The Arab Spring

By Julien Anders

This is a book of fiction that tells the story of normal people living in the Middle East region and their struggles and attitudes during the wars, their passions and aspirations for a normal life, and their adaptation to the social and political changes. It is also a story of prohibited passions complex traditions and the big challenge for these families they need to face seeking a peaceful and honorable life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 22, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477276563

Julien Anders

Julien Anders was born in Lebanon and lived there until 1990. He immigrated to Brazil to work as an international business operator. In 2011, he accepted the opportunity to start a business in the United States and write his first book on the war and the latest revolutions in the Middle East.

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© 2012 Julien Anders. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 10/18/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-7657-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-7655-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-7656-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012918385

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Prologue

July 1, 2010

March 16, 2011

Book One

Tripoli, North Lebanon, 1950

Los Angeles, California

Aleppo, Syria

Los Angeles, California

Aleppo, Syria

Damascus, Syria

Los Angeles, California

Syria

Book Two

Los Angeles, California

Damascus, Syria

Lebanese-Syrian Border

Beirut, Lebanon

Los Angeles, California

Mykonos Island, Greece

Los Angeles, California

Beirut, Lebanon

Tarek

Mark

Jihad

Ali

Mark

Jihad

Ali

Tarek

Ali

Jihad

Salah

Mirvet

Aida

Tarek

Aida

Ali

Aida

Mirvet

Tarek

Mark

Salah and Mirvet

Tarek

Aida

Jihad

Adel

Samia

Tarek

Salah

Aida

Mark

Tarek

Salah

Mark

Salah

Mark

Mirvet

Tarek

Jihad

Tarek and Adel

Ali

Tarek

Aida

Salah

Adel

Tarek

Adel

Salah

Mark

Ali

Aida

Ali

Tarek

Jihad

Salah

Tarek

Ali

Nizar

Tarek and Aida

Ramiz

Ali

Ramiz

Salah

Mark

Tarek and Aida

Aida

Ali

Adel

Salah

Jihad

Salah

Book Three

The Arab Spring, Lebanon

March 14, 2005

Nizar Maleh

Salah

Nizar Al Ali

Mark

Farid Taqla

Mark and Bashir

Tarek

Farid

Ali

Tarek

Nizar Al Ali

Farid Taqla

Jihad

Miriam

Bashir

Tarek

Farid Taqla

Ali

Tarek

Ramiz

Miriam

Farid Taqla

Mona

Miriam

Paul

Ramiz

Nizar Al Ali

Salah

Ali

Tarek

Mark

Farid Taqla

Nizar Al Ali

Salah

Nizar Al Maleh

Paul and Farid

Mark and Bashir

Miriam

Ali

Bashir

Tarek

Mark and Bashir

Salah

Luiza

Nizar Al Ali

Luiza

Gabriela

Bashir

Ramiz

Luiza

Nizar Al Ali

Ramiz

Farid

Farid Taqla

Farid

Salah

Tarek

Lucas

Bashir

Farid

Tarek

Mark

Bashir

Mark

Mark and Bashir

Ramiz

Farid

Tarek and Mark

Ramiz

Lucas

Farid

Lucas

Tarek

Farid

Lucas

Farid

Book Four

Arab Spring, Syria

Mark

Bashir

Tarek

Adriano and Fabio

Nizar Maleh

Tarek

Nizar Al Ali

Fabio

Adriano

Salah

Nizar Maleh

Adriano

Fabio

Lucas

Fabio

Mark

Nizar Al Ali

Salah

Tarek

Nizar Maleh

Ramiz

Nizar, Adriano, and Farid

Lucas

Salah

Nizar Al Ali

Salah

Adriano

Mark

Tarek

Salah

Adriano

Nizar

Salah

Adriano

Salah

Tarek

Baba Amro

Tarek

About the Author

PROLOGUE

JULY 1, 2010

He watched the presidential couple approaching him and automatically reached for his gun. Soon, the world would be free of this monster. A hand from behind held him, and a calm voice said, He’s not worth it. Don’t make a martyr out of him. It was Mark, his loyal friend, who came a long way after him.

The world will be free of this monster.

He’s not worth it. Don’t make a hero out of him.

