Jasmine

10. 'Ms Gina Daniels'

"Hi mom," Brandon says peeping into the doorway, holding Jasmine's hand on the left.

"What are you two doing standing there. Come on over," she invites.

"There's someone we want you to meet mom," Brandon ventures then squeezing Jasmine's hand in his.

"What? Now?" She asks and Brandon looks over at Edwin. Almost saying 'I knew this was a bad idea, but you pushed it'."

"Yes mom. You'll love her. Her name's Jasmine," Edwin says beckoning her over. Jasmine lets go of Brandon's hand and stands right between him and Edwin. She says hi to their mother, but her eyes are to the floor as if hoping to get swallowed. 

"Who's she?" Their mother asks looking at Brandon, then Edwin.

Edwin answers, "Her name's Jasmine-"

"I know that much," the mother blasts.

"She and Brandon are dating mom," Edwin says putting his arm over her shoulder. "Be pleasant." Jasmine feigns a smile, but still can't look up.

Brandon beside her brims with anger. "I didn't expect this from you," he announces looking at his mother dead in the eye.

"Well that's exactly my problem Brandon. What will other people say? Your father in particular."

"I don't care about them, I wanted to know from you that you respect my decision and wish us well. That's what mothers are supposed to do."

"I am glad for you dear. If this is really what you want-

"I can't believe you."

"Edwin."

"Yes, mom?"

"Now be honest. How do you suspect your father will take this?"

"He won't like it but at least he wouldn't be so overt about it," Edwin states before walking off.

 "Brandon I'm sorry but I'm not the one with a problem here," his mother protests.

"So who does? The black girl?"

"That's mean! That's never been me."

"Exactly. Could you, for once, do something out of your own accord", he puts forth venomously.

"If you calm down, maybe I might." 

Brandon looks at Jasmine almost 'shivering in her boots'. He takes her hand and they go deeper into the house.

"Your father's coming home in an hour!" Mrs Daniels shrieks as they float off.

"I'm so sorry about that," Brandon murmurs as they pass what to Jasmine seems to be the living room. The words barely leave his mouth he's fatigued over his father - even before him meeting Jasmine. 

Jasmine raises her shoulders clueless what to say.

"This is my room" Brandon alerts as they approach its' door. 

"I shouldn't," she sounds taking a step back.

"Don't stress," Brandon says pulling her back in. "I just need to get a jacket. Wait for me?" He pleads and Jasmine nods. 

As Brandon steps out he sees Jasmine looking curiously up the hallway. 

"I'll show you some other day, I promise" he says before kissing her cheek. Jasmine laughs softly, blushing deeply.

"Brandon," Ms Daniels says as they pass the kitchen. Brandon groans under his breath but takes Jasmine's hand before peeping his head out to his mother.

"Come in, please." 

Brandon stops when both are at the doorway. "Didn't you caution Dad's coming?"

"I deserve that."

"What is it now mom?"

"I want to apologise. To Jasmine," she says looking her way. I'm sorry I've made you uncomfortable. If his father wasn't on his way I'd invite you for dinner." 

Jasmine smiles sensing how genuine Brandon's mother is.

"On that note here. I've packed you and Brandon some food.

"Thank you," she says stepping in and taking the lunch bag from his mother's hand.

"My name is Gina," speaks Ms Daniels placing her hand out to Jasmine's free hand. "And I'd like to see you again soon?" She says before looking at Brandon.

"Sure," is his reply. "During the week when dad isn't here?"

"Okay then. Enjoy your dinner," Gina says before pecking Brandon on the cheek. He and Jasmine walk off, and then inside the car they go.

"I'm so sorry about that Jasmine," Brandon speaks into the silence. I'm sure you were thinking I told you so the whole time w-"

"That went better than expected believe it or not," she chips, taking Brandon by surprise.

"It did?" He proclaims uncertainly. 

"Uh-hm," is her consoling response.

"Then you set your expectations so low," he puts forth shyly.

"I did," she says matter-of-factly.

"That hurts more than I anticipated."

"Well, I didn't mean it that way. I could sense your mother's love and respect for you. I appreciated that at least."

"Really?"

"I did. But I hope that's not the best of the bunch..."

"It might b- No. There's Fiona. Malcolm, my brother's wife. I think you'll love her. She's meek and sweet."

"Unprejudiced?"

"That too...

... Oh and Edward my other brother. The second eldest."