Henrik can't resist glancing at Jasmin again, their eyes locking for a brief moment before she takes action. In a sudden burst of energy, she grabs her coffee and throws it right into his face. The hot liquid splashes across his skin, jolting him from his distraction, and he stands up, flinching at the sting of the coffee.
"Why did you do that?" Henrik asks, a mix of surprise and irritation etched on his face.
"You seemed so distracted," Jasmin replies with a straight face, though a smile creeps in that reveals she enjoyed her little act. "I thought I'd help you focus."
"But... are you doing that with others too? That's so mean," he retorts, wiping his face with a napkin.
"Yeah, and I didn't know you could scream like a girl. No wonder you ended up as a bodyguard," she quips, her tone teasing.
"That's not the big deal, Jasmin. They still accepted me because I've been practicing boxing since before I went to college."
"So what grade was that?" she asks, genuinely curious.
"I was in 12th grade," he replies, a hint of pride in his voice.
"Wow, I can't believe it. But I was just testing you out. It's okay if you want to call me mean. I can handle it."
"You're not totally rude, and next time I should be aware of that. But I really am sorry for getting distracted," Henrik admits, his tone softening.
"Then why were you distracted?" Jasmin presses, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Do I really need to say why?" he counters, feeling a little cornered.
"Yes, and do people really get distracted by nothing?" she insists.
"Well, I have a few reasons. I can see Janina in you, actually, and it reminds me of the last time I met her here before... before she killed herself."
"Wow, that's a dramatic story. But it's touching, too," Jasmin says, her tone shifting to something more serious.
"Well, it does hit hard," he replies, his voice low.
"Oh, and I also want something else. The muffin was just fine, and the cream puffs were tasty. Can you order me something again?" she asks, changing the subject.
"Do you want to take it out?" Henrik replies, trying to keep the mood light.
"What do you mean, take out?" she asks, confusion evident.
"I mean food to take home. That's what I mean," he clarifies.
"Yes! Like that! My job is hard, and I get hungry. I can't text anyone or make a call, and I wanted guidance on that, but I can't read," she explains, her voice growing earnest.
"Then... how do you do it?" he inquires.
"I just memorize the buttons I need to use. Mostly, I use a voice recorder. When I was in Manila and Cebu, Alody taught me how to use it for her voice acting. She taught me so many times until I finally got it."
"That's good! At least you have a recorder. But it's bad because it can't send voice messages."
"The voice recorder is useful for me. I can express what I want to say. It's nice to use it all day," she explains, her eyes lighting up.
"But do you never learn how to use a phone?" he asks, still curious.
"Never. I need a marker pen to guide me. I put shapes on every button so I know what to do. Fabienne helps me make contacts," she shares, her enthusiasm evident.
"That's easy! Don't worry, you can still learn. I don't believe you're stupid. No one is stupid. We're all human; we're not perfect," he reassures her.
"Aww, how cheesy, Henrik! But thanks for the compliment. Now you have to get me food!" she demands playfully.
"Sure, no problem," he says, walking toward the cashier.
Meanwhile, at school, Anja is at her locker, gathering her books. She notices a new student and feels her cheeks flush. The guy is undeniably cute.
Just then, Martel appears, and Anja drops her books in shock.
"Why are you so serious, man?" Martel asks, catching sight of Anja's obvious reaction.
"I don't know! The new guy is charming!" Anja exclaims, still blushing.
"Ugh... why is everyone so in love nowadays?" Martel groans.
"Isn't it bad to like someone? Besides, I can't contact Sarah today," Anja replies, her mind still on the new student.
"What? You don't know where Sarah went? And now you can't contact her? Last time she was desperate about something," Martel insists, worry creeping into his voice.
"What are you thinking? This isn't a scary movie! I'm sure she just missed school," Anja snaps back.
"Three days absent! That's strange! Sarah would never do that! She should be answering your calls!" Martel argues.
"Stop! I think she's just at home, not using her phone," Anja insists, trying to calm her friend.
"What if she gets kidnapped?!" Martel exclaims, her voice rising in panic.
"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! OH! MY! GOSH!" Martel screams, drawing the attention of a few nearby students.
Anja quickly covers Martel's mouth and drags her into an empty classroom.
"Ugh, Martel, do you want to cause a scandal?" Anja hisses.
"I don't know what to do! What if Sarah is actually in danger?" Martel frets, her eyes wide with concern.
"Seriously, what are you thinking? Maybe she just didn't want to come to school. Don't assume the worst!" Anja scolds.
"Okay, maybe you're right. But we should check on her to be sure," Martel concedes, her voice softening.
"Yes, let's be rational. She might just be dealing with rejection or something else," Anja adds, relieved to see Martel calming down.
As they exchange thoughts, the complexities of friendship, distraction, and unexpected connections swirl around them, creating a tapestry of youthful drama and genuine concern.
