Escape for the night.

Laira and Jasmine walked out of the study in total confusion. Jasmine was still trying to comprehend why she was send out along with Laira. Also, her mom had told her to be there specifically to give Laira an assurance while she tried to make her sign those papers, not like Laira needed it anyway.

"What do you think Jacob wanted to talk with aunt Lauren?" Laira asked so softly. If it weren't for the silence in the corridor, Jasmine would not have heard it.

"I am not sure myself Lee. But am sure we don't have to stress about it. Just chill. Yeah, Jacob was kinda pissed for some God-knows reasons. But that guy is just... Um.. being too worked up." she said. Her long wavy blonde streaks fell over her eyes. With slender fingers she tucked them behind her ears and walked side by side with a silent Laira.

" Oh. " Laira said. Jacob's anger was quite disturbing to her. He changed a lot, from that calm and gentle man to a strong and loud man.

" Ah! This sucks!" Jasmine suddenly said.

She looked at Laira as they reached the grand hall. Laira looked at her, surprised by her sudden loudness. What is with this family and surprises.

A smile grew on her face as a thought crossed her mind.

"Lee, what do you say we go out for shopping today?"

Laira's eyes widened, gaining a frown from Jasmine.

"Hey, relax, I know what my dad said. But as far as I think, everyone is just over thinking this."

"what do you mean?" Laira asked confused.

"I think you don't have to hide as if you are some criminal! Ha.. Those investors don't know you exist. So what is there to fear. We are going for shopping today and you are coming with me as my friend." she said beaming at her plan.

She was done watching Laira sitting around that big house.

"What do you say?!" Jasmine asked placing her hands on her shoulder.

Laira looked hesitant.

"Oh come on, Laira. Nothing bad is gonna happen."

" But Uncle Ruth had warned me not to leave. If it weren't anything serious, I don't think they would want me locked up here as well." Laira reasoned.

Jasmines elegant brow furrowed. She looked deep in thought. Then a smile broke on her pretty face and her deep.

" What if dad doesn't know? "

" You mean, sneak out?! " Laira asked.

" That is super cool! " a loud voice boomed behind them. Jasmine and Laira slowly turned to expect the worse. But soon a scowl formed on each of their faces as they saw Ranz walk towards them with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

" You guys were planning something cool without me!" he asked, pouting.

Jasmine rolled her eyes at her brother and poked a long finger on his chest.

"What. Do. You. Want?" she asked poking him on every word.

"Can't this adorable brother of yours tag along?"

Laira looked at Jasmine. She was not at all feeling like it. She didn't want to cause any trouble for her uncle. But she did wish to go out for once.

"Jay, maybe we should -" she was cut off as Jasmine raised her hand in front of her face. Narrowing her eyes at her smirking brother.

"Why would you wanna come for shopping with us?" she asked, emphasizing the word 'shopping '.

" But we won't be going for shopping."

Laira looked at Ranz as his gazed focused on her.

"Lee, I swear, I too don't wish to see you stuck in this old place. I want you to go out with us. But if you are going, then it shouldn't be for something as typical as shopping." he said mocking Jasmine.

Jasmine scoffed.

"What do you say?"

Laira looked down. She was confused with everything that happened to her after the accident. Until then, everything seemed fine. Her life was filled with happiness even though there were dangers in every corner. But she had her family then. All that they went through together, seemed to not have bothered her. Her parent's never made her suffer. They supported her, made her brave and strong but also taught her to be soft and kind. Right now, she couldn't get back the happiness she had felt, with her parents , but she could try to find a new happiness. Maybe it isn't a bad idea to go out with her cousins.

She looked at them with bright eyes.

"I am ready." she said.

"But if not shopping, then where?"

"I have all that planned out. But what we need to focus on right now, is how do we get ourselves out of this house." Ranz said.

Jasmine looked at her nails and smiled.

"Leave that to me!" she squeaked.

__________________________________

The sun melted in the horizon and cast a golden glow across the white marble of the grand hall. Uncle Ruth stood in front of the tall window watching over the large garden. Lauren sat on the leather sofa, her slender legs crossed over each other. She crossed her hands over her chest and watched her husband's tall figure. He was the first man she had ever loved.

When he married Evelyn, her heart broke and she thought she would never love again. Evelyn was her colleague and she loved her as her own sister. She was happy for her once her marriage was fixed. With a ache in her chest she even attended the wedding. All along she did try to talk to Ruth and confess her feelings, but never got a chance.

The news of her friend's death, shocked her. She felt sorry for Ruth, knowing how much he loved her. She visited him once after her death. He was drunk and depressed. He let her console him. During his drunk state, he had pleaded her to take care of his son, Jacob. So, from then onwards, she went to his house in the name of looking after his son. Slowly, her hope and her love grew. Without hesitation, she accepted Jacob as her own son.

On a full moon night, Ruth had asked her to marry him. The gorgeous blond hair women had cried in happiness as she agreed.

Lauren sighed, as those beautiful memories flooded her thoughts.

"What are you thinking about?" she was shook from her thoughts by his voice.

"Nothing much." she smiled. And he smiled back.

"I told Laira to sign those papers today." she said standing and going towards Ruth.

"And did she sign them?"

Lauren sighed and disappointment appeared on her face.

"Jacob interrupted. He was really mad."

Uncle Ruth's face fell.

"I can't blame him for that. He is really worried for her." he said

"And so are we!" Lauren argued "And that is why we are helping her to handle this situation."

Uncle Ruth opened his mouth to speak. But suddenly the door opened and Jasmine walked in. She wore a red sweatshirt and black leggings. Her blond hair was let down. With red lipstick and light foundation, she looked like a super model.

" Hello mom and dad." she said, waving her hands in front of her. Lauren raised her eyebrow.

This girl seems to be upto something. She thought.

"You look really impressive my girl." Ruth spoke with a smile. Jasmine's eye conic brown eyes twinkled.

"Thanks dad. I really need to look my best today."

"Why? What is special today?" Lauren asked.

"Well, there is a show today in the mall, and they are offering a free chance to present ourselves for a fashion segment." she squealed.

"Wow, that's great honey. You should surely go then." All doubts had vanished from Lauren's eyes. She really appreciated her daughter's dreams of being a part of the fashion world. She was sure Jasmine would one day turn out to be a renowned fashion model.

"Thanks mom. Gee, I really wish Laira could come with me you know. Last time we were really looking forward for our-" she was cut short as Uncle Ruth spoke.

"You know that it isn't safe for her. She can't leave the house for now." he said sternly, leaving no room for arguments.

Jasmine looked disappointed. But she smiled anyway, and left the room. She began smiling like a freak as she saw Ranz and Laira hiding being a door.

" Let me guess, you nailed it? " Ranz asked with sarcasm dripping in his voice.

"Thats exactly what I did. We are good to go. But we must be back before dinner."