The Look In His Eyes (Jasmine & Zack, #1) by Iris Deorre Page B

routine of picking out an outfit, trying it on and then rejecting it, Zack’s mobile rang.
    ‘I’ll take that in the passage.’ He slipped out of the bed and reached for his phone. ‘Hello...’ she heard him say.
    Even though she couldn’t see him there was distress in his voice and it brought panic to her own world too. It took a while for him to return but when he did he looked a little saddened.
    ‘It’s my sister, she’s having a bad day,’ he said as he sat down on the side of the bed. ‘I’d like to take you with me to see her,’ he added.
    ‘Me? Why?’ This time she pulled on a pair of jeans.
    ‘I think you’ll like her and she’ll like you too.’ He smiled. ‘And I promise I’ll make you feel as safe as I possibly can.’
    ‘I’m sorry,’ she said.
    ‘For what honey?’
    ‘For the outburst in the shower; I’m so ashamed of myself right now.’
    ‘Listen to me,’ he stood up and was about to take her into his arms but noticed her flinch a little. ‘You have nothing to be sorry about, nothing.’ He smiled to reassure her.
    He held out his hand and waited. It took her a while but soon she accepted and took his. He squeezed it gently and then let her go so she didn’t feel too pressured and want to break away.
    ‘I’ll go and have a shower and we can leave when you’re ready.
    ****
    T hey left the house just after ten after Jasmine had carried out her usual routine and struggled over what to eat. It had helped having Zack’s easy going nature. They got into Wakefield another half an hour later and as soon as he parked the car there was a look of dread on her face.
    ‘You never told me we were going to the hospital.’ She freaked.
    ‘It’s a mental hospital and don’t worry you’ll be fine, look.’ He pulled out a box of latex gloves and handed a pair to her.
    Jasmine looked at it strangely and took them cautiously. Zack did the same for himself and next he pulled out a box of surgical masks and handed her one.
    ‘Are you serious?’
    ‘Yes,’ he took one for himself as if it was the normal thing to do.
    ‘We’re going to look like the strangest people in there.’
    ‘I promise you, you won’t. Trust me.’ He stepped out of the car and walked around to her side. ‘Come on my lady,’ he teased.
    Jasmine hesitated but soon stepped out and followed him to the hospital entrance.
    ‘You might want to suit up before you go in,’ he started to put on his gloves then put on the surgical mask.
    ‘This is insane, they’re going to look at us like we’re insane.’
    ‘No, the staff are used to me doing this, besides my sister won’t see me otherwise.’
    She frowned.
    ‘She won’t let me touch her or do anything unless I suit up so I’ll do as she asks. I suggest you do the same.’ He winked.
    Feeling a little ridiculous she put on the gloves followed by the mask and followed Zack into the hospital. They were directed straight to Claire’s room. To have said a bad day was an understatement alright. When they walked into the room Claire was pacing and everything had been tipped upside down. She stopped the moment they stepped in.
    ‘Don’t come any closer, I have to clean this all up first,’ said Claire.
    Jasmine gazed at the woman who seemed frantic and then at Zack who seemed as calm as day. He nodded and waited while Claire began to pick up the things she’d tossed aside. There was a lamp, books, pens and paper. There were also some clothes and bedcovers that had landed in the dirt pile. But soon she was putting all away and folding it neatly and repeatedly.
    ‘What happened sis? Bad day?’ He moved a little forward and she allowed him to take her into his arms.
    She seemed to calm down in his arms and finally he got her to sit down and talk to him.
    ‘Who’s this?’ she nodded over at Jasmine.
    ‘That is Jasmine, she’s my girlfriend.’
    The woman with the same dark hair and blue eyes as Zack’s gazed at Jasmine and then smiled lightly.
    ‘I like her,