The Secret Life // A Shawn Hunter fanfic

Forty-four ➵ both

Jasmine
June 4, 1995
That morning.
We finalized the decision.
I was partially happy about this whole entire situation. The only thing that was holding me back, was Shawn.
I was going to miss him dearly.
Last night after we got everything situated correctly, which was calling up my aunt and now I was going to be staying with her.
We sent in the conformation letter and everything too. Since I was leaving later tonight, Shawn, Cory, Topanga, and I all wanted to embark on one last adventure before I leave.
It will last us a while until I would be coming back.
I slept over at Topanga's house one last time before I would go. Only night that we can share all our gossiping and juicy secrets that would make anyone just die to overhear them.
Have trendy makeovers with each other as well as manicures, whatever you could think of.
Heck, even watching a marathon of 80's movies and drooling over attractive actors. When it was the next morning, I woke up to find Shawn at the window. Luckily for him, Topanga was in a deep slumber. It had been a long night.
"Shawn! I still need to get dress. Hide." I hissed at him.
"Oh, right." He realized.
The only last minute hiding place he could think of was under the covers. Whatever, it still worked. As for me, I headed to the bathroom to change.
Since it was an expected predicament that it was supposed to be blazing hot out today, I dressed into a tank top and a blue skirt to match. I wore my white chuck Taylor's with it, then tying my hair into a long ponytail.
I noticed one peculiar thing when I changed into my outfit. I excerpted a comparison to the beginning of the year. When I just met the gang.
Before enriching me painfully there were darkened and deep bruises stained all over my body as if someone was meant to paint them there on purpose.
Now they were gone, as if somebody decided it was time to start the canvas over, and put it away then leave it blank intentionally.
I added some weight, due to the fact before I was hardly fed.
I even noticed I developed my body somewhat, but not all. I was still young.
In the mirror of my reflection, I couldn't help but break out a wide smile.
I felt... beautiful.
I was peacefully happier now differed than before.
However, before we did that, Shawn and me collected all of our belongings from the motel then headed to Turner's apartment. It was ten o'clock in the morning, and we hoped he wasn't sleeping.
Luckily to our wishes though, he answered the door. His expression went from tiredness to cheerfulness in a split second.
"Hunter. Clayton. What's all this?" He asked.
"I decided to stay with you." Shawn answered with a big smile on his face.
"Really? That's great. What about you, Jasmine?"
"I'm not staying." I replied to him. His smile faded away subliminally.
"Why not?"
"I'm going to New York. Read this." I handed him the letter. He folded the letter out and read it thoroughly, his eyes widening.
"That's terrific Jasmine." He praised me, patting me on the back.
"May we drop our stuff off? We are supposed to meet Cory and Topanga back at the Matthew's place in about twenty minutes."
"Oh of course."
We headed inside and Shawn dropped his belongings off. Mine was placed on his couch, with his right beside it.
"How about I make you guys some breakfast? There's waffles on the counter if you'd like some." Mr. Turner offered us.
We did so and devoured into the fluffy crunchiness of the buttered, syrupy covered waffles. Chip also had followed us here. Since he was hungry as well, I fed him some cut up waffles. He chomped on them vigorously, enjoying the taste of them. I pet him on the head, then stood up from my seat. I got the plate and put it into the sink, with Shawn finishing up right afterwards.
"Alright Mr. Turner. We are heading out." Shawn informed him.
"You know, Shawn, you can start calling me John now. I don't want you to always call me Mr. Turner." He insisted.
"Ok then," Shawn's voice trailed off, then saying his real name,"John."
It must feel weird for Shawn calling his teacher's name by his first instead of his last usually.
While we were going to be gone, Chip was going to stay under Turner's roof.
"We'll be back boy." I promised him, stroking his ears. He licked my hand as a sign he understood me, kissing me goodbye.
We headed over to Cory's house, which Topanga was there already.
"Hey guys." Topanga greeted us. She went over to me, welcoming me with a hug.
"Hey." I responded back.
"Hey guys, have you ever seen our handshake before?" Cory wondered.
"Handshake, what handshake?" Topanga asked out of curiosity, raising an eyebrow.
"Like this."
Suddenly they both started their handshake, which it was different than I excepted it to be. They set their hands back like a gun, clapping their hands and their knees and making an "ha" sound.
"Doo,doo. Doo, doo, doo." They both said as they danced stupidly back and forth. When they were done with their interesting handshake, Shawn asked us what we thought of it.
Topanga and I glanced over at each other, grinning. We both thought the same thing.
"Lame." We agreed together in unison. Cory scoffed.
"Psh, we don't need girls telling us their opinions." He tried to discrete.
"Oh then I guess I won't tell you my opinion on what I think of you." Topanga teased him, and his eyes narrowed.
"What? Fine what is it?"
"Not saying."
"Fine. I'll never tell you what I think of you!" Cory shrews.
"Finneh!" Topanga spat.
"Finneh!" He mimicked her. Shawn went up to me and enticed two arms around my waist, drawing me closer to his chest.
