In the palace Aladdin paced frantically. He ruffled his hair and groaned in frustration. He had lost Jasmine. Even with Genie's superhuman magic he could not find her. He was on his own.
"Genie are you sure you can't just summon her here-"
"I already told you no!" Genie snapped back.
"Why? You're being selfish by not using your magic for the better,"
Genie was taken aback by words. He put his hand on his chest and gasped, "Me? Why should I help you out of a situation you partly caused,"
"Genie please. It's all our fault that this happened. We should have paid more attention to her," Aladdin begged.
"Aladdin you have to understand," Genie took a huge sigh, "Problems like these… it's best if we don't use magic. If you really wanted to show her that you're dedicated and caring you would go out yourself and find her. Using magic is just a short term solution if you think of it,"
"I understand…" Aladdin said defeated.
"I'm sorry Al. I would but again-"
"It's better if we don't" Aladdin interrupted, "You're right Genie it's not right of me to let you to fix a mess you never caused,"
"Al we'll find her you know that,"
"But what if we don't?! Jasmine is out, sick, ill, mentally and physically in a massive city! She doesn't know what it's like to live out there, she does- she doesn't know the- the-" Aladdin rambled on. Genie listened intently as he laid on a giant pillow nearby, "Genie I need help. Can you think of anywhere Jasmine would be?"
Genie thought for a moment and then a literal lightbulb went off in his head, "I got it! Think of all the places that mean a lot to you guys!"
"Like what?"
"Oh I don't know. Maybe somewhere you met-"
"The marketplace!" He figured it out.
Though his excitement vanished when he looked over and saw Genie shaking his head.
"Try again,"
Aladdin thought hard. Where was a place that meant a lot to them? "The bakery?"
"Aladdin! Try someplace made of stone,"
Aladdin kept thinking. He knew it deep in his mind. As he thought, Genie kept giving hints.
"A place you yourself lived for a long time. Where you grew up…"
"The hovel…?" he asked.
Genie nodded his head. Aladdin's face palmed hard and sighed.
"That should have been the first place. I can't believe that you," Aladdin pointed at Genie, "You thought of it before me. I'm such a terrible husband…"
"You got one thing right,"
Aladdin looked at Genie annoyed.
"But it's not too late to fix it,"
"Yes it is," Aladdin whispered to himself.
"Aladdin at least try. You can't just leave her out there,"
"I know… I guess I'm just dreading seeing her," he admitted.
"Why?"
"I don't know, just give me a day. I'll see you later Genie. Thanks for the help,"
The two embraced in a hug for a while. After the embrace Aladdin left on foot back to the place he once called home. Every step he took the more anxious he became. He wasn't sure what Jasmine would look like or even do when she saw him again.
Aladdin stood at the entrance to his hovel. A million thoughts ran through his mind. Some of Jasmine and some of memories of who he once was. After a full minute of just standing at the entrance he finally began to ascend the stone stairs. The dark spiral staircase sent him into a trance. One where he was back to the time he was first leading Jasmine to his home. He remembered her smile, charm, and how happy she was. He remembered her giggle and the way she spoke in such a manner you could get lost in.
Aladdin stood on the last step of the staircase in complete darkness. He didn't know how to approach the situation. Should he just walk in and introduce himself or should he just wait for her to notice. After an agonizing silence he finally decided to just wing it. Aladdin took in a deep breath and then walked into the hovel. But after searching and turning the whole place over there was no sign of Jasmine.
He was about to give up until an odor stopped him. It was a foul order that reminded him of something he knew all too well. After some searching he found the source. A clay pot. Aladdin contemplated opening it. He knew what was in there, but he still wanted to see? Finally he found enough courage and opened the pot. Immediately he was met by the smell of old piss and other foreign masses he didn't even want to think off. After only 3 seconds of opening it he threw it off the side of the hovel and out the window. He took a while to compose himself. He wanted to lay down on a pillow and think, but all of them were gathered in one corner of the room. He slowly approached the heap and peaked over the side. No Jasmine. But it was clear it was a makeshift sleeping mattress.
Aladdin examined the bed by tearing it apart. He thought this was Jasmine's doing but after finding locks of black hair his suspicions were confirmed. He laid down on the bed and thought for a moment. Aside from the makeshift toilet and bed everything seemed like it once was. Except with one thing missing, Jasmine.
"Oh Jasmine," he whispered under his breath.
Aladdin cursed himself for letting this happen. 'How could I let this happen? I should have paid more attention to her dangit. This is all my fault!' He ridiculed himself. For now he would wait. Wait, wait like he always did. The prince sat down on a nearby stone and looked out to the city. Again he found himself lost in thought. Something Jasmine probably did as well. As he watched the city below he thought of Jasmine. He thought of her running along the streets and immersed along with all her people. Aladdin's eyes wandered over to the bed. He sighed as he thought of Jasmine sleeping all alone. He imagined her crying. His heart broke as he thought of her. As he watched the day go by, the only thing he wanted more than anything was Jasmine.
In the city the princess walked along with her people. Two times she had almost been recognized. Her quick thinking was the only thing that saved her. As the days passed on she found herself avoiding public conversation with anyone. Which unfortunately caused her to avoid all places she had been earlier. She hadn't visited the bakery, candle store, bookstore, or any other places she had been to earlier. Her routine would be to wake up some time in the morning, buy food, eat food somewhere nearby, and then wander around until it was time for bed. It was a boring lonely routine, but at least she would be away from the place that brought her stress.
Right now Jasmine found herself wandering on the outskirts of the palace. She walked continuously around the marble base that the grand palace stood on. To anyone it was a useless waste of time but for Jasmine she found it busy work. Something to keep her busy as the day pressed on. According to the sun it looked like she had been up for only two hours. Jasmine let out a large groan and leaned against the wall. She sighed and used a stick nearby to doodle in the dirt path.
