Family Bonds

Rahel’s parents were due in Serenity City’s space port within the hour. Ash and Rahel waited anxiously for them, but Ash could tell that Rahel was more nervous than he’d seen her in a long time.

“It’s just mom and dad.” He smiled.

“And it’s been how long since we’ve all gotten to see each other ?” She replied, though she smiled.

“It’s been a while.” He agreed. “But nothing’s changed . . . They can’t wait to see us.” He smiled wider.

“I’ve changed.” She said softly.

“Not for the worse.” He said gently as he put his arms around her. “Rahel, what’s really changed ? You knew you were adopted. Mom and dad loved you regardless of where you came from.”

She nodded. She knew that . . . No matter what, her family had always been there for her.

“I don’t know . . . I guess I’m just still feeling out of sorts.” She said. “Zack . . .”

He stopped her before she could go further. “Rahel, he saved you . . . its okay for someone else to save you . . . We’ve been over this.”

“I know....." She said. “....it’ll just take time for me to accept . . .”

Ash nodded and decided to change the subject. “You know, mom and dad are going to want to hear all about the love of your life.” He said. “It’s almost too bad that he couldn’t have joined us.”

“Well, duty and all.” She smiled. “But we’ll be there soon enough and I can make one of dad’s favorite dishes.”

“I’m sure he’ll like that,” Ash replied. “The Bastila ?”

“Of course !” She smiled. “What’s better than Pigeon Pie ?”

Ash smiled and laughed. “And Logan’s ready to meet the family ?”

She nodded. “Of course...” She replied. “....we’d have done it sooner, but the opportunity never arrived.”

”Yeah, takes a medical crisis to get us all together.” He laughed. “I guess that’s what happens when you love your work as much as we all do.”

She smiled and leaned against him. “My concern is Bridie, too. She’s gone through so much. I don’t want to overwhelm her with everyone . . .”

“But it could do her some good . . .” Ash replied. “You know dad, he’s got a sixth sense with kids. He did with you . . .” He smiled. “And mom can win over almost anyone.”

“Well, either way, it’s going to be good to see them . . .”

They continued talking together, making tentative plans, as they waited. Sooner or later, she wanted her parents to meet Karissa and Shara . . . along with their family. But they couldn’t do anything until they knew how long their parents planned on staying.

Suddenly, their shuttle was announced. Within minutes Rahaj and Analla Kahfre, along with several other people, walked across the space port to the port authority. As soon as they walked inside, their eyes met those of their children. Smiles brightened the four as Rahaj and Analla opened their arms and their children came running.

“Daddy ! Mom !!” Rahel cried as she ran into their arms.

“Oh my little Rahel !” Her father said holding her tight.

“Ash . . .” Ttheir mother said lovingly taking him in a warm embrace.

After a moment, they switched.

“You both look well !” Rahaj said, with a twinkle in his eyes. “And I dare say you put a fear in us, young lady !”

“Trust me, it’s not something I want to happen again.” She replied kissing his cheek once more.

“Where is this twin sister of yours, I’d like to meet her.” He said.

“Well, unfortunately, she’s working.” Rahel said. “But I’m planning a get together while you’re here so you can meet her, her boyfriend and their kids – twins !”

“Really ??” Analla smiled. “I certainly look forward to that.”

“Well, what you can look forward to tonight is Rahel cooking Bastila for us,” Ash said with a grin. “She wanted to make it for you, dad.”

“Oh, my dear, my dear . . .” He smiled as he took her hands in his. “And where is this man you love so much ?”

She sighed. “Well, he had to work as well . . . and his daughter is still getting use to things.”

“She lost her mother and step-father, correct ?”

Rahel nodded.

“We’ll do what we can,” He smiled. “Let her know that there are people out there that will love her . . . that she is not alone . . .”

Rahel smiled. “I just wish I knew how to help her grieve . . . Counseling is Karissa’s department.”

“Your sister ?” Analla asked.

“Her twin.” Ash clarified. “Wait until you meet Shara . . . She’s a mirror image of Karissa ! You’d think that they were the twins, only Shara is five years younger.”

Rahel smacked his shoulder to get him to shut up. “They’ll meet them eventually !” She said smiling, but not wanting to talk about their genetic make-up, which was where that conversation was leading. She knew Ash well enough to know without reading his thoughts. He was, after all, a science officer.

“Sorry.” He said as he took her hand and squeezed it. “I’ll go get the luggage and make sure it’s transferred to the train.” With that he walked away.

“How long will it be until we reach Lake Town ?” Analla asked.

“About an hour or so.” Rahel replied. “It’s actually a pretty nice ride . . . and wait until you see the lake. It’s gorgeous. I love to just go out there to the edge of the water when I have some time and just stare out across it.”

Analla smiled. “You did always love the water . . . and woods. You liked nothing better than to go jumping through the trees.” She laughed.

“I still do.” Rahel smiled. “You can ask Logan when you see him.” Together they started for the train. “So how long do we have you here for ?” Rahel asked. “I hope it’s longer than a week.”

“Uh, well . . .” Her father began. “It could be longer than that . . .”

She stopped and looked at him, her mother smiling brightly as she waited for her husband to spit out the news.

“How much longer ?” Rahel asked with her own smile filled with anticipation.

“We could possibly stay . . .” He finally said.

“What ?” Rahel replied with complete joyful surprise. “What about your dig, dad ?”

“It wrapped up over a month ago. Now it’s all about going through the data once more . . .” He said. “And I can do that anywhere . . . But I’ve chosen to do it here . . . After what happened, your mother and I didn’t want to lose one more moment with you and your brother . . . We love you too much for that.”

She embraced him and then her mother once again. Her family was going to be together again . . . and it would grow.