Their Voices

part 12

Chapter 9.

My last period of the day ended early, so I left school early. That way before I had to meet up with Jack and Sophie I could deal with some things that I needed to end. I walked into town heading straight to Carnels restaurant thats just down the street from Caffeine Casanova. In the near corner, I sat down at a window table. sitting near the window a familiar voice came up from behind me. “Why hello there little Jassy Bear long time no see, you look as lovely as usual,” someone said, sounding purposely smug. “Just sit down” I demanded as I gestured to the seat in front of me not even turning around to see the person. “Certainly Jassy Bear,” the voice said laughing a little “don’t call me that.” I barked “Oh! Well, then I give you my utmost apology. I am only trying to tease my little sister for whom I had not seen in eight years.” The person said sitting down “I am no longer your sister! I thought that was clear long ago” I said bitterly “aw don't be like that. Give your big ol’ brother a chance” he laughed. “You don't deserve another chance Malakie '' I barked “ouch well that hurt,” he said laughing bitterly “well anywho… How have you been any boyfriends, a guy you like, any friends at all.” he asked “I mean the only friends you ever had was that girl you played with all the time and it certainly didn't help that you were always so quiet” he blabbed “Sophie was your friend too” I said. “Oh was she now, I thought she was your friend” he laughed “that's none of your concern,” I said irritatedly “aw you're no fun” he pouted. “Just stop playing and tell me why you're really here Malakie '' I growled “oh for whatever do you mean? I just came to see how my little sister was doing” he laughed “well I'm perfectly fine as you can see. So you can go now” I said rudely but he didn't budge. Annoyed, I grabbed my bag and started towards the door. “I heard Momma died,” Malakie said dryly, turning sideways in the chair. I stopped anger and sadness in my heart boiling up until it surrounded my entire body. I turned around glaring at Malakie with anger and sorrow in my eyes. As he looked at me through the corner of his eye with an unreadable look but what else is new? Angrily I walked back over and sat back down. “So how are you handling it” he asked with a hint of sorrow “what do you care, you didn't call, text or even send a single letter till today” I said hurt “well neither did you” he barked back “I NEVER KNEW WERE IN THE WORLD YOU WERE” I yelled “Oh well, It doesn't matter now, does it? I don't even really care anymore” he said dryly “yea I'm not even surprised you never did change so I don't know why I thought you would even after eight years,” I said sourly.