"Oh me? I'm Iago and you're my best friend," Jasmine mumbled as she drew the bird into the sand. Then she drew a wavy tail, big ears, and the rest of a monkey. She laughed as she made the two hold hands, "Phenomenal cosmic power!" she whispered. Slowly she found herself drawing out her entire family. The last one she needed was herself. She sighed and began to draw herself.
"Oh me? Yeah me… I'm the princess, someone who everyone once loved," she mumbled. Finally after drawing her eyes she was done. She smiled and looked over her masterpiece. In The middle were her and Aladdin and off to the side were Iago and Abu holding hands. Rajah was riding Carpet and her father was close. Above them all was Genie who was doing a magic show in the background. Her stomach growled. She clutched it and moaned. Yesterday she had skipped out on eating and today she missed breakfast. She felt her cheek bones and sighed.
"It's just one interaction," she told herself.
Getting up she brushed away her photo and walked toward the marketplace. On her way she thought of what she should have. She couldn't go buy another pear since she had been there before and she couldn't remember where the rice cake stall was.
"Would the lady like fresh fish?" a seller asked her.
Jasmine shook her head at the man. She had found that over trial and error fish were completely a no go. Jasmine thought for a while and then decided on some bread. Her eyes searched the surrounding market stalls for any sign of fresh baked bread. Finally some time after looking she found one. After waiting in line and buying the food she walked over to a nearby bench and sat down. She breathed, looked at the bread, and thought. For the longest time the princess just stared at either the floor, bread, or the people walking by.
It was around late afternoon when the princess headed back to the hovel to take her evening nap. Even though she promised herself that she wouldn't go back to the hovel until dark she had to make an exception. Right now she was on the brink of passing out. She took a long sip from a canteen of water she had bought earlier. Eventually she had stumbled her way back to the stone hovel. She sighed and then ascended the stairs. What she wanted was to go to sleep. She expected to be met by an empty hovel, but this time something was different. In the window was a figure. Lit by the sun it was obvious to her who it was.
Jasmine gasped inside, he had found her. She began to step back hoping he didn't notice her. But it was too late.
"It's been some time," Aladdin mumbled. He quickly turned around to face her. His face was full of anger and rage, "Where the hell have you been!?" he asked angrily.
Jasmine ran her fingers through her hair and thought frantically for something to say.
"I- I- just needed time away-" she stammered
"I'm aware of that! Why did you run away? Do you know how much danger you were in and how much stress you've caused all of us!?" he screamed.
Jasmine could feel him getting angrier and upset.
"I just wanted to get away from-"
"From what!? Help? You had it right where you were. There's no reason for you to run away!" he cried at her.
Jasmine shook her head at him, "No! I ran away because I was tired of fighting. I know I know it was a risky decision and it was a terrible decision. But honestly I really needed it,"
"Jasmine, you can't keep running away from help."
"I wasn't! I was running toward it," she tried to explain.
Aladdin let out a large sigh and took a step back.
"How were you running toward it?" he asked.
Jasmine thought for a moment. "Aladdin… you might not believe me, in fact you probably won't. But I know that for me," Jasmine pointed at her chest, "for me it's best to be alone to sort my thoughts. And I couldn't just wait around and let you control me and yell at me-"
"Jasmine I-"
"STOP! Let me speak! I know what I need to do to get better. I need to get away from the constant fighting," she explained as she dug her head in her hands, "And if that means running away, fine. I can manage,"
Aladdin sighed and looked up at her slowly, "I'm sorry… I'm sorry you felt like no one understands you. And I'm sorry for what's been going on. But honestly… running away is not the answer,"
"I know…" she admitted, "I- I just needed some time alone. And away from the palace. Do you know Aladdin how much stress, pressure and just sadness I've been through? I need a break,"
"I understand," Aladdin said, defeated. He sat down on a nearby stone and breathed in deeply.
"Aladdin please don't be disappointed in me. I've already disappointed enough people-"
"I'm not. I'm just uh… just upset,"
"I know. I am too," she sighed.
Seeing Jasmine defeated and upset, some of his anger flushed away. What he cared for most was finding her and he did. While he watched her crumble onto a nearby stone bench inside his heart broke. Heartbroken, he walked over to her and hugged her. Jasmine without any second thought crawled into his arms and cried.
"Shh don't cry Jas. I'm not mad,"
"I'm sorry… It was so lonely," she mumbled.
"I'm so sorry. This was bound to happen,"
Jasmine stopped crying and looked up at him, "What do you mean?"
"I should have known this was going to happen. We all did,"
The princess looked away and began to tremble, "It's not your fault. Don't take blame. I should have thought more about the consequences. But no I was selfish and couldn't think of anything but me," she cried.
"Jasmine, don't belittle yourself like that,"
"I can't help it," she cried.
Now the sun was beginning to set and the sky was turning blue.
"Are you ready to head home?"
Jasmine was quick to shake her head and cry.
"Please. Everyone wants to see you," he begged.
She only shook her head more, "No please! I can't Aladdin,"
"Why?"
"I'm scared! I can't!"
Aladdin took her hand and gave it a kiss. She looked at him confused and then at the palace.
"Aladdin I can't… It's too much. I can't go back now,"
"Your father is missing you dearly," he told her.
"I know…"
"Then why don't you go back?"
"What will they say?"
"You'll have to find out,"
"No," she declined.
Aladdin walked away from her and stood at the entrance of the hovel.
"You're not going to leave are you?" she asked.
"No, of course not. I'm not leaving you again,"
"I know you're upset with me… and I really am sorry. I didn't realize my mistake before it was to late,"
"Yeah that's for sure,"
"Aladdin I did have a good time on the first day," she told him.
"Tell me about it," he mumbled sarcastically.
"No I did. I actually ate and I met a lot of good people. And I went shopping!" she boasted.
"Is that why there's a candle with your face on it?"
Jasmine nodded.
"Well that's great. At least one of us had good time,"
"No, do you listen? I said the first day! Not all week,"
"And…?"
