Three Is Not A Crowd

Chapter 1: You Have A Pretty Face 

Jasmine

The streets were busy tonight,bl lights shining brightly from the cars to my eyes. People passed by in beautiful rich clothes, beautiful jewelry, things I could only imagine myself in one day. But for now, I only had so little. Lining on the streets with nothing but a blanket, two old torn up clothes, some wipes, a small bag with tiny supplies and a bowl where people would drop their money in for me.

This was my life for almost five years now, sometimes I forget this wasn't my original home at one point. I have been used to this for so long, it made me forget what being in a normal home with a family was like. I sat down on top of my blanket and kept my bowl in front of me, hipping to get enough money for some food today. I haven't eaten all week, my luck hasn't been the best these past few months. It was rare that I would get to eat some weeks but there were sometimes these kind people that would buy some food for me or give me their leftovers once in a while. People kept passing and passing, giving me a few dirty looks. I could only assume it could have been because of my clothing, I was wearing some old pair of shorts and a torn up black shirt. It wasn't the best but I didn't have much.

I waited for about two hours, still hoping that someone would be grateful enough to hand over at least a few cash, the lowest domination can still go a long way. I used to shave all the coins I found on the floor, it got me enough food to survive last year's Christmas. A woman approached me with her cute little daughter, holding her hand. She reached into her bag and pulled out what little cash. She handed the child the money and she bent down, putting it in my bowl. I looked up at them with a smile.

“T..thank you so much.” I said shyly, grateful for the money I had received.

“And you are so beautiful, Miss.” The child said with a sparkle in her eyes.

“I really appreciate that, you are also a cute little girl.” I replied, looking up at the mother of the child.

“Your daughter is just so kind as you are.” she smiled.

“You are such a darling, have a goodnight.” She muttered.

“And you too,” I said quietly as she and her  daughter started walking away.

I picked up the bowl and took out the money, seeing as it was fifty cent. This was more than enough to buy me something to eat even if it was something small. It was better than nothing. I got up from the floor and dusted myself off a bit, holding the money in my hand. I walked over to  the edge of the sidewalk and waited for all the cars to pass before I ran across to the other side of the road. I headed over to the store that was right in front of me and opened the door, walking inside. I have any footwear like shoes or even socks, so my bare feet were on the cold tiled floor. As soon as I entered, the store manager called out to me.

“Jasmine, pleasure to see you again.”  I looked over, seeing he was working on the register today.

“Good evening, Mr. Ford.” I greeted him.

“How many times do I have to tell you that you don't have to be scared to call me Edwin.” I chuckled nervously while looking around the store.

“Sorry, Edwin. I…it just slips my mind sometimes.

I lied, it never slipped my mind, it just felt weird to call other people by their first names for me unless it was a family member. I didn't know about friends since I didn't really have any anymore.

“No problem, I am guessing you got some food money today?” He asked, seeing as I was looking around the store for food options.

“Yes, I did.” 

I head over to the shelf where all the sandwiches were, picking one out and starting heading over to the counter to pay. I wasn't picky with what I ate, I just needed something slightly filling since I wasn't sure if I would get any more money for at least another week or two. A guy was already paying so I stood behind him and waited for my turn. He thanked Edwin and turned around, almost bumping into me.

“My apologies, I didn't see you there.” He said.

I looked up at him, almost choking once I saw his face. He looked so incredibly handsome, his hair was perfect and his eyes were dark but soft at the same time. I snapped out of it.

“It is fine, no problem.” He smiled softly at me.

“You have a pretty face, didn't anyone ever tell you that?” 

My eyes widened in shock from his words, slightly blushing.

“O..oh, that was very nice…thank you.” 

“You are welcome.” He said, lending out his hand for me to shake.

“Ronald,” I hesitantly shook his hand.

“Jasmine,” we let go of each other.

“Well, Jasmine. I hope you have a great night.”

“You as well.”

As he began to walk out, I walked up to the counter and set my things down while still trying to process what just happened. I could see Edwin watching as the guy walked out of the store. I looked back out the glass door but didn't see him anymore, he must have dropped off or something already. I hadn't gotten a compliment like that in quite some time, I had always assumed I was ugly and disgusting.

“Is this all you are able to get?” Edwin asked as he scanned the two items. I nodded.

“I haven't seen you here in so long, meaning you haven't been eating much.”

I looked down at my hands as I played around with my fingers, picking at them.

“Y..yes, I only got one hundred tonight, so this is all I could really get.” I replied quietly. He chuckled lightly while putting everything into a bag.

“Tell you what, I will give you something else of your choice for free, alright?” 

That was such a good offer but I can't do that.

“I can't take that off.” I replied, handing him the money to pay for my items.

“Why not?” He asked, taking the money.

“It feels like stealing.” 

He slightly laughed as he started counting my change.

“It is not stealing if I am offering it to you.”