Martin was approaching the house, a bouquet of flowers tucked under his arm, his heart racing with anticipation. He hoped Jasmin would be home, waiting for him. However, just as he was about to step into the room, a voice pulled him back.
"Oh hello?.. You must be the bodyguard?" Alody asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Martin turned to face her, surprised by her sudden appearance.
"I'm not a bodyguard. But you must be Jasmin's friend from Manila, right?" he replied, taking a moment to notice her. She seemed nervous yet curious.
"Yes, I am! I'm really glad you can speak English too. Oh my gosh... I could survive English," she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.
"Really? Why is that?" Martin inquired, intrigued.
"Well, back when I was in grade 7 and 8, I was the best in English. But sometimes my grammar is terrible," she admitted, a hint of embarrassment in her tone.
Martin chuckled softly. "I'm Martin Schneider. I've been a good friend of Jasmin's. And honestly, I don't know if I can make efforts for her."
"As a friend, you can do a lot of things. A simple effort goes a long way in showing how important a person is," Alody encouraged, her enthusiasm palpable. "By the way, I'm Alody Mae Santos."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," he said, genuinely pleased.
"I could ask you one question..." Alody began, her eyes curious.
"Yes, you can ask," he replied, feeling a spark of friendship forming.
As Martin turned to head toward the room, Alody started to head upstairs, leaving him wondering why Jasmin hadn't arrived yet. Suddenly, he was taken aback when Sidel appeared in front of him.
"Oh gosh, I thought it was just your mom who would do that in the first place! What are you doing here?" Martin exclaimed, still recovering from the surprise.
"I was wondering why you were here. I just came in her room to clean it, and I see there are a lot of drawings on her wall. She considers them her imaginary friends," Sidel explained, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Oh, I think it's great that she can draw her own imagination. By the way, how was school?" Martin asked, genuinely interested.
"It was a normal day, but fun! I had a great time in drama club, and I also had fun with Marvin and Martel," Sidel replied, her face lighting up with memories.
"I'm sure you really enjoy school. But where's your mom?" Martin asked, his concern evident.
"She was out looking for a job. I don't know what kind she found, but I hope it's better than last year," Sidel said, her voice dropping slightly.
"Hmm... I don't think that will happen again. I guess I should come back later on," Martin said, contemplating leaving.
But just as he was about to step away, Sidel called out, "Hey! Are you in love with my mom?"
Martin froze, taken aback by the directness of her question. "Um... I don't know how to explain this to you, Sidel. I just want to make her happy..."
"But you can't deny that you're trying to! Are you seriously in love with her now?" Sidel pressed, her eyes searching Martin's face for the truth.
"I was going to tell you... I am, but please don't say anything to her about this yet. I'm not fully prepared to share it," he confessed, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.
"Oh, I see. Don't worry, I won't tell her. Just make sure you make my mom happy. That would make me feel better too," Sidel said, her sincerity shining through.
"Are you sure?" Martin asked, touched by her support.
"Yes! After all, I want her to be happy too," Sidel affirmed, a small smile forming on her face as she nodded in understanding.
And in that moment, amidst the laughter and the innocent inquiries, Martin felt a warmth spread in his chest, realizing that perhaps, he wasn't just falling for Jasmin; he was becoming part of a family.
Fabienne stepped out of her car, her mind racing with thoughts of the day. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the park. She had almost forgotten about Jasmin until she spotted her lying on the grass, seemingly indifferent to the world around her.
"What now?.." Fabienne asked, a mix of curiosity and concern lacing her voice. She wasn't entirely sure why she had come back to this place, but here she was.
"I finally want to tell you something, and I finally have a serious job now..." Jasmin declared, her voice brimming with an unusual confidence.
"Oh really? What kind of job is that? Being a convicted criminal again??.." Fabienne shot back, her sarcasm sharp but light.
"What?.. And I was doing better now! I wanted to sell things!" Jasmin retorted, her excitement faltering under Fabienne's teasing.
"Okay, fine. Come on in to my house. I can't believe you waited for me here. I told you that you didn't need to do that," Fabienne sighed, shaking her head as she led the way.
Inside, they settled into the living room, surrounded by the comforting familiarity of home. But Jasmin was practically bouncing on the couch, eager to show off her latest "merchandise." She pulled out bags filled with jeans and a cap, her grin wide.
"Did you steal it?!.." Fabienne exclaimed, disbelief dripping from her words as she spotted the tags still attached.
"What, Fabienne? I just took it from the department store so I could sell it!" Jasmin defended herself, her tone incredulous.
"But that's still ridiculous! I have to admit, I thought you were better than this. You're doing it again!" Fabienne couldn't hold back her frustration.
"Why are you yelling again??.." Jasmin shot back, her brows furrowing.
