Jasmine

12. 'Sweet Gestures'

On Wednesday, Jasmine and Brandon meet at Nino's - at the Matrix in East campus. They both get coffee sharing a jumbo muffin. Brandon, like a gentleman, gets the bill.

As they walk past the Great Hall Jasmine is stopped by a student of hers who also happens to know Brandon. The exchange is awkward to say the least, Jasmine in particular stuttering through their conversation. Making things worse Brandon holds her hand trying to placate her nerves. She almost withdraws from him, but because the student, Jeff Nicholson, has already seen it, she stays with her hand tied to his.

"You didn't have to do that Brandon," Jasmine reprimands freeing herself of his hand.

"Didn't have to do what?" He snaps, tying his hand to hers again.

"People will see us," she scolds trying to detangle herself free.

"So what!" Is Brandon's triggered response. "I'm not embarrassed of you. Are you embarrassed of me?"

"Not exactly."

"Not exactly! Jasmine? How on Earth am I supposed to take that?"

"The age gap Brandon."

"I think this is it from me," Brandon says turning aside from her, Jasmine rushing after him.

"What did you mean by that?" She asks hurrying beside him.

"You know exactly what I meant Jasmine. If you can't be proud of me as I am of you, you're a waste of my time."

"Of course I'm proud of you, you're gorgeous!" She tells him.

"You need to take the good with the bad dear, I do too."

"Fine," Jasmine says contrite.

"Fine what?" He voices curtly.

"I'm sorry about my behaviour just now. I'll let people know about us if that's what needs to happen."

"If that's what needs to happen?" Brandon parrots. 

"Okay, I'll wear my heart on my sleeve whenever I'm with you. I am very proud of you Brandon."

"There we go. Now was that so hard?"

"It wasn't," Jasmine admits. "I'm sorry about earlier."

"That's alright. It's water off a duck's back."

"I'm not about to give you up Brandon," Jasmine says locking arms with him. Brandon beams striding alongside her till they reach his car in west campus. As soon as they're in, Brandon's phone buzzes.

"Oh no. I completely forgot!" Brandon proclaims at his phone.

"What is it? What's going on? Jasmine questions nervously.

"Mom, we were supposed to go meet her today," he whispers holding his hand over the phone. And then he starts speaking to his mother again as Jasmine thinks "Dear Lord, I forgot myself." 

Once Brandon drops the call he revs the engine, taking off at an alarming rate. Jasmine cautions him to slow down but he only listens at the third plea. 

Arriving at 'The Daniels' makes Jasmine break out in a cold sweat. She doesn't know what to expect this time around. Will their mother still be cordial? Is this visitation not too late? Will Edwin pitch up and ruin her week. Or even worse, will Brandon's father appear at any moment she thinks nervously, detangling herself from Brandon's hold.

"What's the matter?" He whispers checking in on her.

"I'm just not comfortable doing this in your home," she voices transparently. Brandon glares at her, but decides to let it go.

"Ma, are you in here?" He shouts uncertainly. A woman carrying a washing basket full of clothes appears from up the corridor. "She's at the patio," the woman says.

"Thanks Rori," acknowledges Brandon. "There's someone I want to introduce you to," he says delicately pushing Jasmine forward.

"Hello mama," Jasmine greets with deference.

"Hello my child," she answers back in isiXhosa making Jasmine beam with joy.

"I'm Xhosa too," Jasmine throws in.

"That's good to hear ndodakazi (daughter). How do you know Brandon? Mam' Rori asks shifting her glance to him.

"She's my girlfriend. Her name's Jasmine."

I'm your what? Jasmine thinks to herself flushed Brandon would use such a word, and in front of an elder too. Finding the title an awful fit she's never liked the word. It has so many risqué connotations attached to it. Can't he say he's a suitor and that they're courting each other?

"I'm pleased to meet you Jasmine," says Rori reaching for her hand. "Brandon's lovely. You're a lucky girl."

"That I am," Jasmine utters taking her hand, to then glance at a mirthful Brandon. As she does they hear the sound of footsteps approaching.

"How are you two already here?" Another woman's voice sounds from behind them.

"Mom," Brandon expresses relieved. "Sorry we're a bit late. I had forgotten we were meeting today."