Chapter 26
Bunty peered into Jasmine’s studio window but was surprised not to see her working there. Usually she’d find Jasmine sat at her desk staring into a screen, but it was empty today. Deciding to try the house, Bunty walked up the garden path and tapped on the back door. There was still no answer. About to walk away, the door suddenly opened.
‘Oh hi, I didn’t think you were in,’ said Bunty on seeing a very pale faced Jasmine. She looked closer and scrutinised her. ‘Jasmine, are you all right? You look terrible.’ She was concerned at her friend’s appearance. Dark shadows smudged under Jasmine’s yes.
‘I’ve had better greetings,’ replied Jasmine dryly, ‘but no, actually, I feel like death warmed up this morning. Come in.’ She stood back to let Bunty inside.
‘Here, I’ll put the kettle on. You sit down,’ Bunty directed, pulling a chair out for Jasmine at the kitchen table.
Jasmine was happy to sit down. She’d had practically no sleep that night. She had also vomited that morning, which filled her with dismay, having thought the morning sickness had passed for good. Robin had also been concerned about her, but that was nothing new. Jasmine had batted his worry away, saying she’d soon mend. But she wasn’t mending. If anything, the nausea was building momentum.
Bunty placed two mugs of coffee on the table and sat down opposite her. Jasmine lifted her cup, took a sip, then winced. Moments later she was stood at the kitchen sink retching.
‘Darling!’ Bunty rushed over and put an arm round her back.
‘S…sorry,’ gasped Jasmine and then spilled the entire contents of her stomach into the basin. Finally she stopped and poured the cold tap on full force. Cupping her hands, she splashed water over her perspiring face.
‘Jasmine, come and sit down.’ Bunty carefully guided her back to the table and gently sat her down. After a few seconds she softly tipped Jasmine’s chin up to face her. ‘I can keep a secret you know.’ Her voice was warm and tender. Jasmine let out a small sigh and briefly closed her eyes.
‘You know, don’t you?’
‘That you’re pregnant? Yes, darling, it’s pretty obvious.’ Then added, ‘To an old dear like me it is anyway,’ she grinned, making Jasmine smile.
‘I knew it. I knew you’d guessed. So has my mum, I’m sure.’
‘Probably,’ agreed Bunty, nodding. Then asked, ‘But why the secrecy? Why not tell your parents? I’m positive Robin’s mum and dad will be delighted.’
‘Oh, I know they will and mine too, it’s just early days… and… we thought…’
‘I understand.’ Bunty shook her head perceptively. ‘When will you let them know?’
‘After my scan,’ replied Jasmine.
‘When’s that?’
‘Next week,’ said Jasmine. She’d be glad when the scan was completed, then they could be more open and not have to tiptoe around the truth.
‘Not long then.’ Bunty patted her hand encouragingly. ‘Congratulations, darling, I’m thrilled for you both.’
Jasmine looked into the older lady’s face and was touched. Joy shone from her sparkling eyes, wrinkled at the edges from a lifetime of smiles and laughter.
‘I take it Robin will be moving in, once the baby’s born?’
‘He’s practically moved in already,’ replied Jasmine with a wry smile. ‘But yes, Robin intends to sell his flat and we’ll all be together here.’ She couldn’t help but feel warm and tingly at the thought; her very own family, here, in this house.
‘Well, he won’t be the only one,’ said Bunty. ‘Perry will be moving in with me. So we’ll both have new next-door neighbours,’ she laughed.
Jasmine had anticipated this and couldn’t be happier. It was good to know the couple would be living close by.
‘We won’t be short of babysitters then?’ she joked.
‘Certainly not,’ Bunty replied with a beam.
Then, changing the subject, Jasmine asked how the wedding plans were going.
‘We’ve booked the church,’ Bunty told her. ‘It’ll be a spring wedding, early April, so we will be sending out the invites shortly.’
Jasmine looked a tad surprised to hear this.
