Their Voices

part 11

Running through the hospital doors Sophie's face flushed from exhaustion, her heart racing worrying about Jasmine and her Mom. Seeing the nurses desk she leaped towards smacking her hands on the counter startling the desk attendant “give me Elizabeth Knights room please it's urgent” Sophie immediately asked “and are you family” she asked “yes I am I'm her niece” Sophie lied “just down the hall room Two-Eighteen” she explained “thank you” Sophie said rushing down the hall. Getting halfway down the hall she began hearing a heart monitor start flat lining. Quickly a swarm of doctors and nurses immediately rushed past her running down the hall into the room that read Two-Eighteen. Sophie's eyes widdend with every second that she stood there. When suddenly she saw a doctor pull Jasmine into the hall as more doctors and nurses rushed into the room with all their equipment. Turning the corner Jack saw Sophie staring at the situation unfolding his eyes becoming fearful. Meanwhile after no longer than thirty minutes the doctors and nurses began slowly coming out of the room with grave faces. One doctor, in particular, stopping in front of Jasmine with the gravest face out of them all. Shaking his head as he spoke softly enough for them to not be able to hear them. When suddenly Jasmine dropped to the ground as if now lifeless and with a loud shriek of pain Jasmine weeped holding herself. Jack as if with no hesitation rushed over to her wrapping his arms around her, holding her tight trying to comfort her. Sophie's heart broke, her mind not able to process. She just stood there watching as Jasmine broke down in tears “I need to do something... I'm supposed to be protecting her, I promised. I promised Jasmine, Mrs’s Knight, I promised him.” Sophie thought heavily as Jack looked and waved me over with a serious and concerned face. Without thinking I found myself running to Jas. Dropping to my knees as soon as I reached her my heart aching for her “Jas!” Sophie said “SOPHIE.”

Chapter 7.

I jump into Sophie's loving arms crying more and more the feeling of loss and sadness not seeming to subside. I look up at Sophie's worried face “I’m...I’m so sorry. I know I should have told you but I couldn't bring myself to tell anyone and she was getting better. I was hoping...I wouldn't say anything to anyone but now...now she...she's...she’s gone” I cried louder “no Jas it's ok I understand. Really I do” Sophie said patting my head “but now...now I don't know what to do I...I don't have anyone to live with and a high schooler my age can't live alone, I don't know what to do, I don't want to leave. I can’t leave” I said as I started crying again just the thought of losing someone else broke my heart filling it with loss and depressed sadness. “Then you'll come live with us. With me, Mom, Jason, Sally, and Jake. How about that, I mean we are family and Momma would love to have you. So what do you think” Sophie asked caringly? I looked at her face showing all of the emotions she was feeling. She was never able to hide her emotions from me but right now they were as plain as day. She was full of worry, tenderness, and compassion towards me. “I can't do that” I said wirily “oh yes you can, your already like family” she argued. “I understand that but I don't want to burden all of you” I said wiping the tears off my cheek. “We've known each other since we were like five” Sophie joked “three years old actually but I know what you mean” I laughed “then you will come live with us you can sleep in my room...ok” Sophie said giving me a big smile making me feel better and less lonely. “Ok...but only until I can live on my own. I don't want to be a burden to you” I smiled “fine though you won't be a burden anyways but let's get going” Sophie said helping me up with Jack right behind me.

