Surprise!
"What?"
Jasmine questioned. It was impossible to relax and watch television when you could feel four pairs of eyes boring into you.
"no…nothing…"
They all mumbled incoherently until finally Riyle took the bull by the horns.
"I do have one question."
"Yeah?"
She looked anywhere but at him.
"What the hell?"
"Language, Riyle."
"Sorry mum, but seriously Jas, Jason, whatever you decide to call yourself today I don't get it."
"Andyoudon'thaveto.Atleastnottoday. Bart's tone was one of finality. Even Riyle didn't want to mess with him. ItisherandSeth'sbirthday.Aren'tweoryoumeanttobecelebrating?"
"He'sright. Heidi turned off the television to address her children. Goandgetchanged.We'regoingout."
"Okay, well I'll see you tomorrow then, Jas."
Bart retrieved his coat from the back of the sofa and rose to his feet ready to leave.
"No. All of you get ready. That means you too Bart. We're going out."
"Mum-"
"I'm being serious Riyle. We can talk about everything tomorrow."
"I'm not exactly dressed to go out Mrs Costello."
"No well I have two boys. They can lend you something."
"Actually I have something you can borrow."
Jasmine blushed furiously as Riyle glared at her mutinously.
"Ok."
Bart winked at her discreetly.
"Jasminehon.Ihaveapresentforyou.Ithinkyoumightactuallylike it."
'Notachance!' "IamsureIwill."
"Hop in the shower and then I can help you with your hair and makeup."
"Mum…"
"Iwon'toverdoit. Her mum promised her. YouwanttomakeaneffortforBartdon'tyou?"
"I like her whatever she wears Mrs Costello."
"Kiss ass."
Riyle mumbled.
"Riyle if you don't grow up you won't be coming out with us tonight."
Heidi chastised him.
"Sorry mum."
He mumbled embarrassedly at being treated like a baby.
"Where are we going anyway?"
Seth interjected.
"Well…go and get ready and you will see."
In complete honesty she hadn't figured that part out yet.
"oh mum….."
Seth and Jasmine sulked playfully.
"Now, guys. And Riyle?"
"Yeah?"
"I was thinking we could do with having one more to balance out the numbers. I told Seth he could ask Sinead, so why don't you call Mitz?"
"Really? I thought you didn't want us to- you know?"
"I don't like it Riyle. I mean she is family. But what with everything that has happened if she makes you happy don't let that go. You've been through enough already."
"Oh thank you mum."
He embraced her tightly, as Seth and Bart appeared side by side downstairs.
"Youboyslookwonderful. Heidi managed to splutter. Where'sJas?"
"Upstairs I think. It is a beautiful dress Mrs Costello."
"You obviously have good taste Bart. I hope Jasmine approves."
"She does."
Jasmine glided onto the landing in her new black, diamante, knee length dress and heels and a Cheshire Cat grin on her face.
"You look beautiful, hon."
Heidi gushed as she wiped away the tears that were glistening in her eyes.
"Youlookamazing. Bart ascended the stairs and offered her his hand. Mylady?"
"Anytime. Anywhere."
She gladly accepted.
"Ishallholdyoutothat. He whispered seductively in her ear. Happybirthday,babe."