Faithless

Chapter Eighteen

 In the end Jasmina decided that Cam was beating himself up enough for the both of them. What Aiden had said still played on her mind, but she decided to let it go for now. They stayed in Jasmina's room for a little while, and then took her things downstairs, ready for him to drive her back home later. Jasmina had filled him in on her plan and to say he was pleased was an understatement. Jasmina was worried about going on her own, but the hunters were looking for them all as a collective anyway so it was probably best for them to break up into smaller groups and stay hidden. Candice was begging Jasmina to come and save her from her boring family reunion, but Jasmina had to make her excuses, which she knew she would pay for later.

Cam finally introduced Jasmina to Monica. She was easy to talk to, which surprised Jasmina a little, because normally she didn’t do too well with new people. She had black hair and brown eyes. Her fringe covered the right side of her forehead, but it was possible to just see a scar underneath. Jasmina didn’t feel like it was my place to pry, so she ignored it. It didn't take much to figure out it must have bothered Monica if she was trying to hide it. After Jasmina stayed with her for a while, Cam drove her back to her aunt's home, where she would surely have to face the music.

“Want me to do anything once we get there?” He asked, still looking straight ahead.

“As soon as I get out the car just drive as fast as possible.” Jasmina mumbled. Cam just chuckled. “You have no idea how serious I am.” She frowned.

“Is this the house?” He asked as he began to slow down.

“Yeah.” Jasmina sighed, grabbing her bag. Cam stopped the car and watched as Jasmina got her stuff together.

“Wait a sec.” Cam said, catching her arm. Jasmina turned back and he kissed her lips quickly. “Good luck.”

“I’m going to need it now.” She mumbled, jumping out the car. Her dad had already stepped outside, making her wonder if he saw anything or not.

“Where the hell have you been?” He yelled.

“Jeez, can’t you wait for me to step inside first? Or do you want to have a domestic for all the neighbours to hear?” Jamina frowned, walking past him and into the house. She dumped her stuff by the stairs, ready to take up later, but Jasmina would not be unpacking.

“Do you have any idea how worried we were?”

“We? As if. You, maybe. But as if anyone else cared.” Jasmina muttered, crossing her arms over her body.

“What is going on with you? This isn’t like you.”

“What isn’t like me Rebelling, acting up? Of course it’s like me. I'm a teenager! That’s exactly what teenagers do.”

“Just go upstairs and unpack your things.” He muttered, running his hands over his face. He looked exhausted, which made Jasmina feel a little guilty, but not enough to apologise.

“You and I both know I can’t live here.”

“What are you saying?”

“Just that, I can’t live here. I will stay for this week, but after my exams I can’t live here. I already have somewhere else in mind.”

“Just go to your room.”

“But Dad I want to…”

“I said go!” He snapped, walking away. Jasmina sighed to herself and picked up her things, then headed up the stairs. She knew he would be angry with her, but she just hoped the storm would pass soon.

While she stayed in the spare room, Jasmina didn’t unpack. She just organised what needed cleaning and repacked her bag with fresh clothing and other essentials, which she took from the bathroom, just in case she decided she needed out again. It wasn’t until the evening that her dad finally called for Jasmina to come downstairs for dinner. Her aunt Edith had gone out for dinner elsewhere, leaving just Jasmina and her father. She sat down at the table and picked up a fork, then mostly pushed the food around on the plate. In truth she was still full from all the snacks she had eaten while out with Aiden earlier in the day and dinner was the last thing on her mind.

“What’s wrong? Macaroni cheese used to be your favourite.”

“Used to be. I can’t stand it now.” Jasmina frowned.

“Listen. I know I haven’t been around all that much, but I have been weighing up my options, and I’m going to take a different career path, one that allows me to be at home more often.” He explained.

“Well that’s great. But it’s too little, too late. I needed you a few years ago. I don’t need you now. What I need is for you to allow me to make my own decisions.” Jasmina explained. She didn't mean to be so harsh, but it was as if her new self discovery had given her the confidence she needed to finally say what she really thought.