"And next thing I knew I became lonely and depressed…" Jasmine walked up to him and took his hand, "Don't you see Aladdin? I'm agreeing with you! You're right, it was foolish of me to run away and I'm sorry,"
"Well I forgive you. Just please can we go back,"
Jasmine's eyes wandered from his face down to the floor.
"What's so terrifying about going back?"
"I don't know… I guess I'm just scared to go back to see everyone,"
"They won't belittle I promise," he reassured her.
"I know… it's just scary to see them again,"
Aladdin chuckled, "You know that they aren't scary monsters right?"
Jasmine nodded and leaned up against Aladdin.
"I guess I'm just scared of going back into the routine,"
"I promise it will be different,"
Jasmine only hugged him closer, "I really am sorry. I know that a simple apology can't make up for what I've put you through. I just want you to know that I understand my mistake and I'm sorry,"
"I understand. If you want to stay out here longer I understand,"
"No… I should go back. If I don't I'll probably just be stuck in an endless cycle of being afraid," she admitted.
"Whenever you're ready,"
The two sat across from each other staring at the city below. Every now and then she let out small whimpers. Aladdin gazed from the city back to Jasmine. By the time one of them spoke the moon was peeking behind the palace.
"Are you ready yet?"
Jasmine didn't respond and only stared at him.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know…" she cried. Jasmine cupped her hands around her face and cried.
"Jasmine please. Do it for me…"
"Can we just spend the night here? Just one more night,"
Aladdin looked away from her and took a deep breath in. Was he really going to do this?
"Please," she begged, her voice pained with sadness.
Aladdin got up and sighed and headed over to the bed.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Just adjusting it for two people,"
Jasmine let out a chuckle and smiled.
"Thank you. You're the most amazing person ever,"
Aladdin looked up at her and laughed.
"And you are to,"
After adjusting one more pillow he ruffled his hair and stood up. He looked at the bed one more time before turning around to Jasmine.
"Jasmine?"
"Yeah,"
"When was the last time you bathed?" he asked.
Jasmine looked at him confused. After some thinking she shrugged her shoulders. Aladdin let out a chuckle and laughed. Though his happiness vanished when he saw her expression change.
"Jasmine honestly I wasn't offending you. I know it's been hard it was just-"
"Funny? You think it's funny that I've been so depressed that I haven't bothered to shower," she accused.
"No, it just reminded me of the time I didn't shower for a week. Even Abu couldn't handle the smell," he corrected.
Jasmine chuckled and sighed, "It's ok. I was just over reacting,"
Aladdin walked up to her and grabbed her hand. Slowly he led her to the makeshift bed, "Ta da! It isn't much but-"
He stopped when he saw her lean down and then fall onto the bed. She sighed and then hummed.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she laughed, "It's just more comfortable than I could ever imagine,"
"Well get ready for tomorrow when you'll be sleeping on a mattress," he said while he laid down in bed.
"I love you. Thank you for coming after me,"
"Anytime princess. Sleep well,"
"You really do care," she mumbled as her heavy eyes shut.
"Of course. I love you and you know that you deserve the world,"
Jasmine smiled at his complement and then shortly fell asleep in his arms. Aladdin watched as her small frame moved up and down. Though he wasn't too thrilled about spending the night in his old hovel that smelled like rotten cheese as long as Jasmine was safe in his arms he could manage. After just watching her sleep the prince slowly found himself falling asleep. It wasn't until midnight by the time both were finally asleep.
Aladdin awoke to the sun shining down in his face. He moaned when he remembered that he had forgotten to shut the curtain last night. After stretching he slowly removed himself from the sleeping princess and closed the curtain again. He brushed the dirt off his pants and yawned again. His stomach growled. Though he was hungry he couldn't imagine leaving Jasmine alone in the hovel again. He walked over to the princess and leaned down.
"Princess it's time to wake up," he whispered in her ear.
After some time he did it again. He watched her stretch and moaned. Aladdin laughed as he watched her attempt to fall asleep and get comfortable.
"Jasmine time to wake up," he said.
Jasmine's eyes fluttered open. Her eyes darted around the room and then stopped when they landed on Aladdin.
"Good morning. Ready for breakfast?"
Jasmine moaned and closed her eyes again.
"Oh Jasmine…' he mumbled.
He leaned over Jasmine and then began to tickle her. Her eyes shot open and she let out desperate pleas and laughter.
"Aladdin stop," she giggled.
"I'll only stop once you get up out of bed,"
He wanted to keep tickling her but stopped abruptly when he made it to her stomach. Jasmine let out a terrible cry and backed up quickly up against the wall.
"NO STOP! Please don't!" she screamed.
Aladdin was taken aback from her sudden outburst and was left speechless. After a minute of her hugging herself and crying she stopped suddenly.
"Sorry… I just don't like people touching me in that area," she apologized.
"It's ok I shouldn't have just done that abruptly,"
"No, it's fine. I should be getting used to it. Plus it was fun,"
Aladdin gave her a quick kiss on her forehead. His heart broke as the idea of what could have happened for her to be so self conscious of her belly area. Though he put off asking that question when he heard her stomach growl. She clutched it and moaned.
"You're hungry aren't you?"
"Yes, very. Can we go get something," she asked.
"Of course, I'll go get the bag,"
Jasmine waited on the bed and watched as Aladdin walked over to the blue pot. Even though Aladdin knew that there was nothing bad in the pot he still wanted to check. Jasmine, seeing this, looked to the window and sighed.
"I'm sorry you had to see what was in that other pot,"
Aladdin knowing what she was referencing quickly tried to change the subject, "Don't be sorry, you had to. How about after we eat we can take a trip to the bathing house for you,"
Jasmine thought for a moment and then nodded, "That sounds wonderful,"
Aladdin tucked the bag in his pants and then walked over to her. Slowly he helped her stand and regain her balance. He brushed off her dirt caked robes and hair.
