by Clay, Verna
Jazmine poured more pancake batter into the skillet. So far she'd created a lion with a mane, a monkey with a long curly tail, and a running horse. Her next animal was a giraffe. She had been practicing her cooking and baking skills faithfully. She hoped Jake liked the pancakes. He entered the kitchen, his hair still dripping from his shower.
"You wanna bike over to the Old Mill District later and check out the kayaks?" he asked.
Jazmine smiled. Since they had become bicycling companions, they'd covered just about all of Bend. Watching kayaks on the Deschutes River had become a favorite destination. Afterwards, they'd walk around the shops and usually grab something to eat at Red Robin.
"Sure, Jake. We'll have a great day."
"Wow, Jazzy! I've never seen pancakes like that."
"Which do you want, the horse or giraffe or lion or monkey? Or all of them?"
"I want the giraffe and the lion. I wish my dad was here to see those pancakes. My mom used to make bunny pancakes…"
When Jake's voice trailed, Jazmine glanced at his forlorn expression.
"You know, Jake, I think your mom is with you all the time in your heart. Do you know what that means?"
"No. What?"
"It means that when you're sad, she's sad. But it also means that when you're happy, she's happy."
"I never thought of it like that."
"Does eating giraffe and lion pancakes make you happy?"
Jake smiled. "Yes."
"Then I guess your mom is happy, too."
"I like the way you think, Jazzy."
"Well, I like the way you think too, Jake. Let's gobble these critters up and head out on our bikes."
Ryan pulled his car into the garage and entered the house. The smells wafting from the kitchen made his stomach growl. When Jenny's accident had turned out to be a broken ankle, Jazmine had become Jake's permanent sitter. Ryan hadn't wanted to impose on her, but Jake had insisted that he at least ask if she wanted the job full time. Much to his surprise, she had been thrilled. However, they'd hit a sticking point the first time he'd tried to pay her. She'd looked horrified and insisted she wasn't going to accept money for watching Jake. Ryan had had to put his foot down and tell her that if she wouldn't accept payment for her services, she could no longer watch his son. Reluctantly, she had agreed. Ryan had to admit Jazmine was an exceptional sitter. He hadn't seen his son this happy since before Maggie's death.
"I'm home Jake and Jazmine," he called.
"We're in the family room, Dad."
Ryan entered the room to see the two of them dumping a bag of school supplies on the coffee table. Jazmine was unzipping an expensive backpack. She looked at Ryan with sparkling eyes. "We rode our bikes to the store and I bought Jake lots of school supplies. Isn't this backpack great?"
Ryan frowned. "Who paid for the backpack and all those supplies?"
Jazmine smiled. "I did, silly man."
Ryan's frown deepened. "It's not your responsibility to buy school supplies for my son. How much do I owe you?"
"You don't owe me anything. I love buying things for Jake. Besides, I have lots of that green…money."
Ryan was really irritated now. "Look at me, Jazmine."
Jazmine's innocent gaze made his gut tighten. "I don't want you buying things for Jake. I'm his father. I should be buying what he needs."
The hurt look in her eyes made Ryan wish he could take the words back.
"Why can't I buy things for him?"
"Because…because…you're…you're not his– You're his neighbor, for God's sake."
"Exactly, Ryan. That's why I'm doing it. And Boss-at-the-Top is very pleased."
"Huh?" Jake and Ryan replied in unison.
Jazmine beamed at them. "I've got roast and potatoes in the oven. All I have to do is slice the homemade bread. Dinner will be on the table in fifteen minutes." She patted Jake on the head and rushed to the kitchen.
Ryan and Jake stared at each other. Ryan scratched his brow. "Jake, don't let her keep spending money on you, okay?"
"Okay, Dad."
Twelve
It was Halloween and Jazmine turned this way and that, preening in front of the mirror. She'd wondered about her selection of a costume, but it was really the only logical choice. She was dressed as a fairy. Ryan had taken her and Jake to a costume shop, but the fairy outfits had been all wrong. She'd looked at the witch costumes and shuddered. Then she'd considered dressing as an alien or a bunny or a robot, but none of those felt right. Instead, she'd purchased the fairy costume because a little magic would make it perfect.
