Chapter 179

Nearly 70 long, grueling hours later, Ashti and the children finally landed in Washington. When they'd landed in Armenia, she couldn't get a plane anywhere outside the USSR so she settled for getting them on a plane to East Berlin and she snuck them into West Berlin where they got on a plane to England, then on to New York and then, at long last, Seattle. The children were going on little to no sleep. Maleek had been especially discontent. Ashti did everything in her power to ensure there was milk for him whether it was from a cow, a goat or sheep and then supplement it with solid food but it was clear he was extremely unhappy. Although it was more to do with Jaedynn's and Roshad's absence. All the children kept asking, "Where's mommy and Baba?" over and over and all she could say was, "They're still in Iran," and when they'd ask, "When are mommy and Baba coming home?" all she could tell them was, "As soon as possible." When they finally made it to SEA, Ashti found the nearest phone and called the person she knew would be closest, able to drop everything and come get them.

"Thank you for calling Call Remodeling and Construction. This is Gaeli Call; how can I be of service to you today?" Gaeli answered the phone.

"Gaeli," Ashti said, "I need someone to come to the airport and get us."

"I'm sorry, who is this?"

"Ashti," she answered. "The children and I are here at the Tacoma airport. We need someone to come get us."

"Okay. I'll let Embry know and find someone to come and get you," Gaeli answered once she knew who she was talking to.

"Thank you," Ashti said and put down the payphone. They ended up waiting at the entrance of the airport for over an hour before a truck rolled up to them. Anatoli stopped the truck getting out to get everyone loaded.

"Where's Jaedynn and Roshad?" Anatoli asked as he walked around and noticed they weren't there.

"They're still in Iran," Ashti said.

"They're still in Iran? Why did they send you and the kids home ahead of them?" Anatoli asked.

"It is a very long story and I would prefer we get the children home first," Ashti said sternly. Anatoli helped get all the kids in the truck and drove them back home as fast as possible. When the kids were finally in the house, most of them went right upstairs to their rooms either wanting to sleep or just be alone.

"What happened?" Anatoli finally asked after all the kids were upstairs.

"There was a protest in Tabriz. Shots were fired - I suspect by the Shah's militia – and we tried to get away but someone hit the RV, it toppled over and Jaedynn needed to be rushed to the hospital."

"What?!" Anatoli yelled.

"Please, Anatoli, do not yell. The children have suffered enough of that," Ashti said solemnly and sat down. Maleek began to cry and she knew why right away. She said in Farsi, "I will get you some food, Azizam. Don't you fret." Then she started to sing a Farsi nursery rhyme to him.

"Hold on; you said Jaedynn was taken to the hospital. Was she still in the hospital when you left? What's the extent of her injuries? Is…. b`lyad' (fuck) what about the baby?"

"I don't know," Ashti answered honestly. It was clear in her voice she was worried but doing her best to remain calm. "I needed to get the children out of Iran. I've put my trust in Bastet and Rashida to look after Roshad and Jaedynn."

"So we don't know when they're coming home? Is there a way to get a hold of the hospital? How do we know they're alright? When will they be home? What's-"

"I said I don't know!" Ashti yelled and Maleek started to cry harder and that brought her back to reality. "I'm sorry," Ashti finally said. "I don't know. I wish I had more information but I don't. I needed to get the children out of Iran and that's what I did."

Anatoli nodded but was otherwise silent. Realizing he needed to relay what he could to the family, he went to the phone and started calling Nathan but he was out on patrol and wasn't at his desk, so he called Ada María's phone and managed to get Ariel on the line. Ariel started with the same line of questioning, but Anatoli didn't have any answers except what Ashti already told him. Ariel got the news spread and by evening, the whole family was at Jaedynn's and Roshad's house. Formula was brought to the house so they could ensure Maleek was being fed and once everyone was at the house, they didn't leave. Everyone was on edge waiting for Jaedynn and Roshad to return.

Once Jaedynn and Rashida were on the plane, she was silent as the grave. Jaedynn stared out the window the whole time as they flew from Tabriz, Iran to Athens where they were laid over for over seven hours. Then they flew to London where they were laid over another four hours. Then they flew to New York where they were, once again, laid over. Jaedynn already felt out of her mind. This all felt like a nightmare. She kept touching her stomach for comfort only to be reminded he wasn't there anymore. Then she would relive the whole ordeal all over again. The car crash, the impact that killed her son, the brief effort made by the nurses to save him before it was obvious all hope was lost and it would send her to tears. She would look around as if to look for Roshad only to be reminded he was in Iran. She needed him. She needed him more than ever but he wasn't here. She felt so alone. By the time they were in New York, she was desperate to talk to someone but she didn't want to talk to Rashida. She wanted to talk to someone she knew would understand. Jaedynn insisted on finding a payphone and once they'd found one, Jaedynn called Gloria.

"Órale," Gloria answered.

"Gloria? It's Jaedynn," Jaedynn said.

"Jaedynn? Hey," Gloria said. "Are you alright? You sound awful."

"You don't know the half of it," Jaedynn answered in a weak voice. "I'm in New York right now. Could we talk?" Gloria had so many questions, but hearing the somber tone in Jaedynn's voice, she only asked one.

"You're in Queens?" she asked, referring to the location of the Airport.

"Yeah," Jaedynn nodded.

"Okay," she said. "There's a McDonalds in Brookville right by the airport. It should be on the corner of 223rd St. and 144th Ave. Do you want to meet there?"

"Yes, please," Jaedynn said.

"Okay. I'll be there in about an hour, okay?"

"Thank you," Jaedynn said and the two of them disconnected.

"Jaedynn," Rashida said and Jaedynn looked up at her. "You know I'm here, habibi."

"I know," Jaedynn said. "I just want to talk to Gloria."

Jaedynn and Rashida hailed a cab to take them to the McDonalds Gloria had directed them to but when they arrived, Jaedynn requested Rashida to let her and Gloria talk alone. Rashida agreed and she left the restaurant to go hunting and allow Jaedynn plenty of time. Gloria arrived about forty five minutes later and went right to the table Jaedynn was sitting at. It was empty of any food so Gloria didn't immediately sit down.

"Did you want to order something?"

"I'm not hungry," Jaedynn mumbled.

"Are you sure? You look like a quarter pounder might do you some good," Gloria said. Jaedynn glanced up at her and then finally nodded weakly. "Okay. I'll put in the order," she said and walked away to order some food. Gloria stayed by the cue until she was handed a tray of food and she returned with the burgers, lots of fries and chicken nuggets. She was putting the nuggets in the bag as she said, "Raphael loves these. Figured I may as well buy him something special for lunch since I'm here."

"Is Raphael back home?"

"Yeah, my sister's looking after him," she said. "That little nugget's growing up too fast and Alex…well, Alex has been Alex. It's getting to be time for Raphael to start school soon and I suggested on his first day we should both bring him to school but he's being a jackass. I swear, I don't know why I bother."

"Sounds like him," Jaedynn said in the same weak voice. Gloria looked at Jaedynn for a moment and then gently pushed the burger in her direction.

"Salty food always helps," she said. Jaedynn smiled a little but it didn't last. "What happened?"

"A lot's happened," Jaedynn said. "I went to Iran with the kids to visit Roshad. He's been in Iran for the past few months."

"He does that every year doesn't he?" Gloria asked.

"Yeah, he does," Jaedynn said. "There've been protests going on all throughout the year."

"I heard about that," Gloria said.

"Roshad wanted to try to avoid the protests so we went up to Tabriz but while we were there, a Cleric was arrested or something, it caused a protest, during the protest, shots were fired and we had to flee. While we were trying to get away, someone hit our RV and Roshad and I were thrown from where we were and I was hit in the gut by the rails."

"You were.." Gloria started and then glanced at Jaedynn's hands noticing they were over her stomach. Then it hit her what Jaedynn was saying and her heart broke for her. "Oh God; Jaedynn, I'm so sorry." Jaedynn nodded and fresh tears started to burn her eyes.

"It was a boy," Jaedynn mumbled. "His name would have been Nasir." Gloria got up from her seat and came around the table so she could sit next to Jaedynn and give her a hug. As the tears fell, she said, "Once I was discharged from the hospital, Roshad brought me to the airport but he didn't get on the plane with me."

"Wait, he didn't come with you?" Gloria asked.

"No," Jaedynn said. "He stayed in Iran. He told me he had unfinished business, but he wouldn't tell me what and he wouldn't come home with me." Jaedynn was crying harder now and Gloria started rocking Jaedynn back and forth. She stayed quiet while Jaedynn cried. "We've been in and out of a plane for days and Rashida's been with me but…..Gloria, I feel so alone."

"You're not alone, Jaedynn. I'm right here. Just let it out," Gloria said and patted Jaedynn's back. "Where are the kids?"

"Ashti left with them," Jaedynn said and in an instant, she was in a state of panic and sat up away from Gloria. "Oh my god! What if they haven't made it home?!"

"Jaedynn, take a deep breath," Gloria said. "There's a payphone outside. We can call and find out."

"Okay," Jaedynn said and jumped up from her chair going to the payphone outside. Gloria stayed at the table to watch after their things and Jaedynn pulled loose change out of her purse until she had enough to call the house. She dialed the number and got an answer with the first ring.

"Hello?" Nathan answered.

"Daddy," Jaedynn started but she couldn't continue.

"Jaedynn? Honey! Fuck, where are you?! Are you okay?!"

"Daddy, are Ashti and the kids there?"

"Yes, they're here. Ashti got them home yesterday. They're all okay," Nathan answered and for the first time in hours, Jaedynn breathed a sigh of relief.

"What about Maleek? Is he okay?"

"Maleek's alright," Nathan said. "Jaedynn, where are you? Are you okay?"

"I'm…." Jaedynn trailed off about to say she was alright, but her hands instinctually went to her stomach wanting to feel the baby but he wasn't there. She wasn't okay. She really, truly wasn't. "Daddy….I lost the baby."

"What?"

"We were in a car accident. I was hit and I lost the baby," Jaedynn said and was barely audible for the last few words. On the other line, Nathan went pale.

"Nathan, can I talk to her?" Ada María asked after she'd walked up behind him.

When Nathan realized Ada María was there, he said to Jaedynn, "Honey, your mom wants to talk to you. I'm handing the phone over, okay?"

"Okay," Jaedynn managed and Nathan handed the phone to Ada María.

"Jaedynn; mija?" Ada María said once she was holding the phone.

"Mom," Jaedynn started but as soon as she heard Ada María's voice, she couldn't speak anymore as she cried.

"Mija," Ada María said soothingly and gently shushed Jaedynn trying to calm her down. Ashti, meanwhile, sat in the living room able to hear everything. One would not know by looking, but she was devastated. She had steeled herself for such news but she'd held out hope perhaps everything would be alright. Now that Jaedynn had confirmed the loss, it was heartbreaking. "I know it hurts, mija, but we're all here for you. We'll all help you and Roshad through this."