"Maybe we should get a new outfit too," he suggested.
"I guess. I mean I have been in this one for a week," Jasmine sniffed part of her sleeve and was repulsed by the smell, "And it's stinky,"
Aladdin wanted to laugh but decided not to after what happened last time he did. It was late morning by the time the two walked down the hovel stairs and back into the marketplace. The fresh smell reminded both of them of the time when they both met. Both got a sudden rush of happiness. It was clear both were reminded of their marketplace dates.
"What do you want?" Aladdin whispered over her shoulder.
"Rice cakes," she responded.
"Do you know where they are?"
Jasmine shook her head, "I went there once but I didn't go back,"
"Why?"
"I had to avoid any contact I had before. Everyone still thinks I'm missing,"
The two explored the marketplace hand in hand for a while searching for the rice cake stall. Many times they would come across a stall that peaked Aladdin's interest. Though Jasmine would always turn it down. It was by late afternoon that the two finally gave up their search. Still hungry and tired, the two sat on a bench to think of what to do next.
"So what now?"
"I don't know, sorry,"
Aladdin sighed and looked over at her, "Look don't be sorry for anything. We'll find something to eat,"
"It's ok. If you want to get yourself something you can,"
"Are you sure?"
Jasmine nodded.
"Well I was kinda in the food for falafel,"
The princess thought for a moment, "I think I'll stick with fruit or something,"
"Well we better hurry, all the stalls are about to close for lunch break,"
The couple quickly got up and walked back into the marketplace. The fresh smell of spices were gone and replaced by the smell of soups and warm food. It was clear that many of Agrabah's citizens were making lunch.
"Stay here Jas, I'm gonna go get us some falafel," Aladdin told her.
Jasmine watched from afar as Aladdin bought the food. From what she could hear and see it looked like he had bought six. While she waited for him to pay the princess examined the nearby stalls. There was a fruit stand. Just then Aladdin came back with a warm bag of falafel in his hands.
"Can we go there?" she asked.
Aladdin looked at the stall she was pointing to and nodded. The two walked up to the wooden stall. In front of Jasmine were hundreds of fruits to choose from.
"Do you know what you want?"
Jasmine shook her head.
"Apple?" she shook her head.
"Peach?" again the princess shook her head.
"I want a pear," she responded.
"One pear for the lady!" the man exclaimed. Aladdin and Jasmine watched as the man picked up the fruit, examined it, and then tossed it to Jasmine. She didn't even move from Aladdin when she saw it was coming right at her. Aladdin quickly caught it.
"Quick reflexes. I miss when I had those," the man laughed.
The two walked away from the stall and around a corner. There the two sat in silence for a while eating their fruit.
"So uh… how's the pear?"
Jasmine shrugged her shoulder and took a small bite, "It's a pear,"
Aladdin smiled and picked up a falafel ball, "Here try one,"
The princess was quick to decline.
"Please Jas,"
"I'm fine with my pear,"
"You're missing out,"
Jasmine shrugged her shoulders.
"So what should we talk about?" Aladdin asked.
"I don't know, what did we talk about before when we were on marketplace dates?"
Aladdin gave a confused look, "We're on a date?"
"I guess,"
The prince was about to finish the last falafel before he stopped, "Last chance,"
Jasmine was about to refuse but something stopped her.
"Break me off a piece,"
Aladdin doing as he was told broke the ball in half and gave it to the princess. She stared at it for a while before picking it apart. Aladdin watched as Jasmine dug out the filling and tore apart the chickpea crust.
"Is everything ok?"
"Yeah… why?"
Aladdin chuckled, "Cause you're pulling the entire thing apart,"
Jasmine looked at him and then back at the falafel bits. Slowly she put it in her mouth and chewed. A moment of silence was shared before Aladdin spoke.
"So uh… do you like it?"
"I guess. Not my favorite,"
"Tell you what you finish that pear of yours and then we'll go buy you some new clothes,"
"Oh no it's fine. I change back once I'm done showering,"
Aladdin walked up to her and picked up a piece of her robe, "Jas I'm not going to let you wear this anymore,"
The princess examined the piece that was in his hands. It was torn, dirty, and vomit covered. She was taken aback.
"I hope my nightgown isn't in the same condition,"
"You have another layer?"
"Yeah it's the nightgown I wore the night we had the fight,"
"Have you ever taken off the robe?"
Jasmine thought for a moment and then shook her head.
"And brushed your hair?"
"Are you interrogating me?" she asked.
Aladdin shook his head, "Let's just go get some new clothes, stalls should be reopened,"
Aladdin took her hand and together they walked to the clothing section of the marketplace. Silks, textiles, and cloth were piled high on market stalls. Dresses, pants, and clothing were hung high enough so market goers could get a good look. The prince and princesses walked around and examined each stall. Aladdin was looking at some embroidered vests when Jasmine called for him. He turned his body and saw Jasmine eyeing a beautiful purple outfit. He walked over to examine it closer. It was a long sleeved two piece made of silk. The bottoms were pants with a lilac colored skirt.
"Please Aladdin," she begged.
"You want a two piece?"
"I'll want a robe to go over it. I just want it please,"
Aladdin smiled at her and pulled out the bag of coins.
"Is there enough?" Jasmine asked, looking at the bag.
"Of course, besides I have another," Aladdin jingled another in his pockets. Jasmine let out a giggle and leaned against Aladdin, "Jas is that going to fit?"
"I don't know. I hope so,"
"Is something wrong?" A woman's voice called. The two looked up and saw a young woman with short black hair.
"Oh we were just wondering if that purple outfit would fit her," Aladdin said pointing to Jasmine.
"Hmm well I did happen to make it adjustable. I think it should fit her. You can try it on," the woman offered.
"We're heading to the shower's next. We can just take it now," he declined as he pulled out a bag of coins. After paying and watching the women package the outfit the couple waved goodbye and left.
