Hana turned on her computer, preparing herself for the worst. She had been avoiding her computer the entire day, not wanting to see what was printed about her, but it was now after Isha prayer, and her curiosity had gotten the better of her. As her news webpage loaded, she let out a groan, and buried her face in her hands. There, on the front page of Yahoo, was her picture. She was also on the MSN homepage, on US Weekly, and three other magazine websites. There was a picture of her pushing Kareem in the swings, and her and Houssam laughing, one of her, Houssam, and Kareem near the slide, another of her holding Kareem and walking towards the car, and one of when Houssam had come behind her to pull her out of the paparazzi circle.

At least her scarf looked good.

The headlines were no better either.

Lakers Star Secretly Married?!

Houssam Shaykh Photographed With Non Famous Fiancée.

Shaykh’s Hidden Family.

Houssam Shaykh’s Hometown Sweetheart Makes Appearance.

Lakers Star Makes Trip Home to Visit His Longtime Love.

Star of the Los Angeles Lakers off the Market?!

This one had a picture of a close up of a ring Hana wore that her parents gave her when she graduated. The fact that it was on her right hand seemed to have no merit with these people.

And perhaps the worst headline was from that stupid tabloid Trash Talk.

Shaykh Secret Love Child?

The blown up picture they had was of Houssam putting Kareem in his car seat, and Hana in the front seat of the car. They were known for being a magazine that made up stories, and often had ‘sources’ that probably came from the voices in their heads.

Despite her knowing that she would regret it, she clicked on the first headline, skimming through the article, and to her surprise it was sort of amusing.

On Monday at around noon, star of the LA Lakers was spotted at a park on Meadow Ridge St in Santa Barbara California in the company of a mysterious young lady and a little boy. While our sources tell us that the child was Shaykh’s nephew and in fact not his son, the identity of the woman still remains a mystery. As there has never been a recorded shot of Shaykh with any female other than that of his family, we can’t help but be suspicious of their relationship.

She exited the window, clicking on the one next to it.

It seems Houssam Shaykh has much more to celebrate than that of winning MVP. On Monday he was photographed with his new fiancée and his fiancée’s son. It has been reported that he proposed right after the championship game. He has managed to keep their relationship under wraps for quite some time as this is the first time they have been photographed together. Our sources tell us that they are planning a summer wedding, with his teammate and close friend Freddy Crewe serving as best man. No word on if he plans to adopt the child as his own, but we can venture a guess that the good humored star will be a great father.

She laughed out loud at this one, wondering how people automatically came to conclusions like this. After a few seconds of internal debate, she finally clicked on another one.

At first out hearts jumped for joy at seeing the little boy perched on Houssam Shaykh’s hip. After all how hot did he look holding that tiny child!? You could barely see the little boy’s face over his broad shoulders! And what about the cute young woman who stood next to him!? Their height differences were just too adorable for words, and they made a stunning couple.
We just couldn’t get over this hidden family of his. Our minds began to race making up all of the scenarios of how they met and got together. Imagining the star studded event that will be their wedding, the beautiful wedding pictures that will be released, and the many more gorgeous children they will create.
But then we had a source close to the family crush our hopes and dreams, and tell us the baby is actually his nephew, and she is only the babysitter.
Guess we will have to wait some more to meet this beautiful man’s offspring.

Only the babysitter?

Ouch.

There would be no way the press could know that unless someone talked.

Who would do such a thing!?

And finally, even though she knew it was going to be horrible, she clicked on the link for Trash Talk.

Secret love child of Houssam Shaykh exposed. It seems the Lakers star has been keeping a son out of the public eye. As the child seemed to only be around a year or year and a half old, he was born at a time when Shaykh’s career was at an all-time high. As he is considered the ‘Muslim Michael Jordan’, it’s no wonder he would want such a thing to be kept from his fans. However it seems he abandoned his high school sweetheart, leaving her alone with a young toddler, growing up without a father. Though Shaykh seemed to be enjoying his time with his son, looks can be deceiving, and only time will tell if he plans to actually do the right thing, and support his child.

Ugh.

She was right. She shouldn’t have clicked on it.

These people were ruthless, and she felt bad for Houssam, wondering what other things they did say and would say about him.

She also felt bad for herself. She was either portrayed as the abandoned single mother, or the person he only recently decided to put a ring on. While she knew her family and friends wouldn’t believe it, it still was unsettling to think the rest of the world thought that about her. Suddenly her phone rang and seeing it was Kalthoum, she answered it.

“Salaam Kalthoum!”

“OHHHHHHHH MYYYYYYYYYYYY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD YOU ARE FAMOUS!”

She laughed as her friend screeched into her ear.

“Yeah. I know.”

“Have you read all the articles?! Oh my god your scarf looks amazing in the pictures!”

“Thanks.” She said with another laugh. Her friend thrived for this kind of stuff, fame and glamour, and she couldn’t help but wonder if that was part of why she liked Houssam.

