Romance and Christmas Stories.

You Are Cordially Invited to the Moonlight Masquerade Ball.

Jasmine arrived home after working a double shift stopping long enough to get the mail out of the mailbox before heading into the house. Once inside the house Jasmine's Mom Julie was making dinner in the kitchen while Jasmine dropped the mail on the table except for a Colorful Invitation with her name on it. As Jasmine opened the Invitation Julie went through the rest of the mail. "What's that? Julie asked Jasmine. It's an Invitation for a Mardi Gras Moonlight Masquerade Ball. Jasmine said. When is it? Her Mom asked. It's on February 16th. Jasmine replied. That's a Tuesday. Julie said checking the calendar hanging up in the kitchen." Jasmine sat down at the table reading the Invitation when her Dad James came in from the living room to get something to drink. How was work today? James asked. Jasmine looked up and said long. I had to work a double shift because someone couldn't be bothered to bring her boneheaded behind to work. Julie rolled her eyes and said I don't why your boss just doesn't fire her behind. Oh she's about to fire her butt Jasmine said to her parents this is the third time she's ditched work. Well with all the money your making honey Dad said you can get what you need for the Moonlight Masquerade Ball. That's true. Julie said or I could tweak my old Mardi Gras Costume. Jasmine stared at her Mom, and said it can't be too revealing. When I get done with it it won't be. What color is it? Jasmine asked. You mean colors. Her Mom said and it's Red Silk and Black Satin. I just need to tweak the top half to cover your chest. And since it's been in a sealed garment bag it won't need to be washed. While they were talking Jasmine's two sisters came in with their husbands and kids. "What's going on? Tiffani asked them. None of your business. Jasmine said. Taking her purse and the Invitation upstairs to her room to take a quick shower and change her clothes. What was that all about. Mia said. None of your business. Julie told her oldest daughter. Upstairs Jasmine hopped into the shower real quick and washed her hair twice to get all the dirt, dust, and hairspray out of it. When she was done Jasmine dried off and put on a pair of sweat pants and t-shirt and slippers, before heading back down stairs. Julie was about to take the meatloaf out of the oven Jasmine set the table while James poured the drinks. When he got to Jasmine's She said I'll have a Diet Coke Dad with ice. James added ice to the glass and poured some soda into it. Everyone sat down as Julie put the Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, and Italian Style Green Beans on the table. After James said grace everyone dug into the food, and started to eat. Does anyone have any plans for next month? Mia asked. Why? Tiffani asked. Well Valentine's Day is gonna be here soon. Jasmine rolled her eyes and said I hope your not planning on asking me to babysit Mia. I was actually. Mia replied. Well find yourself another babysitter I have plans on Valentine's Day. With who? Tiffani said. None of your damn business Tiffani. Jasmine replied. I don't have to tell you and Nosy Mia everything I do. In case it hasn't dawned on you two clowns I'm an adult. Before Mia and Tiffani can say anything their Mom Julie jumped in and told both Mia and Tiffani to back off, and leave Jasmine alone. Everyone finished their dinner in peace. Jasmine rinsed her plate off and stuck it in the dishwasher then finished her soda rinsed the glass out and placed it in the dishwasher as well before heading upstairs. One by One dishes and glasses were rinsed and put in the dishwasher. Julie went upstairs and headed to the bedroom she and James shared and walked into her walk-in closet and took out her old Mardi Gras Costume and went to Jasmine's room and knocked on the door. Come in. Jasmine said. Julie walked in carrying the garment bag and closed the door. Jasmine got up off her bed and walked over to the bag hanging on the back of her door and unzipped it. When Jasmine saw the Mardi Gras Costume her eyes went wide when she saw how low cut the top was. "Good Grief Mom. Jasmine said my boobs aren't that big. Julie smiled I know honey, but if I tweak the top your boobs won't be seen. Julie took the costume off the hanger and showed Jasmine the inside of the dress where two pieces were sewn on each side of the bodice. If I take the thread out from these two pieces I can sew them together so they'll be closed. Julie sent Jasmine into the bathroom to try the Costume on so she could see how much work needed to be done. When Jasmine came out of the bathroom the skirt of the dress had puffed out to it's full size the middle hugged Jasmine nicely but the top half with the Red Silk collar around her neck was the real issue. Julie went and took a stray piece of Black Satin she got from her work room and a few pins to hold the Satin in place. When Jasmine looked in her full length mirror she liked how it looked on her until a small draft told her the dress was backless. "Ummm Mom. Jasmine said You didn't tell me the dress was