"I love you," Jasmine whispered as she leaned against him.
"I love you too. Is it ok if we take a detour to the vest stall?"
Jasmine nodded and the couple then walked back to the stall.
"The prince is visiting my stall? What could be better?" the seller boasted.
"Well maybe if the pr-" Aladdin started until he felt his foot be kicked. He looked back and saw Jasmine shaking her head, "Yeah… what could be better?"
Aladdin took a moment to examine each and every vest. His hands graced over their embroidered silk design. Jasmine went over and picked up a white and gold one. On the sides were golden embroidered swirls. On the back were even more.
"Hey Aladdin I think you'll like this," she said walking over with it.
Aladdin looked at the vest and then noticeably cringed, "Oh uh Jas you know…"
"I know you don't like dressing up but it's nice,"
"I don't know…"
"Hey if I tried a bite of falafel you can try it just for once," she told him.
"Really" Aladdin looked at her and crossed his arms.
"Fine if you don't want it that's fine. But for now let's just go get another cloak," she agreed.
Aladdin gave her a kiss and the two walked away. It took them a moment but they finally had made it to a stall that sold cloaks. Aladdin examined the cloaks for sale.
"So what are you thinking?" he asked.
"Is the lady looking for a new cloak?" a voice asked.
Jasmine nodded.
"Well I think this blue one with golden embroidering would be pretty on you," the seller suggested pulling it over.
"Uh I'd rather not. Do you have another brown one?" she asked. Jasmine pointed to her own, "Like this one,"
"Yes. I have many,"
Jasmine's stomach growled. She looked down to the floor. Aladdin, noticing this, walked over to her and held her for a while.
"Well just take one of your brown ones," Aladdin said.
Aladdin paid for the cloak and after the seller wrapped it up the two left.
"Aladdin before we go can we sit down for a minute?" she asked, holding her stomach.
"Yeah of course,"
The couple walked over to a nearby bench around the corner. Carefully he helped Jasmine sit on the bench.
"Are you ok?"
"No… my stomach hurts," she complained.
"Do you think the pear was spoiled or something?"
"No…" Jasmine mumbled, "Anytime I eat it hurts,"
Aladdin sat down on the bench next to her and took her in his arms. For the next few minutes he heard little whimpers of pain escape her frail body. He wiped away her tears as they poured from her tired eyes. Next thing he knew she was sobbing out of control.
"Jasmine what's wrong?"
"It just hurts,"
"Your stomach?"
"Everything," she whispered.
The couple sat on the bench for half an hour waiting for the princess' pains to go away.
"What's on your mind?" Aladdin whispered, finally breaking the silence between the two.
"A lot,"
"Just give me one for now," he told her.
Jasmine wiped some tears away from her cheeks before breathing in deeply.
"It's all just catching up. I'm just… I don't know. I can't explain it. I'm just scared or worked up, I don't know. It's probably both," she tried to explain.
"It's ok Jas. Just try to relax,"
"I- I know… I'm sorry," she mumbled. Jasmine grabbed onto his hand and brought it down.
"Don't be sorry for anything. Are you better now?"
"I guess. I'm just kinda scared,"
Aladdin thought for a while before speaking, "about going back home?"
Jasmine sighed before giving a slight nod, "I'm sorry… it's just something about going back and seeing everyone worried about me,"
"That means they care,"
"I know that! I- I don't know. It's hard to explain,"
"I promise they won't yell at you,"
"Well I know that. It's seeing their worried faces and them hugging me and touching me and uh.."
"What's so wrong with that?"
"Just seeing their faces worried and upset makes me feel more guilty than I already am. It's not fair for them to feel the burden because I ran away. It's not your fault it's mine. I ran away, I got lonely and depressed. I did that. And it's not fair that everyone else has to uh-"
"Jasmine! Please calm down. You're getting worked up.
"I know that and I'm sorry," she frantically apologized.
Aladdin continued to stroke her hair as the princess struggled to stay calm.
"I'm sorry I'm so difficult to be with," she apologized.
" You're not Jasmine, don't say that. You're an amazing person and out of everyone I'd want to be with you," Aladdin, noticing Jasmine wasn't moved, tried to think of something different, "Jasmine please you can't think of yourself like that. You never gave up on me when I left for my father. It's only fair if I don't give up on you,"
"That was different…" she mumbled.
Aladdin wanted to talk more but Jasmine sat up and pulled away, "I don't want to talk about this anymore, let's just go to the bathing house,"
As the couple walked to the bathing house neither of them spoke. The only thing that was heard was some deep sighs from Aladdin or whimpers from Jasmine. Finally after what seemed like forever to Jasmine they two had made it to the bathing house. In front of the doors the two stood. The prince took Jasmine's hand and slowly the two made their way into the bathing house.
"Hello newcomers! Welcome to Agrabah finest bathing quarters. Would you like to hear our deals or how about some yearly membership," the women at the desk exclaimed.
"Good morning. We're needing to rent a shower room for her," Aladdin said looking at Jasmine.
"You can rent one for an hour," the woman told them.
"That's great. Do you have a seat I can wait at?" Aladdin asked.
"Over there is the waiting room," she pointed.
Aladdin paid for the room and then handed the key to Jasmine. He kissed her on the forehead and then gave her the clothes.
"I'll see you soon. Don't take too long," he told her.
Jasmine didn't respond or do anything. Awkwardly he put the key in her palm and then closed her hand.
"Do you need help with your room?" the lady asked.
"No, I'll be fine. Where's my room?" Jasmine asked.
"Go down that hall and enter the third door on the left,"
Jasmine nodded and then walked down the hall. Before disappearing into the hall she looked back at Aladdin and smiled. Walking down the narrow hall, memories of the hospital entered her mind. No matter how hard she tried she could not get the horrors of being there out of her mind. Eventually she made her way to her room. After fiddling with the lock and opening the wooden door she was met by a small room. In front of her was a shower and to the side was somewhere to hand her towel. The trim was made from wood and the floor was marble. In the shower she found shampoo, conditioner, and a bar of soap. On the table were towels, washcloths, and other hygiene products. She searched the room and hung her bags of clothes on the hook attached to the door.
