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her good hand to run her fingers through his curly hair. She smiled lovingly up at the little boy. She had changed into a black night gown. Her color had returned.
    “Do you need help getting back onto the bed,” Ethan asked.
    “No thank you, Donna will assist me,” Jasmine answered a little frosty. Donna placed a small pad on the bed, Jasmine sat down gently onto the pad. Donna pulled both ends of the pad which dragged Jasmine across the bed. Then Donna walked to the other side of the bed. She carefully placed one leg on the bed then the other one. Donna checked her bandages to make sure everything had stayed in place then covered her up with a light comforter. The last thing she did was move the portable tray in front of her so that she could eat her lunch.
    Jasmine was in pain but was too proud to admit it besides she wanted to be completely lucid when the girls got there.
    Ethan knew she was in pain, but didn’t say a word. His phone beeped indicating that he had a message. He moved to get the phone, when there was a quick knock on the door, and Trenton allowed himself in.
    Alena let out a deep breath, reached for Trevor, and made a hasty exit.
    Trenton said, “The girls are on the way up. Will you all excuse me?” he said then retreated in hot pursuit to catch up with Alena.
    “This mess is better than my soap’s,” Nicole said.
    “What do you mean?” Jasmine asked feeling a little salty.
    “You mad at Ethan because he was being loyal to his friend as a display of loyalty to your friend,” Nicole answered. “Donna probably would have appreciated some help from Ethan getting your heavy behind into the bed. Your wound is aggravated needlessly, for what?” Nicole asked before she continued. “Trenton caught Alena here with his son anyways. Now he will be receiving the news that he has fathered a child that he has failed to take care of or support in any way shape of form, in his three years of life. So, he will be distracted while trying to figure out who is responsible for shooting you. Renee is noticeably exhausted, but it’s probably from finally taking a tumble between the sheets with that tall dark Italian, Antonio. She is also glowing like a woman who has been made love to good and properly. Soap Opera?” Nicole finished.
    Jasmine stared straight ahead, not responding, partly because she knew Nicole was right. Yet she refused to give her the satisfaction of knowing that she was. “Where are my girls?” Jasmine asked.
    Soon as the question was asked, there was a light knock on the door before Kimberly escorted two beautiful little ladies into the room. They ran over to their mother’s bed.
    Alyson began to cry.
    “No Alyson don’t cry, please be strong for me, okay,” Jasmine encouraged.
    Amber sniffed, but didn’t allow a tear to fall.
    “I want to go home mommy,” Amber said, trying to get up into the bed. Jasmine patted a place beside her and encouraged her to do just that.
    “I know honey, me too,” Jasmine said as she hugged Amber to herself. I am so happy to see you both. Amber moved to give Alyson a turn. Jasmine kissed her forehead, and hugged her as tight as she could.
    “I am glad you didn’t die mommy,” Alyson said.
    “Me too baby, me too,” Jasmine said. “The doctors and staff have taken great care of me. Our friends and family have come by to offer support and take care of us. We have some highly trained people who are going to help us stay safe. It’s going to be okay,” Jasmine said to encourage the girls.
    “Now let’s eat the delicious food Alena prepared for us,” Jasmine said.
    The girls hopped over to the table that had been set, eager to please their mother. Ethan held out the chairs for all of them. “Enjoy ladies,” he said as he prepared to leave the room.
    “Ethan, aren’t you going to join us?” Jasmine asked.
    “No, thank you, I need to take care of a few pressing matters,” Ethan offered.
    “Oh, well please take your plate. I don’t recall