27 The Orphanage

Jasmine was in the kitchen preparing lunch for the kids. It was on a weekend. For the past two years, part of the things that made her recovery a success was being able to visit the orphanage. It not only reminded her of her origin, but also brought with it the warmth of a family.

She was adopted into a wealthy family. Coupled with her official acknowledgment of her talents, she was well of than most people. There was nothing she lacked. This only increased her gratitude towards the place she grew up in.

The orphanage. Recalling her happy days, she wished to make others smile. Most orphanages lacked enough resources to properly bring up the children. Some even had abusive managers who would harass innocent children from a young age into adulthood.

She was very lucky to have grown up in a place that gave the warmth and love of a family. The orphanage she grew up in was located in a place that was occupied by the poor. This was one of the things that made it easier for the children to interact without any discrimination or fear of being looked down upon.

She was used to sharing and caring for others. This was her original personality. It was the thing that she forgot staying around those rich snobs she chose to befriend. At the time, she felt suffocated trying to fit in. There were days when she could feel the invisible shackles choke her.

As time passed by, she had lost her originality, and became a shell of who she used to be. Her attempted suicide was a blessing in disguise. She was finally able to break free out of the cage. She found a family that loved her like their own.

She got brothers who treated her like a Queen and a father who cherished her more than his children. The greatest blessing of all was her manager cum friend, Beau. He was the key that unlocked her shackles, and broke them down one by one. This might explain why her adoptive family loved and valued him.

It was during this time that she recalled her origins. The orphanage. Since she could not go back to the one she grew up in, she found the one closest to her and became a volunteer. She would go over there every weekend and help with the chores. Aside from the young children, some elderly people needed care and nursing.

She did it all. It gave her a sense of assurance and love. It brought back the compassion that was once upon a time a part of her. It was through her voluntary service that she found the confidence to love herself more. She embraced her weaknesses and found ways to use them as her strength.

Today was no different from what she normally does at the orphanage. She was currently cooking in the kitchen. The number of people in the orphanage was over a hundred. This meant that the amount of food to be prepared was not something a single person could do alone.

Jasmine wore her wireless headphones over her messily tied ginger hair. The white headphones were a beautiful contrast to the black shirt and sweatpants that she wore. A cute apron was neatly tied around her small waist. This was Jasmine being Jasmine.

Inside the kitchen were four other older women who were each cooking different meals. The women would occasionally watch the young girl dance to a tune and laugh at her. They loved her very existence. Even when she didn't say much, she would bring joy to the people around her by simply being present.

She was like a ray of sunshine. On this particular day, they were excited. Aside from Jasmine, they were expecting another volunteer. This particular volunteer would normally help on Thursdays and Fridays. It was just their luck that the man got busy on the weekdays and promised to make up for it on the weekend.

" Say, Fiona, do you think Jasmine and our handsome boy will get along? I have a feeling that they would make a lovely couple. " One of the women spoke out their minds. She was a short staunch woman, who appeared to be in her early fifties. The woman she addressed was a tall beauty also in her middle age.

" You just echoed my thoughts dear. I have been thinking about that from the moment our little flower walked into the kitchen. The two are compassionate. Their personalities also seem to marry each other well. I think they would make a lovely couple."

Maria continued kneading the dough as she watched Jasmine from time to time. " You know, our little flower brings warmth and love along. Yet every time we mention a relationship, her eyes are filled with pain and sadness. Do you still remember how broken she was the first time she came here?"

Fiona let out a sigh. She was aware of what happened with the girl. Edgar trusted her enough to give her a hint on what had happened to her. Who could blame her though? Not everyone survives what she has survived.

" I like the boy quite a lot. However, our little flower is precious and delicate. Though I would like to see her happy in a relationship, I would not advise you to bring up the topic. We should probably let nature take its cause. Remember, if the two are meant to be together, nothing would prevent that."

Clara who was stirring the soup happened to overhear their conversation. " How about we create opportunities for them to interact? If they like each other, they would automatically click. Besides, that way, we would be leaving things to fate. Additionally, I think our handsome boy also has a wound in his heart. They might end up healing each other. "

The other three ladies nodded in unison as their eyes looked simultaneously towards the girl. As though sensing the women's gaze upon her feature, Jasmine looked up from her spot in their direction. Lowering her headphone she removed the glove and addressed the woman.

" Is there anything you need mothers? "

They shook their heads no simultaneously. This made Jasmine suspicious of them, but she shrugged off and continued her work. An hour passed by, and the food was finally ready. The ladies carried the meals to the dining room where they would all eat.

