Chapter 7

With a voice full of joy, Jasmine sprang out of bed. "Really?" "Yeah. Then why didn't Ms. Hawkins tell me about it?" "It was recently verified. Jasmine was clearly excited, but I hadn't gotten a chance to tell her yet. "Dad, let's wait to notify Ms. Hawkins. When we get home, how about we surprise her?" "It sounds like a plan." "You're the greatest, Dad! I adore you unconditionally. Jasmine remained happy even after she hung up the phone. Overflowing with happiness, she continued to sing and dance on her bed. She suddenly thought of Charlene. Since Charlene hadn't contacted, the last several days had been pleasant.

. Jasmine had started leaving the house early and purposefully putting her phone far away or turning it off when she returned home from school so she wouldn't have to talk to Charlene. She stopped doing it after a few days because she was afraid Charlene would become upset. She was shocked when Charlene didn't call in the days that followed. Jasmine first believed Charlene was aware that she was ignoring her calls. However, Charlene would have chastised her right away rather than remaining silent if she had done something wrong since she knew her mother. She was shocked that Charlene would continue to be upset with her and not call. That notion made Jasmine miss Charlene all of a sudden.

. She hadn't felt this way in days. She was unable to resist and called Charlene. But she remembered when she did. Vesta would be returning home soon, but her mother would probably try all in her power to keep them apart, just as she had in the past. Unlike here, she was unable to visit Vesta anytime she wished. Jasmine's emotions were dimmed by the realization. When I got home, it was late at night. Charlene was awakened by Jasmine's call. Jasmine was about to respond when she abruptly hung up.

. Although the divorce arrangement with Thorne had granted Charlene custody of Jasmine, Jasmine was still her daughter, and Charlene felt obligated to her. Charlene promptly called again, worried that anything could be amiss when Jasmine abruptly disconnected.

. Despite seeing the call, Jasmine refused to respond by turning her face away. As Charlene's anxiety increased, she made the decision to contact the home landline. Latonia grew up fast. "Miss Minnie should be fine," Latonía told Charlene after listening to her concerns. She got up late today after going to bed late last night. She was still half-asleep when I last saw her. I'll give you a call back when I check on her. "Latonia's remarks were a relief to Charlene. "I'm grateful. That would be fantastic. Jasmine was getting ready for the day when Latonia stopped over to see how she was doing.

Jasmine lied when she explained what had happened, claiming that she had inadvertently phoned the number while brushing her teeth. Latonia walked back downstairs to contact Charlene without telling anyone. The little act of rebellion made Jasmine feel a little better, and she puffed. Charlene was at last relieved to hear from Latonia. But the abrupt wake-up call made it difficult for her to get back to sleep, which resulted in a drowsy morning at work the next day. Since the day Vesta phoned, Thorne had forgotten the envelope with the divorce paperwork that Charlene had sent him. Unaware of what awaited him at home, Thorne made sure he had all his paperwork before leaving.