, playing with the straw that emerged from the glass in front of me. I was genuinely curious since the incident in the cafe. He didn't look like a guy who had issues in that department. I figured it must be his choice.

" I don't avoid girls. It's actually the other way around." He smirked.

I gave his handsome masculine visage a quick glance, wondering about what he meant. "I honestly find this hard to believe." I considered the girl in the café who was drooling so much that she risked having broken heals to get him.

He crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat, eluding my anticipating eyes. His forehead creased, looking thoughtful.

" FYI I'm not trying to evade the question." He explained. " I'm only trying to find the right words. Girls used to be my constant dilemma for a long time."

"That doesn't seem likely but I'm all ears. " I said, displaying an encouraging smile and intrigued to listen to every word he would say.

He leaned closer, crossing his arms over the table. " Mel, I was brought up in a committed Muslim family. Not extreme, but I have boundaries and teachings that I respectfully follow and I try to take my faith seriously. " He paused to take a deep breath, " I've known many people here, from my background but also different from me. They decided to resolve the struggle the easy way and just go with the flow. They embrace the mainstream lifestyle so they don't be deemed as black sheep, if you will. I honestly can't blame them. The influence is strong. And I have nothing personal against anyone." He ran a hand over his thick hair, a little nervous maybe. " I'm not judging, I promise... I am American. I respect everyone's rights to live as they want."

He just called me Mel! And I have no idea what he's talking about!

Akram stroked his forehead, then planted his elbow on the the table, resting his face on his hand. His deep eyes fixed on me.

" I'm a simple guy, Melody. I have my own set of values, hopes and dreams like everyone. I also have obligations that may be different from others. I have my music that I strive to excel in. I want to compose my own music, build my own career and be recognized for what I do... God willing!"

He adjusted his coffee cup on the saucer, touching the handle carefully. I couldn't take my eyes off him when he wasn't looking at me.

" I have my faith. Something that helped me through a lot of trouble in a society that doesn't accept the differences, and I have my family that I wouldn't trade for the world." He paused for a moment having a sip of his coffee. He focused on his espresso cup, stroking the rim with a graceful long finger and frowning in concentration.

Mesmerized, I followed his expressions, his hand, his voice, without interruption. I really wanted to understand.

"Mel, I know who I am. All I wanted was to be accepted and respected for who I really am and not for what people wanted me to be. I didn't feel I had to change the core of my existence to fit in. I can't respect myself if I had to conform and lose my identity to please people. Because, For me, that's complete indignity ." He finished steadfastly.

My eyebrows lifted, staring unconsciously at him as I tried to process the pour of sincerity he just shared.

His openness took me by surprise, even though I wasn't sure I got the full picture and I couldn't guess why he was telling me all this but I didn't dare to interrupt. I was completely drawn to his clear articulation and the musical flow in his voice as he spoke. I took pleasure in listening to him revealing himself so willingly. His voice was hypnotic.

Curiosity begged me to ask him for more. I wanted to really know him but I couldn't comment after his impressive introduction. Obviously, he was different from everyone I'd ever known in my life. He was my complete opposite. Confident, devoted and honest. It must be really terrible of me but I felt a bit... Jealous!

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A\N. HELLO LOVELIES ♥

This chapter is probably the LONGEST so far. I was shocked to realized it's almost 7000 words and it broke my heart that I had to split it into 2 parts and break Melody and Akram's long conversation but I really had to. I hope you all understand and enjoy the long chat :)
★ I HOPE all the ((silent readers)) would VOTE and COMMENT. This would be a dream come true!

★PLEASE COMMENT SO I CAN SEE YOU ALL AND THANK YOU PERSONALLY! ★

I know you're SO KIND. And YOU CAN DO IT!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥

{{Also pleeeeease,,point out any errors you may find.}}

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