"Roshad's still in Iran," Jaedynn cried.

"He didn't come with you?"

"No," Jaedynn said. "He stayed behind and he doesn't know when he's coming back."

"Ada, give me the phone," Nathan said and Ada María told Jaedynn she was handing the phone over before releasing it to Nathan. "Honey? What do you mean he doesn't know when he's coming back?"

"He just said he had unfinished business," Jaedynn said.

"Unfinished business my ass! His 'business' is being with you!"

"Nathan, do not yell," Ashti said, suddenly coming up behind him. "Please let me speak with her."

"Jaedynn, is it alright if I put Ashti on the line?"

"Yeah," Jaedynn managed with a whimper and Nathan released the phone to Ashti.

"Azizam?" Ashti said once she had the phone to her ear.

"Ashti," Jaedynn started, "Ashti, I lost the baby."

"I know, Azizam," Ashti said in a gentle, motherly tone.

"I'm so sorry," Jaedynn said.

"You listen to me, Azizam: you did nothing wrong. You just come home and we'll be here. The children are here and they're safe and they miss you very much. Just come home, Azizam. Everything will be alright," Ashti assured. "Where are you right now?"

"I'm in New York," Jaedynn answered. "We're laid over for a few hours."

"Alright," Ashti said. "We will be here waiting for you, Azizam. Stay strong for us okay?"

"Okay," Jaedynn managed.

"Let me talk to her," Nathan said and Ashti handed the phone back over. "Jaedynn, when's the next plane back to Washington?"

"About one in the morning," Jaedynn answered.

"Okay," Nathan said as he did the math in his head. "I'll be at the airport by six to pick you up okay?"

"Okay," Jaedynn said. "Thank you, daddy."

"No need to thank me," Nathan said. "If your flight gets delayed for any reason, give me a call okay?"

"I will," Jaedynn said.

Nathan and Jaedynn said goodbye to one another then hung up the phone and the sound of the change falling further into the machine filled the small space of the phone booth. She took out the change and put it in her purse before leaving the phone booth to go back into the McDonalds. She took her seat beside Gloria.

"Did the kids make it home?" Gloria asked.

"Yeah," Jaedynn nodded. "They're home. My parents are at my house too."

"Okay, good," Gloria said and took Jaedynn's hand. "One less thing to worry about at least." Jaedynn nodded her head gently while Gloria started rubbing Jaedynn's shoulders with her other hand. "How long is Roshad going to be in Iran?"

"I don't know," Jaedynn said in a quiet voice. "He wouldn't say."

"Is he trying to liquidate his assets or something?" Gloria asked.

"I don't know," Jaedynn answered then put her elbows on the table so she could put her face in her hands. "I don't know. He wouldn't tell me anything."

"Hey," Gloria said in a soft voice, "everything will be alright. You mark my words: that man will be home in a month; at most two."

"He said he didn't know when he was coming back," Jaedynn started to whimper as her right hand went down to her belly again. "What if something happens to him?"

"He'll be alright, Jaedynn," Gloria promised. Jaedynn started crying and Gloria continued rubbing Jaedynn's shoulders. "Your mother-in-law will be with you and the kids in the meantime."

"I don't want my mother-in-law; I want my husband," Jaedynn cried, "Our son's dead, Gloria. Roshad should be with me! I can't deal with this myself."

"Jaedynn," Gloria said. Her voice became firm as she continued, "You need to get a hold of yourself. I know it's hard, but right now, you need to be a big girl and take care of your business. Yes, you lost a baby, but your other kids need you. Your kids have been without you for days probably with no idea where you are or what's going on. When you get home, whether Roshad's here or not, you need to be strong for your kids."

"That's easy for you to say," Jaedynn said through her tears.

"You think so?" Gloria began but she stopped herself to take a deep breath before she spoke calmly. "Jaedynn, I'm a single mom. I've been doing this myself for four years. There are times I've wanted to break down and cry, there are times when I feel lonely or like I've got no support, but then I remind myself I've got a son that needs me and I don't have time to cry. Then I remember I've got plenty of support. So do you. You've got me, you've got your mother-in-law, your parents, your siblings: all people that would do anything to help you."

"I want my husband, Gloria," Jaedynn said as she continued to cry.

"I know, Jaedynn, but until he comes back, you've got all of us," Gloria said soothingly and rubbed Jaedynn's back. Jaedynn looked up at Gloria taking comfort in the sincerity she saw. She glanced at her food and took a hold of a fry, but she didn't have an appetite.

"Do you want to take this back home with you?" Jaedynn finally asked.

"Sure," Gloria said and put the unfinished food in the bag with the chicken nuggets she would take home to Raphael.

The two of them gathered their things and walked outside passing a young woman with a carrier at her side. Inside the carrier was a tiny baby. The baby even had black hair; just what Nasir would have had. She placed her hand over her stomach as she started picturing him: black hair, slightly tanned skin just like his brothers and sisters, his father's hazel eyes and strong nose. He'd have had his father's smile she was sure. The more she thought about it, the more she felt her eyes burn with fresh tears. Gloria noticed Jaedynn start crying, looked behind her at the woman with the baby as she continued into the McDonalds and wrapped her arm around Jaedynn's shoulders.

"Be strong, Jaedynn," Gloria said, "Just like we talked about."

All the while, Rashida kept her distance. She was close enough she could hear into the restaurant and could hear Jaedynn's lamentation. When Jaedynn stepped out of the restaurant with Gloria and her eyes fell on the woman with the baby, Rashida could hear Jaedynn's heart race as her hands went to her belly again as she'd done numerous times through the long trip home. She heard Gloria say to Jaedynn, "Be strong, Jaedynn, just like we talked about," when she realized Jaedynn was becoming upset. Rashida allowed the two of them another moment alone but eventually approached them. Jaedynn noticed Rashida's sweet scent first and looked up as she approached.

"Rashida," Jaedynn said and rubbed the tears away from her face. Rashida closed the distance and gave Jaedynn a hug.

"We should return to the airport," Rashida said.

Hesitantly, Jaedynn said, "Okay," as she lifted her head and rubbed her eyes more. She took a deep breath then looked at Gloria. "Thank you for coming out to talk to me."

"Of course," Gloria said and came over to give Jaedynn a hug. "Call me when you get home okay? Even if you have to leave a message or something."

"I will," Jaedynn said. "Give Raphael a hug and kiss for me."

"Absolutely," Gloria said.

"When you can," Rashida said and pulled out a checkbook, "come visit us in Washington. I know we didn't get to let the children see each other this trip and I know they'd be heartbroken if we didn't make an effort."

"You don't have to give me money," Gloria started.

"Please, I insist – if it will ensure the boys can all see each other, it's no trouble," Rashida said and tore the written and signed check from the book offering it to Gloria. She'd even added to the memo portion of the check, "So the children can visit" as a small addition to make it official. Gloria eventually accepted the check and got it in her wallet then in her purse for safe keeping.

"I'll talk to my boss and get some time off as soon as possible," Gloria said, "definitely before Raphael starts pre-school."

"Thank you, Gloria. I know it's last minute-" Jaedynn said.

"Don't worry about it," Gloria interrupted. "The kids deserve to see each other. I'm happy to bring Raphael to Washington even if it's just for a long weekend. Besides, I think the distraction will b good for everyone."

"Definitely," Jaedynn said as she'd finally gotten the tears completely under control. How long that would last was anyone's guess, but at least she was able to talk to someone about how she was feeling. "Give Raphael a hug and a kiss for me."

"You can give him a hug and kiss when we come to visit," Gloria smiled gently.

Jaedynn and Rashida walked Gloria to the train station before finally saying goodbye then got into a cab back to the airport. Jaedynn and Rashida were mostly silent in the car and in the airport until, several hours later, they finally got onto a plane to Washington.

"I was able to call home," Jaedynn said, finally breaking the silence between them. "Ashti and the kids got home safe."

"Good," Rashida replied and patted Jaedynn's knee. "Don't worry, Jaedynn. We'll be home soon."

"Do you suppose when we get back you could try reaching Roshad or Bastet?" Jaedynn said.

"I will," Rashida said.

When they finally landed in Washington, it was nearly dawn. Jaedynn and Rashida retrieved their luggage then found a payphone so Jaedynn could call the house to ask Nathan to come pick them up. Ashti had answered the phone but she woke Nathan and he was at the airport to meet them thirty minutes later. He brought the car to a screeching halt when he saw them, put the car in park, jumped out with Ada María and went straight to Jaedynn taking her in his arms. Ada María took Jaedynn in her arms next to welcome her home while Nathan looked right at Rashida.

"Where the hell is Roshad?" Nathan asked.

"He is still in Iran," Rashida said. "The moment we've returned home, I will call the palace for an update."

"When is he coming home?" Nathan asked.

"I don't know yet," Rashida answered.

"Nathan," Ada María interrupted, "Please. Let's just get Jaedynn home."

After a moment and taking a deep breath, Nathan reluctantly agreed and they all got back in the car to go back home. Everyone remained quiet during the drive. Nathan was still seething but kept his mouth shut if only for Jaedynn's sake. Once they made it to the house, Rashida and Nathan collected the luggage while Ada María guided Jaedynn to the entrance. Cars were lined up and down the street near their house but Jaedynn didn't pay them much attention. When she and Ada María came into the house, most of the family was there. Scarlet was holding Maleek when Jaedynn came into the house and once Maleek noticed her, he went into a fit of crying. As he screamed for her, Maleek started reaching for her and Scarlet rushed to Jaedynn so she could hand Maleek over all while the kids were making a mad dash for her too still wearing their pajamas having just gotten out of bed.

"Mommy!" all the kids were crying and Jaedynn hugged them all trying to reassure them. Maleek continued crying as Rashida went towards the kitchen to the phone on the wall while Ashti stood near Jaedynn. The moment Jaedynn was able, she stood up and looked at Ashti. Her eyes were closed as always but her expression was gentle.

"Ashti," Jaedynn said as tears were forming again, "I'm so sorry."

"Everything will be alright, Azizam," Ashti said in a gentle tone and took Jaedynn into her arms. Meanwhile, Rashida was making all the necessary entries so she could call the palace. The phone rang continuously until someone finally answered, but it was not Roshad or Bastet. Instead, it was a servant who informed Rashida Roshad and Bastet were not in but confirmed he would make them both aware she'd called.

"So?" Nathan demanded after she'd hung up the phone.

"A servant answered. Roshad and Bastet are not at the palace but he will inform them I called," Rashida said.

"Fine," Nathan said irritably. "Keep us all posted."

"I will," Rashida answered calmly.

