This chapter is brought to you by ZidanesNEWPrincess
(…Well, not really but it's a perfect opportunity for a plug for preciousss reviewer…)
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A romantic drama about Zell and his library girl, Ally.
http:y, cannot turn him down, Rinoa will understand, she's only four for Hyne's sake, she wouldn't know if I was there or not.
"…He's busy," she finished, as the engine roared to life.
"Oh," said Rinoa, and turned to look out the window at the passing trees. Julia had to force herself not to stop the car and take her daughter in her arms right then and there and cry to her that everything was going to be all right. If only someone would return the favour.
"Hey, come on now, Rinoa. Your father has an extra special surprise waiting for you when you get back…" Assuming the poor thing's still alive. "…and we always have fun together, don't we?"
"Yeah," Rinoa admitted, and slumped back into her seat. Julia reached over with one hand to give her daughter's a squeeze. The smile soon crept back on to the girl's face.
"So have you had a good birthday?" Julia asked, glancing over to her passenger, who nodded enthusiastically.
"Yep!"
"And how old are you again?" the older woman prompted.
"I'm five now!" Rinoa replied, one hand held with fingers spread above her head as she strained to reach the roof.
"Really?" her mother cried, acting shocked. "You can't be five already, can you?"
"Yeah!" Rinoa reminded her, outraged and giggling, "I've been five all day!"
Julia added her own soft laughter to Rinoa's higher squeals. "I think you're right, my angel. You're almost grown up now. My my… doesn't time fly…"
She chuckled to herself as she leaned forward to peer into the light mist - just as a truck appeared out of the darkness. Rinoa's mother swerved as she slammed on the brakes and the tyres squealed as her daughter's scream pierced the air and Julia dived for her little girl to wrap her arms around her, to protect her, to hold her, to keep her safe…
"Mommy… mommy…? Somebody… my mommy's hurt! Please… it's okay, mommy… I'm here… and I love you… and Daddy… Daddy's gonna be here too… and he'll make you all better… Don't go, mommy… Daaaddy! Where are you? Mommy's … mommy's bleeding! …it's okay, mommy… Daddy's gonna be here soon… I love you too, mommy… no, don't go… I love you, mommy, don't die… mommy, open your eyes…"