backless as she turned her back and moved her long blond hair out of the way. Julie measured Jasmine's back and said I can sew a piece of Red Silk and Black Satin to the back of the dress, but to do that I would have to take off the collar. Jasmine tugged at the Red Silk collar at her throat letting her Mom know it was tight. I'll take the the collar off and use some Red and Black cord to lace the back up with and tie it at the top. That way your neck will be free for the jewelry Julie said. All I would need is a Mask, Earrings, and Shoes. Jasmine said. I have the Red Silk and Black Satin strap shoes that I wore with this dress when I went to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Julie said before she went to get the shoes and bring them to Jasmine to try on. Once Jasmine tried the shoes on they fit perfectly and were really comfy. These are perfect Mom. Jasmine said Thank you. As for the mask and earrings we'll go shopping at the Costume shop at the mall. We can go on Friday Jasmine said. I have three days off. My boss has a meeting to go to in LA after she fires Avery for bailing on work. Julie rolled her eyes I knew that Avery was gonna be trouble when I first met her. I thought she seemed decent Jasmine replied until I found out that Adam cheated on me the entire two years we were together with Avery. Yeah well Adam made his choice to sleep with a mangy mutt like Avery and he picked up fleas afterwards. Julie replied hugging Jasmine. Don't let that slime ball ruin your life. Maybe I'll meet a nice guy at the Moonlight Masquerade Ball. Jasmine said to her Mom. Yeah one hopefully that has a good steady job Julie said. Jasmine headed into her bathroom to remove the dress with Julie's help. Once the dress was off Jasmine sat down on her stool to take the shoes off and give them to her Mom. Julie took the dress and shoes and walked back into Jasmine's room and put the shoes on her shoe rack Jasmine had put her clothes back on and walked out of her bathroom. Julie was using a seem ripper to take the thread out on the inside of the dress, but the top half of the dress fell off because Julie made a mistake and took out the wrong seems. "Damn it. Julie said. looking at the fallen top part of the dress. I don't see a problem Mom. Jasmine said. Now you can sew the Red Silk and Black Satin to the back easily, and then work your way to the front. Julie laid the dress out on the bed and went to her workroom and came back with the two pieces she needed for the back and pinned them in place with the holes facing each other. Jasmine laced some Red and Black cord she had in her craft box through the holes and tied the ends together at the top." Wow. Julie said that looks much better now. Jasmine helped her Mom carry the dress and pieces to her work room where Julie sat her sewing machine and sewed the Red Silk first she did a double stich making sure the Red Silk stayed put. Then did the same thing to the Black Satin before returning the dress inside out. Jasmine had taken the collar apart and brought over the Black Satin piece for the front, but pinned to the sides of the Black Satin was the two pieces of Red Silk. Julie stared at the Black Satin with the Red Silk pinned on the sides and said I didn't think to do that. Jasmine smiled I figured I'd give you a hand with the dress so your not doing all the work. They worked together on Jasmine's dress for the Moonlight Masquerade Ball. Julie had taken a pair of sleeves off an old dress in Red Silk and sewed them to the sides of the dress before having Jasmine head into the work room bathroom and try it on. While Julie was straightening her work area Jasmine walked out of the bathroom with the dress on Julie turned around saw Jasmine in her dress for the Ball Julie walked over and laced the cord through the holes before tying it at the top. When Julie was done Jasmine did a twirl in the dress. You're gonna be the Belle of the Moonlight Masquerade Ball. Julie replied. James walked in and saw Jasmine in her dress for the Ball, and whistled. "You look beautiful honey. James said. Thanks Dad. Jasmine replied with a smile. Wait until the day of the Ball when she's all dressed up Julie said to her husband Jasmine is gonna look Stunning. Like you were when I first saw you in New Orleans at the Mardi Gras Ball. James said kissing his wife's cheek. I didn't know that you and Mom met at a Mardi Gras Ball. Jasmine said to her Dad. Oh yes. Julie said. Your Dad couldn't keep his eyes off of me in my dress the entire night. We went on a few dates while we were in New Orleans doing charity work. But by the time we were finished with the charity work your Dad asked me to Marry him. And the rest is history James said with a smile. I hope I'm that lucky at the Ball. I'm sure you will be honey. Julie said hugging Jasmine before letting her go so she could change out of the dress. Do you still have that cape you wore in New Orleans? James asked his wife. What cape. Jasmine said. I have a cape that goes with the dress so it'll keep you warm on the night of the Ball. Julie said. Are you referring to your Red Silk and Black Satin