They both saw Nizar walking with the committee, and he saw them too. He approached them in a hurry, and Tarek told him Don’t make any foolish act. If I wanted to kill the monster, he would have been dead already.

Watch your mouth when you mention our president.

We are in Brazil and not Syria. We can talk about anything we want. Don’t forget that, Tarek said.

I am sure we will meet again, Nizar said.

I hope next time will be in different conditions, Tarek said. Who knows?

MARCH 16, 2011

Tarek woke up at the insisting telephone ringing. He reached for it and mumbled in a sleepy tone, Yes

Wake up, my friend, and look at the news. The Arab Spring is in Syria. Mark’s voice was cheerful as usual.

He turned on the TV, went to CNN, and watched the news of the demonstrations in Daraa City in Syria.

He wasn’t satisfied by the small flash of news, so he went to the Internet and started following up on the story.

BOOK ONE

TRIPOLI, NORTH LEBANON, 1950

Nizar shouted at Samia in front of his sister, Jamila. I‘ve had it with you. You are divorced, divorced, divorced.Inti Taleq, Taleq, Taleq."

It was hard for Samia to control her happiness when she heard those three beautiful words, declaring the end of her nightmare.

Good, I am going to arrange my things and leave. She stormed out of the office and went directly to her room.

Nizar fell helplessly on his chair and cried, My God, what did I do?

He called after his sister in a hurry to consult with her. She came along with Mustafa a long distance relative who was working for them.

It’s a complete disaster and scandal. Jamila sat on the sofa, holding her head with her hands.

It’s not over yet, Master. Mustafa moved forward, calling their attention. There is a way to get her back according to Shariaa, he said confidently.

Are you crazy? No one will touch that woman but me. I will kill her before I let any other man touches her, Nizar said angrily.

But if Master chooses the right man, who is trustworthy and agrees to marry her and divorces her the very next day without touching her—

And who is this man?

I myself will agree to do this, Master. He bowed his head humbly.

Nizar looked at his sister, who addressed Mustafa. Leave us. We will call you later.

Mustafa bowed and left the office.

What do you think? Nizar asked.

He will comply because he owes us a lot of money, and it will be a relief for him to pay his debt. But we need to play very safely and be cautious so that you don’t become the joke of Tripoli by marrying off your wife to get her back. How could you be so stupid? Jamila shouted angrily.

She was getting on my nerves, and you’ve seen how she was behaving.

You could have given her a good beating, which would be much better than this. Where will you find such a young and fertile woman to give us an heir?

You go and talk to her. Tell her we will find a solution and I will give her whatever she asks.

I suggest we send her to Beirut. She must be away from here to solve the problem. You will send her to a hotel in Beirut while we work on the solution. When everything is ready, we all will go there and solve the problem.

I like the idea. She loves Beirut too and will win us some time. You go and talk to her.

Jamila entered the room without knocking on the door. She saw Samia in her old clothes, ready to leave.

What are you doing, my dear? Jamila asked, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

I left him everything so that he won’t say that I took anything from him.

Sit down, my dear, and let us talk. He committed a small mistake, and he is willing to apologize and correct his fault.

You say a mistake. I can’t breathe in this house. I can’t look at a window. I can’t speak to neighbors. I am not entitled to do anything but to wait on him and be his slave.

I know that he is a nervous person, but he loves you a lot and feels jealous of everyone all the time. You are young and beautiful and full of life, and that makes him insecure. Now calm down, my dear, and let us not suffer a scandal that will be bad for everyone. It will be bad for your family and ours too. Imagine how we will explain what happened to your father and your sister Salma, who is to be wed very soon.

Samia thought of her elder sister, Salma. Since the death of her mother, she has taken good care of her, saved her from her father’s brutality, and helped her to pass through the first week of her marriage, when Nizar beat and raped her on her wedding night. She relaxed a little bit and looked at Jamila. Okay, I am willing to cooperate, but it will be different rules this time.

This is the voice of wisdom. What do you want, my dear?

First, I want money in my own personal name, free from any obligations to him. Second, I must agree on the chosen husband. Third, he must promise to stop shouting and control his jealousy. I don’t love him, but at the same time I am a respected woman and will not look to another man as long as I am married to him.

