Jasmin

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

"Jasmin" Honestly I was expecting this last Monday, but am not surprised as I am sure that Eric was able to see where I had gone to after eating lunch, as his seat had a good view out the doors into the courtyard.

On the bus, we are going down the dirt lane that clues to the fact we only had ten minutes left on the trip, and this is when Eric brings it up. Giving me no time to think for this conversation must end before we get home. "She offered to help with math." That is what we had discussed, I do not have to tell Eric why I originally went over to talk with her, as I really had tried to prepare things to say, that I never did end up talking about, somehow the conversation actually started out the same as what I had already discussed with Andrew and Mary and their two sons at dinner this last weekend.

"Why her? Do you know her?" His voice is calm, not accusing or even expectant that he is right about things, just listing off the exact words I was expecting, last week. I have thought about what to say to those. There is no answer that I can say without revealing too much.

I keep quiet, I cant stop myself tensing up at his words though. Which gives an answer all on its own. How to explain, I cant lie to Eric, he's training is too well.

"Is she why you have never looked at any of the other girls around? How long have you known her?" I expected the second question there once he noticed my sweater, yet the first really throws me off guard, he cant expect that I have known her all these years I have lived here.

How can he keep doing this, I still say nothing yet he seems to get all his answers from my silence, as it condemns me as much as any words I can come up with.

Almost to town. I must say something to Eric to make him back up on this a bit, I need to get permission to stay in town and I do not want him interfering with that with all these questions about Jasmin. And if I do give him something I guess I can finally answer Mark if I see him later. Each day that I see him around after school, his question is the same; "Are you learning how to hold a conversation?" I mean yes it is not something I find the easiest, I don't like to talk much, its not a crime.

"I know her." I say, hoping the conversation will be enough for both Eric and Mark. Eric waits for me to continue.The turn to town in just ahead. I need to come up with something more. "I need to look after her." Such a small whisper but it bares my soul. Its who I have been for so long, I must look after her. Its a compulsion that started the first time I smelled her pain. It is the whole of the explanation and yet I hope that Eric does not realize the full history I have with her.

Eric is so thoughtful. The bus is slowing down for our stop. I get my bag ready to stand to exit the bus.

"She looks good in green, it was a good choice." Eric knows much, but is still just a youth like me, respected in part of his maturity and path in life, yet able to see things with a young heart. I think he may just be helpful, If he does not destroy what little I have with interference.

...

"Are you learning how to hold a conversation?" Mark and David were waiting for us at the house. They are up in the kitchen. How I grow sick of these words. I answer as I had answered twice last week, a grunt. The Whitehead house is a fair sized place, four bedrooms two baths, close enough to the centre of town it is a good meeting place for more than just teenagers. The large open plan leads Eric and I around the couches and up to the island that has four people already around it, Mary not home from her shift at the clinic I guess, as I watch Andrew prepping supper with Tim.

"Yes." Eric piped up from my left to answer Marks big question. He has his bag up and is pulling out all his homework already.

Mark smiles over at me, I keep my eyes lowered and slowly make my way to put away my bag by the basement door to take down later. I go to grab a glass for some water. "And now you have someone to talk to on the bus, Eric you must be happy."