"Come on guys, stop with the bickering. We all know you'll be together in the endgame eventually. Now let's go, we don't have all day." Shawn rushed them. They turned their attentions back to our day out, now all of us heading to our destination. I was curious as to where we were adventuring off to, but Shawn listed it off as another one of his special surprises.
"Where are we going?" I decided to ask, noticing how long this walk was.
No one answered my response until we hauled off to a complete stop. Holding onto Shawn's hand, I couldn't help but squeeze it. I noticed it said in shined, bright and bold letters, "The Philly Carnival."
"This Jasmine, is the annual carnival in Philadelphia."
"Wow, this is my first carnival guys."
I admitted to my best friends.
"And you're going to love it. Come on, let's head in!"
:::
For my first carnival, it was so unexpected in all honesty. Everything was so vibrant, perfectly defining one of the best ways to spend your first week of summer break.
Surrounding us were crowds of people storming everywhere they could go, wether if it was rides, food stands, photo booths, anything you could think of. The possibilities here were all endless.
A definite appropriate way to devour your last day in Pennsylvania.
"What do you guys wanna do?" Cory asked the three of us.
"I think we should allow Jasmine to decide that one." Topanga suggested.
"Yeah Jas. Take a look, what do you want to do?" Shawn nudged me. I took a gander again, seeing what we could do.
Then I developed an idea.
"I never rode a rollercoaster before." I admitted to them.
"You never rode one? Oh I know I have. It was crazy." Cory remembered, boasting upon that memory. I memorized that day perfectly. How him and Mr. Feeny both rode a rollercoaster together. It had rings of fire, deep jumps that made your heart drop, and collided into the air.
The two both agreed on never bringing it up again to anyone else.
"Good idea. Let's ride this one." Shawn decided. I gulped in nervousness.
This would be my first rollercoaster.
Clenching onto my hand, he led me to the rollercoaster he divided all of his attention to.
When we made it to the line, there were storms of people in front of us. Despite the long, cowered line, it was going by quickly. I peered at the rollercoaster, noticing how tall it was.
"Topanga, have you ever rode a rollercoaster before?" I asked her,
"Yeah, its lots of fun. Why, are you nervous?" She suspected how anxious I was.
"Yeah, a little." I was feeling a bit queasy. Especially if you were like me, not experiencing anything fun and going on any amusement park or carnival trips.
Hearing me, Shawn held onto my hand still. He pecked me on the head, as we were getting closer.
"You'll do okay Jas. Just hold onto me." Shawn persisted. I swear I was becoming squeamish and nauseous once we drew closer in depth with it. We were now at the gate, us four being the ones that were next.
I watched the current rollercoaster ride off into the tracks, staring longingly at the fear ridden drop that would probably boost my heart up to a higher palpitation.
Once they came back, extinguishing a swoosh sound and huffing out puffs of steam like it had a mind of it's own. It was like a dragon in its peak, the seats capturing its victims and the ride kidnapping it into the set.
The gate opened, allowing us into the rollercoasters. Shawn, being the bravest one here, decided our seats should be in the front.
Cory and Topanga were right behind us, being second in the row. Every minute that passed mean it was claiming it's time for the ride to start.
We buckled our seats tightly, and I tried making it secured as can be. The maintainer of this rollercoaster made sure we were buckled up, then headed back to where he was supposed to go.
"You ready?" Shawn asked me, and I peered at him.
"Not really." I tried taking my fear off with a joke, but let's face it: nothing could.
He held onto my hand, clenching it.
"Don't worry. You've got me." He said with a smile. As we were gazing at each other, I craved a kiss already. But we couldn't.
"Alright, and now we are up!" The manager announced. He started it, and now the rollercoaster was slowly in motion.
It was steady at first, turning around to only hoist up to a huge hill. Oh boy.
As we were enclosing near with the top of it.
"Get ready." Shawn warned me with a cheesy grin on his face. His hand was still in my hold, relieving my fear a little bit.
I had my eyes shut, not wanting to look down.
Then suddenly, we dropped in midair.
When we started the drop, I screamed out Shawn's name, who was laughing the entire time. The rollercoaster was so rapid, you could feel the wind breezing and pulling the hair out of your eyes.
It was howling in your eyes as if there were wolves located on this ride somewhere.
There were twists and turns, rotations and bumps right afterwards. After that long, distant jump, it was more enjoyable and stress relieving.
For some reason, it made me release thoughts of my mind. I found out in the end I needed it.
After the ride was done, and we pulled to a complete stop, we unbuckled our belts then hopped out of the rollercoaster. Our legs were wobbling as we tried to walk out, but luckily we regained our balance.
"Woah! That was fun!" Shawn exclaimed. I noticed the wind had tangled his hair to the side.
"Shawn! Your hair." I laughed.
Suddenly in a nearby mirror, he saw that it was mangled. Realizing his hair was a mess, he ran both hands through it, straightening it out.
