Mending the Broken

Chapter 3

AMAL

AGE: 18

The whole class erupted into fits of laughter. I squirmed in my chair. Was that supposed to be funny?

The thing about academies is that they’re co. I don’t know about all of them but mine sure as hell is.

And with that come the unfortunate opinions of boys. They think it’s funny to interrupt the teacher and crack stupid, immature jokes.

Ugh. The jokes.

When I think of escaping my house, the only thing that seems to make sense is to get married. But then my eyes land on these morons and I think, ‘Seriously? Are these kids going to provide for me?’

Oh, I’m sure they can provide for me what with the money and all but they’re so unserious as if life is a joke. Everything’s fun or funny.

These boys are going to make families? I don’t think so.

I don’t think there is a need to say that I like men. Good, hard-working, respecting men who’ve been through some serious stuff to understand that life isn’t a joke.

Granted, I haven’t met anyone like that but a girl can always dream.

I’m not interested in the typical badboy who suddenly changes for the girl. That’s sort of impossible.

I cast glances at the boys on the other end, scowling and they stare back without shame.

I bristle, blow out a breath and look back at the teacher.

Remind me again why I prefer to study on my own.

. . .

AAHIL

AGE: 27

I have a routine.

Sleep. Wake up. Pray. Have coffee. Eat. Office. Coffee. Pray. Work. Pray. Work. Pray. Work + coffee. Pray. Work.

Repeat.