I made a new cover art to celebrate the 10 favs milestone. I found a really cool fanart and put it through photoshop, if you want the full image for yourself then send a PM or review to let me know.
Pardon typos and sorry for late update.
Adrian.
"Jazmine! Are you alright?!" Adrian calls out to her.
Jazmine and Huey had another fight. But she can tell that he was past his breaking point.
No matter how times got tough. Huey would never yell at her. Huey would never get mad, only irritated. Jazmine is familiar with that unbridled unmatched aura of hostility from Huey, yet for the first time in her life, she has finally ended up on the recieving end of Huey's aggression.
The way he spoke drove a wrecking ball into her heart. She can't tell if she is overwhelmed with grief and regret or if she is overwhelmed with the pain of Huey's words.
Jazmine yelled into the phone "You promised that you would stay with me forever! Where the hell are you?! Where is your promise now?!"
Huey responded with venom in his voice. "You said that you were going to follow me! You said that no matter what the hell I do, you would be by my side and help my fucking movement! So which one of us broke their fucking promise first?!
"Jazmine..." Adrian seems to be out of breath. "Classes are over... you've been outside in the snow for 3 hours!"
She doesn't respond.
"You skipped the entire day of classes... what the hell is going on Jazmine? Are you alright? Is something wrong?"
The two sat in a park bench for what felt like hours. Her story spewed out of her mouth as she explained her horrors and her sorrows. Jazmine had lost count how many times she has cried today, every agonizing minute has been a whirlwind of emotions.
Adrian speaks up. "Jazmine. I want to take a shot in the dark here."
Jazmine continues to sob.
"Break up with your boyfriend." He suggests.
Jazmine refuses to respond.
"Here's my two cents. You're breaking apart because he's hurting you. In my eyes, you have a toxic relationship because he's more concerned with work than his own girlfriend! He has an addiction, and while his work addiction has good intentions, it is still an addiction that's affecting your relationship."
Jazmine shakes her head profusely, she doesn't want to believe him.
Adrian continues. "What solutions do you even have Jazmine? He's never going to drop his career for someone else, you said yourself that he doesn't even give a fuck for his own brother. No matter what, he'll never quit until every little problem in the world gets fixed. Is that the kind of partner you would want in life? He'll always put work and his so-called 'dream' before your needs."
Jazmine's heart is crumbling at the truth.
"What else can you even do at this point? You can't just quit your degree and follow him as a dropout."
Jazmine whimpers as if in response.
"You can't be serious Jazmine! You can't abandon your education for that guy! What will you do Jazmine? Follow him around like a lost puppy? If you quit your classes, you're gonna be abandoning your dream of becoming a veterinarian!"
Jazmine... stays silent.
"Stay with us. Stay with your friends. Fuck that shitty boyfriend of yours. You have a whole life ahead of you Jazmine, you said that it was your dream to nurse and care for sick animals! What the hell is gonna happen to your future if you're just gonna drop everything for such a bitter miserable man? He wants everyone to be angry because he's angry! He thinks that the country is doomed and that we're all slaves to the white man but open your eyes Jazmine! The world is fine! Our people aren't slaves! Our people aren't oppressed! Deep down, he thinks he's suffering because that's the only kind of life he has ever known. Is that really what you want in a partner Jazmine? No matter what you do, your boyfriend will never change. He'll never listen to anyone but himself because to him, he believes everyone in the world is an idiot except him."
...
...
...
"Just break up with him... then your life can finally get back on track... finish your degree, finish vet school, then live a comfortable life in the job of your dreams. Isn't that the life that you've always wanted? Jazmine, you said it yourself that you're not meant to be a revolutionary. You said you want to live in a quiet little suburb like Woodcrest, in a stable job that you'll never get tired of, and a family with whom you can settle down for the rest of your life. Jazmine, you have to be honest to yourself, you will never get that kind of life with Huey Freeman, you'll be running around the country like hippies until you're 65!"
1 day later.
Huey Freeman observes a graceful figure and her long dark hair. The room is silent and dark except for a single light that illuminated the girl. She dances like a swan, moving in and out of the shadow like a symphony of stars. Her white dress twinkles into the bright and then darkens under the shadows of the stage, as if to tease the rays of lone spotlight.