"Looks like yours and mine are too Jasmine," Topanga pointed out, trying to fix hers as well,"the only hair who hasn't been redone is Cory's."
"Yeah, cause he's a brillowhead."  Shawn added in conclusion; Cory flashed him a glare in annoyance, then digging at locks of hair that resembled the scalp of a cheeta pet.
"Alright, don't make me feel so bad."
He insisted.
"I have an idea, we should look at the funky mirrors. I always wanted to do that." I suggested to them.
"Ooh, and its nearby too." Shawn pointed out with his index finger. We rushed over to it one by one, me being the first. I looked all around, seeing the different mirrors.
I couldn't help but burst out chuckling at some of these. I appeared completely ridiculous.
Some made me look skinnier than usual; others assembled me as an ogre like creature, and even one made my boobs pop out.
After we were done, we all were laughing out loud.
"That was actually pretty funny in there. I looked so different." I confessed.
"I wonder how they do it. My Uncle Sal says he is from a mirror like those, but then again he's broken so many with his peg leg on purpose." Shawn vented with the topic at random.
"Anyway, we still have a lot more time still guys. What do you wanna do?"
"Look at these games guys." Cory was attracted to them.
"Come on over to win a giant stuffed animal for your lover. Makes everyone's summer splendid."
"Guys, why does that speaker there look like Mr. Feeny?" Cory pointed out.
"Cause it is Feeny." Shawn stated, sighing.
"I thought you weren't supposed to see your teachers over the summer?"
"Unless you move in with them or have summer school." Shawn stated to us.
"Or live next to them." Topanga added in to the conversation, referring to Cory who eyed her in grimace.
"Haha, funny." He remarked.
Despite Mr. Feeny being there, we headed over there anyways.
I wonder what was going to happen.
:::
Shawn
I had developed a perfect idea for Jasmine. I was going to devote my heart into winning her a stuffed animal to take with her when she heads to New York.
I didn't mind if Mr. Feeny was apparently here. Yeah, sure. It was weird seeing a teacher enjoy their summer at a carnival, but it was worth it to at least spend time with your friends and girlfriend.
When we made it up there he spotted us right away.
"Oh, well, if it isn't the four kids I was just expecting to see. We meet again."
"We were thinking the same thing," chirped Cory, who stepped back towards me,"thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Depends."
"Win our girls stuffed animals?"
"Topanga isn't your girl yet." I reminded him.
"She will be when I ask her out soon." Cory frankly decided for himself.
So we did. The first game I did was ring toss, which Mr. Feeny was the runner up to announce if I won or not for this one.
Ring toss.
I was pretty good at this actually.
It was a long story. Let's say the Hunters were specifically known for randomizing games with beer bottles that featured rings to go at them. Some of these happened to be for money.
Yes, I came from on what you call a colorful family.
After a few attempts, I scored well with the ring toss. In which I ended up winning a Stitch stuffed animal for Jasmine.
"It's so cute, Shawn. Thank you." She conveyed her gratitude with a kiss on the lips, then it was Cory's turn to win Topanga a prize. Which he failed constantly.
"You need help Cor?" I offered him with a slight chuckle.
"No! I got this." He persisted, playing the one game with splashing water into the dolls. He was against a four year old girl who was squirting her aim harder than he was.
"Come on! That's not fair." He grunted. The little girl after she had declared won spat her tongue out in his face, then headed to claim her prize.
"Lemme help." I insisted. After the first attempt, I won something for Cory to give to Topanga.
"Thanks, Cor... or Shawn. Or both." Topanga was unsure who to thank.
"Anyways, what should we do next?" I asked everyone.
Feeling the heat of the sun arising over us, with sweat pouring from our faces as if a ray was supposed to make us melt so quickly.
"It's so hot out," Cory complained,"we should get an ice cream. Better yet, a snow cone."
"I'm in the mood for that." Topanga agreed.
We headed off to a refreshment stand, picking up something cold to eat and munch on.
I ordered myself an ice cream and so did Jasmine. Topanga retrieved herself a cup of iced lemonade whereas Cory
got a blueberry snow cone to eat.
We sat down, enjoying the refreshing cold from our treats.
After we were finished with it, we decided to spend the rest of our day on more rides.
The second to last thing we did was the photo booth.
A must need.
The four of us cowered into that thing, both trying to make some room. Since it was quiet right in here, I decided the only way to make this right was by doing this:
I got Jasmine on top of my lap, her bare legs brushing up against mine.
I settled a hand over knee, feeling a tingle.
"Get ready guys! 3,2,1..."
Snap!
We took several pictures together. Us capturing silly moments, heck, even some unprepared, and one with us all smiling.
"Alright, now it's me and Jas!" I insisted, trying to shove Cory out of the photo booth in annoyance. The two clabbered out of the photo booth to leave us alone, then left us here.
Before we started the set of pictures, she tried sitting next to me but I didn't allow her to. This was already perfect.
"No, keep sitting on my lap, babe. It's more romantic." Jasmine giggled a little, which was music to my ears. Her happiness was the cure to my entire life.
