AIR NATION A FREE TICKET AROUND THE WORLD
CHAPTER 11
For
the fifth time of the day, the
muezzin is calling his faithful Muslims to come and pray. Men bringing their
praying carpet walk with rapid pace in the direction of the mosque. The street
is now full of people. Louise is trembling of terror, afraid someone else will
arrest her again because she is not going to the mosque to pray. She has cold sweat dripping in the back of
her neck. She doesn’t know what to do next. She walks slowly head bent to avoid
any look. After a while, she decides finally to stop and dare to look around
her. At her big relief, all the
faithful are inside already praying. She
decides to turn around and go back to the station to wait for Youssef. She
starts panicking again after just a few minutes and decides to walk again back
and forth in front of the station trying
Arriving at the hotel, they both go to the dining room.
At the billiard room, the captain and the engineer are playing a game against Victor and David. Mike is sitting reading an aviation magazine. Victor walks around the table and studies seriously the position of the balls.
While during that time, at the single women top floor, Xénia, Arlène, Lolitta, Josey and Tiffany are still together playing a game of poker.
evacuate us don’t worry young men we will fallow you. And for your information young man, I’m a physician not a philosopher these people are useless!
CHAPTER 11
Saudi Arabia
02h00
The crew enter the airport. They fallow the captain as usual. One
behind another they walk in silence. A few airport employees take advantage of
the situation to look at the female flight attendants. Their faces, their pale
skin, their fabulous legs...and this bright red uniform doesn’t leave anyone
indifferent.
They are in Ryad, the capital of Saudi Arabia where it is strictly forbidden
for the women to show their beautiful hair.
A security guard signals to the captain to come forward. The captain
stops and waits to receive more directions. Max goes around getting everyone’s
passport and gives them to the captain without saying a word.
Suddenly we can hear someone coming. A man with a long white tunic,
a red and white scarf and a black band around it, is approaching the crew not
making any effort to lift his feet while walking.
-Salaam malékum, says the
man taking all the passports that the captain is giving him.
Without adding anything more, he turns around in the directions of
the customs offices. The captain a bit discourage by his attitude, lifts his
shoulders in sign of powerless. He is dead beat like all the others.
-We just have to wait now, he says when the stranger is out of
sight. Sit down and wait for them to come back with our passports.
The members of the crew are getting as comfortable as they can since
this could take for ever. Some of them are playing with their game boy to kill
the time others are playing quiz games. Three customs agents sitting at their
respective booth are watching the crew attentively.
It is four o’clock when the custom agent finally comes back. The engineer and the
co-pilot are anxious to leave this place as well as the crew. They are getting closer to the captain. The man
stands in front of the captain and gives him back the passport except one that
he keeps in his hands. He looks at the captain right in his eyes and takes the
passport and raises his arm to show the passport and move it from right to
left. He starts walking searching the person who owns it and finally stops in
front of Xénia who is completely petrified.
Everyone is asking what is going on. The captain and Youssef get closer
to the customs officer and Xénia.
-Youssef, explain me what is he saying, asks the captain worry.
He stops talking and looks at Xénia to comfort her.
Youssef looks at the man and asks him the question. The officer
shows him the passport and points at Xénia.
-Mouchkila! Mouchkila!...says the man to Youssef.
Youssef surprised turns around to look at the captain and translates
the situation.
-Xénia, is not on the crew list that he receive from Montréal
captain and consequently this causes a big problem. She has to go back to
Montreal right away, she can not stay in Saudi Arabia.
Xénia starts crying. No one dare to move or say anything.
After a few minutes, David gets closer to Xénia and put his arm
around her to comfort her.
-Don’t do that David, it is forbidden, says Youssef to put him at
his place. You are not allowed to touch a woman in Saudi Arabia, in public and
even more if she is single. You want us to be all arrested or what!
Youssef is tired too and doesn’t understand the ignorance of his
fellow crew members about the dos and don’t of this country.
David backs up right away. Xénia is left all alone in the middle of
the room like she is a criminal. She cries without mercy.
The captain quite shock by this revelation is trying to think of a
solution but can not do anything in his power to rectified the situation, he is
very worry. He has no power what so ever on the decision of the custom officer.
Meanwhile, Max completely stunt by this news too, approaches the
captain.
-Captain! Xénia is... and I am positive about this, she is for sure written up on the gen deck ( the crew list) I myself verified it every
time we leave before our flight my captain, I can assure you; wait! He says
going to look in his briefcase to get a copy of the gen
deck.
-Here it is my captain! I was right. He gives it back to the captain
who looks at it rapidly to acknowledge that the gen deck is correctly filled
out and their is no mistake on behalf of the company. He is furious.
-Youssef!, tell him we want to speak to his superior right this
minute, orders the captain enrage. Here, give him yourself the copy of the gen
deck before...
Youssef looks at the officer and translates what the captain had
told him giving him the copy of the gen deck. Insulted to receive orders from foreigners,
the man raises his arms in the air and says something in Arabic before leaving
the room.
They wait in silence. After a long moment, he comes back and signals
to the captain and Youssef to fallow him.
-Come captain, says Youssef.
As soon as they leave, Jade and Danyele rush to comfort Xénia who is
still crying.
The clock indicates five o
clock in the morning when the men comes back.
The captain completely exhausted approaches the crew with Youssef
and looks at them.
-Let’s go! The nightmare is over, we can all leave, he says relief.
We can hear all over the airport the first prayers of the morning.
Mike signals the flight attendants to fallow him. They line up to pass the
customs. The officer write up by hand the date of entry and the date of exiting
the country on their passport before stamping it. Than the crew pass true the
security check point for the luggage. Mike and George pass without any problem
but when Xénia puts her suitcase on the counter, Victor goes to give her a hand
but the officer signals him not to move. She has to manage all by herself. She
finally puts it on the counter and hurry up to open it. The officer starts
looking into her stuff like a maniac. He puts her suitcase up side down. He
finds her brand new carton of cigarette and unwraps it. He opens one pack and
lights up a cigarette without asking permission. Xénia very calm doesn’t do
anything and of course can not do a thing either; she is a woman. She waits
nicely for him to finish his little circus.
The muezzin sings louder
and louder. The agent signals to David to come but
didn’t say to Xénia to leave just yet. She has to wait for mister to decide to
let her go. He looks at David’s suitcase and with his hands signals him that it
is not necessary to open his suitcase and to proceed to the exit door while he
takes another puff of Xénia cigarette and leaves. Xénia looks at the other to
try to understand but everyone is has surprised as her. After a certain time,
he comes back with his carpet and passes in front of Xénia like the other
employees of the airport and direct themselves to the mosque of the airport.
Everyone fallow him with their eyes. They are line up waiting to be
search while all the employee of the
airport goes to pray with the exception of the soldiers We can see them remove
their shoes and getting ready on their carpet like all the other to start their
prayers. Xénia standing in front of her suitcase turns around to look at the
others ounce more.
-It’s not true, we might be here for eternity, she says completely
discourage and extremely shaken by all this.
After praying for fifteen
minutes, the agent comes back. He lights up another
cigarette and stairs at her. After a few minutes that seem extremely long for
Xénia he decides finally to let her go. He signals her to leave and to proceed
out. Xénia can not believe it, he didn’t event inspect her suitcase after the
prayer. She is really initiated for her first visit in Saudi Arabia. She will
remember it for ever.
It’s already seven o
clock.
The flight attendants get in the bus completely fed up. They arrive
at the Sahara airport hotel. We can see absolutely nothing around this hotel,
it’s the desert alright that’s why I guess they call it like this even tho it’s
not the same desert.
To the surprise of everyone, the inside of the hotel is fabulous.
The huge lobby is completely built with white marble and all around we can find
little private boudoir separated with humongous column of marble. The
decoration is absolutely hallucinating, we could almost imagine they are in a
royal palace but with all its extravaganza splendour, the atmosphere is as cold
as an iceberg.
The doorman invites the crew to sit in one of those boudoir reserve
for airline crew and to wait for their room-keys. The captain has to give the
passports and fill up a very long form before having access to the keys.
At the Sahara Hotel, there is a floor strictly for the couples, and
another floor strictly for the single men and another one strictly reserved for
the single women.
After thirty minutes wait, after waiting ounce more, they finally go up to their room.
The elevator opens up to the single
women floor. No one dares to get out. Louise gets out first and stops
abruptly when she sees the arm guard sitting in the corner of the huge lobby of
this floor.
-Ladies welcome to jail, says Louise astonish to see this big
fellow. Luckily, we all know we are going to leave this place one day soon at
lease.
Xénia and Tiffany get out the elevator, put their suitcases down and
look around attentively.
-It doesn’t make sens, whispers Xénia scared. Look, there are
cameras every where. No body would believe us when we will tell them about
this. It’s unbelievable.
-Well, I guess this is not where we are going to get some actions,
don’t you think so darlings! Says Tiffany with her eyes all wide open.
They push their suitcase to their room. Louise stops in front of
hers.
-Are you going to bed?, she asks inserting her key in the lock not
to sure she wanted to stay there all by herself.
The girls stop at their respective door.
-No, answers right away Tiffany. I’m going to go down and have
breakfast. The idea of being lock in for a long moment gives me the chill. I’m
dead beat but for sure I will not be able to sleep realising where the hell I
just flown in. I have goose bumps all over my body.
-Well perfect, answers Louise let’s put our suitcases in and let’s
go downstairs to eat a little. These cameras scare me like shit. I wonder how
many people are watching us at this moment.
-It’s not Kuwait here that’s for sure, admits Xénia.
The other girls arrive as depress as they are.
-Where are you going? Asks Lolitta. You are not tired?
Tiffany and Xénia put their suitcases in without even looking inside
their room and close their door.
-Yes, yes, Lolitta, answers Louise closing her door. Aren’t you
nervous to be here? We are going down to have breakfast. What are you doing?
-Bueno! I’m going to join
you.
-Perfect Lolitta, see you in a bit.
In the dining room, Louise Tiffany and Xénia take place at one of the first table of
the restaurant. The dining room is decorated with rich taste. Flowers here and
there, Arabic antics hang up on the wall and a multitude of photography of
different groups of Bedouins. The buffet is perfectly set up where on each
table there are huge bouquet of flowers. The decor is very luxurious. Kilim carpets all over the floor.
-We are perfect here, says
Tiffany sitting at a table. The others will be able to see us right
away.
But the maitre D who didn’t see them come in, arrive rapidly with his
hands in the air yelling at them in Arabic.
Mamnoua mamnoua.....
The girls don’t understand. The men sitting at the other tables are
looking at them without saying any thing. The maitre D is still screaming at
them getting closer to the girls.
Louise stands up all at ounce and looks at him right in the eye.
With all her strength and knowledge and the fact that it is really pass her bed
time she makes the effort to say a few words to him in Arabic. Everyone in the
restaurant is surprised to see that she speaks Arabic and they stop eating.
-Salem malékum! She says bringing her arms up to make fun of him but the maitre D
doesn’t answer. She continues.
-Tatakalem Arabic shwaya
shwaya, takalem inglisi saïd? I speak a little
Arabic, do you speak English you? But the man still doesn’t answer. He is
insulted that a woman had dare talk to him. The girls are starting to be scared
ounce more but Louise stays there standing in front of this strange and
unpleasant man looking at him right in the eyes.
A man in a pilot uniform decides to stand up to come and help them
with this awkward situation.
-Are you the new Air Nation crew members?, he asks with a British
accent.
The maitre D said it is forbidden to sit here. You must sit in the
women section.
The girls are discouraged and look at each other. The pilot explains
them in English that in all Saudi Arabia it is forbidden for women to sit in
the front of a restaurant and in some places they have to use the back door but
since it’s a restaurant in a hotel they let you use the front door but you must
sit in the women section, he says pointing to them where to sit. You have to
sit behind the folding screen, he says returning to his table.
The girls completely exasperated change places showing a grin to
everyone who is starring at them.
On the other side of the folding screen, the space that is reserved
for them is completely denuded of any decoration. The curtains are even close.
They sit down all depress.
-Well, what a nice hole!, says Xénia, I’m going to get something to
eat to let go my frustration. It’s really not like Kuwait here at all. We were
free there or almost...
-Let’s show those Arabs that nothing can stop us. We are strong
Canadian women, says Louise.
-Let’s keep our moral up and let’s get something to eat darlings,
says Tiffany standing up. Don’t forget girls, keep your heads up and smile. Be
proud to be a woman.
-Yes, really Tiffany, says Xénia, it’s like we are a Bunch of live
stock.
-We have to forfeit ourselves but let’s show them that it doesn’t
bother us at all.
-Tell me so Louise, you’ll see when you will miss your freedom like
all of us. Let’s go!
They leave for the buffet.
-Yes of course, says Louise taking some eggs Benedict's. I will miss
my freedom but for now we have to play the game of indifference.
The girls come back with their plates full of delicious food.
Lolitta and Danyele arrive with Chanel.
-I feel like we are going to force ourselves to go to the gym every
day, says Louise after telling the story
to the others on how the maitre D had welcome them.
-This food is excellent, admits Lolitta. I think I ate everything
that was on plate just because I’m so nervous to be here. This place really
gives me the creeps, carramba!
-Let’s go up, I’m tired to be here, says Chanel after everyone had finish their
breakfast. To be hidden behind this folding screen makes me sick.
-Ah!! Here is our friendly jail keeper, faithful to his post, says
Danyele when she gets out the elevator.
-Yes, and I hope he is going to stay there. I don’t have any
intention what’s so ever for him to come in my room.
-Louise!, scream the girls at the same time.
-Ah!! Stop it! I won’t be able to sleep, explains Chanel. Bye
everyone, good night!
It’s four o’clock in the
afternoon.
We can hear the prayers all over.
Allah! wahaba allah!
wahaba
Allah! wahaba Allah!
wahaba
Allah! wahaba Allah!
wahaba
Louise is in good shape. She gets up the bed and go look outside
through the window all carved in wood but from the little pieces of opening she
can see the sun shine and men going to the mosque of the hotel to pray. After
contemplating this vast desert land for a long moment, she finally decides to
dress up and go to the old souk of
Ryad that she heard so much about it. She flips the pages of her book on Saudi
Arabia that she started to read before going to bed this morning and stops at
the pages where you can see some illustrations of the different costumes of
Arabs tribes. Louise looks at herself in the mirror and starts putting on the
abbaya the hotel gave her for her stay here in Saudi Arabia when she arrive in
her room this morning. She puts a belt around her waist and puts on her hejab on her head. After a few moments
of reflexion, she decides to put the piece of resistance: the veil. Only the
eyes are showing. She looks in the mirror and observes the picture in her book.
She decides to apply some kohl to pronounce her eyes and to look a
little bit more like the picture. Satisfied of the result, she puts her legging
and her cow-boy boots on and takes a small purse and her room key and leave.
“Well too bad”, she whispers when she look at herself in the mirror
while waiting for the elevator to arrive. “I have cow-boy boots and so what! I
don’t want to be bitten by... I don’t know what kind of mosquito and it’s too
late.”
The elevator doors open. Youssef is inside.
Salaam malékum!, she says to him in Arabic.
-Malékum salaam!
Kif halak abibi?, she asks
( How are you my darling)
Youssef turns around surprised that an Arabic woman is talking to
him like this and dare saying abibi.
Louise is laughing under her veil but than she finally cracks up.
-Ah! Ah! Ah! Youssef! It’s me, Louise, she says raising her veil so
he can see her.
-Ah!! Ah!! Louise. You really got me, you know, he says surprised to
see her like this. I really though you were an Arabic woman making a pass on
me. You are perfect. You never told me you spoke Arabic.
-Only a few words. I study it before we left for Kuwait and when we
were on the plane and I continue my dear. It’s a guttural language and it’s
difficult to learn but I’m getting by.
They get out of the elevator and walk to the reception.
Louise makes sure her veil is perfectly in place and her hejab is hidden all of her beautiful
hair.
She remembers what she had red earlier about this country to better
understand it but she still doesn’t get it. Everything is so strange. She walks
beside Youssef in silence. She waits next to him for the ceremonial prayer time
to be over so the receptionist can get up from his carpet and be able to serve
them. Louise feel being trap in a society that doesn’t belong to her. While she
was in Kuwait, she bought a veil as a souvenir but never though that one day
she will have to wear one. And today to be force to wear a veil makes her feel
very uncomfortable.
The psalms are being heard ounce more.
Allah!! Allah!
Wahaba!.....
The muezzin on top of his minaret sings repetitively words that
seems almost hypnotizing the people that faithfully are going to pray. Everything stop for the prayer. Louise starts
thinking again and gets close to the big mirror frame with gold filigree.
What a splendour! she says to herself pivoting on her to look at her
silk abbaya flipping in the air
and at herself all make up with kohl,
wearing a veil”.
Ah! she sighs while thinking.
Allah!, Allah!, Allah!, Allah!!
The Muslims are singing their prayers louder and louder.
Half and hour later, the religious ceremonial is finish and all the men get out the
mosque to continue their day on a good spirit.
-Well, says Louise joining Youssef, starting the conversation with
him to try to forget that she is not comfortable with this new situation no
matter how hard she tries to understand and to submit herself to those rules,
that religious law. She is not force to hide her face since she is a tourist
but Louise prefers to pass undercover and to live like all the women here so
she doesn’t attract any attention towards her and that way she won’t have any problem
whatsoever so ever.
-Maybe ...I will find a man that wants to go with me at the gold souk. I still don’t understand why the
company forces us to be in company of men when we women want to go shopping.
Youssef? Tell me, Shit!
Louise looks at the men getting out of the mosque by looking at the
grand mirror place behind the counter of the reception. The frame of this one
is full of little pieces of mirror stitches with threads representing the
colours of Saudi Arabia.
-Louise, finally answers Youssef after finishing reading his article
on the soccer. You really don’t think that I
hope. There is something wrong in your little head!, asks Youssef
looking at her seriously. It’s with a guy from the company that you need to go
out with not with a stranger form Saudi!
Louise feels like she is going to win to persuade him from going
with her to the gold souk. “It’s
almost done,” she says to herself.
-Yes, she answers doing a pout. I’m naturally making fun but if I
have to ask one of those guys to come with me to the souk, I will. I won’t stay here, jailed in my room and see nothing,
shit! I’m in Saudi Arabia, do you realize it yourself, Youssef. I will perhaps
never come back here in my entire life so I absolutely have to see at least the
gold souk. Everyone in Kuwait was
talking about it, she says raising her voice to help her convince him more.
-Chut! Louise!. Who told you I was going?
Louise smiles but he can not see her behind her veil. She wins.
Youssef looks at her but decides not to say anything more to her and
address himself to the receptionist who came to answer them. Youssef gives him
his Canadian dollars to exchange them and signals Louise to do the same with
her money.
-There is no one to accompany me so ...why change my money, answers
Louise with a pout.
-Louise, I know you enough to know that nothing will stop you from
going there and of course if anything would to happen to you I would be the
first one to blame, no?
-Hum! No, I wouldn’t do that Youssef, not at all. Who am I to do
something like this? Am I not in an Arabic country where I have no rights to
speak, no....
-Al right, alright, Louise give him your money.
Louise gives four hundred dollars to the guy in impeccable white
tunic and his head cover with a big white turban falling on his shoulder. He
seems very friendly and very bright at first sight. He takes Louise’s money and
smile while thanking her in a perfect English. Louise notices it but prefer not
to mention it since that she is for now on leaving the life of a ghost. She is
not longer existing in the outside world.
-Does this mean ...you want to come with me?, she asks Youssef with
a very soft voice. You know, you are not force to fallow me. Ounce we are
there, I can manage by myself quite well you know. It’s only in case a crew
member sees me leaving by myself.
The receptionist gets a huge pile of riyals that he splits between
her and Youssef.
-The gentlemen is right, says the receptionist who was listening to
the conversation.
-Yes I know, answers Louise putting back her money in her purse that
she puts across her body. Thank-you, she says leaving.
-Shoukran!
-Shoukran!
-Before going to bed, she continue explaining to Youssef fallowing
him outside. I went to the small boutique to buy some post stamps and I found
this amazing book on Saudi Arabia in English. I’m reading it and it’s for sure
not like Kuwait. There are two different countries. It’s way more strict here.
Youssef indicates to the doorman that he needs a taxi. He signals to
a taxi driver to come forward. They both get in. Youssef sits up front and
Louise end up all by herself in the back. They drive for a long moment in
silence.
The desert is drawing in front of them. They drive on a brand new
asphalted road. Humongous flower pots sculpted by hand are place at every
hundred metres and are displayed in a very Cartesian way as to compare with the
desert itself the entire space is very
abstract. It’s marvellous. Majestic. The desert with his monotony is putting in
value the very fragile flowers and almost want to give to the spectator to hold
on to their view as long as possible on those multicoloured flowers before
penetrating in this sandy universe of the desert, monochrome and very dull.
-Strict! She finally says to brake that awful silence. This world is
strict!, she repeats again.
She thinks for a moment. No, military I don’t know. Hum! A world where the women needs to erase
themselves in order to exist. It’s funny but I think it comes to that. The most
difficult ,I think is to get use to those laws and do what am I supposed to do.
Don’t you think I started my adventure on the right foot. I have will my dear.