Ashti guided Jaedynn to go upstairs and sleep promising she would look after the children, although Maleek would not let go of Jaedynn without throwing a fit. Since Jaedynn was finally home, Ashti encouraged the majority of those visit to leave but Nathan and Ada María stayed. Hours went by with no call, so Rashida tried calling the palace again. This time, no one answered. Kevin came to the house after work to check on Jaedynn but caught Nathan sitting outside on the porch. When he stepped out to check on him, Nathan was irate.

"Still no word?" Kevin asked once he'd seen the look on Nathan's face.

"None," Nathan muttered. Kevin located another chair on the patio, pulled it closer and then sat down so he was beside Nathan.

"When did Rashida last try to reach them?"

"About an hour ago," Nathan said. "Unfinished business my ass. My daughter's upstairs grieving after suffering a miscarriage. That son of a bitch should be here with her mourning, not fucking around in Iran doing who the fuck knows."

"Just take a deep breath, Nathan," Kevin said calmly.

"That's all I've been doing for the past week!" Nathan said. "I'm tired of 'taking a deep breath' and being fucking calm. There is nothing – fucking nothing – he could possibly be doing that's more important than grieving with HIS wife after losing THEIR son!"

"Nathan," Kevin said with the same calm voice, "I know you're angry. I don't blame you; but yelling isn't helping anything. I promise: when Roshad does come back home, I'll chew him out right alongside you but right now, we need to focus on helping Jaedynn and the kids."

"I know," Nathan replied with frustration.

Not long after Kevin had arrived, Kyle and Ivory arrived to Jaedynn's house. Ivory rushed to the master bedroom ahead of Kyle and went straight to her sister to comfort her. Kyle insisted on giving Jaedynn a health check given the circumstances and Ivory held Maleek during the examination but he was crying the whole time. He didn't calm down until Jaedynn took him back once Kyle was finished and confirmed she was in good health and had healed from her concussion and miscarriage.

"I'm sorry for what happened," Kyle said to Jaedynn when her face fell after Kyle said she'd healed from the miscarriage. "I would recommend you allow yourself time to grieve, but if you and Roshad decide you want to try again, you won't have any trouble conceiving." The only response Jaedynn gave was to nod her head sorrowfully while she cradled Maleek close to her.

"Do you want me to stay the night?" Ivory asked Jaedynn while gently rubbing her arm. Jaedynn nodded and Ivory grabbed the phone to call home so she could ask Anatoli to bring a change of clothes and her soaps for her stay. Kyle stayed long enough after Jaedynn's examination to speak briefly with Nathan and Ada María to let them know Jaedynn was physically healthy but to call him if anything changed.

In the meantime, Rashida kept trying to call Bastet and Roshad. The later in the day it was, the more she called. Eventually, closer to nine when the children were already tucked in and Ivory was getting ready for bed along with Jaedynn, Rashida finally got another servant who was able to get Bastet on the phone.

"Bastet," Rashida said with a sigh of relief when he answered.

"You got them on the phone?" Nathan demanded and rushed to the phone with Ada María and Kevin at his side.

"Yes, I have him," Rashida said in English and continued to speak with Bastet in English for everyone's benefit. "Bastet, what's going on? When is Roshad coming back to Washington?"

"I don't know," Bastet said. "We returned to Tehran two days ago. Roshad hasn't returned to the palace. He's been at the office since we returned. Are Jaedynn and the children alright?"

"Yes, they're home and they're safe, but they keep asking about Roshad."

"Rashida, give me the phone," Ashti demanded after rushing downstairs having overheard Rashida finally got a hold of Bastet. Rashida told Bastet she was handing over the phone before giving it to Ashti. Once she had the phone to her ear, Ashti proceeded in Farsi. "Bastet, you tell Roshad he needs to come home. Now."

"I know this is hard on everyone, Ashti – you have my word Roshad will return as soon as possible," Bastet said.

"I did not say he needed to come home 'as soon as possible'. I said now. Whatever Roshad needs done in Iran needs to be your responsibility. Roshad needs to be home with his wife and children."

"Ashti, I will be blunt: I can't discuss anything with you. The only thing I can tell you is it's more complicated than you're thinking."

"What does that mean?!" Ashti demanded.

"Please, Ashti, I just need you to trust me," Bastet pleaded.

"I want to talk to Roshad," Ashti demanded. "Tell him he needs to call. I will expect his call within the hour."

"I will tell him to call," Bastet promised.

"Within the hour, Bastet," Ashti answered, "And I mean within the hour."

"I heard you, Ashti," Bastet said. "I swear Roshad will call you within the hour."

"Thank you, Bastet," Ashti said and handed the phone over to Rashida. While she was talking to Bastet another moment, Ashti said to Nathan and the others, "Bastet has promised Roshad will call within the hour."

"Good," Nathan said. "I'll give him a piece of my mind."

"He needs to speak with Jaedynn," Ashti said.

"She's right, Nathan," Ada María said soothingly as she touched his arm.

Nathan eventually agreed and they waited for Roshad's call. Upstairs, Jaedynn was already in bed with Maleek in her lap. The boy was fast asleep at long last but Jaedynn continued holding him terrified he'd throw a fit if he woke up and she wasn't there. Ivory came out of the shower wearing just a towel around her body and she was drying her hair with another towel.

"Are you sure you don't want me to hold Maleek while you shower?" Ivory asked Jaedynn.

"I'm sure," Jaedynn said remorsefully. She knew she desperately needed one, but she was too scared to put Maleek down. The children were finally in bed, Maleek had calmed enough to sleep and she didn't want to risk a disruption. "I'll shower in the morning. If nothing else, everyone will be awake by then and I can hand Maleek over to Ashti for a bit."

"Do you want me to call off work tomorrow?"

"No, you go to work. I'll be alright," Jaedynn said. "I would love for you to stay the night again tomorrow, though."

"Absolutely," Ivory said and got herself in a pair of pajamas before coming to the bed getting under the covers on Roshad's side of the bed. Ivory started rubbing Maleek's back gently and Jaedynn began rocking back and forth though it was more for her own benefit. "Jaedynn," Ivory said in a gentle tone, "I'm really sorry about the baby. I thought about asking Anatoli if there was anything he could do-"

"I thought about it too," Jaedynn said weakly. "I kept thinking if I'd just demanded the nurses gave him to me, maybe Anatoli could have saved him."

"Jaedynn, maybe there's still a chance we-"

"There isn't," Jaedynn lamented with her eyes burning. "Even if there were, it wouldn't work. I've thought about it over and over again, but he would just have been in more pain." Ivory was silent and allowed Jaedynn another moment to collect herself. Jaedynn thought about her exam with Kyle and his assurance she could conceive again but she didn't want to. Their son couldn't be replaced and she wasn't going to try. "It was awful," Jaedynn said.

"I know," Ivory replied in a calm and gentle tone.

"No, you don't," Jaedynn whimpered. "I felt everything. I wanted so desperately to be wrong, but I knew I'd lost him when I felt the bleeding. Even so, I kept hoping the doctor could save him but they couldn't. I watched them take him away from me."

"Shh," Ivory shushed soothingly and wrapped her arms around Jaedynn's shoulders so she could cradle her.

Then the house phone rang making Jaedynn jump with surprise. Maleek woke up and seemed like he might cry, but he opened his eyes to see Jaedynn and that was enough to sooth him and he remained quiet. Downstairs, Ashti rushed to the phone and answered it after the first ring. It had been twenty minutes since she'd spoken to Bastet and Ashti was hopeful it was Roshad.

"Roshad?" Ashti said as soon as she answered the phone.

"Maman?" Roshad answered and then said, "Is Jaedynn there?"

"Yes, she is. I will have her answer the phone. One moment," Ashti said and handed the phone over to Rashida as she rushed upstairs then knocked on the door to the master bedroom before letting herself in. "Jaedynn, Roshad is on the phone."

"Ivory, hand me the phone," Jaedynn pleaded as she pointed at the phone on Roshad's side of the bed. Ivory picked up the receiver and handed it over to Jaedynn. "Roshad?"

"Jaedynn," Roshad said as he breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God; you're home. Are the children alright?"

"They're alright," Jaedynn said. "Where are you? Are you back in Tehran?"

"Yes, I've returned to Tehran," Roshad said. "There were protests here as well. The city's still trying to recover from the aftermath."

"But you're alright?" Jaedynn asked.

"Yes, Bastet and I are alright."

"What about Morvarid? Is she okay?"

"She's returned to Isfahan," Roshad answered. His answers remained short and to the point. She didn't like it.

"Roshad, when are you coming home?"

"As soon as I possibly can," Roshad promised, but it wasn't enough.

"Roshad," Jaedynn started as the tears were coming yet again, "Please."

"Let me speak with him, Azizam," Ashti requested and held out her hand. Reluctantly, Jaedynn handed over the phone and Ashti proceeded in Farsi. "Roshad," she said, "You're to come home this instant. Whatever needs to be done needs to be up to Bastet. Your place is here with your wife. You should be grieving."

"I can assure you, maman, I am grieving," Roshad said in a harsher tone than he should have.

"You should be grieving at your wife's side," Ashti said. "I want you on the next plane home."

"Maman, I can't return yet," Roshad said. "Please let me speak with Jaedynn."

"Roshad, you need to return home," Ashti ordered. "This is not up for discussion."

"Maman, put Jaedynn back on the phone," Roshad said again. "I want to talk to her."

"When are you coming home, Roshad?" Ashti demanded.

"I don't know, maman," Roshad answered honestly. "Now please put Jaedynn on the phone."

"I want a proper answer, Roshad. Your children are asking where you are and when you're coming home but their mother can't tell them because you won't give any of us a straight answer."

"I don't have an answer to give you right now, maman. Now put Jaedynn on the phone," Roshad said, this time more firmly. It was clear Ashti wasn't going to get an answer but she wasn't about to take it sitting down.

"You should be ashamed of yourself, Roshad," Ashti said then finally handed the phone over to Jaedynn. Not having understood any of Ashti's and Roshad's conversation but hearing the anger in Ashti's, Jaedynn brought the phone to her ear nervously.

"Roshad?" Jaedynn said.

"Jaedynn," Roshad said, finally calming down now that he was hearing her voice. "I'm so sorry," he said. "I swear to you I'll return home as soon as I can but there are things I have to do beforehand."

"I need you home now," Jaedynn pleaded with tears in her eyes.

"I swear to you I will return home soon," Roshad promised. "Please do not think I'm not grieving or I've abandoned you. That couldn't be further from the truth."

"Roshad," Jaedynn cried, "At least tell me why you can't come home yet." There was a brief silence between them before he finally answered.

"I know there is only so much I can do," Roshad said. "What happened in Tabriz…Jaedynn, I can't sit back and do nothing." Just like that, Jaedynn realized what this was about and when she realized it, her shoulders slumped and she felt more alone than ever. She didn't know what to say so she stayed silent. "I swear to you I will come home as soon as possible," Roshad finally said. "I love you, Jaedynn."

"I love you too," Jaedynn replied in a mumbled.