She leaps and she falls, she rises and she descends. Her dance is that of a storyteller, as she presents her dance to the flow of a story tale. All eyes are turned towards the girl and to her story. To every echo of her elegant thunder, to every gesture, to every flow.
She concludes with a final leap and with the end of the music, the girl freezes in place like a toy doll. The crowd erupts in cheers.
The little girl finally jumps into unfiltered glee as she basks in the spotlight. The audience full of Chicagoans present their praise in thunderous applause.
Huey Freeman and the girl both exchange looks. He shows his mild approval with a absent-minded nod, the little girl beams a bright smile.
Little does the girl know that Huey Freeman is drowning.
"Thank you Mr. Freeman!"
"God bless you Huey Freeman!"
"You saved us Mr. Freeman!"
These words play a repeat on Huey's mind. His head is always ringing. The deafening claps of the people is only making it worse.
He looks at the little girl still smiling at him. She's of African descent, around 12 years old. The little girl's story was that of unspeakable trials. Huey had come to personally known her family's troubles as their fortune rose in and out of poverty. That was the story behind her dance, culminating to the final conclusion of becoming a ballet dancer and performing onstage.
It's just these little moments in Huey's career where he can finally see the fruits of his labor. His reward for all the trouble he's experienced. The Freeman Foundation has been sponsoring children who belong to poverty-stricken families. Huey has been pushing forth an emphasis on giving misfortuned children a brighter future, through education grants and philantrophy.
It gives their families hope. Especially the families who are extremely poor. When a parent has gone numb to poverty and they go day by day on empty stomachs, Huey had learned that the only thing that gives them hope is the futures of their children. Parents are more concerned of their children's success than the squalor of their own lives.
Huey sighs. A tired one. The curtains close and the crowd begins to leave. That girl will have a bright future ahead of her. Huey believes the evidence, she excelled in her ballet class and she'll continue to perform for months to come. He'll make sure the Freeman Foundation will continue to sponsor her once she graduates high school.
I have become what I have set out to be.
These words rattle inside his head. Huey despises the fate of the average American. Confined to a 9-5 job and indebted to a conglomerate until his usefulness is drained by the age of 50. Huey believes that true living is to live for yourself and be the sole owner of your fate.
It's not a political decision. it's simply his own philosophy of life. He prefers to lead and travel the world. Never staying in one place for too long. He prefers to witness everything nature has to offer before the eternal march of industry blots out every single trace.
He prefers to be rid of chains. To make his own decisions in life than to adhere to a boss or ruling figures. He has always been critical of authority, it's simply his nature to do so.
Huey has learned that life is too fleeting and too short to waste. Everything about his life has happened too fast.
When he was born, he remembered that he was a source of hope. When he was a child, his gifted intellect showed great promise to the people around him. They always told him that he was destined for great things and that he will always succeed in any path that he takes. But then his life came crashing down at the age of 8, when the people he loved died.
Granddad identified his parents' bodies at the morgue. He was still clutching on his mother's cold hand until workers pulled him away.
You will always succeed Huey. I believe that whatever you choose to be, you will always succeed.
At 9 years old, he was a domestic terrorist. At 12, he was on the FBI watchlist.
At 17, Aunt Cookie died. A year later, Robert Freeman died. Looking back from it now, the deaths of the people close to him, has pushed him further to growth and maturity. At 19, he became a revolutionary leader. At 21, he became the CEO of one of America's largest philanthropic ogranization.
And now at the age of 22. With millions of dollars to his name and countless supporters throughout the country, he still questions himself.
Is this really the life that he dreamed of? He has sold his soul. But not to the government, not to the corporate elite, but rather he has sold his soul to the poor and to the damned. He dreams of living in nature and solitude and yet his daily life has been nothing but touring cities and meeting immeasurable masses of people who yearn for any crumb or bit of hope that Huey can provide.
His life has become hectic, chaotic, and stressful. But deep down, all he really wishes is peace.
He wishes the world to be at peace and yet he's asking for two opposite things. How can he be at peace when he has to fix the world?
On a cold Chicago day, in the city where his life had begun. Huey Freeman sits in a chair and drowns in the seemingly depthless ocean of his work. Huey had made it Chicago. He is at the only place in the entire world that he would call home.
