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. They had a blast, only 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 she called.

But hearing Charlene casually ask about her meal made it sound like she wasn't mad about her sneaky exit, which made Jasmine feel relieved. She knew Charlene couldn't stay mad at her!

Recently, Jasmine noticed a shift in Charlene's behavior - fewer daily calls and less prying into her whereabouts. Jasmine appreciated the newfound freedom.