Cape? Mia asked from the doorway. Yes I am. Julie said to her oldest daughter Why? I didn't know you were planning on using it again. Mia said. Where is it? Julie asked. Mia looked at her Mom and told her that she used it to make covers for two of her living room pillows. Julie went wide eyed You cut up my cape to cover two of your pillows! Julie started swearing in French at Mia. That was really stupid Mia. Jasmine said Did you even think to ask Mom if you could cut her Cape. How was I supposed to know Mom was planning to use her cape. Well what the bloody hell do you think I'm gonna wear to cover my shoulders with the night of the Ball. Jasmine fired back. Before things got out of hand James told their oldest daughter to leave and take her family home. Mia headed downstairs and got her family and headed home with Tiffani and her family behind them. Is there anyway the cape can be made before the Ball? Jasmine asked. Julie looked at her daughter and said it can however I don't have enough Black Satin to make it, but I have enough Red Silk. Jasmine took her dress to her room and hung it up in the garment bag and moved it to the closet where she kept her fabrics, and pulled out a bolt of Black Satin and took it to her Mom. Here you go Mom. Jasmine said handing her the fabric Julie hugged her daughter and thanked her for the Black Satin. I'll start on the cape tomorrow right now it's late and I'm tired. I can give you a hand with the Cape if you want. Jasmine said. Thanks sweetie but it took me two days to make the Cape. Julie replied. Do you by any chance have any elastic Mom? Jasmine asked. I do. Julie replied Why? Well instead of spending money on a Mask I was gonna make one. Jasmine said. Then all you would need are earrings. Julie replied. Jasmine said good night to her parents and headed to her room to get ready for bed. James went downstairs to make sure the front door was closed and locked before setting the alarm. Turned the tv and lights off before heading upstairs to bed. As Jasmine and her family slept a tall dark haired man was up thinking about his life after his ex-girlfriend broke up with him and told him she was moving in with her new one. That was a few days ago, and now he sat in his room thinking about what to do now. 'You need to stop wallowing around in self pity his twin brother Drew said from his doorway. Do you have any ideas? Jonathan asked Drew. Yes I do. Drew said Come with me, Lynda, JD, and Holly to the Valentine's Day party the Luxor is having, and maybe you'll find a smart, beautiful, hard working lady that loves dogs. Jonathan is still moping in self pity their older brother JD said from behind Drew. Yes. Drew replied but I talked Jonathan into joining us at the Luxor for their Valentine's Day party. Maybe if he's lucky he'll find a date for the Moonlight Masquerade Ball at the MGM Grand Drew's wife Lynda said. Jonathan rolled his eyes. You're not gonna let this go are you? He said Nope sorry Jonathan. Holly said We love you, but you need to stop laying around like a sad sack and get back out there. Ok Ok. Jonathan said relenting. I'll go to the Valentine's Day party at the Luxor.  Yes! Holly whooped. Make sure you have a suit for the party. Lynda said also. If your done nagging me Jonathan said I'm going to bed. Drew and Lynda headed to their old bedroom and went to bed while JD and Holly went home to their house. In the privacy of his bathroom Jonathan stepped into a quick shower and dried off before sliding between the sheets and fell asleep." As everyone slept a late night Thunderstorm rolled in and was gone by the time the sun started to rise. Jasmine was up and eating breakfast at the counter of pancakes and a glass of milk. She put the coffee pot on for her parents before heading upstairs to change her clothes for her morning run. While Jasmine was getting ready for her morning run Julie went downstairs for a cup of coffee followed by James a few mins later. Jasmine came down the stairs did a few stretches before heading outside in the cool morning air before the sun rose higher bringing the heat of the day. Jasmine started at a slow pace enjoying the breeze as she ran her blond ponytail swung in the in the gentle breeze. Outside of his home Jonathan was awake and outside sitting on a low brick wall drinking orange juice as the sound of footsteps got closer Jonathan turned his head and saw a beautiful blonde in jean shorts and a white tank top and sneakers heading towards him, but as she got close Jonathan noticed that she had blue eyes. It was on the tip of his tongue to say Good Morning but couldn't get the words out as the blonde ran past the house. When she disappeared around the corner Jonathan let out a frustrated sigh and said Damn. The front door opened and his sister in law Lynda stepped outside and asked Jonathan what was wrong? Jonathan looked at the corner where the blonde had went then looked at Lynda and said I just saw the most beautiful blonde with blue eyes run past the house a few mins ago. Lynda smiled. What was she wearing? Jean shorts, white tank top, and sneakers. Jonathan replied. Lynda