You are right, and I support you on all these conditions. Let me talk to him and be back to you. Put on your best clothes and prepare your bag, for we are going to Beirut, where you will relax while we find the adequate solution.

Jamila went back to Nizar’s office. She agreed to cooperate as long as you agree to her conditions.

What are these conditions?

She wants money of her own. She wants to agree on the husband you choose, and she wants you to stop being jealous with her, because she said that as long as she is married to you, she will be faithful.

Nizar smiled happily at hearing that. Okay, give her a hundred liras, and that will be my gift to her.

You want to lose her for good. Give her a hundred liras. Do you think she is stupid? You need to show yourself to her and get her back. You need to be generous.

I will call her father, and he will give her a beating. That’s how generous I should be with her.

Then what will happen? You know Al Shariaa. You can only have her back if—

Don’t say those words. I can’t bear hearing them.

For this reason you need to have her by your side to fight for your honor. You need to conquer that.

What do you think I should do?

Give her big money. Show her that you trust her and love her.

I will give her a hundred thousand liras. I will put it in her name. She will not have the chance to spend this money, and it will be good for my taxes. It is settled. You tell her that.

You need to ask Farid to drive us to Beirut. He is Christian and not family. He will keep his mouth shut, and everything will be a secret.

You are right. I will send for him, and I will give you my private car. It is safe and secure. You will be with her and won’t lose sight of her. Did you tell her about Mustafa?

Of course not, Do you want me to lose her trust? We must do it step-by-step. First, you need to win her trust, and then we will work out the rest of the details.

You are right. Go and prepare yourself to leave too. I will send for Farid.

Do not forget to prepare money for our expenses.

I won’t. I will write her the check to open her account and take care of everything.

Farid drove the car into the silent night while Samia and Jamila sat in the back, close to each other in complete silence.

What are your instructions? Jamila broke the thick silence.

I am to drive you to the hotel, look for a cheaper one for me, stay at your disposal and provide anything you need.

That’s my brother. He always treats everyone who is faithful to him badly. You will stay with us in the same hotel.

Farid remained silent.

Have you ever been to Beirut? Jamila asked him,

Yes, several times on business with Mr. Nizar.

You know where the best restaurants located are and the places to see?

Yes, madam,

It is my first time, and I want to enjoy it. Don’t you want that too? She addressed Samia.

I’d prefer to stay at the hotel.

No, you won’t. We will go out and enjoy ourselves.

They checked into the hotel and took two rooms—one with double beds for Samia and Jamila, and the other for Farid, who tried to refuse but Jamila wouldn’t hear of it.

Jamila arranged her things quickly and said to Samia, I’ve always liked you and respected you, and I think of you as a sister. I want to know one thing. Can I trust you?

I don’t understand.

I have a secret to tell. Can I confide in you?

Your secret is safe, Samia said, wondering what was going on.

I’m in love with Farid.

But he is Christian. Nizar will have a fit.

He doesn’t know yet, and it is my chance to try to convince Farid to become Moslem so we can get married. This is my chance to speak with him.

Why do you love him so much?

He is the kindest man I have ever met. I will be going to his room to speak with him. If Nizar calls—and I am sure he will—please tell him that I am in the bathroom in case he asks to speak with me. Can you do this thing for me, my dear?

Yes, I can. Are you sure you want to do this? Samia was very excited with the whole situation.

I’ve never been so sure in my life. Jamila replied confidently checking herself in the mirror for the last time before leaving.

What are you doing here? You will cause us a scandal. Farid was horrified to see her at the door of his room at that hour.

It will be a bigger scandal if you don’t let me in, Jamila said firmly.

He let her into his room and remained standing by the door. She walked around the room and said, I see that you organized yourself quickly. You are good at it.

What do you want? Why do you come here at this hour?

I came to talk with you. It is the only chance I have to speak with you freely.

What do you want?

I want you to marry me. I know that you love me, and I love you, so why are you fighting the chance to be together?

I won’t change my beliefs for any reason in the world.

You don’t know what you are missing.

Jamila, you are a very beautiful woman and I respect you a lot, but our paths don’t cross.