The two of them ended up disconnecting and once he'd hung up, Roshad put his face in his hands. He'd felt so empty since Jaedynn left. The palace had never felt so empty and when he'd gone to his office and seen her portrait with their children's pictures beneath it, the emptiness was even worse. He brought his face out from his hands and glanced at the plaque he'd made and would be shipping to Washington. It was the size of all the other pictures above his desk back in Washington of his and Jaedynn's sons and daughters, but this had no picture. Only a name: Nasir. Written in Farsi script with a black backdrop and the letters in gold. Making that plaque had been the first thing Roshad did when he returned to Tehran. He'd gone into the garden, picked up one of the rocks and materialized it into a representation of the only thing of their son they had.

Ashti had said he should be ashamed of himself. Little did she know that was exactly what he felt: pure, unadulterated shame; shame for bringing Jaedynn and their children to Iran when things were so tumultuous, shame he'd failed to protect Jaedynn during the accident and shame he'd failed to save his son. Hearing Jaedynn's voice and hearing the sorrow it expressed caused him to feel greater shame. He wanted to be by her side, but more than that he wanted to avenge their son and honor him any way he could. Roshad took a hold of the plaque and just stared at it for a moment with a heavy heart.

"Did you call home?" Bastet said after stepping into Roshad's office. He glanced up and then nodded.

"I spoke more with maman than Jaedynn," Roshad replied sorrowfully. "She demanded I come home immediately but I told her I couldn't and wanted to talk to Jaedynn. Maman said I should be ashamed of myself." Bastet didn't say anything and that only seemed to reinforce Ashti's sentiment. Roshad looked at the plaque again staring at his late son's name. "I never thought I'd feel this pain again."

"It wasn't your fault, Roshad," Bastet said. "It wasn't Jaedynn's fault either."

"It's not about fault," Roshad said and then he was quiet again for another moment. "I thought I would never feel this pain again." His voice became labored as he fought tears and said, "I never even got to hold him."

"Roshad," Bastet said and came to Roshad's desk and kneeled so he was level with Roshad with a hand on his shoulder. Bastet pulled a chair close so he could stay seated beside Roshad while he did his best to hold himself together, but the pain was too great and overcame him.

Back home in Washington, after Jaedynn ended the call with Roshad she was shell shocked for a moment. Revenge: that's what this was about. When it occurred to her, it was like a slap to the face. Ivory overheard the whole conversation and as soon as Jaedynn was off the phone, she scooted closer to Jaedynn.

"So he's not coming home?"Ivory demanded in a quieted but alarmed voice.

"He won't say when he's returning," Jaedynn mumbled and rubbed tears away from her cheeks. Ivory wasn't sure what to say. She was shocked. Jaedynn looked down at Maleek who'd gone back to sleep and she decided Gloria was right: feeling sorry for herself solved nothing. She needed to be strong for her children and she couldn't do that sitting around waiting for Roshad to come home. "Everything will be alright," Jaedynn finally said.

"I will not let up until he comes home," Ashti promised. "I will drag him home myself if I have to."

"No," Jaedynn said in a weak voice, "don't force him. He'll come home when he's ready. In the meantime, we'll make things work."

While Ivory and Ashti were apprehensive, they both agreed to drop the matter. Ashti went downstairs with Rashida, Nathan and Ada María left but promised they'd return the following day and Jaedynn and Ivory went to bed for the night. As Jaedynn said, she held her head high in front of the kids and did her best to keep things normal, but there was no escaping the elephant in the room: Baba wasn't home and no one knew when he was coming home. Jaedynn got a call from Gloria letting her know she and Raphael would be coming to Washington for a long weekend and the Friday after Jaedynn returned home, she went to pick up Gloria and Raphael from the airport. When Gloria and Raphael came out from the airport, Raphael saw Jaedynn and ran to her.

"Ma!" Raphael yelled and hugged Jaedynn's legs. Jaedynn smiled and bent down to pick up Raphael and give him a big hug.

"It's so good to see you, mijo," Jaedynn said and gave Raphael a kiss on the cheek.

"You should have seen him when I told him we were coming to visit," Gloria said with a smile as she approached. "That boy's had his little suitcase packed for three days."

"I haven't told the kids," Jaedynn said. "I wanted to surprise them. I think they need the distraction."

"Have you heard anything from Roshad?" Gloria asked but Jaedynn shook her head, preferring to not talk about the matter.

"Not really," Jaedynn said. "All I know is he's staying in Iran until further notice and he doesn't know when he's coming back."

"But….Jaedynn what about expenses? The house, the cars: what's going to happen?"

"I don't know," Jaedynn said. "Rashida claims Roshad will ensure there's money for expenses but I'll have to take that in stride. I'll do what I can to make sure you still get child support-"

"To hell with the child support – I don't want you and the kids to lose the roof over your head," Gloria replied in a panicky voice.

"It won't come to that," Jaedynn said. "If I have to go back to work and get us an apartment, I will. I can always work for my uncle again if it's necessary."

"Well," Gloria said apprehensively, "I guess so long as Ashti's around, you won't be hurting for childcare."

"Exactly," Jaedynn said with a forced smile. "Come on and let's get in the car. I'm sure you're tired and the kids will be excited to see you both."

Jaedynn got Raphael secured in a seatbelt while Gloria took a seat beside Raphael in the back then Jaedynn got into the driver's seat so they could return to her house. They talked along the way keeping the topic as far away from the topic of Roshad and his whereabouts as possible and instead focused on Gloria's work, Raphael starting pre-school, Iman starting Kindergarten and so on. Once they arrived, Gloria helped get Raphael out of the car and the boy bolted for the front door with Gloria chasing after him while Jaedynn carried the two suitcases. Ashti opened the door shortly after Raphael made it to the door.

"Madar Jun!" Raphael smiled and reached for her.

"Oh, Azizam, you finally come to visit me," Ashti said with a smile in her voice as she kneeled down to give the boy a hug then stood to move aside so Raphael could go inside to greet the other kids. "It's good to see you, Gloria," Ashti said to Gloria once Raphael was inside.

"It's good to see you too," Gloria said. "Thank you for having us for the weekend."

"It's our pleasure," Ashti said and guided Gloria to come inside with Jaedynn following close behind.

"It's so good to see you again, Gloria," Rashida said once they were all inside. She then went over to Raphael who was currently trying to get Kamron to play with him on the floor and kneeled down so she could gently take a hold of his face. "And you, Habibi – you've grown up so much! Look how handsome you are!"

Raphael whined a little as Rashida was pressing kisses to his head but she soon released him and the children went on playing. The boys were thrilled to see Raphael though there was an undeniable lack of enthusiasm in the air at first. Within the hour, though, Raphael had all the kids, including Maleek, on the floor with him playing with blocks and toy trucks and all the other toys on the floor. Ashti and Rashida watched over the kids while Jaedynn and Gloria stepped outside for some fresh air. It started drizzling outside so they have to stay under the canopy.

"I hope the weather improves tomorrow," Gloria said once they were both outside with some coffee sitting on the patio. I brought Raphael's swim trunks – I figured the kids might want to go swimming."

"Hopefully it'll be sunny for a few hours," Jaedynn said. "You should see this place in the summer. We host this big pool party for the boys. Maybe you and Raphael could come next year."

"I'd love that," Gloria smiled, "and I'll be able to stay the week instead of just a weekend. The only reason I got this time off was I claimed someone had died." Gloria had meant the statement to be lighthearted, but all too quickly, she realized she'd misspoke as Jaedynn's face fell. "Shit, I'm so sorry. Forget I-"

"It's alright; you don't have to apologize," Jaedynn reassured with the same sorrowful look on her face. "Honestly, whatever you had to tell them is fine by me."

"How have you been feeling? Physically I mean," Gloria asked.

"For the most part, I'm fine," Jaedynn said. "I still feel sore but everything's healing normally and Uncle Kyle says I'm still fertile and this hasn't affected my ability to have children."

"Do you want another child?" Gloria asked apprehensively.

"No," Jaedynn answered rather quickly but then she fell into the same emotional rollercoaster as before. "I don't know," she said again. "If I get pregnant again, it'll be like I'm replacing him."

"Jaedynn, you wouldn't be replacing him," Gloria reassured. "Allow yourself time to grieve obviously, but when the time is right, if you and Roshad want to have another child, you could and this child would be an individual all their own. You wouldn't be replacing Nasir. No one could."

"I know," Jaedynn said, "but I still feel like that's what I'd be doing." Jaedynn was quiet for a moment before saying, "Maybe this was a sign it's time to stop."

"Jaedynn, don't think like that," Gloria said. "If you're saying this was divine intervention, I can't imagine God would be so cruel. It's just one of those things where something bad happened to a good person and you can't always avoid it."

Jaedynn only nodded gently as Gloria rubbed her hand soothingly. The quiet was interrupted by the sound of the boys yelling which brought Jaedynn and Gloria to attention but when they rushed in, the boys were wrestling with each other on the floor while Iman and Sherry were playing with some dolls and Maleek was swatting at Kamron's back trying to involve himself with the ruckus. Rashida and Ashti were clearly unalarmed by the behavior as the boys were play fighting despite any tugging and rolling. Although Kamron got the better of Raphael restraining him with his arm around the boy's neck, but Navid, Leo, Mikie and Don plopped on top of Kamron to get him to release Raphael and the fight became all the more haphazard.

"Do they ever grow out of this?" Gloria asked more to herself than anyone in particular.

"No, boys will always be boys even when they grow into men," Ashti said offhandedly. "It's shameful really."

"Oh no," Gloria responded and laughed a little under her breath.

Since all was well, Jaedynn and Gloria returned outside enjoying coffee and letting Ashti and Rashida look after the kids while they played. Ashti made dinner that night and after dinner the kids were playing together until they couldn't stay awake anymore. They all tucked the children into bed. Raphael was awake enough to beg he be able to sleep in Kamron's bed, but then all the boys wanted to sleep in Kamron's bed, so Gloria and Jaedynn put together a large bed made from spare blankets with plenty of pillows and the boys all slept on the floor together while Sherry and Iman stayed in their room and Maleek stayed in his crib although he did wind up climbing out in the middle of the night running across the hall to the other room so he could sleep on the floor with his older brothers.

"I'm sorry to ask, but do you mind if I sleep in bed with you?" Gloria asked Jaedynn once they'd gotten ready for bed that night.

"It's fine," Jaedynn said. "Ivory's been sleeping over a lot. I admit having someone sleeping there makes me feel a little better." Gloria didn't answer at first as she climbed into Roshad's side of the bed. Jaedynn was already lying down staring at the ceiling.

"Has it been every night?" Gloria asked.

"No, not every night," Jaedynn said. "I know that's probably not a good thing even if it's not every night."

"It'll get easier, Jaedynn," Gloria promised and even took Jaedynn's hand while she lowered her head to the pillow lying on her side. "I know it doesn't seem like it now, but it will get easier with time."

