Jasmine: Flight from Fear

By Linda Lee

Jasmine Hoyt is a young gifted veterinary student studying to join her father's practice in the Front Range of Colorado. Curtis Franklin has been fixated on her ever since a dance teacher called them the perfect couple when they were still children. He has been determined to make them just that--the perfect couple.

With only weeks before she is to get her veterinary degree, her life becomes a nightmare. With the help of her closest friend, artist Emmalee Gray, she flees Johnsville to what she hopes will be a safe place to start over.

Will Jasmine find the peace and safety she craves?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887932019

Linda Lee

Linda Lee is a graduate of United Theological Seminary (M. Div. and D. Min.). She made history in 2000 when she was the first African American woman to be elected bishop in the North Central Jurisdiction. Lee was elected on July 14, 2000, in Middleton, Wisconsin, and was assigned to her home area of Michigan, an unusual action that had not occurred for 40 years and required special action of the jurisdictional conference. After one quadrennium of service in Michigan, Lee was assigned to the Wisconsin Area in 2004. Lee served as chair of the Black Clergywomen of the United Methodist Church (1996-98) and has been a member of a number of annual conference committees, including the Board of Ordained Ministry. She has served as a speaker for numerous schools, retreats and conferences and is a two-time delegate to General Conference. She is a contributing writer in several publications and has served as an adjunct professor of spirituality at Ecumenical Theological Seminary

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Jasmine

Flight from Fear

Linda Lee

Copyright © 2023 Linda Lee

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88793-187-6 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88793-201-9 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Epilogue

About the Author

For Twila, Janet, Janell, Janene, Mary, Bonnie, and all those who have been asking, What happened to Jasmine?

My thanks goes out to Samantha, who was only a text away when I had questions on animal care.

Chapter 1

Jasmine Hoyte heard the phone ringing through the door. She fumbled even more, her backpack falling off her shoulder, the purse strap twisting around her arm as she tried to fish her house key from its depths. Why does it always have to be so hard? she asked herself as her fingers wrapped around the key, pulling it from the purse and trying to force it into the lock on the door upside down.

Turning the key, she finally fit it into the lock, giving it a shake and a wiggle before it turned. There was a trick to the lock; why the landlord just didn't install a new lock, she didn't know. Finally, after the third try, she heard the click as the lock released. Turning the knob, she pushed the door open to the small three-bedroom, three-bathroom house she shared with five other students. Two to a room, none of them could afford to live in the dorms or apartments of their own. So far the arrangement worked; they got along well together. They'd had an occasional problem or two, but nothing a good laugh hadn't taken care of. They'd been rooming together from the beginning. If one of them graduated, the others interviewed for the new tenant, and all had to agree to accepting them.

Jasmine made it to the dining room table when the answering machine picked up the call. Mad house, leave a message.

This message is for Jasmine Hoyte, Debbie from Dr. Nite's office, give us a call. Beep and that was the end.

Maybe we need a longer lead in give us more time, she thought to herself as she deposited her backpack, purse, and keys on the table. Going into the small but sunny kitchen, she picked up the phone and dialed the doctor's number.

Dr. Nite's office, Debbie speaking. How can we help you?

Hi, Debbie, it's Jasmine returning your call.

That was quick. Let me get the doctor for you.

Jasmine waited as the piped-in music played in her ear. Stretching to the refrigerator, she took a bottle of water from her shelf. Twisting off the cap, she sat on one of the stools at the breakfast bar, taking a few swallows before she heard, Jasmine, thanks for returning my call.

Is everything all right, Dale? Jasmine asked.

I had your dad in the hospital yesterday for an overnight stay. I did a few tests. He was having trouble catching his breath, he told her quietly. You know how he is. He wouldn't like it if he knew I was calling you.

What did you learn, and why did he come see you? she asked him. I know how he hates to come in.

"He didn't come in. I was at the Lasso Café having lunch. He was there with Tanner Larson. I noticed he was a little flushed, so I kept my eye on him. When I noticed he seemed to be short of breath, I went to the table asking him what was wrong.

He told me he was just a little winded, he'd been running all day. When I suggest he come into the office after his lunch so I could check him over, he said he was too busy.

Jasmine was shaking her head. She could just hear her dad saying that.

Tanner agreed with me, tellin' the doc it wouldn't hurt to stop in for a minute.

When Dr. Nite paused, Jasmine asked, Is he okay?

