Chapter 14 (Alice is hard to understand)

"Yup!" Jasmine replied matching up to his excitement level.

Watching Jasmine be so happy an involuntary smile crept in Stefen's lips.

"Could you in case not be in the celebration today?" Alice said looking towards Jack in disgust. 

"Could you in case not be in the celebration today?" Jack mimicked her making the other two laugh.

"They look cute like this, don't they?" Jasmine whispered leaning a bit closer towards Stefen.

"Yes... cute," he said turning his head and admiring Jasmine. 

She was a bit shorter than him so he could see her very clearly. She had the best smile he'd ever seen and just being around her made him feel better.

As they were standing and witnessing the bad blood between Jack and Alice, all of a sudden Stefen held Jasmine's wrist and exited the hall. He kept walking without uttering a single word and Jasmine addled by his sudden pull silently walked behind him.

"What is it?" she finally spoke.

Stefen stopped and looked behind to face her.

"Sorry I suddenly dragged you here. They were being very noise back there and I couldn't talk clearly so-"

"That' not a problem," she cut him in middle. "You can say it now."

"Can I come to pick you up this evening?" he said searching for a yes look in her face. Say yes, say yes, please say yes.

"But I already have plans with Alice. I told her we'll be going together." She replied.

"That's not a problem I can pick you both and we can all go together."

"Yeah, that sounds good, but I think it would be better if we ask Alice first. I don't want to decide things on her behalf."

"No problem, let's go." He said that and left leaving her wrist.

Why am I again feeling this feeling? Whenever he holds my wrist I never deny it. I would've slapped if he was someone else. And what is this empty feeling that I get whenever he suddenly breaks the touch. It isn't the first time that I'm feeling this. What is it about him that drives my mind out of my head and only my heart works. 

Jasmine wanted to shout 'yes' when he asked her to go to Jack's house together, but how could she? She couldn't just betray Alice. She was the only girl friend she had made so far plus she was very kind, helpful and sweet towards her. And no matter what it would be wrong to take a decision on her behalf.

"Jazz, what happen? Why are you standing here alone?" she was knocked back by Alice.

"Nothing in particular... and Alice I wanted to ask you something. Is it okay if we go to Jack's house with Stefen's car? He said he'll come to pick both of us... That is if you agree to it. We can reject it if you don't feel like?"

"Oh don't worry about it. Stefen just asked me on my way here. I told him we're in."

"Okay, that was fast of him... Then you can come to my apartment first and we'll get ready and go."

"Sounds like a plan."

At length, the working hours were over.

***

"So, Jazz what dress should you wear today?" Jasmine was talking to herself as she was standing in front of a huge mirror in her room. She'd started searching for a dress since the time she arrived in her apartment and yet she was unsure.

*Ding*

She heard the door-ring and went to open the it.

It was Alice. She was wearing a tank top and a knee length skirt with a bright red lipstick on her lips and had smoky eyes. 

"Hi Jazz, all ready?"

"No, I'm still confused. Come in." 

"Thank you."

"And do you have any other plans after the party?" Jasmine asked giving a second focused look on Alice's dress

"No, why?"

"Oh nothing."

Jasmine went back to searching her dress again. After a lot of debate with herself she finally picked a t-shirt and a rough pants. She tugged in her t-shirt that accentuated her curves. She had put on a nude lipstick and mascara and black heels. She decided not to put on a heavy make- up since it was only a normal party.

"Jeez, you look great Jazz." Alice said widening her eyes and gave a sweet smile. "So, are we ready to go?"

"Yeah but..." Jasmine bit her lips as she was debating with her inner thoughts thinking whether she should say more or not. "...I can't control it anymore, Alice could you maybe want some little changes on your face like the eye shadows and lipstick?" she said lowering her voice and pausing after almost every word in a worried tone.

"Why? Am I not looking good?"

"No no no, you're looking fabulous, but... it's just that, I think it's a bit too much for a housewarming party. They're going to be only few people as Jack said before and it's in his house and not outdoor and I feel like..." Jasmine took a pause and said it in one go. "...those shadows are a bit more dark and those lips are a bit more glittery than it should be for this occasion... I am sorry if I spoke too much," she bit her lips again.

"Oh really? Sorry I've never been to any parties like this before so I had no idea what I should do therefore I went to a beautician and I told her that I had to attend a party this evening and the result is in front of you."

"Really Alice? You've never been to a house- warming party before? Why is that so?"

"Let's say, I never liked socializing much with people."

But weren't you the one who forced me to attend this party? You are really complicated for an ordinary person to figure you out Alice. Jasmine was not able to join the dots.

"Oh you could have asked for my help then, at least we could've gone to a restaurant and eaten with the amount you paid to that beautician." They both laughed looking at each other.

"Yeah we could've."

"Come sit I'll just make few changes then."