Jasmin slowly woke up in the hospital, feeling strange and confused. Voices echoed faintly inside her head, but she couldn't make sense of them. Then, suddenly, she heard Janina's voice clearly again. "Oh, I'm sure you're going to talk to me again..." she whispered to herself. Glancing to her right, she was surprised to see Janina sitting there.
"Jasmin, I finally knew you were going to be okay," Janina said softly.
"Please don't talk to me, Jani. They say I'm crazy for still hearing you... and maybe you came back to life," Jasmin murmured, unsure if it was real.
"What matters is I'm here. That's what best friends do—they always look out for each other," Janina reassured her.
Jasmin sighed, lost. "But what am I doing here?"
"Well, escape this stupid place," Janina said with a smile.
Encouraged, Jasmin tried to get up but stumbled and fell back onto the bed. Martin rushed over, worry etched on his face. "Jasmin, what are you doing?"
Janina suddenly vanished, and Martin helped Jasmin settle back down. "You're safe here. You've been alone, but you're awake now and just need rest."
"Rest for the next 24 hours?" Jasmin groaned.
"Relax, and I have good news—your baby is fine," Martin said.
"What baby?" Jasmin asked, confused.
"You were in labor for 12 hours. And you have twins now!"
"Twins?" Jasmin's eyes widened.
"Yes, two beautiful children. Just like you and Walter—you were born on the same day. It's a miracle."
As nurses brought the babies, Martin smiled holding them, but Jasmin remained quiet, unsure what to feel.
"What will you name them?" Martin asked.
"I don't know yet..." Jasmin said glumly.
"How about Manu and Jan?"
"Not Manu. Maybe Janine, after my friend."
"Done then," Martin smiled.
Jasmin returned a small smile, feeling warmth from Martin's support.
Meanwhile, at Find-Bodyguard.net, Fabienne was working out with dumbbells when Florentin, the company owner, appeared, staring distractedly.
Fabienne swiftly kicked him, causing him to clutch himself in pain.
"Don't forget I own this company!" he groaned.
"I don't have time to be your toy," Fabienne replied coldly.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I mean, you sound obvious, and honestly, I don't feel like a normal girl," she said.
"That's why I like you—fierce, independent, anti-social," Florentin teased.
"Anti-social? Don't get personal. You own the company, so maybe people here work as bodyguards, not flirtations," Fabienne snapped.
"Seriously? I don't know if you're joking or not," Florentin laughed.
"I don't feel what's funny anyway. Now, back to work, boss," Fabienne said as she resumed her workout.
"Thank you, Fabienne," he said with a smile, impressed by her spirit.
That night, Sidel was quietly doing her homework in the living room when a knock came at the door. She opened it to find Fabienne standing there.
"Hello, Sidel. Looks like you're busy with homework. Can I ask—where's your mom?" Fabienne inquired.
"She's resting in her room," Sidel replied.
"Okay, good. Mind if I come in?"
"Sure, no problem."
Fabienne entered and headed to Jasmin's room, where she saw Jasmin already resting.
"I guess I should congratulate you?" Fabienne said uncertainly.
"You can if you want," Jasmin replied quietly.
Fabienne sighed. "I don't have clients yet, just working at the company. But I love the job. Though, most guys seem only interested in fleeting things with women—it's just how they are."
"Like Dirk," Jasmin scoffed. "It's funny how girls can't love without a man, when they really could."
"True, like me. But not my daughter Anja—she's always head over heels for some nerd at school," Fabienne said.
"And Sidel is the same," Jasmin added.
"Anyway, congrats on having children again," Fabienne smiled.
"Thanks, but I'm clueless about being a mom, especially with twins," Jasmin admitted.
"You need a stable job, Jasmin. Sidel always talks about having a good future. You need to support her and the twins, especially since their dad vanished like smoke," Fabienne said firmly.
"Their dad? He quit responsibility, got drunk, and left. Moms are turning into dads nowadays," Jasmin said bitterly.
"True. But Martin hasn't stopped supporting you, right?"
"Martin's never been their father," Jasmin said sharply.
"Then who?"
"The owner of Heinen Realty," Jasmin answered.
"Dirk Heinen? Have you told him?"
"No. My kids don't need a criminal for a dad. They have me—the most psycho mom ever," Jasmin said with a half-smile.
"You're funny. But Martin supports me after your disguise," Fabienne said.
"That's nothing. He just feels sorry and tries treatments on me. I don't know if they work—I'm better this way," Jasmin shrugged.
