THE ONE

SIX

Some days later,
Bankole's Residence.

"I am leaving," Jasmine says as Ise picks up his briefcase, ready to leave for work.

He stops and turns, "What do you mean, you are leaving?" He asks.

"I am going somewhere. Just need time to process all that has been happening lately."

"Like what happened yesterday morning? It was just a disagreement.".

She looks at him, "No it wasn't. Your work comes first before anything including your own health. Everything else comes second, third or last. You literally said I was suffocating and that really hurt me. I love you but there's so much I can take."

"But I need you. Who is going to be there for me while you are away?" Ise knew he sounded selfish.

Jasmine folds her arms not surprised that was all he cares about, "I hired a nurse. Also, pretty sure your work will keep you company till I come back."

Ise takes a deep breath. He could not change her mind but at the very least apologize and make things right between them.

"Coco bum, please reconsider your decision. I am sorry about earlier and it was never my intention to hurt you. Besides, your presence can never be suffocating. We have come a long way."

Jasmine wipes the single tear running down her cheek, "I am sorry but my mind is made up. I need some time away from you and our marriage otherwise I might go insane and do stuff."

"What stuff?"

She shrugs her shoulders, "It doesn't matter anymore. This conversation is over. Have a wonderful day."

Ise blocks her way with his walking stick and looks her right in the eye, "We are still talking. You cannot leave just like that. I am truly sorry about everything." He pleads.

She touches his cheek and smiles before placing a quick kiss on his lips, "I can't." she whispers and leaves the room. There was no going back, he had lost her.

Three weeks later,
Lost City Resort.

The trip was a blessing in disguise. Jasmine and Barbie joined her sister at the resort after ensuring everyone including the students, staff and parents returned home safely. It was an added bonus to winning the dance competition and a sponsorship from a clothing and shoe company.

They had enough reason to celebrate, have some fun and forget about the men back at home. The resort was a friendly version of Las Vegas. It had four hotels and a timeshare complex. With many amenities to choose from like a swimming pool and a manmade lake named "water world" where they could parasail, water ski, canoe, windsurf, Jet Ski, paddle ski, or relax on a boat cruise.

There was also the Pilanesberg Game Reserve which was home to big wildlife species and with the guidance of safari drivers in open vehicles, they could enjoy the experience of wildlife. She doubted been bored or thinking about Ise even if leaving abruptly without letting him know where she was going be harsh. It had been hard but she needed to do it for her sanity and question if staying married was worth it or if going separate ways was the best for them.

She sighed as she hung the last cloth inside the wardrobe and stared into space. The theme of their trip was fun and relaxation. Whatever answers she needed; she will get later on when she is ready to confront their problems. Right now, she wanted peace of mind, and being here gave her that.

A knock sounded at the door; she checked her wristwatch wondering how long Barbie was going to be on the phone before they made plans for dinner. She opened the door and smiled at the room attendant who rolled in a trolley with food. She thanked him and tipped him. She lifted a cover and inhaled the aroma coming out from the plate of wings and picked one to eat. She heads back to the window seat staring at the scenery and lights. It was mesmerizing.