The car pulls into the driveway headlights cutting through the quiet darkness and lights turns on.
Rain begins to fall--soft at first, then faster, tapping against the windshield like impatient fingers.
Jasmine heaves in relieve, thankful that Julian's car pass through at the time it did or she would have to walk home alone in the rain.
"We're here," Gabriel says, breaking the tension as he opens the door and helps Julian into the wheelchair.
"Leave her to do it," Julian commands, waving Gabriel off.
Jasmine quietly takes over, helping him inside. When they reach the living room, she pauses.
"I'm sorry about staying out late today." she begins and wait for him to scold her but receive a grunt instead.
"It doesn't matter." he replies and Jasmine nods slowly.
She feels a little guilty.
"If there is nothing else I will take you to your room," Jasmine says softly.
Julian doesn't object.
In his room, she helps him settle into the chair. He says nothing still and Jasmine wonder what has upset him so much.
Today…
"Is there still a need for the massage tonight?" she asks, her voice hesitant.
Maybe that could soften his mind.
Julian continue to remain quiet. It seem like he is ignoring her but in fact his mind is wandering about the one he saw with her earlier.
Taking his silence as a permission to go on, Jasmine walks to the cabinet, retrieves the bottle of massage oil in silence and kneels gently before him, uncapping the bottle.
Jasmine begins to unbutton his shirt leaving a few. Her fingers brush against his skin, but his body is tense—more than usual.
"Did you learn anything new at the academy today?" Julian asks suddenly his voice low.
Jasmine raise her head, surprise then nods her head slowly.
"Do your classes end this late every day?" he asks and there is a rise in his tone.
It sounds like he is even more annoyed.
"No. I met some friends afterward," she answers softly, working her hands across his shoulders in slow, practiced movements.
She thought he already let go of her returning late.
But Julian's thought is different, he breathes out, the tension loosening slightly.
So she wasn't alone…
He had forgotten how young she is—how bright and full of life.
Of course she has friends. Probably guys, too.
He swallows the bitter taste in his mouth.
"What did Doctor Song say today?" Jasmine asks, finding something to break the silence.
She moves towards his side, touching his hand lightly.
"Mind your business," he snaps, then instantly regrets it.
"Jasmine," he says, reaching for her hand and turns his face towards her.
Her heart skips.
Their faces are close—too close. She looks into his eyes, breath hitching, memories of the first night rushing back.
He doesn't let her move.
Afraid of a repeat of the night before, Jasmine pulls her hand.
"I should stop here--"
Before she can finish Julian pulls her close and kisses her.
His lips crash against hers with desperation than tenderness.
Jasmine freezes her fingers still slick with oil her heart slamming against her ribs.
She melts into him before catching herself, forgetting to mind his legs.
She tries to match his intensity, to meet him halfway, but accidentally bites his lip.
She pulls back quickly, eyes wide.
"Sorry—"
But he doesn't stop. He pulls her closer, kissing her harder, with more hunger.
Jasmine push her waist backwards, to wrap her hands around his neck.
The rain outside begins to pour, tapping on the windows like nature itself is cheering them on.
The well laid bed beckoning to them.
Julian cups her cheek, slowing the kiss, deepening it. His tongue teases her.
His fingertips trail over her skin, and soon her back is expose to him.
Jasmine moans softly, wanting more.
She arches into him, offering her neck as his lips trace down. But then—
"Abigail."
Julian breathes against her neck.
The name cuts through the haze like a cold slap.
Jasmine freezes.
Abigail… That's not her name.
Sher hands fall away from him as if burned.
Her chest tightens as the realization sets in—he was thinking about another woman.
"Abigail?"
Julian opens his eyes, arching his brow at her, not realizing what he has done and Jasmine turns her face away so he doesn't see the hurt in them.
"I… I'm tired," she mumbles, her eyes stinging, and she rushes out of the room.
---
In the morning, Jasmine wakes up late. Her alarm never went off.
She hurries downstairs, hair in a messy bun, and pours herself a cup of coffee.
"Eight-thirty," she mutters, checking the clock. She barely takes a sip before deciding she's not even hungry anymore.
She try so much after returning to her room to push the moment with Julian out of her head, but she just keep getting upset, more and more and end up falling asleep that way.
Now that she is awake she still finds it infuriating.
It's alright that he doesn't like her, but calling another name is too much.
Jasmine dumps her coffee, rinses her mug, and startles when she hears footsteps behind her.
"You're here," she says, turning to find Sam standing at the door, looking far more glamorous than usual.
"Yes, ma'am," Sam replies cheerfully, wearing a fitted dress and subtle makeup.
"You're here early," Jasmine notes.
Sam blinks.
"Early? Ma'am… it's Saturday. I'm done with work."
"What?"
Jasmine gasps and grabs her phone.
Sure enough—it's Saturday. She slaps her forehead.
"I thought it was another workday…"
Or maybe she wish that so she won't have to stay in the house with Julian today.
Sam giggles awkwardly.
"So… is there anything else you need me to do?"
Jasmine stares at her choice of clothes. It's strange.
"Ah, I have a date." Sam quickly explain.
"You have a date?" Jasmine blurts, and Sam nods in response.
Of course it weekend, young people like herself should go on dates.
"I have taken care of everything, but if you have something else…"
Sam's voice trails off. It's obvious she is not willing to stay back.
She only has to work half the day on weekend anyways.
"No, no. You're free to go." Jasmine tells her.
Sam lights up.
"I'll head out then!" she beams and rushes out.
Jasmine chuckles softly to herself and makes her way to the living room, replaying the past week in her mind—usually she will be busy with work but now, her thoughts is filled with Julian.
She wonder where he is and turn to the television but her phone buzzes.
Where are you?
It's Seline.
At home, she replies.
No work today?
Seline sends a laughing emoji.
Funny right?
That's great! We can hang out together.
Fine.
Jasmine stands up and head to her room to prepare.