“I always do,” he replies.
I laugh because that’s a lie.
My mum pulls me into a hug before she departs.
“You look lighter,” she murmurs in my ear.
“I feel… better,” I admit.
She squeezes me tighter. “Call me later.”
“I will.”
She pulls back, eyes searching my face. “You sure?”
“Yes.”
She nods once and that’s enough.
The parents disperse slowly, still discussing cooking plans. It leaves the five of us standing awkwardly near the car park.
“So,” Sol says. “Where we going?”
Za looks at all of us, chin lifting slightly. “I’m choosing.”
“Great,” Amin beams.
“Benny’s?” she suggests with a straight face.
Jabari and I both freeze.
Za laughs wickedly at our expression. “Relax. I’m joking.”
Jabari leans close to my ear. “She’s evil.”
“I know,” I whisper back.
She scans the group, tapping her finger on her bottom lip. “Wetherspoons?”
Sol gasps dramatically. “Elite choice.”
Amin nods. “Affordable. Accessible. Alcoholic.”
“Alcohol is haram, fam.” Jabari states putting his hand in mine.
“I mean,” Amin shrugs. “I don’thaveto drink it.”
“Then it’s decided,” Za says.
Wetherspoons is loud.
Sticky tables. Neon lights. Groups shouting over each other. The smell of chips and beer soaked into the walls.
It feels like something we would’ve done months ago. When things were different. But this new vibe wasn’t bad either.
We grab a big table near the back.
Sol and Amin immediately start arguing about who’s paying for the first round with Sol making it very clear that he will not allow Amin to disregard his religion for the sake of politeness.
