Chapter 2

Jasmine

Swinging on the wooden swing set in her backyard, Jasmine smiled lightly as she kicked off of the ground with one of her dainty legs.

School was finally out, she'd passed her history exam after dangerously procrastinating, and her birthday was in less than a week. Everything was going great.

She appreciated her C-, being that she had been thoroughly convinced it'd be an F. Having not studied a lick, Jasmine found herself pacing when it was time to be productive. Whenever it came time to actually write something, she got distracted or put it off until "later". Then again, it was her gift of being a good tester that got her through school.

Planting her foot, Jasmine stopped the swing and lifted up on the tips of her toes to stretch, back curving widely as she let out a pleasurable sigh. She felt good, and nothing was going to stop it.

Straightening, she then bent down and picked up a stone that had little wiggly patterns on it. There were always interesting treasures to be found outside. This one could be washed and collected.

The weather outside had finally begun changing for the winter season; air getting cooler, trees losing their leaves. Jasmine loved it. She could finally wear the sweaters her mom had purchased for her months ago, and pair them with whatever boots she picked out for her birthday.

Thinking about it reminded her of something else. She frowned. Shanelle hadn't seem so thrilled when she told her about the sweaters earlier at school. What had been wrong with her today?

"You good girl? You scaring me with that face," Jasmine had laughed, only half serious. Shanelle just looked at her, mouth parting as if about to say something, then closing. "Nothing," she said. "I'll prolly' tell you some other time. Nothin serious."

Shrugging at the thought, Jasmine brushed it off and continued to class. It wasn't the first time Shanelle had gone into a stange mood. It definitely wouldn't be the last.

Skipping through the laundry room, Jasmine kicked off her shoes before heading into the kitchen/dining area. Her mom's cooking filled the house with the scent of simmering beef, onions, carrots, and thick stew. Oh, how lovely it smelled! Searching for her mom, she scanned the kitchen.

June wasn't in the kitchen though. In fact, she was nowhere in the house.

"Ma!" Jasmine called up the stairs. There was no reply. Bathroom maybe?

The door to the bathroom was wide open and empty when she walked by. She checked the bathroom in her parents' room. It was empty as well.

Sighing, Jasmine dragged her feet to the end of the hallway, relying on her last resort. Opening the bedroom door on the right, she let out a harsh breath.

Anna sat on her plush carpet making soft squeaky noises as she played with her toys and dolls.

"Where did Ma go, Mae?"Jasmine asked, more gently than she intended.

Anna continued, in her own little world. She shifted onto her knees and peered into her dollhouse as if searching for something.

"Mae!" Jasmine hollered, getting frustrated. Jumping, Anna turned around clearly bothered by the intrusion.

"What?" She responded.

Throwing her hands up, Jasmine's eyes widened. "Where's Ma? I know you heard me!"

"I ain't telling you till you ask me right." Anna said, folding her plump little arms.

Who did this little girl think she was? Striding in, Jasmine pulled Anna up by her overalls and sneered. "Where's... Ma?"

Eyes widening with fear, Anna surrendered, hands covering her face.

"Okay! Dang... She went to get Shanelle while her mama gone."

Jasmine loosened her grip. Why wouldn't Ms. Teresa be home?

"Ms. Teresa gone?" She questioned.

Anna shrugged. "I don't know! Now get outta' my room!" Squirming her small chunky feet in the air, she fought unsuccessfully.

Setting her down, Jasmine left even more concerned. Was something wrong? Ms. Teresa couldn't have been out of town; everyone knew she hadn't the money. Then what was it? Was it James?

Shuddering, she ran upstairs to her room and plopped down on the bed. Covers engulfing her, she let her face sink into a pillow. She hated waiting. Why wasn't anyone letting her know what was going on?

Sirens sounded close by, ambulances and police cars blaring. It went on for a moment, stopping suddenly. They sounded like they were down the street.

"What noooowwww..." Jasmine groaned. Kicking her feet, she rolled over. She wasn't really annoyed; just bored. There was history homework she could've be working on, but after taking a brief look at it, it seemed easy enough to rush through the night before it was due. It was crazy logic, but it seemed to work for her. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes. She thought about painting, or watching a movie, but soon realized it took more energy than she was willing to invest. So she just laid there and waited.

Then, like a gentle tune, Jasmine heard a sound. Unsure if it had been from outside, or if she'd imagined it, she continued to lay still. Her heart beat steadied.

"Jasmine..." She heard softly. Opening her eyes, she sat up and looked around. Her mind was playing tricks on her. Rolling her eyes, she flung herself back down, pulling the pillow over her face.

"What is wrong with me..." She said, voice muffled.

A few moments passed. Soon Jasmine began slipping over the edge of a pleasant sleep. Curling onto her side, she breathed with ease. The only sound heard was the distant commotion a few blocks down.

"JASMINE" The voice boomed urgently, right next to her ear.

Jumping up, she looked around frantically, but no one was there. Her television was off and room empty.

Suddenly, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up and tingled. Fear filled her belly.

"Who's there? Who called me?"

Hopping to her feet, she looked all over, paranoid. Willing herself, she counted to ten before racing out of her bedroom.

Forgetting the first three steps, Jasmine landed hard with one foot on the edge of the fourth, and both hands on the rails. Shaking it off, she bounded the rest of the way into the living room. Running blind, she almost collided with Shanelle and and June.

Steadying her, June looked Jasmine over. "Where you running to girl?"

Opening her mouth to speak, she froze instantly when she saw the blood stains on Shanelle's face and shirt.

Body going cold, Jasmine balled her fists, eyes livid. "What happened Nelle? Who hurt you? Was it James? Tell me!" She demanded.

Afraid to touch her for fear of hurting her, Jasmine looked into Shanelle's eyes. They were puffy and swollen from crying and currently filling again.

Heart tearing, Jasmine fought her own tearful reaction and reached out to her.

"Jas, Nelle's gonna' go wash up. She has to file a police report."

Shanelle's eyes widened, tears pouring now. "Mrs. Johnson, I can't go write a report! I... I can't!" Her face crumpled.

Moving into her direct view, June turned her face towards her. "Listen Shanelle. We're gonna' go return those items, and then write that report. No one is going to hurt you. Go wash yourself up, I'll bring you some clothes. Okay? All right?"

Nodding, Shanelle left.

"Statement? Ma?" Jasmine asked, more confused than ever. "What's wrong with her ma? Did James hurt her?"

"Jas, I'll talk to you about it when I get back with Shanelle. Make sure Anna eats and washes. I'm going to go change my own clothes... Daddy should be home in about half an hour."

Having no rebuttal, Jasmine stared off as her mom disappeared into the room.

Something was terribly wrong.