the essence of life is love

Naamloos deel 51

In the kitchen, Jasmijn easily finds everything she needs. The layout is straightforward, much like any other kitchen. Regardless of where you are, the arrangement is more or less the same. Seb immediately knew his way around not only Bo's place but also Rick and Kaan's. Even at his parents' house, the layout was similar to what he has now.

Half-dressed, they sit at the bar, with Esmee between the men. Jasmijn looks at Bo with concern.

"No, I didn't do anything stupid, in case you were thinking that. I'm not crazy. Although I thought I might be yesterday evening."

"You didn't even have your phone or a jacket."

"I forgot them. I was quite angry, I think."

"That might be accurate."

Rick walks in.

"Good morning, everyone."

He gives Seb a reproachful look, and Seb shrugs, nodding toward Bo.

"Rick, don't be mad at Seb. I asked him not to let you know."

"Fortunately, Jasmijn informed us that you were safe and in good hands."

"I was tired of all those arguments. I couldn't take it anymore. I just wanted some peace."

"That, I can understand very well. You could've said that, though."

"Believe me, I couldn't. Just shouting."

Before Rick can ask more questions, Jasmijn hands him a cup of coffee. Esmee watches the adults intently.

"Daddy slept here at Seb's place. He didn't really leave, you know. Seb takes very good care of him."

Now, all eyes are on Seb, Rick in surprise, Jasmijn with a smile, and Bo, who can't contain his laughter.

"That's true. Seb is a good friend. A very good one, don't you think?"

Esmee nods vigorously.

"Will you let Inez know you're back? She's worried."

"I'll call her later. I just want some peace for now."

"Is Grandma sad?"

"A little, but it'll be okay. I'll talk to her."

"Is she coming for coffee? Because she probably doesn't know you live here now."

Surprise is evident on everyone's faces. Seb wants to deny it, as does Jasmijn, while Rick looks around and observes.

"That's still a little secret, you didn't know that either, just like Mom and Rick."

Bo speaks mysteriously to his daughter.

"Since when do you live here, Dad?"

"Since yesterday. But I'll see if I can get a house here, then I can live very close to Seb, Rick, and Kaan. Do you like that?"

"Yes, then I can always be here, even when you're not home."

Seb gets up from his stool with difficulty, lack of sleep and a stiff arm that held Bo's head for a few hours are taking a toll. He informs them that he's going to take a shower and leaves his guests to catch up.

When he returns, Bo gets up, hugs Seb, and then heads to the bathroom without asking. Jasmijn is left alone.

"Where are Esmee and Rick?"

"They're walking outside. How are you doing?"

"Good, tired."

"I understand. How long was Bo here?"

"When I called you, he hadn't been here for fifteen minutes."

"Do you know where he was all that time?"

"No, I didn't ask, it's not my place. I was just glad he was back and safe."

"Inez was very scared. But I'm glad I found him here."

"Don't you find it strange?"

"No, I think I always suspected something, not about you. But that he never really loved me."

"You can't say that."

"Yes, I can, he never acted as sweetly as he did or does with you."

"Jasmijn, remember that what you see in the soap, that's acted. It's not real."

"That may seem that way for you, but I can see the difference. It's almost imperceptible, but the reaction he showed can't be acted, it's real."

Seb looks surprised. Suddenly, he realizes that there might be more, has been more, or is staged.

"Jasmijn, you can't just say that to Seb. He doesn't deserve that."

Behind Seb, Bo steps into the kitchen, his hair still wet, wearing yesterday's clothes.

"Bo, I..."

"I know, you mean well. I know that. But after the story and the argument with Mom, I'm not sure about anything anymore. Everything has changed. I need time to think."

Bo sits next to Seb, putting his hand on Seb's shoulder and turning the stool. Two faces across from each other, one surprised, one shy.

"Sorry about this morning, that was rude of me."

"Bo, it's okay. It's fine."

"I'll go back home later. I need some time to think."

"You don't have to leave, you're always welcome here."

"Even after ...?"

"Even after this morning."