“Man why does Caffeine Casanova half to be down here they need to build one near the school” Jack whined as he walked down the sidewalk “yeah probably but then everyone would be there instead of class plus this one has the best Pumpkin Spice coffee ever!” Sophie said excitedly “really Sophie that's why” Jack laughed “well if you have a problem with it then just go home Jack '' Sophie laughed “Nah I like their Apple Cider flavored coffee” Jack explained. “Yeah, they d…” Sophie stopped frozen in the middle of the sidewalk. “What's up Sophie,” Jack asked, turning to where Sophie was staring “hey isn't that Jasmine,” Jack asked squinting to see the girls face “it is! How about we go say hey then we can all go to Caffeine Casanova together” Jack offered. I just stood there shocked “Sophie hey Soph what is wrong,” Jack asked confused “it..it's Malakie but I thought…” she held her breath “hey let's go in Sophie,” Jack said “huh...oh...yeah sure let's...go in'' Sophie agreed dazed. We walked in to see Jasmine grab her bag and start to walk out before Malakie said “I heard Momma died,” he said. His voice was as dry as a desert without rain. Jasmine stopped dead in her tracks and turned glaring at Malakie with anger and sorrow. He looked at her through the corner of his eyes with an unreadable look as he turned himself sideways in the chair he was sitting in. Jasmine suddenly turned her body around and sat back down clearly angry “what is he doing here” Sophie thought confused. “So how are you handling it,” Sophie and Jack heard Malakie asked as they walked in “what do you care you didn't call, text or even send a single letter till today,” Jas said hurt “well neither did you” he barked back “I NEVER KNEW WERE IN THE WORLD YOU WHERE” she yelled “oh well. It doesn't matter now, does it? I don't even really care anymore” he said dryly “yea I'm not even surprised you never did change so I don't know why I thought you would even after eight years,” Jasmine said sourly. “Oh and I'm sure you have,” he said sarcastically. Jack looked at Sophie and whispered “hey Sophie how bout’ we sit in that booth” Jack suggested “ye..yea sure” Sophie agreed realizing they had been hiding behind a bush since they walked in. Finally, they sat down and started listening again. “I have changed! For your information,” Jasmine said strongly. “Oh really,” he said sarcastically as he leaned on his hand mockingly “and how so because from where I sit you are still my little sister Jassy Bear who cried all the time. The same little girl who had only one friend, the same girl who kept her mouth shut around others. But please do tell me how you have changed” he said as he smugly smirked at my expression. “You are so despicable. You're still the same old jerk who left eight years ago and what's funny is that you haven't even told me why you are here. It's not like you just came to see how I'm holding up” she said even angrier. He just looked at her and for a second he looked hurt until he chuckled dryly “Your right I did leave, and I am despicable but here’s one thing you always forget” he said raising a finger “and what would that be'' she laughed annoyed “that I did come down here” Malakie said seriously. Jasmine glared at him knowing he was right because he did come back but he never actually stayed. He just left right after seeing her. “Even so you always just left as soon as you see me and you still haven't told me why you kept leaving.” she said hoping for an answer this time. “Well you still haven't told me how you’ve changed little Jassy,” he said, avoiding the question again. I slammed my hand on the table, “I said DON'T call me that'' she said taking some of her anger out on the table but he just sat there and smirked causing all the anger and sorrow she had let out consume her with even more rage. “But It’s the nickname you went by when we were little and I do remember I gave it to you so I think I’ll decide if I’ll stop using it. Plus you liked it back then so why not now” he said. “I don't care if I liked it back then, and I certainly do not care when I went by it because you see that was years ago and this is now everything has changed” Jasmine glared. “Really and how so hm? You have yet to tell me how you have changed” he laughed “well for starters I DON'T go by Jassy or Jassy bear anymore,” she said clearly “aww so sad,” he said making a fake pouty face interrupting her. “Secondly I do have more friends...” she started again “really how many” he quickly asked Sophie and Jack worriedly listening in as Jasmine’s voice quietened “two” she whispered. He burst out laughing “only two wow and let me guess one of them is that old friend you have had since we were little” Malakie said mockingly “her name is Sophie and does that matter she has been my best friend and always will be. Plus I do seem to remember her being your friend to, at some point you even had a crush on her” she said “aww how sweet but like you said that was all in the past” he said laughing some more his face slightly pink as he seemed to have a bit of hostility to his words this time “Also I make good grades I'm actually the Student Council President at school, I'm in high school now I'm a Sophomore even, I help out at some of the orphanages, vets, clinics, schools, daycares, libraries, choruses, I help teach kids how to read I even sometimes work outside of town” Jasmine said tears watering in her eyes. “Oh wow you have changed,” he said, “I told you I had…” he raised his hand not letting her finish. “Ah ah ah I haven't finished” he smiled. Jasmine glared at him annoyed and hurt. “Then finish so you can leave me alone so you can leave again,” she said harshly. “Ouch, that hurt,” he commented “oh yeah right like you have ever felt anything your heartless” Jas barked. “Oh really well everyone knows monsters have feelings of their own too” he explained “Yea right. You...you don't have a heart I'm honestly not sure if you ever did” she glared “Well that may or may not be true but who cares plus there is the saying that ‘every human has his or her own demons’. ” he said lifting his shoulders up and down shrugging as if he didn't care annoying Jasmine even more. “So the main question being are you still the cry baby you were,” he asked. Sophie's eyes widened with everything from the other day flooding back to her mind. Suddenly everything started to worry me even more so when Jasmine barked “NO! I told you I'm not the same unlike YOU Malakie'' all Malakie did was chuckle he didn't say anything or do anything he just sat there and chuckled a little before falling back to his smug silence. Sophie watched Jasmine look down before she suddenly put her bag on her shoulder and said “well look at the time. I have somewhere I should be so I'm leaving first. I guess the next time I'll see you is when you decide to come back after a few more years of me not knowing where you are right” Jasmine asked obviously hoping for a different answer but instead he turned his head away from her gaze sighing Jasmine set her hand on the back of the chair she sat in. “...Bye Malakie'' she said scooting her chair in. Turning around Jasmine headed in our direction when suddenly we saw Malakie stand up quickly grabbing her wrist. Jasmine's voice went cold and a dark light shone in her eyes “let me go Malakie” she said threateningly making every eye in the restaurant fall on her and Malakie. “Well,” Malakie sighed, pulling her closer whispering in her ear. “Well it seems you’ve some company little Jassy,” he said looking over before he finally let go. “Well, no matter what, I'll see you next time little Jassy” the dark light in Jasmine's eyes changed to pure fury. “Don't touch me again, don't even talk to me, or come near me EVER again?” Jasmine said coldly before walking away from everyone in Carnels eyes following her. “Come on Sophie, Jack,” she said, stopping for a moment at the booth we were sitting at. Sliding out of the booth Jack looked at Jasmine surprised that she already knew where we were. “Ok” Jack stuttered before the both of us followed Jasmine out of the restaurant. Stopping for a moment I looked to Malakie with worried eyes, returning it with sadness in his.

