One I've Been Missing

Jasmine's Birthday

It was the day of Jasmine's 6th birthday, Jade had organized a little party at her house and invited Jasmine's friends from school and some of her own friends. The party had started 25 minutes ago, and Jasmine was already running around and playing with her friends. Jasmine came toward Jade and asked.

"Mommy, is Perrie coming?"

"She told me she would, but she would have to come a little later because of work. I'll message her and ask, Ok, baby?"

"OK, mommy" Jasmine said as she ran back to her friends.

Since the day at the park, Jade and Perrie have exchanged numbers and texted every day. Jasmine hasn't shut up about Perrie since that day either, which was very strange for Jade because Jasmine is usually shy and takes a long time to warm up to new people.

Jade took out her phone and texted Perrie.

Jade: Hey Perrie! I just wanted to confirm that you're coming to Jas birthday.

Perrie: Hi Jade, you know I wouldn't miss it. I just got out of the studio, and I'll be there in about 15 minutes, I think.

Jade: Ok, see you soon ;)

Perrie: Can't wait ;)

"What's got you all smiley?" Leigh asked with a smirk.

"Nothing," Jade said, locking her phone.

"Oh, nothing... Sure," Leigh joked, "Does it have anything to do with a certain Perrie?"

"How do you know about Perrie?" Jade asked confused.

"I heard Jasmine asking you if Perrie was coming."

"Oh, she is just a friend of mine I met at the park a while ago."

"Hmm..." said Leigh, suspiciously.

I heard the doorbell ring, and as I was carrying the snacks to the backyard for the kids, I asked Leigh to answer.

"Leigh, can you get the door for me?" I yelled

"Sure babes." Leigh answered

As I was putting the food on the table outside, I heard Jasmine yell excitedly.

"Perrieee!!"

I looked back and saw Perrie, she was wearing black jeans that were ripped on the knees, combat boots, and a vintage oversized Guns and Roses T-shirt. She smiled brightly while crouching down to say hi to Jasmine. She looked really badass with the outfit and tattoos, but her smile and dimples made her look very cute.

I went towards them, and Perrie got up. "Hey Jade!" she said while she had a hand on my waist and kissed my cheek. Her touch sent a shiver down my spine.

"Hi Pez." I said shyly.

"Pez?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, it's short for Perrie I guess. But if..."

"It's fine; I like it" Perrie interjected, winking at me. I could feel myself blushing.

She extended her arm to me, and I noticed she was holding a big package wrapped in purple paper with a bunch of Aladdins on it.

"Perrie! I told you that you didn't need to bring anything," I scolded her.

"Oh, come on, you think I'd show up to her birthday without bringing anything?" she laughed. I smiled too and grabbed the gift.

"Fine," I said, defeated. "I'll put this with the other gifts; I'll be right back" I said, and I went inside.

I was in the corridor going to Jasmine's room to put her present there when someone whispered in my ear.

"She's really hot, you know." I jumped as Leigh scared me.

"Who?" I pretended I had no idea who she was referring to.

"Oh don't play dumb with me, Jadey, I'm talking about Miss Badass Perrie over there."

"Oh, she is beautiful, but she is just my friend, so don't even think about it." I said to her.

"For now." she said playfully "Oh, and she's good with kids." she said, gesturing to the backyard with her head.

I looked in the direction of the backyard and saw Perrie running around the backyard with all the children, and I couldn't help but smile.

After a few hours, the guests have gone home, and it is just me, Leigh, Andre, Holly, Perrie, and of course, Jasmine.

"Hey baby, do you want to open your presents now?" I asked

"YES!" she said animatedly and ran to grab her presents. Andre went with her to help.

We opened several presents, and now it was our turn to open Perrie's. Jasmine ripped the paper and found a guitar case. She opened the case and took out a beautiful baby blue mini guitar. Jasmine squealed and jumped to hug Perrie.

"Thank you, Perrie."

"You're welcome, princess. Do you want me to teach you how to play?" Perrie asked

"Yes! Mommy, can Perrie teach me, pleeeease?"

"Of course, baby, but not today, okay. It's already late, we'll ask Pez to teach you another day."

"Okay mommy"

..........................................................................................................................................

I was glad that Jasmine enjoyed her present, but I have to admit that I had an ulterior motive in giving the guitar to her. I knew Jade could not play any instrument, as she told me that already. So I figured that if I gave that to her, I would be able to spend more time with Jasmine and Jade to teach her how to play.

I don't know what it is about them, but I feel somehow connected to them, as if I knew them already. Also, it doesn't hurt to spend time with someone as funny, smart, and gorgeous as Jade.

I was helping Jade clean up after the party, and we were currently in the kitchen. Jade was washing some cups, and I was drying them, I didn't know when we would be able to see each other again, so I decided to ask.

"So... Jade, you said you work until 4 pm, right?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Yeah, why?" She turned to me and answered; Looking at her, I almost forgot what I was going to say. Yes, I'm that hopeless right now.

"Would you like to maybe go out to dinner someday next week? It can be any day you want, as I know that it is harder for you with Jasmine and all." I asked nervously. Jade seemed to think for a little while.

"Yes, I would." she said, smiling at me, and I smiled back.