A smile tilted her mouth as she pointed at different parts of her costume and wiggled her fingers. Within minutes, she was happy with her new creation. She'd just explain to Ryan and Jake that a few alterations had been necessary.
Jazmine sighed contentedly. She loved caring for Jake, helping him with homework, and seeing him smile and laugh every day now. He had been in school for over a month and was making excellent grades. She sighed again. She had two months before her return to Flitter Town.
She furrowed her brow. Now that Jake was doing well, she could turn her attention on Ryan. He might be more of a challenge, but if she could make him happy, too, then father and son would both be happy, and if they were both happy, it stood to reason they would reconnect. Jazmine liked her reasoning. And if everything went as planned, she could leave the human realm with a successful assignment to report to Teacher-fairy.
It was almost dark. She patted her hair, adjusted her gossamer wings, and rushed next door. Ryan was on the front porch lighting candles in pumpkins
"Hello Ryan. I can't wait to go trick-or-treating. Is Jake inside? Do you like my costume? I made a few changes. I hope Jake likes it."
Ryan was bent over lighting the last candle when he heard Jazmine. From the excitement in her voice, you'd think she had never experienced Halloween.
He turned to answer her and his jaw dropped. She was gorgeous. The costume she was wearing looked nothing like the one she had purchased. The droopy skirt had been replaced by colorful petals, each a shade of the rainbow that glittered in the soft glow of the pumpkins. The pearlescent body glove accentuated her small feminine form, and her shapely legs and arms glistened and sparkled. Although the costume was modest, it created visions Ryan did not want swirling in his head.
"Ah…Jake's in the house." His mind was mush.
Jazmine gave him a questioning look. "Are you feeling okay, Ryan. You look like you might have a fever."
The fact that she'd noticed his discomfiture embarrassed him. Quickly opening the door, he ducked inside and yelled for Jake.
"Jake, Jazmine's here!"
Jazmine followed him inside.
Jake ran into the living room. "Wow! You look beautiful. Where did you get that costume?"
"It's the one we bought. I made a few changes."
"I'll say you did. Hey, Dad, Jazzy looks really pretty, doesn't she?"
"Ah, yeah." Ryan changed the subject, "You got your candy bag?"
"Yeah, Dad."
"Oh, I forgot mine," Jazmine exclaimed. "Wait for me while I run home and get it."
"You're coming with me?"
"Of course, that's why we're wearing costumes, silly Jake." Jazmine turned toward the door and stopped. She turned back around. "You don't want me to go?" Her lovely shoulders slumped.
Ryan spoke first. "It's just that adults don't usually go trick-or-treating. They pass candy out to–"
Jake interrupted. "Jazzy, I think it'd be really cool if you came with me. Hurry and get your bag!"
Jazmine's face lit again and Ryan experienced sunshine breaking through a cloudy day.
"I'll be right back!" She rushed out the door.
Ryan looked at Jake. "That was nice of you, Jake. But if you don't want her going with you, I can talk her into staying and passing candy out with me."
"Naw, I actually think it might be fun. And since she looks so pretty, maybe we'll get more candy. When I tell Gary an
d Mario about getting more candy, they'll like the idea better. If they don't, they can go off on their own."
Jazmine returned, waving her bag. "You ready, Jake?"
"Yeah, let's go. I know the best houses."
Ryan stood on the porch and watched them leave; his eyes on Jazmine's cute backside.
"Hey, mister, we said trick-or-treat. You gonna give us some candy?"
Ryan looked at the tiny child tugging on his pant leg, and then at the older children impatiently holding their bags open.
"Sorry, kids. I guess I need to give you double for your patience."
The rest of the evening, while Ryan doled out candy to the hoards of trick-or-treaters, he couldn't get his mind off Jazmine. She was a strange one. The fact that she'd dressed up for Halloween, and actually expected to pal around with Jake and his friends, made him chuckle.
