Chapter 45 State of the Dead

Jasmine never dreamed that going to Julia's new year presentation could be so difficult, she'd managed to avoid Alan in the campus in every possible way. Sure, it will break her to see him with another woman but it would be too humiliating if he found out that she burst into tears every time she sees him especially when it was her that rejected his proposal. Now if she could just continue to pretend.

Julia was a sensation during the play, she played Annie very well and people fully believe it runs in her genes, Emma Thompson was a fateful stage Aunt for Julia, constantly fussing behind the stage of the child's attire and props. Jasmine may not be the best vocal coach for Julia but teaching the child some basics did turn out really well, with Julia's talent she could do unbelievable feat despite Jassy's poor vocal lessons.

After the play the moms each ran to their respective sons and daughters handing them a bouquet of flowers for a job well done, in the ensuing commotion, Alan lost sight of Jasmine and the sense of emptiness once again engulfs his whole being.

His spirits were lifted immediately when he returned to his house to find Jasmine among the guests in his parlor.

"Well," Emma said amusingly, "it's nice to see a smile adorned your face tonight."

He smiled sheepishly, "there's food and drinks on the table, help yourself Emma," he replied, removing his coat and leaving his friend to her bemused thoughts. For now, he had to figure out a way to casually find his way to Jasmine. With feigned interest in the cookies on the buffet table, he crossed the room, closer to Jasmine's side.

"Daddy?" Julia tugged his sleeve. She stood before him, Impey clutched tightly to her chest. She looked up to him, a cheerful grin adorning her bubbly face. "How was my performance tonight?"

Alan swept her up to her feet rewarding her with kisses on the sides of her cheeks as he enthusiastically congratulated his daughter's latest achievement. Julia threw her arms around his neck, Impey and all, and hugged him fiercely.

Jasmine saw Julia standing across the room, and she looked like she could use another cookie. The fact that she was with her father was just a coincidence, the little girl bolted out of her father's clutch the moment she saw Jasmine coming over.

"Julia," Jasmine softy called, handing her a treat, "you were wonderful in the play tonight." Jasmine was rewarded by the most beautiful smile from a child. "Thank you, Jassy." And the two was once engulf in a tight and warm hug. Alan watched them in envy, he badly wishes to join in too.

The party went well with him unable to have a casual conversation with Jasmine.

Lucifer Morningstar and Tom Hiddleston were the common visitors in Jasmine's dormitory and every time they visit, a swarm of fan girls were tailing that gives Jasmine an immense migraine. Learning their lesson to visit with her knowledge, they made sure their schedules fit hers to avoid her raging wrath. It was a common sight for the unlikely trio to be seen at Lux. Lucifer tried wooing Jasmine numerous times but his chances were downright rejected, begrudgingly accepting the friendship she could [only] offer, Tom became the receiving end of their awkwardness. It took a couple of group dates before the tension between them subsided.

Tom and Jasmine were equally surprised that Lucifer finally decided to stop his blackguard scandals and instead focus on his growing business enterprise. Tom, on the other hand, continued doing theater plays in London admitting that it's his first love, he will be away for the next couple of months to shoot the final avenger movie, Lucifer and Jasmine were guaranteed to have V.I.P. tickets.

It wasn't that hard to live a life without Alan Rickman around, it was a mantra that Jasmine recites every time she wakes up, it helps her keep her sane. Thesis making, loaded uni projects and countless modules to answer keeps her mind occupied, and she is thankful for the school work load of graduating students for the first time. And if her school work were about to finish one by one she would gladly volunteer for any school organization that needs additional help, her professors constantly warns her to keep her mind and body healthy as they saw her push her body limits, their concerns were dismissed by her assuring replies and easy going smile, they would almost think that she might be running away from her worries.

Jasmine became a regular guest of the Cumberbatches and it's and utter pleasure to babysit for Benedict and Sophie's sons. She often thinks that a peaceful life with her trusted friends is the kind of life that'll suit her and yet her heart is not in-sync with her mind. When she closes her eyes his pale amber eyes, sinful voice and jaw dropping smile haunts her. Tom and Lucifer often catch her lost in thoughts. She might succeed tricking the world and those around her that she's fine and contended but not them. There were several occasions that they catch Alan Rickman looking at her from the outside of Lux.

Jasmine concluded that she'll never be worthy for him. How could Alan even fight for their love if the woman he loves couldn't even believe his resolve? Honestly? They're both painful to watch, and her friends don't want their love to wither away just to please the society. Fuck societal norms! Love knows no rules!

Aaaaaand its not like it was only Lucifer and Tom who shares the same thought. Emma Thompson has been cooking the perfect opportunity for the troublesome couple. Alan and Jasmine might not be aware since they both kind of keep their selves busy with work but their closest friends were all tired watching the drama between them unfold.

But where is Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman anyways?