You deserve better. I didn’t know. You deserve something special.”“This IS special!” Ifeoma insisted.“Nnamdi…you’re the best teacher I�...�ve ever had. I know you can teach me how. I trust you.”She buried her face against his chest, mumbling, “Besides, it’s my Christmas present for you. I want you to be my first.”He circled his arms around her, holding her for a moment. He ran his hands up and down her arms soothingly, then kissed the top of her head.“Alright…but let’s back up a few steps.”Ifeomad. I just smiled back.We went to dinner at the diner again and then went to the room to watch TV. I chose a spot between Sandy's bed and the wall and spread my blankets on the floor. Sandy pushed the twin beds together and gave me a pillow from her bed. We turned out the lights at about 10:30. Justin had been asleep for some time.I lay there in the quiet room for a long time, unable to sleep. That was not unusual for me. I didn't sleep through an entire night much anymore and when I did, it was. I tugged on them a bit; sure enough, they were snug.“Well now, Princess, what do you have to say for yourself?” He said, standing over me with his hands on his hips. I decided to play along.“You will never get rid of us! My tribe will come to save me and slaughter you both!” I didn’t bother with a fake accent, but I felt my acting was pretty good. I thrashed against the bonds for effect.“Is that so?” he said. “So, they’re going to come and save you from this?” He bent down and began to tickle. It was a three-year appointment, but it would fit Henry very well. He flew down for an interview. The job would begin in 90 days. In the interim, Sarah would island-hop with him to Hilo and meet his family. They would then travel further to some other South Pacific islands.Patrick and Rachel had begun a pool as to when the wedding would take place. Al said that it would be “After he’s doctor and before they fly back to here.” Weena wondered which of them would change their last name. Rachel.