"Really? What if Sidel asks who her father is? How would you answer?"
"I'd say I don't remember. It was a long time ago, back in sixth grade," Jasmin said quietly.
"Many kids want to know their dads," Fabienne said softly.
"Why? Isn't it enough that our wombs carried them for nine months? They're born healthy—unlike me, born crazy!" Jasmin laughed bitterly.
"That's the big question. Sometimes I don't know if I'm a good mom. They don't understand how hard it is to conceive. They can live with just moms, period," Fabienne said firmly.
"Labor is brutal. They say 'It's coming!' and stare at your vagina while you scream 'Ahhh!'" Jasmin said, laughing.
"Good point. I think I'd rather not be psycho like you," Fabienne teased.
"But it feels good being part of the 'Schizo-mafia' group," Jasmin joked.
"What?! No way I'm joining that," Fabienne laughed.
"Come on, you said I need a stable job. Let's start a blog!"
"No, Jasmin. I hate blogging. I prefer my usual job," Fabienne said firmly.
"Okay, fine. I'll find a stable job then," Jasmin agreed with a small smile.
That night, Sidel was quietly doing her homework in the living room when a knock came at the door. She opened it to find Fabienne standing there.
"Hello, Sidel. Looks like you're busy with homework. Can I ask—where's your mom?" Fabienne inquired.
"She's resting in her room," Sidel replied.
"Okay, good. Mind if I come in?"
"Sure, no problem."
Fabienne entered and headed to Jasmin's room, where she saw Jasmin already resting.
"I guess I should congratulate you?" Fabienne said uncertainly.
"You can if you want," Jasmin replied quietly.
Fabienne sighed. "I don't have clients yet, just working at the company. But I love the job. Though, most guys seem only interested in fleeting things with women—it's just how they are."
"Like Dirk," Jasmin scoffed. "It's funny how girls can't love without a man, when they really could."
"True, like me. But not my daughter Anja—she's always head over heels for some nerd at school," Fabienne said.
"And Sidel is the same," Jasmin added.
"Anyway, congrats on having children again," Fabienne smiled.
"Thanks, but I'm clueless about being a mom, especially with twins," Jasmin admitted.
"You need a stable job, Jasmin. Sidel always talks about having a good future. You need to support her and the twins, especially since their dad vanished like smoke," Fabienne said firmly.
"Their dad? He quit responsibility, got drunk, and left. Moms are turning into dads nowadays," Jasmin said bitterly.
"True. But Martin hasn't stopped supporting you, right?"
"Martin's never been their father," Jasmin said sharply.
"Then who?"
"The owner of Heinen Realty," Jasmin answered.
"Dirk Heinen? Have you told him?"
"No. My kids don't need a criminal for a dad. They have me—the most psycho mom ever," Jasmin said with a half-smile.
"You're funny. But Martin supports me after your disguise," Fabienne said.
"That's nothing. He just feels sorry and tries treatments on me. I don't know if they work—I'm better this way," Jasmin shrugged.
"Really? What if Sidel asks who her father is? How would you answer?"
"I'd say I don't remember. It was a long time ago, back in sixth grade," Jasmin said quietly.
"Many kids want to know their dads," Fabienne said softly.
"Why? Isn't it enough that our wombs carried them for nine months? They're born healthy—unlike me, born crazy!" Jasmin laughed bitterly.
"That's the big question. Sometimes I don't know if I'm a good mom. They don't understand how hard it is to conceive. They can live with just moms, period," Fabienne said firmly.
"Labor is brutal. They say 'It's coming!' and stare at your vagina while you scream 'Ahhh!'" Jasmin said, laughing.
"Good point. I think I'd rather not be psycho like you," Fabienne teased.
"But it feels good being part of the 'Schizo-mafia' group," Jasmin joked.
"What?! No way I'm joining that," Fabienne laughed.
"Come on, you said I need a stable job. Let's start a blog!"
"No, Jasmin. I hate blogging. I prefer my usual job," Fabienne said firmly.
"Okay, fine. I'll find a stable job then," Jasmin agreed with a small smile.
In the living room, Sidel was watching TV while texting Marvin on her phone.
Sidel:
Hey Marvin, how was your day?
Marvin:
Good, if I make you better.
Sidel:
Don't worry, I already made myself better. Thanks for being so concerned.
Marvin:
Oh, don't worry. I'm always concerned about you. How about you?
Sidel:
I'm okay, thanks for asking.