"I hope so," Jaedynn mumbled.

The next day, the weather was much better and the sun was out, so the children were able to play in the water. Jaedynn and Gloria were outside with the kids while Ashti and Rashida stayed inside. Sadly, it began raining so they had to bring the children inside and got all of them washed up so they would be ready for bed when it was time. Sunday was Gloria's and Raphael's last day in Washington, so they had a giant breakfast together on the patio while the rain drizzled down creating a relaxing atmosphere. Jaedynn drove Raphael and Gloria to the airport with the kids in tow so they could say goodbye to Raphael.

"What do you say to coming East for Christmas?" Gloria suggested while they were all saying goodbye and the kids were sad to see Raphael leave. "Maybe we could meet in Queens."

"We'll talk about it," Jaedynn promised. "Call me when you get back home, okay?"

"I will," Gloria said and then started hugging all the kids. "Good luck on your first day of school, Iman. I know you'll do great."

"Thank you, mama," Iman answered as she hugged Gloria back.

"You have fun in pre-school, Raphael," Jaedynn said as she gave Raphael a hug. "I know you'll have lots of fun." Jaedynn gave Raphael a kiss on the check as he said thank you before Jaedynn released him.

When they returned home, Rashida and Ashti were in the living room sitting on the couch with the TV on. They were listening to the news and when Jaedynn heard 'Iran' she ran over so she could watch too. It wasn't based out of Tehran which gave her comfort, but the report was no less tragic. A movie theatre in Abadan was deliberately set fire to and the death toll, according to the reporter, was around 400 people but that number could very likely be much higher. As to who was responsible, there was no definitive suspect although the reporter stated the culprit or culprits belonged to a radical Islamic Terrorist group. Jaedynn realized too late the children were watching along with them and by the time she realized it, Kamron was already looking at her but he seemed too scared to ask her anything.

"Baba is alright," Ashti reassured all the kids. "This happened in Abadan – very far away from Tehran. Baba will be alright."

"When is baba coming home?" Leo asked, looking right at Jaedynn.

"Yeah, when is baba coming home?" Mikie said and before Jaedynn knew it, all the kids were begging for an answer but she didn't have one. It was enough to send her to tears she was trying desperately to hold back.

"Children!" Ashti said, demanding the kids' attention with a stern and commanding voice. "Baba will be home as soon as possible. In the meantime, you need to behave and not make things difficult for your maman. Are we clear?" The children all nodded their heads and that was the end of it.

That night, Ashti did everything in her power to call Roshad, but she could only get a hold of Bastet. Bastet explained Roshad was in Shiraz and would not be able to call back until he returned to Tehran but promised Roshad was unharmed. That same afternoon in New York, Gloria and Raphael landed in JFK and got on a train returning into Manhattan. By the time they returned home, Raphael was in Gloria's arms sound asleep and Gloria was doing her best to carry two suitcases. She made it to the front door and, having her hands full, kicked the front door with her toe to knock but there was no answer. She kicked the door again but there was still no answer.

Gloria sighed heavily, "Figures everyone's out." She put down the suitcases and rummaged through her purse for her keys when she felt someone approaching and when she looked up, it was Alex. "Alex?!"

"How was your trip?" Alex asked. He was calm. Too calm it seemed.

"Not too good if I'm blunt," Gloria said, a lie already prepared. "I had to attend a funeral."

"Without your parents?" Alex said.

"It was an old friend," Gloria said and finally got the door open.

"Might've been nice if you'd told me you were going to be gone this weekend. I came over yesterday to see Raphael but your mom told me you were gone."

"I'm sorry; it was really last minute," Gloria said. "It slipped my mind to call." She stepped inside the apartment prepared to close the door but Alex came in with her.

"Why didn't you leave Raphael so I could visit him at least?"

"Alex, just drop it," Gloria said, already losing her patience with him. "Can we not do this? Raphael's asleep and I don't want to wake him."

"Fine," Alex said and then went to Ramon's chair taking a seat in it. Rather than argue with him, Gloria went to her room and put Raphael into his crib so he could continue to sleep. Once he was down to finish his nap, Gloria came back out and Alex had his feet on the table with his shoes on.

"Alex, get your feet off the table," Gloria said.

"Don't get snippy with me, Gloria. I'm getting comfy. It's been a long day," Alex said.

"Murphy giving you a hard time again or something?" Gloria guessed.

"Son of a bitch tried to tell me he would only give me $150 for a diamond ring. He went up to $250 but that's bullshit," Alex said. "So who's funeral were you at?"

"No one you'd know," Gloria lied. "It was a woman I knew in high school."

"How'd she die?"

"Car crash," Gloria said.

"Tough break," Alex said in a rather cold, blasé manner. "Where was the funeral that you were gone for three days?"

"New Jersey," Gloria lied again. "For fuck sake, Alex, I just got back from my friend's funeral. I'd rather you didn't interrogate me."

"I'm just asking about where you took my son without asking me first," Alex said.

"Oh fuck you," Gloria said in an exasperated tone as she rolled her eyes. It seemed like Alex was about to say something, but his attention went in the direction of the bedrooms and he stood from Ramon's chair and started walking to Gloria's room. "Where are you going?"

"Raphael's up," Alex said and went into the bedroom. When he stepped in, Raphael was rubbing his eyes as he stood in his crib and Alex was standing in front of him by the time he opened his eyes.

"Papa!" Raphael said with a bright smile and reached out for him.

"How's my little man doing?" Alex asked and lifted Raphael into his arms. "Did your mommy drag you away to a funeral?"

"What's a funeral?" Raphael asked innocently.

"Alex, he's too young to understand things like that," Gloria said as she rushed into the room.

"You took the boy to a funeral but you didn't explain to him what a funeral is?" Alex asked skeptically and then looked at Raphael. "A funeral is a ceremony for someone that's died. Do you remember that person you saw in the box?"

"What box?" Raphael asked and Alex rose a brow suspiciously.

"What did you do this weekend, little man?" Alex asked.

"Mama and I went to visit big brother!" Raphael answered enthusiastically and Alex looked right at Gloria. She stood her ground but Alex was clearly livid.

"You don't say? So you went to Washington? Did you have fun?"

"Yeah! Lots of fun!" Raphael said. He looked between Alex and Gloria and seemed to realize there was a tension in the air. Alex put Raphael down on the ground and then walked out of the room grabbing a hold of Gloria's arm and dragging her out to the living room space.

"Alex, let go of me!" Gloria demanded and he did once they were in the living room.

"You went to a funeral in Jersey, huh?" Alex said irritably.

"I don't owe you an explanation, Alex," Gloria said.

"You do when you're taking my son –"

"You can fuck right off with that! You're only around when you want to be and when it's convenient for you! Don't stand there and tell me what I can and can't do with my son!" While the two argued, Raphael was standing in the doorway of the bedroom watching.

"My son, Gloria!" Alex yelled, "And I don't want you taking my son around that cunt and her little shits!"

"Those 'little shits' are Raphael's brothers and four of them are your sons! You heartless bastard!" Rather suddenly, Alex slapped Gloria across the face and she took a step back.

"Don't ever fucking lie to me about where you're taking my son," Alex growled lowly but Gloria recovered from the slap and slapped Alex across the face right back. As response, Alex grabbed a hold of Gloria's neck and pushed her against the wall while she tried to loosen his grip by digging her nails into his forearm. That's when Raphael ran out and stepped between them.

"Papa! Papa, please don't hurt mama!" Raphael begged and he was starting to cry.

"Get out of the way, Raphael," Alex said to Raphael more calmly while Gloria was fighting him while trying not to kick Raphael. Then the front door of the apartment opened and Margarita stepped in seeing Alex and Gloria. Alex released her when the door opened and Gloria gasped for air while Raphael was asking Gloria in his tiny voice if she was okay. Figuring out what happened based on what she was seeing, Margarita looked right at Alex.

"You get out of my house," Margarita demanded. "If you don't leave, I will call the police."

"Fine," Alex said and then kneeled down so he could encourage Raphael to look at him. "I'd better get going, okay little man? I'll see you again real soon."

"Get out of my house!" Margarita yelled again.

"Relax, Margarita – I'm going," Alex said and gave Raphael a hug before standing up and leaving the apartment. Once he was gone, Margarita slammed the door shut and locked the door then went to Gloria.

"Gloria! Mija, are you alright?!" Margarita asked and grabbed a hold of Gloria trying to check what injuries she sustained and she could already see a bruise forming on her throat.

"I'm fine," Gloria insisted but she was still trying to clear her throat.

"Raphael," Margarita said and made Raphael, who was still sobbing, look up at her. "You listen to me, mijo: if your father EVER does that again, you call the police. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, grandma," Raphael whimpered. Gloria got on the floor and hugged Raphael trying to sooth him but it took a while. She was tempted to call Jaedynn, but she decided not to. She was going through enough. She didn't need to worry about Alex right now. When she returned to work on Monday, the bruise was purple and very visible so she wore a scarf to hide it.

She'd thought no one would see it, but as she was washing a client's hair, the young woman said, "Busy night last night?" she asked in a teasing tone thinking she was seeing a poorly hidden hickey.

"What?"

"There's a little red peaking out of your scarf," the girl smiled and winked. "I actually have a concealer that's perfect for these sorts of things."

"Oh," Gloria said and tugged the scarf up a little. It still hurt and she flinched a little when she touched it on accident. "It's not a hickey. I'd rather not talk about it."

The young woman seemed to realize her mistake and was dead silent the rest of the appointment. When she was paying, she gave an extremely generous tip which Gloria was initially offended by but figured she'd use it to buy some dinner for everyone. She called home to let her mother know she'd be grabbing dinner and when she was on her way home, she stopped by her PO box not expecting more than some work related mail but she got a letter that had some Farsi script on it and loads and loads of postage stamps. Surprised by it, Gloria rushed to open it and inside was a check for $300 and a letter.

Gloria,

Undoubtedly you've heard what happened. Rest assured I will return to Washington as soon as possible and I will make sure everything is operating as it normally would in the meantime. That said, enclosed is this month's child support. Give Raphael my love and I look forward to seeing him again.

Thank you,

Roshad

In Washington later that week, Ashti went outside to get the mail and was surprised by a package covered to the nines in stamps both from Iran, Egypt and the US. It was addressed to Jaedynn specifically and Ashti rushed into the house going straight to the dining table where she was sitting with all the children having breakfast.

"Azizam," Ashti said and presented the package to Jaedynn.

After seeing it, she grabbed a hold of it and tore it open. It was really heavy and once the package was open Jaedynn had to quickly grab a hold of the large item that fell out. She realized it was a heavy plaque and when she pulled it out to look at it, she recognized the writing immediately. It was Farsi script, but she knew what it said.

