Side Characters in a Nutshell

fun times never end

Joseline was staring out the window at the waves crashing on the shore, softly smiling to herself. It's been years since she came to this nursing home, but the view never got old. It was everything she wished for.

"Hello, Mrs. Smith. How are you feeling today?" Pauline, her nurse, asked. She turned towards her and the smile turned slightly devilish.

"I am well. My granddaughter Jasmine is visiting tomorrow. She came back from that business trip," Joseline said, carefully examining Pauline's face.

Of course, it didn't disappoint. A faint flush appeared on the nurse's cheeks, and it was amusing to watch the young lady fumble for her words. Pauline's infatuation with her granddaughter was so obvious that it made her laugh. This nursing home did need more drama after all, the most interesting part every day was how much Josh slept.

After her husband died twenty years ago, she was home alone with her children and grandchildren visiting her occasionally. She couldn't say that her family put her aside, but the house seemed too empty and silent on certain nights. Her thoughts would then travel to the bright blue eyes she hadn't seen in decades and her heart would bleed.

Her biggest joy in life, however, was her granddaughter Jasmine that visited her as much as she could. She was a determined young lady, and it reminded Joseline so much of her younger days that she could sometimes hardly breathe. While her other grandchildren spent their time with friends and lovers, Jasmine spent her afternoons diligently studying in her house's old living room.

Joseline remembered how worried she was at one point of time. She had asked her, "Jasmine, dear, you are well these days, right? Your siblings called and said that they were going to a party today. Is there a reason you couldn't?"

Jasmine had shrugged, not looking her grandmother in the eyes. "We have a test in two days, I must get the best grade possible."

Joseline had frowned, "You can tell me anything, if you want. You know I won't judge or tell anyone."

It was then that she had noticed how Jasmine's hand tightened around the pencil in her grip. "I know, granny."

She had let her go, but it wasn't long before the truth came to light. Her daughter was angrily speaking on the phone about how much Jasmine disappointed her, how she planned to let her fend for herself. She was ashamed that her most prized daughter Jasmine was liking girls instead of a nice, mannered boy she had set her up with.

Joseline was in shock, while sorrow pulled at her heart. An image of blue eyes on a bright lady in a flower dress danced in her memories, and she wondered how she had raised such a hateful daughter.

From that day on, Jasmine lived in her grandmother's house.

              ______________________

"Granny!"

Joseline turned around in her chair, noticing Jasmine standing only two feet away. She was still in a suit and her face had a worried look on it.

"Hello, dear. I am sorry, I believe my mind took me elsewhere this afternoon. Please, come sit," she said, gesturing at the chair beside hers. The day was beautiful so she decided to go outside. The sea was calm, and the seagulls accompanied small waves.

"How was the trip, my little ant?"

Jasmine rolled her eyes, but couldn't suppress her smile. "Granny, I told you to stop calling me an ant. It was as usual, I guess."

Joseline chuckled. "How could I, when you're always working? Such a diligent granddaughter I have."

The younger lady smiled, but then her face turned sour. "Mother called yesterday. She wants me to attend some unimportant gala this Saturday."

Joseline rolled her eyes, making Jasmine laugh a little. Good. "Your mother is just being a Karen again. I think you should go, but not alone, of course."

"Who should I bring with me?" Jasmine asked in confusion, and Joseline gave her a side glance. Wasn't it obvious?

Her granddaughter flushed. "Granny! I can't bring her, she's your nurse! That is... highly... unprofessional."

It didn't sound as sure as her granddaughter probably wanted it to. Only a little push is needed.

"I've never told you abouy your grandfather's and my marriage."

Jasmine hummed. "Let me guess. You fell in love at a first glance, started meeting in secret and then finally managed to marry?"

Joseline raised her brow, amused. "No."

"Yes, yes, details. You fell in love and then married."

"Incorrect."

There was an incredulous silence for a moment. Then, "Granny?"

"I loved your grandfather, sure, but I was never in love with him. My heart always belonged to the blue eyed lady that left me too early."

Joseline was starting to worry for her granddaughter's eyes, since they almost fell from their sockets. "What lady? Granny!"

She smiled fondly. "Me and Lynette really loved each other, but she died of sickness when we were only twenty. I couldn't love anyone else after, not really. Your grandfather was a good man and he understood. He always had my respect."

A thoughtful silence fell over them, but Joseline wasn't over yet.

"You've been pining for Pauline for two years already, as she's been for you. I don't think you should waste any more time. Besides, I think Pauline would be a great addition to our family. She's very polite and good, even your mother hopefully won't nag too much. Besides that, she's funny, kind, courageous and she looks sweet. Your type."

Jasmine groaned. "I know, she's perfect. But... do you really think that she likes me like that?"

Joseline hated the uncertainty in her granddaughter's voice. "I don't think that. I know that. Now, move your ass and ask the girl on a date."

A delighted laugh was heard as the young lady finally got the courage she needed and entered the building, leaving her smug grandmother behind.