Marvin:
I'm glad you're okay. There are so many activities in the Drama club, huh?
Sidel:
Yes, but I'm still thinking if we should perform in the theater. I'm not sure if I can go.
Marvin:
That's okay. Take your time to think it over. By the way, how's your mom?
Sidel:
Good, but still the same. Now that I have twin brother and sister, what else can I say? I still wonder about who my dad is.
Marvin:
I hope I can help you with that, Sidel. Try asking your mother.
Sidel:
I don't think she'll answer. She always says she can't remember.
Marvin:
Well, I really hope I can help. How about staying at my house tomorrow night?
Sidel:
That would be great!
After texting, Alody arrived with Walter, carrying lots of groceries. Sidel helped them bring the bags to the kitchen.
"I'm glad we finally bought some food with Walter. I still got lost in this place. Wuppertal's train stations are so clean, and there are lots of malls," Alody said, happy.
"Good! So how about that news? Are you still getting lost?" Sidel asked.
"I was, but I'm happy to see the trains. After nine months here, I still don't know the whole city and am still looking for a house. It's better to stay with Jasmin though."
"You don't have to leave," Sidel assured her.
"Thanks. That's why I love being here. Other Filipinos have a hard time staying elsewhere."
"I agree."
"I've decided to apply for a job near here since I don't have a car. Transportation is tough for me, and I don't drive."
"Really?"
"I never went to driving school back home, so I don't know how to drive. That makes it hard to go far."
"You could try driving school now."
"Yes, and Walter offered to help."
"Thanks, Walter. Even though it's embarrassing you keep helping me while I can't find a job."
"It's okay. People won't judge you. They understand. Jasmin doesn't have a stable job either."
"I hope she finds a new job soon."
One morning, Jasmin walked into the dining room to find breakfast already prepared by Alody and Walter.
"Oh, you're finally awake! I'm glad!" Alody smiled warmly.
"Yes, it's nice. Looks like you learned to cook," Jasmin said straightforwardly.
"Thanks to Walter, I learned a lot from him," Alody replied.
Jasmin sat down with them, and soon Sidel joined for breakfast. Jasmin picked up the newspaper, searching for jobs, though she couldn't read much.
"Are you trying to find a job?" Walter asked.
"Yes, but I can't read the listings or find where to apply," Jasmin admitted.
"Want to work with Judith?" Walter suggested.
"No, not with the iron chair lady!" Jasmin responded sharply.
"She uses a wheelchair because she's disabled," Walter explained.
"Still, I want to find a job on my own," Jasmin said firmly.
"Jasmin, in your condition, it's difficult," Walter said gently.
"So, you think I can't because of my craziness? I'll prove I can!" Jasmin challenged.
"You don't have to prove it. You need treatment," Walter said.
"No, I'm fine. Treatment is boring and unhelpful," Jasmin replied.
"I'm just trying to help," Walter said softly.
"I don't need help, and I don't care if you like Judith. I'll find a stable job. Don't worry," Jasmin said determined.
"Will Fabienne help?" Walter asked.
"Maybe. She might suggest something since I can't do online posts well," Jasmin said.
"I get it. Just don't go back to crime," Walter warned.
Jasmin tossed the newspaper aside and grabbed a jar of strawberry jam, eating it with her hands.
"I'm glad you're better. I'm doing well in school," Sidel said cheerfully.
"Great," Jasmin replied, uninterested.
"I'm glad you're better. Now that I'm not an only child, I want to ask again—who's their father?" Sidel asked.
"Why ask? They don't need fathers. Be open-minded. This isn't ancient times. Men always want sex; they can't live without it," Jasmin said bitterly.
"Mom, Marvin isn't like that," Sidel said.
"That's what you think. No prince charming waits forever. Boys aren't responsible," Jasmin said firmly.
"So is that why you never told me about my dad? Because he's one of those men?"
"I didn't mention him. Girls rush into love, fooled by flowers. Boys want only what's natural—sex," Jasmin said.
Sidel was annoyed and reached for waffles. Walter frowned at the tension.
"Jasmin, that's annoying," Walter said.
"Annoying? I'm just telling Sidel the truth. We're in a modern world, not ancient times," Jasmin said.
"Not all boys are irresponsible," Walter said.
"They want attractive girls, many women. That's their nature," Jasmin said.
"Maybe that's your experience, but boys can be responsible if raised well," Walter argued.
"I know, but many aren't. Girls need to be aware. They're not idiots," Jasmin said.
"Are we competing now?" Walter asked.