He will be. The hospital was only a precaution so I could run a few tests. His blood pressure is a little elevated. He confessed he forgets to take his pills some days when he's really busy. We decided he could take them before bed so he won't forget in the rush to get to the clinic. He's got to think about slowing down a little. He kept telling me in a year and two weeks, you'd be joining him in his practice, then he'd be on easy street.

Stopping for a minute before he continued, he told her, Jas, he needs to slow down now, not in another year. His business is getting too big for him to handle on his own. I know he'd be angry if he knew I called you. When I suggested calling you, he said he didn't want you worried before finals.

Okay, Dale, I'll think of something. I won't tell him we spoke. I don't know what, but I'll come up with something to help him out. I'll be home in two weeks and will do as much as I can to take some of the pressure off.

You're a good kid, Jas. Good luck on your finals, and we'll talk again soon.

Jasmine sat for a long time, thinking on what Dr. Nite told her. She heard laughter coming from the front of the house just before the door opened and two of her roommates came in.

Hey, Jas, how was your day?

It was okay. And yours? Jasmine asked as she stood to retrieve her backpack and purse, tucking her keys back into it before putting it over her shoulder.

It was good. I finally think I figured out that stupid formula, Patti told her. Thanks for tutoring me for the past two months.

Glad I could help. Sometimes it's the right wording when something is explained that makes the difference.

You said just the right thing, Patti told her as she put a shopping bag on the counter. To celebrate, I'm making dinner tonight. How does Mama's spaghetti sound?

Sounds great! Let me dump this in my room, and I'll come help you, Jasmine told her. Patti was part of a big Italian family, and she cooked when she was happy and cooked when she was sad.

* * *

The next afternoon, Jasmine was sitting in the student union during the hour between classes when she heard someone at the table behind her saying, I'm just having a terrible time finding a vet to intern with. The only vets on the list are all pet vets. I really was hoping to find a large animal vet. Dad expects me to come home to the farm knowing how to take care of the stock. I sure can't do that if I can't find a farm vet to learn from.

I don't know what to tell you, man. I'm happy to work on little old rich ladies' poodles and cats. That's where the money is.

Then there was laughing.

Jasmine turned to look who was at the table behind her. She recognized Gorden Frances, a tall lanky man a year ahead of her. They'd had a lab class together. He always seemed to be in a good mood. She waited until they were preparing to leave, then turned to him. Gorden, can I talk to you for a few minutes?

Moving from his table to hers, he sat across from her. Jasmine, right?

Good memory. Extending her hand to him, she said, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but when you said you were looking for a large animal vet, I couldn't help myself.

You know of someone?

As a matter of fact, I happen to know someone who could use you, Jasmine told him with a smile.

Great! Who? he asked her excitedly.

Well, that's a little complicated, she told him, looking around the center, You see, my dad is a vet over south of Johnsville. When I graduate next year, I will be joining his practice.

There's a but there somewhere, Gorden told her when she paused.

I'm afraid there is. You see, the family doctor called yesterday, saying Dad's blood pressure is high, and he needs to take it easier. A couple years ago, he had a spell. Dr. Nite put him on medication and told him to slow down. He has gotten even more busy, and he forgets to take his meds. He doesn't want to hire anyone because he's holding out for me coming on board.

I see, and I don't blame him for that. It's good to keep it all in the family. That's why I'm studying to be a vet. We have a big farm over in the Nebraska Sand Hills.

Here's the thing: Dad's a really good vet, he could teach you a lot, but I don't want him knowing I sent you down there. I'm not supposed to know about this latest incident.

Look, give me his name and directions. I'll just happen to drop in, explain my situation to him, see what happens.

If you work it right, asking if he knows of anyone with a room close by you could rent, you might get room and board thrown in. We have a pretty big house, five bedrooms and three bathrooms. Dad and I have rooms downstairs, but there's three up and a bath. You'd have plenty of privacy.

That would be great. I could subrent my room here to a summer student and maybe save a little in the bank. I'll sure do my best, maybe help us all out in the end, Gorden told her, taking the paper Jasmine handed him as he prepared to leave. Thanks, Jasmine. This means a lot to me.

Me too, Gorden. Good luck, she told him, holding up her hands with her fingers crossed.

He gave her a thumbs-up as he left.

* * *

Jasmine had just returned to the apartment from church, settling in at the dining table with her books spread out before her. She was getting into the study groove when the doorbell rang. Ignoring it she went back to her studies, thinking it was just someone's date doing a pickup. The bell rang for the third time.

