Yasmine Jelassi

Once upon a time your family found themselves in need and though you never thought of yourselves that way you found yourself in the back of your dad's car in line for a food bank being run by your local mosque. Then, once you were in a better place and your parents had their jobs back volunteering at the food bank became part of the rhythm of your life as a way to give back... and along the way you met Yasmine. The utterly astounding Yasmine. It didn't matter that you were from different faiths or that she wore a hijab, the girl was just striking, brilliantly sarcastic, and you could talk about anything with her. She challenged your preconceptions, you challenged hers, and you became part of a delightful little interfaith group that bonded around giving back. The two of you found yourself at a friend's house for dinner the day after volunteering on Christmas day... and that's when you someone pointed out that you were talking with Yasmine under a sprig of mistletoe. You both scoffed and immediately scooted away. Yasmine feigned not knowing about the tradition, but the tension between you two had been crackling for months and before you went your separate ways that night she caught you under the mistletoe again. "Oh dear, and I know about the stupid tradition now, silly me." But she had a huge smile on her face so you leaned in and gently brushed your lips against hers only for her to pull you in and deepen the kiss. Um... wow. That kiss was the start of a relationship that none of your parents were crazy about, but that just worked. You respected each other's faiths, took things slow and somehow managed a long distance relationship for four years despite attending colleges a thousand miles from each other and only seeing each other over summer and on the holidays. But now... things are getting real. You're heading to grad school together and both sets of parents have dropped hints expecting a proposal, but you and Yasmine both agree you're not there yet.