Everytime he visits this city is almost poetic in his eyes. The young prodigal son has returned home to his family and yet sadly, no one is left to greet his return. They're either dead or exiled. Huey is the only one left. He has never doubted his success. His mother always believed in him that he will make everyone proud—but Huey never imagined that no one would be left to congratulate his achievements.
Chicago is his home. Not Woodcrest. Not D.C. And yet there is nothing left but the laughter of demons and voices from the ghosts of his past.
He's signing books now. Inside a crowded hall, he is sitting down in front of a never-ending line of people. They have all come to see Huey Freeman, the leader of tomorrow, the revolutionary of Baltimore.
Huey had never once worried about money. His countless sets of skills ensured that he'll be able to provide for himself a comfortable life. And every month or so, he transfers money to Jazmine in order to pay for her classes and living expenses.
In fact, book sales have been one of his most steady sources of income. The Freeman Foundation's finances are separate from his own wealth and Huey refuses to take a cut from donations. So he thought of other ways to earn income for himself. Much like his heroes before him, writing autobiographies have became a way to earn some sort of living by sharing accounts of his public life.
Jazmine Dubois.
Huey can't help but think Jazmine has been an anomaly in his plans. He has planned out his life like a captain with a ship. And yet Jazmine has been the iceberg that forces him to drive the ship off course.
He truly loves Jazmine. His best friend and his very first supporter. He is still surprised with himself that he has decided to marry her someday. But he can't help but think he is at another crossroad in his life.
He wants to see her again. He wants to buy a ring and propose to her. Something in his mind is telling him that he's losing Jazmine from the chaos of his work.
But all that Huey can do is be confined and imprisoned by a prison of his own design. His career has done nothing but ensnare him like a rat and distance him from the only person who can make him smile.
Even now Huey is still stuck. He has to write autographs in his books and greet the sea of supporters who are all anxiously waiting for their turn in line. Huey can't help but ask himself; "Is this all really worth it?" He is providing income for the both of them and he is making a living for himself, so why is it that everything just feels so... wrong?
"Thank you so much Mr. Freeman!"
"You inspired me Mr. Freeman!"
"You're the best Huey Freeman!"
Huey Freemam isn't afraid of death. And he'll accept any fate that waits for him in the end. If Huey is doomed to this kind of life where his soul is drained to the last drop, in order to ensure a better future for his people, then so be it. He has no objections to a life full of stress, suffering, and exhaustion.
And yet why does he feel scared? For the first time... in a long time, Huey is afraid. He feels like that 8 year old orphan, his hand held tightly to the cold touch of his dead mother's hand. Screaming to never leave her behind because he was afraid of being alone. He has that same feeling today. Huey knows exactly why.
Jazmine punched Adrian on that snowy day in the park.
Actually it was worse. Using the techniques that Huey taught. She sprained his arm and gave him a black eye.
How dare you?!
How dare you talk to Huey like that?!
She had stopped crying. And it was replaced with anger. Huey Freeman, for all his flaws and for all his difficulties will never be the man that Adrian had described.
Huey may be stubborn, cold, and withdrawn, but in her heart she harbors hope for Huey Freeman. She believes that Huey Freeman will never abandon her promise. She will never let Adrian, Michael, or any other reason tear a hole in their relationship.
She couldn't believe she's punched someone for Huey's sake. a couple hours before, she was fighting with Huey on the phone. And now she's fighting someone else to in his defense.
She doesn't care if she'll never get the dream she's always wanted. She doesn't care if she doesn't finish her education and get her dream job anymore. That is the true meaning of love. To make sacrifices for your partner, to make comprimises. They'll both find a way to make it work in order to live a compatible life together.
After all, isn't that the whole point?
The day after she punched Adrian. Jazmine had quit her classes. She packed up her bags and she looked at the news for the final time. She looked at the TV to hear the report that Huey Freeman is in Chicago and leading a week-long protest. If Huey isn't able to come to her, then she'll just have to come to him. She was going to take a big leap forward and steer her life into the right direction.
Then her plan came crashing down.
The police knocked on her door. She was arrested for assault. Adrian had filed a report along with testimonies from 2 witnesses.
