Divorce Time

Chapter 65

The next day, Charlene woke up to a sunny morning, grabbed a breakfast of toast and scrambled eggs, and headed to work as usual.

At lunch, she was halfway through her sandwich when her phone rang. It was Jasmine, calling for the first time since she had snuck away from Sapphire Springs Resort.

Charlene answered, “Hey, sweetie.”

“Hi, Mommy.” Jasmine’s voice came through, light and a bit cautious.

“Eaten yet?”

“Just did!”

Jasmine received Vesta’s call that morning at Sapphire Springs Resort. Vesta said Thorne had taken her out for fun and asked if she wanted to join. Without a second thought and without letting Charlene know, she dashed off.

returning to town late yesterday afternoon. However, they didn’t come home the night before. This morning, back at school and feeling guilty, Jasmine worried Charlene might be upset, so

made it sound like she wasn’t mad about her sneaky exit, which

calls and less

the past

desk when Stewart approached. “The Future Tech Expo is tomorrow. Shall we

good,” Charlene

bender that escalated into a traffic nightmare. Amidst the honking and frustrations, Charlene apologized to the other drivers and called for roadside assistance, worried about making it to the expo on time.

waited, a familiar figure crossed

voice was

her situation. She had informed Stewart, who suggested

minutes later, sitting awkwardly apart in the backseat.

which

offering Charlene a reprieve from the awkward silence. Eventually,