Shortly before eleven, Jake, Jazmine, Gary, and Mario rushed into the house.
"Let's see who got the most candy." Jake challenged.
"You know I did," Jazmine countered.
Ryan leaned against the doorframe watching the boys and Jazmine dump their candy on the carpet.
"Dad, we had a great time!"
"Yeah, a really great time!" Jazmine echoed.
Gary and Mario agreed with emphatic nods.
Ryan moved from the doorway to the couch, watching their playful jostling and trading of candies. Realizing how happy Jake had been these past few weeks put a lump in his throat. Jazmine had been good for him. And what about you? Has she been good for you? Ryan refused to ponder that question.
Thirteen
By mid November, the winter season was in full force. Since Halloween, Ryan had been aware of Jazmine on a level that went beyond his comfort zone. His new awareness created a problem—guilt. It was as if he were being disloyal to Annie. Try as he might, however, he couldn't shut Jazmine out of his mind.
She was also an intriguing mystery. Whenever he asked her questions about her family, she cleverly evaded answering. Even Jake seemed averse to his probing. Rather than create tension during the holidays, Ryan decided to wait until after the New Year to seek answers.
Thanksgiving was a wonderful holiday. Jazmine and Jake had spent hours perusing cookbooks before deciding on the perfect meal. And perfect it was. The whole day was spent cooking, playing games, and enjoying each other's company. Jake was again a carefree child.
Christmas day! Jazmine was so excited she'd hardly slept all night. For days, she and Jake had decorated the house and baked. They had pored over magazines dedicated to the holiday season that Jake found in a box tucked away in his garage. "My mom bought all these magazines," he'd said. Jazmine's heart had gone out to him and she'd pulled him into a hug, smoothing his hair. After a moment's hesitation, he'd hugged her back.
Jazmine jumped out of bed. She wondered if Jake and Ryan were up. She looked out her window and saw the glow of Jake's bedroom lamp. Running to her mirror, she did a little wiggle, and was instantly dressed in a green elf costume. She wiggled again and the color changed to red. Laughing, she wiggled several more times. Finally, she decided she liked the green outfit with its puffy white sleeves, green vest, and scalloped-hemline short green skirt. Brown leggings and soft green knee boots with spiral toes made her giggle. A red and green striped stocking cap gave the finishing touch.
Grabbing more presents for Ryan and Jake, she rushed next door.
Ryan heard a knock on the door. Even though the sun was barely up, he was sure it was Jazmine. Nothing she did surprised him anymore. Her home and his, inside and out, blinked and twinkled with lights and beautiful Christmas trees that reached their ceilings.
Wonder of wonders, however, was that Mrs. Bickers and Jazmine had become friends. Mrs. Bickers had even brought over a pumpkin pie.
Jake reached the door before Ryan and threw it open. Seeing only the bottom half of his neighbor because of the mountain of presents in her arms was enough for Ryan to know she was dressed as an elf. Peeking around the presents, she said, "Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!"
"Jazzy, you look like you just arrived from Santa's workshop!" Jake exclaimed.
Ryan said, "I think we'd better get Santa's elf inside before she freezes." He lifted several presents from her arms and with a knowing chuckle, asked if they wanted to open presents right away.
Simultaneously, Jake and Jazmine both shouted. "Yes!"
For Ryan, the best gift of all was seeing Jake's happiness. The joy on his son's face when he tore open the wrapping on a new balsa wood glider made Ryan all the more determined to spend lots of time with him.
When it was time for Christmas dinner, Ryan didn't think anything could top the Thanksgiving meal, but he was wrong. The lovingly prepared food put a lump in his throat and he realized just how selfish he had been since Annie's death. He knew Annie would have been appalled by his behavior. He'd become so lost in his own misery that he'd allowed their son to become a lonely little boy. The love Jazmine had lavished on Jake had literally saved his relationship with his son.
The meaning of Christmas exploded in Ryan's heart and he literally felt the "Christ Spirit" of unselfishness and love emanating from a tiny woman named Jazmine.