Don’t you ever say that, She jumped on him, hitting his chest. He tried to back her away gently, but her anger was intense. Suddenly, she kissed his lips hard, and his arms fell weak and he kissed back. They fell on the bed, and suddenly he was on top of her, thrusting hard in a decisive rhythm he had always dreamed of.

I was waiting for Jamila to call upon your arrival, and she didn’t. I was worried about you, Nizar said over the phone.

She forgot, and I didn’t know we should call.

Where is she?

She is already sleeping. You want me to wake her up?

No, I’ll talk to her in the morning. How are you feeling? he asked softly.

I am a little bit confused.

I am sorry to cause you all that, and I promise to find an adequate solution.

The problem will be how you will behave after finding the solution. I can’t go on with the way you treated me.

I promise you that I will change and I will treat you like a queen.

She remained silent for a while, and he said, You better rest. I will call you tomorrow.

Good night, she said in a sleepy voice and shut the phone before hearing a response.

Samia began to look at Farid in a different way after Jamila’s wild stories of their encounter. They had been staying at the hotel for a week, and she was meeting Farid every night, when they indulged in long sessions of lovemaking.

To win them time, Jamila did her job of complicating the agreement between Samia and Nizar to enjoy more of her relationship with Farid, hoping by getting pregnant she will put him in a situation that will force him to marry her.

She had lost her faith in convincing him to marry her and was set to enjoy herself with him as long as possible. She told Samia all the intimate details of their encounters, never suspecting that she was making her fall in love with him.

Samia kept to herself and never told her what she thought. Despite her marriage she was very innocent to such details and feelings that Jamila kept on telling her every night and she never felt during her marriage with Nizar. She became very curious to know all about Farid. She was looking at the right opportunity to be with him alone and start discussing several matters of mutual interest.

The opportunity came when Nizar appeared in a surprise visit. She was in her room with Jamila when he entered the door, wearing his usual mad face. What’s going on? I’ve been waiting for your reply for a week.

What reply? Samia asked.

You didn’t tell her? I arranged for a man to marry you and divorce you the other day so we can get married again.

And who is that man?

Mustafa, Nizar chuckled.

No way will I agree to marry that horrible man. What if he decides not to divorce me and calls me to his house? Have you ever thought of that? Samia cried back

I told you to give me more time, but you never listen to me. Jamila argued with him

I am sure that Mustafa wouldn’t play with me. Nizar replied back

I don’t trust him. Samia inquired stubbornly

Nizar looked at his sister and said, What will we do now?

I asked you to give me more time, but you did not listen. I suggest you rent us an apartment here and look for a person she can trust.

You want me to rent an apartment? It will take a lot of time.

I want to help you cut the hotel expenses Come with me down the hall and we’ll talk.

You forgot we have an appointment at the beauty parlor, Samia said.

Farid will drive you there. I will follow later.

Nizar tried to stop her, but he knew he couldn’t do so. He followed his sister, wondering how to solve this problem. He was getting mad seeing her and not having her.

I told you to come when I call you. I am reporting everything for you. What more do you need?

I want her back. I can’t live without her.

I found the perfect solution, but we need to wait awhile. You rent the apartment, and I will make her agree to marry but to the right man she will agree and he won’t blackmail us in the future. We need an honored man to do this."

Who is that man? Nizar asked curiously,

Ahmad is the one who will be marrying her elder sister, Salma. We’ll approach him right after his marriage to her sister. I am sure he will agree and honor his part and she won’t deny him.

Nizar smiled widely. You are really a genius. I must trust you all the way. He got up and kissed her.

What will we do with Mustafa?

We’ll keep him for an emergency. Don’t say anything to him, so everyone will think he’s the one until after Salma’s marriage, and then we will put it on the table.

This is a great strategy. I will even help to quicken their marriage.

No, don’t rush it. We can pay the dowry as a gift to ensure the marriage will take place on the day they already agreed to. We cannot let Samia suspect anything until then.

You’re right.

You arrange for the apartment, and I will send you more money.

Keep Farid around, He won her trust and will keep a good eye on her.

Yes, he seems to be doing a good job.

Samia sat in the backseat, happy with her freedom. She was determined to remain free, but she knew that it wouldn’t be for a long time unless she finds the right solution. She told Farid, I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to go anymore to the beauty parlor. I’d like to go to a coffee shop.