As the photo started, the first picture was of us regular smiling. Her leaning close to me, and having her head on my shoulder.
There was some of us kissing each other on the lips; we couldn't help but express our kisses on the cheeks either.
Then there was one of us staring into each other's eyes in the midst of a long haze.
Then it was all over.
When we stepped out, I got a hold of it, getting two copies. One for me, and one for Jasmine.
"Aww cute guys," Topanga blabbered in awe,"our turn Jasmine!"
Meanwhile as they were taking pictures, I couldn't help but stare at this set of pictures. I sighed, the leaning my back against the booth, listening to the snapping sound of each picture being taken.
Cory must of sensed the mood, as he went up to me, resting a hand on my shoulder.
"You're going to miss her a lot, aren't you?" I didn't respond at first, my attention entirely focused on the pictures.
"I am, Cor." I whispered. After the girls were finished with their shoot, it was time for more.
Due to the fact I learned how terrified Jasmine was, I still had a force of habit holding onto her hand. Not only did I acted so to comfort her, but because I would miss holding her so hand so much.
I couldn't believe I wouldn't be seeing her remarkable beauty for a year.
It saddened me. She was the reason I smiled, the natured love and support I had in life. I had someone to cherish this life with. Now she wouldn't be next to me.
Not even for the summer.
When it was almost dark, we decided to end this night with the last ride. The appropriate way for every couple to enjoy the carnival.
The Ferris wheel.
"Isn't this your first time being on a Ferris wheel Jas?" I asked her before we ended up going there. We were close although we were line.
"Yeah, is it okay? There isn't any drops or anything right?"
I couldn't help but laugh at how she was fretting.
"No, it's way different." I promised her, getting a hold of her hand. I gazed deeply into her eyes, sensing the affection from her.
This love made us so inseparable from each other. We had faced many struggles and obstacles along the way, but it established our force of the strongest bond you could ever reach.
It was impeccable.
She pulled away the hair out of my eyes, then kissed me on the lips.
"Shawn, I'm-"
She couldn't finish her sentence since she was interrupted. It was time to head onto the Ferris wheel. 
We headed to the nearby seat, sitting close to each other. She had in her bag the pictures and held tightly onto her Stitch stuffed animal.
She scooted closer to me, resting her head on my shoulder peacefully. She planted it there like it was some sort of garden.
When we were pulled and yanked towards the very top of the Ferris wheel, we peered over the entire background of this place. It was such an extravagant view.
"All these people are tiny," I was satisfied with this outlook,"see what I'm doing."
I squished some of the people that were walking around this park, which was humorous to me since they didn't know I was doing this.
"Oh my gosh Shawn." Jasmine laughed. We were sitting like this for a while, only until she said something that made my mind ponder with an upset ease.
"Why can't this day be slow? It went by so fast." She mumbled, soft spoken.
"I know." I agreed. I remembered she had to tell me something, so now it was the appropriate time to ask.
"Hey, Jas-"
Taking me by astonishment, they lowered the Ferris wheel back to it's original orientation like how it was placed before. This left Jasmine and me back with the others, words being left unsaid now.
"I guess it's time to go, huh?" Cory stated, being the downer of this situation.
"Not yet." Topanga simply disagreed.
I furrowed an eyebrow, then remembered Jasmine and Topanga had to spend time together a little bit again.  Jasmine and I would hang out for a while, then it would be time to call it a pain wrecking day.
"We still have to go Topanga's." Jasmine spoke up. Our eyes locked, both of us nonchalant.
"I'll be at Cory's if you need me." I assured her, then our duos went our separate ways.
:::
Jasmine
The day was almost gone resembling the motion similar to petals fluttering in the wind. The birds sang and chirped in the distance, trying to enjoy the last course of their day.
When we made it back to Topanga's, we headed inside to find her parents up to something.
"Hey girls," her mom greeted with her usual endearing smile,"I have something before you go Jasmine."
"I know that when you leave, you'll miss the strawberry banana fruit smoothies you always had here, so we are making a batch for you to bring on the trip."  Her dad added. He knew.
I couldn't help but grin. I embraced Topanga and her parents into a warm hug, thankful for my strong friendship with her. They were the first family I went to when I transferred here, and supported me throughout everything ever since.
After I let go, I watched as her dad cut the strawberries and bananas, pouring them all in one into the blender. With a press of a single button, it became easily mixed.
Getting a thermos and a single glass, he poured some into that then handing me a cup to have some for now. I was craving them. It was perfect, especially on such a hot and mild summer day like this.
I slurped it in almost under a minute.
It was the most delicious drinks I have ever had.
"Thank you, I'll miss this a lot." I stated to them.
"You're like our third daughter to us Jasmine. We would do anything for you." Her dad reassured, coming up to her mom and massaging her shoulders, both smiling at me.
I formed a sly grin, then got the thermos. The sky was getting darker and nearly reaching the sunset.
We made it upstairs, heading to Topanga's room where we sat on her bed. I experienced so many memories here.
