Chapter four - Old World verses the Urban World.\
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Everything was pure white from the marble floors, the walls, furniture, and rugs. Blue skies and the bright sun's rays gleamed through the white curtains that flowed in by the gentle breeze. Aladdin was running through the halls and he too was wearing white. He was wearing an all white tunic with a gold lining on the collar, cuffs and to the edges of the shirt and draw string pants that match. The gold gleamed into his eyes and everything in the room gave a soft glow. But who was he running from ? Or Who was he chasing ? In front of him, was the maiden that kept flashing through his mind from a life half lived. She was running in front of him. It was playful chase and they weren't in any danger.. She turned her head, smiled at him and giggled. Just by looking at her made Aladdin feel like he could take on the world. Her raven hair flowed down to her back and how the way it bounced. It was so expressive. Her white dress gleamed with the sun, every time they passed by a window. She turned into a corner and he followed. He entered a room and she was gone. Aladdin called her name out but there was no sound coming out of his mouth. He heard her voice like a whisper in the wind. " I am here with you."
Aladdin woke with a sea of photographs, papers, and journals. The only solution that he could think of is that something happened between the third world and the urban world. He must have switched places with the Aladdin in this world. In order to go back home. He has to blend into the environment, know all of urban Aladdin's memories and act as if nothing had happened. The real truth, is that Aladdin thinks he's stuck in some kind of alternate universe but really he went forward in time. What Aladdin also doesn't know is that it's a spell that Sadira cast to make Aladdin to spend more time with her and a have a chance to fall in love with her. In a place with no magic and no Jasmine to be around. The princess thinks that her father send her to another country to protect her from Rebels of Mozenrath. A country that is far advance in widgets and gadgets. A place where her father will have a blast playing with these inventions. Neither Jasmine or Aladdin knows that they are in the same place, same time, and the real truth on why they are here. Jasmine thinks that her love of her life is left behind. Aladdin thinks that his love of his life is back in the old world. Adding more confusion, that Sadira is his fiancee or Urban Aladdin's fiancee. According to Al's findings in the journal. He found that he wished that he experienced. A chance to grow up with family. There are tons of pictures of Cassim , his mom and him being together. The happiest memories of them being a family were written in that journal . When Aladdin read those memories last night, he closed his eyes and imagine of what it would be like. Mom and Dad being there for him in every monumental step in his life. Being there through the good times and the bad. There were memories of going to school with other kids. From elementary to junior high to high school and to college. He learned Ancient Civilizations, Archeology, Fable,Fairy tales, Myths, and Liberal Arts. In his high school journal, there was a memory on how he met Sadira. Aladdin was once an outsider from the popular crowd. A skinny tall guy through out his freshman and sophomore year. Junior year rolled around all of sudden he was hot and with the in crowd. That year , he was nominated for Homecoming King and then he met blue eyes aka Sadira. She was a year below him and she was too running in an outside crowd. Together, they cause amuck with the popular kids and changed the schools perspective on social grouping. Sadira taught him that there's more to a person than stereotyping because of the crowd they hang with. They been together ever since. Just like everyone called Frank Sinatra blue eyes. Aladdin called Sadira blue eyes as well. Everything that was once so happy turned into tragedy when his mother passed away from cancer. Cassim kept himself busy with archealogical projects and expeditions. Aladdin kept finding places to look. They found an old ancient city under the Arabian desert. That could be a connection to the fairy tale in 1001 Arabian Nights. All they found is two gold pieces of a scarab puzzle, a lamp, and a royal crown. With all these information that Aladdin had read. There were little assumptions that popped into his head. That maybe his theory could be wrong. What if everything that he just experienced was just a figment of his imagination? The mysterious girl with the exotic eyes. Living a life half lived? Is he really in love with Sadira as the journal said that he is? What explains all the strange surroundings and the inventions? Why does Aladdin feel like he is out of place in this so called 'Urban World'? Is it really a culture shock? He researched, 1001 Arabian Nights so much that he was a character from these stories. Why couldn't he remember these memories that are recorded in the journal? Or Anything before the day he got back from his expedition? What is going on ? Aladdin needed answers and soon. He cleaned up his mess and brought some pictures to show Cassim. Something smelled wonderful and delicious that came from the kitchen. \