"Maybe. I believe what I see as real," Jasmin said.
"Sometimes you can't tell right from wrong," Walter replied.
"Fine. I'll stop arguing. I'll find a job or just sit here," Jasmin said, getting up.
Later, Henrik returned to the company for training and noticed Fabienne watching him.
"What are you doing here?" Henrik asked.
"Just checking if you're better. You should move on from Janina—she's dead," Fabienne said.
"I found out the truth. I thought I had a chance with her, but Jasmin was only pretending to be Janina," Henrik said.
"Yes, and what will you do? You only have memories of Janina," Fabienne asked.
"Where is Jasmin now?"
"She's trying to find a stable job, probably out looking," Fabienne said.
"She'd be good here as a bodyguard," Henrik said.
"No. She talks to her dead best friend Janina and sleeps beside her. She can't work here," Fabienne said.
"Can I meet her?"
"No. She didn't finish school or college, so she's not qualified. But I hope she does well," Fabienne said.
"Did she finish primary school?"
"No, not even sixth grade. She has no idea what job suits her," Fabienne answered.
"I want to help her."
"No, stay here," Fabienne insisted.
Henrik nodded. Fabienne smiled, expecting a kiss, but when it didn't come, she felt annoyed.
At the meantime, Martin was buying flowers at the local flower shop. The vibrant colors of the blooms filled his heart with warmth as he carefully selected a bouquet of Jasmin's favorites. He wanted this moment to be special, so he added a heartfelt card and some rich chocolates, hoping to bring a smile to her face.
With the flowers wrapped neatly in his hands, he made his way to Jasmin's house, excitement bubbling within him. He had envisioned walking into her room, presenting her with the surprise, and watching her eyes light up with joy. However, when he finally stepped into her room, he was taken aback. It was a chaotic masterpiece, a whirlwind of creativity that left him speechless.
The walls were covered in vibrant drawings and scribbled words that seemed to capture her thoughts and dreams. Sketches adorned her cabinet—beautiful renditions of Janina, a girl who seemed to occupy Jasmin's mind and heart. Martin felt a pang of shock and confusion wash over him. Why had he never known about these sketches?
As his eyes scanned the room, they landed on a small recorder lying on her desk. Curiosity piqued, he pressed play, eager to hear what Jasmin had to say. Her voice filled the room, soft yet determined. "This is my first time recording my voice like this. Thanks to you, Fabi, I've learned a lot. I'm going to find a job—one that will make me feel better..."
Listening to her voice, Martin felt a rush of emotions—flattery, affection, and a deep longing. He decided to leave the flowers and chocolates on her desk, a token of his feelings, before quietly slipping out of the room.
Meanwhile, Jasmin was on her own quest. Determined to find a job, she wandered into a grocery store, her frustration growing with each passing moment. As she approached the cashier, her desperation bubbled over. "Hey, I need a job here!" she declared with an unfiltered urgency.
The cashier looked up, slightly taken aback. "Oh, okay. Can you show me your resume?"
"Resume? What are you talking about? Is that a button on your remote control?" Jasmin shot back, exasperated.
"Um, no ma'am. That's a standard requirement for any job application. Are you here for a cashier position?"
"Yes! But I can't find a single job anywhere!" Her voice was laced with frustration as she threw her hands up in defeat.
"Do you have a school ID?" the cashier asked, trying to guide her through the process.
"School ID? I don't have that either!" Jasmin felt her heart sink further.
"Then I'm sorry, I can't help you with that..."
"Fine! I'll just wander around then," she muttered, feeling defeated.
With a heavy heart, she began to roam the store, her mind racing with ideas. She noticed the security cameras and the mirrors near the cashier, plotting her next move.
As she turned a corner, her eyes fell on an attractive young man perusing the drink selection. A mischievous smile crept across her face as she decided to follow him.
"Oh, I see you're quite the heartthrob here," she said with playful sarcasm as she approached him. "But I must admit, I'm feeling a bit down today..."
The young man shrugged, unimpressed. "I don't really care if you're sad or what."
Undeterred, Jasmin stepped closer, her eyes glinting with mischief. She reached out, holding his hand gently as she leaned in to kiss him. It was a bold move, one fueled by her frustration and desire for a thrill. The kiss deepened, and in that moment of distraction, she deftly slid his wallet from his jacket and tucked it away, a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins.
As they pulled apart, a sly smile danced on her lips. In a world of chaos, she had found a way to take control, even if just for a fleeting moment.