My mother always told me: If you go in Rome you do like the Romans, so if I go,
I mean if I’m in Saudi, I do like the Arabs. Capitch Youssef. How do you say capitch
in Arabic, she asks still observing the view.
-Hael taefhaem!, answers
Youssef.
They continue their road in silence. The taxi drop them off in front
of the souk.
-It’s completely enchanting to see so much gold like that. It’s
breath taking!, exclaims Louise getting closer to one of the shop window.
She is excited like a child.
-I will never get use to see so much gold!
She hurries to see the other boutique.
-Look Youssef, it’s in industrial quantity their inventory. There is
enough in one boutique to fill up the entire boutiques of all Montreal. I’m not
joking.
Louise is amazed by all this. There is a lot more gold than in
Kuwait but I guess it was like this too before the war, Hum!
-I think so, says Youssef walking to the next window, excited as
much as Louise to be here.
The windows are ecstatic. The gold is shinning with all its splendour.
After fifteen minutes of
window shopping, Youssef decide to go in.
-I promise my neighbour I will bring her a bracelet.
-Salaam malékum! , says the salesman as soon as he sees them.
Malékum salaam!, answers Youssef.
Salaam malékum! Says Louise
Malékum salaam! Answers the man all smiling.
They look at the merchandise for a very long time. Youssef couldn’t
decide on something.
Louise point at a necklace and ask how much it cost.
-Bikaem
haezae? ( combien coute-t-il)
The salesman approaches her and takes out the beautiful piece of art
and deposits it on a velvet piece so
Louise can look at it on all it’s angle. She
finally lifts her head to hear the price of this magnificent necklace.
The merchant looks at her right in the eyes and tells her the price of the
necklace in Arabic.
Louise looks at Youssef making a negative sign with his head. The
man talks way to fast for Louise to understand a thing. She absolutely didn’t
understand at all. Youssef signals to the salesman to forget about it and tell
him good bye in Arabic.
Maasalama!
He pushes lightly Louise in the back to go out. Youssef continues
walking and stops at another window.
-Your little necklace Louise cost $2,000 dollars US
-Hum! I have expansive taste, really I need a prince to provide to all
my needs.
Hours pass by and they
don’t realize it. There is more and more people at
the souk. As soon as the night fall,
the temperature permit people to go out easily and walk around places. The souk is full of avid buyers. Here,
everyone as a lot, not just one but a lot of shopping bags that most of the
time their servants will carry for those more fortunate human beings.
They enter another boutique and like the custom wants you to do you
always salutes people when you come in and you wish them that Allah! is
protecting them and naturally by
politeness they do the same for you and of course Louise and Youssef
answer them too.
Some women are sitting in front of a counter and a man is busy
showing them all the jewellery they want to see. A servant from Asia brings
them mint tea and the women are having a blast to choose another piece of gold
and another piece of gold.
“Is it the way,” asks Louise to herself, “to forget all their
worries or their social condition? Anyway, it’s a good prescription, “ she says
while observing them more closely. “When you look at it seriously, it might be
the only occasion these women can have a man at their feet or should at say at
the top of their finger passing all evening long pointing at rings, bracelets,
earrings, necklaces. There must be under all this a little moment of joy under
this little act of innocence, under this awful black veil. It’s interesting to
look at them go. Like my mom would say: The revenge is sweet to the heart of an
Indian!...”
Youssef sees something that he finally likes.
-Louise come here, What do you think of this one for my neighbours?,
asks Youssef showing her a very modest bracelet.
Louise bends down to look at it and lifts her veil at the same time.
-I can see anything anymore with this veil, she says bothered. I’m
starting to see double of everything. I don’t know...maybe it is because of the
line in the middle of my nose....I imagine I will have to get use to it,
really!
She looks at the bracelet.
-Yes, it’s nice but it’s not my style so I can not really help you
Youssef. I don’t know. She looks at herself in the mirror putting back a lock
of hair under her hejab and aligning
her veil. Satisfied, she continues admiring the bracelet.
-You must know your neighbour a lot more than me, you know. Anyway,
anybody would appreciate it, if not your neighbour is missing a bolt!, she says
laughing. Come on! Ask the price. I’m curious to know how much it cost. Is it
24 carat gold and did you sleep with her?
Youssef signals the salesman to come to show them the bracelet.
“Look at this!, says Louise to herself. As soon as he ask, as soon
as he arrive and all the other salesmen in a matter of fact are coming to serve
him too. Now ladies...princesses or not,
you are all going to wait for him, the man! To finish being served before they
go back to you! Ah!! He is a man and even though he has less money than you
little princesses, you will have to take your turn and wait for mister here to
finish, I’m sorry,” she says to herself still starring at those women. “It’s
like this in your country, princesses or not...well I’m sure they are...look at
this: we have a Gucci watch, a Prada bag, and oh! a Louis Vuitton over here.
Hum! They have taste those princesses. And did you see the jewellery you are
wearing ladies. It must cost a fortune! They are wearing it in extremis
quantity. Not one but at lease twenty bracelets each, plus the earring and Oh!
Oh! gee...a gold belt! Am I seeing right here or not...yes, definitely a gold
belt! I never saw that in my entire life. Unbelievable!
Youssef is still examining the bracelet and still can not decide
yet.
Outside there are big stretch limousines with the chauffeurs waiting for
the ladies to finish their little or should I say their extravaganza shopping.
There is a 4x4 park in front of the boutique with four individuals
sitting inside the vehicle. Louise and Youssef are still in front of the
boutique with the salesman looking at the bracelet that Youssef wants to give
to his neighbour. He asks to weight the bracelet so he can find out about the
price. The man installs the bracelet on a small balance and waits for the
computer to indicates the value of the bracelet in gold. He looks at Youssef
and than tells him a price. Youssef tells him he is not interested and declines
the offer quite politely.
-Come Louise, let’s go. It’s
way too expansive for my next door friend, explains Youssef to Louise. They
don’t really like that when we don’t bargain with them it’s like missing
respect so hurry.
-Yes of course. I have red this in my new book well it was like this
in Kuwait too. We just have to practice on our method of bargaining. Well,
anyway, they must know we are not from here, no!
-Yes, let’s go, let’s go in this one.
The 4x4 rolls slowly behind them, but since they are so busy to find
something they enjoy, they don’t realize that they are been scrutinize.
There is a lot of people in this boutique. Inside, Louise can’t
stand it anymore and lifts up her veil to see better. Some women and men are
sitting in front of the counters where the merchants are busy showing them very
valuable jewellery. Louise wants to see a necklace again but decides to forget
about it after a moment. The salesmen are ignoring her completely. She is fed
up of waiting. Youssef at his turn asks to see a bracelet and naturally they
hurry to show him the small bracelet. He starts looking at it seriously.
-Listen Youssef, I’m going to wait for you outside. I’m going to get
some shish taouk maybe you will have
a better chance to bargain without me.
She puts back her veil on her face and make sure her hejab is covering her hair completely.
-Well, are right, says Youssef still looking at his bracelet. Take
two shawarmas for me.
She gets out the boutique and goes see the vendor of shish taouk. Two large rolls of meat is
roasting on top of charcoal and a delightful smell is emitting from this small
stand. The old man is sitting on a stool and waits patiently for his customer.
The occupants of the 4x4 observe Louise. The two passengers sitting
up front wear a police uniform and the two other ones in the back have a
bizarre look. They both wear a very long unshaved beard and a white veil on
their head. They look at her like lions look at their preys.
The 4x4 rolls a little closer and stops rolling when Louise places
herself in front of the stand. She looks rapidly towards the jeep and quickly
replaces her veil on her head. She faints from worrying too much but moves a
little side ways to be in a better position to look at the passengers of this
vehicle. Their scary and evil look make
her bend her head right away. She feels she is being watch but a few minutes
after decides not to panic and orders her shish
taouks.
Salaam malékum!
Malékum salaam!, answers the friendly and smiling vendor.
“Hum! How am I going to order this. Let’s see”
-Arba shistaouk, lae!,lae! Itnen
shistaouk wa itnen shawarma min
fadlack, asks Louise that suddenly recover her confidence.
The man right away starts whistling and preparing her order happy to
have a customer.
Youssef gets out the boutique and starts walking towards Louise with
a bag in his hand. One of the men in uniform gets out of the jeep and screams
in after Youssef. At the same time, Louise turns around to see what is going on
and sees that the man is a policeman.
The police screams at Youssef one more time.
Youssef looks at him thinking that the policeman made a mistake but
he screams a third time very loudly.
Youssef with an innocent look is pointing himself with his finger
while walking very slowly towards them. Louise tries to back up slowly to hide
behind the wall where the stand is park. The poor man is giving her order.
Louise looks for her money but both of her hands are shaking. She hurries up to
pay him so she can observe closely what the hell is going on with Youssef.
While she is looking she swallows a full shish taouk in a flesh. The vendor gives her some serviette knowing
she is scared. Louise doesn’t like what she is seeing. Youssef is getting out
his passport and showing it to one of the policemen. The other gets out the 4x4
and come and get Youssef’s passport and go back inside the vehicle.
The vendor is worry for Louise and
tries to hide her by placing himself in front of her but it’s too late
the policeman gets out the jeep and starts yelling in Arabic and making some
signs with his hands.
Youssef starts yelling at his turn.
-Louise!
Louise afraid jumps and drops Youssef’s shawarma on the ground.
-Louise!, screams Youssef once more. They saw you. You have to come
and show your passport.
Louise looks at the merchant in despair. He moves his head from left
to right, even him doesn’t seem to understand the situation. She finally walks
towards them very slowly afraid of the worst to come.
-Youssef, she asks all nervous, ask them why they want to see our
passports?
-I don’t understand. They don’t want to tell me anything, I already
ask them.
-Halas! Halas! Screams the
policeman signalling to Louise to speed up.
She walks a little more quicker and looks at the men who gives her goose bumps. She starts
observing the first officer and decides herself to ask the question.
-Why do you need my passport?, she asks with a firm voice.
-I don’t speak English!, he answers with an arrogant tone of voice.
He starts to be impatient and talks with the men in the back of the
jeep.
-Hurry Louise!, asks Youssef who is starting to be scared too. Show
him your passport!
She looks inside her small purse, hesitant, she waits a few seconds
before pulling it out of her purse than she takes it, show it rapidly to them
and put it back right away in her purse.
-There is no way I’m going to give him my passport without having
any explanations, she says to Youssef.
The officer who is behind the wheel of the vehicle gets off the
jeep. Louise afraid that he is going to come and take her passport backs up but
the policeman screams to call a cab. Louise freezes right there.
In the mean time, one of the man sitting in the back of the jeep
looks at Louise and winks at her with a malicious look. The other one smiles at
her showing his golden teeth. Louise completely disgusted and afraid backs up
again but stumbles on her abbaya and
falls down. Youssef helps her to get up. The cop signals them to get in the cab
screaming at them in Arabic.
-We have to go to the police station, explains Youssef who unfortunately can not do anything about
this and only obey the orders. We don’t have any choice, Louise.
But Louise stays there, on the side walk, unable to move, wishing to
run away.
-Youssef, I implore you to ask the police one more why are they
arresting us? What did we do wrong?, asks Louise begging him to do so. I’m a
woman in Saudi Arabia Youssef and I saw their reaction when I talk to them so
please, do it for me. You saw them what they did to me in the back of their
jeep if ...I go to the police station, I ...I’m dead, Youssef.
He asks them again but no one answer.
The cop orders them to get in the taxi all at ounce. Youssef looks
at Louise and finally gets in the taxi. Louise afraid and without any other
alternative sits in the back. She already fears the moment when the taxi will
stop in front of the police station, the police closes her door real hard and
orders the Asiatic taxi driver to start his car and to drive them to the
station The poor Filipino afraid to be deported by them or killed, obey all at
once and starts speeding right away. The policeman gets in the 4x4 and fallow
the taxi very closely.
During that crazy race in the middle of the city, Youssef is taking
off his gold chain in his neck and his two gold rings that he is wearing to
give them to Louise.
-Listen, take this, a Muslim man can not wear gold jewellery.
Louise takes them nervously and puts them in her small bag.
-You know who are those men, asks Youssef to Louise. Without waiting
for her to answer, he nervously continue explaining. The two men with the long
beard are Matawas. They are those who
are in charge of the religious law. If you don’t obey they are there to tell
you back and put you back on track. Everyone fears them even the highest people
of this country. The princes and the princesses, no one can escape their power.
They are the master of this kingdom beside the king.
-Very reassuring !, screams Louise scared like hell. You could of
shout up, shit! Now I’m positive I will died compress under an asphalt -roller
or rape or ...thank-you very much Youssef! I though you were like us! Betrayer!
Louise turns around to look quickly in the back. The 4x4 is still
there. She tries to think of a solution but she can think of one just yet. She
is too afraid.
-Oh! We could pay this shitty taxi driver to bring us to the
Canadian embassy or to the hotel. Tell him we will pay him in US money and
that...I don’t know shit!
She waits for Youssef to react but he doesn’t do anything. He stays
there in silence, looking at the back with the driving-mirror.
-Give us a code, says Louise. Are you with me yes or no? Dam it
Youssef react shit head! I want...no swear me that you will explain me
everything that will be going on if not I’m going to get crazy. Since I’m a
woman I can not talk to them and I don’t know enough Arabic to know what the hell
is going on. Did you hear what I just said Youssef? I’m talking to you for
goodness sake! Say something man!
After a long moment of silence, Youssef finally turns around to look
at her.
-Don’t worry!
Don’t worry be happy ya, ya,
ya... this is in Jamaica we are in Ryad god dam it!
-Don’t worry Louise, everything will be alright, trust me.
-Yeah! sure!, says Louise enrage crossing her arms. You are not a
woman, you. They certainly don’t want to fuck you!
-Listen, I know them well how to deal with these people; I’m
Algerian if you had forgotten. We are going to be fine but keep your senses,
says Youssef raising his voice.
The driver is driving like a maniac.
-You can really talk Youssef, she says raising her voice too. You
are a man, a Muslim! I’m a woman, a nothing at all thing in this country. Do
you realize it yes or no? I don’t have any intention to be rape by four
disgusting ugly bastards!
-It will be fine, Louise. Calm down.
-I’m very calm Youssef, I insist to tell you but you in the other
hand, you are inert! Still! You already like a dead body! Wake up man! The
police and the Matawas are bringing
us to the police station ! It’s not for fun or for a game of soccer. Tell the
driver that he needs to bring us to the Canadian embassy!
But Youssef is as anxious as Louise, but is unable to react. He
needs time to think but unfortunately, the Filipino is speeding. Today the
police give him the right to speed.
-Youssef ask the driver finally to take us to the Canadian embassy
but his request has been denied.
-He refuses to bring us there.
Louise and Youssef wish he could at least stop at a red light but
this scared and scary little man his burning all the red lights and of course
this 4 powerful guys are fallowing in the back. Louise has a hard time sitting
still in the back seat. She tries to grip herself to the door handle. Youssef
with his arm behind the seat turns back every two seconds to look at the 4x4.
He prays that they take them to the police station and not directly to the
desert where the worst could happen. He avoid mentioning it to Louise and
wishes for the best. He is stress and doesn’t want to show it either. The sweat
is pearling down his front head.
The race lasted fifteen minutes before the driver finally abruptly
stop the cab in front of a giant cement wall. He signals them to get off the
cab. Youssef relief to be at the police station and not in the desert think he
can still manage to get them out of their and gets out. The four men get out
and hurry to open the door to get Louise out of there as she was still sitting
on the back seat. He grabs her and pulls her out of the taxi and signals the
driver to get out of there. This one doesn’t hesitate a second to leave them.
Louise realizes suddenly that she has no more chances to leave from this place
than by foot.
One of the policeman enters the station that is behind the big wall
and the others wait for him to come back. The station is centred right in the
middle of a beautiful suburb area and at the end of the street you can see the
official white mosque. It wouldn’t be a suburb without a mosque.
Louise looks around her and makes sure not to miss any details of
her surrounding in case she would have to escape from there.
After a moment, The cop comes back with another bearded man. He
looks as repulsive as the other ones and seems to be bother even enrage by the
presence of his fellow friend. They talk for a long moment between each other
and Louise’s can not bare it any longer.
-What is going to happen to us?, she asks very worry. I should of
listen to my dad. Liam told me too. Ah!! I’m dead scare now! But what ion earth
have we do wrong? I still can find what the hell we did to be arrested. It
could be you Youssef? What happen in the boutique when I left?
Youssef is being called. He comes back beside Louise.
-Give me your passport. It’s very serious. They still don’t want to
tell me why they are arresting us.
Youssef starts worrying seriously. The situation is not turning like
I would of like. He goes back to the group and gives him Louise’s passport.
They told him to fallow the fifth man and to proceed inside. Louise doesn’t
move. Youssef goes back to her.
-You are lucky, they don’t want you for the moment. I still don’t know
why are we here but I sure will find out. Don’t worry Louise.
The other four men get in the jeep and leave.
-Youssef, says Louise nervously. I’m giving you an hour to get out
of there with our passports if not I will call the hotel to come and free us
from this ordeal and get our passport back.
-Alright, Louise, but be careful.
The Matawa is getting
impatient and starts yelling. Youssef this time fallow him.
-If I can not call Youssef I will leave, she screams before he
closes the door of the big wall.
Louise stays all by herself on the side walk. She looks for matches
of the hotel in her small purse but she doesn’t have her cigarette with her
since it is forbidden to smoke in public. Any way, there is no phone in this
area. She looks again around her to be sure she didn’t miss anything but no, no
phone around. All the houses are well fence so you can not really see anything
and there are no stores around either where she could of waited for him. She
walks a long the side walk not knowing what to do next.
&Allah! , wahaba,
Allah!,
Allah!, wahaba, Allah!,
Allah!, wahaba, Allah!,
wahaba,
to find a solution to get out of their as soon as possible before
the situation worsen. It’s starting to get dark.
During that time at the hotel, we can hear the songs of the prayers.
&Allah!! Allah!!
Allah!!
Allah!! Allah!! Allah!!
Danyele had prefer to sleep a large part of the day to beat the jet
lag and to get use to live at night for next flights they will have to do. Than
she pass a good part of the evening at the gym. She went to buy some post cards
and magazines to kill the rest of the time.
She wakes up at the sounds of the prayers that are reverberating
quite loud. She stretches herself and decide to call Louise is her room but
hesitates a second.
“Well, she says to herself, if I wake her up she will get mad at me
so to avoid any quarrel between the two of us I think I’m going to leave her a
message instead and wait for her to call me back.”
-Yes, hello, could you please leave a message to room 3-0-2 to call
back room 4-0-8-,Thank-you, Shoukran.
She hangs up and decides to eat an apple from the welcoming basket
they left in her room and listen to the news on C. N. N. After fifteen minutes,
she still didn’t hear from her sister and decides to go back to bed.
&Allah!, Allah!,
Allah!
Allah!, Allah!, Allah!,
Allah!, Allah!, Allah!
Danyele has a hard time falling asleep but after a while the prayers
finally stop.
Since it is forbidden for the women to swim in Ryad, the girls can
not do too many things except to wait patiently that their two weeks in Ryad
will go by fast and they could enjoy a nice day on the beautiful beach of the
Red Sea and sunbath as much as they want when they will be in Jeddah! Josey,
Arlène, Xénia, Lolitta and Jade got together around two o’clock in the
afternoon in the lobby of their floor instead of staying all alone in their
room dying of bothersome looking at the guys swimming in this gigantesque pool.
Arlene did their manicure. Josey prepared them a mint tea and red them their
cards. They had pass most of the afternoon together and they are still there
talking to each other.
For the guys of the crew, the day went by like a normal day. Max and
Victor went sunbathing at the pool as to Lorenzo, Mike, David and the captain
they played tennis all afternoon. George was the only one who stayed in his
room. He wasn’t feeling good the poor one. He had already reported three times
his doctor appointment before he left for Saudi hoping that his little heart pain
were just momentary, but now today, all alone in his room, George had another
attack. It was more serious than all the other one and had prefer to lay down
all day in bed to rest. He didn’t have much choice either. He didn’t have no
strength to do anything. He was very afraid today, he really though it was the
real one and he sure didn’t want to died in Saudi. He wanted to go back home
for ounce in his life, George wanted to be in his own bed, dying in peace.
Louise is still outside doing hundreds steps, waiting for Youssef to
come back. The ceremony is just finishing. The men and a few women are leaving
putting back their shoes on, and taking the way to their little kingdom. Louise
is very nervous she is so scared to be kidnap from one of them. She can’t wait
anymore. It is too exasperating for her. She looks at her watch for the hundred
time, still fifteen minutes to wait but she can no longer wait she is so
petrified. She needs to do something. She can’t and she won’t stand there doing
nothing. She needs to call the hotel to save Youssef or to save herself far
away from this place but where to go? She decides to call but where?
She hesitates a second than after knocks at the next door neighbour
wishing for all the gold in the world that it would be a servant who answers
the door and not the master of this house. She waits impatiently
scared like hell by the action she just did. She wants to escape
miles away and run as fast as she can but she can not even move her little
finger.