After signing all the paperwork for Momma's transfer to Wilson's Funeral home where she will be cremated. Jack, Sophie and I decided to stop by my house so I could get some of the things that I would need. All of us decide to come back the next day or on the weekend for everything else. Sophie and Jack both agreed that I needed some time to rest. Luckily Jack stayed with me until his Mom called for him to go home. I felt bad for making Jack go through all that and staying with us so late. Though I have only known him for a few days I already knew he would overthink things and feel bad for me, but to be fair neither Sophie nor Jack were at fault. They did nothing wrong, it was, in all honesty, my fault. I shouldn't have gone to school knowing that Momma was hurting and was weaker than normal, I should have gone to more appointments with her, I should have gone home sooner than I did. I knew something was wrong but I didn't do anything about it which makes it my fault, not theirs, not the doctors or nurses, but mine. “Hey, Jas you ok?” Sophie asked holding a blanket “yeah sorry I was just lost in thought” I admitted “what are you thinking about” Sophie asked “nothing really” I assured her “hm...if you say so” she said trying to give me some space. Giving her a warm smile I took out a small box from one of the bags we packed. “Well, it was nice of Jack to help don’t cha think,” she said changing the subject “yea he's really nice,” I said softly smiling “yea he is! He was the one who called me to the hospital to” Sophie explained “so that's how you knew” I realized making sense of it. “Yeah, it was. But why didn't you tell me that your Mom was sick” Sophie asked turning towards me with a serious look “well I just didn't want anyone to know...she was really getting better but then today she...she just” I said choking on the words with tears building in my already red and swollen eyes. “I mean --Sniff-- I mean she seemed fine at first it was just --Sniff-- that she was hurting a lot worse today so I told her I would stay home from school to take care of her --Sniff-- but she didn't want me to she said that I needed to keep going to school --Sniff-- I even tried to stay home but she wouldn't let me take care of her so...so I told her to...to take care of herself to take it easy but she...she wanted to make me dinner” I cried my tears now rolling down my face. Sophie walked over to me hugging me tightly. “It's ok Jasmine it’ll be ok I'm here for you,” she said softly holding me. Once again I fell to the floor not being able to stand Sophie sliding down with me hugging me tight. Honestly, I needed her. She was always here for me. She made me feel safe so I just cried for what seemed like hours until I finally stopped crying though I still felt sad. I just didn't have any tears left in me. When Sophie had finally let go of me she talked to me calming me down some more before her Mom called her down to help her with Jake, Sally, and Jason. Waveringly Sophie hesitated to go down until I waved her off. Sitting up, I wiped my face taking a deep breath to calm myself some more before I walked into her bathroom to wash my face. After a few minutes of cold water I hear my phone start singing ♫Nah Nah Nah come on. Pickup Pickup Pickup. Nah Nah come on♫ “Wow I really need to change that ringtone” I laughed to myself as I looked at the screen reading an unknown number. :--BEEP-- um hello: I answered :um hi is...is this Jasmine Knight: :yes and may I ask who this is: I asked nervously :oh good she gave me the right number: the man said relieved :who is this: I asked again ready to hang up :Oh sorry it's me Jack: “JACK! Why...why does he have my number? How did he get my number” I muttered nervously to myself :um hello Jasmine you still there: he asked. Shaking my head I put my phone back to my ear :oh yeah I'm still here so how...how did you get my number: I asked :I asked Sophie to keep me in the loop but she gave me your number instead. That ok with you if not just say so and I'll…: he stuttered nervously :no no it's fine I was just surprised that you called me: I explained :well I’m worried about you: he admitted :sorry to worry you: I apologized :Nah it's fine: he laughed :well that's a relief I thought you wouldn't be interested in talking or even seeing me especially after these paste couple of days with me being so...weird: :so what yesterday was weird but I mean look at the circumstances. Plus today you had a pretty good reason. Today was traumatic for you: he said understanding. Shocked I had no words. I couldn't believe it. I didn't think he’d understand but he did and he didn't care he was more worried about me than anything. :Um hello...Jasmine are you still there: :OH! yea sorry I spaced out: :it's ok: You could hear him chuckling over the phone :so how are you holding up: he asked, sounding serious :Oh I'm fine now thanks to you and Sophie I’m feeling much better: I said partly true. --Sigh-- she’s she just lost her Mom” Jack thought to himself feeling stupid. :Jack you still there?: I asked :yea I'm here: Jack answered :ok well...: :So Jasmine I um....: we both interrupted. :--Sigh-- um hey I should go, I still have a lot of unpacking to do so...I'll talk to you tomorrow ok: I said trying to sound chipper :uh oh ok I guess we can talk later: :yeah later...bye: I said quickly hanging up --Sigh--! “Hey, Jas,” Sophie said walking through her door “hey Sophie,” I said putting my phone back in my pocket “who were you talking to” Sophie asked. “Oh um Jack called” I explained “really why did he call” she asked “oh he was just asking how I’m doing” I explained “well that was nice of him” she said closing her door “yep sure was” I said blushing a bit “Ahem so everything ok” I asked. “Yea Jason and Sally where just arguing about a toy and ended up hurting Jake” Sophie explained “owch how did that happen” I asked wincing at the thought “I have no clue” Sophie sighed “I'm just so done with them it just seems like they're always fighting and I'm always the one to deal with them --Sigh--” “I'm sure that is not true” I laughed “well it sure feels like it --Sigh-- whatever let's just get this finished” Sophie said taking a deep breath “yeah” I laughed.

Chapter 8.