Anybody going to get that?

She waited until the fourth ring before she stood from her books, going to see who was demanding attention. Opening the door, she came face-to-face with Gorden Frances. Gorden, I'm surprised to see you. Come in.

Holding a bag toward her, he said, I brought gourmet ice cream. We are celebrating. He followed her into the kitchen, where she pulled two spoons from their drawer.

She handed one to Gorden. Jasmine then pointed to the kitchen table with her spoon. Have a seat. I guess you met with my dad?

Yeah, I went over there yesterday morning. He was at the desk on the phone in the waiting room when I went in. When he got off the phone, he looked me up and down then out the window before he asked me what I needed. Opening the ice cream, he said, I hope you like cherry chocolate vanilla.

I do, thanks. Tell me what happened.

Figured most girls like chocolate. Taking a bite, he savored it, swallowed, then told her, I asked him if I could talk with him for a minute. He said he had a call. If I wanted to talk, I'd have to do it on the run.

Giggling, Jasmine told him, He's better with animals sometimes than people.

We climbed into his truck and were on our way. We went to a farm ten miles south of the clinic. On the way, I told him I needed to find a large animal vet to intern under, or my dad'd be disappointed if I had to stay away from the farm any longer than need be. We can't afford for me to be spending money we didn't have. Filling his spoon with ice cream, he continued. When we got to the farm, he stopped by the barn and told me to let him think on it while he worked.

Yep, sounds like Dad, Jasmine said with a smile. Bet he made you work alongside him too. He does that to me all the time.

After we had pulled two foals and were cleaning up with a hose, he told me to bring whatever he needed to sign to be my mentor and that I could move in to the house whenever I was ready.

That's good news. When are you heading back down there? she asked him.

I didn't finish my story yet, Jas, give me a minute. When we got back to the clinic, there were people waiting. We sewed up a calf, dewormed a dog, and delivered twelve puppies. Your dad has quite the practice there.

With all the new houses going up in Myerstown east of Johnsville, he is doing a lot more small animal treatments. There have been rumors the old feed lot is going to be divided into mini ranches, and Ben Holden is planning to move more of his computer company south of the clinic. Everything is growing and changing. It is getting too much for him to handle on his own. Even after I join him next summer, I keep telling him he will need another vet.

I wouldn't mind staying around here, it's pretty country, but I don't think my girl would want to leave her family. They're pretty tight-knit. Plus, I couldn't desert my dad, Gorden told her as he scooped more of the ice cream, handing her the carton.

I understand. I couldn't leave my dad either. Jasmine looked into the carton of ice cream, seeing only half a cup left in the bottom of the quart.

Smiling, Gorden told her, Go ahead and eat it. I've had enough. And remember, I owe you.

I'm just glad it worked for us both. Now I won't have to worry about Dad with you there to watch out for him. Dipping her spoon in the soft ice cream, she put the last few bites in her mouth. Smiling sweetly at him, she said, You're a good man, Gorden.

He only laughed as he stood, tossing his spoon in the sink. I'll get the paperwork faxed to his office first thing tomorrow morning. I'll start packing today and move down there soon as the forms are back. Gorden told her as he opened the door, Get back to those books. I'll be heading home before Christmas. He closed the door behind him.

* * *

Two weeks later, Jasmine rushed from the classroom. She had packed the night before and dropped the check for the three months' rent at the landlord's on her way to class. Walking as fast as was ladylike, she headed for her car, thinking, Forty-five minutes, and I'll be home.

Jas, Jas, wait! Jasmine Hoyte!

Stopping in her tracks, Jasmine turned to see one of her professor's assistants following her. Stopping beside her, catching her breath, the woman handed her some papers. This is the tracking ledger for your dad. It's pretty self-explanatory. Seeing Jasmine's confused look, she added, It's for Gorden Francis. He is going to be mentoring him, right? At Jasmine's nod, she added, He will need to keep a log of what Gorden does and how he does daily. If it's not done, Gorden will have to do an additional internship.

Jasmine took the folder from her. Thanks, I'll make sure Dad gets this and make sure he takes the time to fill it out every night. She knew she'd be the one filling in the forms.

Thanks, the assistant told her as she turned to go back into the building at a much slower pace than when she had left.