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Aladdin found Cassim cooking on the stove trying to make breakfast. He was trying to flip an omelet and some how the omelet didn't flip right.\
" Darn, this blasted thing." Cassim got frustrated and started breaking up food into a mix. " I can't make omelets like your mother can." He knew that Aladdin was present in the room. He placed the egg scramble mix onto a plate and offered it to Aladdin.\
" Skillet?"\
Aladdin remember the journal entries that Cassim didn't talk much about her ever since she died. " This is the first time in months that you ever talk about her."\
" Really ?" Cassim was surprised.\
" Why didn't you talk about her much?" asked Aladdin as he took the plate.\
" It's just too painful to think back. I love her so much. Everything here just echoes of the wonderful memories of her. I see her everywhere."\
" She is still with us. We have to honor her memory. We can't just forget and move on." Aladdin comforted his father. Cassim was trying to hold back some emotions. Trying not to show his son tears. " That's why I need to ask you something. About Mom."\
" What is it?"\
" What it's like falling in love with her for the first time? How did you know that she was the one that you're going to marry?"\
Cassim smiled and remembered like it was yesterday. " It's so hard to explain but it feels like you've been strike by lightening on a sunny day. Everything around you starts to make sense. Everything you do, you wonder 'Wouldn't be wonderful if she was here ? ' I couldn't live without her. And here I am. Living without her. " \
" Yeah, I know how you feel." He was thinking about the girl in his dream.\
" Is that how you feel about Saddie?" said Cassim as he got with Aladdin at the table.\
It was something that wasn't written in the journals nor how does he feel for her right now. Aladdin didn't know what to say. \
"Aladdin?"\
" There's a million things running through my mind right now. I'm just wondering if I am making the right choice." It was true, there was a million things whirling around in his head. Aladdin needs to figure out what is going on and how to get things back to normal.\
" Son, marry her for the right reasons. Know what you want in perfect mate and know that she's the right person for it. You guys been together for a long time. It already seems like a marriage."\
Aladdin laughed in insecurity. Cassim gave him a look as if something is up.\
" Is there something going on that you're not telling me?"\
Al finished his food and the toaster spat out some bread. He quickly grabbed the toast applied some jam and took a chomp. " Thanks for breakfast, Dad. " He said with food in his mouth and got up. " This is really good. Close to Mom's but no one cooks like her."\
Cassim looked at his son as he left, " That boy. Something is up."\
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Aladdin went into the garage to look for the motorbike. It was under a sheet that was settled off to the side. He removed the sheet and googled at the sight of it. It was beautiful. It shined in purple,gold, and hues of blue. The designs on the body seemed familiar like on a persian rug. He quickly got the keys on his dresser. He guided the bike to street. He got the bike started and motor roared like a tiger purring. He got on the bike and unlatched the kick stand. His heart was beating in anticipation. '
\f1\i Wait a minute?
\f0\i0 ' he thought. '
\f1\i Do I even know how to steer this thing? I saw people steering it. How hard can it be?'
\f0\i0 He put on the helmet and gently pushed back the throttle. With a great surprise, the bike took off with Aladdin trying to grab onto the seat with his legs and his balance was off. It was like a kid trying to ride is bicycle for the first time. Al quickly let go of the handle bar and the throttle. The bike slowed down to a stop. He felt like he was having a heart attack.'
\f1\i What a rush!
\f0\i0 ' thought Al. All the nerves in his face were tingling, he was wide awake and his stomach felt uneasy. '
\f1\i Okay, maybe if I start off slow and learn to control this thing then I can work up to moving at a faster pace.
\f0\i0 ' He tried driving the motorcycle again. His equilibrium kicked in and he gently moved the throttle. '
\f1\i I'm moving!