Suddenly, the enormous handle of the door starts moving. Louise
nailed to the spot can not let go her eyes off the handle. She is immobile like
a mommy in front of the door.
“Ah!! ...,” says Louise in a sigh of relief almost collapsing on the
ground.
The man tries to hold her in his arm. Louise can not believe her
eyes.
“It’s a servant! Ah!! I’m saved.”
The street light is illuminating the servant face. He is from India.
He wears a huge blue turban and a wide curly moustache. His old eyes are as
blue as his turban. Louise doesn’t know what to do. She is searching her words.
The man is still holding her in his arm.
She tries to raise her self up.
-Nomasté!
-Nomasté!, answers the man smiling.
“How am I going to tell him I need a phone?,” asks Louise to
herself. “Yes, that’s it.”
She starts acting with her fingers a telephone but the servant
doesn’t understand her. She starts again a different way. He finally gets it.
He shakes his heads from left to right and right to left and goes back inside
the house leaving the front door open.
“-Oh! My God! Let’s pray he is not coming back with his master, she
says crossing her hands together. My
God! Allah!! Protect me, please protect me.”
The old man takes for ever to come back. She can’t bear it to wait
for him and wait for Youssef. This all thing is making her loose her mind.
“The waiting is infernal,” she says to herself, “and now the time is
up . I have to act now and go back to the hotel on my own. But How?,” she asks
herself. “How am I going to get out of it? I don’t speak enough Arabic to get
by. I’m going to ask the servant if he ever come back damn it to call me a
taxi.”
She is dancing with rage.
For Louise’s biggest relief
the man finally showed up.
“Luckily he is alone. But where is the phone?”
The man came back with the phone book all written in Arabic.
“I can not read this notice Louise discourage. It’s a dead cause.
I’m finish. I will be here for ever.”
She looks at the servant with tears in her eyes and try to dial the
phone once more with her finger showing him that she can not read the book.
She stands there drying her eyes hoping for the best.
-Taksiet! Taksiat! Yes
that’s it David and I had taken a taksiat
taksiet! I need a taksiet, she
says acting at the same time the action of driving.
-Ah!! Shit! He doesn’t understand. I’m lost. Look at me.
She shows him her face, her white face full of kohl on her cheek.
-My life is in danger, please help me she says crossing her hands
together once more.
The man looks at her and goes back inside the house.
“Well, there is nothing else I can do beside hoping to see my self
in five minutes sitting in a taxi with or without Youssef. It’s more than an
hour and fifteen minute now. Man he still didn’t show up. All I have to do now
is to go to the hotel and come back with some back and make sure I keep the
taxi driver with me to remember the way back here. It’s so dark now and where
is that taxi driver.”
Louise is crying now. She is very tired.
“God! What have I done, I don’t deserve this. I have done absolutely
nothing wrong.”
She looks at her watch again.
“Okay it’s been five minutes, he is not coming back. Youssef either.
Please someone come to my rescue, help,” she says to herself crying. “Please
bring me back home to Canada. Stop! Right now, she orders herself. Stop crying
right this minute. No one except you will help you so do something now, now!”
She decides to go inside the house to see if she could see the man.
“Come on, come on, Mr. Turban....what would I do without you, you are my only chance.”
But someone arrives behind her running. She hears the steps but is
afraid to turn around to look back. She fears the worst.
“My god, the servant must of call the police.”
She hears the steps getting closer to her, the individual arrives
full speeds and grabs her by the arm. She screams of terror and tries to get
away.
-Louise!, screams the man. It’s me Youssef.
She turns around to look at him. He looks bizarre.
-Oh! Louise!, screams Youssef again. Do what I told you to do and we
will finally leave this place.
Louise is not sure any more. The servant arrives with a cellular
phone in his hands. He doesn’t know what to do . She looks at him and looks at
Youssef who has a strange attitude, quite aggressive I shall say.
The servant stays there to watch.
Louise look at him and than turns around at Youssef.
-Do what I told you to do, and hurry up, orders Youssef with an
authoritative voice.
He is getting more aggressive and looks furious. His face is all
flush.
The Matawa is near the
police station waiting for him to come back.
-Hurry up Louise!, screams Youssef angry. The Matawa thinks you are a prostitute because you are with a man and
that you are not my wife. And on top of it, they saw you wearing red
lips-stick.
Youssef is getting agitated while explaining to Louise why they were
arrested. Louise is scared of him to see Youssef so panicky.
-Hurry up Louise. Act like a
submissive woman and remove your lip stick at ounce, orders Youssef.
Louise doesn’t have any choice and react on the spot. With the
sleeve of her abbaya she removes her
lips
stick. Youssef is like punishing her because she disobey the law and
because of course she is a woman and she’s the one to blame.
-Ah!, Ah!, Ah!, Ah!, Ah!, Ah!, screams Louise with all the strength
she has left and removes her lip stick until there is no red showing on her
abbaya.
-Ah!, Ah!, Ah!, Ah!, Ah!, I’m
sorry, afwan, afwan, she repeats in Arabic so the Matawa can understand her and she bends forward to excuse herself.
The Matawa screams at his
turn.
Louise jumps of fear.
-Come, orders Youssef. He wants you to sign some papers. Louise
walks slowly towards Youssef and looks at the servant behind her, begging with
her eyes
to stay there. She has to enter the police station. A jeep is park
in the front yard. The Matawa puts
the papers on top of the hood of the jeep. He explains some stuff to Youssef in
Arabic. Louise doesn’t understand a clue
like usual. Youssef looks at her and finally explains what the Matawa wants her to do.
-You have to sign these papers, orders Youssef.
-There is no way I’m going to sign these papers. I can not read
this! Who told me you didn’t sell me to this old fucking man to get out of
there yourself! How do you want me to know that?
-Louise calm down, says Youssef, like she was the one loosing her
mind.
-Listen, says Louise, I stay here to wait for you so we are
together, but now, who is going to tell me what is written on this piece of
paper and what did you do to get out of there, hey! Ah!! I’m not crazy,
Youssef.
-Louise, says Youssef whispering, All it says on this piece of paper
is that you will not go out in Ryad with a man unless you are married to him
and that you will not wear lip stick on. Don’t worry I’m going to fix it to
falsify your finger prints.
-Finger prints on top of that!
She raises her arms up. The Matawa
is getting impatient with her now. Youssef takes her
hand by force and puts her finger in the ink pad and presses her fingers
without wasting any more precious time.
-Halas! Halas!, screams
the Matawa still furious.
Youssef takes the piece of paper and slides Louise’s fingers side
ways. Louise looks at him relief. The Matawa
picks up the sheet quickly.
-Well, let’s go, says Louise. Do you have our passports?
Youssef shows her the passport sticking out of the pocket of his
shirt. Louise looks at them and suddenly feel very relieve. She closes her eyes
to rest a second and to think.
-Ask him permission to leave with me in the same taxi.
Youssef ask but the Matawa doesn’t
want to talk to them any more. He screams and pushes them out of the yard and
closes the big door. We can hear him putting the lock on the door.
The servant is out on the side walk wondering what was going on.
Youssef without wasting any time asks him politely to call them a taxi as soon
as possible.
The man who still have the cellular on his hands dials the number
all at ounce. He signals them to go inside the house with him. He gets out a cigarette from his turban and
offers it to Youssef.
Everyone, even him are still shaking. They wait inside the house
making sure the door is open behind them. Youssef to be polite explains the story to the old
man who while listening to it is shaking his head from left to right and right
to left. When it’s time to go, he shakes Youssef’s hand and gives a big tap on
Louise’s shoulder smiling at her.
Inside the cab, Youssef completely over-throne by this ordeal, looks at Louise.
-Oh!, I was scared and I thought it will never end. He was very
furious that they came up during his nap, can you imagine! I’m very sorry if I
scared you earlier but I had to act that way or else it would of been the Matawa who would of have to punish you with his leather belt.
-Youssef, what are we going to do?, asks Louise discourage. If we
tell the crew what happen to us we take the chance to be send back to Montreal,
but if we don’t say anything this incident could happen again. We have to tell
the others and warn them. And on top of it you speak Arabic, but the other
guys... they don’t and they wouldn’t be able to get out of a situation like
this one, you know.
-I know Louise. It’s difficult to answer. We could loose our job. We
need to think about it.
-Yes but don’t forget, that we are going to stay here for a while.
The taxi driver is driving very fast. Youssef and Louise don’t have
the energy to talk anymore and prefer to do the rest of the way in silence.
Arriving at the hotel, they both go to the dining room.
-We are going to talk to Max, says finally Louise to brake the silence.
We have no choice, Youssef. We did what we were supposed to do, we didn’t
disobey the company rules so we need to inform them. We shouldn’t be worry
about this.
-Yes, you are right. It’s the best decision. We have to protect the
others and make sure no one has to go through this nightmare.
Max is seated up front reading the news papers.
Youssef goes to talk to him while Louise goes behind the
folding-wall to find a table. She keeps her veil on so no one can recognize her
from the crew. She has more problems to worry at this moment for now.
-Max, says Youssef , would you mind coming and sit with Louise and I
we need to talk to you.
Max right away stands and fallows Youssef that looks pretty
worry. Only the crew members and the
married men can come on the side of the women.
They join Louise who finally removes her veil.
-Good Lord! Louise, I didn’t recognize you. What’s the matter? It
seems like you saw a ghost, says Max sitting next to her. And you have black
kohl on your cheeks.
-No, Max, I didn’t see a ghost, I saw three Matawas and ...
The waiter arrives to take their orders.
-Youssef, asks Louise. Could you ask him three beers even tho they
are without alcohol right this moment it’s going to feel the same.
-Talata biera min fadlack.
The waiter goes back right away.
-Okay, Youssef, tell him what happen, asks Louise while lighting up
a cigarette and putting back the matches of the hotel in her purse.
-No, go Ahead you were doing fine
She looks around her and starts whispering.
-Max, you can see how I’m dress. I even wear the veil to hide my
face. Youssef and I ...well, we went to the old gold souk. This is where we met two Matawas
and two policemen and than a third one.
Max sits up and listens very carefully. He is very surprised by what
Louise is telling him. He starts banging his foot under the table, as much as
this story is scarring him just to
listen to it. Louise explains in details
what happen.
A little behind them, Lorenzo is telling a few jokes to Jade who
stops laughing when she saw him entering the room with Youssef and the lady.
Other tables are occupied by Arabic families. Two single women,
completely cover up are talking together. When they want to take a bite, they
lift there veil with one hand and with the other hand they slide their fork
under. They even wear very long black gloves.
At the billiard room, the captain and the engineer are playing a game against Victor and David. Mike is sitting reading an aviation magazine. Victor walks around the table and studies seriously the position of the balls.
-Captain do we know exactly when are we going to do our first
flight?, asks David but at the same time Victor hits his ball and miss it.
-David!, says Victor furious.
-Sorry body.
-Our first flight is planned for tomorrow night, says the captain,
stepping forward to play his turn. We are going to Karachi in Pakistan. Didn’t
you receive the schedule that I ask to be send out to everyone of you, asks the
captain a bit surprise.
-No, not yet, tell me captain, how long do we have to stay here in
Ryad?, asks David.
-Around two weeks, answers George for him. We need to wait for
another crew to replace us and than we
could leave this hell of a place. For us it’s okay but for the girls it’s
intolerable.
George is playing pool but he doesn’t look to good still. He looks
kind of greenish. I think he is trying hard to be there with the others. He
should of stay in bed but he is afraid someone would of notice his absence so
he decided to come down.
-In Jeddah!, continue explaining George, at least the girls can go
swimming on the private beach of the hotel and to sunbath or even at certain
hour allowed for them to swim in the pool of the hotel but here, they will
rapidly made the round of the places permitted for them to go.
Max, Youssef and Louise enter the room at the same time. George hits
the five and brings it in the centre hole. He places himself to play another
ball. Max waits for him to finish his turn.
-Unfortunately, the girls can not even wear lips stick, says Max astound
by the story he just heard. Captain, can we talk to you.
Max looks at Mike and continues.
-Mike, can replace you for a
few minutes, I’m sure. It’s very important, my captain.
-Go ahead captain, but don’t count on me to win the game.
The captain gives his stick to Mike and leaves with the others.
Three Arabs come in at the same moment.
While during that time, at the single women top floor, Xénia, Arlène, Lolitta, Josey and Tiffany are still together playing a game of poker.
-Should we take a pause? asks Xénia a bit tired of loosing. I
wouldn’t mind a big banana split.
-Ah!! You are not serious, says Arlène.
-Why not!, replies Xénia. I want one too and if I have to deprive
myself fro all the good things in life while I’m in Ryad, might well spoil me a
little.
-She is right, says Lolitta putting her straight on the floor. I’m
going to have one as well.
-Me too, says Josey. I have no more tooth picks to play anyway.
-Darling!, darling!, think about it, you are all going to gain
weight.
-I hope
The next morning at the
gym, almost all the girls are there except Louise.
-Hey! Danyele, screams Tiffany exercising in front of the mirror
doing some warm up. Your sister had succeeded to flabbergast us once more. I
just hope her picture was worth it.
-What! What are you talking about?, asks Danyele a bit worry.
-She has been arrested last night by the police!, says Arlene.
-What!, exclaims Danyele dropping her bag on the
floor. Everyone know about it
except me!
-Louise was with Youssef and apparently, because she was wearing lip
stick and that she was with Youssef who is not her husband, well, your little
sister got cut and put in jail.
-To clear things out, says Louise entering the gym. It’s Youssef
that went to the police station, not the jail but the police station . The
girls stop doing what they were doing to pay close attention to her story. I
stayed all by myself on the side walk , on the street to wait for him. I’m very
sad to see you are talking behind my back. I wonder who went telling al these
gossip so fast; don’t you agree with me Jade that the one who did that should
be very ashamed of herself.
She knows dam well that Jade told them since she saw her with
Lorenzo.
-Well, Danyele, I will tell you all the details later on, let’s talk
about something more enthusiastic than this, proposes Louise who had a hard
time fallen asleep last night.
-But...there is nothing exciting to talk about in this lost compound
in the middle of the desert, darling!
-No but we don’t have to tell all the nightmare that we will live
here, says Louise stretching. We could ask Chanel when is her wedding day?
-No luck, answers Chanel. We didn’t talk about it just yet.
-You should take this opportunity to shop for a your wedding dress
here, says Tiffany.
Xénia is afraid that someone is going to ask her too so she goes to
the washroom.
-Tiffany is right you know, tells Danyele and you can even shop for
your hope-chest..
-Are you really sure he is the right guy for you? Asks Jade standing
up to lift some weights.
-Ah!! If you only knew how we quickly bounded. It was s like all the
lights were lighting up one by one to tell me yes, yes he is the one. We talk a
lot on the phone when I was in Kuwait and we wrote each other letters not just
a singular e-mail no beautiful love letters. It’s like I knew him for ever. The
night we went out, I was not deceive at all. He was answering all my
expectations. He is perfect. Trust me. He is mine to keep.
-Ah!! Ah!! Exclaim the girls together. Continue we need more
details., go on Chanel!
-We are going to be ban to do anything what so ever here for a long
two weeks , says Arlene who wanted to hear some more.
-it’s doesn’t matter, it is going to make us appreciate what we have, says Danyele laughing.
-Poor me, carramba!,
exclaims Lolitta. It’s been such a long time, that I don’t remember how, she
says with bitterness. I spend my entire time at home with the children. I
really miss the warmth of a good looking man beside me for the night.
-Ola! Lolitta! You should
forget how good it is for a while still, proposes Josey who is running on the
rolling-carpet. Come on! Straighten up Lolitta, says Josey and pedal! Come on
go a lot faster, pedal Lolitta! Orders Josey. Come on girls move it! You all
look like chiffon-dolls. Think of all the banana split that you ate last night
and you are going to eat tonight. Hey! Louise, tell me what the hell are you
doing flat on your stomach? This is not an exercise girl. Come on wake up and
show us your sets up instead of your butt!
-Ladies and gentlemen! Ah!! Says Jade laughing there are no men I
forgot. Silence girls! I want to say something. To start with I would like to
say I’m sorry to Louise and ladies I would like Josey to be our official
trainer. What do you think of that? I think she is good at it. We need someone
to train us, to watch us.
-No, no, no, Jade. You already have Lorenzo watching over you.
-Yes, why don’t you give us some detail Jade, says Josey. When we
came back from Kuwait, I saw you in the company parking lot. You were leaving
with Lorenzo if I recall.
-That’s funny that you say that, starts saying Danyele. We Louise
and I saw you coming to the base with Lorenzo.
-It’s true we were coming to get my car who didn’t start the night
before, says Jade.
-Well, well, well, says Lolitta. Amoré
is in the air. Coming back from Acapulco, I saw them leaving together too.
-Ah!! Girls stop gossiping! We are not going to start that!
-No, no, says Xénia, just give us the must important details, if you
don’t want the gossip to start, she says coming back from the washroom.
-There is nothing else to say, it’s only little things. She moves to
the bench. Lorenzo drove me back to my house because my car didn’t start and of
course I ask him to stay because he leaves in Laval and I leave up North.
Conclusion, the next morning, he drove me to the base to start up my car. While
the car was boosting we went to have a coffee before the flight.
-Forget these minor details, and told us instead if he is good in
bed or not? says Arlene.
-Ah!! Gee, this is not of your business and anyway for your
information he slept in the guest room.
-And what about the other night, asks Xénia taking a break from
running.
-Well what? He already had invited me for Christmas eve at his
parents place and I decided to go because my parents were in Key West.
-And after... how was the Night of Noel, darling! Was he wearing one
of those boxers with a red light like Rudolph...,she asks laughing.
-Ah! stop it! Asks Jade. How could I do that at Lorenzo’s parents.
We arrive in the morning.
-When a girl want a girl can, says Arlene to tease her a little.
-Well, tell us instead if he interest you or not? , ask Lolitta.
Because Amoré brakes your heart and
the more times goes by the more painful it gets and you shouldn’t waist his
time. Lorenzo is a nice guy. Don’t you think girls?
-Yes, but he only has eyes for Jade, it’s to bad, says Louise who
gives a wink at Lolitta.
-I don’t think it’s going to stay like this any longer, says Danyele
looking at Jade seriously. Jade if I were you, I would hurry up to take a
decision because as you can see this is not the choice that’s missing here. We
all would like a little lover around here to kill the time and live long
passionate Arabian Nights.... with Lawrence no I mean Lorenzo of Arabia.
-I don’t have to rush to take
a decision, explains Jade stopping to wipe her front head. Lolitta joins her
and stare at the two sisters to shut up so she can hear her answer but instead
Jade turns the question to her.
-Did you find someone to take care of your family, she ask to change
the subject and to avoid answering.
-Yes but I’m not sure. I tell you, it’s difficult these days to know
if we really have the Buena persona!
And it’s so hard to be far away from them but luckily, the priest is going
there every day. He promise to write me to give me some news too.
-It’s better like this, says Xénia. You have at lease someone to
ease the burden.
-Yes, and they are nice the little ones es muy facile.
-You took the right decision to continue working Lolitta, says
Josey.
-Yes, I think so and I like it so much. I miss my mom very much but
I know she is not very far from me when I’m on the plane. It’s my way to tell
me she is not too far from me and she is watching me each time I work. It’s not
easy to loose your mother you know. Often, I find myself looking at a passenger
in the back of the aircraft thinking it’s my mom and when I get close to her I
realize unfortunately that it’s not her. It’s a funny feeling. I see her every
where. The worst is when I go back home, that’s where I miss her the most.
-Maybe you should move out of the apartment, suggests Arlene.
-Oh carramba! I couldn’t
take that decision. It’s too soon. Manana!,
she says sadly.
-We can not say that something is missing in this gym, says Louise
looking at Lolitta aggrieved.
-You are right darling!
-No she is wrong. It seems that it will be more easier to train if
we had good looking guys around, says Arlene. We are definitely missing some
men.
-Ah!! Stop it!, says Josey. Stop thinking about it.
Two hours later, some of them are at the sauna and others have discover the Jacuzzi.
-We pass a full morning at the gym, says Xénia drying her hair and
now what?
-I’m going to write some post cards, answers Danyele getting out of
the shower. Is there someone who would like to go to the souk with me after?
-It’s out of the question, with your sister story, I will stay
inside this hotel and I will get out only to go flying, says Arlene dressing
up.
-Come on girls, says Louise. You are not going to breath because the
air is polluted. You must take the opportunity you have to be here in this
country. It’s a privilege that you have, you know that. Only those who obtain a
working permit can come in this country. There is no tourist here. And anyway,
I have done everything I was told to do by the company so I have nothing to
reproach myself with. It’s the company that ask us to be with a guy when we
need to go out so all I did is to fallow orders. They’re the one to be blame
and I’m the one who had to pay for the consequences, that’s all.
-You did not understand at all. Even though you do like you are
supposed to do, insists Arlene you still got arrested and remember what happen
to Xénia at our arrival.
-Okay there is no need to discuss any further. No matter what, you
never like the Muslims countries so there is nothing to do with you. You have
to take chances, to take risks in life Arlene without if course pushing the
limits. Ah!! And if you think this is
going to stop me from going places, well you are wrong.
Arlene turns around to look at Danyele.