* * *

An hour later, Jasmine pulled into the driveway of the house behind the clinic. She pulled the lever for the break after turning off the engine and headed for the clinics back door. Making her way through to the front, she passed her father's office. Finding it empty, she went to the reception waiting room. It too was empty. The Out on Call sign was attached to the door. So much for being a surprise, Jasmine thought as she removed the sign, unlocking the door.

She looked across the road at an unfamiliar pickup parked in front of her grandmother's old house. As she looked closer, she noticed the house had a new coat of paint. She saw a logo on the door of the truck reading Gibson and Sons Finish Contractors. Interesting, she thought as she turned back into the room.

Sitting in the chair of the reception desk, she pulled open the top center drawer, pulling out the roll of stamps, a stack of envelopes, and a couple pens. Dreading what the right-hand drawer would hold, she pulled it open slowly. Just as she thought, it was filled with patient files waiting to be invoiced. Oh, Dad, look at all this work you left for me. Retrieving a handful of files from the drawer, she started sorting them in piles on the desktop.

She had just finished most of the drawer when her father's pickup pulled into his parking space. The two men were laughing as they came in the front door.

Dr. Hoyte looked up to see Jasmine rising from the chair, making her way to him. Sorry I wasn't here to welcome you. Pulling her into his arms, he said, Welcome home, little girl. Releasing her, he asked, Do you know Gorden Frances? He's my intern.

Yes, Gorden and I had a lab class together. How are you, Gorden?

Gorden smiled, telling her, Welcome home, Jasmine, it's nice to see you again. How'd you do on your finals?

Don't know yet. They'll e-mail the results in a few days, but I think I did really well. Thanks to a friend of mine who took away a lot of stress, Jasmine told him. Turning back to her father, she asked, So, Dad, what have you been doing today? Pointing to the desk, she added, You must be busy. You sure haven't had time to do the invoices.

Laughing, the doc told her, I had to leave something for you to do over the summer.

Shaking her head, she teased, Gee, Dad, I thought you'd want me to help in the practice, not be your secretary.

You know I hate doing the paperwork, honey. You're so good at it.

Jasmine laughed, hugging him close. I know you do, Dad. I will work on it. There must be thousands in billables in there.

I knew I could count on you as always. You're a good girl, he told her proudly.

What's going on at Grandmother's? Jasmine asked.

Oh, that. I had a nice lady come by a couple months ago saying she and her two children would be moving here. She needed to have a house in the Johnsville school district. From what she told me, one of the kids is in medical school up at CSU, and the other is good at art. She wants her to study with Ginny Hutchenson.

She is a really good teacher and a successful artist, Jasmine told Gorden.

Mrs. Denning is going to be working for Ben Holden, Dr. Hoyte told her. Just then, the phone rang. Jasmine reached over, and putting the receiver to her ear, she said, Hoyte Clinic and Animal Hospital. This is Jasmine. How may I help you?

Dr. Hoyte and Gorden listened to the conversation as she talked.

Mrs. Peatree, what did Puff have for dinner last night?

Dr. Hoyte smiled, telling Gorden quietly, Mrs. Peatree is at least ninety if she is a day, and her cat Puff is all she has. She forgets she's a cat.

Mrs. Peatree, you know Puff has a delicate tummy. You have to feed her the food Dad told you to, or she'll keep getting sick. There was a pause before she spoke again. Yes, Mrs. Peatree, I know it is hard not to spoil Puff, but like all parents, you have to do what is best for her. There was another pause, then Jasmine said, Thanks for calling. I'm sure Dad is proud. You're right, ma'am, I'll be home for good next summer. I hope to see you in town soon too. Take care.

Jasmine hung up the phone and looked over at her father. She's been feeding Puff from the table again. Laughing, she said, She said to tell you, you should be very proud of me and to take care of yourself, and she will look forward to seeing us in town soon.

Sweet Mrs. Peatree. She keeps us supplied with cookies and fruitcake at Christmas. I'd never hurt her feelings by telling her we hate fruitcake.

Gorden joined in the laughter.

Come, Dr. Frances, we need to do rounds, and Jas has some paperwork to do. Turning back to Jasmine, he said, What If I treat us to dinner at the Lasso tonight?

I'd like that, Dad. You're the best date ever.

He laughed as he and Gorden left for the back where the treatment rooms, surgery, and the kennels were.

What would I do if anything happened to him? He's so dear to me.

* * *

Jasmine, her father, and Gorden slid into a booth in the Lasso Café.

Jasmine, welcome home, the waitress said as she approached the table, setting three glasses of water in front of them and handing them menus. I'll be back in a few. With those words, she turned, going to another group of patrons.