Yes, madam,

He drove the car to the coffee shop. She got out and addressed him. Come and have a cup of coffee with me.

I can’t.

Please.

He got out and followed her inside the coffee shop. They sat down, and both studied each other silently.

What do you think about life?

Life is beautiful, but it can be very treacherous.

His words fell hard on her mind. Why did you say that?

I am sorry, madam. You are a good person, and I hate to see you deceived. I can’t say a lot because I will wind up paying for that, but you ought to be very cautious.

You mean Jamila? Samia asked,

But she told me that you love her. Samia said breaking the silence

And I hate what she is trying to do to you. Farid inquired

What do you mean? Tell me, man. Samia asked nervously

She is planning on keeping you faithful to her until your sister’s marriage to her husband. She’ll pretend to ask him for help, and that way you cannot refuse. Farid explained patiently,

This cannot happen, she cried. I never thought that she could be a cheating bitch.

Why are you telling me all this now?

I don’t want to be a part of hurting you.

You don’t love me. You barely know me, as I barely know you, and you are always with Jamila.

I don’t love you, but I don’t want to be part of the whole thing. I wanted to leave my job, but Jamila is threatening me to tell her brother.

You must help me. Please, I will give you whatever you want, but you must help me. I need to get away from here.

The only way to skip out on them is to leave the country. They are very rich and powerful people here, and we’ll never get rid of them unless we leave the country.

Then we must do that, she said decisively. We can travel to Syria.

"No, he has a lot of business and friends in Syria. Let me think of something, and we’ll talk later. I will want ten thousand liras to start my new life, and I will help you.

I will give you the money tomorrow.

We must not raise suspicion. You must continue to be her best friend, and I will do so until I discover the best way to skip out.

Good, I will pass by the bank tomorrow and get you the money.

Farid met with Samia alone two days later. He had left Jamila sleeping in his room and said, I don’t have a lot of time. You must stay at the hotel and not go to the apartment. Second, you need to take photos and try to get a passport. I met a man in security services who can help issue your passport without anyone suspecting anything. You will need to pick up the documents from Tripoli. It will cost two hundred liras, but you need to get four photos for the passport. I will take Jamila away so you can go and get the photos.

Okay, I will do it. What is the plan?

We will travel to Cyprus. I can get us a visa, and from there we will split.

I don’t speak any other language. How can I arrange myself?

I don’t know what you mean.

I need you to stay with me until I can manage on my own.

I will see to that. I have to go now.

He left quickly.

Where have you been?

I was out walking. Why are you still here?

The phone didn’t stop ringing, and I didn’t take it. Nizar needs to speak with you urgently.

He dialed the number and was greeted by Nizar’s shouting. Where the hell have you been?

I went out to get a sandwich.

Why didn’t you report to me that Samia took out twenty thousand liras from her account?

I understood from her that you knew about it.

Why does she need to take out that much money?

She told me that she needed to buy jewelry.

Where are she and Jamila? I’ve called their room and nobody answers.

They might be in the coffee shop beside the hotel.

Go and ask them to call me.

I will do it right away. He put down the phone and headed toward the door. I will ask Samia to go to her room. You better get dressed. He will need to talk with you too.

Why did you take out money from your bank account? Nizar shouted over the phone,

It is my money and I am supposed to spend it my way. Samia found the courage to shout back taking everyone by surprise.

Nizar was shocked by her attitude and remembered his sister’s councils and changed his tone I gave you this money for your own security as requested. I can buy you jewelry. All you need is to ask me.

I thought you wouldn’t agree to do such a thing. She said in a calm voice.

Let me talk with Jamila. You will go tomorrow with her and buy what you want. He was happy that he made her change her attitude.

Thank you, you are very kind. Samia played along.

Samia returned the money to the bank the very next day, as Nizar ordered, and she went out with Jamila to buy the necessary jewelry as compensation. Jamila became suspicious of their moves and tried to become friendlier. Samia started to have lengthy arguments with her. She was getting nervous because her passport wasn’t ready yet and she didn’t know how to skip from Jamila’s grip which was getting tighter everyday.