“You’ve really grown up since I last saw you, you know? Apart from the running off in a rebellious teenage fashion.” He smiled.

“Look. I’m not trying to be difficult. But I know what’s best for me, and it’s never been here. You can’t deny that your family hates me.”

“And where exactly do you plan on going?”

“I can’t tell you that just yet. I haven’t had a chance to sort it all out.” Jasmina just shrugged. Her father sighed to himself, while he took his time to think. He knew deep down that he hadn't been the best father and it wasn't like he could suddenly pick up where he left off. The pair sat in silence while her father was deep in thought. It was making Jasmina nervous but she didn't dare say anything, not yet at least. She was tempted to reach into his mind and see exactly where his head was at, but she promised herself she wouldn't use magic unless she really had to.

“You have until the end of this week to prove to me that you’re independent and grown up enough to live alone, and I want to meet whoever it is you’re planning on living with.” He sighed.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me, I haven’t agreed yet. Even if you do go through with this I want you to promise me something.”

“What is it?”

“That I’ll still see you. At least once a month.”

“Deal.” Jasmina grinned.

“Now suffer through your dinner and tomorrow you can start showing how independent you are by doing the cooking.” He smirked. Jasmina just nodded, smiling to herself as she forced herself to eat the macaroni cheese. It really wasn't her favourite anymore.

After dinner Jasmina got a head start on proving she could be independent by clearing everything up, and tidying the house, all before Edith came home. However, as soon as she was home Jasmina made her excuses and headed up to bed. She still refused to stay in the same room as her aunt. Jasmina crawled into bed and prayed for a deep sleep, with no dreams.

Throughout the night her dreams were filled with peaceful themes. Cam was in a few of them, but mostly it was like she was taking control and dreaming of places she used to like as a kid. She even relived some old memories, that she didn’t even realise she had.

By the time morning came Jasmina was well rested, without incident. She headed downstairs, before anyone else and made pancakes. Edith's kitchen was small with the counters in an 'L' shape and a table in the corner. It was easy for the counters to get over crowded which Jasmina hated. She had just enough time to clear up any mess before her dad came down the stairs and into the kitchen.

“You realise I said cook dinner right?” He joked, sitting down.

“I know.”

“So you know you’re doing both right?”

“I know.” She glared, sitting down to eat her own share. “Can I go to Candice’s?”

“Is that who you’re planning to live with?”

“No, just a pit stop. I want to go shopping for a couple bits and I want her company.” Jasmina shrugged.

“Okay. I’ll drop you off. But tomorrow I’m visiting your nan, I would appreciate it if you came with me.” He said, looking up at Jasmina, who just sighed and stood up to clear up her plate. “Jasmina, don’t you want to prove to me you can be an adult?”

“You know, you’re right. I’m going to make the adult decision, and not go. Thanks dad.” She smiled sarcastically.

“Jasmina…”

“Oh come on dad. When I move out I’ll never see any of them again. The only one I will see is you, and I’ll prefer it that way.” Jasmina sighed.

“You know what? Fine. I said you needed to be independent so go ahead and be independent, but at the end of the week I want you to think long and hard about what you want.” He sighed.

“Why are you being agreeable?” Jasmina asked, crossing her arms.

“Because I owe it to you to trust your judgement for once.” He mused. Jasmina just frowned and carried on clearing up.

“I’m going to go and get ready.” She said quietly. Jasmina jogged up the stairs and showered quickly. She put on a denim skirt and a red tank top. She slipped on her white pumps then plaited her hair to the side. She was ready to go within the hour and headed back down the stairs. Her father offered to drive her to Candice's house and Jasmina gratefully accepted.

The drive took about half an hour to get to Candice’s house. Jasmina sent her a message before they had left, just to make sure Candice was free, and she was. Candice arranged for Logan to meet them at the mall at twelve, which gave them plenty of time to take a slow walk there and catch up, even though Jasmina's father offered more than once to give them a lift.