Jazmine Dubois. with a first-time felony, facing up to a maximum 25 years in prison. To say that Tom was in utter shock would be an understatement.
She was handcuffed and searched at the entrance of her home. Then taken to the police station to have her criminal record processed.
Jazmine stayed calm and compliant during the whole ordeal. Taking much from what little advice that Huey and her parents had given her in the past.
Jazmine Dubois. Age 22. Charged with first-degree assault.
They had taken her fingerprints and taken her mugshot. Her parents were notified and a legal advisor was contacted. Adrian and his family was going to press charges.
Jazmine can't recall much of yesterday. It was such a blur. She remembered punching his face and spraining his arm. She was so angry because of the disgusting words he said. She remembered being unstable, she wasn't at the right state of mind. But she came to the conclusion that she loves Huey Freeman, even after many recent doubts, she realized that despite all his flaws, she never stopped loving him.
That's why she punched Adrian. She might have broken a rib and she might have also broke his nose. But she's not going let Adrian disrespect her boyfriend's name.
"Was it wrong to do these things?" Jazmine asks herself.
She's sure that Huey is fighting his own demons at the moment. She truly believes that Huey is suffering from his work and missing her every day. But to think that Jazmine would be affected like this for the past few weeks has been a constant gnaw in her mind.
She's had a mental breakdown, she's had to take pills and see a doctor. Now she's arrested because Adrian suggested that Huey is ruining her life.
Is Huey truly ruining her life?
After interrogation, Jazmine finds out that Adrian has to drop the assault charges if she ever wants to get out. If Adrian wants to continue then she'll be sent to a jail until her case can be trialed in court.
It's been 12 hours since she's been arrested. The cold walls of her holding room make her feel a sense of dread. Did she just throw her life away because of her best friend?
The whole day has so far been traumatizing to her. The police officers treats her with a hidden sense of disgust underneath their disguised professionalism.
Jazmine speaks on the provided telephone. "Mom... Dad... I- need help..."
"Jazmine?! How could you?!"
"I- I- I'm sorry! I'm so so sorry!"
"M-my daughter... my daughter! NO! NO! She's going to be rap-
"Shut up Tom! Sweetie... where is Huey?"
"Chicago... mom- I- I don't know what to do!"
Sarah sighs on the phone. "They told us that you broke that boy's arm... is everything alright Jazmine?"
"He... he said that I should break up with Huey. I- I wasn't- thinking right... I was so angry!"
"Jazmine... is this because of that breakdown a few weeks ago?"
"Mom..." Jazmine clenches her teeth. "It's true..."
"Does Huey know? You never told him..."
She responds. "He doesn't."
"Why?"
"I don't want him to... worry about me... I don't want him to hate me because he'd be dropping his work so that he can take care of me! I don't want him to resent me!" Jazmine begins to cry on the phone.
"Jazmine! Huey is there to help you!"
"I know mom! I-I- know!" She sobs.
"Listen Jazmine. I'm going to call Huey. And your father and I are coming for you okay? We're going to solve this whole issue. Please stay safe sweetie, we love you!"
"Th- thanks mom..."
Doctor Huey Freeman enters D.C. like an Angel of Death. When Moses instructed the Israelites to splash goat blood on their doorways, the Angel of Death would spare them from God's wrath.
Crowds of supporters swarm his every move. He is welcomed like a hero. Cheers and celebrations come from people from all walks of life. To Asians, Blacks, Whites, and Latinos. They have all come to thank him for his work while his associates escort him away from the airport.
Jazmine Dubois sits quietly in her holding cell. Having called her parents a few minutes ago. She just wants this nightmare to end. She is the princess who is stuck at the top of a tower. She is the Rapunzel who is waiting for her prince to save her. In the corner of the room, she begins to pray while in handcuffs.
Huey has instructed his driver to take him to the police station. He then answers his phone. "Huey Freeman speaking."
It is Sarah. "Huey! Jazmine needs your help! She's been arrested!"
He sighs. "I know. I'm already on my way."
Jazmine has lost track of time. In a room with white floors and white walls, she has no way of telling the time of day. She knows that she's being watched, there is a security camera hanging from the ceiling. She tries to lay her head on the table and makes an attempt to sleep.