The laughs and giggles with the other girls. I couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
"What?" Topanga asked, laughing a little as well. I didn't answer, as I continued to perpetually glance at the window.
"Just thinking. How much Shawn would always come up with an excuse and climb through that window just to see me." I indicated to the opened window. As a mention of that motive,
I was determined to find him pop in here at any moment. But it wasn't going to.
"Oh yeah. I always wanted to kick his butt for that." Topanga reminded me.
"And I remember that like it was yesterday." I joked, listening to the rustle of the leaves in the breeze.
"You know, I'm going to miss you so much." I heard her murmur. I looked up at her, who was about to cry.
"Don't cry, Tippy." I tried to reassure, but it didn't succeed. Tears began to stream down her face, and so did mine.
We hugged each other in result, severely painfully stricken with this unhappy thought.
"You're my best friend. I'll miss all of the girly stuff we'd do on a daily basis- wait, who would I talk to?" Topanga was panicking.
"You've got Trinie and Dawn," I assured her, missing them as well,"they are here. I'll write to you guys everyday."
"Yeah. Too bad they are both at summer camp for the season though." She sighed.
"I know."
We sat there for a while, until it was nearly time to go.
Before I left, I hugged Topanga goodbye.
"I'll miss you." I said to her. After we concluded our endearing hug, I promised I would try to call her as soon as I arrived there.
When I trailed to the Matthew's place, I found out there was no Cory and Shawn, only to be instead greeted by Morgan.
"Why do you have to leave Jasmine?" She asked me, puffing her lips out on a puppy dog expression.
I hoisted her up, promising her I'll be back before I know it.
"I'll miss your hair!" She exclaimed, messing with it, and I laughed.
Mrs. Matthews came into the kitchen, only to hand me a plate of cookies.
"I thought you may miss these every time you dropped by for a hang out." She mind read me. Her double chocolate chip cookies were the best. Now I had the smoothie as well as the cookies to have when I arrive in New York.
"Thanks Mrs. Matthews," I acknowledged her goodbye present,"where are Shawn and Cory at?"
"At the park, they'll be there so meet up with them at that place." She informed me. I nodded in response. I came out to find Mr. Feeny out in his garden, pulling of what it looked like to be weeds.
"Hey Mr. Feeny." I greeted him. He popped his head out, standing up to welcome me. He must be back from the carnival.
"Hello there Miss Clayton, how are you my dear?" He went out of his way to ask me.
"I'm fine. You know I'll miss being in your class though." I replied to him with a sly smile. This cause him to form a proud and grateful smile on his face. His wrinkles concealed his dimples out, easily able for anyone to believe whatever he was feeling, you could see it.
"I will miss you too. I know Mr. Hunter will as well." He responded back, taking off his gardening gloves.
"Yeah, I will miss him so much." I whispered, my voice trailing off.
"I admire your guy's aspect on this situation. Your love is strong. Don't be so fretful. Instead, treat everyday like it's a gift. Time will draw closer, and you guys, are destined to be. Live well to remember that thought." Mr. Feeny advised me to do.
One thing I would also miss, was his advice. The reason we made the decision was with his wise, spoken, thought-filled words that stuck to your brain.
"Thank you Mr. Feeny. I'll see you soon." I promised him. We ended the conversation with a gleaming smile, as it was time to meet up with Shawn and Cory.
:::
Shawn
6:30 P. M.
A new dawn arrived in the distance of the sky, suggesting it was almost time for Jasmine to leave. She should be coming to meet up with me anytime. There were still some words that needed to be said and time spent before she would go.
In the meantime, I decided it was appropriate to have a round of some B-ball with Cory.
As I shoot the last basket at a perfect and striking aim, a figure lurked in our path.
"Hey guys." It spoke. I could tell it was Jasmine.
"Hey." Cory and I greeted in unison.
I passed the ball at Cory, sweat lingering down from his face.
He wasn't the best athletic around town, but he at least tried his best.
In her arms she held what it looked like to be a thermos and a container of cookies.
I remembered Mrs. Matthews making that before we left her place.
"I see you got the cookies my mom made you." Cory stated.
"Yeah. I love them. I'll miss your mom's baking." She responded back.
The three of us stood out here on the solid and darkened concrete ground til it was time for Cory to leave.
"I better get going," he admitted, then went up to Jasmine,"I hope you have the best time in New York."
They hugged each other goodbye, and Cory shot me a knuckle.
I watched as he left, leaving us two alone. Jasmine and I stared at each other for a while, with our gaze paused in ignition like how a car was.
"So," she broke the silence,"what should we do now?"
I took her by astonishment by grabbing a hold of her, kissing her on her lips.
Our kiss was nearly different. It consisted of a mix of feelings instead of compassion. It stiffened us with interval heartbreak, pain no one could ever imagine. It was conveyed with loss as well too.
We pulled away, trying to gain our breaths. It ended up with us gasping in huffs.
"I know what we can do. Let's go."
:::
We wounded ourselves back at Turner's apartment so she could drop her refreshments off with her belongings.
