Okay here's a shorter, not so light update but wanted to bring the focus back to this part of the story. More to come soon though!
Sitting cross-legged on the floor of the motel room, Farrah was busying herself drawing on napkins and corners of newspapers with the colored pencils Khaliq had given her.
She hadn't said a word since they'd been in the car and ignored her burger and fries, only munching on some popcorn he'd bought her. The bag was still mostly full and folded over next to her.
All Khaliq could do was hope Samir would win her over, get her talking. It was killing him that she wasn't talking. That wasn't the sister he remembered.
"Farrah, Samir will be here soon. I am sure of it."
Not paying attention to him, Farrah continued doodling on a napkin.
"May I see?", Khaliq asked, sitting beside her on the rug. Shrugging Farrah pushed the napkin in his direction, showing him a completed drawing of a blond woman and a redheaded man holding a little girl's hand.
He could also make out a rough sketch of him and a faceless, shadowy figure standing in the background.
Khaliq didn't know the name of the redhead. Or the blond who was in more of the drawings.
He knew though Samir would be able to identify her when he arrived.
After Khaliq learned Farrah had escaped the ruins of their home and lived, he contacted his brother who had the money and resources to figure out exactly who made that possible. All Khaliq wanted was answers, the name of the Good Samaritan who saved his sister's life so he could thank them personally.
Samir though used this information on his sister, her handler and their whereabouts to formulate a plan to get Farrah back. A plan involving guns and abductions. Khaliq had tried to get him to reconsider, at the very least to use a different, less risky approach. But his brother was a powerful man with a quick temper, and was more than capable of making Khaliq's life a misery if he went against him.
All Khaliq could do was hope he'd soften after reacquainting with Farrah.
"Once Samir arrives we will leave this place. He has someplace much nicer where we will stay."
"Where?", Farrah asked.
"It is another surprise."
"I do not like this surprise!", she wailed. Gathering up her drawings and pencils she curled up on one of the twin beds, staring intently at the wall.
"Farrah, I thought you would be happy to see me again. I have missed you very much.", Khaliq said sincerely.
"I miss Carrie."
"What kinds of things do you do with Carrie?"
Smiling slightly, Farrah sat up.
"We read and, play hide and seek! And she bring me to Langley and I meet Pete and Virg and Dan and Bear and.."
"Wait, who is Bear?"
Sifting through her drawings Farrah handed him a sketch of a smiling bearded man with glasses, eating peanut butter.
"And the others?"
Listening as Farrah described Carrie's colleagues, Khaliq couldn't help feeling concerned that his younger sister's closest friends were middle aged men, and frowned nervously at her.
"Farrah, do you have friends your own age?"
"At community center. Mischa.", Farrah answered before her smile went sad.
"I supposed to see her. Carrie, said she..she'd take us to park."
Smile now faded completely, Farrah gave Khaliq a glare.
"It not fair! I want to go home!"
Climbing off the bed she ran to the door and started pounding on it.
"I want out! Let me out!", she yelled before the door swung open and Samir stepped inside.
Looking down at Farrah with a glare, when he started scolding her loudly in Arabic she ran to hide under the desk in the corner.
"Brother what are you doing!", Khaliq spat.
"She was making a scene!"
"You frightened her!"
Swearing, Samir ran a hand through his hair. Trying to get a grip on his anger.
"Apologize to her or I will bring her back to the mosque."
"I have told you, she is going with us to the church!"
"Not until you convince her to."
Khaliq said firmly, pointing towards the desk. Taking a few deep breaths, Samir crossed the room towards it, kneeling down.
"Farrah...?"
"No!", she whimpered. Knees hugged to her chest she shook her head as a tear slid down her face.
"Please come out. I would like to speak to you."
"NO!", she yelled.
"You raise your voice to me!"
Standing up Samir slammed his hand on the desk in frustration, then looking for a sheet of paper grabbed one of Farrah's napkins and a pen, scribbling an address on it.
"Meet me here after you calm her down.", he ordered, shoving the napkin in Khaliq's palm before turning to leave.
"No, brother!"
After he turned around, shot him a glare, Khaliq felt a chill run through him but refused to show his fear.
"Meet me at the church, in one hour, or expect to suffer.", Samir threatened before stepping out, slamming the door behind him.
Turning Khaliq crouched beside the desk as Farrah sniffled, climbing onto his lap.
"Shhh..it is okay. He is gone now. He is gone."
"I want to go home! I want Carrie!", she cried as he hugged her close, rubbed her back.
"I am sorry, Farrah. I am so sorry."
Guiltily he held her close until finally her crying subsided. But checking the wall clock he felt a knot form in his stomach. If he didn't meet Samir at the church he'd be gambling with his life, and by extension Farrah's.
Knowing if he was harmed he wouldn't be able to protect her from their brother's wrath.
He had no choice but to follow orders. As much as it pained him to do so.
"Come now.", he sighed, standing up and taking Farrah by the hand. "We must get ready for church."