\f0\i0 ' Aladdin got to used to the pace and started to go faster. With his clothes that rippled against the wind and the air got cold. It was like riding on a magic carpet or something like that. A car pulled side by side with him and the window pulled down. Aladdin recognized who she was. He remember what the journal said to call her.\
" Oh, how I hate it. When you drive that thing."\
" Blue eyes. How come you didn't call?"\
" I did. Your dad said you were outside fixing your bike. I decided to stop by. Want to get some coffee ?"\
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Jasmine woke up with the bright sun shining through her patio door. Another servant came in and told her that breakfast is in the dining room like Jasmine asked last night. The princess got her robe and wrapped it around her self. She sat on the dining room table and found a delicious meal waiting for her. The television was on and there was a morning show on. Suddenly a commercial came on, each picture changed showing words like , " DREAM BIG, WISHES, MIRACLES." then there were people being happy and crying saying "Thank you and saying a dream come true." \
The final blank screen came in, " Coming soon to grant your wishes. It could happen to you." \
Jasmine saw Amina passed by, " Didn't we see this on a main road somewhere?"\
" There's this big talk in Hollywood about this promotion. Whatever it is, it's going to be big."\
There was a special news report about tensions in New Agrabah. Jasmine and the staff crew stopped what they are doing and were to glued to their set. There were news about a massive fatality of citizens. There were accusations against the Sultan for murdering them because they won't follow his orders. " That's not true!" Jasmine yelled, " My father is not capable to doing something this awful to his people! I need to speak with my father." Jasmine saw a graphic footage of the blood bath. \
A phone ring echoed through out the mansion. The housemaid brought it in to the dining room, " Speak of the devil. It's your father." She handed the phone to Jasmine.\
Jasmine looked at the gadget clueless , " What do I do with it ? " \
The maid placed the cordless phone on the princess hand, " You speak into it. "\
Jasmine placed the phone into her ear, " Father?"\
" Jasmine. Things are out here has turned for the worse. Many of the innocent were killed and they blame me for the slaughter."\
" Is it true?"\
" We examine the royal soldiers in the video and none were identified. I believe that the Rebels of Mozenrath were responsible for this. Agrabah was a land of peace and violence started brewing when the Rebels arrived into town. Violence won't stop until everything is destroyed."\
" What about my love?" Jasmine said love because she couldn't remember his name. She has dreams about his face every night. " Did you find him?"\
" Love?" The Sultan didn't have a clue on what his daughter is talking about. " I didn't know that you had a boyfriend."\
Jasmine laughed, " Come on father this is serious especially the dangers that are happening. I want to know if he is safe. You obviously know who am I talking about." Jasmine described the young man that was dear to her heart. The Sultan tried to match the description to all the people that Jasmine had met. Nothing seemed to fit the description. \
" Hold on for a minute."\
Jasmine could hear the conversation in the background among her father and the Captain of the Royal Army. Thoughts lingered in her mind that something isn't right. Her father knows everything about her life. How could he not know the love of her life?\
They both knew each other. \
" Jasmine, I have bad news." Her father spoke again in the phone.\
" What happened?" \
" We identified the bodies of the massacre. The gentleman that you described was one of them."\
Jasmine felt like everything around her just stopped. Tears rolled down her eyes. " Tell me that this isn't true."\
" I'm sorry. A witness said that he fought bravely against the Rebels of Mozenrath."\
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Everything around her seemed to move slow and her heart dropped with sadness. She could see his handsome face smiling back at her. The only person who can truly make her happy. Jasmine dropped the cordless phone and sat down. She can hear her father calling her name.\
"Jasmine? Jasmine. Are you there? Jasmine?" \
Amina pick up the phone, " She's in shock. Your highness. Just call back in an hour." She kneeled down to Jasmine seeing eye to eye. The princess sat looking out in space. " I'm so sorry. Jasmine."\
" I'm going to my room." Jasmine said in a soft tone choking back tears. " I would like to be left alone."\
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They just missed each other.\
