JASMINE
When I went downstairs the morning of my twenty-first birthday, both of my parents had big smiles on their faces. I sat down to eat breakfast before getting ready for the day.
“Happy birthday, Jazzy. Big one for you today.” My dad grinned as he sat across from me. I noticed he was holding my mom’s hand under the table, something I didn’t often see my parents do.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating with you and Alpha Blake at dinner tonight.” My mom gave me an uncharacteristically large smile, looking much happier than usual. They then turned to each other and stared into each other’s eyes, as if they were having a silent conversation. Something seemed to be off. My parents weren’t acting like themselves.
After breakfast, I spent time doing my hair and makeup and then threw on