-Your sister really think what she says?, asks Arlene seriously to
her.
Tiffany answers for her.
-Arlene, you forgot the thrill of travelling, the adventures. All
you do is counting your money. Life continue dear. I’m positive that Louise
wouldn’t of gone out today if she though otherwise.
She sits to tie up her snickers.
-When I got rub, I didn’t move out the apartment for that. No!, I
return the next day to buy new furniture...
And I have to say that the
experience was quite interesting. I went with a friend of mine.
-Ah!! Great a new gossip! Hey! Girls! Come closer, screams Arlene to
the others. Tiffany is going to tell us her new romance.
-I had given my mom a meeting but like usual she didn’t come but she
send me a nice lawyer instead. She though perhaps he would change my mind about
this job so I could go back to finish my degree but she was wrong. He is so
understanding because he also had to fallow his parents influence and never
become the journalist he always wanted to be so conclusion, he thinks like me.
I called him the night of the rubbery. The next day we went for lunch at the
Hotel de La Montagne like the first time, exception close that the terrace was
close and he wasn’t sent by my mom this time. Anyway! Darlings! We went
shopping for my furniture together.
-Hum! It’s not obvious, says Danyele to choose furniture with a man.
-Well, what? Continue, asks Jade curious.
-I made a big surprise to my mother.
-What?
-She wanted to be nice to me for Christmas and I already told he r
I was going with a friend but Josey had
preferred to spent Christmas at the garage of the company with her nice meccano
so I ask the lawyer to join me for the official breakfast of Christmas at the
Queen Elizabeth hotel.
-What did your mother said when she saw him? Asks Xénia curious.
-Nothing. She almost ignored him.
-What happen?
-But during breakfast,, this is when the thunder resonated. We had
prepare a nice scenario for my parents. Well he participated in my little game.
He defended my cause. It was infernal for my parents. Even though I didn’t
completed my course in law, I show them how I could defend myself and naturally
we were two attacking them.
-So what are your parents going to do now? Is it still the cold war?
-Darling! After the rain there is sunshine but for now we are still
protecting ourselves with umbrellas. This crisis can not settle down in one
shot. My dad has still a hard time digesting his last American Express account.
The girls leave the gym laughing.
-Here you are! I was looking for you all over, says Max nervously.
Wow! Good Lord! You are all there. I’m going to have a crew in real good shape
to fly.
-Well talking about that, Max, when are we flying?,
asks Danyele.
-Yes. It’s so complicated, we made already two list the captain and
I but the Saudi airline that we are working for keep changing the initial
schedule but here it is, it’s the last edition. Take one he asks distributing
the papers and just keep looking under the door of your room in case there are
last minute changes but so far we are going to Karachi tomorrow night. We were
supposed to leave tonight but well...This time it’s confirm for tomorrow night
22 h 30, coming back at the hotel at 7:30. Okay, everyone.
-That’s fine Max, don’t worry
we will be there, says Xénia. I’m even
eager to go to work can you believe that? I must have some kind of desert fever
to say something like this. Who wants to go for a banana split?
-Xénia! just think of all the
calories you just loose, says Josey.
Danyele, Louise and Tiffany are going in the elevator while the
others continue talking with Max. One pilot from Saudi Airline takes place in
the elevator and looks at Danyele.
-We have met before, I think, he says to Danyele.
-No not at all, she says without looking at him.
-I’m sure of it, though.
-No, insists Danyele again turning this time to look at him a
little. Look at me it’s probably my sister you saw.
-It’s correct, says Tiffany, it’s Louise.
-And I saw you too, says the pilot.
-Yes, you have a good memory.
-Let me present myself, I’m Karim, I work for Saudi Airline ,just
like you. I don’t have a good memory you know, I just remember beautiful faces
like yours. He turns around to look at Louise too.
The elevator stop and the door opens.
-I would like to invite you for lunch at two o’clock, down stair in
the dining room.
-Maybe my presence will compensate for the lack of decor in the
women section, he says smiling.
-Good idea!, says Danyele wishing Karim had heard her. The doors
close and the girls continue up stair.
-Very well my darlings! Let’s try to have some contacts in this god
dam place, because we are all going to be crazy, here.
The doors open again. They get out and direct themselves to their
room.
-I’m waiting for you here at two, darlings. Let’s try to be discrete
about this, alright darlings!
The girls stop walking.
-What do you think about this Louise?, asks Danyele. Come in my
room, and explain me in detail your little expedition to the souk.
-Ah!!, says Tiffany. It’s a good idea, I would like to hear your
side of the story. The real facts. Can I come with you? I have absolutely
nothing on my agenda.
-Very well.
They enter Danyele’s room to chat.
At two o’clock, The three girls are at the rendezvous. The pilot is waiting for them
in front of the restaurant. He gives some direction to the waiter so they can
sit in the back section.
-It’s not forbidden for you to sit here? Ask Tiffany.
-No, it’s alright. He knows very well you are crew members and I’m a
pilot so you don’t have to worry. They have a special arrangement for crew
members to be together.
-I’m sure, Louise is worry about this. Aren’t you?, asks her sister
but Louise doesn’t answer.
Danyele hurry up to explain what happen to Louise at the souk. He can not believe it and is a bit
sad that something like this happen to her on her first day here.
-I’m very sad to see how badly my people welcomed you. You know even
yourself have no control on the actions of the matawas. Very often, we disapproved their behaviours and their
actions but there is nothing we can do. We have to submit ourselves as well to
the religious legislature. We had known better time you know, he says with
regrets.
He stands up and asks the girl to do the same to go serve themselves
at the buffet. He waits for them to go first. He is a real gentleman.
-I hope your journey here will be enjoyable still, he says sitting
down at the table with a full plate of lamb and rice. I have a sister who
leaves here, she could invite you over for tea and take you to visit the souk on a better day. How about going
riding? I have some friends that have a stable with more than five hundred
horses. We could take you there while you are here.
-Are they pure bred Arabic horses?, exclaims Tiffany enchanted.
-It’s marvellous!, says Danyele. We adore horse back riding.
-Me too, says Tiffany. I ride since I’m five years old.
-Well great, I will organize a little outing outside.
Louise is listening to them. She is always the first one to organize
visits and tours but last night she really got scared no matter what she said
to the girls this morning she doesn’t think she has the strength to live
another experience of this sort.
The book that she is reading on Saudi Arabia explains quite well
everything she needs to know about this country but when she went out with
Youssef she didn’t finish that book and it’s says dam well not to go out with a
man unless he is your husband or your brother. And right this moment, she is
confronted again with a dilemma.
-I’m is sitting with a Muslim single man, she says to herself
looking at his hand to see a ring. And it’s says in my book and I sign a paper
that it is forbidden for me to be in the company of a man in Saudi Arabia.
-Louise, says her sister, what’s the matter? You look funny.
-Ah!, I don’t know, I don’t feel well. I think I’m going to rest a
little.
-Call me when you will be back to your room Danyele just to make
sure I’m fine.
-That’s fine, don’t worry.
She thanks the pilot and says goodbye to the girls.
Around four o’clock in the
afternoon, Danyele calls Louise in her room.
-Hi! How are you?
-Fine.
-Do you want to go to the souk?,
asks Danyele. Karim’s sister will take us there. She is coming to pick us up in
half an hour.
-I am going to have to go back there one day, I guess.
-I think it’s the best thing to do. We talk about it with Karim.
-He is not coming I hope.
-No! He is going to Paris tonight.
-We are going to go to the antic souk,
what do you think?
-Perfect, see you later.
Thirty minutes later, the girls are at the meeting
point in the lobby
-Hi! You must be my brother’s friend, asks a young woman wearing an
abbaya, her face hidden under a veil.
-Yes, answers Tiffany. How did you know how to recognize us? Here is
Danyele and this is Louise her sister.
-Oh, it’s you. My brother told me about your disastrous experience.
I hope you will not generalize the problem and that you will take the chance to
meet the people of my country who will show you the contrary of their
hospitality. Come, my chauffeur is waiting. My name is Zeenab.
They get out the hotel and get in the limousine.
-To answer your question Tiffany, my brother told me there will
three persons and anyway your shoes are very American.
-You speak very well English, says Louise.
-Yes, I study medicine in Oxford.
-You are a doctor!, exclaims Danyele quite surprise.
-Yes, it’s correct. I work at Ryad’s Hospital.
-I though the Arab women didn’t work at all.
-You are right Danyele, says Zeenab but when it comes to becoming a
doctor, dentist or a teacher we can do it if we want it and if we have enough
power within to pursue our dream and to practice. The conditions are very
difficult. Since Iraq and Kuwait war, we have gotten backwards in our steps to
progress and ameliorate the condition of the women in our society. One day, we
will get where we want to be.
-I hope so for you darling, says Tiffany.
-You know our situation seems to the eyes of the outside world like
an atrocity but it’s not the case. We are happy to leave here in our manners
and customs. The abbaya doesn’t
bother us and the veil either. When I want to laugh or cry, no one can see me.
If I don’t have time to put some make up on, no one can notice it. There are
some advantages. You have to see the things on the good side you know to
lighten up our burden.
She laughs a little.
-I would like to invite you to have some tea before we go to the souk. Do you mind or you prefer to go
right away. We have all night and many days ahead of us.
-Very well, answers Danyele.
-I live with my parents, but there are never here. At this moment,
they are in France, on the Riviera.
-You have a lot of mothers?, asks Louise curious. I meant...
-No, just one but my father has three wives. There is only my mother
and I that live here. Each wife have their own house and they live with their
own children.
-How many kids total, asks Louise.
-Sixteen. If you add one and 6 it’s seven. It’s my dad’s lucky
number.
-And you, asks Zeenab. How many wife your father have?
-To my knowledge he has only one, answers Danyele. Who knows?
-We can say we have an advantage on you. We women form the Middle
East, we at lease know the mistress of our husbands.
-I really don’t see the advantage you have, says Tiffany a little
upset from her comment.
-Let me explain, says Zeenab. If one woman receive something, let’s
see a Cartier ring, well the others have to receive the same thing or the
equivalent of the value of the ring.
-Ah!! Really, I’m surprised. There might be after all something good
in this.
- On my part, says Danyele, I will never accept the idea to be the
second or the third wife. I think you have to come from here to be able to
understand and accept this, I guess.
-These days, there are less and less men who are taking many wives.
The cost of leaving is to expansive and the taste of the women went up so the
men have difficulties satisfying their women.
-Tell me Zeenab, is your father with all his women in France? Asks
Danyele.
-Yes, and each one has a villa on the beach.
The driver stops the limousine. He presses a button to open the
fence and drives slowly in front of the residence. Zeenab tells him to come
back in an hour.
-Don’t you feel like home here Tiffany?, asks Danyele.
-Ah!! Very funny. This house is almost ten times bigger than my
parents house.
-Come, says Zeenab, showing them the way.
-A servant opens the enormous wooden door and welcome Zeenab. She gives
him some orders in Arabic for him to prepare some tea and some coffee.
-It’s magnificent!, exclaims Danyele, Your mother has a lot of
taste.
-Yes, she did it all by herself. She loves interior design. Should I
give you a tour of the house?, asks Zeenab. It seems to please you.
-Yes, a lot, says Tiffany. Who wouldn’t love to leave here?. It’s
splendid.
-Wait, remove your abbaya,
you will be more at ease.
-Oh!, I didn’t imagine you like this!, says Danyele real surprise to
see her face.
-Me either, admits Louise.
-You are very ravishing! You could be one of those top model in
Paris, says Tiffany.
-Stop! You are gorgeous all three of you. Come fallow me so I can
show you the house.
-You mean the palace, comments Louise.
-You should see those of the princesses and princes. Here, it’s tiny
compare to their houses. They are in fact real castles.
-There are more than two hundred princesses leaving here in Saudi,
is that true?, asks Louise who red that information in her book.
-At lease, answers Zeenab, if it’s not more. Here in Ryad, there is
a little less, but in Jeddah!, there are much more.
How to describe this palace and arrive to give it is real value of
beauty. The Arabs have fabulous houses. Keeping their Arabic style they are
able to match antic with modern objects with a divine keenness. Big piece of
arts embroider by Bedouins, a lot of wooden pieces sculpt by hand, carpets from
almost all the regions of the middle East, with furniture, sofa from Italy and
it’s always on huge marble surface. The decoration is outstanding the space
reserve for each room is enormous. Each bedroom is unique in it’s style. The
washrooms accessories are in 21 karats gold.
-It’s really funny to talk to someone and not being able to put a
face to it. It’s like we were talking to you all that time on the phone, says
Louise.
-You get use to it.
-I would not believe it if I didn’t see it with my own eyes that you
are wearing Jean-Paul Gauthier tailor suit under your abbaya. It’s quite extraordinary. It’s a very nice one too.
-You think so. I love Jean Paul Gauthier and you?
-He is super, says Danyele but to tell you the truth we can not real
afford Jean -Paul Gauthier.
-Don’t be shy, if you want one it will be my pleasure to offer it to
you, she says opening up her walking-closet the size of a store. I have a lot
of them.
-A lot!, screams the girls all at the same time.
She gives them the time to admirer her closet and than closes the
doors like it was perfectly normal.
-Well, let’s go down. Come this way. My dad had imported some exotic
plants from all over the world, explains Zeenab opening the doors to the
atrium. He loves horticulture.
-Your dad!, repeats Tiffany who is not sure she heard right. An
Arab!
-Yes, my dad. An Arab, it surprises you.
-Yes, I’m sorry to have said an Arab but it is simply the opposite
image that I have made of all the Arabs
in general.
-I understand you Tiffany. The image of my people is not a dazzling
one, I have to admit, says Zeenab cutting off a dead flower.
-I could spend hours here, says Danyele almost like she was in
paradise. It’s sensational! Look at all the plants and flowers! Ah! I’m going
to get nut. He took the time to write down all the names in Latin and also in
Arabic.
-Yes, he loves nature. He spends hours here. Each time he comes back
from his trip, he brings back another plants or a tree. He says that Saudi
Arabia is a marvellous country but it’s missing some colours. He often says
that Allah! dress up the men in white and the women in black and he kept all
the other colours for himself. He has deprive us from the colours. Allah! sky is blue and he says it’s not fair.
He would like to see the desert orange and the rocks purple.
A servant arrive at the door of the atrium and waits for Zeenab to
talk to him first.
-Miss, the tea is served. Come we will go on top of the roof of the
house where it’s so good to breath. You will have a very nice view of the old
city of Ryad.
-On the top of the house!, it’s genius!, exclaims Louise.
-Yes, the favourite place of all the Arabs. When the night come,
it’s nice to rest , smoke chicha and drink some mint tea.
After tea time and to have tasted all the succulents pastries,
Zeenab announce it is time to go shopping.
In company of Zeenab who knows all the little places and the good
places to bargain, the girls tramp up and down the entire souk. It’s paradise. They find old jewellery, old beaded scarf from
the Bedouins, old jewellery box....
Danyele with the help of Zeenab found a real old carpet.
An immense kilim with a
sure value. Danyele is bargaining alone with the vendor. She signals the others
to come with her. Danyele has to drink some
mint tea and after half an hour of negotiations, she succeed to have
brought down the price in half. The vendor satisfied, rolls the carpet and
gives her a few extra gifts. He gives her a hand shake, happy to have done
business with her. Danyele is so happy. She is
so please to have found a
superb kilim. Zeenab takes them
afterwards to a restaurant on the second floor of a building situated right on
the grand place.
-Here, on Friday at noon, explains Zeenab, if you feel like you are
up to it, you can come and watch hidden in this restaurant the processions of
punishment given to those who disobey the law. They ...I guess I will stop
there before I cut your appetite, she says laughing.
It’s almost midnight when they go back to the hotel.
-She is very friendly this girl, says Louise entering the hotel. She
is bright, rich and nice.
-Yes it’s true. She has class
and she has a big heart, confirms Tiffany.
-I had a splendid day, says Danyele going inside the elevator.
-And I didn’t have any problem, says Louise relief. It’s back to
normal ..well...almost.
-I can not wait to unroll my carpet and to admirer it again, says
Danyele getting off the elevator in a hurry. Good night girls!
The next morning at the
gym, all the beautiful female flight attendants are
at the gym for their work out. Arlene is on the rolling carpet, Xénia and
Lolitta fallows Josey who is showing them some aerobic steps.
-Well, let’s go. I’m going to put the music now. I bought at the
little shop here some nice Arabic music.
-Ah!! , screams Arlene. You are not going to put this music on .
-Listen, let us have some fun a little.
-Hey! Girls!, screams Jade coming in like a big storm. I have to
talk to you. I can’t ...she says sitting on the bench. I can not stand it
anymore. She is devastated.
-What’s the matter?, asks Danyele. You look really upset.
-You remember, she says talking to Danyele specifically, when I told
you about my obscene phone call.
All the girls stops doing their things surprise to hear that.
-Yes, answers Danyele.
-What obscene phone calls, asks Lolitta curious.
-Well, listen, it’s getting more and more serious.
They get together to listen more carefully.
-I receive a lot of anonymous phone calls. At the beginning, I
didn’t worry about them and than yes. I told Danyele and David about it and
they told me it could of been just Lorenzo verifying if I was in my room or
not, so it all sounded plausible but when Lorenzo stayed at my house the other
night, I still receive some of those phone calls.
-You didn’t told me that!, says Danyele worry.
-I didn’t have the occasion but now...I receive some last night,
here, in Rhyad for goodness sake!
-Carramba!, exclaims
Lolitta . I have goose bumps.
-Hey! It’s serious, says Josey. What are you going to do?
-I don’t know. Lorenzo and me concluded it is...someone from the
crew.
-Who?, ask Arlene concern. I receive also some phone calls like this
at my house. They knew my name too.
-If I knew the guy, I wouldn’t ask myself questions, answers Jade
upset. He knows my name too and all my coming and going.
-It’s for sure someone from the crew to know that you are here in
Saudi, to have your room number and than
access the call you.
-Oh! Stop it! , it’s gives me the creep, says Xénia.
-Yes, but I can’t stand it any more. I have to do something!
-What?, asks Louise. We need a plan.
-What kind of plan?, asks Jade who doesn’t know what to think
anymore.
-Wait, says Danyele. You have to examine the situation.
-It can not be other than Victor, says Chanel sure of herself .
-Victor!, says Arlene surprise. Why are you saying that?
-Well you know, he always tries to touch us and to say stupid
comments.
-It’s serious what you say, darling. But you have to be quite sure
of what you are saying.
-I’m not ready to say it’s him, says Arlene thinking of her few
diners with him.
-Why?, enquirers Danyele.
-Because..well if you want to know the truth, I’m starting to know
Victor, he is a really good guy. He just doesn’t have it with girls but when
you give him a chance...he is not a bad guy after all.
- I think the same thing, says Lolitta. I work with him in the back
and ...I have to admit, I think the same as Arlene. It can not be Victor.
-We can also say it’s the captain, Mike, George, Youssef, David or
Max!
-For the moment, says Danyele I suggest you change room and don’t
mention it to no body beside us. We will see afterwards.
-Yes, but Lorenzo will find out.
-You can not tell him either, says Xénia.
-Ah!, yes, what am I going to say to him when I see him and he can
no longer reach me in my room?, asks Jade.
-Invent something, says Louise.
-Like what?, asks Jade louder. No!, forget this, I’m positive it’s
not him. The guy even talk to him while he was at my place. He said to him to
enjoy it because soon it will be his
turn and that I belong to him.
-What! He is crazy this guy, a maniac! It’s serious, says Chanel
very worry. You have to find out who it is as fast as you can before something
dangerous happen to you.
-He is a psycho!, says Josey. You can leave your skin!
-Don’t forget that this guy is among us, says Danyele. You really
can not stay alone, Jade.
I’m sure it’s the guy who fallowed me in Kuwait, she says.
- Yes, says Danyele but we never manage to found out oho he was.
Another reason to let us know that this guy is a crew member.
-Hey! I don’t believe it, says Louise. We work together for almost
two months, we study together, it’s almost impossible that he didn’t do what he
had to do well before now.
-What do you mean Louise, asks Jade nervous.
-Wake up darling!, answers Tiffany for her. To rape you or to kill
you.
-WO!, exclaims Xénia who is starting to be very afraid. You really
push it.
-Hello!, wake up Xénia, Jade too. What Tiffany says is completely
right.
-Why do you think he would call you?, asks Danyele.
-Just to scared her, answers Xénia, looking at her engagement ring.
-And what next? Come on think guys. Jade has a serious problem.
-Okay tell Lorenzo, says Danyele taking charge of the problem. And
if you do receive other phone calls well than it’s Lorenzo.
-Darling!, you conclude too fast. No, if the guy is able to retrace
her every where she goes, he can find her again.
-I have it!, screams Louise.
-Ah!! Not so loud, complains Arlene.
-Listen, it’s simple. The guy at the reception is very friendly and
speaks a very good English. He could help us retrace the phone call.
-Yes it make sense, says Danyele but we need something else if it
doesn’t work or if the guy doesn’t work at the reception that night what than?
Does he telephone at night only.
-No, answers Jade, morning, afternoon evening even nights.