looked at him and said Did she have long blonde hair? Yes she did. He said. Well I'll be danged! Lynda replied I had no idea that she lives in this neighborhood. Lynda was still deep in thought when JD and Holly pulled into the driveway. As soon as Holly stepped out of the car and got close to the front door Lynda said Hey Holly Guess who ran past the house this morning and left Jonathan speechless. Who? Holly asked. Jasmine. Lynda said. Holly went wide eyed for a minute then said I didn't know she lived around here. Neither did I. Lynda said but if she ran past the house this morning she has to live pretty close to us. "Whose Jasmine? Drew and JD asked. Jasmine is this woman we met in this clothing store a few weeks ago. Holly said. And she's beautiful, smart, and works hard. Lynda added. I wonder if she's working today. Holly said. It's Friday and still early in the morning we could call and find out, or wait until she runs past here again and ask her. Lynda said. Jonathan went inside the house followed by Drew and JD while Lynda and Holly sat outside talking. A few mins later they heard footsteps turning the corner and saw Jasmine heading towards them. Holly and Lynda got up and ran to Jasmine who was walking back home with a bottle of water in her hand that she got from the store. Hey Jasmine. Holly said. Hey Holly. Jasmine replied. What are you and Lynda doing up at this hour? I live here with my husband Drew and brother in law Jonathan. Lynda said. And me and my Fiance JD are here to see if his brothers are going anywhere this morning. Holly said. Jasmine looked at Lynda and said Does your brother in law have short dark brown hair with blonde highlights? Yes he does. Lynda said That's Jonathan. I ran past him this morning Jasmine said and thought he was cute. Is he seeing anyone? Nope. Holly said. His ex was a real witch always complained when Jonathan came home from work sweating and covered in dirt and dust from a job site. Jasmine rolled her eyes. Clearly she's too scared to get her hands dirty. Yes she is. Holly said and she's always telling Jonathan that she's not about to ruin her manicure. Wow. Jasmine she sounds like a spoiled princess. Yes she is. Lynda added. I need to finish my morning workout before my muscles tense up. Jasmine said as she headed home. Wait Jasmine. Holly said. Me and Lynda were wondering if your working today? Nope. I'm off the next three days. Jasmine said and the shop is closed until Monday while my boss is at a meeting in LA. Oh ok. Holly said We'll see you around. See you later. Jasmine called over her shoulder to Lynda and Holly." When Jasmine was out of sight Holly and Lynda ran inside and found Jonathan in the kitchen about to make himself some toast. Stop the Press! Holly said excited What's up? Jonathan asked. Lynda had a huge grin on her face as she and Holly told Jonathan everything they just learned from Jasmine. If Jonathan was speechless earlier JD added He's not now. Did Jasmine actually say I was cute? Jonathan asked Lynda. Yes she did. Lynda answered. And she asked if you were seeing anyone. Holly chimed in. Of course we told her no. Not after you had to deal with the spoiled princess. Holly said. Spoiled brat is more like it. Drew said. I was thinking of something else. JD said but it would be an insult to the female dogs in Vegas. Amen. Holly said. Anyway Jasmine has three days off while the shop is closed and her boss is in LA for a meeting, and won't be back until Monday. As the sun rose higher in the sky the heat started to pick up Avery was laying out by the pool with Adam getting a suntan, and drinking ice tea. A few mins later her Mom came out the back door and dropped an envelope in Avery's lap. Avery lifted her shades and picked up the envelope and opened it. Inside was a Notice of Termination due to Avery continuing to miss work over the past week and a half. What the hell! Avery said. They fired me because I ditched work a week and a half ago. Well then you should have carried your lazy butt to work instead of bailing. Man! Whatever Grandma. Avery said. This would have been fine if Jasmine had just covered for me that week and a half ago. Jasmine is not your personal slave Avery. Grandma said in fact Jasmine works very hard and is good at her job. The reason you got fired was because you failed to show up yesterday in addition to skipping out of work a week and a half ago. Fine. Avery said I'll get my last paycheck on Monday. I wouldn't bet on it. Grandma said. Why? Avery replied. Because your boss took all that money that you had earned and gave it to Nicole, Marie, and Jasmine for picking up the slack at the shop because you didn't wanna go to work. Grandma said as she went back inside. While Avery had a fit Jasmine was in her room after taking a shower and putting on a pair of old shorts and a t-shirt and got to work on making her Mask for the Ball. After Jasmine glued the last gem in place Julie knocked on the door and poked her head inside and asked Jasmine if she wants to go to the mall. Yes. Jasmine said. Just give me a few mins to change my clothes and grab my purse and I'll meet