In High School, Jasmine Raynes had been a antisocial overweight introvert with a cloud of despair hanging over her head. She had no friends since people just seemed to avoid her and she could hear a voice in her head that resulted from depression an...
I woke up sore from sleeping on the uncomfortable couch all night. I sat up and just looked at the walls for a few minutes. I should probably go and get Jasmine up and ready as well. It hurt a little getting up but I just ignored the pain. I went to the spare bedroom, I could hear Larry in the kitchen. I hope he was cooking breakfast I was starving. When I opened the door, Jasmine was sitting up on the bed, her eyes still glossed over in a haze. I felt myself release a sigh as I went to her. Her eyes came up to look at me and I just kept looking down. "Come petite , let's get ready. We got a long day." She looked confused but got up nonetheless. I once again helped her bathe. "I can wash myself Laurent. You don't have to help." The lifeless tone she spoke in was the very reason why I ignored her words an continued helping her. "When I don't feel like you'd try to drown yourself, then I will stop helping you." She didn't say anything in return. After I got her dressed, I went and took my own shower. I walked out on just a towel to grab clothes from the closet. "Ha, well damn French Boy." I glanced behind me at Jasmine who looked just as confused as ever. "What you say petite? And how come your voice was a little deeper?" Her eyes shifted, trying to piece together what I was talking about. "I didn't say anything Laurent." She sounded so earnest and lost. Hm, I swore I heard her. Maybe my twin was right, maybe I was losing my sanity too. I brushed it off and got dressed. When I went to help Jasmine into the wheelchair, she shook her head no. "I can walk Laurent. I don't want to be in the wheelchair. I'm not disabled." I was going to argue that but decided not to. She walked unsteadily but walked nonetheless. We went to the kitchen just as Larry was putting down plates of pancakes, sausage, and biscuits. "Ah good morning. How are you feeling Jay?" "Fine." "I see. At least that's better than the complete silence I've been receiving lately." Larry smiled and just went about eating his breakfast. I ate but watched as Jasmine just took a sip of the orange juice Larry gave her. "Are you not hungry?" "No." My eyes narrowed at the answer. I almost snapped but didn't. At least it was something. After breakfast, Larry said he'd help me get Jasmine settled into my house. So we set off.
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We arrived at my house and Jasmine stayed silent throughout the ride. When we got out the car, I watched as she couldn't help but admire the house. Jasmine loved pools but I'd be damned if I let her in mines anytime soon. Maybe after she starts wanting to live. I walked at her side, my hand on her back to keep her steady. When we got inside, Larry and I left to check on everything, make sure the house was safe. A few minutes later, we all sat on the grey sectional sofas in the living room. "Okay, so mommy will be here soon. Do you want me to stay and talk with her too?" "No Larry, I can handle it. Thank you though. I know you worry." Larry got up and gave us a small smile. "Okay mon frere, I will see you both in the morning." Larry patted me on the back and gave Jasmine a kiss on the cheek then left. "Do you need anything?" "No." "You haven't eaten Jasmine, please at the very least have a snack." "I'm not hungry Laurent." "Very well." A peculiar knock on the door caught my attention, causing me to laugh. Mom did always have a strange way of knocking. I went to answer it and as soon as the door unlocked, my mom threw her arms over me. She cried and I was just dumbstruck. "Maman, what's wrong?" "pardonnez-moi je ne savais pas, why didn't you tell me about the babies? I would've been there, I could've helped eased the pain. Be there for my child. How many have you had to say goodbye to?" Tears fell down my face at my mothers words. I couldn't stop the sobs. Her hands softly stroked my hair, speaking soft French words to me. I nearly forgot Jasmine in the warmth of my moms love. And that made me feel guilty for some reason. I gave my mom a kiss on her cheek and backed away. She gave me a look but said nothing. As I guided her to the living room, her eyes stayed glued to Jasmine. My mom and Jasmine had met quite a few times and she would always tell me how much she adores her and that girl is made for you. She sat right next to Jasmine and turned Jasmine to face her. Jasmine's face stayed blank but her eyes for the first time were alert. "Ah, there you are child. Not sad and broken one that you wear as a mask but you. It's okay, I understand. Do not hold it in. I am here." Then Jasmine bursts into tears.