-Carramba!, now I’m very
scared. We absolutely have to find this guy. We need to check all the in and
out of all the guys. If we are somewhere we need to write them who we saw and
at what time.
-And Jade, says Chanel, make sur you note at what time this guy is
calling you.
-Perfect, I think it’s going to work, says Jade a bit relieve.
-I will go see the receptionist with you and we will go change your
room right after the training, says Louise.
-Come on, says Xénia trying to cheer the girls and herself put us
some Arabic music so we exercise our little belly. It’s really good for
abdominal and it will change our mind.
-Okay, it’s starting!
They dance until total exhaustion.
That night during the
flight, all the girls had decided to interrogate
all the male crew members.
The next morning, there is no one at the gym. They are dead beat. Jade received
another phone call. She is really devastate and decides to change room a second
time and not to advise Lorenzo this time.
The girls decided to do the same scenario on board their next flight
and push a lot more their questions of enquiry.
The night come, the crew fly to Nigeria and the girls concluded after their numerous
interrogation that there was nothing abnormal with the guys.
The next afternoon, Danyele receives a phone
call.
-Hello
-Hello! Danyele, it’s Karim, how are you?
-Fine and you ?, asks Danyele happy to hear from him.
-I know you are free today so how would you like to go horse back
riding, you and your sister and your friend. My sister Zeenab is coming, she
really found you all very friendly. We would come and pick you up at the hotel
in one hour.
-Perfect, answers Danyele. I will pass on the message.
She hangs up right away and dials Louise’s number.
-Guess what? She says all excited we are going horse back riding in
one hour. Be ready, I’m going to call Tiffany.
She calls Tiffany without wasting a second.
-Tiffany!
Yes, hello, she answers all sleepy.
-You are sleeping! Wake up in
one hour, Karim is coming to pick us up to go riding.
-What! He doesn’t give us much time to prepare, says Tiffany.
-Well, are you coming or what?, asks Danyele in a hurry to get
ready.
-What kind of question is that?, You can count on me, I’ll be there.
One hour later, the three of them are in the lobby.
-Hallan!, says Zeenab when she sees them. Are you ready?
-Yes, let’s go, says Danyele excited.
-Where is Karim, asks Tiffany who find him attractive.
-He is in the car waiting. We took the jeep, it’s easier to drive in
the desert than the limo. Hurry, we have to rush to get out, okay. Let me look
out first.
She places her scarf on her head and gets out to make sure no ones
sees them going inside the jeep with men.
-Let’s go, no one is watching, says Zeenab who is signalling them.
Karim is at the wheel of the Cherokee. He wears jeans like an American but his friend sitting in
front is wearing a white tunic and the eternal scarf on his head.
Hello!, says Karim. Let me present you Sharoud. He is also a pilot
with Saudi Airline.
-Hallan!, answers the
girls, happy to meet this gorgeous looking guy.
-Karim told me a lot about you already.
They leave the hotel. Karim chooses an Arabic CD to put on and than
adjusts his car-mirror.
-Shit! A Matawa jeep,
screams Karim at the wheel. He bangs it real hard and start talking in Arabic.
-Turn there, orders Sharoud. Hurry, he says has scared as the girls
in the back. They are afraid to be cut with girls and than to be punish too.
Louise can not believe it just few minutes sitting in the car that
those god dam Matawa showed up.
Louise is once more in big trouble. She holds Danyele by the arm.
-You shouldn’t of put your tunic on, reproaches Zeenab to Sharoud.
-Shot up!, orders Karim who is driving full speed to escape them and
excuse yourself to Sharoud and respect him Zeenab, it’s an order.
The girls look at each not knowing what to do about all this. Zeenab
excuses herself in Arabic. She holds Danyele hands to told her that everything
is fine. They drive for a good fifteen minutes before getting red of the
Matawa. They drive at a crazy speed long after the Matawa had disappear just to
make sure they really out of sight.
Karim finally slows down a little.
-We are really in the middle of the desert now, says Tiffany to
brake the silent. She is also nervous about what just happen and to see no
house around at all.
-Yes, answers Karim, we are going to drive like this for a good half
hour before seeing the stable.
-Half hour!, says Louise who is scared still.
-You didn’t think that we were going to ride in the middle of the
city, says Sharoud laughing.
-No of course, answers Danyele looking at her sister to reassure he.
-Are you hungry, asks Zeenab. Karim we could stop to eat something. I brought...
-No, it’s out of the question! Saad is waiting for us and he doesn’t
like when we arrive late.
-Yes, it’s true, says Zeenab who realizes that her brother is still
angry at her.
Sharoud is trying to relax the atmosphere by getting some
information about the working condition, the long hours of flying that they are
also doing at Air Nation.
-Well as we can see the airline company are all the same really,
realizes Sharoud, there is unfairness every where. All the crew members, pilots
and flight attendants should get together to ask to be payed at the moment they
start their briefing until the moment they leave the plane, don’t you think so?
-We are here finally, says Karim seeing Saad’s house.
There is an enormous fence delimiting the sumptuous domain.
After presenting themselves to the armed guard, Karim drives up to
the front of the gigantesque house and horn his klaxon. Sharoud gets off the
jeep right away to salute Saad.
The girls gets out at their turns fallowing Zeenab.
-Welcome to my house!, wishes Saad another good looking Arab with
Persian blue eyes. Come, I will show you the most beautiful creatures on earth.
He is very proud of his horses as much as his dad. There are almost
a hundred of them inside a paddock and even more inside another one and as much
inside the stable. The floor of the stable is completely covered with carpets
from wall to wall. At least twenty employees are busy cleaning up the place.
You could even eat on the ground if you wanted too. This place is immaculate.
-So, what do you think?, asks Saad to his guests.
-I never saw so many horses at the same place, they are as great as
the others, says Tiffany enchanted.
-You have superb animals. It’s certainly the nicest
I’ve seen in the entire world, says Danyele quite stunt.
-So, would you like to ride one of them.
He claps his hands and gives the order to saddle seven horses.
Zeenab removes her abbaya
and her veil right away. She wears an elegant riding uniform. Her brother is
furious and looks at her with a contemptuous look.
-What! You don’t think I’m going to ride with this, she says to him,
and them too, come on.
-Don’t worry Karim. Sharoud and I are married and we don’t have any
intention to take your sister for seconds. Without offending you my dear
Zeenab, your character and your behaviour are as wild as my horse.
-Well okay, says Karim.
Zeenab signals the girls to take off their abbaya.
-Give me this one, she says to Saad, showing him a beautiful nervous
white pure bred.
They pick their mount and direct themselves outside. The horses are
very nervous and dance trotting with their head real high.
-The day is wonderful, don’t you think?, asks Tiffany and your
horses are really amazing. Ah! It’s wonderful to be here.
After fifteen minutes of walking with their horses to warm them up,
Saad screams:
-Canter everyone!, Show me how little Canadians like you can ride a
horse. Fallow me , we are going to go up the hill over there.
-Let’s go girls, says Danyele who starts galloping.
They stop after a good hour to let their horses take a breather and
to admirer the view.
-It’s so great! Do you mind if I take some photos?, ask Louise to
Saad.
-No, not at all. It’s an honour.
-My dad would be full of joy to be here and see
your majestic animals. He loves riding too
After fifteen minutes of
rest, they go back on their horses.
-They are very prime, remarks Tiffany and they are well raised.
-Yes it’s true. My dad raises them one by one, even the one I own.
There is no one better than him to do it. He is quite gifted with the animals.
-Incredible!, exclaims Daniele.
-But he must not know that some women ride his horse he would have a
fist.
-Why ?, asks Louise.
-Women don’t ride horses, here. There is only Zeenab and some women
with no brain like her that does it, explains Karim. Excuse me ladies but in
our country, a woman well raise doesn’t ride but Zeenab study in Europe, so
that’s why she was spoiled and my dad can not do anything about It, he’s ‘s the one who send her to England to study,
so what do you want him to say?
-Hum!, that he is proud of her daughter, answers Louise. She is a
doctor you know and she rides quite well.
-Yes, but do you know a father who would tell his daughter that he
is proud of her?, asks Zeenab bringing up his mount to show her talent of
rider.
-No, answers Danyele right away. We have the proof at home. Don’t
worry Zeenab, it’s like this every where in the world.
-It’s the same at my house too, answers Tiffany.
-It’s sad, don’t you think girls, says Zeenab sadly.
-Yes, screams Danyele galloping full speed while the others are
still trotting slowly.
Suddenly, we can hear shot guns. The horses are panicking. They
can’t be hold properly. Louise has a hard time holding her horse. She turns on
the spot trying to control her mount. Tiffany’s horse is bow-legged in the air.
Karim his holding her sister’s bridle to retain her horse. We can hear the shot
guns repetitiously.
-What’s going on?, screams Tiffany holding her horse the best as she
can. The animals are getting wild.
Danyele, who was way up front, can not control her horse at all. He
just left like a bullets.
“I will never get this horse to stop,” she says to herself holding on as best as she can.
Her horse finally slows down
just a little bit after a while and seems to have calm down. Saad and Sharoud
gallop full speed trying to get to her side but once more those terrible shot
guns are starting again.
-Shit!, screams Louise. These are real gun shots or what? Help my
sister, screams Louise. She is going to get kill or the horse is going to
through her down.
-It doesn’t make sense, screams Tiffany stepping on the spot with
her horse.
-Stay here, orders Karim who had stayed with them to protect them.
They are going to meet her don’t worry they are very good riders. Make sure you
keep control of your horses that’s all and stay far away from the noise of the
guns.
-What’s going on?, asks Zeenab to her brother.
Karim answers her in Arabic so the girls can not understand the
answer.
Danyele arrives near the house at full speed trying as much as she
can to hold on the horse but she doesn’t have any control over him.
-Oh!, she is going directly towards the fence, screams Tiffany. It’s
horrible!
-I never saw something like this, explains Karim. She will never
manage to jump that fence. It’s almost two metres high. We have to stop her.
He decides to go catch her too.
-Ah!!, screams Louise, I cannot watch that. She backs up to take out
her camera right away.
-Okay, it’s fine, says Tiffany looking at Danyele jumping the fence
but wait don’t turn yet, there is another fence further up and her bloody horse
is going right there, darling it’s ...
-The horse is completely freaking out because of these shots,
says Zeenab very paranoid.
-Are you crazy or what? This horse is splendid, look at him jump,
exclaims Tiffany. Wow!
-Yes, but what do you do about Danyele?, says Zeenab worry.
-She is a god dam good rider. Look at her. She is going to jump this
but now it’s not quite obvious... there is kind of a hill there or what. I’m
not certain that they are going to make it this time. It’s almost like an
equestrian competition Russian roulette style! Wow! Hold on Danyele!
-Have Allah protect her please, asks Zeenab watching the scene.
Come, let’s go the shots have stop.
-What’s behind the hill, asks Tiffany to Zeenab galloping beside
her. Danyele’s horse is going to stop one day I hope.
-You don’t want to know what’s
behind the hill Tiffany, answers Zeenab trying to go faster than Tiffany
to avoid answering any more question.
Danyele completely exhausted is surprising herself to have succeed that jump.
“But now this obstacle in front of me is like the cherry on the
sundae. I’m dead meat!”
A huge cement wall is in front of her. She tries to change her path
but the horse is still on a panic switch he is going directly there just like a
kamikaze.
“If I stop him,” says Danyele to herself, “I’ll find myself head
first smash on that wall or I push that horse full speed and if I miss it the
horse die too and me of course. Ah! Ah! AH! ”
She grabs the horse the best has she can giving as much pressure
between her leg around the horse stomach and to really make him feel who is the
boss and to force him to jump that wall. She positions all her body against him
real tight and just dash full speed.
“My god! Allah!..Ah! .Ah! .Ah! .Ah! .Ah!”
The horse takes his swing and propels itself in the air for a long
time to try to jump this monstrous obstacle Everyone is waiting, wishing the
horse to succeed but the poor animal hit the jump with his back legs when he
stretches and Danyele looses her balance. She tries to hold on to the horse as
best as she can and tries to really press on the horse to be able to raise
herself up. She succeed and than try to go down forward to make just one with
the horse and finishes to clear the obstacle and to manage to stay on this
purebred bred powerful horse.
Pouf!, the horse falls down on his four legs and finally slow down
his speed to arched himself up in front of a small group of men sitting on a
large carpet. Danyele can not believe it. She did stay on the horse all that time.
She paths the horse to soften him as much as she can and than finally rises up
to see who are those people not to far from her. There are about a dozen of men
who are having tea together. They are sitting and holding their cup not
believing their eyes. It’s a woman on a horse that they have in front of them.
They talk real loud now and point toward her direction.
-How are you?, asks Saad joining her.
-Fine, more scare than anything else, answers Danyele.
The men stand up and get close to her. A man starts clapping in his
hands and the others are doing the same. They scream with joy and talk at the
same time.
-What are they saying?, asks Danyele who doesn’t understand Arabic.
Are they happy because they are going to kill me or what?
-No, he says laughing. They said that you had demonstrated real man
talent, on the other hand ...my dad... the one in the middle is not saying a
thing. I think we should return to the stable.
Saad talks to his dad in Arabic at the same time he turns his mount.
-He seems furious that we interrupted his tea time. Saad tries to
explain the situation to his dad.
-I told him it’s because of the shots we heard. You have to excuse
me Danyele. I think it’s my brother’s fault. He, I’m sure wanted to show me his
disapproval.
-If we knew that the women couldn’t ride we wouldn’t have come,
explains Danyele getting off her horse to walk.
She salutes the men bending down her head and starting to walk in
the direction of the stable.
-Tell your brother, she says stopping from walking. She raises her
voice so the other can hear her too.
-That he should of known better, your horses with your dad’s horses
are the best in the world from my
knowledge and that a pure bred horse never brings down his rider! He just give
her some hard time that’s all. Not bad for a Canadian! You have to admit! No!
Someone is clapping his hands once more. Danyele and Saad turn
around at the same time.
-Ah!! It’s wonderful, my dad doesn’t look mad anymore.
Saad smiles at his dad and waves at him. The others arrived for a
little while ago but had prefer to stay behind and wait for Saad and Danyele to
join them. As soon as they arrive at the stable, Saad gives some orders to the
servant to take care of the horses. He claps in his hands so they can bring him
some tea.
-Saad, says Karim getting off his horse. Your dad told me that you
can join them to have tea with him and
his friend. They are interested in meeting Danyele our heroin of the day.
Saad gives some more orders to the servants to bring everything to
his dad carpet.
They spend the rest of the afternoon chatting with Saad’s dad and
his wonderful friends. His dad is in love with his animals. He knows them all
and explains all the characters of each horse that was in the closes paddock.
-You adore your horses sir and I’m sure they are in
good hands, says Danyele who is listening to him attentively
After fifteen minutes of
rest, they go back on their horses.
-They are very prime, remarks Tiffany and they are well raised.
-Yes it’s true. My dad raises them one by one, even the one I own.
There is no one better than him to do it. He is quite gifted with the animals.
-Incredible!, exclaims Daniele.
-But he must not know that some women ride his horse he would have a
fist.
-Why ?, asks Louise.
-Women don’t ride horses, here. There is only Zeenab and some women
with no brain like her that does it, explains Karim. Excuse me ladies but in
our country, a woman well raise doesn’t ride but Zeenab study in Europe, so
that’s why she was spoiled and my dad can not do anything about It, he’s ‘s the one who send her to England to study,
so what do you want him to say?
-Hum!, that he is proud of her daughter, answers Louise. She is a
doctor you know and she rides quite well.
-Yes, but do you know a father who would tell his daughter that he
is proud of her?, asks Zeenab bringing up his mount to show her talent of
rider.
-No, answers Danyele right away. We have the proof at home. Don’t
worry Zeenab, it’s like this every where in the world.
-It’s the same at my house too, answers Tiffany.
-It’s sad, don’t you think girls, says Zeenab sadly.
-Yes, screams Danyele galloping full speed while the others are
still trotting slowly.
Suddenly, we can hear shot guns. The horses are panicking. They
can’t be hold properly. Louise has a hard time holding her horse. She turns on
the spot trying to control her mount. Tiffany’s horse is bow-legged in the air.
Karim his holding her sister’s bridle to retain her horse. We can hear the shot
guns repetitiously.
-What’s going on?, screams Tiffany holding her horse the best as she
can. The animals are getting wild.
Danyele, who was way up front, can not control her horse at all. He
just left like a bullets.
“I will never get this horse to stop,” she says to herself holding on as best as she can.
Her horse finally slows down
just a little bit after a while and seems to have calm down. Saad and Sharoud
gallop full speed trying to get to her side but once more those terrible shot
guns are starting again.
-Shit!, screams Louise. These are real gun shots or what? Help my
sister, screams Louise. She is going to get kill or the horse is going to
through her down.
-It doesn’t make sense, screams Tiffany stepping on the spot with
her horse.
-Stay here, orders Karim who had stayed with them to protect them.
They are going to meet her don’t worry they are very good riders. Make sure you
keep control of your horses that’s all and stay far away from the noise of the
guns.
-What’s going on?, asks Zeenab to her brother.
Karim answers her in Arabic so the girls can not understand the
answer.
Danyele arrives near the house at full speed trying as much as she
can to hold on the horse but she doesn’t have any control over him.
-Oh!, she is going directly towards the fence, screams Tiffany. It’s
horrible!
-I never saw something like this, explains Karim. She will never
manage to jump that fence. It’s almost two metres high. We have to stop her.
He decides to go catch her too.
-Ah!!, screams Louise, I cannot watch that. She backs up to take out
her camera right away.
-Okay, it’s fine, says Tiffany looking at Danyele jumping the fence
but wait don’t turn yet, there is another fence further up and her bloody horse
is going right there, darling it’s ...
-The horse is completely freaking out because of these shots,
says Zeenab very paranoid.
-Are you crazy or what? This horse is splendid, look at him jump,
exclaims Tiffany. Wow!
-Yes, but what do you do about Danyele?, says Zeenab worry.
-She is a god dam good rider. Look at her. She is going to jump this
but now it’s not quite obvious... there is kind of a hill there or what. I’m
not certain that they are going to make it this time. It’s almost like an
equestrian competition Russian roulette style! Wow! Hold on Danyele!
-Have Allah protect her please, asks Zeenab watching the scene.
Come, let’s go the shots have stop.
-What’s behind the hill, asks Tiffany to Zeenab galloping beside
her. Danyele’s horse is going to stop one day I hope.
-You don’t want to know what’s
behind the hill Tiffany, answers Zeenab trying to go faster than Tiffany
to avoid answering any more question.
Danyele completely exhausted is surprising herself to have succeed that jump.
“But now this obstacle in front of me is like the cherry on the
sundae. I’m dead meat!”
A huge cement wall is in front of her. She tries to change her path
but the horse is still on a panic switch he is going directly there just like a
kamikaze.
“If I stop him,” says Danyele to herself, “I’ll find myself head
first smash on that wall or I push that horse full speed and if I miss it the
horse die too and me of course. Ah! Ah! AH! ”
She grabs the horse the best has she can giving as much pressure
between her leg around the horse stomach and to really make him feel who is the
boss and to force him to jump that wall. She positions all her body against him
real tight and just dash full speed.
“My god! Allah!..Ah! .Ah! .Ah! .Ah! .Ah!”
The horse takes his swing and propels itself in the air for a long
time to try to jump this monstrous obstacle Everyone is waiting, wishing the
horse to succeed but the poor animal hit the jump with his back legs when he
stretches and Danyele looses her balance. She tries to hold on to the horse as
best as she can and tries to really press on the horse to be able to raise
herself up. She succeed and than try to go down forward to make just one with
the horse and finishes to clear the obstacle and to manage to stay on this
purebred bred powerful horse.
Pouf!, the horse falls down on his four legs and finally slow down
his speed to arched himself up in front of a small group of men sitting on a
large carpet. Danyele can not believe it. She did stay on the horse all that time.
She paths the horse to soften him as much as she can and than finally rises up
to see who are those people not to far from her. There are about a dozen of men
who are having tea together. They are sitting and holding their cup not
believing their eyes. It’s a woman on a horse that they have in front of them.
They talk real loud now and point toward her direction.
-How are you?, asks Saad joining her.
-Fine, more scare than anything else, answers Danyele.
The men stand up and get close to her. A man starts clapping in his
hands and the others are doing the same. They scream with joy and talk at the
same time.
-What are they saying?, asks Danyele who doesn’t understand Arabic.
Are they happy because they are going to kill me or what?
-No, he says laughing. They said that you had demonstrated real man
talent, on the other hand ...my dad... the one in the middle is not saying a
thing. I think we should return to the stable.
Saad talks to his dad in Arabic at the same time he turns his mount.
-He seems furious that we interrupted his tea time. Saad tries to
explain the situation to his dad.
-I told him it’s because of the shots we heard. You have to excuse
me Danyele. I think it’s my brother’s fault. He, I’m sure wanted to show me his
disapproval.
-If we knew that the women couldn’t ride we wouldn’t have come,
explains Danyele getting off her horse to walk.
She salutes the men bending down her head and starting to walk in
the direction of the stable.
-Tell your brother, she says stopping from walking. She raises her
voice so the other can hear her too.
