Truth Be Told

"So, I don't get it."

Bart raised his voice over Heidi's interesting rendition of 'Build Me Up Buttercup'.

"Get what?"

Jasmine slurred tipsily. The numerous Vodka and Tequila shots finally catching up to her.

"Why did you change your mind?"

"I...I told you. Don't want to ta...talk about this."

She flapped her hands at him dismissively.

"I know you don't and that is what is worrying me."

"Don't be worried. Toppling forwards she kissed him fleetingly on the chin, having meant to meet his lips she giggled childishly. I am okay."

"No. Babe. What you are is drunk. Be honest. Why did you not have the op?"

"I...I don't know."

"Yes you do."

Bart badgered her until she finally cracked.

"You. It was you okay? I was scared. Scared that I...you wouldn't want to be with me after the op. Once she had finally said the words she seemed to sober up very quickly. Are you happy now?"

Close to tears, Jasmine rose albeit unsteadily to her feet, before storming off in the direction of the bathroom. Bart sat in a daze. His stomach sinking as the truth of that statement engulfed him.

"Bart? Sinead had witnessed the entire exchange and was willing to bet money on what had happened. He didn't even bat an eyelid as she squeezed uncomfortably close to him in the booth. I know this is not any of my business. She may be Seth's sister or whatever, but as I am sure you know I really do not like Jasmine all that much. Bart didn't even register that he could hear her, so she continued regardless. Despite all of that I am going to say something that will undoubtedly shock you. This time he turned his head to face her and listened intently. You and Jasmine, what you two had that was special and nothing should come between that. I tried, Maddie tried, God I think a lot of people did but even when she told you who she really was, you never stopped loving her. Bart opened his mouth ready to protest but she forestalled him. I don't need your apologies and I don't need or want to hear your reasons. You always loved her more than me or anyone else and I knew that. I did. And she knows that too. I also know that you are scared about what other people will think of you. But you know what, it shouldn't matter what anyone thinks, me or the others included. Jasmine/Jason it really doesn't matter, because that is who you fell in love with. Right now, as Jasmine, she isn't happy and you know that. She can try and hide it all for your sake, but that wouldn't be fair. Jason loves you and I know, as difficult as it may be for you to admitt, you love him. Again Bart opened his mouth to protest, but again she stopped him in his tracks. Go and find her and tell her that. She needs to hear it and more than anything you need to say it. And for God's sake be happy. Life is way too short."

Smiling sadly she kissed him fleetingly on the cheek, rose from her seat and offered him her hand. He stood, kissed her on the forehead and headed in the opposite direction to the toilets, as she crossed the dancefloor to where Seth was sat, as per her instuctions, at the bar staring broodingly into his pint glass.

"Do you love me?"

Seth mumbled tentively as he felt Sinead's tender hand rest on his shoulder.

"Yes."

That was all she said. And in that moment that one word meant everything.

Meanwhile in the toilets Bart was having less luck.

"What are you doing in here?"

Jasmine did her best to keep her tone even as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"What you said? Is that true? You didn't have the op today because you were scared I would leave you? She lowered her eyes in shame. But I told you...I gave you that list. Jas, look at me. Gently he tilted her chin, so she had to look him in the face. I told you exactly how I felt. I was honest. I thought you understood."

"I did. I do. Bart it really isn't that simple. I meant what I said about needing to know and be happy in myself, but this...she waved her hands over the dress and her face. It isn't me at all. I just wanted to look good for you tonight and I couldn't even do that right."

"Jas you look amazing. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms round her comfortingly. But if you don't feel right and you now know that 100% you need to do the right thing."

"I should have the op?"

"If that is what will make you happy. And so we are completely clear Jason. I love you and I will be in the waiting room with the rest of the family waiting for you to come out of the surgery."

"You mean that?"

"Yes. And just for the record, eventhough you look absolutely stunning tonight I think you look sexy as hell wearing your jeans and the blue spiral shirt I bought you for Christmas last year."

"You do?"

Jasmine blushed embarrasedly.

"Definately. Can we go home now then?"

"Oh thank God. She sighed in relief. I thought you would never ask. Lets go and find mum."