The next morning, my alarm went off before dawn. I slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to disturb Molly, and spread my prayer mat on the cleanest patch of floor I could find. The soft verses of Fajr whispered from my lips, grounding me, steadying the nerves from last night's awkward introduction.
When I finished, I folded my mat neatly, placed it back in my drawer, and tiptoed into the bathroom to shower. By the time I came out, dressed in a modest blouse and wide-leg trousers with my scarf pinned just right, Molly was still sprawled across her bed, snoring softly, her eyeliner smudged from the night before.
I hesitated. Should I wake her? She had classes too, right? I didn't want to seem bossy. But what if she thought I was inconsiderate for not waking her? My stomach knotted.
"Molly?" I called softly.
She groaned, pulling the blanket over her head.
"It's almost seven," I said, voice bright, as though I were announcing a special deal at a market. "Don't you have class?"
Another groan. "Five more minutes."
I hovered by her bed, torn between obedience to my own schedule and the urge to prove I was a considerate roommate. Finally, I touched her shoulder lightly. "You'll be late," I insisted gently.
Molly cracked one eye open and looked at me like I'd just dragged her out of paradise. "You're… too much," she muttered, but she sat up anyway, hair sticking in every direction.
"Too much?" I laughed nervously. "Oh no, I just don't want you to miss anything. First impressions matter so much, don't they?"
She smirked, shuffling to the wardrobe and pulling out a black crop top and leather pants. "Guess you'd know. You're, like, Miss Perfect already."
My cheeks warmed. "No, no, I'm not perfect. I just… try my best. My parents always said people should like you wherever you go." I said it with a smile, but inside I cringed. Why did I say that out loud?
Molly snorted, pulling a brush through her tangled hair. "Relax, roomie. You don't have to audition for me."
The words stung, though she said them casually. I forced another smile, adjusting my scarf in the mirror. Ya Allah, give me patience. Let her see I'm not trying too hard. Let her just like me for who I am.
"Anyway," Molly yawned, tossing her brush aside. "Thanks for the wake-up call, Mom."
I swallowed hard, my smile never wavering. If that's what it took for her to tolerate me, then so be it but she should ensure she doesn't cross the line or else I will make her regret..
I sighed and smiled sure whatever continue resting I shouldn't have woke you up you just moved in yesterday sorry I smiled widely betraying my emotions completely.
Bye see you later I said as I took my bag and headed for the door.