-That he should of known better, your horses with your dad’s horses
are the best in the world from my
knowledge and that a pure bred horse never brings down his rider! He just give
her some hard time that’s all. Not bad for a Canadian! You have to admit! No!
Someone is clapping his hands once more. Danyele and Saad turn
around at the same time.
-Ah!! It’s wonderful, my dad doesn’t look mad anymore.
Saad smiles at his dad and waves at him. The others arrived for a
little while ago but had prefer to stay behind and wait for Saad and Danyele to
join them. As soon as they arrive at the stable, Saad gives some orders to the
servant to take care of the horses. He claps in his hands so they can bring him
some tea.
-Saad, says Karim getting off his horse. Your dad told me that you
can join them to have tea with him and
his friend. They are interested in meeting Danyele our heroin of the day.
Saad gives some more orders to the servants to bring everything to
his dad carpet.
They spend the rest of the afternoon chatting with Saad’s dad and
his wonderful friends. His dad is in love with his animals. He knows them all
and explains all the characters of each horse that was in the closes paddock.
-You adore your horses sir and I’m sure they are in
good hands, says Danyele who is listening to him attentively
I thank you. You will now excuse us for a moment, because it’s time
for the prayer. Go with Zeenab inside.
The men sneak away a little further to face the
Mecca and start praying. The girls enter the stable and admirer once more those
beautiful creature
After the prayers, they return to the city. The girls are so happy to have this
opportunity to ride real Arabic horses right in the middle of the desert that
they can’t stop thanking their hosts.
-I will call you soon, says Zeenab.
They go inside the hotel and hurry to get in the elevator before
anyone from the crew sees them.
-You wouldn’t believe what I have with me?, asks them Louise
arriving on their floor.
-What?, asks Danyele.
-Great shots of you on your horse...
-No!, ask Danyele, You didn’t do that.
-Yes, while Zeenab was talking to Tiffany, I took some great
pictures of you and especially the guy discharging is machine-gun up in the
air. They were three guys. I could take them with my zoom. They look that they
had a blast scaring us off.
-I don’t recall seeing you taking pictures, says Tiffany a bit
surprise.
-You will give me the doubles and I’m sure Saad would love to have
his brother in action.
Danyele opens he door.
-Ah!!, she screams. Someone
came in my room!
The girls approach to have a better look.
-Wow!, says Tiffany. It’s not any one who did that! You are being
spoiled, she says entering Danyele’s room. Who could have send you those
flowers There must be at lease four dozen of rose, here. It’s
sublime, remark Tiffany who is looking for a card.
Danyele is flabbergasted and is still at the door of her room
letting the other twos to look around.
-Look some more flowers in the washroom. There must be now six
dozen. It’s incredible!, Danyele, says Louise. It’s your charming prince that
is sending you all these beautiful flowers, that’s all.
-Ya, says Tiffany intrigue but they didn’t leave you a card.
She sits down on a chair and lights up a cigarette.
-What!, it’s impossible, says Danyele who finally enters her own
room. Look again.
-There is none, says Louise.
Call the concierge instead, he will tell you who brought these flowers to your
room.
-The girls wait. Without wasting any second, Danyele calls the
receptionist to question him and ask if he can verify with the concierge.
Danyele waits on the line and afterward hangs up showing a grin.
-he says...he says that the person prefers to keep this anonymous.
-My God!, exclaims Louise. It’s maybe Saad dad or himself! Karim and
or Sharoub... they wouldn’t have the time unless...well it can be anyone!,
concludes Louise perplex.
-Don’t worry. They are wonderful bouquets of flowers, admirer them,
says Tiffany and don’t make a drama out of it.
-It could be Marouan, your Kuwaiti prince, says Louise.
-Chut!, you always screams when you are excited, says Danyele to her
sister. Yes you are right it could be him but ...no, how would he have the name
of the hotel and on top of that I only posted my card yesterday, no it’s not
him.
The phone rings. Danyele hesitates before picking up the phone. The
girls show her to hurry to take the call.
-Yes, hello, answers Danyele softly.
But no one is on the phone.
-Hello, she says louder, who is it?
She hears a click and than hangs up
There was no one on the line and Jade told me it started like this.
Arlene receives some phone calls too...
No one is saying a word for at lease a good minute.
-Shit!, yells Danyele suddenly. Don’t tell me it could be David!
-Are you nuts or what Danyele!. David wouldn’t hurt a fly, why do
you say something like this?, asks Tiffany who is lighting up another
cigarette.
-I concentrated all my energy the other night on David when we flew
to Karachi. Maybe he suspected something who knows?
-Ah!! Ah!! Danyele. I have difficulties believing in what you are
saying, says Louise.
-Don’t forget darlings, that he all took us by surprise when he
attack the skin heads in England.
-Ah!, Ah!! But that has nothing to do with a maniac who spend his
time phoning women, says Louise shaking her head. Not at all. Do you have
anything to drink in your fridge?, asks Louise opening up the fridge.
-Mmm! Look. Do you want to drink something Tiffany?
Louise gets out three cans of coke.
-Who is it?, asks Danyele wondering.
The telephone rings again.
Dring! Dring!
-Ah!! Screams Louise jumping.
-Stop scaring me, says Danyele angry.
-My God Danyele!, it only made me jump, that’s all, I can not help
it, exclaims Louise.
Danyele stands up to go answer the phone.
-No!, orders Tiffany. Don’t answer. He knows you are here. Let the
operator take the message.
-Good idea Tiffany!, says Louise. Don’t answer Danyele, Tiffany is
right.
Dring! Dring! Dring!
Dring| ....
-Shit!, how many more rings, says Danyele stressed out.
Dring! Dring! Dring!
Dring! ...
The girls look at each other worry and very nervous.
-Well!, finally it stopped darlings. Why don’t we go eat, that will
sure change us our mind from all this.
-Ah!! Why don’t we eat here, like this we could talk about our day
and relax between the three of us.
-Stop screaming Louise. You scare us each time.
-But we have to note the time of this call, we never know.
-Yes, you are right, says Danyele. It is six o’clock. I wouldn’t
mind eating here, that will change from going down to that miserable place, and
I would like to eat something like home, like a big fat greasy hamburger. It
will give me back my confidence, I don’t know, comfort food! Is there such a
thing!
-Perfect, I call, says
Danyele.
-I don’t mind eating in this garden either, did you smell those
roses they are incredible.
After eating like three little pigs, the telephone rings again.
Dring! Dring!
The girl are frightened. They are very chock that he is calling
again.
-We didn’t even call back the receptionist to found out who was he.
That is dumb, says Louise. I guess we were to hungry.
-Danyele don’t answer, says Tiffany.
-Yes, but what if it is urgent, we don’t know or we have to do a
flight!, we have to answer, she says picking up the phone. Hello!
-Hello Danyele!
-Karim!, asks Danyele.
-No! It’s Marouan.
-Marouan! How did you find me?, asks Danyele happy to hear from him.
-I call at your parents house.
-No, really!
-Yes, I try to call you earlier but I had a hard time getting the
line.
-Do you remember around what time?, asks Danyele.
-Yes, around six.
-No really, it was you.
She looks at the girls with a sad grin on her face.
-Yes, Did you receive my flowers?
-Yes, they are very nice. Thank-you so much. Wait a second Marouan,
would you. Hey! Girls get out of here, it’s Marouan who call before, so get
out.
Louise and Tiffany get out the room laughing like hell.
-I don’t believe it, says Louise.
-Yes me either. We made this up. I think our nerves are well sharp, too sharp. We better go to
bed.
-Yes, you are right, it was quite a day, very edgy from the minute
we got on board the jeep until we enter that room.
Louise opens up Danyele’s room and takes a picture of her on the
phone with all the flowers inside her room.
-Good night darling.
-Good night Tif!
The crew fly non stop for three consecutive nights. Everyone is
exhausted and no one is showing up at the gym, let me tell you they have done
enough exercise on board.
After a complete day of good rest and a good night sleep, the female
members go back to their routine at the gym.
-Can you believe what happen to us?, asks Arlene to Louise.
-No what?
-I finally decided to go out of this hotel with Chanel and Lolitta
to go buy some juice and some great fruits. Conclusion, we went to do a little
grocery. We were wearing our abbaya
and we took care of putting the veil on too but as soon as we got on the taxi
on the way back, we remove our veil and our scarf because it was really hot and
well, imagine... she explains slowly. While we were in the cab, waiting for the
light to change to green the taxi driver starts talking to us but we didn’t
understand.
-And than, says Josey taking her place. A man got out of his jeep
and directed himself towards our taxi very rapidly. He opened up the front door
and started to yelled at us like a maniac.
-Aie! Carramba! It was
horrible! He was screaming like a psychopath. He wanted us to cover ourselves
and our face, precise Lolitta. He looked so horrifying. Ah! he scared me so
much Carramba!
-He was real ugly, adds Arlene. You must of been pretty scared
Louise the other night.
-Luckily, says Chanel that our door was lock because I wonder what
he would of done to us. Ah!! I rather not think about it. We still have two
more days to go before we are being replace by another crew and than we leave
for Jeddah!! Yaou! I hope that we will not have problem like this there, says
Chanel. They are pretty ugly beast those Matawas. Euf! Euf! Euf!
Chanel is coughing a lot and doesn’t look to good.
-Are you sick?, remarks Danyele.
-Ah! Ah! It’s just a bad cold. It will pass.
-You should put some tiger bond and go to the sauna, suggests Xénia.
-Listen, if you don’t feel better, says Danyele I know this woman
doctor. She could prescribe you something.
-I will be fine, says Chanel still coughing. I will go see my own
private doctor, once I’m back home.
-Listen Chanel darling, you must take care of yourself right away.
You don’t think your nice prince charming will like to catch up on the time
lost instead of playing doctor again with you. No! You have to get back on your
feet and be in real good shape before you arrive in Montreal.
-Tiffany is right you know, says Danyele. I will go see that doctor
with you. You will see she is very nice.
-Listen, says Jade coming in all upset. I’m fed up with this I can
no longer cop with these phone call I want to go home. Did anyone found out who
it was? Ask Jade in despair. I receive three phone calls and now I’m not
changing room again, I’m tired.
She starts crying. She has had enough. She can’t get all the rest
she needs. Her eyes are all puff up. She doesn’t look to good either.
-We need to talk to Max, says Xénia. It’s too serious and no one
arrive with an answer or found the criminal.
-Perfect, tonight let’s all go to Max room, says Xénia.
-Well no, says Josey, you forgot it’s not possible.
-Ah! it’s true.
-Listen, says Xénia. I’m going to call him and we will give him an
appointment half an hour before the pick up.
-Good idea.
During that time, the guys are enjoying every single minute at the pool. Lorenzo
tries as much to elucidate this problem but he doesn’t get anywhere either. He
talks to the guys of the crew but doesn’t mention it to Jade thinking it was
not worth it to alarm her with this.
-Listen Lorenzo, says Youssef laying down next to him. Don’t you
think this little Jade is making fun of you?
-Youssef, my brother. You are my brother or not?
-Yes.
-Well stop your stupid questions. Okay man! He says upset.
-So, tell me, why don’t we do a round of the table? proposes David
laying down on the other side of Lorenzo, adjusting his sun glasses. Really
dud, all we have to say is why it can
not be us. Do you want me to start.
-Go ahead, says Victor interested by this little game putting down
his magazine on the table and lighting a
cigarette.
-Well with one condition, everyone is doing it that’s all, says
David sure of himself.
-It’s easy to say but we are missing a lot of players here.,
realizes Lorenzo.
-Let’s start with us, says Youssef. Go ahead David.
-Okay. I just finish a relation. It’s not easy to live through this.
It’s me who was not needed anymore so that’s even harder on the moral. So since
I have problem of my own, I certainly don’t have time to phone Jade and play
tricks on her. That’s all I have to say for my defence. Go on Youssef.
-Listen, it’s not me either. Me when I call a girl it’s to have sex
with her. I don’t have time to waist and play boys trick. No I’m a real man.
-Yeah!! By the way, asks David. Tell us about that little Egyptian
girl.
-Ah!! It’s over. I’m with the nicest of them now.
-Which one?
-She is from the Philippines. We are getting away from the subject,
it’s your turn Victor, says Youssef. You seem to be the number one ideal
suspect.
-Why do you say that?, piece of...god dam Youssef. You always think
you are stronger than me.
-Wo! Wo! Calm down Victor, don’t start like this explain yourself
instead.
-Hey, it’s true that I almost hit on all the girl from the crew,
admits Victor but there is no one who is
interested except one...
-Yeah! we all know with the way you work your way on girls, says
Youssef there is no girl who would like a guy like you. You scared them off
Victor! I have doubts about you. I can not help it. You approach is a non sense, I pity you! And what I don’t
understand is you told us you were Italian, it’s hard to believe really my
brother!
-Hey!, says David, my mother is Italian, and that makes me half
Italian so cut it out and calm down guys.
-Hey! That’s enough! I told you except one! If you didn’t cut me off
while I was talking mister the gigolo, you would of known that Arlene is
interested in me.
-Ah!, Ah!, Ah!, everyone starts laughing.
-It’s true bunch of idiots!, says Victor enrage that no one is
taking him seriously.
-What makes you believe that, Victor?, says Youssef. Because...he
says changing his voice to make fun of
him, Because you carried her in your arms to her room and that she let herself
being carried by you! You think she is interested in you! Ah!, Ah!, Ah!
-No, I went out with her, more than once, admits Victor to show them
they were all wrong.
-No, tell us, asks David surprised.
-Well, that’s good, concludes Lorenzo. It’s no you guys , who is it
than?
-Wait, you didn’t talk about you, says Victor talking to Lorenzo.
-Well, come on, I was even at her home when this wacky called. He
even told me to enjoy her because Jade will be hers soon.
-Wo! This guy his sick, says Youssef. So who do we have left...there
there...Max.
He arrives with his towel.
-Hi everyone! Another wonderful day in the country of Laurence of
Arabia.
He installs himself on a long chair and applies some sun tan lotion
Lorenzo explains him what is going on briefly and Max open-mounted
doesn’t know what to tell him.
-You went around enquiring everyone?, asks Max concern.
-No not quite. We have you and the pilots.
-Me!, he says laughing. It’s nice but did you forget on which side
of the fence I am.
-A nut case is a nut case, says David.
-How can you think a minute that I could do stuff like this? I’m a
very busy man you know, here in Saudi I’m a very popular guy.
-Yes, I saw that, says Lorenzo. How was your night with your new boy?, he asks to make him feel
good.
-The supervisor of the catering!
-Yes in fact, he doesn’t have his tongue in his pocket. You should
see where he leaves. These guys make a god dam good salary. He even has a
chauffeur that comes and picks him to go to work every morning. They are very
well taking care of. And don’t ask me how they manage to enter alcohol in this
country but I haven’t the slightest idea.
You could of invited us to your little party you jerk, says Lorenzo.
-Yes, Lorenzo is right. When we had this golden occasion in Kuwait
my brother, I invited you all to join me, says Youssef angry to know about
this.
-Let me get the time to prepare this. It’s coming anyway. Well, like
I was saying he made me king feat. Caviar for entry with real French Champagne,
than his cook prepared, yes can you imagine he has is own cook and he is only a
supervisor and he has a servant too. Anyway! We had shark steak prepared on the
B.B.Q. with nice Chardonnay and after we had dessert there was enough dessert
for an entire 747. We tasted all of that
with a nice Arabiaca coffee and a good cognac.
-Oh! That’s too much, says David. You are a real pork !
-No, it’s forbidden in a Muslim country.
-Wait! Tststst! It’s not finish. I had the right to have a real good
massage and than we took a nice Jacuzzi. Good Lord! The rest is confidential.
-Really, remarks Lorenzo. You are lucky Max! For a guy who didn't
want to get involve in another relationship. You have Louis waiting for you in
Montréal, you had Ali in Kuwait and now this one, what’s his name?
-Sali, but I didn’t told you about the guy in Bombay who was coming
to clean my room. Well Anyway! like you can see Lorenzo, I have quite a very
busy life, now.
-Tell me Max, I’m curious, in England, in Paris do you also have one
there too?, asks Youssef surprised.
-When I had a steady boyfriend I was very faithful,
you can trust me. I must admit that my return on the market is quite
satisfying. Ah!! It’s so much fun! He says
whispering like a girl. I’m as popular as before. It’s good for the
spirit!
-My brother, says Youssef you really look like me except you and
me...well you know...
-Ah! Ah! Candies, we need candies a lot of candies! I understand
you, says Max, I forgot how good it was
ouh!, it’s so good but what about you here, Youssef you must be in punishment staying here that
long without sex, no?
The guys look at each others. Victor stands up to put a little more
pressure on Youssef, but he decides not to say anything to Max and just lights up
another cigarette.
-Listen, Max, what are we doing about Jade? We are left with the
pilots, says David.
-Good lord!, says Max, I almost forget about her. Now, I really
don’t imagine the captain doing a thing like this. He has enough problem to fix
already in his private life.
-Why do you say that?, asks David surprised.
-You don’t know!, exclaims Max.
-Me either, what are you talking about, ask Lorenzo.
-Come on you guys! Good Lord! The captain might loose his wife she
asked for divorce and the latest news he doesn’t digest at all. He is quite
depress about it.
-Well, well, it’s good to hear, says David smiling.
-It’s so mean what you are saying David, says Victor taking a very
long puff of cigarette.
-No, I meant...I wanted to say simply that...that I feel happy to
hear that I’m not the only one to be ditch, so it gives me a little bit of
courage. I thought, well...forget about what I thought! Anyway! Continue Max.
We now know that it is not the captain, he is too upset. I just hope he doesn’t
feel like crashing the aircraft with us because he is so depress, you know what
I mean guys. So, let’s not talk about this. What about Mike or George.
-Ah!, says Lorenzo disgusted. I rather not think about it, man!
-Well Mike, says Youssef taking the time to think. No, well all the
girls are running after him so why would he spend time doing stupid things like
this when he can have all the girls he wants.
-Wait a minute man, says Lorenzo. He might have a good motive. He
slept with Tiffany, Arlene...
-He spend the night with Danyele, adds David.
-Good lord!, exclaims Max surprised.
-Yes, she told me but nothing happen, explains David.
-Who else?
-No nobody.
-Well, it doesn’t make sense. If I conclude, we are left with George.
-George!, exclaims the guys discouraged to come to a conclusion like
this.
-Ah!! It’s not his style, says Victor who is lighting up another
cigarette.
-There are no style for types of individual like this. If the hat
fits they wear it, says Youssef to Victor who is still not to sure about him.
You know, I’m not sure about this, that it’s no you Victor. I just remember
what you offer Louise in the elevator in Rome and the remarks you said to
Chanel and when you play a trick on Danyele...
Youssef doesn’t give Victor a chance to answer and decides to dive
in the pool to cool off forgetting a small detail...
-Well we are not going to have a fight between us, says Max. Victor
is too busy trying to seduce Arlene.
The guys look at each other stunt by Max comments
that reinforces what Victor told them earlier.
-We will talk about it later, say Lorenzo deceive. I have a tennis
match with the captain.
-Don’t say a word about this, asks Max. They can not find out that
we are suspecting them.
Youssef gets out of the pool in a hurry. He dries himself up and
leaves without saying goodbye.
Danyele decides to bring Chanel to the hospital. She is really sick,
They go there to meet Zeenab. After ten minutes, Zeenab arrives.
-Haalan! I received your
message that you would come and see me here. I was worry.
-Yes, since I know you work here, I thought it would be best if it
was you who could see Chanel. Chanel, let me present you Zeenab.
-You have a problem.
-Yes, I cough a lot.
-Come with me. It’s funny I saw a colleague of yours last night.
-Who?, asks Chanel and Danyele surprise and curious to know who it
was.
-He speaks Arabic, comments Zeenab.
-What does he have?, asks Chanel.
-It’s confidential and I can not give you the name either.
Danyele and Chanel look at each other and start laughing.
-Well, he should of know better, when you gather so many flowers
well this is what can happen to you, says Chanel.
-Hum!, remarks Danyele, we are thinking the same thing...
-You are good for deductions, admits Zeenab laughing but I can not
still tell you anything. Come Chanel in my office, I will examine you.
-So what do you have?, asks Louise when she sees Danyele and Chanel
getting off the taxi.
-A beginning of bronchitis but I went to see her just in times. She
gave me some prescription to take and told me not to fly but between me and you
girls I’m fine and I just have a small cough. I have the intention of
completing all my hours. We are almost done here and tomorrow we are going to
Jeddah!. The ocean, will do me good, you will see, I will be on my feet in no time.
It’s too dry here too much sand maybe that’s why I’m coughing.
The next morning, in the hotel lobby, it’s hysteria.
-We are now finally free!, screams Louise leaving the hotel.
-Ah! Ah! It’s only a conditional liberation, explains Max
sitting in the bus. You forgot that we
have to come back here another two weeks before leaving for Canada.
-Max!, she says, I will put your head on the stake on the public
place to have said such a cruel thing.
-You could of shot up!, declare Arlene real angry at him.
-Max to the stake! Max to the stake!, scream the girls in the bus.
-We will be there and take picture of you, says Xénia.
-You don’t know how it feel to be able to see the sun after two
weeks when it’s 130 degree out there and to have a chance to go swimming.