That night, while the three of them sat before a cozy fire sipping hot chocolate, Jake suddenly jumped up and ran from the room. "I gotta get something."
Ryan laughed. "What's he up to?"
"I don't know, but I'm curious," Jazmine giggled.
A few minutes later Jake returned holding his hand behind his back.
"Don't tell me there's another present," Ryan said in disbelief.
"Naw."
Jake walked over to Jazmine and, taking his hand from behind his back, held it over her head.
Jazmine looked up. "What's that?"
"It's mistletoe," Jake grinned sheepishly.
"You know what that means, don't you, Jazmine?" Ryan teased.
Jazmine looked confused.
Ryan explained, "Whoever is under the mistletoe gets a kiss. Jake, what are you waiting for? Give Jazmine a kiss."
Jake turned all shades of red and quickly bent to kiss her cheek. "Now it's your turn, Dad."
"Huh?"
"It's your turn."
"Sure." Rising from his chair, Ryan came to stand over Jazmine. Bending and intending to kiss her cheek, he instead moved his mouth to her lips. The moment his lips touched hers, he was lost. He raised a hand to the back of her head and gently pressed. The kiss was long and gentle, sweet and lingering. Slowly, he pulled back, locking his gaze on her. Her mouth, still moist, formed the shape of an "O." Her eyes were luminous. He blinked and stood up. He couldn't breathe. Everyone was silent. Finally, he said. "Jake, you can put the mistletoe away now."
"Umm, yeah, sure, Dad." Jake rushed from the room.
"I guess…I guess I'll start cleaning the dishes." Jazmine grabbed her cup and rushed from the room, too.
Ryan sat back down. Running his hand through his hair, he thought, "What have I just done?"
Fourteen
Late that night, Jazmine lay on her bed staring at the ceiling. She should have been ecstatic about completing a successful assignment—Ryan and Jake were communicating as father and son should, and tomorrow she would return to Flitter Town and her clan. Her success would be reported to Boss-at-the-Top by Teacher-fairy, and she would join the prestigious ranks of fairies-on-assignment with completed missions. Her clan would welcome her and listen enraptured to her adventures in the human realm. She would return to her beloved job as a jasmyster and… Jazmine's thoughts would not go beyond that.
A single tear slid onto her pillow. She did not want to leave Ryan and Jake. Staying was impossible, however. Fairies did not remain in the human realm—it just wasn't done. Jazmine brushed her tears away.
She sighed and turned onto her side. The wonderful sensations evoked by Ryan's kiss were still with her. Her toes curled and her stomach flip-flopped when she remembered the pressure of his lips against hers.
Early the next morning she rose with resolve. Today she would return to Flitter Town, but she needed to say goodbye to Ryan and Jake. She'd considered confiding her soon departure days ago, but she hadn't wanted anything to spoil Christmas Day. Her tactic had worked. Ryan and Jake had reconnected.
Of course, she knew her leaving would have an initial impact, but since she was only the neighbor next door, Ryan and Jake would soon forget her.
Going through each room in her home, Jazmine used fairy magic to ready the boxes for the moving company. Instead of using fairy magic in the kitchen, however, she lovingly packed each item herself.
Jake sat in his tree house. It was really cold and he'd almost slipped climbing the ladder, but that hadn't stopped him. He needed to think. Christmas had been great. His dad had been great. Jazzy had been great. And then his dad had kissed Jazzy. Jake had only been fooling around when he'd grabbed the mistletoe. He'd given Jazzy a peck on the cheek and expected his dad would do the same. Boy, had he been surprised. His dad had kissed her the same way he used to kiss his mom. Jake wasn't sure he liked that. Nobody could replace his mom, not even Jazzy.
Jake picked up the binoculars he kept forgetting to return to his dad's bedroom. He focused on Jazzy's house. The living room didn't look right. There were boxes against the wall. He focused on the dining area and the kitchen beyond. There were boxes there, too. He zoomed in on Jazzy. She was putting kitchen stuff into boxes on the center island.