Nizar paid them a surprise visit with Ahmad and her sister Salma. Samia knew that she was being pushed against the wall, but she maintained control of herself.

I told Salma and Ahmad about what happened, and they agreed to help. They suggested that I keep your father away from this story, and here we are to discuss it.

Great, the problem is solved. Samia smiled, hiding her sadness.

We can make the marriage tonight, and tomorrow we will end the matter.

No, first we do Salma’s wedding and then mine. Salma waited all her life to find the right man, and she deserves to be the first wife.

But— Nizar started to object.

No buts. This is final. I have made up my mind. Samia used the same courage she had used over the jewelry issue.

Jamila said quickly, Fair enough, it is now time for all of us to return to Tripoli. You will be staying with Salma to help her prepare for the wedding, and we will all be friends again.

Samia was left with no argument. She gave in, hoping that she didn’t raise any suspicion.

Why are you staying here? Why are you not with your husband? her father asked coldly.

He sent me to help Salma with her wedding, Samia replied politely.

That doesn’t make sense. Your place is there, not here.

Do you want me to call him and tell him that?

You’ve grown a mouth since you left this house.

Samia preferred to remain silent. She couldn’t bear her father’s heavy presence around her. She was angry and nervous, because Salma would be married this weekend and there was no sign from Farid.

She smiled widely and her heart started beating fast as he pulled the car to the front. She hurried to the door and opened it. Farid walked gracefully and bowed his head slightly to her in the presence of her father.

Madam, your husband sent me to pick you up. Get your things because we are going home.

I will be ready in a minute.

She hurried to her room and grabbed the small bag of jewelry. Salma came after her, saying, I don’t understand. You are leaving before the wedding.

Samia hugged her hard and kissed her cheek. Forgive me.

Farid drove as fast as he could. He knew that within a couple of hours they would begin to suspect what they were up to and start looking for them. Samia was sitting in the front seat, and her heart was beating fast. She was trying to control herself and not show any fear.

Farid arrived in Beirut and stopped in front of a shop. I need the jewelry, please.

Samia gave him the box. He took it, disappeared into the shop, and returned after ten minutes. He got in the car and went directly to the airport. They bought tickets and hurried onto the plane.

One hour later, they arrived in Cyprus. The night was coming, and the roads were empty. They took a taxi to the hotel, and once they arrived to the hotel Farid asked for one room with two beds. Samia didn’t like it but didn’t argue. There was no turning back.

I apologize for this. I believe it is better that we stick together, and I promise to be a total gentleman. He explained

No problem, I trust you, she mumbled and beginning to remember Jamila’s stories about him. She even wondered if something was going to happen between them.

And he was trustworthy.

They stayed a week in Nicosia before a Turkish Cypriot tried to kidnap Samia. Farid defended her and hit the man hard, and all three of them were rushed to the police station. The sergeant was Christian, and soon he understood what was going on. He let the Turk leave and stayed with them inside the police station.

I suggest you leave the country as soon as possible. You might face trouble here, and the Turks will only rest when they either kidnap her or kill her.

We don’t know where to go.

I have a cousin who works in the American Embassy. I will call him tomorrow, you will go there to meet him, and he will help you.

We cannot return to the hotel, Farid concluded.

You can spend the night here. I will send someone to fetch your things.

Why are you helping us? Samia asked.

You are a nice couple, and you deserve to be together.

How come you speak our language?

I am a Maronite. There are still Maronites who don’t live in Lebanon.

Farid laughed and said, Sure.

The sergeant’s cousin was a cold but very polite person. He helped them fill out their applications and issued their visas in the same day. He drove them personally to the airport; all the while they saw a car following them from one place to the other. He helped them get on the first plane to Greece and, from there, to the United States.

It is the best country, where a Christian and a Moslem can live in peace. Don’t try to change each other’s opinion. Get a civil marriage. It is an ideal solution.

They thought about that during the whole trip to the United States. Once they arrived in New York, they went to the court and got married.

