Chapter 40: Family

Jasmine

The music blared as I sat across from Carmen, making talking nearly impossible.

“How do you feel about him?” Carmen asked. “Really.”

Even though it wasn’t any of her business, Jasmine didn’t mind answering. “I love him. He’s my first and only love.”

Carmen nodded. “Just make sure he doesn’t give up on his dreams.”

For a moment, I wondered if they were really his dreams or his father’s. But I quickly pushed the thought aside, knowing how much Zain loved baseball. “That’s not my intention.”

“Good!” A broad smile spread across her lips. “That’s all I wanted to hear.”

But Jasmine’s smile faded as she thought about having to leave him soon.

“What’s wrong?” Carmen leaned back and rubbed her enormous stomach, which looked more like a beach ball.

Jasmine bit her lower lip. “I just hope when we both go off to college that it’s not the last time we see each other.”

Carmen leaned forward and held her hand. “It won’t be. If Zain is who you want, then fight for him.”

“How?” Jasm