-You are not force to wear the abbaya
and a scarf in the middle of the day, you are a moron Max, no support from You,
says Josey.
-Who is the moron?, asks again Jade.
-Everyone repeat once more: Max!
-O.k. says Max getting off the bus, I apologize. Do your check and
hurry up to come up front for the briefing. We still have a good day Ahead of
us.
It’s almost ten o’clock at
night when they arrive in Jeddah.
-The hotel is less cold more easy going than in Ryad, explains Max
giving the keys to the crew members. There is a few rooms facing the red sea
but unfortunately, they are reserve for the pilots. L’Albillad Hotel is like a
club med for the Arabs. The girls have the right to use the swimming pool at
certain hours and they go to the private beach of the hotel at any time and
shop at the souk.
Jeddah! is less strict than Ryad but again you can make fun of the matawa rules. O.k. We pick you up
tomorrow morning, seven o’clock. Have fun girls!
-Have fun, says Chanel coughing still. It’s eleven at night and we
have to wake up at six.
-Hey! It’s not even eight hours sleep, says Lolitta Carramba!
-Of course, dear, it’s like that, says Max.
-Come on, says Xénia. You know dam well it’s not the time you arrive
at your room but the time the aircraft lands on the ground, explains Xénia
getting off the elevator.
-But, it should be a good point to bring to the negotiation table,
says Danyele holding on the doors.
-Good night!, says Xénia.
The next morning, Max finishes his briefing
on the aircraft.
- ...well that’s it for safety guys. We are lucky today. We are
working during the day. We are going to Moscow and come back. That’s it, it’s
an easy day. Have a good day everyone be vigilant with the luggage and please
smile! That’s all for today.
Three long hours of flying
pass by when suddenly, George finds out that one of
the engine has an oil leak. Just few minutes before he mentions it to the
pilots that he realizes there is another problem.
-Son of a bitch! The other engine is leaving us too captain!, says
George.
-Nice going!, confirms Mike at his turn. A little day who is going
to be a long one.
-Okay captain, are you ready for the check list.
-We have no other alternative than to land as fast as we can, says
the captain seriously. We have to return to Jeddah! and empty the fuel, he
conclude. Do your counts, he orders, I’m going to signal our problem. I don’t want to find myself in Moscow
with no one to fix this problem.
-Yes, says Mike. It’s too risky.
-And consequently, on the other side...says the captain taking a few
second to think. We have Iraq....that we have to avoid at the most. And...if I
look at our position, we are flying over Iranians mountains. It’s a piece of cake! I prefer no
to take any chances and I mean no chance at all. We don’t have enough time...
The captain tries to take a decision as quick as possible.
-What are your calculations George?, asks Mike. George gives him his
notes.
-Yes, we arrive at the same results, verifies Mike looking at George
numbers. Let’s go back to Jeddah!, it’s more safe that way my captain.
-George, tell Max we are going to proceed to a fuel
dumping (evacuation of the excessive fuel to facilitate the landing in an
abnormal situation), tell him to advise the passengers so they don’t have to
worry. Let’s go gentlemen! We are shooting the engine number one for now and
let’s hope that it will function when the time comes
Now, let’s get busy with the fuel dumping.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
The red light illuminate.
Conference call.
-Listen up everyone. We are returning to Jeddah!. We have an oil
leak on one of the engine. We are going to dump the excess fuel. Don’t worry.
It’s a normal procedure in this case. However, we have another problem the
engine number one is not working but we still have two good engines working.
It’s a good sign, says the captain who finally had prefer to tell the crew
himself. I will give you the necessary information when time permits. Max
advise the passenger that we are returning to Jeddah for mechanical problems.
A lot of passengers are sleeping when Max informs them but those who
are listening to the message are already worry. They walk on the plane
bewildered by the events.
-On which side is Mecca?, asks a man nervously to Youssef.
-One moment, I’m going to inform myself, he says nicely to calm him a
little bit.
Youssef enters the cockpit.
-My captain, says Youssef without waiting for him to address him. I
know you are very busy but we need to tell the passengers where is Mecca. In
which direction they have to pray?
-We don’t have time for a stupidity like this, grumbles George.
-It’s not a stupidity, answers Youssef angry about his comment. You
are transporting Muslim passengers, don’t you forget it. Without them maybe you
would be out of a job. And a prayer can not give us harm either!, says Youssef
talking louder.
Conscious that he went a little bit over board, he tries to take
another approach. Well, let’s just say that it will reassure the passengers and
it will calm them my captain.
No one in the cockpit answer. Youssef tries again.
-They need to pray facing Mecca. You certainly don’t want the
passengers to panic, hey!
-Yes you are right, answers the captain finally.
-Tell them to pray facing the back of the aircraft a little on the
right, explains Mike.
-Thank-you, says Youssef. Maybe their prayers will help us to safe
ourselves, he says closing the door of the flight deck.
Youssef takes the intercom right away to inform the passengers and
to tell them once more not to worry and that everything will be fine.
-What’s going on?, asks Lolitta to Victor. Is their a sudden gold
rush discovery. Everyone is coming to back.
Ding! Ding!
Conference call.
-Put the meals in the ovens and cook them at 350. We are going to
keep them busy. While they eat they are not going to think of the worst,
explains Max to the flight attendants. Lolitta and Lorenzo and also
4 L and 4 R, I want you to
check once and a while the fuel dumping, it’s almost over. If you suspect any
thing, advise the flight deck right away. Thank-you.
In Louise section, one female passenger stands up and starts talking real loud in
Arabic. She stops and than the passengers are answering her all together at the
same time. She continues and the passengers answer even louder. Louise is worry
and goes upstairs.
-Youssef!, she calls going up the stairs. Ah! You to you have
passengers every where praying.
The passengers are on the floor praying in the
direction of Mecca. Listen, I have a woman who is talking very loud
down stair and I’m wondering if she is praying or saying something
important or again just making the passengers to panic even more.
-Stay here, I’m going to see what is going on, says Youssef.
He comes back a few minutes later.
-They are praying. It’s scary no!
-Yes, but luckily, we are on a Boeing 747 and that we have four
engines on this thing.
-Yes, you are right and we have tree hours to go still. We are going
to prepare the cabin, no!
-I imagine. Any way, I’m going to prepare the upper deck just in
case... I rather not think about it.
-Hey! Victor, come and see this, says Arlene looking out watching
the fuel dumping. It’s incredible. Look at all that fuel getting out.
-You too you are incredible Arlene, he says sitting next to her to
look outside. When I see you my sweet beautiful Arlene my heart capsize. I
can’t wait to have the chance to invite you again to the restaurant.
-I wouldn’t say no, she says looking at him smiling. Well, stop
disturbing me and observe what is going on instead. It’s impressive.
-Yes. The fuel gets out at an amazing speed... It’s almost like...
yes it’s almost like the aeroplane was...
He turns around to look at Arlene’s reaction. It’s almost....
-Victor go back to work! I don’t need to hear anything more I
already know what you are thinking. Go all at ounce!
-It’s true no!, he says standing up to leave. Maybe that ‘s why you
find this so interesting. Maybe it’s even exciting you!...Yes, that’s
it...there is a little thing in your eyes that tell me you find this exciting!
-Ah! men! You are all the same. Here why don’t you go get some fresh air
outside! Maybe that will clear your thoughts...Go, fly away! I have to check
the fuel dumping.
Louise is in the back of the aircraft with Lolitta and tries to take
some picture.
-It’s sensational!, don’t you think so Lolitta.
-Yes, but it’s a lot of pollution
-Ah!! I don’t think we have to worry too much, says Louise. At the
speed this gets out at the altitude that we are, I think the carburant has time
to disintegrate quite fast. She stops to take some picture and Looks at Lolitta
seriously.
-Tell yourself that if the captain took this decision he has good
raisons to do it and to act like this, he is saving our life, I guess. Can you imagine landing with that
amount of fuel and full of passengers like this...
-And one engine is kaput! You
are right Louise. I hope that nothing will happen to us. Carramba! I’m too young to died.
-Me too Lolitta. Let’s be optimistic. The passengers are praying for
Allah! to be on our side, she says putting her camera away in her bag.
-Bueno, let’s go and serve them their last meal, says Lolitta.
-Come on Lolitta!, be positive.
-No! Louisa! Their last meal on board the plane.
They laugh nervously and return both of them to their respective
galley knowing that both of them are scared but they prefer not to say anything
just yet.
The crew members are nervous. They fear of crashing in thousands of
little pieces on the ground. They prefer not to talk about it and to show that
they are as strong as the other crew member. But the situation is awful not
knowing for sure if they are going to land or not without any problem really
scare them.
An oil leak on one engine is a serious problem not take lightly,
it’s serious, the flight attendants know it
of course but the lost of engine that adds up to their problem raises
the risk to land catastrophically. The consequences can be tragic. The pilots
have to take important decisions or where the error is unforgettable.
-So, what are the chances of survival?, asks Jade to Lorenzo after
finishing their service.
-I would say pretty good, he answer bringing her to the back of the
aircraft.
She turns around to go but he grabs her and takes her in his arms.
-Lorenzo! The passengers are beside us praying and
you only think of that. You should start praying too, it coulddo you good you know. Come on leave me alone. I promise you if we
ever land in Montreal that you will have a piece of the cake but not before.
-A portion! Mmm! You don’t know me yet, Jade. I adore cakes. I have
difficulties to be satisfied with only one piece. Let say, if it’s good I will
take a second and if it’s delicious I will take a third piece and if it’s
extremely divine than ...well I finish the cake...
-In that case, I will...she hesitates before talking. She smiles and
teases him a little by taking her time to answer him before admitting that she
will be:
-Satisfy!
-Ah! I’m in paradise!
Lorenzo is happy to hear her but Jade tries to find something else
to say so she can have the last world. She leaves and turns around.
-We will see when the time come Lorenzo!
-Don’t worry Jade. I will do anything to please you.
-Okay, I have to go, says Jade passing her hand in her hair. It’s
getting hot in the back...
-Wait...
He grabs her arm again and whispers in her ears.
-If you think you can control the situation that long still...You
are wrong Jade because in this domain, it’s me the expert and I will show you
things that will make you loose control....It’s call check mate Jade!
-Hum! Stay away from the windows Lorenzo!, the fuel is intoxicating
you. Bye!
-Ah!! If she only knew the poor Jade how much I need her, says
Lorenzo to himself looking out the window. It’s getting me crazy. I only think
of that. I think I have been in Saudi too long. I’m dying to explode for her,
with her, like a volcano. I’m really getting nuts or I’m getting like an
eunuch! I can’t wait any longer tonight has to be the night.
-Well everything should be fine, says the captain rubbing his neck.
-We have empty the fuel and we still have two engines.
-What?, says Youssef entering the cockpit with coffees.
-Yes, we had to cut the other engine who was leaking naturally
Youssef. It’s logical.
-We are flying with only two engine!, realizes Youssef. And we only
have the minimum of fuel, brothers! I better start praying too and do my flight
attendant prayer too.
-No panic Youssef. Son of bitch have a little faith in us. We know
what we are doing.
-Go get Max instead, asks the captain seriously.
Youssef gets down full speed.
-Josey Where is Max?, asks Youssef very nervous.
-I think he went to the washroom, why?
-The captain is looking for him.
-The captain is looking for Max, repeats Josey, knowing dam well
what it met.
-Yes, he answers not taking the time to stop.
Youssef knocks on all the washroom doors. He doesn’t take any
chance. He needs to find Max all at once.
-Max! Max! Max!, it’s Youssef, come on get out of there!
He knocks again in the doors.
-Max!
An old lady gets out the washroom, frustrated that he is screaming
after her.
Finally, Max passes in the aisle.
-Max!, he says grabbing him by the arm. The captain is looking for
you!, says Youssef panicking.
Max looks at him and passes his hand on is front head.
-He didn’t use the P.A.
-No
-Well...hum! And he wants to talk to me. This is not a normal
procedure.
-I was in the cockpit at that time.
-Hum! Better go than. It
might be serious.
He hurries up to the second floor. Youssef fallows him behind.
Max enters the cockpit and Youssef decides to pick up his cabin and
to make sure once more that everything is in perfect place.
“Brother!,” he says to himself. “It is not the place or the time to
panic, you are trained for this ...Yeah! but brother! The captain is looking
for Max. We are going to do an emergency
landing, Allah! It is time for me to pray....”
-Mister, asks a passenger tapping him on his back.
Youssef jumps and turns around.
-Mister, coca, coca, asks the passenger showing him he was thirsty.
-Ah!... he says distractively.
Youssef doesn’t want to move any thing from his galley, but the old
man really seems to be thirsty.
-Ah! Alright!, it’s only because you seem friendly, your face is
shinning, your eyes, your pinch all white...Ah! You might be one of those
Russians philosopher...
He gives him a coke without a glass and without ice.
-Sorry, he says to the passenger just like he understood everything.
That’s all I can give you for now. Oh why bother explaining you, I don’t
understand you and you don’t understand me. He starts thinking a second and
continues. So, how am I supposed to save you all if there is an emergency?
-I’m Russian mister, I’m not an idiot, I speak
English and we all did the war, he says looking at all the passengers sitting
upstairs well almost so when time come toevacuate us don’t worry young men we will fallow you. And for your information young man, I’m a physician not a philosopher these people are useless!
The passenger taps on his back again before returning to his seat.
Youssef is mouth-wide.
-We are soon starting our descent to Jeddah!, announces the captain
to Max and I would like you to prepare the cabin for an eventual emergency. I
don’t think it will be necessary but I prefer that we be ready. Do you
understand? Better prevent than be sorry.
-Very well, captain. How many minutes, exactly do we have left?
-Forty minutes, Max.
-But...you should of give me more time capt...
-Listen Max, you are train for emergency situation so show us what
you are capable of doing like I told you I repeat I don’t think we are going to
evacuate the aircraft. Now, when you have completed the preparation of the
cabin, please come back and confirm with me, it’s an order.
-Yes, yes, I will come back if I have time. Well, I’m going to
inform my crew, now.
-Hurry up Max! you only have thirty five minutes left and perhaps
even less. Maybe we will have to descent faster than we think, we don’t know
that yet!
-Yes, yes captain, he answer closing the door of the flight deck in
a hurry.
He is completely shock by the news.
-Good Lord!
He takes a big inspiration to try to stay calm as much as possible
and rushes down right away to tell the crew but he forgot to inform Youssef and
goes back up like a speeding bullet. Max trips in the staircase and rolls all
the way down.
Bang!
The girls stand up all at once to come and help him but too late Max
is completely stretch out, face down
on the floor of the first galley not moving one bit.
The girls look at each other discourage to have not got there in
time.
-Oh! Screams Josey turning on his back.
Max is unconscious and swim
in a blood pool.
-Ah!, exclaim the girls terrified.
-Be careful!, orders Tiffany. I will go get the gloves.
-Hurry! Josey, take this, says Louise presenting her some compress
to sponge his front head.
Max has an enormous opening on his front head.
-I’m going to ask for a doctor, signals Louise. Do you have a pulse
Josey?
-Wait, let me see. Ah! E ...yes. It’s good. The respiration is good
and we have a pulse.
Tiffany comes back with gloves and throws them at Josey and rushes
to go upstairs and get the medical bag. She enters the cockpit.
-Hurry! Give me the key for the medical bag!
-It’s in my jacket, indicates the captain.
Tiffany starts looking for it.
-What’s going on?, asks George.
-I will tell you later, I don’t have time, she says closing the door
behind her. She hurries up to take the medical bag in the back of the last seat
of the upper deck.
-What’s going on , ask Youssef. Give me this, I will bring it down
for you. It’s too heavy, you know. I heard a noise before, explains Youssef
fallowing her with the bag.
-Yes, it’s Max, she says going down. Tell the captain for me.
Youssef fallow her and sees everyone around Max.
-Okay we have the bag. Do we have a doctor?, questions Tiffany.
-No, not yet, says Josey worry, and Max is still unconscious. He is
bleeding a lot too.
-Wait, I will do an announcement in Arabic, tells Youssef.
-He is bleeding a lot. It’s awful, explains Josey. Give me more
compress now!
-Here, says Louise arriving with another box of medical equipment. I
hope that will be enough. We have to stop the blood from bleeding like this!
Here, take these ones, they are bigger.
Xénia arrives up front with a veil woman.
-I have a doctor, she says. It’s for who? Without waiting for the
answer she sees Max laying down on the floor unconscious.
-Oh! What happen?
-Max fell down the stairs and split his front head. He is going to
need a lot of stitches It’s quite deep.
-Well okay this lady is a doctor Youssef, but I think she doesn’t
speak much English. Can you explain her the situation, please.
-Oh, it’s not true, exclaims Xénia, it’s not really the time of
descent.
The captain just light up the signs for the seat belts and he is
indicating that they are starting the descent, meaning they have now ten
minutes before touch down.
-Shit!, says Xénia. I though we were going to land much later than
that. Maybe they have the authorization to land faster because of the circumstances.
Youssef, can you make the announcements in the three languages while I inform
the rest of the crew. Josey, stay with the doctor and Louise change the
passenger and let him sit with Josey on
her jumpseat. Make him a briefing like you can because we are going to sit Max
at his place for landing who knows if we have to evacuate or not. Let’s not
take a chance.
-Okay, you three, says Xénia passing in the second galley come with
me.
-Danyele, Jade and David look at each other without saying a word.
Arriving in the last galley, Xénia closes the curtains and signals to Lorenzo
who is in the aisle with Lolitta to come and join them.
-Okay listen up. Max fell down the stairs and hurt himself, he is
unconscious. He has an open wound. It’s quite serious. So we don’t have much
time ...exactly...She take the time to look at her watch.
Five minutes before landing and you know dam well just like me that
we might evacuate the aircraft and start shouting our commands.
-Yes we know, how come the captain didn’t ask us to prepared the
cabin, asks Danyele surprised.
-Yes, one second. I’m going to contact the captain. Anyway, he has
to know Max had an accident. Stay here! No. Your galleys are all secure and the
exit clear for access?, asks Xénia firmly.
-Yes, don’t worry. The cabin is number one, confirms Danyele.
-Very good.
She composes the number of the cockpit pit.
-Captain...starts saying Xénia.
-Is the cabin secure?, ask George who took the call.
-Yes, answers Xénia but...
-Perfect, answers George right away.
-Flight attendant, sit down, he says on the P.A. without giving
Xénia the time to explain the situation.
-Well, you heard him like me, says Xénia who can not do anything
else. Do your silent review and wait for the captain signal to evacuate but if
you see something ....well, I prefer to tell you good luck. Hurry up, okay, she
says looking at them. Chanel, take care of my door, I have to go sit up front
if I arrive in time, she says.
She walks as fast as she can to go sit down. “Shit! We should of
prepare the cabin”, she says to herself while walking. “Oh! Mother! I hope we
don’t have to evacuate. My god protect us,” she says sitting.
She ties herself up and recite her emergency directive in silence.
“Emergency bend down, stay down, emergency....”
And suddenly, we can hear on the P.A. the captain making an
announcement..
-Take position! Brace for impact .Take position Brace for impact!
The flight attendant without hesitation starts screaming their
emergency commands with all their force. They shout, they shout:
Emergency, bend over, stay down, emergency bend down stay down...
The aircraft touch the ground abruptly, the flight attendant
continue repeating their directions. The plane rolls full speed and doesn’t
seem to be able to immobilises at all.. The crew is screaming their commands.
The passengers are screaming their terrors. Others pray loudly to Allah!! It’s
an atrocity. The aircraft is rolling full speed on the landing way. The flaps
are wide open and the force of the brakes doesn’t seem to be doing what it is
suppose to do.
Fire trucks are rolling towards them.
After a while, that seems to be an eternity for the crew members
that are still screaming their commands, the plane finally starts to reduce in
speed and for a long way still rolls until it finally stops completely. The
silence takes place for a brief minute and suddenly we hear the captain’s voice
again on the P.A.
The crew members scare that they have to evacuate jump and pay
attention careful to the captain’s message. They have to react quickly and
efficiently.
“This is your captain speaking. Remain in your seat remain in your
seat. Everything is fine. Remain seated. This is your captain speaking. Remain
seated
We can hear right away Youssef translating everything in Arabic what
the captain said.
-I think we landed this big bird one more time, adds the captain
talking to his pilot.
-Affirmative, answer Mike., Now we have to know the verdict.
-Are we going to wait hours before leaving or are we going back
tomorrow?
-Our chances are very small, says the captain. We might have five
hours of rest before going back, I think.
-Ouf what a day! This is what I call to be an illegal flight, no,
asks Mike.
-We will see, answers the captain who is bringing the aircraft to
the gate.
Dring! Dring!
Ring the phone in the
cockpit.
The pilots freak out. They fear the worst. George doesn’t dare
answering the phone. He fears as much as the others knowing that they though
the same thing as him. Is it a flight attendant telling them there is a problem
with the aircraft and they have to evacuate?
George can not waist any precious second and finally pick up the
phone.
-Ah! Tell me that everything is fine and I will thank you, answers
George.
-Everything is fine, George, says Xénia. The passengers are fine but
Max....start saying Xénia but at the same time, Max is getting conscious again.