Nizar was shocked by Samia’s disappearance. Initially he thought that they might have gotten into an accident, but later he found out about her elopement with Farid. He contacted the authorities, who told him that they had traveled to Cyprus. Mustafa proposed to go after them and kill them both, but Nizar forbid it. He still loved her a lot and wanted her to be with him. He contacted a personal friend who advised him to contact a Turkish official who would send someone to kidnap her and send her to a Cypriot Turkish village. From there they could bring her back to Lebanon via Syria. He approved the plan and paid the expenses.

He waited two sleepless nights until the news came that they managed to flee with the help of the Christian police of the island. He entered his room without saying a word.

Salma was the one who paid a heavy price. She took a beating from her father on the night of her wedding. He accused her of helping her sister. She cried and tried to convince him that she didn’t know a thing about her plans, but her father wouldn’t listen to her.

Ahmad was horrified to see her in that way. She told him what happened. He stormed out of their bedroom and went directly to her father’s room. He grabbed her father by his chest.

I am not going to beat you, because I don’t want to make the scandal much bigger, but if you lay a hand on Salma one more time I am going to kill you.

Salma came after him, stood at the door, and saw Ahmad throw her father on the bed. He was a very strong man, and that’s what she liked most about him.

He took her hand and said, We are leaving this place.

She nodded her head, showing her happiness with the decision. I’ll go with you wherever you want, husband.

I don’t want anything from this family. No contact. Nothing, he said hoarsely.

They left for a slum in the suburbs, where he was received by a friend who offered them a tin hut and a mattress. Ahmad looked at her, confused, and she kissed him on his lips. This is the most beautiful place for me, husband.

I am not sure.

I am, husband and my lord. Don’t you think that we have lost a lot of time on our wedding night?

Are you sure?

Yes."

He smiled and said, I am blessed to have you as a wife. I want you to promise me not to have any contact with Samia, even if she tries to make contact. She has dishonored us.

Yes, husband, she agreed sadly.

Mustafa met Jamila at her request. He entered the office, thinking he was to meet with Nizar too. She sat behind her desk and signaled for him to sit down. He sat, wondering what she was going to say.

I summoned you to offer you a business proposition. Nizar has not been the same since Samia ran away, and I am worried about the future of the family.

I am at your disposal.

Are you aware of the fortune of my brother?

No madam,

He has more than a million liras plus a lot of land.

Mustafa’s eyes popped out widely, and he was afraid they would slip from his face. He remained silent.

If we don’t present an heir, I am afraid we’ll lose the whole fortune, and from what I see he will never have his own child. It is up to me to generate this heir for him, and I was thinking that you might be the man who will be the father of this heir.

Mustafa couldn’t believe his ears. He was to marry this beautiful young woman and be rich. I am your respectful and loyal subject.

I want to be honest with you. I don’t want you to think that I have tricked you into this marriage and played on your honor. She drew a deep breath and continued. I committed a serious mistake in believing in the love of a man and have sinned. By marrying me, I will not be your true wife. You can think of me as divorced or a widow.

Mustafa trembled with anger got up and started walking nervously around the office. He asked, Can I know who he was?

No, you can’t. It was a past mistake, and I intend to keep it in the past. I respect you and trust you, and my confession is the proof of this trust. I hope that you are mature enough to understand my situation and consider how noble it will be to protect my fame and honor.

Are you pregnant?

No, I am not, she replied indignantly.

I promise to wait for a year if you want proof, or we can go to a doctor.

Nizar might not survive a year, he said loudly.

Jamila hid her smile. She was sure that she was in control of the situation. What do you think of my proposal?

You want me to marry you to control your brother’s fortune.

I am marrying you to generate an heir for the family. You will have limited access to the fortune. I will buy a house for your mother and arrange e monthly income for her to live honorably, but you will never have access to the fortune because you proved yourself to be a failure in business. Our heir will be the owner of everything. This is my proposal, and if you accept it will be according to these terms.

I agree. What about you? Will you be my true wife?

I will honor your name. I will not mind if you have a younger wife, as long as it is clear that our son will be the sole heir.

Fair.

So I have your agreement on this.

Yes. When will I ask for your hand from your brother?

You will not propose to him before I ask you. Let me convince him first.

I see.

He is in Aleppo, buying a mansion for us to move there. He is transferring the business to Syria and selling everything here. You will drive me tomorrow morning to Aleppo so that I can speak with him.

What time would you like to leave?