As soon as they pulled up at Candice's drive, Jasmina all but jumped out the car, and jogged up the driveway. Before Jasmina could reach the door Candice came outside and pulled Jasmina in the other direction as fast as possible. Candice had been looking for any excuse to get out of the house for days now and wasn't going to waste a single moment.

“It’s a bit hectic in there.” She explained, leading the way down the road and in the direction of the mall.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah. Just relatives flying in, it’s causing a little havoc right now.” She shrugged. “Anyway, what have u been up to? You were pretty vague with your texts, and you weren’t answering my calls.” Candice frowned deeply. Jasmina couldn't ignore the pang of guilt she felt when she looked at her best friend frowning at her. She knew she should have called her back, but after being attacked, then spending the day acting like a child with Aiden, she really hadn't had the time.

“Yeah well, my dad kind of dropped a bombshell on me. Wanted me to move in with Aunt Edith after I finish school. I took off for the day.” Jasmina sighed.

“Wait what? I need more detail than that, where the hell did you go?” Candice gasped, linking her arm through Jasmina's and leaning in closer to make sure she caught every word.

“Well I… Kind of ended up with Cam and his… Family.”

“Cam as in your History teacher sub’s son, from forever ago?”

“Yeah that’s the one.”

“You are so dating him!” She shrieked, making Jasmina's ears hurt.

“Well… I don’t know. I mean kind of I guess. Maybe.” Jasmina frowned.

“What the hell does that mean?”

“It means I’m not really sure what I’m doing.” Jasmina sighed.

“You like him?”

“Yeah I think so.”

“Then go for it. I doubt he doesn’t like you if you’ve been staying with him and his family.”

“I don’t think I need to question whether he likes me or not.”

“Okay now, what the hell does that mean?” She grinned.

“We kind of… Well he…”

“Kissed you?” Candice beamed.

“Twice.”

“Twice? How do I not know about this?” Candice gasped, whacking her arm.

“Ow! Hey, it’s all pretty recent okay? Give me a break you know now don’t you?”

“You should have called me the minute, no second, after it happened!” She squeaked.

“You realise the more excited you get, the higher your voice goes, right?” Jasmina smirked, shaking her head.

“Shut up okay. I like to hear gossip and I've been stuck in the house with a bunch of squares for the past few days. I need my fix from somewhere and you happen to have all the juicy stuff.” She smirked.

“Oh you breathe a word of this and you’ll suffer the consequences I swear.” Jasmina glared mockingly. Candice just faked hurt, giving her puppy dog eyes.

“How could you think I would do such a thing?” She cried dramatically. The girls turned the corner, reaching the same street that the mall was on. It was a walk they had memorised perfectly over the course of their friendship. Neither girls seemed to be able to stay around their families for very long before they needed an outing and the mall provided exactly that. Jasmina knew she should have been staying inside with hunters on the loose, but at the same time she couldn't help but crave some normality in her life.

“Shut up princess.” Jasmina muttered. Candice just laughed. The pair spotted Logan standing outside the waiting for them both.

“About time.” He mumbled, but they could tell he was happy to see them.

“Well good things come to those who wait.” Jasmina grinned. Candice was still in the afterglow of Jasmina's news, which was made obvious by her mischievous smile.

“The hell happened to you? You look like you're on something.” Logan scowled. Candice poked her tongue out, glaring straight back at him.

“Can I not be happy?”

“Can we not just go and shop?” Jasmina sighed, nudging Candice inside the mall. Logan followed after them, and they headed for the bookstore first, more for his benefit. Candice and Jasmina stayed and looked around, but Logan eventually sent them away, probably so he could get out of going into any clothes stores. Candice pulled Jasmina into the first one she saw and headed for the back, where the underwear section was.

“Hurry up will you?” She laughed, pulling her along.

