Chapter 15 - Page 209 - The Village Has A New Name

   Jim slid the microphone holder up on the stand so it would be closer to his mouth. “It’s so nice to be among people who love you,” he said. They smiled as the crowd cheered and whistled.

   “And,” Jim said as the crowd calmed, “I want you to know Rhasha, Shanha, and I love each and everyone of you with all our hearts.” Jim didn’t tell them a thing they didn’t already know. The crowd cheered wildly.

   As the crowd began to settle, Rhasha felt compelled to add to what Jim said. “I want you to hear the same words from me. I love each and everyone of you.”

   Shanha put her mouth up to the microphone. “Me too,” she yelled. The microphone made a loud, electronic squealing sound. It scared Shanha and she jumped back.

   Rhasha and Shanha looked at each other. They both put a hand up to their lips and giggled. The crowd cheered loudly and laughed at the expression on Shanha’s face. Rhasha raised both her pinkie fingers up to head level. Jim and Shanha did the same. They locked their fingers together. They released pinkie fingers and bowed to the crowd. As the people cheered, Jim hugged, then kissed Rhasha and Shanha on the lips. Rhasha in turn kissed Shanha. They put their hands to their lips and threw kisses to the crowd. The people went wild and threw kisses back.

   Jim, Rhasha, and Shanha held hands as they walked off the stage. They met Jackie and Simbatu at the front of the stage and embraced them. The crowd gathered around all five of them, giving them hugs and kisses.