I will call you when I am ready.

Nizar smiled weakly as he saw Jamila walking into his office, vibrant and confident as usual. You couldn’t wait for me to call you?

No. She bent down and kissed his cheek. I am worried about you, and I want to give my opinion regarding the house.

I hope you are ready. We will see three of them today.

Good. How are you feeling? Are you taking your medicines regularly?

Yeah, He was totally disinterested.

From the way you answered, you are not taking any medicine at all. You must look after yourself.

I already filled out all the necessary documents appointing you my sole heir. You must not worry about a thing. I sold you all my property, and this way our greedy uncles can’t rip you off. Now you need to take care of yourself and find a suitable husband and start your proper family.

I already chose the right man.

Good. Arrange an appointment because I want to meet him.

You already met him. It is Mustafa.

That stupid man, what did you see in him?

He can be controlled, she replied simply.

Sister, you are playing a hard game. This is not Europe. No man will agree to do business with a woman.

I know. He will be the president of the company and my personal clerk boy.

Nizar smiled sadly as memories of Farid came to his head.

You loved him, didn’t you?

He loved me too, but we were stuck because of the religion difference. Now tell me about the factory you are planning to buy. She changed the subject quickly.

It is a fine textile factory, but I am planning on closing it down and starting a clothing factory and not a textile one. We will travel to Germany to buy the machines.

I like the idea of traveling.

Send Mustafa to propose and I give you my blessings.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

1951

Farid was euphoric as he arrived to the hospital. Samia was there after having their firstborn. The first year in the United States was different. They had married in New York and moved two weeks later to California, where Farid found a job as a waiter in a restaurant owned by another Lebanese man who was visiting New York at the time. They met coincidentally. Hamed was a kind person and helped them in every possible way, despite the open hatred that his wife, Hafiza, showed Samia for marrying a Christian.

In the beginning Samia remained silent, but one day she had enough with Hafiza and addressed her. If you hate Christians so much, why are you living here? Why don’t you go and live in a Moslem country? My husband is decent and respectable. He didn’t force me to change my religion. He respects me for what I believe.

What about your children? What religion will they have?

The religion of Allah, It is the best one.

She never visited Hafiza after that discussion, and soon Farid managed to look for another job as an assistant truck driver for a transport company. He maintained contact with Hamed and continued to be best friends, despite the fact that family relations were cut.

This is a glorious day, Farid said as he kissed her cheek. My son was born on the same day I got the promotion.

Mabrook, you are now a truck driver?

Yes, it is an old one but a good one.

What name do you want to give to our prince? Samia asked.

I never thought of it. I thought it would be a girl.

Let us call him Adel.

Okay.

He will be Adel Taqla, our first American Lebanese here.

ALEPPO, SYRIA

1952

Jamila was very excited about the birth of her beautiful daughter. She had gotten pregnant on purpose one year later to prove her condition to Mustafa, who was very happy with his new life. He gained new respect and helped out his family. He even secretly joined a political party to achieve his dream of becoming a political leader. He kept his participation in those meetings from Jamila.

Jamila was happy with her beautiful daughter. She named her Mirvet. Nizar was happy too, despite the fact that he preferred a boy.

They had traveled to Germany and bought the machines they wanted to start the new factory, and she was in control. Things had never been so promising.

Mustafa started attending Ba’ath Party meetings and learning about politics. One day he approached Nizar and Jamila, seeking their support in the city council elections. Jamila and Nizar approved of the idea and supported him as a city council member.

Jamila sought him right after she recovered from giving birth to her daughter. She wanted a boy to please her brother and secure the future of the family. She succeeded in becoming pregnant and announced that to her brother on the eve of 1953.

This time will be a boy. I promise.

Salah was born in September 1953. Nizar was very excited by that and took direct control of everything that had to do with his nephew as his sole heir. Jamila was proud of that. He was a handsome boy, with her looks, but he had his father’s brownish skin. He was very healthy, and Jamila updated her brother on all the details as she grew up.

A year later, Mustafa sought Jamila in bed, but she informed him, We had our heir. I think it is time for you to arrange another wife.

He looked at her with sheer hatred.

She said, "I kept my part of the deal. I will be pleased if you keep