New Life : A Second Chance

Sophia was feeling slightly apprehensive.

Ali had wanted to have their date at a cafe outside of school. They had actually ditched co-curricular activities to do so, and the slight 'rebellion' made her nervous. Yet excited. Yet worried.

Why here?

To avoid suspicion, they had agreed to meet up here separately. It would be easier to slip out and not get caught. It wasn't as bad as it sounded, though. It's just too embarrassing to actually admit that they'd be ditching class to go on a date.

When Sophia pushed the cafe door open, the slight tinkle of the bell that sounded as the opened door hit it made Sophia pause for a while. Such a quaint sound. She looked around and saw an extremely nervous Ali waving at her from the other end of the cafe.

The sight of the nervous Ali made her even more nervous.

An ominous feeling began to rise in her heart.

Was there another reason for this 'out-of-the-way' meeting? Sophia couldn't help the fear that began slowly rising up but she still managed to bring out a smile.

Ali stood up as she approached and only sat down when she did. 

"Sorry for not walking you over," Ali said as they sat down, "And thank you for meeting me here on such short notice."

Sophia tilted her head a bit at Ali's behaviour. Since when did he act so polite and respectful? It wasn't that Ali was normally rude, but he just appeared .. different. 

He didn't look at her at first, signaling for service. After they ordered, Ali smiled nervously at her as he sat stiffly. 

"What's wrong, Ali?" Sophia asked directly, not wanting to beat around the bush.

Ali licked his lips nervously and couldn't seem to look at her straight in the eye. The fear that had been slowly rising shot up quickly. 

Were her fears true? Did he want to break up?

"Sophia, I'm sorry," Ali began, his head down.

Sophia put her hands on her mouth, tears already forming in her eyes. Why? Was the thought that went through her mind. What did she do? What did she not do? Was this why he never truly shared about himself? 

"I haven't been fair to you," Ali continued, still looking down.

He had to say this all in one shot before he lost his courage.

He couldn't look at her for he was worried his fear of losing her would make him lose his mind. He knew that this was the best way of keeping her by his side but his brain and heart wouldn't work the same way.

"I love you so much, Sophia, that I was so scared that any talk about my faith, and my family, would scare you away. I wanted to take my time and slowly talk about it to ease you into it but ... well ... I guess I haven't," Ali said, finally looking up, "I ... Oh my God! SOPHIA! What's wrong?!"

Ali was shocked at the scene in front of him. Sophia was crying so badly that her chest was heaving and her face was completely wet. She wasn't making a sound, though, as she was closing her mouth. Ali quickly dashed over to her side, putting his hands on her shoulders and turning her to face him. 

He took out his handkerchief and slowly wiped her tears, his heart twisted in pain. 

"Sophia, my love, what happened? Who made you cry?" Ali asked gently.

Sophia looked at him, completely flabbergasted and hit him on the chest, "It was you, stupid!!"

"Me?!" Ali gasped.

"I thought you wanted to break up!" she sobbed, and Ali groaned.

He cursed himself when he thought of what he had said and how it sounded. He felt really stupid right now.

He had also committed another sin - he made her cry. Great. Just great.

"I'm sorry, Sophia. I'm such a fool. Why would you even want to be with me?" he asked, thinking of all that he had done.

Sophia smiled at that and put her hand on his cheek. He leaned on it, and held on her hand as he gazed at her tenderly.

"I don't know," Sophia said honestly, "I just do."

Ali took both of her hands in his, and gripped them tightly as he lay them on his lap. 

He still had a lot to say but this time, he was going to do it properly.

"Sophia, all I know is that I want to spend the rest of my life with you," Ali said, "I know that is a lot to take in, and it's very heavy, but I have never been so sure about anything as I am about this. About us."

He sighed and took a deep breath.

"I want you to truly think about a future with me. A forever with me," Ali said, his face becoming slightly reddish as he said that, "So date me with that thought in mind. Not date me just to get to know me."

"If I am being stupid, then tell me. Teach me. Talk to me," Ali said earnestly, "In my heart, you are already my wife. So I will treat you as such."

Sophia's eyes went wide, "Ali ... what does that even mean?"

"I want to show you what my life is like. What being with me is like," Ali explained.

"It's something a wise man pointed out to me. Marrying me isn't just about converting, it's also about embracing a different culture and way of life. As my wife, you are a precious treasure to be protected and treated well."

"I mean, if you agree to be my wife, of course," Ali quickly added.

"My Faith is my way of life and I hope to share its beauty with you. However, if you don't agree with it, then it's best we part ways. Don't force yourself to believe."

"We will always be friends," Ali finished, though his heart broke at that sentence.