Assef flinched. He began to take a step back, stopped. ⌠Last chance, Hazara.■
Hassan▓s answer was to cock the arm that held the rock.
⌠Whatever you wish,■ Assef unbuttoned his winter coat, took it off, folded it slowly and deliberately. He placed it against the wall.
Time seemed to slow down to a snail▓s pace. Why did he have to be so damn brave? Why was he always so damn loyal? Why did he treat me so well when all I did was ridicule and ignore him? I hated him for that! Standing by me when no on else did; for having the good father, for stealing my father▓s love, for that smile he gave me whenever he saw me┘
It▓s my turn now, Hassan┘ Let me protect you┘ this time.
"Stop don't hurt him!" I screamed loudly at the top of my lungs.
Assef looked shocked at seeing me as did Hassan. "Amir agha." said Hassan tears coming to his eyes. "Hassan it's Amir." I said gently suprised at the sound of my own voice. I opened up my arms. Hassan ran into them.
He was a friend to me. More then a friend. Almost like a brother. Why didn't I see it until now? I love you Hassan I thought. I love you. "Enough emotional talk." Assef's voice brought me back to reality.
Hassan broke the embrace. "You think you know friendship Assef? These goons there they aren't your friends. They're just followers. I pity you. You're the one who has no friends no one to love. No one to care for you." I said tauntingly. Assef was glaring daggers and I think if looks could kill I'd be dead by now.
Then Assef started laughing. His two friends were looking at him as if he'd gone crazy. "Amir jan where does all the bravery come from? I'll take out your friend first then I'll take you for afters." Assef said in what he thought would be a sincere voice. I looked at Hassan. Hassan nodded. I stepped aside. "Go ahead Assef take him out then." I said trying my best to sound amused.
Assef lunged at Hassan and I kicked a large rock in his way. Assef tripped and fell to the floor. I put my foot on his back. "Apologise to Hassan." I taunted. Assef smirked. "I'm never...apologising to...that Hazara." he panted. I pressed my foot harder on his back. "Wait we're sorry!" one of his friends cried out pleadingly.
I took my foot off and Assef stood up. "I'll get you both I swear I will." he said and then ran off with his friends. I turned to Hassan. "Hassan I'm sorry it took me so long to realise your true friendship and love towards me." I said to him. "Oh Amir thank you." Hassan said and we held hands and walked back home together.