"I was expecting you to do better! But it seems like you haven't changed at all. How outrageous is that!" Fabienne's voice rose, the disappointment palpable.
"I think you're just overreacting! I can do it better, I swear!" Jasmin insisted, her defiance sparking a fire within Fabienne.
"You never do it better! I can imagine how this will turn out. You need to change your job, not keep stealing!" Fabienne's eyes narrowed, her concern morphing into anger.
"How is that considered stealing??.." Jasmin challenged, crossing her arms.
"You didn't even buy the jeans or the cap! It's not good to sell things you've stolen," Fabienne replied, her tone firm.
"But come on! At least I can sell something like that..." Jasmin argued, her enthusiasm crashing against Fabienne's walls of reason.
"No! That's not good. You need to find a better job. I think I can help you find something suitable," Fabienne offered, her voice softening slightly.
"Oh really? And what is that?.." Jasmin's interest piqued, her previous irritation dissolving.
"Let's try a simple job for you..." Fabienne suggested, her eyes brightening with an idea.
"Wow, that would be exciting, I guess," Jasmin replied, her tone a mixture of skepticism and curiosity.
Fabienne handed her a camera, but Jasmin's confusion was evident as she fumbled with it, unsure of how to operate the device. Fabienne watched with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"Well, I don't know if you know how it works when you're using the camera..." Fabienne started, trying to guide her.
"What for?.." Jasmin asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"I'm just suggesting you need to find a better job; this is something you can do without stealing," Fabienne said, her patience wearing thin.
"Oh, and how can I use it?" Jasmin's eagerness returned, though her lack of understanding was clear.
"Just turn on the camera first..." Fabienne instructed, guiding Jasmin's hands to the button.
After several attempts, Jasmin finally managed to turn it on, but the moment she pressed the shutter, the flash startled her, causing her to squint in irritation.
"No! Not like this! I can't even take this anymore! I can't believe you don't know how to use this!" Fabienne exclaimed, frustration bubbling over.
"Oh, like what, Fabi?.." Jasmin asked, her tone shifting to one of genuine curiosity.
"I think this option is ridiculous, but... do you want to be a bodyguard again?" Fabienne suggested hesitantly.
"What? Of course I do! There's nothing wrong with that! I can always be a bodyguard!" Jasmin's face lit up at the prospect.
"Not this time. You'll have a permanent job if you apply to be a bodyguard at the company I was working at, and where Janina worked," Fabienne explained eagerly.
"What company is that again?" Jasmin asked, her excitement bubbling over.
"Find-Bodyguard Company," Fabienne replied, her voice filled with encouragement.
"Great! How do I start to work there?" Jasmin's enthusiasm was infectious.
"You need to apply, and you'll have to talk to my boss. I'll help you fix your resume. I guess they won't mind your education background, but they will care about your mental issues," Fabienne said, her tone serious but supportive.
"Ugh... supposedly they shouldn't mind about that..." Jasmin grumbled, but the eagerness in her voice was undeniable.
"Let's go now," Fabienne said, determination in her voice.
"But... can I drive your car?" Jasmin asked, her eyes wide with hope.
"Sure, but please be careful. I don't want you to destroy my car either," Fabienne warned, laughter creeping into her voice.
With that, they left the living room and headed out, ready to embark on a new adventure, one that might just lead Jasmin down a better path.
Martin stepped through the door, the warm glow of the living room spilling out into the evening darkness. The sounds of laughter and music wrapped around him like a cozy blanket, but his heart felt heavy. Celine was already celebrating with their friends, her face lit up with joy as she caught sight of him.
"You're just in time! I couldn't call you earlier," she exclaimed, her voice bright and welcoming.
Martin offered a weak smile, feeling a mix of guilt and relief. "I didn't expect you to have this reunion party, and I'm sorry I missed your call. It's just that no one was available to watch the kids, and Walter wasn't around either."
Celine waved her hand dismissively, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, come on! You know how it is. Jasmin looks just like Janina today, doesn't she?"
"Yeah, she's been wanting to look like her," he replied, a shadow crossing his face. "But I still worry about her."
Celine tilted her head, concern replacing her earlier cheer. "Is it because of Jasmin's mental health?"
"No, it's not just that. It's the fact that she's still struggling, and the only treatment that really helps is family support. But she doesn't have a whole family right now."
Celine sighed, her expression softening. "I know her real parents are unknown, but let's not turn this party into a drama session. We should just enjoy the moment. I really hope Janina is okay out there."
As the music pulsed through the air, Martin felt out of place. He settled onto the sofa, watching the festivities from a distance. Celine danced with their friends, her laughter ringing like a melody. But his mind drifted back to Jasmin, the way her smile could light up even the darkest days.
A flashback flickered in his mind, pulling him back to a moment six months ago. He had caught Jasmin talking to someone in the garden, and despite the warmth of the sun, a chill settled in his chest.
