THE ONE

THREE

Voyage Restaurant,
Taylor Boulevard.

Jasmine smiles at her mother who beckons to their table. They planned a lunch date to discuss Vera's wedding plans. The wedding was three months away and some details were still missing especially the bridesmaids and asoebi dresses. Two years of courtship to her heartthrob as she fondly called him and ready to walk down the aisle.

Jasmine kisses her mother's cheeks, "Good afternoon, Mum." She greets and sits down.

"Good afternoon, dear. How are you?" Dora replies smiling at her daughter.

"I am fine. Where is Vera?" She asks.

"She is using the restroom. So how are Ise and married life?"

"He is fine and being married is quite interesting. We have our good and bad moments."

Dora leans in her chair, "What are your bad moments?"

Jasmine smiles a little. She could not possibly tell her mother everything happening in her marriage but could at least ask for her advice.

"How was the first year of your marriage with dad?"

Dora blushes and fans herself, "It was fun and we had lots of adventures. There were also times I was angry with your father and I will ban him from the bedroom for days, refusing to sleep beside him. Over time, we understood each other and the rest became history."

Jasmine chuckles and shakes her head. She does not doubt for a moment how strong-headed her mother can be when she was angry. But then, so was she.

Vera walks out of the restroom and joins them at their table. They exchange hugs and kisses.

"Hello dear. How art thou?"

"I am fine, Jazz. I am just stressed out planning for the wedding."

Jasmine laughs, "At least you know how I felt when planning mine. But don't worry, it will soon be over."

Vera sighs, "I cannot wait for that to happen."

Dora laughs at her daughter, "Just sit tight and get ready for the ride of your life."

"Come on, mum. How bad can it be?"

"Trust me, dear. You will be in for a lot of surprises." Jasmine replies.

"Are you trying to scare me?"

Dora places an arm around her shoulder, "Certainly not, dear. Your sister and I are just being real with you. We do not want you to have any expectations."

"Exactly. No expectations. No surprises."

"Well thank you. But let me be the judge of that."

Jasmine raises her hands in surrender, "You heard mum. She is going to be the judge of that."

Dora rolls her eyes, "Oh dear." She says and Jasmine bursts out laughing.

"This is not fair. Why are you laughing, jazz?"

"I am sorry dear. I just could not help it. Please do not be offended."

Dora changed the subject, "Yes dear. Do not mind us. Let's order and start discussing the wedding itself." She says picking up a menu.

"True," Jasmine agrees and also picks up a menu.

The conversation changes while they wait on their orders. They talked about the wedding plans and activities yet to be completed. After spending an hour past her lunch break with her family, Jasmine heads back to the dance school for her afternoon class. She ponders on her mother's words. It takes a strong woman to keep her head up and shoulders high even amid crises. Her marriage is not perfect. It lacks a few things to build a strong one.