After standing in the room for a full few minutes the princess began to undress. First she took off her worn shoes. Putting them aside she then began to untie the leather string that was around her small waist. She was stunted by how little she had to pull in order for it to fall out of her hands and onto the floor. She shook her head in frustration and then moved to the torn and dirty cloak. She took a deep sigh and then pulled it up and over her back. She coughed as the dust from it lifted and swirled around the room. After blowing it aside she took a good look at herself. Clad only in a torn purple nightgown the princess stood for a solid minute just staring at her reflection. Looking back she saw only a wannabe princess. Someone who was tired and had failed to be something they weren't. What she saw wasn't the Jasmine she knew or remembered. The women in front of her look frazzled, scared, weak. While her frame was skinny, what struck her the most was her eyes.
Her eyes were red, puffy, exhausted. They had completely lost their sparkle they once had. Now all that sparkled was how tired and exhausted she had become of life. Jasmine graced along her boney ribs and cheeks. She sighed as she could physically see that she had lost most of the weight she had originally gained. She whimpered and cried as she took one more breath in and then pulled her nightgown down. It had been a full week since she had seen her true frame and she was speechless to what was standing in front of her. She was a seventy pound malnourished hollow image of what she once was. The image broke her and soon she nearly collapsed on the floor. It didn't matter how small the room was. To her it was massive and she was small, tucked away in the corner. She let out whimpers as she wrapped her arms around her body.
"Please…just let it stop- I just- I can't," she mumbled.
Her tears made a puddle from where she sat. She felt trapped, alone and scared from what she had become. She groaned and cried as her mind went from her body to everything that was happening. She knew she wasn't ready to go home, she wasn't ready for the long recovery ahead of her, and she definitely wasn't ready to become future Sultana of Agrabah. Soon Jasmine found herself on the floor, moaning and groaning. Completely exposed and afraid of everything. As she ran her fingers through her hair all she could hope for was that this would end and hopefully someone would find her.
Outside in the waiting room Aladdin waited for Jasmine. He sat on a cushion reading magazines when something caught his eye. He blinked and even rubbed his eyes to make sure what he was seeing was real. The picture on one of the far left corners was moving. He watched as the horse in the photo was running in place, and then it turned blue? It was then when Aladdin sighed and shook his head playfully.
"Oh Genie…" he whispered playfully. Aladdin looked around before exiting the housing and walking around the corner. After turning a corner Genie poofed into his regular self. He gave Aladdin a quick hug before giving him a worried look.
"Oh Al I was so worried. Don't ever disappear like that again,"
"Sorry Genie. I guess I needed more than just one day," he admitted.
Aladdin watched as Genie took a deep sigh and then smiled at the boy, "That's ok. Have you found Jasmine?"
Aladdin nodded.
"That's great Al!" Genie exclaimed.
"We've been out all day. Right now she's cleaning up in the shower before we head home," Aladdin explained.
"Is she ok?" Genie asked.
"I don't know. She's been off and on all day. Sorta happy once and then on the brink of a breakdown,"
"I'm sorry Al that must be hard. May I ask where she was?"
"She was taking shelter in my hovel during the night and I guess wandering around buying stuff during the day,"
"What makes you say she was wandering around?"
"I found stuff like candles and books I knew weren't there when I lived there. Plus some other stuff," Aladdin cringed at the last part.
Genie, noticing this, leaned down and rested his giant arm on his shoulder, "It's ok Aladdin. We'll make sure she gets better. What other stuff did you find?"
"Uh…" Aladdin tried off as he wondered how to word what he had found, "it was a clay pot full of urine, vomit, and other foreign stuff. My best guess is she used it as a toilet,"
"Oh Al…" Genie mumbled.
"It's ok Genie. It's ok. After this we'll head home and she'll be all better,"
"That's great. I'm going to go set up a welcome home party-"
"NO!" he screamed. He didn't realize how loud he was until Genie gave him a confused look.
"Sorry about that. Listen, Genie. I don't even know myself if Jasmine's ready to go home or not. From what I've gotten she kinda just wants everyone to act like nothing happened,"
"Why? We only do it because we care," Genie asked.
"I think it's because she just doesn't want to feel anymore guilty than she already has,"
"Oh… I guess that makes sense,"
For the next hour or so Genie and Aladdin talked. Aladdin had been wrapped up in his conversation; he hadn't even realized that an hour had passed. He looked over and noticed that the sun was noticeably lower in the sky. He looked around him and took note that Jasmine was nowhere to be seen. Scared and afraid of what had happened Aladdin promptly got up from his seat and ran back into the housing. Genie was confused and ultimately just teleported himself back to the palace.
Aladdin ran into the quarters and almost bumped into one of the staff.
"Oh thank goodness you're here. Something terrible-" she was interrupted when screams from an all too familiar voice echoed through the narrow halls.
Aladdin ran past the staff member and followed the screams. When he was at the door there were other people crowded around the door confused on what was going on. The staff were busy trying to open the door while others were completely oblivious to what was going on.
"Sir you can't be here," the woman who was at the desk said, pulling him back.
"I have to. She's my wife," he quickly snapped back.
Aladdin shoved his way through the people and quickly picked the lock. When he opened the door everyone was met by a nude princess huddled in the corner crying. Aladdin quickly threw himself into the room, locked the door and ran over the frazzled Jasmine. From her eyes alone Aladdin could tell something was off. They were dilated, full of terror and red shot from crying. Her cheeks were moist with tears and her hair was tangled and frazzled.
"Jasmine what happened?" he asked.
Jasmine shook her head and pulled away from Aladdin, "Get away from me!" she screamed.
Though she tried to pull away Aladdin only held her small wrists and held her down.