Huey arrives at the police precinct. The Washington D.C. Police Department has been a thorn in his side during the early days of his career. They tried to disperse his first few protests and made an effort to learn his whereabouts from time to time.
Huey steps out of the car and dismisses his driver away. The air is cold and silent, in front of him is a set of stairs that lead to the entrance of the building. Never would he have imagined that he would be the one to save Jazmine from prison. He always imagined that it would be the other way around.
Jazmine is sitting in the corner now. Her head is resting on top of her knees and quietly crying. She doesn't care if she's being watched. The security camera is pointing right at her. And suddenly, without warning, she feels a sense of death crawl up her skin.
It's a feeling of existential dread. In the 4 white walls that surround her, it feels like the room is going to close in and crush her.
The large metal door of her holding cell quickly stirs into motion. Jazmine is startled at the sudden noise.
She sees Huey Freeman walk into the room. There is no emotional reunion or magical moment between them. He stands with an unexplained dread in his figure. His tall looming figure overshadow Jazmine in the corner.
He scowls at the camera like an uninvited guest. "Turn it off." He says.
The operator in another room shuts it down.
Huey then turns to the girl in the corner. "Jazmine..."
"Are you angry?" She asks.
"Annoyed. Disappointed..."
"I- I... I'm sorry I got arrested."
"I don't care if you got arrested. Your mother told me that you went to the hospital a while ago. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I- I-" All that Jazmine can do is remain speechless.
He continues. "You had a mental breakdown. You took pills. You almost cheated on me with Caesar. Jazmine, I can piece the puzzle together. You're doing all these stupid things because of me. Is that true?"
"Yo- You weren't supposed to know..."
"Not supposed to know? Does our relationship mean anything to you? You broke my trust Jazmine."
"I'm so... so sorry!"
Huey takes a step forward. For a moment, Jazmine truly thinks that her life is in danger. She retreats into the corner while Huey's shadow slowly envelops her small sobbing figure.
He speaks softly. "But... I'm not mad Jazmine... I'm... sorry for doing this to you. I'm sorry for putting you through all this pain. I never knew how much I have been hurting you... please Jazmine... forgive me."
"Huey..." Tears run down her face.
He kneels down in front of her and cups her cheek. He gently wipes away her tears. "Let me take off your handcuffs."
She tearily smiles. "Okay..."
With a small lockpick from his pocket, he unlocks her handcuffs in just a few seconds. He stands up and holds out his hand. "Come on Jazmine. We're going home."
"Huey... the police—I can't... I'm arrested for assault..."
"Don't worry about that Jazmine. You're free." He smirks. "I blackmailed the chief of police."
Huey's car is waiting at the parking lot. Jazmine was so cold in the holding cell but now a jacket is laid on her as a blanket. She feels so warm under Huey's jacket, he had taken it off once he had noticed her shivering in the winter cold.
Within a few minutes, he parks the car at the apartment building and he carries Jazmine in his arms as he takes the long flight of stairs to their home.
She doesn't feel so cold anymore.
He sets her down at the entrance of their door and unlocks it with his key. The apartment has remained the same since he visited on Christmas. Nothing had changed.
Jazmine wants to smile again, but she can tell that Huey is disappointed. She realizes that Huey isn't disappointed at her. But rather at himself. In his eyes, he had let all of these things happen to her. He had fought her on the phone when her mental health was in shambles. In his maroon eyes, she can see only guilt inside.
Jazmine leads him to their couch. She just wants to sit down and retreat into his arms.
Huey sighs. "What are we going to do Jazmine?"
"W-what do you mean sweetie?"
"Our life is a complete fucking mess..."
"It's not Huey."
"I have to leave Jazmine. I have to leave in 5 minutes. I have to go back to Chicago."
Jazmine frowns. "Please... just hold me."
"I don't want to leave you... I'm going to hurt you if I leave."
Jazmine hugs him tighter. "I'll be okay Huey... I promise you. You won't hurt me... you're going to be doing so many great things. I'll be proud."
"Forgive me. I apologize for my actions."
"I forgive you... And I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I made you worry. I'm sorry for everything!" Jazmine cries again.
