The thoughts of the bounty hunter made me angry. Why hasn't he called? He should have updated me with the good news I'm waiting for. I bet Jasamina is in his hands now. I got up from the bed and paced the room, anxious. I've been waiting since last night and he hadn't gotten back to me.
No one dares keep me waiting! No one!
I picked up a glass from the nearest table and threw the glass on the wall. I watched it shattered on the floor and smiled at the sight of it. That's how I'll break my Jasamina all over again. This time around harder than the last times because this time she created the most hassle with her childish behaviour.
The sound of phone ringing jolted me from my thoughts. My steps were hurried as I walked to the nightstand and quickly picked up the phone. It's Doreen, Jasamina's mother.
A renewed anger begun deep inside me, I considered not answering it. But then again....
"Hello" I said with the phone to my ear. I wiped all trace of anger from my voice.
"My son? How have you been?" Her shrilly voice filled my ear.
"How do you expect me to be? My wife and son are out there and you're asking me that? Do you have any idea how I feel like now!?" I asked angrily.
"Dale....?" The woman sounded shocked. I've never showed her my anger before.
"Did I do anything wrong by loving your daughter!? Do I need to go through all the disgrace she is bringing to my name!?" I sounded like a victim that I am. Their daughter made me a victim, alright.
She cleared her throat. "I'm sorry son. She will be back, please have patience. I'm actually calling you because I'm in need of money...." She trailed off uncertainly.
"Money!?" I all but roared in fury.
"I need to go to the latest salon in town to make my hair!" She wailed, "My hair is a mess right now!"
I clenched and unclenched my fist trying hard to contain my anger. I've never met a more annoying woman in my life. A complete opposite of her shy, timid, innocent daughter.
Well, Jasamina was all this before I dirtied her up. Now, she's not as innocent at all.
Not the case at hand at the moment..
"Where would I get that kind of money from? All the money I have, I've buried to finding your daughter. The police, CSIs, private investigators and now, a bounty hunter!" I stated angrily.
"You don't understand, my hair is really messy right now! It's just small money! My hair is all frizzy and ugly, and I look like a hag!" She wailed again.
"What kind of a mother, are you? Aren't you concerned about your daughter's whereabouts?" I shouted angrily. "All that's happening is your fault!"
"My fault...?" She sputtered in indignation.
"Your fault! If you had trained her right and taught her how to be a good wife, I wouldn't have been in this situation!" I shouted and hung up.
Angrily, I threw the phone across the room.
4.
JASAMINA
Excitement flooded through me as I shouted to the two men, announcing that the food was ready. Within a few minutes, Tanner and Xazix arrived in the kitchen, and I gazed at them apologetically. "I would have served it, but I'm carrying Jaimie," I explained.
"No worries, I'll do it," Tanner responded kindly and Xazix nodded in agreement. I shifted with Jaimie to give them space.
Few minutes later, Tanner and Xazix smiled as they took their seats, and I could easily see the resemblance between them, even with Tanner's bushy mustache.
Xazix dove into his food first, taking a bite out of a sausage and tasting the bacon. "It's really good, Jasamina. You would pass for a very good cook!" he joked, and I couldn't help but beam with pride. I turned to Tanner, but he had not touched his food
"Come on, taste it, Tann. You will love it," Xazix urged, grabbing another spoonful.
Tanner hesitated for a moment before tasting the food. He took a little in his mouth before taking a bigger bite, nodding his head as he ate. "This is really delicious," he said, grabbing another spoonful.
My heart swelled with joy as I bounced Jaimie softly in my arms, relieved that they enjoyed the meal. It was the least I could do for the two men who had helped me.
As I glanced at Xazix, I shuddered at the thought of what could have been if he had insisted that I return to Dale. Tanner noticed my discomfort and asked, "Are you cold?" with concern in his voice.
I blushed under his scrutiny, shook my head, and tried to focus on the food. Silence fell as we ate. My arms holding Jaimie felt sore. If only I had money for a baby stroller...
I tried to eat anyway, but Jaimie became grabby again, pulling on my hair, spoon, and clothes. Most of the bacon was left untouched on the table as I struggled to eat and keep him in order.