“Can you believe how they all think you are like with Houssam!?”

“Well you know how they are. The public thrives on romance even if they are totally made up.”

“Now I wish I had been offered the job of babysitting Kareem.” Kalthoum said wistfully, and Hana felt the prickle of irritation starting at her temples. “I would just love it if all of the world thought I was his fiancée.”

“Well.” Hana said not sure what to say. “At least Hollywood Stars cleared it up by pointing out I was just the babysitter.”

“Oh really? I guess I missed that one.”

Kalthoum was silent for a second, and Hana could hear her clicking on her mouse.

“I wonder who could have talked like that. I can’t believe someone we know would sell Houssam out like that.”

“Oh my god did you see this one where they say Kareem is your son!?” Kalthoum asked with a laugh. “That’s so funny!”

“Hilarious.” Hana said flatly.

“Wow I’m so jealous of you Hana.”

“You’re jealous that the whole world thinks Houssam got me pregnant and abandoned me?!” Hana exclaimed in disbelief.

“Hey fame is fame boo! And no offense or anything, but I can’t believe they think your graduation ring was your engagement ring. Houssam for sure can afford a huge rock!”

What the heck was wrong with Kalthoum!? It’s like she was totally obsessed with being famous and with Houssam’s wealth.

“Kalthoum why do you like Houssam?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean why do you like him?”

“Hana! How can you even ask that?! Look at him!”

“Okay, he’s good looking. That doesn’t define him.”

Kalthoum snorted in the most unladylike way.

“Good looking!? Hana, he is drop dead gorgeous. Stunning beyond belief. He’s so hot that it hurts to look at him.”

“And that’s why we have to lower our gaze.” Hana said, the reminder for herself as well as for Kalthoum. She knew that what Kalthoum said was true. He was beautiful. But she also knew that Houssam was more than that, and it hurt her that Kalthoum couldn’t see past his looks.

As much as she was in love with the man, if Kalthoum honestly liked him. For his heart and soul and for his kindness and generosity, she could almost handle it if they got together. Because then she would have the comfort of knowing he had someone who deserved him.

“Look Hanoon I have to go but I’ll talk to you later okay!”

“Alright. Salaam.”

Hana hung up the phone before waiting for Kalthoum to answer, her annoyance rising. She was losing her friend to the dazzling allures of Hollywood, and it made her sad. Kalthoum wasn’t usually like this, and it was not a good color on her.

She quickly changed into her pajamas, the headlines running through her mind, before plopping down on her bed with her camera, scrolling through the pictures she had taken of the latest interfaith event. The newspaper was supposed to have come out already, but as they were having a big convention with Imam Suhaib Webb coming down, they had decided to postpone it so they could include the article about it. Just as she had turned off the lights, and gotten under the covers, her phone buzzed, and seeing it was from Yusra, she opened it.

How are you holding up? :/

Her thumbs moved over the screen as she began to type.

Better than I thought I would honestly. Lol a lot of the articles made me laugh. InshaAllah it will blow over soon enough.

If it makes you feel better, Houssam feels terrible about it.

Hana smiled.

Why would that make me feel better? I would never want him to feel bad about anything.

Awwww :) You’re so cute Hana! Aw you remind me of myself when I was just a mere blushing bride saying all this sweet romantic stuff.

Hana shook her head with a laugh.

Oh please Yusra! You still act like a blushing bride!

LOL! Haha you’re so funny. Alright well I’m going to go to bed, early hospital day.

How are the infusions going?

Alhamdulillah they are starting to help now! At first they just made me feel a million times worse, but today I was actually able to carry Kareem down the stairs without having to sit down and take a break!

MashaAllah! Mabrook!

Barak Allahu Feeki habibti Hana. I’ll see you tomorrow InshaAllah?

InshaAllah! Salaam Yusra!

Salaam my dear!

Hana smiled, and snuggled into her pillow. Just as she was beginning to drift off to sleep, her phone buzzed again. At first she didn’t realize that it was her phone, but after a few moments of confused scrambling to look at her screen, she was jolted awake when she saw Houssam’s name.

I promised myself I wasn’t going to bother you, but I had to make sure you were okay. Are you okay?

She stared at the screen for a few seconds, wondering if she should reply or not.

Of course she was going to.

Barak Allahu Feek for checking on me. I’m fine Alhamdulillah, I told you to stop worrying! :)

Immediately his reply came.

Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah. I know you told me not to worry but I can’t help it. I have been freaking out all day!

How come?

Because I still feel bad about what happened yesterday. I have had time to get used to the press, this is like an ambush for you.

Well stop worrying. I’m okay I promise.

Did I wake you up?

Hana smiled.

Yes lol. But it’s okay.

Aw I’m sorry! Okay have a good night InshaAllah! Sweet dreams!

Sweet dreams.

Ugh he was going to be the end of her.