"Jazmine... promise you won't cry when I leave."
"I can't make that promise Huey." She replies tearily.
...
...
...
Jazmine stutters with her words. "D-did you say you wanted a child? Y- you said that you were making the world a better place for our child..."
"I did."
"B-but you said... that chance was gone..."
"I was mad Jazmine... I didn't mean what I said."
"Wh- when will I get to see you again?"
Huey sighs. "I don't know."
It's raining now. As if the angels are mourning the events that have transpired. Jazmine returns the jacket that she has been using as a blanket this entire time. With a silent longing look between them, he opens the door and leaves her once again.
She wants to scream. She wants to yell at him to come back. But she understands that she's not going to repeat history. She simply waved goodbye and gives a teary smile according to what a good girlfriend should act.
In the pouring freezing rain of winter, Huey Freeman walks out the building and calls for a cab. He'll leave his car for Jazmine's use. He just hopes he can get a taxi who can take him to the airport on time.
Jazmine looks from the window. Is this a nightmare? She was standing in front of Huey. She wanted him to stay. But instead, she froze in place like one of her nightmares. She stood frozen and unable to move, in her mind she is screaming, as she is forever doomed to a life apart from him.
She continues to stare at the figure from outside the window. The pouring rain is leaving his suit drenched. She can tell that Huey is suffering inside too. She can tell that departing again is hard on him too. She forgot to kiss him. She forgot to say 'I miss you'. Is this really what a relationship is about? To suffer alone and face their demons alone?
The freezing rain is daunting to Jazmine. But she runs out the door and chases after Huey Freeman.
"Huey!"
He thinks to himself. What are you doing Jazmine? You're gonna get a cold. He sighs.
"Jazmine?"
"I brought you an umbrella!" She shouts as she runs outside.
"Stay inside."
Jazmine ignores him. "Take it!" She finally reaches him and hands him an umbrella. She stares into those maroon times, in what she imagines could be the final time.
"Jazmine..."
"Huey..."
Jazmine hugs him tightly, the umbrella drops to the ground. It was simply an excuse to say one last goodbye.
"I miss you Huey..."
"I miss you too..."
Jazmine's tears don't mean a thing in the pouring rain.
"I don't want you to leave!"
"I don't want to leave you either..." He replies.
Their puffy hair both lose shape in the rain.
"Th- then stay..." She pleads. "Stay with me..."
"I- I- I can't." Huey struggles to speak.
Jazmine goes down in one knee.
She kneels in front of Huey. She takes a box from her pockets and she presents a small gold ring towards him. It is a simple engagement ring devoid of any details. She figured that it would be exactly what he'd prefer.
"What are you doing Jazmine?"
She's been waiting to say these words her entire life. "Marry me."
"Jazmine..."
"Marry me Huey Freeman."
The freezing rain turns to snow. The evening has gone dark and only a single street lamp illuminates the street. A man in a suit with a drenched afro is standing. A woman with drenched puffy hair is kneeling in front of him.
"Stand up." He says.
"Hu- Huey?" She is speechless.
"Stand up. Stop kneeling." He repeats again.
Jazmine doesn't respond. She freezes in place once again.
With an annoyed sigh. Huey kneels as well.
Jazmine's fear turns into surprise as Huey takes out his own box. It fit into the palm of his hand.
"Huey?"
The couple is kneeling in front of each other. One has a dark and solemn face. The other is in pure and utter shock.
"Jazmine I don't... I don't know how to do this..."
"Huey..."
"I'm not good at things like this..."
"It's okay Huey. Please..."
He looks her in the eye. "Everytime you ask me to stay... I feel like a hundred daggers is digging into my skin. Because I can't stay. Because the burden of my work demands that I have to leave you alone. It hurts me inside..."
"Huey..."
"I don't want you to be the one to ask Jazmine Dubois. I want to be the one to ask your hand in marriage. For the past 2 years I thought I have been trying to keep you safe from the dangers of my revolution... but I- I realized that I was only running away from you. You are the most beautiful, most kindest, most sweetest, most kind-hearted woman I have ever met... and I don't want to see you kneeling in front of me and asking to marry me... I don't deserve it. I never deserve that chance where I am the one to decide."