I went to go get my camera, thinking this would be my last photo shoot of her before I would go.
"Wait, Shawn," Jas paused me before we left,"come in here with me."
Suddenly she lead me into the bathroom for some reason.
"I wanna show you something." She continued. Before I know, she rolled up her top piece of the outfit she was wearing, revealing her belly to me.
I stared into the mirror, trying to figuratively understand the pieces of this background.
"Look how much I've changed."
I realized the reason why she took me in here. To remain statistical of this comparison. Before, she was painted with intolerable bruises that scraped her body. She was skinnier, now she added some weight.
This made her appear more bolder.
More gleaming.
It was heartwarming.
"Jasmine." I was speechless. She wrapped her arms around my waist, pulling me closer to her.
"If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have made it in this world. I wouldn't have a reason for living." She spoke softly.
This made me smile wide.
I ran my fingers through her hair, satisfying my touch like it always did.
This would be one of my last chances to hug her for a while. To feel her soft and well scented fragrance of the hair aroma.
"I'm glad I did Jasmine." I whispered to her. I pulled away to kiss her forehead, then we scurried out of the apartment.
Before I left I checked the time, which was 7:00. Jasmine has only a hour to get to New York.
We traveled in town to the one place that we adored. It was over highway, across the trailer park, (which not to mention there was a hint of sadness not seeing our trailer in it's usual spot) which was our own escape to wonderland.
It was the small field I showed her.
The wind swept beneath our feet, the numerous blades of grass swaying in a certain motion.
"Let's take a few pictures before you go." I suggested to her. Memories began to ponder my mind, even though they were recent. She made me birthday special this year, just like I intended to with hers.
"What pose should I do?" She questioned me. Tough one.
She practiced some out, which yes, she made them stand out, but I wanted her to be in a certain way.
"I have an idea," I started,"lay down."
She did as I suggested. She rested on the ground, cropping her face to where it met with my gaze.
"Like this?"
"Yeah, keep still. Lemme just get closer here..." I zoomed in, then getting down on my knees. I messed with the orientation til it became perfect.
SNAP!
The picture came out just like I wanted to.
When I looked at it, my smile brightened up a bit. I stared deep into the given picture, how stunning she appeared. Her lips were formed in a slight smile, but remained in a straight line. Her eyes batted her natural long eyelashes that almost reached up to her brows.
She was nonchalant, which honestly I found attractive. She was the most beautiful anytime, but most importantly: when she was securable and happy.
"How did it turn out?" She wondered.
"Gorgeous." I replied with a wide grin.
She smiled at me, then gaining an idea.
"Let's take a picture together Shawn."
She suggested.
"Come here," I insisted, and she scooted closer to me. She rested on top my lap, both of us presenting a good posture for the picture. We stood still like that, then it was time to capture it.
This was perfect as well.
She was slightly in front of me, me only a slight centimeter behind her.
I noticed how dark it was getting, which must mean it was nearly time to go.
Hand in hand, we went on our way to Turner's apartment, only to be interrupted when I craved something important.
I got in front of Jasmine, picking her up, her legs wrapped around my waist.
I pushed her up towards a nearby wall, my lips ignited with hers. Her arms enticed around my neck, submerging is closer together. I fingers grazed her sides, causing her to giggle as an effect of that. It was hot, and so utterly satisfying hearing her laugh.
Our kisses were burning with everlasting love like fireworks pounding the sky as if it were the Fourth of July.
The tendered intimacy of our drawn postures made me want more than I was expecting too. I was granted with kisses that were lasting more than five minutes.
Her bare legs situated themselves so she was secure, which resulted in me just tightening my hold on her. Once we pulled away, our breaths were heavy. It took longer to attempt at regaining them.
"Wow," she huffed out in amazement,"that was just..."
"Intriguing?" I finished for her.
"Yeah."
I dropped her to her feet, then suddenly I retrieved an appetite. I haven't ate in a few hours. Might as well get something, right?
:::
We ended up since it was her last night here picking up a burger from Chubbie's.
God dammit, I thought.
This meant no more dates here, no more having her settle on top of my lap as we ate or makeout.
How we received the dirty and envious glares from Cory sometimes who sat across from our booth.
Instead of making out, we focused on eating here.
"This brings back a memory." Jasmine admitted, after a mouthful of eating her burger.
"And that is?"
"The first time you brought me here. Once you saw me, you took me under your wing." She reminded me.
"I had a crush on you from the date I met you, Jas." I responded to her with a smile. We shared a quick peck on the lips, then it was time to go.
We walked to Mr. Turner's house, which happened to be 7:45 by the time we came back.
Forty five more minutes til we had to leave. Since there was no sign of Turner, Jasmine began to sing.
"Your voice." I murmured, too quiet for her to hear. She was singing from what I think to be a Eagles song, as she was getting her belongings ready.
"Oo, someone to be kind to in,
between the dark and the light.
Oo, coming right behind you,
swear I'm gonna find you.
One of these nights."