“I do not like where this is heading.” Jasmina frowned. “What are you up to?” Candice didn’t answer though. Instead she disappeared into the back. When she came back she was holding a pair of blue lacy knickers, and a bra to match.

“So? How about this for loverboy?” She said, dragging out the ‘l’. She placed the knickers over their rightful place and swayed her hips.

“You’re such an embarrassment.” Jasmina laughed, shaking her head. Candice just grinned.

“What? I got your size and everything!”

“Go away! Put them back.” Jasmina ordered. Candice did as she was told, then dragged Jasmina around to look at the rest of the store.

“Lingerie huh?” Jasmina gasped, turning around.

“Aiden! You scared the hell out of me!” She glared.

“What? How was I supposed to know you’re so jumpy? I just came in here looking for a gift for a friend, wasn’t expecting to see you picking that out. Who’s it for?” Aiden asked, raising an eyebrow.

“It wasn’t me picking anything out, it was Candice playing around. And what are you doing, buying gifts for friends in the lingerie section? Sounds like one strange friendship you got going.” Jasmina smirked.

“Hey I wasn’t getting anything from there, don’t turn this on me.” He grinned. “Anyway, since you’re here, fancy helping me pick something out?” He asked.

“Not from the lingerie section, no. From the rest of the shop, fine.” Jasmina shrugged. Aiden just smirked, leading Jasmina along into the other part of the shop. “So who is this friend?”

“Just a friend. She’s a lot like you actually.” Aiden shrugged, looking around at what the store had to offer. Jasmina could tell he was completely lost, not to mention bored.

“Really? Well what were you thinking exactly?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t really know her all that well. I just wanted to get her a little something to make her smile.”

“Make her smile?”

“Well she’s had a pretty tough time, it would be nice to you know try and comfort her a bit or something like that.” He shrugged, looking around.

“Okay… Well I don’t know how many miracles you think one item of clothing is going to have, but I suppose you should just keep it simple and go for a nice top or something. What kind of things does she normally wear?”

“Well I don’t know, I’m a guy.” He smirked.

“Probably too busy picturing her without the clothing to notice what she’s actually wearing.” Jasmina smirked. She hadn't spent much time around Aiden but it didn't take much to figure out he liked to think of himself as a ladies' man. It crossed her mind that that was the real reason Cam didn't like Aiden being around her, but she didn't bother pushing the topic.

“Well…” Aiden trailed off, grinning.

“Say no more, I do not, need to know.” Jasmina laughed. She picked up a deep purple blouse with sleeves that stopped just above the elbow. They’d been folded up and secured with a button. “This?” She frowned.

“Well would you like that if you got it as a present?” He asked.

“Hm. Yeah I would, but I guess you could get something a little more… dressy.” She shrugged.

“Dressy?” Aiden frowned.

“That’s what I said.” Jasmina laughed. She picked up a black dress instead, which was covered in white dots, which made patterns throughout. “Oh if only I had the money.” She frowned, putting it back.

“Wait, that’s perfect.” Aiden said. Looking at the same dress.

"It's expensive." Jasmina pointed out, but Aiden just shrugged, showing he didn't care. “Okay, well what size is she?”

“What size are you?”

“You don’t ask a girl’s size! Honestly, and I thought you had manners.” She muttered, shaking her head.

“Come on, help me out here, I’m trying to do a good thing.” He grinned.

“Fine.” Jasmina sighed, grabbing a size ten off the rail. “Here, now go pay.” she laughed. Jasmina could just see Candice watching her from a spot near the entrance. The second Aiden went to pay she came running over to Jasmina, loaded with questions.

“Was that him?” She asked.

“No that’s his brother Aiden.” Jasmina smiled, shaking her head at Candice's excitement. “If I see him, I’ll tell you okay?” Jasmina grinned.

“Fine.” She huffed. Just as she did so, Aiden came back over and handed Jasmina the bag.

“What’s this?” She asked, looking between him and the bag.

“Your present. See you around.” He shrugged, smirking as he walked away.