After about two days of involuntary staying out of school so I could mourn Mommas' death, I finally was able to go back to school just in time for some new events. “May I have Jasmine Knight to the front office for a moment please?” a woman said over the school intercom. Everyone turned towards me as they started to whisper and gossip their eyes watching me walk out of the classroom there stares uncomfortable and nervous. Walking through the halls I could feel more and more people staring at me as I walked down the halls. Everyone's eyes followed me, burning holes through my skin. Finally, I got to the office walking in to see Miss Olivia Sanders working away at her desk. Looking up she saw me come through the office door and smiled “hello, Jasmine right” she asked “uh yes ma’am” I answered. “Just sit tight over there Principal Daniels will be with you momentarily,” she said happily “yes ma’am,” I said doing as I was told. Nonetheless not long after I sat down his office door swung open to show Mr. Daniels walking out with Sophie and her Mom “Sophie...Mrs. Jewell what are you doing here” I asked confused “Jasmine...” she started before being cut off “Miss Knight please come in,” Mr. Daniels said back in his office “yes sir,” I said nervously following Mr. Daniels. He shut his door and looked at me sternly as I sat down. “Um sir am I in trouble,” I asked nervously “oh god no! I called you up here to get your confirmation on some matters I was just recently made aware of” he explained "the first matter is about your Mothers passing on Monday…” seeing my face sadden he must have already known the answer. My heart broke and tears started to build up in my eyes. Ducking my head down I shake my head yes hoping I wasn't about to cry in the Principal's office. “Hm I see, I'm very sorry for your loss. If you need anything you can always come to me if needed” he said sincerely. “Thank you sir,” I said thankfully “Now the second matter was about your living accommodations now it is to my understanding that you are currently staying with Mrs. Jewell.” “Yes...yes sir she's been a family friend since before I was ever born she's like family to me” I explained nervously. “Now I have been made aware that she wants to take you under her wing, let you stay with her as long as needed” he explained “I don't understand,” I said confused. “To put it simply, I'm asking if you would like to stay with Mrs. Jewell to be your guardian until no longer needed,” he asked. My face lit up with the truest rejoiced expression “YES!” I yelled happily before I was able to stop myself “Ehm sorry sir. Yes, sir, I would love to stay with Mrs. Jewell and her family” I said happily “great now that that has been discussed, I have also been informed that you have been bullied in a horrible and cruel manner” he stated “yes...yes sir I have been” I said weakly as if just the mention of it drained the life right out of me. “Bruises, scars, and so on I was even told that you were often caught wearing make-up, concealer to hide it all” he stated “ye..yes sir” I stuttered touching my cheek gently. “Jasmine…” he said, laying his hands on his desk “I need you to tell me the names of the bullies,” he said grabbing a sheet of paper and a pen. “Sir I...can't” I said fearfully “Jasmine if you don't tell me there is no way for me to help you I'm sure your mother wouldn't want you to suffer while she is no longer able to take care of you.” he said. My voice stuck in my throat. I couldn't say a word, fear grabbing a hold of me and not seeming to let go. “Jasmine, I can't help you if you don't let me,” he said “I really can't Mr. Daniels. I really can't” I sighed “all I need are the names nothing more nothing less.” “Li...Lillian Smith, Stacy Conwell and...Jain Evans” I finally admitted. “It seems they have been causing a lot of problems lately. I will deal with them” he assured me “yes sir… thank...thank you.” “No need for your thanks now head back to class.” “Yes sir,” I said standing “Take it easy and if there are any more problems, please let me know,” he said as I opened the door “yes sir I will,” I said as I walked out closing the door behind me. I walked out of his office to see Sophie and Jack both standing there smiling at me. “You guys are horrible you know that” I laughed “yeah but you love us for it” Sophie said hugging me “that I do” I agreed Jack's eyes widening and his face flushed. I looked at him confused wondering why his face reddened “um you ok Jack your face is red” I asked “yea I'm...I'm ok” he stuttered. I tilted my head confused as he turned even redder “ok if you say so” Sophie looked at Jack and smirked “SO! do y'all want to hang out after school” Sophie asked “I've got nothing to do” Jack agreed happily getting off the subject. “Jas you game” he asked “c’mon please you need this” Sophie begged “um ok I'll go but I need to run some errands first ok.” I said agreeing “Yay! Let's all meet up at Caffeine Casanova” Sophie said excited “alright” Jack agreed. “Then I'll talk to y'all later” I said turning in the other direction. “Wait you're not going this way with us” Jack asked “I actually have some things I need to grab before I go back to class” I explained “alright” Sophie said confused “Bye you guys” I said turning away and walking in the other direction. “Bye Jas we we will see you at Caffeine Casanova” Sophie called out “Bye Jasmine see you later and be careful,” Jack said sincerely “will do” I smiled reassuringly.