The way she sang whistled through my ear drums. You could hear how much her voice truly defined to her.
It was the music through my ears I would miss the most. A single song or tune that jammed on the radio could never replace it.
"I'm gunna miss your singing, Jasmine." I said to her, interrupting her singing. She spun around, facing me.
"I'm gunna miss you most." She whispered to me. Her fingers sparked a mission of its own as they began to trail to my chest, stroking it.
She rested her head under my chin, holding onto me again. We were like this til Mr. Turner and Chip both barged into the door.
"Hey guys," Mr. Turner greeted us, with Chip splattering us with slobbered kisses as he tried to hug us,"I got some things for your dog so you won't have to worry about him."
Since Chip was technically Jasmine's dog, he was going with her. They were only taking the ride to New York by train, not a plane.
"Thanks Mr. Turner."
Jasmine wasn't too enthusiastic at the moment as it was twenty minutes til we had to go. Twenty minutes.
Mr. Turner wasn't going to drop her off. Instead, I was walking her there since we could share our last moments in private.
Speaking of him, his next gesture was setting a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her a little.
"I'll miss ya in class Clayton. I hope you have a good time in New York." He wished her all the best. She just nodded in response, being followed with a hug earned from him. He pulled away afterwards, him and I exchanging a shared glance amongst each other.
He left us alone again, with Chip relaxing on the couch. He seemed to have sensed the humidity of saddened emotion petrifying the room.
I sat beside him, stroking his fur.
"I'll miss you too boy." I replied to him, trying to calm him. His blue colored eyes utilized with mine, my hand being clustered with many licks.
Jasmine sat beside me, wrapping two arms around my neck. She collided with me, and I embraced the hold romantically. We sat there cuddling until it was time to leave. Ten minutes to go.
"I guess it's time." I sighed. She told up, getting her belongings. Chip sat up and took the signal of beginning to leave as well.
I picked up my leather jacket, then all of us leaving.
"We are leaving John." I called, letting him know.
We headed out of the apartment, the three of us walking into the night that would be lonesome in just ten minutes.
When we made it at the station, there were crowds of people surrounding it all, probably planning on taking a vacation.
My heart was about to be ripped apart, carnage by carnage. Cardio by cardio.
By the time we arrived, we had five minutes on the clock.
Five minutes.
We need to make this last.
We sat at the bench, waiting for her reserved train to arrive in the meantime.
Jasmine dropped her belongings and I sat up. She sat up too, both of us staring at each other.
"Looks like this is it."
Tears formed in her eyes, one of them even pouring out of her eyelid like a coffee being spilled into a cup.
"Jas, don't cry." I opened out my arms and she fell into them, beginning to cry into my chest.
I ran my fingers through her hair, feeling every tendril and tangle.
One. Last. Time.
We stood out here for a while, only until we were interrupted us  train that came by. It was here earlier than I expected it to.
We pulled away, since it was time.
"Shawn, do I have to go?" She asked me, trying to clearer the tears off her face. I held onto her hand, and with my other, I wiped away her tear with my thumb, stroking it away.
"Yeah." I chocked out, beginning to feel a tear arise out of my eye. She pulled me back in for a long, everlasting compassionate kiss. This one meant more to me compared to before, since it was going to be the last time we would kiss each other.
Until next year.
As we pulled away, her hands still chopped my face. Leering into her melancholy, large brown colored eyes for the fatal event.
"I love you Shawn Hunter." She whispered to me.
"Come on, we don't have all day!" The train conductor scolded at us for holding up the time.
We were on a time scan.
"I love you Jas." She got her belongings, then I paused her.
"What is it?" Jasmine questioned, concerned. I did what I had to do.
I pulled off my leather jacket, wrapping it around her shoulders.
"No, no, no," she tried to persisted, denying this,"Shawn, this is your favorite jacket. I can't keep this."
I shook my head no, keeping the offer.
"No, it's fine. Keep it. To remember me by. At least you could hold a part of me." I reminded her. She smiled, then running to hug me again.
"Come on!" People complained.
She pulled away from me regretfully, slowly slipping from my hold.
"I have to go." She murmured. I watched as my heart shattered inside, her land letting go of mine. I stood as I watched Chip and her arrive on the train together, both of their figures disappearing.
"I'll miss you Jasmine Grace Clayton." I whispered, standing there speechless. I watched as the train took off into the dust, just like that.
It left me here stranded and empty, with my mind in a wondrous blur.
This would be the last time I'd see Jasmine.
Not until the year of 1996.
There she went, down the tunnel was my first real love.
I walked home with a heartache and went to bed with a shattered soul.
Written in my mind was the last line I spoke at the station like some sort of receptive tv script that was perpetually ongoing.
I love you, Jasmine Grace Clayton.
:::
Jasmine
I couldn't believe it. Once I got on that bus, tears fell down my face as I watched out the window watching Shawn stand out there alone.
I was about to retaliate in protest for a last minute decision and leave to return back to him in his arms forever.
He was my first real home. My endearing love.