She remains silent.
He continues. "I don't deserve you Jazmine... after all the things I've done to you... but I want to make amends. If marriage and matrinomy is what it takes to bring our lives together then I'll gladly do whatever it takes. If marrying you is what it takes for me to never leave your side then I'll put this stupid ring around your finger and be done with those pointless celebrations."
"I don't have any family left except for that crooked idiot of a brother. I was in Chicago, Jazmine. I thought I was finally home. That was the city where I had experienced the only memories of my parents. Yet there was nobody left. My family... my parents are dead. I had realized that Chicago is no longer my home."
"My home is where you are, Jazmine Dubois. In this apartment. With you. I never realized how much I wanted a family until I started loving you... You are the light that saved me from my darkness. You are the only person in the world that listens to anything I have to say... And I hate myself for almost losing you. I'm afraid to lose you Jazmine... I truly do. But if you would give me your hand in marriage, then under the eyes of God and the law, I swear to never leave your side ever again..."
She giggles at the complicated wording. "Huey... please sweetie... just say what you want to say..."
"Marry me? ...Jazmine Dubois."
"Are you going to leave me again? Are you going to ignore me when I ask you to stay? That is all I ever ask... Huey Freeman."
"Under the state of Maryland, I guess I'm legally obligated to listen to my wife..."
Jazmine makes further demands. "I want to join your revolution. I want to be with you during every speech and every meeting. I want to follow you to every corner of this country and help make your dream come true. I'm sick and tired of living alone without you. Everytime I wake up, I keep thinking that you'd be waking up next to me-
He smiles. "Okay... Jazmine. We'll make it work. We'll figure it out."
"Ask me again Huey... ask it again."
He makes an annoyed sigh. His leg is getting tired from kneeling. "Will you marry me?"
"Yes! YES!"
Jazmine jumps into Huey's arms. They fall into the ground where a small layer of snow cushioned their fall.
They kiss under the falling snow. Suddenly, Jazmine doesn't feel sad anymore when it snows. She doesn't even feel cold. Under the arms of her soon-to-be, she can only feel the warmth of a bright future ahead.
"Huey! You're supposed to show me the ring!"
"Sorry... haven't done this before."
After so many moments of crying. After years of distance apart. She can finally smile. She can finally say goodbye to the countless nights of loneliness. They'll be starting a brand new chapter in life.
Huey shows her the engagement ring. A 6 carat diamond ring that shines brightly even under the shadow of night.
"It's synthetic... I didn't buy a natural diamond because of the horrible business practices with diamond mines..."
She gasps. "I- It's beautiful Huey..." The diamond is almost the size of her eye.
"You like it?"
"I love it Huey... are you going to leave for your plane?"
"No... I changed my mind. Come on Jazmine. Let's go home. You're gonna catch a cold."
She smiles. "Can... you carry me?"
"Seriously?" Huey smiles.
"Seriously. Thank you... Huey. For everything."
Jazmine dropped everything. Her dream of being a veterinarian will be long gone. But she found a new dream. A dream where she'll marry her best friend and make the world a better place. Huey has sacrificed so much for her to get to where they are now. Ever since she met him, he has saved her countless times, and every single day, he would always spend time with her instead of working towards his dream.
Now it is Jazmine's turn to make sacrifices. She'll be with him and he'll be with her. No matter what happens, they'll be together till the end. Deep down, she never really had any doubts with marrying Huey Freeman. She's certain that she's the only woman in the world that he'd be slightly wiliing to spend eternity with.
Had a hard time writing this chapter again. I was trying a lot of add hidden meanings and stuff. Get it guys? Diamonds are made with extreme pressure? Wow poetic right?
So wow, he finally proposed and they'll figure something out. This is a new phase in their life where Jazmine and Huey are going to be full-blown revolutionaries and I'm excited to write the next chapters to describe what exactly that life would be like. It was a tough journey to get here, I'm fully responsible for that, but yeah thanks for the people who's still reading.
Also any thoughts on the new cover? Don't know if people would like it. Btw if you are on mobile you prob won't see it.
If you think this is the end of the book (considering it's happy-ending material), then no. It is not the end. Our Future Revolution for a hundred years, let's go.