JEALOUSY. One of the ugliest emotions. When you desire what others have, even to the extent of ruining friendships. Enemies sometimes come in the guise of friends.
When Maha first arrived in Libya as a trainee and later joined the organization as an INTEL member, no one was most thrilled but the first girl who she made friends with, Zainab Younis. She is Libyan, taller and bigger built, in contrast to Maha's petite frame, brown hair, fair, and piercing eyes. Before Maha joined the organization, Zainab had been closely working with TG in the Elite group but she'd never known his true first name.
Maha and Zainab had worked on a few missions together during Maha's early days in INTEL until lately. Maha had been alone and Zainab had stayed in the camp unassigned. They had been training together until Zainab moved away from Maha. Zainab has feelings for TG and she thought TG has feelings for her until everyone realized TG has his eyes set on Maha. And her once jovial and relaxed feelings in Maha's company have turned into envy, jealousy, then hatred. And that feeling had been gnawing in her guts. She was first in TG's circle and more, she and TG are nationals of the country; no way could someone like her coming out of nowhere detract TG's attention.
When Maha became pregnant and the couple had made known their relationship, Zainab was livid. She couldn't accept the news. She was the only doubting Thomas amid the believers. In her mind, she formed the malicious question, "Is it TG's child she's carrying?" If she could prove otherwise, she'd be more than happy to. And when the entire camp rejoiced in the couple's relationship, Zainab was seething deep inside. If looks could kill, as they say, she had eradicated Maha. When Maha returned after having lost her baby, only she delighted in the news amid everyone's grief. Her jealousy's extreme, she's an almost borderline psychopath. Her overwhelming insecurity rotting her innards. She strongly covets what Maha has of TG.
Maha had no inkling at all that her once close friend, Zainab, had turned against her. She did not know that Zainab had feelings for TG. Maha never suspected that she had been spying on her at every chance she could get. Zainab had twice seen her dropped by Taher at the same hospital for her monthly check-up. She'd followed her and wondered why Maha had to walk farther from there and end up in another hospital or a small clinic for her check-up but didn't investigate further.
Lately, she saw Maha met up with a bulky woman in town. After which, she went to an airline ticketing office. She's leaving the country, she thought. And upon knowing that Maha will leave for a brief vacation, she rejoiced. Maybe while Maha is away, she can do something.
And the first night, Maha was not in the camp, Zainab passed by TG's barracks. But to her dismay, TG had settled in early for the night, his door now locked and the lights were off. He had retired for an early night. Another time, perhaps, she thought.
The next day had been a busy day. TG required his people to train for two to three days a week to keep them agile and active when there was a lull and no mission was in full swing. This is one of those days that, by evening, Zainab wanted to turn in early. Her energy by the end of the day was ground level.
Maha had arrived at the airport that late evening. She bought some wine and brandy bottles for them. After dinner, drinking a shot had become hers and Tristan's bonding time. They talk about work a bit, but more about their past, present, and TG's plan for them. He would like to start a family with Maha someday when they both have left the organization; but he was afraid to say it, for fear it may not happen. That was his dream for them.
When Maha got pregnant, though, he was unprepared, but it had happened. For the next time, he wanted her pregnant after they've left the organization. When she's safe to carry their baby to full term. He'll make sure they'll have protection for now. It would kill him the next time they'll lose their child again. He can't and won't allow it anymore.
Zainab had planned a romantic night to happen that evening. She's heard the guys will have dinner with TG. But she had not received an invitation. However, the dinner was quick, everyone left right after. She showed herself after the last man left his place, making an excuse that she thought the dinner was for them all. She brought a bottle of whiskey for him and the men. TG asked if she would like dinner, but she preferred a drink, she said. She was on her second glass when she approached TG from behind while he was looking out at the darkening horizon and longing for Maha to be home soon. They hardly had any romantic night since she lost their baby. She'd been grieving; he understood that. Perhaps she'll be better on her return tonight.
It surprised him when Zainab hugged him from behind. He turned around abruptly and tried to remove her arms that clung tight to his back, imprisoning his chest. But she held on tighter, confessing how much she loves him. That she had loved him earlier than Maha did. She tried to reach for his lips, but this time, TG held her arms at her back. She asked her to leave. Maha had witnessed it all from the time Zainab hugged Tristan. When Tristan pushed Zainab towards the door, only then did they see Maha standing by the doorway.
Tristan was about to explain, but Maha approached him and kisses him on the lips while putting her arms on his shoulders, and intertwining them at the back of his nape. She made it clear to Zainab that Tristan belongs to her. Zainab left.
Tristan was about to explain to Maha.
"No need to explain. I saw and heard it all," she said when her lips left his. She never expected Zainab to have feelings for him, she said.
"She'd tried many times before us, but I was never interested in her. She should have stopped when she can see that we're now together," he said.
"How are you? How was your brief vacation?" He asked. As he pulled her tight to him and hugged her.
"I feel better. I'll just freshen up and join you for a little drink," Maha said, kissing him lightly on the lips.
Tristan smiled. This could be a prelude to a romantic night, he thought. He's long been wanting and now he's ready.
Maha, naked under the shower, was soaping herself when Tristan joined her. He turned her around and kiss her on the lips, rough and intense. Starved of her soft lips, he took long. Maha equaled his hunger when she responded. What started gently turned wild. They rinsed fast to continue it on the bed. Tristan remembered his promise to have protection, but Maha whispered that for that night, she's safe and he could release his seed inside her.
The night is still young, and they both planned to last until they can. They've missed each other. Their torrid passion reaching beyond the frigid Earth's atmosphere, scorching and melting what comes in contact along the way. The height and heat of their passion, inversely proportional. A new day was threatening to start when fatigue and drowsiness finally hit them and they stopped in a tight embrace.
***
Zainab wasn't one to be thrown out by someone like her. She'll do everything she can to destroy her with TG. She'll find something against her... one day, she swore as she looked back at TG's barracks.