"Can we talk?" he had asked, feeling shy and uncertain.
"Sure, we can talk," she had replied, her gaze steady.
He had hesitated, then launched into his worries. "I've been thinking about your condition and the baby. I just don't think you can handle it all on your own."
Her eyes sparked with defiance. "Do you think I can't? Everyone's around to help me—Sidel, Walter, Alody. They're always there."
"I know you think that," he had said, "but I want you to know I'm here for you, too. I care."
"Don't push too hard, Martin, if you can't do your job."
Her words stung, and he had struggled to find the right response. "That's not what I meant. I just want to treat you well and make sure you're happy."
"Really? No wonder you're being so sweet. You're better than most who are supposed to be on my side."
In that moment, she had reached for his hands, and he felt flattered, a smile breaking across his face.
The memory faded, leaving Martin with a bittersweet feeling. He glanced over at Celine, lost in laughter with their friends, and then he thought of Jasmin, who was fighting her own battles. A small smile tugged at his lips as he remembered that fleeting moment of connection with her. It had given him hope, a reminder of the light that could break through the shadows.
As the party continued around him, Martin resolved to cherish those memories, to find a way to help Jasmin navigate her struggles, and perhaps, in time, help her feel whole again.
***
In the meantime, Alody arrived at Judith's house, guided by Walter. As she stepped through the door, her eyes widened in wonder. The sheer size of the living room took her breath away.
"Wow, I really dream of having a house like this. I can imagine living here someday!" Alody exclaimed, her voice filled with awe as she took in the spaciousness and elegance surrounding her.
"Judith, this is Alody," Walter introduced, gesturing toward her.
"Nice to meet you! I'm Judith Hertel, originally from Wuppertal, but I grew up in Hattingen," Judith said warmly, extending her hand.
"Yes..." Alody replied, still a bit starstruck.
"Walter mentioned you're looking for a job. I have an opportunity for you at my sister's grocery store. She manages it now since my father retired, but her English isn't great. I thought you might be a good fit," Judith continued, her tone friendly and encouraging.
"Oh, but I'm not sure..." Alody hesitated. "I prefer to change my mind if possible."
"Why's that?" Judith asked, curious.
"I have trouble finding my way around, and I really need a job. I hope to learn how to drive one day because I get lost easily," Alody admitted, a hint of frustration in her voice.
"That's understandable. I can help with that. I have a friend who can drive you until you get the hang of the area. You'll practically have your own personal driver!" Judith said, her enthusiasm infectious.
"Really? I never knew I could have a personal driver! Who is it?" Alody's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Well, I didn't hire anyone, but my bodyguard, Rafella, could help you. She's great at navigating the area and can ensure you get to and from work safely," Judith explained.
"That would be amazing! I'm so grateful you're trying to help me. I've been here for nine months and still don't know my way around Wuppertal," Alody said, relief washing over her.
"You'll learn in no time. I'll give you Rafella's number, just in case of emergencies," Judith assured her.
After sharing Rafella's contact information, Judith and Walter decided to head to the Frenzer company to apply for jobs. They settled into the waiting area, anticipation buzzing in the air.
"Do you think it's a good idea for Alody to trust your bodyguard?" Walter asked, a hint of uncertainty in his tone.
"I believe in Rafella. She's trustworthy, and I know this is the right decision," Judith replied confidently.
"But what about babysitting? Jasmin also wants a job, and I can't ask Martin for help," Walter said, a frown creasing his brow.
"We could hire a babysitter if need be. But let's focus on Alody for now. Where is she from?" Judith inquired, shifting the conversation.
"She's from Manila, Philippines. I helped her come here because she wanted to visit Jasmin and live with us," Walter explained.
"That's wonderful! I'm glad we could help her find a job," Judith smiled.
"I'm happy we're both here and working together again," Walter said, his eyes lighting up.
"I've missed that too. Remember our time at Heinen's Realty? I'll never forget it," Judith reminisced, a soft smile gracing her lips.
"Neither will I. Just being here with you feels amazing," Walter said, his voice warm.
They both laughed, and in a moment of affection, Walter took Judith's hand, intertwining their fingers.
"I have a suggestion for you, Judith," he said, a playful glint in his eye.
"Oh? What's on your mind?" Judith asked, intrigued.
"Can you come to my house tonight?" Walter proposed, his tone hopeful.
"Yes, I would love that! I'm in," Judith replied eagerly.
"Wow, that was quick! I'm thrilled. Just don't forget about tonight," Walter said, a grin spreading across his face.
"Okay, but what's the reason for my visit?" Judith asked, feigning ignorance.
"It's a surprise! No guessing allowed," he teased.
Judith smiled, excitement bubbling within her as they held hands, their connection strengthening with every passing moment.