"Jasmine please calm down-"
"Who are you…?" she mumbled.
"It's Aladdin. I'm right here," he said.
Jasmine only shook her head and tried to squirm away.
"Go away!" she screamed.
"Jasmine, calm down!"
"No!" she screamed.
For the next hour or so Aladdin and Jasmine went back and forth. Aladdin's attempts of calming her down by words had not worked and only seemed to work her up more. He was stunned by how strong she was even though her body said otherwise. As he wrestled with the one he loved the only thing that went through his mind was, 'what happened to Jasmine?'
It was as if in a matter of seconds Jasmine disappeared and instead just the body of her remained. Everything that made her who she was spiritually was gone. She wasn't strong, she didn't love, she didn't even think. All she did now was cry.
"Just go away. I want to be alone! I like to be alone!" she cried. Her voice was becoming croaky due to crying and screaming.
"Stop this please! It's me, Aladdin. You're safe!"
Jasmine only screamed more.
"Please calm down," he begged.
After more fighting it seemed that Jasmine had finally calmed down. She was laying in Aladdin's lap. Small whimpers escaped her as she hiccupped against his chest.
"I'm sorry… I- I just don't know what happened…" she mumbled.
"It's going to be ok Jasmine. Just take a breather for a minute,"
"Where am I?" she asked.
"You're in the bathing house,"
Jasmine laid down on his chest.
"I'm so sorry. You must think I'm crazy,"
"You're not crazy. You just had a little breakdown-"
"Little!?" she exclaimed.
"Ok you had a big one,"
"In public," she finished.
Aladdin looked away from her and to the door, "I'm sorry Jasmine… I know it must be hard,"
Jasmine only dug her head more into his chest, "I just want to go home. I don't like it here,"
"Is there any way I can convince you into taking a shower before we go?" he asked.
Jasmine wanted to say no. She just wanted to go home, but she imagined her friends worried and guilty when they would see her a complete mess.
"I guess," she answered.
Aladdin smiled and then slowly he helped her to the shower. After checking the water temperature he helped her step into the shower. Jasmine shivered as the water hit and began to soak her.
"You ok?"
Jasmine didn't respond for a while until she finally mumbled something.
"Yeah… Just embarrassed that you have to bathe me,"
"Don't be Jasmine. You just need help for some things," he said as he soaked her hair.
"But I should be able to do this stuff. It's not even that I'm a princess. It's that I'm a grown woman who should be able to do stuff by myself," she explained.
"I understand. Can you turn around?" Aladdin asked.
After she turned around Aladdin began to shampoo her hair.
"It's just upsetting. I fought so hard to go against having people do everything for me Aladdin. I did all this because all I wanted to do was to help people. I did that whole spree thing because I thought I wasn't doing enough. That I wasn't doing anything. I guess I just wanted to be something like you will be someday. Or what my mother was," she rambled on.
While Aladdin washed her hair multiple times he listened intently as she rambled on.
"Well maybe you should just take a break and try to not compete with your mother and I,"
"I'm not competing with anyone I swear. I don't want to be better than anyone," she said.
"Well in your notes you made it seem like you wanted to be the best princess the people could have wanted,"
"I guess. I don't know… Are you done with my hair?"
"No there's still dirt coming out,"
Jasmine sighed.
"Aladdin,"
"Yes,"
"I'm really sorry for my breakdown," she apologized.
"It's ok Jasmine,"
"No it's not,"
For the next few minutes Aladdin helped bathe Jasmine. After scrubbing her legs, arms, and back he gave the cloth to Jasmine.
"Here you can do the rest,"
Jasmine took the cloth and then shut the curtain. Aladdin took a seat nearby and waited for her to be done. After some time the water finally shut off and the curtain was opened. There standing in the gold shower was the soaked thin princess. She gave a small smile before grabbing a towel and starting to dry herself off.
"I'm done," she whispered.
After drying herself off Jasmine began to brush her hair out. Aladdin, seeing her struggle, quickly walked over and took the brush from her.
"Let me," he said.
Reluctantly she sat down and sighed, "Just don't pull too much hair out. There's only so much on my head,"
"I won't,"
The two sat in silence as Aladdin brushed out her hair. While it wasn't as soft as it usually was, the static made her hair poof out as it used to be.
"Aladdin, do you think my hair will ever be as beautiful as it once was?" she asked quietly.
Aladdin thought for a moment before giving a reassuring nod.
"And will I ever be who I once was again?"
"I think that depends on what you think. If you say no then of course not. But if you believe you can Jasmine you can achieve the impossible,"
Jasmine wasn't moved by his words, "I don't even know what made me so special to begin with…" she mumbled.
Aladdin stopped brushing her hair. His hands shook a bit as the words hit him.
"What do you mean?" was all he could manage.
"I just don't see myself anymore like everyone else does. They see me as a strong independent woman while all I see is… is nothing," she explained.
"Maybe you just need to be see for yourself what other people think of you,"
Jasmine was confused at what he said, "Why do you think I ran away then?"
The prince stopped. He knew that the tension between them was rising. Both did. Before any more fighting could break out he quickly grabbed her dress.
"Here let's try this on,"
Aladdin helped her step into the dress. Even though her mind told her to pull away when he graced her ribs her body wouldn't move. It was as if she knew that if she did she would probably have another breakdown.
"Well it's a little big but she did say it's adjustable," he said to himself.
Jasmine stood still as Aladdin began to cinch up the silk ribbons that wove around her neck, stomach, and wrists. When he finished tying up her stomach he took a step back. Both looked into the mirror nearby and just stared at her.
"How do I look?" she asked.
"How do you think you look?" Aladdin responded.
Jasmine took a good look at herself and then looked at Aladdin, "Like a princess,"
Seeing Aladdin nod was the only thing she needed to know to confirm her thoughts. No matter what she looked or did Aladdin would still see her as the princess she truly was.
