Jasmine

6. 'The Rings'

Having not heard from him before, Friday noon Brandon calls her, asking if they could meet at lunchtime. For 10 or so minutes. 

"But I've already left campus," Jasmine scolds, wishing he would've said something sooner. 

"You've left?" He repeats disbelieving.

"I'm in the taxi as we speak."

"Get off, I'll drive you home."

"What? I'm more than halfway there."

"Listen to me..."

"Okay," she says grudgingly. "After robot," she hollas at the taxi driver getting off in Rosebank. She waits under a tree until she sees Brandon's car approaching.

"Hi dear," he says pulling her in for a hug. Cosy. She lies with her face on his warm chest smelling a scent crisp and sweet.

Pulling away Jasmine beams miming a 'hi'.

"How's your day been?" Brandon asks starting the car.

"It's been okay, thanks" is her terse response, she fuzzy-minded, still relishing his cologne.

"Put on your seatbelt" he orders, and Jasmine notices he has his on already.

"I always forget. Sorry," she apologises securing the hold. Brandon pulls his lips into a tight smile, revving up. 

Jasmine's attention veers off from her surroundings, finding it hard to forget the hug they just shared. If she's taken by a hug, how much more when he kisses her? 

A kiss! Yuck. Hopefully the first is a peck. 

Jasmine hates the whole idea of tongues swirling around each other, not to mention the saliva exchange, makes her blush and think "ew". 

He probably doesn't want that from me, that's so weird!

"You look a million miles away," Brandon interjects putting her musings to a halt. 

"Don't ask. You wouldn't want to know."

"I wouldn't have commented if I didn't want to know. Is it embarrassing?" He queries with a sweet laugh.

"It is. I've never been kissed before," she blurts. "I was wondering to myself if I ever want to be."

"You're hilarious," Brandon says nonchalant.

"So are you," She states, tickled by his indifference.

 
"I'm glad I'll be your first?" He puts forth uncertainly.

"You will be the first, and hopefully the last too. Just don't make it slobbery," she slaps before he can reply, feeling awkward about implying they'll be together till death parts them. 

"So now you're tutoring me about kissing," Brandon poses casually. Jasmine blushes and speaks no more.
Coming to a stop Brandon undoes his seatbelt and steps out of the car. Jasmine follows suit. They rush into an empty tut room upon Brandon's request he having plans with family again after this.

"To get straight to the point" he speaks, taking out a small box from his pocket, "I got us these".

"They're purity rings...or promise rings..." Brandon utters nervously seeing Jasmine stunned. "Whichever you prefer," Brandon remarks as he with trembling hands puts the ring on Jasmine's forefinger.

Jasmine is flabbergasted and can't hide it. She gazes with parted lips at her shaking hand.

"I'm not asking you to marry me Jasmine, Brandon starts. "It's just a token of my appreciation for the kind of woman that you a-" Jasmine stands placing her finger before Brandon's lips and engulfs him in a hug.

"You're so sweet," Jasmine lets out rubbing his back. And she hugs him till they both recover from the tremors.

"They're lovely. I like mine especially," Jasmine notes looking at her hand again. "This is so special Brandon, thank you." 

Brandon smiles softly and utters not a word, enjoying the scene before him. Jasmine cannot stop looking at her hand and the smile on her face does not fade away. 

Brandon's phone sings and he answers the call still looking at Jasmine who's astonished the whole time.

"We've got to go," Brandon says rising to his feet after ending the call. He holds his hand out to her and Jasmine rushes after him.

"You can drop me off at Craighall, I've weight to lose," she jokes knowing she just wasted her energy because Brandon speeds instead, driving her straight home.

"You'll call," Jasmine asks with her hand to the door handle.

"I will," he says reaching for a light hug.

Jasmine gets out the car and waves Brandon away. Looking at her finger again her heart beats faster.

Mom, have I got news for you!