Jasmine

15. 'A Break-up?'

Jasmine stops shouting after Brandon once he re-enters the house. He slides the door leaving it open for Jasmine who hurries her steps not wanting anyone to pick that she and Brandon just had a quarrel, and particularly that he stormed off on her. 

Jasmine sets foot inside the living room, catching glimpse of Edwin who stares at her perplexed before running after a Brandon who moves swiftly contra the kitchen, towards the first storey bedrooms. Jasmine doesn't want to upset Brandon further, so she decides to go back outside, sitting at the patio to where she can't be seen through the living room sliding door. 

Jasmine's sense of time stretches indefinitely as she sits quietly with her phone in hand tapping inserts on her memo pad. Usually she creates diary entries or fictional pieces to use for creative writing class. This time she dawdles in both, unable to place enough concentration into one. She then considers going to Brandon's room, to talk things through, make him understand that she really does want to spend the rest of her 'earthly' life with him. 

"Get in," a deep voice reverberates above her. She looks up taken aback. Seeing Edwin frightens her even more. Before she can say anything - as if she could - Edwin walks away. Jasmine is anxious: is Edwin going to out her to his mother, that she upset Brandon and he no longer wants to speak to her. Would Edwin be that cruel?

Edwin takes long strides to Brandon's room while Jasmine scurries after him. 

"Edwin please wait," Jasmine whispers as he opens the door, wanting to tell him she doesn't want to enter Brandon's room. That it would be inappropriate. Edwin looks at her and bellows "get in" before she can get a word in. Her heart fails her; she goes inside as he commands. The door closes behind her. Jasmine looks back to see Edwin gone. Brandon is lying on a lounger, eyes closed, reposed, with a chair beside him on one side, a sliding door on the other. Jasmine moves towards him marvelling at the antique and regal style of the room. It's also clean and tidy. This doesn't surprise her being acquainted with Brandon's undiagnosed OCD. Heck, she's impressed: she might have it too.

"Brandon," Jasmine voices, leaning in to touch his arm. Brandon startles awake. Once he gains his bearings, he asks what Jasmine is doing in his room. 

"I'm sorry for intruding. I tried to sway Edwin but he was adamant I come in," Jasmine utters apologetically.

"Edwin!" Brandon shouts under his breath.

"Should I go?" Jasmine asks scared. Brandon angrily picks up his phone without responding. 

"Is this you taking her home?" Brandon expresses at the phone. 

"What do you mean, I don't want to talk right now!" Jasmine hears Brandon vent after a while. 

"You know what? Never mind. Want something done? Do it yourself," he ultimately grumbles, before ending the call. He then walks towards the door, opens it, and waits for Jasmine to step out. 

"Brandon please," she pleads not wanting to leave things so upset and uncertain. Brandon looks down intensely. There's no swerving his mind Jasmine thinks walking out. 

They pass the kitchen area and Jasmine holds her breath imagining the worst: Edwin told the mother everything and Jasmine, in a few seconds, will be chased out of their home. But this doesn't happen: the kitchen is dead quiet. Jasmine doesn't look to confirm if there's anyone inside.

Before Jasmine knows it, she and Brandon are in the car driving off. She wants to plead her case at countless points in the drive but cannot summon enough courage. When the car enters the parking lot of Jasmine's apartment building, she cries covering her face. 

Brandon doesn't move or speak. 

"I'm sorry," Jasmine expresses after a while, as she wipes her downcast face.

She then looks out her window and Brandon places his hand on hers saying: "We'll speak tomorrow, okay?" Jasmine looks right, in disbelief. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry," he says before he is overwhelmed with emotions looking away from Jasmine. Jasmine's tears return, pouring as she clasps a sobbing Brandon in her arms. 

When the tears have stopped, Brandon and Jasmine sit in the car reclined, each in one's seat. In moments Brandon's phone rings and Jasmine motions excusing herself from the car - going home before he answers - but Brandon holds her hand shaking his head. 

Brandon answers the call with a "Yes, what is it?" 

In time Jasmine finds out it's Edwin and he seemingly wanted to know if Brandon was now okay, and was curious about what had happened with her (Jasmine). The call is ended, and Brandon looking at Jasmine says: "Edwin".

"Yes, I got the gist: he was worried about you and was wondering about me."

"Yeah. I'm glad he didn't drive you home as I'd asked."

"I am too. Brandon I love you," Jasmine gushes, her eyes flooding again.

"It's okay. You're not gonna lose me," he says engulfing her in a hug. She represses tears wanting to be as hopeful as he. 

"Let's talk tomorrow. I know you're busy Mondays so how about I drive you home at 5?" He suggests.

 "17h30? Class ends at 17h15.

"That late?" Brandon expresses emphatically. 

"I know," Jasmine remarks dejected.

"I don't think I'm cut out," Brandon quips. Jasmine smiles knowing he doesn't mean it. 

"I'll do my master's part time Brandon I swear," Jasmine pleads, her fear of losing Brandon reignited.

"We'll talk tomorrow dear," He utters before pecking her on the cheek. Jasmine smiles, but wishes the peck was on her lips. She leaves hopeful about the two staying together, but wishes they could at least share a kiss every now and then. 

Yuck.

Why did she feel this way?