"You're beautiful Jasmine,"
The princess didn't respond and only walked away from him. Aladdin looked away at Jasmine and to the floor. He knew that simple compliments couldn't fix what had happened. All he wanted was for her to know how much she truly was loved.
"Jasmine?"
"Yeah,"
"What's wrong?"
"I just… I don't know. It's just that I'm scared to go back home,"
"Jasmine, we're not spending another night in the hovel. I know I don't and I one hundred percent know you don't either," he told her.
"I know that! Just give me a while,"
"Jasmine, you know the more wait the longer we wait the more worried everyone will get,"
Jasmine didn't respond and only stood in place. He walked up to her and tried to grab her hand, but she only pulled away.
"Let's just go to the palace and get this over with," She mumbled, throwing the brown cloak over her body. After adjusting her leather belt around her waist she opened the door slightly. Once looking around and making sure the coast was clear she opened the door and walked out. Aladdin finished packing her old clothes and then ran after her. Before they exited Aladdin ran ahead of her and over to the front desk. Now a new person had taken over.
"For your troubles," he whispered, pushing some coins toward the desk lady.
As the two exited the bathing house both audibly gasped that the sky was beginning to turn to sunset. Immediately Jasmine made a break for it and broke away from Aladdin's new grasps. All she wanted to do was run away from him and back home. However almost immediately he grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
"Jasmine, we'll get there in a minute. Just stay still," he whispered in her ear.
Jasmine only groaned. Him whispering in her ear only further reinforced her idea of everyone treating her as a child who didn't know right from wrong.
"I'm fine, leave me alone," she mumbled.
Reluctantly he let go of her hand. He expected her to just make a break for the palace but instead she just continued to walk a few feet in front of him. Eventually after walking the couple had made it to the entrance of the palace. Aladdin had to grab onto her wrist so she wouldn't continue to walk off.
"Jasmine the entrance is here,"
"I want to go through the back entrance," she told him.
"I don't have the key. Come on it's just going to be a staircase,"
'A big one,' Jasmine thought.
She watched as Aladdin stepped up a few stairs and then turned around. Then he offered his hand to her and gave her a smirk.
"Do you trust me?"
Jasmine could help but grin when he said that, "Yes,"
She grabbed onto his hand and slowly the two walked up the flight of stairs. At times they had to stop to give her a break. They were just at the edge of the stairs. The prince opened the door and waited for Jasmine to head inside. The two stood for a moment in silence.
"Ladies first," Aladdin told her. He motioned for her to walk through the door. But all she did was stand there in the moonlight with a worried expression, "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing… just uh-"
"Scared?" he guessed.
She gave a slight nod before turning back to the moonlit city. Thankfully there was no crowd like she had expected.
"We're not spending another night-" he started.
"I know that. I just- I don't know. Let's go inside," she said walking through the door. Immediately her nostrils were filled with the aromas her garden brought. Her eyes were fixated on the flowers around her. When they entered the actual palace Aladdin felt Jasmine's grip tighten. Thankfully to her surprise none of her family were there. She couldn't bear seeing any of their sadden faces or bear a hug from any of them. In the moonlight the couple walked to their room. Jasmine looked back every now and then thinking she had heard something. Eventually they walked past the kitchen. Aladdin stopped and grabbed onto her wrist.
"Are you hungry by any chance?" he asked.
Jasmine shook her head and looked back to the direction of her room. Aladdin looked at her and then instead led her somewhere else. Instead of walking up the stairs he began to lead Jasmine somewhere else.
"Where are we going?" she asked, looking behind her.
"Well we've decorated a new room for you," he told her. He looked back and saw her confused expression, "It's so you don't have to walk up the stairs,"
Jasmine didn't speak, in fact none of them did for the next minute. It wasn't until they stopped in front of the door the princess spoke up.
"Where is this?"
"It's just a little bedroom for you,"
Jasmine shook her head, "Why can't I just stay in my room?"
Aladdin sighed and lifted her chin up to make eye contact with her.
"It's just that if something goes wrong we can uh…"
"Supervise me," she interrupted.
Aladdin tried to search for words to say but it was too late.
"It's fine," she snapped.
Upset and tired the princess shoved her way past Aladdin and opened the door. In front of her was a small room with a twin bed in the middle. The sheets were white with multiple different colors of pillows.
"It's not much sorry-" Aladdin started.
"It's fine. It's better than sleeping on stone," she said before collapsing on the bed. Aladdin watched as she kicked off her shoes, robe, and her dress.
"Are you ok-"
"Yes! I'm fine, just let me rest," she complained.
"You seem upset," he said, walking over to her.
Jasmine let out a loud moan.
"I'm just tired,"
"Are you upset that you're not in your bedroom?"
"No, I'm just upset that I thought running away was a good idea. It was a stupid decision,"
"Well you are here now. Safe with me in the palace," he whispered as he tucked the white sheets around her.
"I love you," she whispered as her eyes closed.
"I love you too. Sleep well princess," he whispered in her ear.
As Aladdin watched her sleeping form he couldn't help but feel guilty. To her all she knew was that the disorder came from nowhere and that it was all her fault.
'It's not your fault Jas… it's my responsibility to protect you and I failed,' was all he wanted to tell her. The moon was high in the sky by the time he finally decided to rest. Before he walked out of the room he looked back one last time at the sleeping princess. Her expression was pained, full of emotions no one could describe. He quietly snuck out of the room, careful to not let the door slam too hard. After some walking down the moonlit halls he finally found his sleeping quarters. After he did his nightly routine he laid down in his bed. He sighed as he imagined the lonely princess in bed sleeping. The last thing that went through Aladdin's mind was Jasmine and him on a magic carpet. He smiled as the scene of them on the magic carpet, her happy, and them as a couple filled his mind. All he wished was that soon that image would become a reality. He knew it was possible. No matter what she said he knew that Jasmine would overcome, she always did. No matter what.
