Excellent Words

Chapter 7 JASMINE

I walk upstairs feeling badly that I left Ryder alone with obnoxious delinquents otherwise known as my siblings. I go into my room grab my journal and go into the adjoining bathroom, which is attached to Mika, Jase, and Ramsies room, so we all share it. I lock the door, on both sides, open up my journal and write:

Day 266 regret

sooo sorry I haven’t been writing Future self,

These last few days have been hectic I got Mom finally moved to Aunt and Uncles house where she can get the help she needs. Ramsies has been going off, I’m afraid that he will end up in jail or worse dead, with how he acts these days. All of us used to be so close until Dad and Becca left for a better family. Oh, Becca visited the other day wanting to see Mom, not us. I wish they cared but wish, hate, and hope are the strongest most expressive words, Mom always said. I want our lives to be better so I made Amelia, Nate, and myself get jobs. Nate works for an auto company and it pays a lot which is good. Amelia babysits the local neighborhood kids, while I work at a bookstore which pays fairly well. That is as much Writing I’m doing today and I’ll try to write more often.

                                                                    love, younger self

I quickly hide my journal underneath a folded pile of clothes in one of my drawers in my dresser. I arrive downstairs to find everyone talking nicely, without yelling or screaming or scissors, and that is awesome. Ryder smiles up at me while i go to sit by him. Amelia gives me a look that says “You know you like him, go for it, don’t be a weenie,” but i choose to ignore it. Then there’s Nate who gives me a look saying “Don’t be an idiot J. Choose wisely.” I ignore him too.

“What are you talking about?” I ask trying to sound interested when all I can think about Ryder.

“Dinner,” replies Nate.

“Any idea what we are gonna do?”

“Nope,” says Nate.

“Awesome,” I mumble while I turn my head to the side.

“What happened?” Ryder asks.

“Nothing,” I reply.

“Ok, well I’m gonna meet my friend at Starbucks. See yah,” Amelia quickly states.

“I going to my room,” Nate says to us.

“Sounds good, Amelia don’t stay out too late,” I say while she walks out the door.

“So want to make something from the fridge?” Ryder asks.

“Ya, lets do that,” I reply happily.

We walk into the kitchen. We end up finding lettuce, tomatoes, and more salad stuff. For the main course we find peanut butter, jelly, and bread. Making the meal was surprisingly fun, even though it only took 20 minutes.

After eating, Ryder leaves, and everyone is asleep in their rooms, I walk out leaving a note that reads:

Gone out be back around midnight. XOXO Jasmine.

I went to my car and drove away from the house quickly. Finally, I found it my destination, 2437 Limrick Street. This was the house of my only friend other than Ryder, Jasper. I waited for her to tell me the coast was clear, we didn’t want her parents to know I was coming over. Her parents told her that I was a bad influence on her by how my family is a wreck and has issues.

I get a text saying they left a while ago for her Aunts an won’t be back till 4 days. I open the car door and walk to her house, which is 3 houses away due to my caution of her parents. I knock and immediately she opens the door with a big grin and hugs me.