Later in the afternoon, Amina knocked on Jasmine's door. " Jasmine? It's almost lunchtime. Do you want to eat it here or do you want to come downstairs ?" The young housemaid opened the door. She found Jasmine sitting up, clutching onto her pillow, and looking at the ocean through her window. Jasmine knew that Amina was in the room.\
" It doesn't make sense. How could my father not know that I'm involved? He knows everything about me. Did he pretend to know to make me not worry? Are we talking about the same person? How can he not know his name? How can I not know his name?"\
" How can YOU not know your own boyfriends name?" responded Amina. " If he's worth the tears you cry."\
" He is real. I know. I spent my most happiest days with him when I'm in Agrabah. I could feel his touch and his arms around me. I know. This stupid war. If only I could go home then I'll find him and I'll know. But, when I come back. I'm afraid that there's going to be nothing left." Jasmine's tears began to roll down her cheeks.\
" Hey, I know a great place where we can cheer you up." Amina offered.\
" I just don't want a entourage around me when I go out right now." responded Jasmine.\
" We don't have to."\
" How?"\
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Moments later Amina pressed the intercom.\
"Yes ?" answered Rasoul on the other line.\
" I'm not feeling well and I'm going home. Please let everyone know that the Princess doesn't want to be bothered for the rest of the day. She is grieving for her loss. Don't let anyone be up here." Jasmine snickered and Amina was trying to hold back her laugh.\
" Okay. I will let everyone know." responded Rasoul. \
" Is this going to work?" said Jasmine. She was looking at her bed that had pillows under the covers.\
" Failed proof plan. My parents think I am safely sleeping in my room and I'm really out on the town."\
" What now?" \
" Just over the railings to the beach, walk a couple houses down and we can go free."\
" You know that Rasoul is not easily to be fooled."\
" No one is going to bother you."\
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The cafe door chimes rang as Aladdin opened the door. Sadira's arm was interlocking with his. The waitress guided them to their booth as they sat across from one another. \
" You haven't called me blue eyes ever since you got back from your trip." Sadira nervously broke the ice.\
" I'm sorry that I haven't been attentive lately." Aladdin responded. " I feels like I'm experiencing someone else's memories like a past life. It's so vivid."\
Sadira knew the truth of why Aladdin is having these memories. She just had to make him believe that all of it was just a figment of his imagination. Once Aladdin is convinced, he will finally be hers forever. " My love. They are just dreams. You probably read all these fables tales and historic facts. That you actually felt like you're living that time. " ' Another attempt to convince him but we he buy it?' thought Sadira. " All I know is that you belong here. This is your home. There are people here that love you and want to see you - " Just before Sadira could finish her sentence, someone that she never expected walk in through the door. '
\f1\i What!? How did she get here!? That's impossible!
\f0\i0 ' Sadira looked at the waitress at the counter and it was Venus. \
Venus mouthed workds to Sadira, " There she is. His destiny." The goddess of love pointed to a cute little boy with golden blond curly hair. In his little back pack there were heart arrrows and a bow. It was like hiding a gun in a paper bag.\
Sadira's heart was skipping beats and the her neck got hot. There's no way of getting him out because he'll see her and it's over. What to do! What to do!\
" Blue eyes? Want to see me. What ? Happy? "\
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The waitress guided Jasmine and Amina. They were getting closer to Sadira'a booth. Jasmine locked eyes with Sadira. She looked familiar to her but Jasmine couldn't put a finger where. They were sitting directly next to each other. Aladdin and Jasmine were next to each other and they were totally unaware that they were in that same room or the next booth over. Sadira got up and sat next to Aladdin. She snuggled close to him.\
" I am so glad that you're home and that you're here with me."\
Without a warning, Sadira planted Aladdin a kiss on the lips. Aladdin felt strange and something weird was happening. Something unlocked in his mind and unknown memories flowed in like a river. There was more confusion that was added into the trouble that he needed to escape. These memories made Aladdin think that maybe he does belong here and everything that he thought ever to exist was a figment of his imagination. \
