Chapter 49

He looked at the bathroom, and Jasmine remarked, "Mom's in there taking a shower." "Did you ask Mommy to come over here to shower?" Thorne inquired, nodding. Jasmine gave a headshake. "Nope, she arrived alone with her clothing. " Thorne didn't continue the conversation. He spoke with Jasmine, advised her to relax, and then turned to go. Charlene was still in the bathroom when she heard a disturbance and realized Thorne had been by, but she was unable to hear what they were talking about. Jasmine was drowsy from the medication and still hadn't totally recovered from her illness. After taking a shower, Charlene chose to settle down in bed with Jasmine because she could see it was getting late.

Jasmine rubbed into the curve of her shoulder as she curled into her arms. "Mommy, you smell so nice and feel so soft." Even more so than in Vesta's arms, she was most comforted by her mother's hug. However, she kept that notion to herself because she knew Charlene didn't like Vesta. Jasmine instantly went to sleep. Charlene was exhausted and quickly fell asleep as well. Jasmine has been kicking off her covers ever since she became sick. Charlene got up several times during the night to tuck Jasmine in, perhaps out of concern that she could get cold before she could sleep peacefully.

That night, Charlene slept very little and woke up at the crack of dawn. Charlene softly got out of bed and looked out the window, where she saw Thorne jogging as she should have, while Jasmine remained asleep. He would typically run for an hour or so and then come back. Charlene changed her clothes, got ready, and went downstairs to prepare breakfast. After making sure Jasmine didn't have a fever flare-up, she gave Latonia the remaining responsibilities thirty minutes later, picked up her handbag and car keys, and left. Jasmine asked, "Where's Mommy?" when she woke up shortly after she had departed and was unable to locate Charlene. Jasmine pouted when Latonia said, "Mrs. Henderson had to go out.

"Oh," said Latonia, grinning. "But she made sure your breakfast was ready before she left. " That made Jasmine feel a little better. Feeling hungry but yet not completely recovered, Jasmine showered and headed downstairs for breakfast. Thorne came down shortly after and saw that Charlene was gone, too. "Where's Mrs. Henderson?" he inquired of Latonia. "Oh," she said, "Mrs. Henderson has gone out." Thorne didn't inquire further. Charlene, meanwhile, had just returned from getting a short bite to eat and was ready to leave for the workplace when the doorbell rang. Through the door's camera, she was able to see Mrs.

Sullivan, her neighbor, and her daughter Sally. "Mrs. Sullivan," Charlene said as she opened the door, and Mrs. Sullivan appeared concerned. "I have to take Sally's grandmother to the hospital because she is ill, Ms. Ross. Would you kindly drop Sally off at school on my behalf? Charlene consented because Jasmine's and Sally's preschool was en route to her office. Twenty minutes later, Charlene saw Thorne, Vesta, and Jasmine while searching for a parking space close to the preschool. Jasmine had a nice appearance. She was having fun as she bounced along with Vesta, holding hands. Thorne, meantime, stood next to Vesta, protecting her and Jasmine from the crowds and vehicles. Jasmine caught Sally's eye as well. With a gentle smile, Charlene said, "Charlene, it's Minnie!" "Yes, honey. I spot her. "Who is that stunning woman clutching Minnie's hand? Is she also Minnie's mother? "Does Minnie have two mothers?" Sally inquired.