As we all headed towards Caffeine Casanova I walked slightly ahead of Sophie and Jack slightly irritated. “Sorry, Jasmine, We didn't mean to spy we just got worried when we saw you so angry” Jack admitted. I slowed down until I came to a complete stop turning around. I looked at them with a soft smile. “Thanks for worrying about me but I'm fine” I said partly true “ok that's good. So you up for some of the best caffeine” Jack offered “heck yea” I smiled at Jack and I started towards Caffeine Casanova. Stopping I looked to see Sophie staying still. I looked at her and smiled softly as I walked over to her taking her hands and holding them tightly. Until she finally looked at me with surprise on her face “hey I'm ok Soph” I tried to reassure her. She shook her head jumping me in a hug “I'm so sorry Jas” she whispered sadly. “No no, it's fine. Plus at least now I know I'm not the only one who's late hehe” I laughed. “Yeah” Jack agreed. “Apple Cider-flavored coffee here we come” Sophie announced excitedly. Snorting all of us tried not to laugh but with no success all of us burst out laughing at me, Sophie, Jack and I leaning on each other while we laughed our way to Caffeine Casanova.

The three of us sat in the middle of the window in Caffeine Casanova. Laughing together when my phone suddenly vibrated before taking it out of my pocket my gut told me who it was. And there it was. On the screen, it showed a message stating information from the funeral home.

Dear Miss Johnson,

Your Mother's funeral including her cremation are both ready for your authorization. We will be awaiting your call for more information about the time, date, ceremony, plans, guests, etc that need to be discussed and dealt with. I would like it if you could write down all the needed instructions and we will get together to discuss the funeral.

We all thank you and apologize for your lost

Sincerely,

Requiem Funeral Burial and Cremation Services.

Closing my phone I pondered on the idea of how or what I should do about everything that has happened in the past couple of days. “Jas what do you think?” Jack asked “hm oh sorry I wasn't listening I was lost in thought. What were you saying?” I asked sincerely “ouch that hurt” Sophie joked laughing “and I thought we were friends” Jack laughed “what we are. I’m sorry I really didn't mean to hurt your feelings” I apologized. “Jasmine we’re messing with you Sophie laughed “anyways I said that the Pumpkin Spice cappuccino is better,” Jack said sternly “and I said the Hot Apple Cider coffee was better,” Sophie said in defense “so we want your opinion on which one is better. My delicious Pumpkin Spice...” Jack led off before being interrupted “or my Sweet Hot Apple Cider” Sophie hinted. I looked at them hesitant for a second “umm well I actually like the Christmas Cinnamon and Mint drink with a tall swirl of whipped cream on top with either a candy cane or a gingerbread man sticking out the top I mean it could come cold or hot” I said breathlessly as they both looked at me surprised. For a second the both of them looked at each other and nodded their heads in agreeance, “Yea that is the best” Jack agreed “finally something we all can agree on” Sophie said cockily making me and Jack laugh. Smiling I laughed, feeling my phone vibrate again stopping me for another moment. Looking at it anger swirled up in my stomach showing on my face “what the…” I thought angrily. “Jas you ok” Sophie asked worriedly. Looking up I saw Sophie's worried face and nodded. “Yea I just got a text talking about Mommas funeral” I lied “Well if you need any help just tell me” Sophie offered “yeah you can call me anytime to, I'll help all that I can ok” Jack offered happily “yea thanks Soph thanks Jack y'all are awesome” I said gratefully “yea I know” Sophie said acting like she was looking at her nails making all of us start laughing again. Sadly eventually the fun had to end. By the time we knew it, it was seven thirty and Sophie's Mom expected us home by Eight O'clock. The same goes for Jack. So we all packed up and headed out walking home as far as we could together before parting ways at the split where we would half to say goodbye well till Monday that is. After we split ways it took you about fifteen more minutes of walking to get to Sophie's house the both of us luckily making it inside around seven-fifty. “Hey you want to watch a movie” Sophie asked “Nah I'm tired so I think I'll just go to bed plus I have work with the chorus kids then the vet tomorrow” I explained “alright then I'll just be up in a few minutes I need something to eat” Sophie said heading towards the kitchen. While I walked up the stairs going to the bathroom ready to take a shower and get dressed for bed when suddenly my phone started ringing looking at my phone instead of seeing a name or number it read mystery number. Confused, I pressed the answer button.

:Hello?

I answered

:Why hello there Jassy bear!

:how did you get my number Malakie?

I asked angrily

:I have my ways but that really doesn’t matter.

Malakie laughed slyly

:it is when it involves me.

I growled furry building up

:aw don't be like that.

he whined. Sighing I took a breath trying to keep calm

:what do you want?

I asked

:Well I came by the house but you weren't there. Are you at a friend's house?

he asked interested

:what does it matter to you?

I said defensively

:Oh c'mon Jas I am your brother after all so is it not obvious that I'm worried about you

he explained

:you stopped being my brother eight years ago when you left. We may be related by blood but I will NEVER call you my brother AGAIN!

I said upset at his action, the words killing me. Though on the other side of the phone there was a slight pause as if he was taking a deep breath. My question answered when I heard him breath out

:you're right

he said his voice shaking slightly before he hung up the phone --Sigh-- why’d he even call me anyway --Sigh-- but I am glad he's ok.” I sighed troubled.