Jasmine and Fiona were meant to serve, while the other three helped the children line up. This time the princess has put away the headphones. She smiled at the kids as they each passed by with their plates. The dining hall was filled with noise. The type that would make one feel at home amidst the crowd.

Jasmine's smile was prominent throughout the process. The orphanage was the only place aside from home where she didn't have to wear a mask. A tall figure stretched his arms placing his plate in Jasmine's view. She looked down the same way she has been doing, thinking it was a child.

The first thing she noticed was a long leg. As her eyes trailed up to scrutinize the rest of the person's body, the said person was busy checking her out too. When their gazes collide, the ladle fell out of Jasmine's arms as did the plate in Jayden's hand.

Out of surprise, Jasmine tripped on the plate and almost fell, but Jayden reacted fast holding her to prevent her fall. The entire cafeteria looked at the two not knowing how to react. Fiona, Maria, Clara, and Eliza watched on in astonishment. It seems the two already knew each other.

On the other hand, a tear slipped from Jasmine's eyes as she watched the man watch her back. The two embraced in an instant. A few seconds later, Jasmine's sobs and Jayden's silent tears could be heard and seen.

Jasmine has been praying for such an opportunity to meet the only person she considered a friend, whereas Jayden's heart has been bleeding for his first and only love. Fortunately for them, the queue ended with Jayden and there were no more people left to be served. The children stopped eating and walked towards them.

A little boy walked ahead. He was a child of between 6-7 years. " Sister flower, why are you crying? Did handsome uncle make you cry?" This was the voice that reminded the two of their predicament. They have forgotten where they were. Jayden reluctantly let go of Jasmine and looked up. He almost had a heart attack after noticing the entire members surrounding them.

Feeling helpless, he looked towards Fiona who understood. Jasmine was too embarrassed to face them hence she chose not to. " Children, why don't you go back to your tables and eat? Sister flowers and uncle handsome have something to talk about."

The children were afraid of Fiona's strict persona hence they walked away hesitantly. This gave the two a chance to breathe. Jayden's heart was beating too fast. He didn't wait for another second to be told what to do. As he stood up, he lifted Jasmine in his arms bridal style and hurriedly walked out of the cafeteria towards the furthest part of the field.

Jasmine silently hid in his chest. She was feeling vulnerable in his presence. A part of her was ecstatic for finally meeting him. Another part of her was worried that he might tell on her. The bigger part of her, however, was glad to be back in his comforting arms again.

Jayden's case was entirely different. He finally has her in his arms. The lady who haunted his sleep and occupied his brain. The only woman to have made his heart dance to her moods. How he missed her. Was it real or was he dreaming? He was unsure even though she laid quietly within his embrace.

How many times did he dream of such a scenario? He finally came to a halt under a mango tree. Not wanting to let her out of his arms, he sat down and placed her on his lap. Not giving her a chance to protest, he engulfed her in his arms again.

Her familiar scent that used to make him crazy was like an awoken addiction. He buried his nose in her neck and sobbed therein. His lady love was alive. She was alive. How many times had he prayed for such a miracle? His baby was alive and more beautiful than ever.

" Jasmine. My Jasmine." He chanted her names over and over again like an incarnation. It was his way of acknowledging her. His way of welcoming his love. The love that never accepted his feeling. Did he care though? All he ever wished for her was her happiness.

Accepting her death was a hard test. The hardest he had endured. It was not easy to accept. Jasmine hugged him back with the same fervor. She knew that though not many missed her, Jayden was the person her death was most unfair to. He was her anchor after all.

He took care of her and loved her unconditionally despite the lack of reciprocity from her. " I am here buddy. I am sorry. I am sorry for leaving without a goodbye. I am sorry pal. Forgive me for being selfish. It was the only way I could free myself from the prison that I placed myself into."

Her voice. Her voice was like cool water that soothed one's throat during a very hot summer day. How he missed it? No one could replace any of her features. None whatsoever. She has always been perfect in his heart. She didn't need any extras. Be it in clothes, accessories, or makeup. She looked stunning without them and with them, she was ethereal like an angel.

" Jasmine. I am sorry I couldn't protect you. I am sorry that I failed you. I am sorry my love. I am so sorry. Jasmine. My little flower. My love. How I missed you." He chanted once more. Like a prayer, her name left his breathless lips. It was her presence that has intoxicated him. Filled his lungs and rendered him breathless. Her name. The only prayer he has been praying for the past two years.

" Welcome back my love." He managed to speak between the tears that escaped his eyes from time to time. Jasmine snuggled deeper into his arms. She felt complete. She was home. Safe, protected, and secured in his arms. She was grateful for such a chance.