نصیر

It was Nasir's name. His name was in gold while the rest of the plaque was black Onyx. It was amazing; everything she'd imagined when she told Roshad she wanted something to remember their son by. However, it's arrival was missing something critical: Roshad. She knew this wasn't the intent behind the gesture. She knew Roshad sent this to her because she had said this was what she wanted, but even knowing all that, it felt shallow. It felt like being sent a 'Get Well Soon' card from someone that you barely talk to that felt obligated to send well wishes.

"That's a beautiful plaque," Rashida said once she'd seen it, but all Jaedynn could do was nod absently.

She left the table to go upstairs to hers and Roshad's bedroom. Above his desk were all the pictures of her in her wedding dress and all their children. She looked at her wedding photo looking back on that day. She remembered sitting on that ottoman on the patio of the Chalus palace holding a pomegranate offering it to Roshad like Eve tempting Adam. She remembered how happy she'd been that day. It was the night the twins were conceived as she recalled. The children's pictures would change over the years as they'd done so for. Kamron's previous picture was replaced with his very first school photo in which he was giving the camera a big toothy smile. If she looked closely, she could see the gap where one of his baby teeth had fallen out the night before. There was a picture of Raphael on Roshad's desk that Gloria had sent them. Right beside Kamron was Iman's picture. Then the twins had their own pictures, Mikie, Don and Leo and finally Maleek was at the far left. It was his first picture after he'd been born.

Jaedynn looked down at the plaque then looked up again. She placed the plaque on Roshad's desk then went into the top drawer to remove the hammer and nails. She put a nail into the wall right beside Kamron's photo and then started moving all the pictures to the right and then hung the plaque on the nail Maleek's picture was previously on. She took a step back and took in the arrangement. She continued stepping back until she was against the end of the bed and plopped down to sit. She didn't regret having the plaque, but it was so painful to look at. Her hands went over her stomach again rubbing the area where Nasir should have been. She'd have formed more of a bump by now. She'd have started feeling him kick by now.

"Azizam?" Jaedynn looked up at saw Ashti in the door. She'd not realized she started crying but Ashti smelled the tears and rushed to Jaedynn's side and took her in her arms. "It's alright, Azizam."

Jaedynn started crying harder and Ashti held her and soothed her the whole time. That day was an all time low for her. Then Monday came and it was Iman's and Kamron's first day of school. Jaedynn was getting ready that morning and kept thinking about how excited Roshad had been for this day. He'd talked of having an enormous breakfast prepared for everyone to start Kamron's and Iman's first day of school off with a good start, they were going to drive to the school together with Ashti and all the other kids in tow – Jaedynn had been just as excited for it. Iman had already been nervous to start her first day but with Roshad's absence, it made the new experience all the more daunting. Rashida stayed home with all the other kids and Ashti road with Jaedynn to the school with Kamron and Iman in the back seat.

"You will be wonderful, Azizam," Ashti praised. "Your teachers will be very pleased with you and you will make many new friends. Don't let yourself get so nervous, Iman."

"I wish baba were here," Iman mumbled.

"I know, Azizam, but baba will be home soon," Ashti promised. "Your Madar Jun is making sure of that."

"When?" Kamron spoke up.

"I don't know, Kamron," Jaedynn answered sternly.

"I want baba," Iman repeated sorrowfully.

"Well he's not here!" Jaedynn screamed and looked at the back seat. "Your father won't say when he's coming home and he's not here! What do I have to do to get it through your heads?! He's not here!" After her fit, she realized she'd just screamed at her children and when Iman and Kamron both were starting to cry, she was beginning to cry too and turned around to get her eyes back on the road. She was abundantly lucky to have not gotten into an accident.

"Children," Ashti took over and turned so she was facing the children but her eyes were closed, "Your maman is doing everything she can with baba away. You need to do your part and do not add more stress on her shoulders. Baba will be home as soon as possible, but until then, you need to not give your maman problems. Is that clear?" Although the children were still crying, they did not their heads and Ashti reached over to pat both of them and give them comfort. "I know you both miss baba, but worry not. He will come home. I promise. Just be good for your maman in the meantime."

"Yes, Madar Jun," Kamron and Iman both managed to answer.

When they arrived at the school, Ashti helped the children clean their faces before taking them out of the car but Jaedynn stayed in the driver's seat just staring forward. Ashti did not bother her and instead encouraged the children to go to the front yard of the school and await their teachers to call their names. When all the kids were inside to start their school day, Ashti got back in the car and patted Jaedynn's knee.

"It's alright, Azizam," Ashti said.

"I yelled at them, Ashti," Jaedynn mumbled. "They're asking about Roshad and I respond by screaming at them."

"You're under a great deal of stress," Ashti said. "We all are. They're young, Jaedynn, and they don't understand why baba isn't home. It's natural they would be distressed. The only one who needs to answer for that is Roshad. Not you."

"I don't know what to do, Ashti," Jaedynn whimpered.

"You've done everything you can," Ashti said. "All you need to do is keep being the rock your children need." Jaedynn nodded as she tried to get a hold of herself. They finally left the school to return home and Ashti joined Jaedynn that afternoon when it was time to pick up the kids.

For everyone else, life went on. Levi and Nadja were still working on planning their wedding. The Synagogue Nadja wanted to hold the ceremony at was booked all through '79 so they decided to secure a date for summer 1980. The wedding in London was going to be very small: just immediate family. Their wedding in Washington was the ceremony that would invite everyone and everyone could attend without issue. Yvonne was moving along with her pregnancy very well. They found out they were having a boy and Salem couldn't have been happier.

"Just Jae," Salem said to JJ while they were sitting together on JJ's back porch while Eun Mi was leisurely tending to her garden. "That'll be his name."

"Just Jae, huh?" JJ said. "So JJ junior?"

"You know what I mean," Salem said and the two laughed a little. "Mae really wanted a baby sister though."

"If the twins have taught me anything, having a sister has its pros and cons," JJ said. "Of course, so does having a brother."

"I'm the best to ever happen to you; admit it," Salem teased.

"That's Eun Mi's title, kid. Sorry to disappoint you," JJ smiled. "In all seriousness, I'm happy for you."

"I appreciate that," Salem smiled back and then took a sip of his beer. "So," he started before looking at JJ with a humored smile, "Are you excited about the twins learning to drive?"

"Please don't remind me," JJ groaned.

"Now, are you planning to do what you did with the boys and swat 'em over the head when they screw up or are you going to go easy on Eun Mae and Mae Yon?" Salem joked.

"Like hell I'll go easy on them," JJ said. "Those girls will learn how to drive the same way their brothers did."

"With your gentle, patient hand guiding the way?" Salem poked fun.

"Yes, exactly," JJ said and Salem laughed.

"Poor girls," Salem said.

Just as they'd done when Yvonne was pregnant with Mae, Salem took pictures of Yvonne once a week to document her pregnancy but that night after he'd taken the picture and put it in the book, right under it he wrote, "It's a boy!" in big letters. After Evalynn had returned to Connecticut, she and Shyann kept in constant contact. Even if it were long distance, it was really nice to finally be together. The two of them were on the phone with one another constantly and even designated Monday as their 'date night' which really just meant Dmitri and Heidi left the apartment and didn't return until morning so Evalynn and Shyann could truly talk alone. When it was finally December, Evalynn flew into Washington and Shyann was the one to come to the airport to pick her up. They couldn't show a true display of affection given their location. Their reunion had to remain extremely tame with just a quick hug before they got into Shyann's car to drive back to her place. When they made it back to her apartment, however, the two of them enjoyed a proper reunion.

The plan for Christmas was to have the whole family together at the Cullen house as usual but Jaedynn was in no mood for celebrating. The past several months had been silence except what they heard on the news. In September, the Shah declared Martial Law after which a protest occurred in Tehran in which at least 100 people were shot and killed when the Shah's security forces open fired on the protestors on a day that would become known as Black Friday. The news reported all the riots and protests but one story grabbed her attention. The reporter spoke of people, fearing the climate, were beginning to flee the country and one refugee was interviewed in London. He spoke Farsi, but a man spoke over him in English translating what he said.

"My wife and children were terrified," the man said with the translation speaking over him. "My children could not go to school without fear and it was too much. I knew we needed to leave but we didn't know how. Then, like a gift from God, I heard of a man that was helping people escape. All I had were rumors but they proved true and this man, this saint, helped my family and I escape. Before we left, I left a message for the man the only way I could begging for his name. I must know the name of the man that helped us so I can thank him properly and he responded with, 'You may call me Nasir Aziz'."

"What did that man say?" Jaedynn asked when the name Nasir popped up and she was convinced she misheard.

"He said a man calling himself Nasir Aziz helped him and his family escape," Rashida said.

The reporter went on to explain efforts were made to find out more about this mysterious man to no avail but Jaedynn knew immediately who it was. Later that night when she'd gone up to her bedroom, her gaze fell on the plaque hanging on the wall with the pictures of their children. She remembered what Roshad had said to her the night he'd called home: "I can't sit back and do nothing." That sentence rang in her head over and over again as it continued to feel like an immovable weight on her mind. It was a mix of emotions Jaedynn didn't know how to sort through. She was sure it was Roshad using an alias and his resources to help people escape. She wanted to be proud of him but her own sorrow at his absence and that feeling of abandonment. It took time for Jaedynn to get a hold of herself again so she could go to bed but she laid on her side staring at Roshad's empty side of the bed.

More news reports kept flooding in as the month progressed. President Carter spoke in favor of the Shah stating it would be 'preferred' the Shah maintain his power but it was the decision of the Iranian people. Although the decision, based on news reports, protests and the Shah's retaliation, seemed abundantly clear. Come the 10th of December, that sentiment was announced in the form of protests all over Iran demanding the Shah's removal and the return of Khomeini. Ashti tried calling to get updates, but it was becoming much harder to reach Iran. On Christmas Eve, Ashti was able to get a hold of Roshad and he spoke with all the kids promising he was alright and would be home soon. While Rashida stayed with the kids while Roshad spoke to Kamron, Ashti went upstairs to the bedroom where Jaedynn was soaking in the tub.

"Jaedynn," Ashti said after she came into the bathroom, "Roshad is on the phone."

"He is?" Jaedynn asked as she sat up.

"Yes, he's speaking with Kamron right now."

"Okay," Jaedynn said and fell back into the water until she was almost completely under water.

"When the children have been able to talk to him, I will bring the phone in for you so-"

"That's fine, Ashti," Jaedynn said. "He needs to talk to the kids. I'll stay in here."

"Azizam," Ashti started.

"It's fine, Ashti," Jaedynn mumbled.

"Are you sure, Azizam?"

"Yes, Ashti, I'm sure," Jaedynn said. Although hesitantly, Ashti finally walked out of the bathroom returning downstairs. Roshad was on the phone with Iman now and once Ashti was downstairs, Rashida looked at her and the two proceeded in Farsi.

"Jaedynn doesn't want to talk to him?" Rashida asked.

