Golden Bird

Fatima had lost hope of ever reaching her dream until she realized that Sara did not want Rashid. It was a gift from Allah-a second chance-and Fatima's resentment towards Sara turned into compassion. They became friends, and through this friendship, Fatima learned of Sara's homesickness.

"Yes, Aunt. Sara misses her family very much. If only I could think of some way to relieve her sadness."

Laila smiled. "What if there were a way to return her to her family? Would you be willing to bear Rashid's anger if you were to help the American to escape?"

Fatima thought before she answered. She did not relish being the brunt of Rashid's anger. His temper was legendary, but on the other hand, he would never notice her as long as Sara remained, and Sara did not even want to be here. Yes, she finally decided, it would be better for all if Sara returned to her own family in America.

Her face was very serious as she answered her aunt's question.

"Yes, I believe it is wrong for us to keep her here against her will, but what can I do?"

"It will be very simple, but must be done today, this evening, after dinner, and Yasmine has gone to bed ..."

Fatima listened to the plan carefully, and nodded now and then as Laila explained what she should do to help her friend.

Unaware of the scheming Abdulah and Laila, Sara was happily explaining to Yasmine about New England winters. The child's eyes widened at the wonder of building a snowman or gliding gracefully across a frozen pond on a pair of ice skates.

Sara had grown quite fond of the young girl. Yasmine's eagerness to learn about everything amused Sara, and she was happy to answer all her questions. Since Yasmine hardly ever left the Palace, her knowledge of the world outside was limited to books or descriptions from her tutor, or Rashid, so she was constantly badgering Sara for stories about America.

But, it was getting late so Sara promised to continue tomorrow, and the young girl agreed to retire. Once Yasmine had left, Sara stood in the archway to the garden, remembering the afternoon Rashid had told the story of Ahmal's golden bird. She had been so tempted to fall into his strong arms, but that was crazy. Even though he hadn't been the one actually to kidnap her, he was still keeping her against her will, and she hated him for that. He was nothing but a spoiled, selfish child, and yet ... he could be so kind and gentle, too, and he clearly wanted her. But did he love her? Or worse, was she falling in love with him? NO! That couldn't happen, it just could not happen. How could she justify falling in love with that pompous, selfish, macho brute, but not sweet, kind, wonderful David? No, it just wasn't happening. She wouldn't let it happen.