Chapter 25 - Page 354 - Jim And Rhasha's Big Event

   Thamish and Thasha and Jackie and Simbatu were all eager to help Rhasha through her time of despair. They all had fond memories of Jim and knew only time could heal her pain. Her parents stepped aside as Jackie gently took Rhasha's right arm and Simbatu put his arm around her waist to escort her to the jeep. Confusion guided her every step.

   Thamish, Thasha, and Robbie followed, and Thamish opened the jeep door so Rhasha could slowly slip inside. Everyone gathered around the jeep. Simbatu kissed Rhasha and stepped back. Looking depressed, Jackie kissed her on the cheek, then the pair moved away from the jeep. Robbie slipped in front of them, hugged and kissed his sister, and was nudged aside by Thamish, who hugged his daughter and kissed her gently on the tip of her nose. "Angel," he said, "I love you so much."

   "I love you too, Papa," she said. Tears began to run down her cheeks again.

   Thasha slipped in front of them and put her arms around her daughter. She could feel the pain flowing through her body.

   Rhasha looked at her mother and burst into sobs. "Mama," she cried, laying her head on Thasha's shoulder, "it hurts."

   Thasha hugged her tightly. "I know, sweetheart. I'd give anything to take the pain away."

   After a few seconds, Rhasha gently pulled away from her mother and wiped the tears from her eyes. She started the jeep and put the gearshift in first gear. Thasha reached out and squeezed Rhasha's hand. Rhasha painfully smiled back.

   "I love you, Rhasha," Thasha yelled as the jeep pulled away. "Please be careful." Rhasha looked back at her mother. "I love you too, Mama," she cried.