"No," Ashti responded solemnly.

"Roshad's going to want to talk to her," Rashida said.

"He should have thought of that," Ashti said firmly. Ashti was just as angry with Roshad as Jaedynn if not more so. Eventually Roshad spoke with all the kids and Ashti took the phone. "When are you coming home, Roshad?" Ashti demanded, "and do not say 'as soon as possible'. I want a real answer."

"When I've done everything in my power to do what I can, then I will return home," Roshad answered but it was still not an acceptable answer. "Maman, is Jaedynn there? May I speak with her?"

"She's already asleep, Azizam," Ashti lied. Roshad was silent on the other line for a moment. "Come home, Roshad. Sooner rather than later." With that said, the call ended. Come the New Year, it became harder and harder to get through to Iran until it seemed virtually impossible.

"So now you can't get through at all?" Ivory asked Jaedynn when she'd come over the Jaedynn's house a few weeks into January.

"No," Jaedynn said solemnly. "Ashti's tried every day but she can't get through."

"Is Roshad still in Tehran?" Ivory asked.

"Last Ashti was finally able to get a hold of Bastet, he said they were both in Tehran but that was right before Christmas," Jaedynn said. "I refused to speak with him last he called," Jaedynn admitted and rubbed her face as tears burned her eyes.

"You did?"

Jaedynn nodded, "I was so upset at the time I just didn't want to talk to him but now we can't get a hold of him at all and-"

"Hey," Ivory said soothingly and took Jaedynn's hand as she was starting to cry.

"Did you see the news a while back?" Jaedynn asked once she was able to. "An Iranian refugee said someone who calls himself Nasir Aziz helped them escape Iran. It's Roshad; I know it is." Jaedynn was quiet another moment trying to force herself not to cry. "I get what he's doing, but-" Jaedynn couldn't finish her sentence. She felt so selfish but it didn't change anything.

"Jaedynn," Rashida said as she came to the patio staying within the doorframe. "The Shah fled Iran."

"What?" Jaedynn asked as she turned.

"The Shah fled Iran," Rashida said.

"Does that mean it's over?" Ivory asked.

"I don't know," Rashida said. "I would assume so. With the Shah gone, the people have won. There'll be a new government appointed. I suspect Khomeini will return to Iran and start a reform."

"So Roshad will return soon?" Jaedynn asked.

"I hope so," Rashida said.

They continued to watch the news very closely and hoped any day now, Roshad would return home. Getting through to Iran had already been extremely difficult but now, after Khomeini returned to Iran in February, it was well and truly impossible. In Iran when Khomeini returned, it was to an enormous crowd swarming the streets of Iran to welcome him. A number of people had not come into work that day, but he did not plan to take any action. He'd seen this coming for a long time. If anything, he was shocked the Shah got away. The man and his whole family would have surely been executed by the mob at the rate things were going so Roshad could hardly blame the man for fleeing to Egypt. Of course, with Khomeini's return to a crowd of enthused revolutionaries came uncertainty. All he could do now was see what happened although he wouldn't stop what he was doing.

Roshad remained at the plant well until nightfall as had become the usual. However he didn't return to the palace. Not at first. Instead, he made the long trip on foot to Khorasan in District 14. It was an appropriate spot in his mind – Where the sun arrives from. What other location could be more poetic? Of course, the area had experienced two major Earthquakes in the span of ten years killing thousands and leaving buildings in disarray. It was that Roshad took advantage of. He found the wall in the heart of Khorasan where there were no shortage of cracks and holes in the stone. What he was greeted with were dozens of notes. It had been extremely simple. He had placed several notes in select neighborhoods with a cryptic message he hoped would be of use to those that needed it.

"It might take a year. It might take a day.

But what is meant to be will always find a way.

If hope is what you seek, come to

The place where the sun shakes

And the stone has cracked from His power

Place your request within the wall

And a sympathetic ear will hear your call"

It had been several days before there were notes being placed in the stone. Roshad had placed some decoys into the rock himself hoping those who needed it would find it and eventually, notes were being placed into the stone in the dozens. He'd had no intention of giving a name, but when one man had expressed a desire to know the name of the man that had helped make it possible for his family to escape, Roshad gave the only name that was appropriate: Nasir Aziz. He didn't know how long he could do this for, but he'd do it as long as he could. He read through each and every note leaving in the decoys and replaced each one with his own note containing specific instructions and money with which to follow those instructions. He always made quick work of the task and left the spot as fast as he could to return to the palace.

"Good to see you return," Bastet said to Roshad once he'd returned.

"We're running out of time," Roshad said knowingly.

"It may be for the best," Bastet said.

"I know," Roshad said solemnly. "I will see you in the morning, Bastet."

"Good night, Roshad," Bastet said and Roshad retreated upstairs to his bedroom.

He'd been in low spirits for months. Before the New Year was the last time he'd called home and now he couldn't get through at all. He'd tried once but the line wouldn't go through and he suspected he knew why. Things only became worse as February went on. By the order of Khomeini, Bakhtiar was replaced by Mehdi Bazargan as Prime Minister, but Bakhtiar insisted he would remain head of the 'only legitimate Iranian government' but it was a fruitless effort that didn't last. Bakhtiar attempted to declare Martial Law and a curfew but Khomeini encouraged his followers to ignore the order and quite literally the following day, the armed forces declared neutrality. Bakhtiar fled to France and what had remained of the Shah's government was completely and totally gone. Then on the 14th, the US Embassy in Iran was attacked by a crowd of people and while the staff had surrendered, the protesters were eventually removed on Ibrahim Yazda's order. However, Roshad knew this wouldn't be the end of it.

In March there was an all women's protest to oppose the new mandate that all women must wear the veil but it fell on deaf ease. In the meantime, Roshad continued his efforts and helped as many people as he could get out of the country. The pleas for help came in droves when Khomeini began his efforts to change Iran into an Islamic run government. It took months to put into place but everyone knew it was coming. Khomeini was unopposed and would soon hold total power. All the same, Roshad pushed forward.

Then with October came the beginning of the end and the end came like an avalanche. The first of October, Roshad went to the same wall in Khorasan to retrieve the notes but what he found was heartbreaking. He smelled the remnants of burning paper and some were still hot with the cinders burning orange and yellow in the dark. He could see something written on the wall and it sent a chill down his spine. What was written was an abridged quote from the Quran: Remember, just remember, Allah sees it all.

It was a threat directed to anyone placing their requests in the stone and a threat to him. Roshad looked around and didn't see anyone, but he knew someone was waiting. There had to be. So he didn't leave the way he came. Instead, Roshad used the cracks to climb the wall until he reached the top of the building and snuck around until he was out of Khorasan. He returned to the palace in the dead of night but then he heard Bastet call his name. He followed the call until he found Bastet in the office. By his desk with all the portraits of his late wives, Jaedynn and all his children was Bastet and several pieces of luggage.

"Bastet," Roshad said as he approached, "what's all this?"

"You need to leave, Roshad," Bastet said, his voice thick with pain.

"What are you talking about?" Roshad asked. "Bastet, what's going on?" It took a moment for him to finally speak.

"I'm sorry Roshad," Bastet said, "but I did what I had to do."

"What are you talking about?!" Roshad demanded in a panic.

"Roshad, listen to me," Bastet said and approached Roshad the rest of the way, "someone figured out what you were doing and they began looking for you. The other day, we received threatening letters at our office."

"What?"

"I found out who was sent the threats," Bastet said. "I found out they work for Khomeini. So I took matters into my own hands. I acted as an informant and-"

"What?!" Roshad yelled. The betrayal was overwhelming and he actually began shaking. "Bastet, why?"

"Roshad, please listen to me," Bastet pleaded. "What you did took courage but it brought Khomeini's wrath. I acted as an informant so that, no matter what that man does, everything you've worked so hard for wouldn't be taken from you."

"Bastet," Roshad started.

"Roshad," Bastet said and gently took a hold of Roshad's face, "I'm proud of you. You've done what most are too scared to do. You mark my words: this will pass. If I've learned anything in all my years on this earth, it's that governments are temporary. When this regime passes, everything can go back to the way it was. In the meantime, I will make sure everything operates normally."

"I need to go into exile," Roshad mumbled the question but he already knew the answer.

"Only for now," Bastet said.

"Exiled from my own home like a common criminal," Roshad continued to mumble.

"Roshad, this is only temporary," Bastet promised again. "We will stay in contact every step of the way. Even if I have to go out of the country once a week to get a hold of you, we have to purchase a private line; whatever we have to do, we will do it! We will make this work, I swear to you, but you have to get out of Iran or you'll be arrested by morning."

"But how…"

"I've already taken care of everything," Bastet said. "I can't take you to the airport in Tehran. I'll take you to an airport where you can leave Iran unnoticed. I will claim you never returned to the palace and you must have fled to the airport and by the time they start looking for you, you'll be long gone. Everything will be alright, Roshad. I swear it." Roshad was still in shock and couldn't form a reply. "Come, Roshad. There's no time to waste," Bastet said and guided Roshad out of the palace with all the luggage and tickets.

Roshad didn't recognize the car. Bastet explained it was donated by one of the last recipients of Roshad's assistance who had escaped Iran just days prior. They left the city under the cover of night and drove for several hours until they reached Tabriz. Bastet explained in as much detail as he currently had how they'd make everything work and swore, at most, Bastet would masquerade as the new owner of Roshad's business, but that's all it would be: a masquerade. Bastet would be the face if only to appease the new government but it would still be Roshad's. When they finally made it to the airport in Tabriz, Roshad already had a ticket courtesy of Bastet and Bastet got Roshad to the right plane that would take him to Baghdad, Iraq. Then he'd be able to move freely from there. Before he got on the plane, Bastet swore again this would not be the last time they saw one another or spoke.

"I promise you, Roshad," Bastet said before Roshad boarded, "This is only temporary. In fact, it's a new opportunity. I will call you in a week's time. I don't know how, but I'll make it happen. We'll figure something out and we'll run your business the way we've been doing, just like we talked about."

"Alright," Roshad said, but in spite of Bastet's assurances, Roshad felt like a failure. He felt like worse than a failure. "Fleeing…..like a coward."

"You're no coward, Roshad," Bastet insisted and made Roshad look at him. "You are not a coward," Bastet said again. "You're a hero. To everyone you were able to help, you're a hero. But I won't let you become a martyr." There was a moment of silence between them as they looked at one another and Roshad could see the sincerity in Bastet's eyes. "You're the son I never had, Roshad; I won't let anything happen to you be it to your life or your livelihood. I'm proud of you. Prouder than you know."

It took Roshad a moment to speak but when he did, he said, "You've been more than a father to me, Bastet. You've been my best friend."

"And I shall remain so," Bastet said. "This isn't goodbye, Roshad. Just 'until I see you again'." Roshad smiled weakly and the two of them embraced in a tight hug. "Until I see you again, Roshad."

