Jasmine's P.o.v
It's been weeks since our delivery to the urban, and surprisingly we have been receiving more orders from there like never before. "Who would have thought that the very woman I had helped will turn out to be our first customer ever from the urban?"
Jaz, it pays to be kind, you know. That's just how life works-you never can tell what will happen.
Earlier this week, Tina and I had planned to spend some time together, shopping and enjoying a girly day before heading to Terry's birthday party in the evening. To be honest, the thought that Madam Caroline is behind our first order from the urban- and almost all the subsequent ones- is overwhelming. We were enjoying a nice lunch at an inn when I suddenly noticed something behind me. Tina rolled her eyes while sipping at her juice. "Well, well, well, looks who's here."
"Hey, guys," a voice greeted us. "Shit," I muttered to myself as I looked up to see the face behind the voice. Tina responded, forcing a smile. "Hey, Pablo,"
"Hey, Jasmine, how are you doing?" he asked, directing his gaze toward me.
I clenched my jaw, shooting him a venomous glare. Curse my foolishness for setting foot in this wretched inn. I should have anticipated his presence – he's a local, after all.
"Jasmine, I am talking to you," he said with a grin, which only made me more irritated. What do you want, Pablo? I have told you times without number that I am not interested in you and never will. "You irritate me," I let out my frustration unapologetically, causing Tina to caution me.
Jasmine!
What, Tina? Just please stay out of this. This pathetic bastard needs to hear the truth. Listen and listen well, Pablo: If I ever see you near me again, I won't hesitate to call the cops on you and have you jailed for harassment. Now get out of my sight before I do something we would both regret. Like a child who has just been spanked on the ass, he left without saying a word. "Jasmine, that was harsh," Tina scolded me.
He is fortunate I kept my cool; I was tempted to publicly humiliate him.
"Wait, Jaz, why do you even hate him so much?"
Well, what do you expect from me to someone who got two women pregnant and then denied responsibility for them if not this?
"What? I don't understand." One of them is Sarah's friend. She got dumped first so he could pursue the other lady, who also ended up getting dumped.
"Unbelievable. He has the nerve to come after you, Jaz, after everything? Those women deserve sympathy," Tina said, her voice laced with compassion.
To be frank, he's getting off easy; I'm barely holding back my anger.
"Tina attempted to calm me down, Hey, take a deep breath. I'm sure he won't bother you again."
Well, he better not!
After we finished our lunch, we gathered our things and headed to Tina's house, which is just few blocks away from mine. Tina's eyes widened as I emerged in the stunning red dress I'd picked up at the mall. "Jaz, you look absolutely breathtaking!" she exclaimed. "Tonight, you'll be the belle of the ball. This dress showcases your beauty and figure perfectly – you're going to be turn heads!" I blushed at her praise. Now, hurry, let's finish your makeup. We're running late! Tina guided me to the vanity in her room and swiftly completed my look.
There you go, effortlessly elegant!
I gaze into the mirror and am mesmerized by the transformation. 'You're incredibly talented!' I exclaim. "You should seriously consider opening your own makeup studio!"
"Thank you".
We arrived at the party at dusk, and to our greatest surprise, almost every young adult in the neighbourhood is present. Not so surprised though, I mean it's Terry's birthday. He is like the hottest guy in the neighbourhood - tan skin, green eyes, curly hair and great height- despite all of those attractive qualities; I have never for once been drawn to him or any other man. The noise and laughter very typical of a young adult birthday party filled the air; everyone sure seem to be having a great time.
"Look who's here!" a voice said from behind us, making both Tina and I turn simultaneously. "Unreal!" Tina screamed with joy, hugging the guy behind the voice. "I can't believe this! Somebody, please wake me up from this dream." She releases herself from his hold and hugs him again. "I missed you so much!"
"Missed you too, buddy. Missed you all," the unknown man said.
"How have you been and what brings you here?" I watch as Tina and her I believe old-time friend continue with their little reunion. I couldn't help but stare at his face. He looks so familiar I try to remember where I might have possibly made an acquaintance with him.
"Are you really asking me that? Come on, Tina. It's Terry's birthday, and as my buddy I have to be here to celebrate with him," he said. "Right, so you guys have been talking, huh? And you completely forgot about me, didn't you?"
"Don't take it personal, Tina. I do always ask about you all from him, but I've been so preoccupied with work these days. But, hey I'm here now. Why don't you give me your number?" I heard him say to Tina and I could catch both friends exchange contact while still pondering where I could have possibly met him before now.
"Who is this beauty we have here with you, Tina?" he asked turning to me with a grin.
"Forgive my manners, please! This is Jasmine, my best friend. You don't know her. She came to the neighbourhood a few years after you left for the urban," Tina introduced us to each other. "Jasmine, this is Jason. Jason, meet Jasmine."