Aladdin pulled away from Sadira and looked at her strangely.\
' Oh no! He KNOWS! I am caught.' Sadira's thoughts screamed. " Say something love."\
" There's a reason for everything. For awhile there, I thought was going insane."\
Sadira sighed in relief. " What made you think you were going insane ?" she laughed in insecurity.\
" I thought I lived another life."\
" Yeah, you were in a expedition with your father in a third world country."\
" No, I like I had a past life. I having flashes of this girl. Long black hair, exotic eyes. -"\
" You were cheating on me in your mind?"\
" Yes..I mean No! " Aladdin put his hands on his face. " I don't know."\
Sadira placed his hands down, " You are here with me and you're alive. You and your father escaped a war stricken country. You have to be thankful for that."\
Aladdin looked at Sadira's finger and there was the engagement ring. It was a simple ring and it was nothing flashy. Aladdin lean in to kiss Sadira on the cheek. She stole a kiss again! Al didn't know what to do! He can't act weird because she will know something is up. Al played along. Their lips parted and he hugged her.\
Sadira looked at Venus over Al's shoulder and held a lip gloss in her hand. The goddess of love magnified a look into the cover. ' Transfer fake memories and get your man lip balm potion? Now in cherry flavor?!' \
Venus still as a waitress walked to Sadira's booth delivering soup. " Here's your soup you order and a couple of lattes."\
" I didn't order soup." Sadira moved the bowl back to Venus.\
" Yes, you did." Venus moved it back.\
" My lady here didn't order any soup." Aladdin told her. " She isn't the one that you're meant to be with. ' Venus responded back with her thought. " Well, I can't take it back. It's on the house."\
Sadira looked at the alphabet soup. The letters read, " You are a evil girl!" Sadira scrambled the soup with the spoon. " You'll never get away from the truth." The letter read again. Sadira again scrambled the soup, " It's going to happen one way or another."\
" Gee, that was nice of that waitress to give that to us." said Aladdin. Sadira got startled. " Are you okay?" He asked her.\
" You caught me by surprise because I got this cool Gene de Dhjini comedic stand up on DVD. He's your favorite comedian" Aladdin didn't look at the DVD and kissed her again. \
Sadira felt so happy, when she parted her lips from his. ' Finally' she thought. ' As long he doesn't cross paths with Jasmine' " Aladdin? Honey, would you pay for the bill and we can spend the rest of the day ?"\
Al got up and payed the bill at different register that was the opposite direction where Jasmine is. Al and Sadira exited the coffee shop and this time Sadira was lucky. \
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Venus watched them leave,' This is going to be harder than I thought. We are in a modern time. There are too many factors that make it impossible for them to meet. But I can't mettle into human affairs.' The goddess of love saw Jasmine looking sad and depressed. Venus walked over to her booth. " Is there anything I can get for you to cheer your spirits up?"\
Jasmine was twisting her napkin, " Is there anything that you can end the war so I can go home?"\
' Poor girl, she doesn't know that she's caught in Sadira's spell into her imaginary world.' " This place isn't so bad. Why would you want to go back?"\
" Because I left someone behind and with all this chaos happening in my country. I'm afraid that he might be dead."\
Venus comforted her, " Believe in fate and let love show you the way." \
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Jasmine looked up to respond and there was nobody there. " That was odd."\
" What was odd?" asked Amina.\
" I could've sworn that there was somebody there."\
Amina shrugged her shoulders, " Maybe it was your dead boyfriend."\
Abruptly, someone pounded on the glass window. " Look! There's Princess Jasmine! Princess Jasmine!" The person was making a scene and the on passers stopped and looked. \
" Oh my gosh! That is Princess Jasmine! She's found! Someone call the news!"\
!" said another person in the cafe. People were pulling out their camera video phones and were taking shots of the once missing princess.\
" Oh, we're in trouble." cried Amina. " We got to go!"\
Jasmine was shocked at the attention because she was recognized. " I knew that going out was a bad idea!"\
The waitress pointed a fast exit through the back door of the restaurant. The girls quickly ran to hide from the public eye. Suddenly, a car screeched in front of them. It was Rasoul and he wasn't very please.\
" Look. Rasoul. I never meant this to happen and I just-" Jasmine tried to explain and she was abruptly interrupted. \
" Just get in the vehicle. Before you are further seen by more witnesses."