"Until I see you again, Bastet," Roshad said.

They released one another and Roshad finally got onto the plane. Bastet stayed at the airport until the plane took off and once he left, he rushed back to Tehran as fast as the car would take him, abandoned the car just outside the city and ran back to the palace in time to be there for the authorities to come at dawn to place Roshad under arrest. Just as planned, Bastet claimed Roshad never returned to the palace and must have fled to the airport. Some police went to the airport to investigate while some stayed demanding to search the premises in case Roshad had returned and Bastet was either lying or unaware. Bastet remained extremely cooperative and allowed the police to search the palace from top to bottom until they were satisfied Roshad, indeed, wasn't there.

Roshad made it to Baghdad by morning. Once there, he needed to do the rest on his own. He bought a ticket to Rome but the plane wasn't going to leave for several hours. At first, Roshad remained in the airport but he ended up wandering and looking out the windows of the airport. He could see the city of Baghdad in the distance. It had changed so much over the centuries. It looked so different than he remembered. Last he'd been in Baghdad it was for Miriam's funeral. Still having hours to spare, Roshad left the airport and asked the taxi to take him to the general location of where he knew Miriam was buried. His greatest fear was her tomb might no longer be there, but the taxi driver dropped him off at a cemetery that was still standing. The entrance was different than he remembered but he was still able to go in and he followed the trail until he found it.

When Miriam died, Roshad had commissioned a mausoleum be built in her honor. It had been completed in a matter of days by Roshad's orders and ample payment and it was still standing. He'd even made the marble himself and had it shipped to Baghdad. It was just as he remembered it. The marble was tan with deeper brown streaks throughout. It was rounded at the top just like the roof of a mosque and there was a large door to which only Roshad had the key. That key, however, was still in Tehran. Roshad looked around for a rock and once he found one, he picked it up and turned it into a gold key that he used to enter the mausoleum. Inside was Miriam's casket made from pure marble the top of which was her image as though she were a Queen. To him, she had been.

Her face and figure was carved into pure white marble yet the carving barely did her justice. In Arabic and Farsi script right beside the casket was an inscription: Loving daughter, Beloved wife, and mother. Here lies Miriam Barakat Javadi. To the woman I loved at first sight and will love always and forever more.

Even now, he felt the sting of her loss. He placed his hand over the casket and thought back to when Miriam was first buried. He'd not cried at Miriam's funeral. He'd cried the day she died, he'd cried the entire night, he cried silently the entire trip to Baghdad and by the time it was the day of the funeral, he told himself he needed to be strong for his daughter and had steeled himself to do just that. Then his thoughts went to Jaedynn – the woman who'd taken him out of that dark place he'd been stuck in since Miriam died. Based on how Ashti was acting the few times he was able to reach home during the year, he was bracing himself for a rude awakening but he wanted to go home. He just wished it weren't as a criminal in exile. Roshad stayed in the peace and quiet of Miriam's mausoleum for as long as he could. It offered him some much needed alone time to think but when he realized his plane would be leaving soon, he locked up the mausoleum before leaving the cemetery and hailed a taxi so he could return to the airport. Once on the plane, it was another hour before they took off and they landed in Rome nearly six hours later. Once in Rome, he booked a flight to New York and arrived about thirteen hours later. Lastly, he booked a flight to Washington and it was early in the morning when he finally landed.

He felt so drained and exhausted. He wasn't sure how his legs were still moving, but once he had all his luggage and made it outside, he hailed a taxi to take him home. Back at the house, everyone was downstairs having breakfast. Kamron and Iman were in their uniforms ready for school and the news was on as had become the norm. Jaedynn kept up with the situation in Iran every step of the way but most of the information was severely limited. They finished their breakfast in time to leave and Jaedynn was helping Kamron and Iman put their shoes on when she heard a car stopping outside. She didn't think anything of it at first but then Ashti's ears caught the sound of Roshad's voice.

"Roshad's home," Ashti said and that grabbed Jaedynn's attention.

"What?"

"Roshad's home," Ashti said again. Jaedynn stood up and stared at the door still not believing it, but a moment later, she heard a key go into the door and then the door opened. There he was: Roshad with his beard uncharacteristically grown out, wearing no cologne and looking as though he'd not slept in days.

"Baba!" all the kids screamed and ran for him.

Just like that, the last few days seemed to melt away just for a moment and Roshad kneeled down so he could embrace all his children. They'd grown so much since he'd last seen them and the time he'd spent away hit him like a ton of bricks. Iman was in her school uniform. He'd missed her first day of school and it hurt so much to realize that. Maleek was walking now and had walked to Roshad eagerly all by himself. Navid, Sherry, Mikie, Don and Leo had leaped from the dining table to greet him and Maleek had waddled to him. Figuring it was more important for Kamron and Iman to welcome Roshad home, Rashida called the school and informed them Iman and Kamron would not be in school that day.

All through Roshad hugging and kissing the kids, Jaedynn watched. She was still in a state of shock seeing him. She didn't know if she wanted to hug and kiss him or punch him. When he stood up and looked at her, 'hug him' won out and she ran to Roshad and fell into his arms as she began crying.

"I missed you so much," Roshad said to her as he held her.

"I missed you too," Jaedynn cried, but more than that, she was angry. She was so angry and hurt but when she opened her eyes and say the kids, she held it in. This wasn't the time. She wasn't going to say anything in front of the kids. So she released him and took a step back while Kamron ran up to Roshad and started hugging him again.

"Welcome home, baba," Kamron said.

"It's so good to be home," Roshad said. "We should probably take you and Iman to school."

"I've already called the school, Roshad," Rashida said. "They know Kamron and Iman aren't coming in today. I figure it'd be better for them to welcome you home."

"Yay!" Kamron and Iman cheered and hugged Roshad again.

Roshad brought his luggage upstairs and the kids started helping him unpack telling him all about their year since last they'd seen him. Jaedynn, Ashti and Rashida were in the room with him helping unpack as well. Once they finished that, they all returned downstairs and Roshad took the kids outside so they could all play. While they were outside, Jaedynn called her parents to let them know Roshad had returned home and to spread the word but also requested they allow them the day before anyone starts coming over. For the rest of the day, Jaedynn, Ashti and Rashida stood back and watched Roshad with the kids play outside. Roshad made them all lunch and dinner that night and to the kids it were as though nothing happened. They were just happy to have him home. All the kids insisted they wanted Roshad to tuck them in and, needing to be alone, Jaedynn requested Ashti and Rashida return to Ashti's condo. Jaedynn went straight to their bedroom and started getting ready for bed. She was brushing her teeth by the time Roshad finally came back to their bedroom.

"They've grown so much," Roshad said offhandedly. "It feels like an eternity since last year." It certainly had, Jaedynn thought, but she didn't say it. She just kept brushing her teeth. She spit out the toothpaste and washed her mouth out with water as Roshad started to approach her. Jaedynn looked in the mirror seeing him approach and once he'd closed the distance, he tried to take her in his arms, but she averted him and went to their bed. "Jaedynn?" She didn't answer as she continued to the bed and then sat down on the edge.

"Do you realize," Jaedynn finally said, "how scared we've all been? Do you understand what it's been like having our children ask where you were and when you're coming home and not having an answer to give?"

"I'm sorry," Roshad said sincerely and came to the bed sitting above the covers on his side across from Jaedynn. "Please understand-"

"I understand, Roshad," Jaedynn said. "I understand you were trying to do the right thing. But you chose to stay in Iran, telling me nothing of what you were doing or when you were coming home only hours after we'd lost our son."

"I know," Roshad said and came further onto the bed so he was closer. "I know and I'm sorry. I didn't tell you what I was doing or when I was coming home because I didn't know the answer to either. I only knew I wanted to make them pay for what happened. I realized the only thing I could do was give people a chance to escape: something that our son was robbed of."

"You didn't feel him die, Roshad! I did!" Jaedynn said louder than intended as she looked over her shoulder at him. Then she stood and said, "I felt it, Roshad. Every moment. I knew I'd lost him the moment it happened and when I'd lost him, I needed mu son's father at my side. Instead, you bring me to the airport and send me away to cope with our son's death on my own."

"I'm sorry," Roshad repeated in a pleading voice. Jaedynn could feel tears coming so she turned back around so she was staring at the floor in front of her. In response, Roshad left the bed and came around the bed so he could kneel before her and he gently took her hands in his. "Jaedynn, please," Roshad said.

"Roshad, you abandoned me," Jaedynn said through her tears. "You abandoned me and our kids."

"I did not abandon you," Roshad defended. "I sent-"

"I know what you sent," Jaedynn said, "I'm not saying you left us with no way to survive. I'm saying you left us scared and not knowing what was happening." Jaedynn took her hands away and placed them on the bed and Roshad didn't stop her. They both looked away both deep in thought.

"I'm sorry," Roshad said again.

"It's not enough," Jaedynn whimpered.

Unsure what else he could do, he asked, "Do you want me to leave?"

"No," Jaedynn answered. "You've been gone enough. This is our problem and it stays our problem. I don't want the kids getting wrapped up in this and I don't want them asking me again why you aren't home."

Jaedynn got under the covers and turned so her back was to him. Defeated, Roshad stood and went back to his side of the bed. Jaedynn turned again and it was like salt in his wounds. He turned the lights off and got under the covers. He looked at Jaedynn in the dark feeling her presence and wanting her embrace more than anything. He'd missed it so much. He didn't know what he'd hoped for but he just wanted to hold her so badly. That was all. He turned and moved closer and was about to wrap his arm around her.

"Please don't touch me," Jaedynn said in a sad and quiet voice.

He pulled away with a heavy heart and laid back down staring at the ceiling. He stared at the ceiling for a half hour never managing to go to sleep. Jaedynn couldn't sleep either but she kept her back to him. Finally, he couldn't bare it anymore and got up from their bed and quietly left their bedroom. Jaedynn didn't go after him and just started crying. Not long after, Navid got up from bed and ran to the bathroom. Once he was done, he was about to go back to his room when he thought he heard a voice. He carefully went down the stairs by climbing them backwards and followed the voice until he made it to the stairwell leading to the prayer room. He climbed down the stairs again and saw Roshad. He was sitting in front of the little altar with the Quran on display and it sounded like he was praying but he was crying.

"Baba?" Navid said and Roshad looked up over his shoulder not realizing Navid was there.

"Navid," Roshad said and rubbed the tears away trying to hide he'd been crying. "What are you doing down here."

"I heard a voice," Navid said. "Baba, why are you crying?" Roshad couldn't answer. Instead, he waved for Navid to come to him and Navid came over and gave Roshad a hug. Roshad held Navid and did his best not to cry. He needed to be strong he told himself, but he felt like a failure. It was the worst feeling in the world.

"I love you, Navid," Roshad said. "I love all of you so much."

"I love you too, baba," Navid said and hugged Roshad tighter.