What looks good to you, Jasmine? Dr. Hoyte asked her.

I think the trout sounds good. What are you thinking, Dad?

Steak is always good. You, Gorden, what do you see you'd like?

I'm with you, sir. I'm always up for a good steak, he told them with a broad smile.

The waitress returned, taking their orders, then left them to discuss what had been happening at the clinic and with Jasmine's schooling.

They were just finishing up their meal when Curtis Franklin approached their booth. What do we have here? Jasmine home for the summer?

Hello, Curtis. Jasmine reached for Gorden's hand.

What do you say we hook up, go to a show or something?

No, Curtis, I've told you a hundred times, I don't want to go out with you, Jasmine told him, looking at her father, who looked at the table.

Once he had gone to join his parents across the café, she looked at her father, seeing hurt in his eyes. Dad, are you okay?

I'm sorry, Jasmine. I should have known when I applied for the loan to build the hospital from the Johnsville National, I was making the wrong decision. I played right into Curtis's hands.

I just keep hoping he will grow up at some point and move on, she told him, taking her hand from Gorden's to hold her Dad's.

I can't understand why he can't take no for an answer and just move on to find someone else, Dr. Hoyte said.

What am I missing here? Gorden asked.

Curtis Franklin has been pursuing Jasmine since she was in middle school. For some reason, he thinks all he has to do is wait, and she will come to believe she loves him, Dr. Hoyte told him. He overheard me talking to one of the ranchers about wishing we could expand into a hospital along with the clinic. He told me the bank was trying to do a better job of helping the businesses in town by giving low interest rate business loans. I got so involved with the idea of building the hospital, I didn't talk it over with Jasmine or get advice from anyone else.

It's okay, Dad. Once I graduate, we can pay the loan off in a few years. We'll have extra money, plus my treating patients that will bring in more income too, Jasmine told him.

You can try to see it any way you want, hon. The fact is we are at the mercy and whim of Curtis Franklin until that loan is paid off. I don't know what we can expect this summer.

We'll try avoiding him as much as possible, even if that means not coming into town. Don't worry, Dad, we'll figure something out.

* * *

Jasmine, Gorden, and her father settled into a routine of sorts. Jasmine returned to the role of office girl and vet assistant. Gorden went on the calls with her father, which Jasmine was grateful for. He could do most of the heavy work in guise of learning, her father none the wiser.

Jas, honey, can you come help us for a few minutes? Dr. Hoyte called from the back.

Jasmine rushed to the back to find her father headed for the stables. Jasmine followed close behind. Coming in the dimly lit aisle between the stalls, she followed her father to Gorden, who was standing outside one of the stalls. What do you need, Dad? she asked him, coming up beside him, looking at the beautiful horse in the stall. What a beauty.

With a bad temper, Gorden told her.

Jas, we can't get in there to check out his hind leg. He keeps kicking and charging, her father told her.

Okay, can you both step out of sight for a couple minutes? I'll see if I can quiet him a little bit for you, Jasmine told them in a quiet, soft, calm voice.

Her dad pulled Gorden to the side of the wall, out of the horse's sight line. They could hear her cooing softly to the horse for a few minutes. Then she slowly opened the stall door. Gorden went to move to stop her, finding his arm held by Dr. Hoyte, who shook his head when Gorden looked over at him.

It's okay, son, just stay here until she says we can go in. Be quiet and move slowly, Dr. Hoyte whispered in his ear.

It's okay, sweet baby, don't be scared. I'm here to help you, Jasmine whispered to the horse as she entered the stall. She stroked his nose, moving to the side of his neck with a medic's touch, cooing and whispering to him the whole time. She ran her hand along his back to his haunches and then back up his neck then to his nose, leaning her forehead against his. She then told him, Is it okay if I bring my dad and Gorden in? They won't hurt you, they're here to help you.

The horse knackered at her and nodded his head up and down slightly.

It's okay, Dad. I think you could come in now. Just talk softly and move slowly, Jasmine told them. She held the horse by his head and stroked him gently as Dr. Hoyte and Gorden entered the stall.

Both were talking quietly to the horse, running their hands down his body until they could reach the rear leg. Dr. Hoyte ran his hand down the leg to examine it, feeling the joints and muscles to see if they were swollen or sore, examining the horse closely to look for thorns, splinters, chipped bone, or cracks, maybe an infection. Very quietly, he