He was the treasure and our memories were the gold.
Tears rapidly began to stream once the train was in motion. As he got further away, with no sight of him that couldn't be seen, that's when I turned away. Twisting myself around, facing the front now, so many memories pounded my mind subconsciously and simultaneously all at once.
How we first met, the scenarios and situations we encountered together, the sneaking out, it was all behind me now.
And there was no going back.
:::
The next day
June 5, 1996
I arrived at New York at 8:00 in the morning, just as expected.
The first thing I did before I got off was collecting my belongings, then headed off the train followed by Chip. Once I got off, I whirled around, studying the place.
Like you interpreted of every city, the smell of kerosine vaporizing the place like some sort of armored fog.
The combination of eventual fragrance of hot dogs coincided with that scent, unveiling a rare satisfactory fragrance.
I remembered my aunt's home address perfectly, which happened to be on 718 Delaware lane.
I passed every vehicle til I came across it, which revealed itself to be a oaky colored apartment.
It was astounding on the outside, with perfectly rimmed outer windows that were veiled open.
I stood out here in awe, gaining little courage as I stepped upon towards the door in slowed attempts.
With my right fist, I collided with the hard surfaced door, then waited patiently. The door swung open, revealing that familiar figure in my path.
"Jasmine!"
:::
Shawn
When I woke up the next morning, I groggily went out of bed, not wanting to go outside into world.
She was gone.
No more waking up to those locks of brown colored rings with the beautiful complexion. After I awoke, I came downstairs from my small bed to find John up already.
"Hey Shawn." He greeted me warmly, slipping on his jacket.
"What are you doing up?" I asked suspiciously.
It was summer. Teachers weren't supposed to work, were they?
"I thought that since we are living together, we could go out to eat." He suggested to me.
"Oh, okay." I peeked over at the clock, which read 11, so it was near noon.
Figures.
"How about you get ready? I have the perfect place to eat at." He planned.
"Alright, uh, let me get dressed and do something first. Is that okay?"
"Yeah, of course."
I headed to the bathroom and changed into a new outfit. I had a pair of jeans Mr. Turner fetched for me, with one of my other flannels I had over it. I slipped on my shoes and went to go fetch my camera. When I turned it on, it must of read my mind.
It was on the pictures of me and her. I stared at it for a while, my heart beating in my chest.
"I love you Jasmine." I whispered, then carefully placed my camera back on the bed. I remembered the photo booth pictures, so I retrieved that too. I decided to place them on the wall near my bed.
I stared at the entire row, feeling a bit happy. The fact she would be living her dream was important to me.
No time and distance would separate us.  This was only temporary.
Our bond was too strong to break.
:::
Jasmine
I got myself situated in the morning hours under in this New York lifestyle. My aunt, just like she used to, took me out for breakfast, buying me my usual splendors at the diner in town.
It consisted of their famous pancakes splattered under their homemade maple syrup, with powdered sugar to match with the mounds of snow in New York.
"So," Aunt Lori began,"did you miss New York?"
After I finished my current bite, I cleared my throat and spoke up.
"Yeah I did."
"That's good, and your boyfriend back in Philly? What's he like?"
"He's wonderful. He's one of the things I'll miss in Philly." I confessed to her. She patted my hand in consolation, but I formed a slight smile to assure her I wasn't that upset like I was.
I was back in New York.
The sense of familiarity hit me a little bit when she drove us around the city a little. We made it back to the apartment, where I got a head start on my room. I already unpacked my bags and settled into the room I would be staying again. Chip popped in, resting on the bed.
It was my room from the start.
Every time I came over, I would always sleep in this room. With lavender colored bed sets and burgundy comforters to match with it.
The room was pained a blue grey, that matched my soft blanket I always used.
Right on the bedside, I had placed the picture of my mom.
Since I had Shawn's leather jacket on, I took it off but began to hug it, squeezing it firmly. I took a whiff of it, enjoying the small scent of him on it; a mix of septic tanks and cologne hustled on it.
Reaching through my bag now, I came across the picture of Shawn and me from the photo booth, us kissing. Also the Stitch stuffed animal he won for me.
This was my new life now. I would embark on the previous life and create a new one just like I had before when I transferred to Philadelphia for the first time. I would settle here, and provide all of the good in the world.
I was ready for the upcoming adventures.
I'll see you soon, Philly. But for now, hello New York.
❤︎
:::
Author's Note:
A LONG CHAPTER I KNOW!
But this is the last and final part of part one. I have good news to announce.
IT IS NOT OVER. I REPEAT!
I thought long and hard through this, so I decided to finalize this as part one.
You know what that means?
It'll be into two parts <3
This took only in season 2, so that means there's more to come.
I'll be taking a short break after this. I need to complete some stories first then I'll get back to it. I want to make this the best as possible for my older readers, or any new ones.
Before it's completely over, there is an epilogue coming up, so be prepared for that!
I hope you loved part one.
I will read through the beginning and tweak some of it like I already had been.
Goodbye :)