Max is better!, she explains.
-But why are telling me that?, asks George who doesn’t understand at
all.
-We will explain to you later, says Xénia, I have to ask Youssef to
do the announcement in Arabic but first what are we going to tell them?
-I haven’t the slightest idea for the moment, so be patient, tell
them that we are to fix the aircraft and that we are going to leave as soon as
possible, and to tell you how much time it’s going to take...I haven’t a clue
either.
-Very well, answers Xénia who is still excited to see
Max with his eyes open and that there is no need to evacuate the
aircraft.
-What a day!, exclaims Mike.
-Yes but it’s no over yet!, says the captain. It’s only a reported
game, I’m afraid. Time to fix the engine and the oil leak and we will leave
today I’m afraid but at lease we have landed that big bird without too much
damage, remark the captain very happy of his landing.
-Yes, luckily, says Mike who still have some cold sweat.
-Ah! But you know it as well as me, says the captain that this old
Boeing is a hard built machine. It can takes a lot of rough stuff.
-Here we are, says Mike signalling to the ground personal that
everything was perfect.
-Ouf !, now the fun begins, remarks George. It’s your turn captain!
You are going to arm your self with a lot of patience with these guys to
explain them in details what we had, but just remind them that you landed this
aircraft without crashing it and that all the passengers are safe that’s what
count my old one the rest we don’t really care.
We let everyone out, explains Xénia and the captain wants to see all
the crew members up front for a debriefing.
Front of the cabin
-Where is Max?, asks the captain surprised.
-I send him to the airport infirmary, answers Xénia.
-What!, exclaims the captain completely dismayed. But...but...what
happen? I was on your flight yes or no?
He stops talking and examines each crew member one by one before
continuing his speech. But...no one came to advise us that something happen to
Max.
The captain still doesn’t believe it and decide to sit down to think
a little longer. But...who is going to explain this to me?, he finally ask
after a long moment of silence. No, let’s see, George, Mike, were you told
about this situation at all?
The pilots signals a negative answer with their head without daring
to say a word. They are as shock as the captain to hear this news.
-Well, please, sit down all of you and Xénia, please explain me in
details what really happen down here.
-My captain, it’s simple. I imagine that Max went to see you. You or
Youssef... but Youssef signal that it wasn’t him. So Max went to see you, let’s
see about thirty minutes before landing. I don’t know, I arrived after the
incident. I was guiding the doctor to the front of the aircraft when I discover
to my big surprise that it was for one of us. Max was laying don on the floor
of the galley. His front head was completely covered of blood and I even could
see the opening of his scar and you could see the white of the skin split in
two. Ah! I’m going to pass on the details if you don’t mind. The girls told me
they saw him fall down the stairs and hit himself on the flour. Max was
unconscious for a long moment until we touch
the ground.
Well, the girls try to stop the bleeding like they could and the
doctor injected him something...
She thinks for a second.
-I don’t know, I imagine something to coagulate the
blood as fast as possible... Well, I’m not a doctor...you could verify his report
okay. We than have to change Max for the landing because he was still
unconscious. During this time, I went to inform the rest of the crew in the
back and to inform them the possibilities of having to evacuate the aircraft
regarding the circumstances. When I called you to informed you.
-Hum! Makes the captains to show her he is listening.
-You ask, no George ask me if the cabin was secure I told him yes.
-Hum!
-And than I didn’t have time to explain the rest because the bell
rang meaning we had two minutes left before landing.
-Hum!
-And’ says Xénia tired. It was horrific. I could believe my ears.
-Hum!
-You told us : brace for impact. My captain.
-Hum! Indeed. I said that, he says seriously.
The captain stays there not adding anything else. He looks at
everyone one by one again than he stands up after a long moment and repeat word
for word everything Xénia told him to analyse seriously the situation.
-It’s correct, confirm Xenia afterwards.
-Nut...wait a second!, says George who start thinking out loud . How
come that the person who came to get the key for the medical kit ...
He says this statement knowing exactly that it was Tiffany who came
to get it.
-Yes, how come, that this person didn’t have time to explain , or to
informed us that it was for Max?
Tiffany rise up quickly frustrated to hear George accusing her.
-Darling!, you are cruel and stupid!, she says rising her voice. My
flight director is to the point of death laying down on the floor , swimming in
a puddle of blood and you would of prefer that I wasted precious time to wait
to talk to you when time would of permitted to finally explain to you what was
going on! Ouf! And on top of it I had to retrieve the god dam key in the jacket
of the captain myself and get the doctors kit! You really amaze me George, it’s
time for you to take your retirement! Darling! I don’t care about you what
counting at this time was to do everything in my power to save Max. The rest I
didn’t give a dam!
Tiffany is really upset and because she doesn’t know what else to
say she decides to leave.
-Wait a moment Tiffany, orders the captain. I’m not finish.
Tears are dripping on her cheeks. She looks at him right in his
eyes, rises her head to see him better and without adding a word she sits down.
The captain stands up again and walks in the cabin thinking.
-I have another question. Where was Youssef?
-I went downstairs with Tiffany to help her with the doctors kit.
It’s very heavy and it’s very dangerous to go down with this in those stairs.
-Very well. So as I can verify, Max didn’t had the time to tell you
to prepare the cabin for an eventual emergency, since he had trip going down to
tell you all. We were busy bringing down the aircraft to a safe landing. Xénia
knowing the news at the last minutes did what she could . The others took care
of Max to save him and you did everything you could. Conclusion, we were lucky
not to evacuate the aircraft especially all these passengers not speaking our
language and not aware of the situation either.
The captain crosses his arms and waits.
-Mike, is there anything you think we should of done to avoid all
these problems happening at the end of the flight.
-Yes and no, captain. I guess it’s our fault. We forgot to give
enough time to Max to prepare the cabin.
-Hum!...,makes the captain one more time, without adding anything
for a long moment to think seriously about what Mike just said.
Effectively Mike you brought up a good point. However, this came to
my mind while we were doing the preparation but we were to busy at this time to
inform the crew of the situation. And to tell you the truth...forty minutes
....that’s right George, that was how much time that was left before Max went
out the cockpit, isn’t it!
-Yes but...actually thirty five minutes to be exact by the time he
got out.
-well I think what we did with all our knowledge that we reacted to
the best of our knowledge, he says satisfied of the recapitulation of the
events. I think we can go unless someone wants to add something.
-To go where my captain?, ask Jade still stress out by what happen.
-And what about Max? Ask Danyele worry
-Good question girls. We are going back to the hotel to rest for a
while until they fix the aircraft and we are all going to go see Max at the
infirmary.
-Great idea!
-Yes, let’s go.
-me too I can’t wait to light up a cigarette. I really thought we
were going to evacuate, admits Victor to Arlene when they leave the aircraft.
-yes it seems like an eternity, says Arlene taking him by the arm.
Victor looks at her and smile.
-I was certain the plane was going to crash we didn’t stop rolling
for so long. It’s was a real nightmare.
-Ouf! I’m so happy to see you again, says Victor to Arlene.
-Tiffany!, calls George coming in the airport.
He takes her arm.
-Listen, I was not correct with you just than well, he doesn’t know
by where to start well, I was wrong Would you excuse me.
She looks and takes her time to think before answering him.
-Yes, you are right darling. It’s certainly the stress that went
out, I met for both of us I fell better now and you?
-Yes only if you forget me. Look, we have our two feet on the ground
and we are alive. Isn’t it wonderful!
-Darling! It was really exciting to scream my oral shouted commands
but...
She look at him seriously
-What is more exciting with all this is I didn’t have to evacuate
any body and that I’m still on the ground like you say. You did good Mr the
pilot however you took too much time to stop this aircraft, now my throat hurts
from repeating all these directive...
-Ah!! Tiffany, he says taking her by the shoulders. You too girls you did a good job. I hope Max is
alright...
They enter the infirmary.
-Hey! Max, screams Tiffany what are you doing there? I though I was
going to see you laying down on a stretcher.
-No...well I was there.
Everyone was around him.
-They did eight stitches, he explain on their way to the bus. Well
you can see them and of course my body is full of bruises but nothing serious,
he explain to the crew members. I just have to watch for unusual symptoms
that’s all and if I get daisy to be careful.
-Good news, you scared us you know, says David.
I ‘m very happy that you are back with us.
-Yeah!!, says Josey. You were unconscious for a while there. You
scared us pretty good.
-Ah!! That's good like this you are going to take care of me .
Do you need help to go up the bus my sweetie pie? ask Youssef to tease him.
-If you want to help me Youssef don’t be shy
-Ah!! Once is not accustom, remember it. Come on let me . Come my
little sweetie pie com e in mommy arms. Everyone is laughing to see them.
-Push sister, I’m going to sit next to you.
-Hum! We really got a close call there!
-Yeah! tell me little sister. I still have my hands all moist and my
heart is still beating full speed. We talk about communication problem with Max
story but I think we could of talk about what happen too, you know like the
main subject the evacuation!
-You are right Danyele, mention it to the captain. Even though we
didn’t have to do it, we got scares, no!
-No it’s not the time . I think at the next briefing we could bring it
up but what about you ,how do you feel?.
-When I heard the captain talk at first, I really though he was
giving us information regarding which way to evacuate the aircraft. And with
all that noise in the plane with the passenger yelling and crying it was not
evident to hear right. Luckily he repeated it a few times.
-yes you are right. I though the same thing too.
Well, anyway, it’s finish, I mean for this time.
-Oh stop it look I have goose bumps just to hear you saying it.
-At lease we know our commands by heart. There is something good
about this.
Well I think our course serve at something.
When you are in a rush you don’t really have time to think you just
do the things you learn automatically just like a robot.
-Well you are right, it’s true. Here we are. I’m going to bed. This
think drain me completely,. It’s like I do not have any more energy what so
ever.
-I feel the same.
-Hurry up Tremblay sister! Move out of the way, I’ m going to be
sick, Hurry up, move, let me go by David, yells Chanel who is getting out in a
hurry going straight Ahead for the garbage bin in front of the hotel.
- It’s not only the two of us who was afraid of crashing I think,
says Louise looking at Chanel throwing up. We are all a little shaken by all
this. I think everyone needs a good rest.
-Yes indeed, Let’s go to bed.
-Are you okay , ask Xénia to Chanel after a while.
-Yes , yes let me be by myself, please.
-We are starting to loose some players, realises Mike getting in the
elevator with the captain.
-yes it’s normal. We are all on edge right now after what happen. Me
too, I got it up to here for a moment. We will feel better after a good
afternoon nap.
-You are my captain. The doors of the elevators open.
-Call me when you hear some news for the next flight.
-Yes , Mike, see you later.
The captain saw it right. The crew return five hours later right
after the mechanic got time to fix the engines of the aircraft. Naturally,
Xénia replaces Max and Danyele who was next on the list of seniority replace
Xenia for tonight. Conclusion, it is nine o’clock at night when they leave for
Moscow.
The next morning, it is out of the question for all the girls to go
sleep ion their room. They all decided to take the first bus to the beach and
crash there for the day under the beautiful Saudi sun. The guys decided as well
to join them with the exception of Youssef. And Max.
-Finally the sun!, exclaim Danyele in the bus. It ‘s going to make
us feel sooooo good.
-Let’s go driver, says Louise.
Hallas! Hallas men fadlak! screams Victor I think we are missing Youssef.
Chanel looks at Danyele an make a grin on her face.
-A little bit of salt water with that, says Danyele to her.
They start laughing.
-I think he is not coming, affirm Chanel . I forgot he told me about
it on the elevator.
They are not even gone that they are al ready sleeping in the
bus. When they arrive at the private
beach of the Albillad Hotel the bus driver wake them up.
They get out of the bus like zombies with radars on going straight
Ahead in silence to the front shore. They throw their towel down and fall right
back to sleep. They sleep in full sun. Luckily it ‘s not quite twelve.
-Come on! Come on! Hallas!
Hallas! Hallas! Hallas ! repeats a
man trying to wake them up.
Wake up everyone you are
roasting under the sun all ready this is Saudi Arabia people wake up!.
-Oh! Girls#, says Mike waking up the first one. I think the man is
right you were not exposed like us everyday. Jade wake up and get off the sun
you are red like a tomato. Chanel, Arlene...
Everyone is very sleepy.
-Thank you sir.
-it’s nothing. Come with me instead come and have a coffees all of
you, it’s my treat there are also some donuts and delicious pastries.
That’s it they put back their radar on and fallow the man without
arguing too much. The smell of Arabic coffees was certainly convincing them to
fallow this man.
-Let me present myself, he says shaking hands with the captain. My
name is Mounji. I have the scuba diving boutique . I can give you good deals
you know.
-This interest me a lot, says Arlene. Could you come down with me
for a dive and show me the red sea.
-Yes certainly, he says smiling, fallow me we are going to get the
gear.
The others are sipping their coffees and tasting the pastries.
-Louisa, says Lolitta, don’t you think Arlene’s ear are going to
blow up if she dives this morning and fly tonight? Carramba? It must be very painful if she perforated her tympanum,
no?
-Wait, if I remember you can not take the plane after twenty four
hours only.
-Hum! She is going to cry...lets calculate, we have to go to Cape
Town tomorrow at 19:00.
-Zut! She is going to be find, says Louise laughing.
-Louisa you are cruel!
-No I didn’t want to say that if she didn’t tease Mike you know
maybe , perhaps my sister will be with Mike instead of Marouan
-Louisa, Marouan is a gentleman. He is so good looking carramba! He is a prince but what do you
want more? Louisa. Mike is nice but he sleeps with everyone around. Did I ever
saw him pay for a soft drink or a juice to someone? No he is no he sis not to
be compare with Marouan. Marouan is everything a woman dreams. To become a
princess, to be adore by a prince, sights Lolitta.
-Lolitta stop dreaming be serious we are talking about Danyele.
Si, si but we are talking about amoré
Louisa amoré doesn’t make any difference
between religion, colours of skin or money...amoré is stronger than every thing Oh Louisa I don’t have any body
in my life, it’s terrible you know I would love so much to...
Yes I know, answer Louise for her. The handsome Lorenzo would be
perfect, wouldn’t be?
-Ah! si, si, si ... or
Marouan a prince even better, answers Lolitta.
An hour later, Arlene comes back to surface. Victor waits for her
impatiently.
-So How was it under the sea my beautiful siren, he ask helping her
out with her gear.
-Fantastic except for one thing, she says a bit stress.
Which one? Ask Victor.
I will explain to you later. Come with me instead
to the boutique to bring the stuff backYes okay.
Morning went by too quickly they all decided to go back to the
hotel. They decide to play it safe with their first tanning session.
It’s so funny to be in bathing suit and now to put back this abbaya on, remark Chanel.
Yes, answer Danyele. And trust me I will be the first one again
tomorrow morning to be on the beach. I prefer to be in bathing suit than to put
this on. The temperature is starting to rise quite rapidly but hey hat a
beautiful day for us girl. We finally deserve the sun Yeah!!
The bus arrive to pick them up and to bring them back to the hotel.
_Tell me Arlene what were you going to tell me later on? Asks Victor
sitting next to her.
Well if you really want to know, let say that Mounji has very long
hands
-What! You should of told me earlier, exclaims Victor.
-Why make a big scandal over this. It happen it happen He didn’t do
nothing bad but next time I will not go down alone that’s all. It ‘s so
unbelievable down there. I never had a diving experience like this in my entire
life. It’s nicer than Australia trust me
No really
Yes you should come with me next time.
Hum it’s not my game I ...
You scare little piece of shit you are scared.
Oh I can’t wait to go come back. Says Louise to the crew getting off
the bus. See you later, Ah! this morning nap on the beach was a little piece of paradise on earth. What else can we
which for?
-Yes, now we can say that Saudi Arabia is starting to be quite
pleasant after all.
Late afternoon, the captain receive a fax form the company and he
ask Max to call all the crew members to meet with him in the crew lounge.
-Ok. I think everyone is here, says the captain looking at Victor
coming in. Well I receive a fax just an hour ago telling me a very bad news.
What, ask the group all at once. What is it?
Silence , please ask the captain. Silence. We have to return to
Montreal tomorrow morning. The company didn’t mention anything else.
But how come we are not completing our sub contract down here?
-Well they are maybe replacing the aircraft for a 767 well I don’t
know.
But our flights are always full, observes Victor and a 767 is much
smaller.
Listen, I’m not making any decision here, So, if you have any last
minute shopping to do you better go right now. We are leaving tomorrow morning
at six.
-At six!
-It doesn’t make any sense, says Max but what can we do we can not
do anything about this.
Danyele gets out the room all
at ounce. She is extremely furious.
She passes in front of the reception and who is she seeing right
there in front of her: Marouan!
-Marouan!, she screams
_Danyele!, I wanted to surprise you. Since you told me you were
going to be here I decided to do some business here at the same time but to
tell you the truth I did not think of any thing else than you actual...
-Hey! Marouan!, screams Louise.
-Louise, Max.. Hey, Salaam !
Every body.
-Marouan, says Danyele you won’t believe what is just happening to
us. She is very sad to tell him the bad news.
-What’s wrong with you all. You are not happy to
see me-It’s not that Marouan. We are leaving tomorrow morning.
What!, exclaim Marouan very sad. You are making fun of me. I jut got
here.
_No not at all, answer Max because Danyele couldn’t pronounce any
words.
-Wait a second you are very serious
The flight attendants look at him moving their heads and going back
to their room.
-I can’t believe it, let’s go sit there, ask Marouan who was left
alone with Danyele. I’m so happy to see Danyele. I think of you all the time.
-Yes, me too Marouan, but we have to realize that we are not met to
be together, she says sadly. You and me...
-Wait don’t say anything, be positive. Let’s enjoy the present
moment that we have together. Let’s go have a good meal and let’s talk about
us.
They leave to go to the dining room on the terrace.
-What did you come to do here, asks Danyele again.
-I came to see you and at the same time, I came to look at a cruising
boat that it’s own by a prince in the Emirates and it’s in Jeddah’s port right
now. I would like to invest in there project. They want to built another
Coastard. It’s the name of the ship.
-It’s interesting. You love the ocean so much.
-Yes, it’s quite a big project, but tell-me Danyele, what are your
projects.
He takes her hands and waits a moment to make sure no one is looking
at him and than kiss her.
-Marouan, we have to talk, she says seriously. You... in Kuwait and
me in Canada it can not work.
-Come and leave with me in Kuwait.
-I though about it Marouan but my life is over there.
-I understand you . We could still stay friends.
-That’s for sure. She tries to remove her rings.
-No, don’t do that. Keep them. They will always represent what we
live together. Well, who knows, if one day I won’t cruise all the way to Canada
all the way up to the St-Lawrence river to make another investment.
-Ah! yes, says Danyele still very emotional by the decision she just
took.
They spend the evening together talking like everything was fine but
Marouan knew very much that this relation was not over. He had plan for the
future for her and Danyele but he prefers to wait fort the right moment to talk
about it.
-I have a good news for you, says Josey talking on the phone to
Peter. We are coming back.
-Super! I really miss you, you don’t know how much and I also have a
good news for you. You are going to be quite impress by me.
-Come on tell me but hurry up it’s a long distance it’s going to
cost me a fortune.
-Listen you ask me to find out on my side to see if someone from the
company could of done those obscene phone calls that Jade was receiving.
-Yes, yes did you find something, ask Josey all excited.
Yes my dear and pay attention. It’s a mechanic from the company that
Jade went out a few times with him. Since she wasn’t interested to go out with
him any longer, she stop this relationship and he didn’t took it very well
apparently.
-Come on get to the point Peter.
-Well this guy arrange himself to know all her itinerary pretending
he was Jade’s boy friend.
-Well I cannot believe it.
-Yes it’s true. So how did you think he could knew where she was
otherwise.
-Yes but she changed her room a few times...
The guy is sick Josey. He told everyone he was her boy friend and
one night at the bar, he was telling to one of my friend that he had a girl
friend and that she was a flight attendant and presently based in Saudi Arabia.
Michel, made him talk and told me all about it. Like you said to me there was
only Xénia who had a boy friend well I though I should mention it to my friend
Michel and with him we arrive to the same conclusion that this was impossible.
So, we went to see the security of the company. They started to make some
verification on him and register all his calls. Last afternoon they caught him.
He was saying to the receptionist he was Jade’s father and it was very urgent
that he talk to his daughter because his wife, Jade’s mother was in the
hospital and that ‘S how he got Jade’s new room number.
-It’s not true, says Josey surprise. I love you my boyfriend. You
are a real Sherlock Holmes.
-Yes but it doesn’t give us a good reputation now.
-Yes but it took another mechanic to found out about all this so
it’s okay. It’s a great news!
-Well, my love one, I’m kissing you really hard and I will come and
pick you up at the base. So wait for me.
-Yes, I cannot wait to see you Peter. I love you.
Me too Josey. Bye!
The next morning, everyone is very upset about the way things are going. Josey is
telling them the good news about the phone calls to cheer them up but there is
nothing really to tell them at this moment, they are all depress and very
concerned.
They have to bring back the aircraft to Mirabel.
A fery flight.
No passenger only the crew on board the plane.
A fery flight.
No passenger only the crew on board the plane.
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