Page 63 of Dark Awakening: New World

JASMINE

Ell-rom was sleeping soundly, and Jasmine was back in the chair scrolling through videos about gorillas, which she found surprisingly entertaining and encouraging for some reason. Their expressions were so human, as were their reactions to things like rain or finding things funny. Knowing that they were peaceful and ate mostly leaves, stems, fruit, and bamboo shoots made watching them a relaxing experience.

If only humans could be more like gorillas, the world would be a better place.

As an incoming message banner popped up on the screen, she switched applications and was surprised to see that it was a text from Frankie.

Usually, communications from Frankie came through Margo, and a flutter of concern rippled through her as she wondered if something had happened with Margo's brother. Had she told him instead of arranging a meeting where he could see Lynda being cozy with her ex? Or had the meeting taken place already, and WWIII erupted?

Glancing at Ell-rom's peaceful sleeping form, Jasmine stepped out of the room and then out of the clinic and walked down the corridor a few steps before stopping and leaning against the wall.

As she dialed Frankie's number, her call was answered right away.

"Jasmine! I'm so glad that you called me back. How is Ell-rom doing?"

"Great. He had his first rehab session in the pool today."

"How did it go?"

"Better than expected." Jasmine smiled even though Frankie couldn't see her.

"And how are you doing, girl?"

"I'm doing amazing." She looked both ways to make sure that no one was out in the hallway. "After Julian was done showing Ell-rom the exercises, he left, and we stayed a little longer. Things were just starting to get interesting when he returned and almost caught us making out."

"Ooh," Frankie cooed. "I want details, honey. Tell me more."

"All I can say is that Ell-rom is improving by the hour," Jasmine said, lowering her voice despite the empty hallway. "His body is responding as a young male's body should."

Frankie's laughter echoed through the phone. "That good, huh? Where are you now?"

"In the hallway." Jasmine glanced back towards the clinic. "Any activity is exhausting for Ell-rom, and I'm not talking about making out in the pool. Taking a little walk or doing easy exercises in the water drains him. That's why he spends so much time sleeping."

"Must be boring," Frankie said. "I mean, it's fine playing nurse and doing naughty things with the patient, but what are you doing while he's out?"

"Well, sometimes I join him. We slept the whole night in each other's arms."

"Aww, that's so sweet," Frankie cooed. "Listen, the reason I'm calling is that my cousin Angelica is coming over, and I was wondering if you'd like to join us. I need someone human-looking for balance, so Angelica doesn't get overwhelmed in case Dagor, Negal, and Aru decide to leave their tinkering for an hour and come say hi."

"Are they still working on the salvaged equipment?"

"They've been holed up in that room for days. I don't know what else they are hoping to find."

It suddenly occurred to Jasmine that inviting Angelica to the penthouse wasn't the best idea. "Are you sure it's okay to allow your cousin to visit? I mean, did you ask Kian if it was okay with him? After all, the penthouse is his."

"We are not meeting in the penthouse. We are meeting at the café. We still need to pretend to be human, though. The story is that we work for Perfect Match, and they have insane nondisclosure requirements. That's why I thought that having you there was a good idea."

Jasmine laughed. "As the token human?"

"No, as an actress who can spin a tale better than me. Angelica and I practically grew up together, and she will know right away that I'm fibbing. Besides, you know that your humanity is just a temporary condition. Once your prince has everything working properly, you will enter transition in no time."

Jasmine bit on her lower lip. "It might take a little longer than that, but I really shouldn't be discussing this in public or anywhere else for that matter. It's private."

"Then come to the café. I can be there in five minutes."

It would be nice to spend time with her friends and meet the feisty Angelica. Ell-rom would probably be asleep for hours, and if he woke up, she could ask Julian to call her, and she could be back down in the clinic in minutes.

"When will your cousin get here?" Jasmine asked.