you down stairs. Jasmine gently placed the Mask on top of her chest of drawers, and changed her clothes and grabbed her purse and met her Mom downstairs in the living room. Julie and Jasmine headed out the front door to Julie's car and got inside. After fastening their seat belts they pulled out of the driveway and headed toward The Strip an hour away. They made great progress with the light traffic to the mall and found a parking spot right by the front entrance and headed inside and up to the second level where the Costume Shop was located. Julie and Jasmine wandered around the store Julie got what she needed to remake the Cape for Jasmine. Meanwhile Jasmine found the Costume Jewelry and got a three piece set to go with her dress for the Ball. When she was done she met her Mom by the register to checkout. How many sets did you get? Julie asked Jasmine. Just two. Jasmine said One for the Ball holding up the set of Red Jewelry and the other for Valentine's Day. They paid for their items and headed back down to the first level got a soft pretzel and sodas to drink for the drive home. An hour later Jasmine was in her room checking on her Mask for the Ball to see if it was dry when she got a text on her phone from the Used Car Company saying that the amount of five hundred dollars was due on Monday. Jasmine let out a sigh and went looking for her Dad to ask him for advice. James was downstairs in the kitchen making a sandwich for himself for dinner when Jasmine walked into the kitchen and sat down on a stool, and said Dad I need your advice on something? What's the problem. James asked. Jasmine showed her Dad the text from the Used Car Company saying that the amount of five hundred dollars is owed on Monday for the Used SUV she cosigned for Adam. Isn't he making payments on the car? James said. He made one payment. Jasmine said and that's it I'm stuck paying for this ugly SUV by myself. Why isn't Adam paying his half of this crappy car. James asked. Because he's spends his money on that Witch Avery. Jasmine said. I don't know what to do Dad. James took a bite of his sandwich and as he chewed an idea came to him. After he swallowed the bite James said I have an idea that might help you out, but you might wanna get some help? From Who. Jasmine replied. Avery's Grandma Marie and Adam's Grandma Rosie. James said with a sly grin. Jasmine smiled. Marie and Rosie love me. Exactly. James said. Thanks Dad. Jasmine replied. As she sent Rosie and Marie a message through a group chat explaining what she wants to do but is gonna need help pulling it off. "Whatever you need honey. Marie said. We've got your back Jasmine. Rosie replied. And it's about damn time we stuck it to our hard headed grandchildren. Rosie said. Amen to that. Marie chimed in. In fact we have to run errands tomorrow and my piece of junk car is dead in the water in the driveway. Rosie said and I can ask Adam for the keys to his SUV , and we'll use that. Ok. Jasmine said just a word of warning Adam and Avery have been having sex in the backseat of the SUV in public and they got in trouble for it twice by the LVPD. Oh their Dads are gonna love this. Marie said. I take it their Dads are gonna be so mad. Jasmine said. Try pissed. Rosie said. They set the time to meet at the Used Car Company and we'll make sure we have a way to get home. Rosie said. After they said their goodnights Jasmine smiled this evil smile that James had seen before on his daughter's face after she found out that Mia had taken her car without her asking her when she was eighteen. Jasmine had called the police and reported her car stolen, gave the license plate info, the car type, and the colors. It took an hour for the cops to find her car outside of the bar where Mia was with her boyfriend at the time the cops went into the bar and asked Mia about the Pink and Black Cobra in the parking lot and where did she get it? Mia looked at the police and said it was her sister Jasmine's  and said that she had permission to borrow her car. Ok the police said to Mia I know your lying we just talked to your sister Jasmine and she told us that you stole her car without her permission even after you had asked her if you could borrow it and she said No. Does that sound familiar? Mia looked scared as the cops told her they were gonna have to take her down to the station and she was gonna have to call her parents to come get her. Outside Jasmine was waiting by her car to drive it home an officer got her car keys away from Mia as the police put handcuffs  on her and walked her out of the bar and put her in the backseat where she was crying. Her boyfriend said He'd be down there to bail her out, but the cops told him unless he wants to go down for car theft he needs to leave. Mia's boyfriend left and went went home, Mia got taken to the police station, and Jasmine drove her car home." If your capable of having Mia arrested for car theft James said then I don't even wanna know what you, Marie, and Rosie have up your sleeves for tomorrow. Jasmine smiled and said Just wait and see. And with that Jasmine went upstairs took a shower and got ready for bed.