Two years had passed since Cassim had been given a second chance. Isabel was now five. Aladdin and Jasmine had a son named Ali.
Isabel still didn't know about her father's past or her half-brother's past. The gang had all agreed not to tell her until Cassim was sure that she was ready.
(Cassim's point of veiw)
I was sitting on the fountain in the mangerie one afternoon. All of the sudden I heard a familiar voice call my name.
"Cassim!"
I looked up to see Iago flying towards me!
"Iago!"
The parrot literally flew right into my arms!
"Iago, what are you doing here?"
"I came to see you. I've missed you. It's been two years since I last saw you. I see that you're well again. What all has happened while I was gone?"
I chuckled and closed Iago's mouth with my hand.
"Slow down, Iago. I'll tell you later, but first there's someone you should meet."
With Iago perched on my right shoulder like he used to, I went into the palace.
(Iago's point of veiw)
We were nearing a room when we suddenly heard the voice of a little girl yell.
"Daddy!"
Cassim burst into a run so suddenly that I nearly fell off his shoulder! He entered the room and closed the door behind him.
A little girl about five years old was sitting on the bed, breathing heavily. Tears were trickling down her face.
"Isabel."
When Cassim said her name there was a love in his voice that was clear as day.
"Huh?" Isabel said as she turned and looked at us.
"Isabel, are you okay?"
"I had a bad dream."
I landed on one of the bed posts. Cassim sat down beside Isabel, pulled her close to him, and stroked her hair as she cuddled up against him.
(song begins)
Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
from all around you
I will be here
don't you cry
For one so small
you seem so strong
My arms will hold you
keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
can't be broken
I will be here
don't you cry
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes you'll be in my heart
from this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
no matter what they say
you'll be here
in my heart always
Why can't they understand
the way we feel
They just don't trust
what they can't explain
I know we're different but
deep inside us
We're not that different at all
And you'll be in my heart
Yes you'll be in my heart
from this day on
Now and forever more
Don't listen to them
'cause what do they know
We need each other
to have, to hold
They'll see in time
I know
When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
Oh, you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart always,
Always.
(song ends)
"Cassim."
He looked over at me as if he had forgotten I was still in the room.
"Isabel, this is my friend Iago. He's the one we told you about."
I was surprised to see how much Isabel looked like Cassim and Aladdin.
"Would you like to pet him?"
"I sure would, Daddy."
"What did she just call you?"
Cassim grinned sheepishly and explained to me about Isabel.
"Oh."
Cassim took me off the bed post and put his hand out, with me on it, so Isabel could pet me. Her small hands were soft and gentle.
"Daddy and the other have told me all about you, Iago."
I flew over and landed on her shoulder. Cassim let his hand fall to his side.
"Cassim and the gang told you all about me?"
"Everything."
That made me a little nervous.
"Everything?"
"Of course we told her everything, Iago."
"Do Al and Jas have a kid?"
"Yep. He's so cute, too."
Cassim took me to see Ali. The rest of the gang was happy to see me again. I agreed to stay in the palace.
Living Life by Cassim fan