Warning: A much-loved character
dies in this. I'm sorry if you don't like the idea. I used to write
stories more tragic than this. Rated: PG
Cassim had gotten
ill about a year after Aladdin and Jasmine had been married. Fearing
these would be his father’s last days alive Aladdin invited his father
to live with him in the palace where he would get around the clock care.
While on his deathbed he reveals a secret to Aladdin that he has kept
to himself for 4 years. What will it be? Read on.
Chapter 1: Secrets
Cassim had
been ailing and there was not much time left for him, which was a shame
since Aladdin and Jasmine had only been married for about a year and
he would never live to see his grandchildren just like Jasmines father.
Jasmines father had died shortly after the couple got married. The man
was in his 60’s and died of a heart attack, now they feared that they
were going to lose Cassim. Aladdin and Jasmine took him in. As Cassim
lay in bed one-day, weak, Aladdin tended to him.
“ Aladdin,
my boy.”
“Yes father.”
“I know son,
that I may not have much time left. Before the inevitable happens I
must tell you something. I have kept this to myself for about 3 years
now. I must tell you, please don't get angry at me for not telling you
before. About 4 years ago while I was still with the 40 thieves we ventured
into this town. You might have heard of it. It’s a town called Gedzestan
(sp?). Well... while there doing what Gedzestan is famous for I met a
woman. We fell in love almost immediately. I continued to see her from
time to time for about 3 months. On the day when I had planned on proposing
to her she had an announcement. She was going to have our baby. I was
happy for a while, until she had asked me to leave because she had found
someone else. This other man was rich and could provide. I was heartbroken
and sadly went on my way never to see her again or the baby. 9 and a
half months later I got a letter from her. She had had the baby earlier
that month. It was a little girl. She named the baby Isabel. That’s
all the letter had on it. I went back to search for the child, but
I couldn't find her anywhere.”
“How come
you never told me?”
“ I didn't
want you to think that I had abandoned her like you think I abandoned
you. Son. Aladdin, my last wish is for you to find your little sister
for my sake.” He paused “and for yours.” He continued.
“ I.....I will
try my best.”
Cassim slept.
Aladdin walked out of the room in a daze. He explained everything to
Jasmine.
“ That’s so
sad.” She responded . “We'll..... you should go to Gedzestan ......tomorrow.
I'll stay here and take care of things...you should take Genie with you....He
will be great help.’
“ I don't know
Jasmine”
“ Dear...This little
girl could be orphaned or dead for all we know. Your father may not
have much time left. At least try. Your father needs closure. If you
find nothing that you can leave it alone, but you should try.” Jasmine
recommended.
“Well.....okay.”
Aladdin agreed. “We'll go first thing in the morning.”
That night
Aladdin spoke to his father again.
“What are the
odds of finding a 3 year old girl named Isabel that is related to us?
There must be hundreds of girls with that name. ” Aladdin assumed.
“Aladdin.... that
name is not very common. I'd say the chances will be good.”
“Well...I’m gonna
try anyways... I am leaving tomorrow morning.”
“That’s my boy...
perseverance runs in the family you know.” Cassim said, his voice growing
weaker by the minute.
Aladdin smiled
at his father. He was going to try his best to make his father happy
during his last few days.
That night while
in peaceful repose he had a very vivid, lifelike dream.
*dream*
He was was in a different place. He looked around and noticed how familiar
it was. Aladdin was in Gedzestan. He started walking around wondering
how he got there, when in the distance her a soft child's cry. They were
tears of loneliness. Tears he had shed when he was a little boy, with
no one around to tuck him in or sing lullabies to him. He knew this
cry all too well. He turned the corner and spotted a little girl in
the corner crying and alone. He approached the girl and knelt down to
her level.
“What’s wrong?” Asked Aladdin tenderly.
“ I'm all alone. My mommy and daddy left me and I'm scared.”
He just hugged the little girl and held her closely.
“Shhh.....don't cry.” He said as he stroked the child’s soft black hair.
“You're not alone and you never will be again Isabel.”
“How did you know my name?” She asked with childhood innocence in her
eyes.
“ Because I am your brother.”
*end dream*
He woke up startled. He tried to dismiss it as just a dream, but if
felt more real than that. It was till dark out so he tried and slowly
fell back asleep.