Mo Bullsht
I get home, and it's the same old story. Pops slumped over on the couch, eyes glazed. I try to wake him, but he's out cold. Moms, she's in the kitchen, pretending like she ain't seein' none of this."Jas, you think you all that just 'cause you graduated?" she snaps. "Life ain't no fairytale, girl."I roll my eyes. "I know that, Ma. But I'm tryna make something of myself.""Don't forget where you came from," she mutters, more to herself than to me.I head to my room, slam the door, and flop onto my bed. I pull out my phone and text Tinisha and Brook. Tinisha's my ride-or-die, always keepin' it real. Brook? She's cool, but sometimes she's too easily swayed by others.
I hear Ma slam a pot in the kitchen, and I know she's not done. The tension in this house is thick enough to choke. I wish I could just pack up and leave right now, but I know it ain't that easy.
My phone buzzes. It's Tinisha: "U good?"
I type back: "Just got home. Same old mess."
She replies with a heart emoji and a "Call me if u need." That's Tinisha for you—always got my back.
I flip over and stare at the ceiling. College feels like a distant dream right now. I close my eyes, tryna shut out the noise, but memories start floodin' in. Ma used to be different. She was happy once, before Pops started using. Now, she's just angry, and most of that anger's aimed at me.
The door creaks open, and Ma stands in the doorway, arms crossed. "You just gon' lay there all night?"
I sit up, sighing. "Ma, what do you want from me?"
"I want you to be real," she says, stepping into my room. "You think you're better than us?"
"No, Ma, I just want better for myself," I say, my voice softer now. "For us."
She shakes her head, looking away. "Your father wasn't always like this, you know. He had dreams too."
"I know, Ma," I whisper. "But look at us now. We can't keep living like this."
She leaves without another word, and I'm left alone again. I pull out my journal, needing to vent. Writing's the only thing that keeps me sane sometimes.
Journal Entry:
June 16, 2022
Another day, another fight with Ma. Pops is getting worse, and I'm stuck in the middle. Tinisha and Brook are my lifeline, but even they can't fix this mess. I just wanna get out, start fresh, and leave all this behind. But it feels like no matter how hard I try, I'm always pulled back.
Jasmine's Narration:
The next morning, I wake up early, determined to avoid another confrontation. I grab my backpack and head out, not bothering to say goodbye. The bus ride to the library is my little escape. I spend hours there, working on college applications, dreaming about my future.
By the time I get home, it's late. Pops is awake this time, sitting at the kitchen table, looking lost. I take a deep breath and sit down across from him.
"Hey, Pops."
He looks up, eyes red and tired. "Hey, baby girl. How was your day?"
"Busy," I say, trying to keep it light. "I was at the library, working on college stuff."
He nods, a faint smile on his lips. "You're gonna do great things, Jas. Don't let this place hold you back."
"I won't," I promise, feeling a lump in my throat. "I just need you to try too, Pops. For me."
He looks away, and I know it's a lot to ask. But I have to hope. I have to believe that things can get better.
Later that night, I hear Ma and Pops arguing, and I put my headphones on, blasting music to drown them out. I text Tinisha and Brook, needing a distraction.
Text Conversation:
Jasmine: "Y'all free tomorrow? Need to get outta here."
Tinisha: "I'm down. Let's hit the beach."
Brook: "Sounds good. We need a break."
Jasmine's Narration:
The next day, we head to the beach, trying to escape our problems for a little while. The sun's shining, the waves are crashing, and for a moment, everything feels okay. We laugh, we joke, and we just enjoy being young and free.
But as the sun sets and we head home, I know I'm going back to the same old mess. I just have to keep pushing forward, one day at a time, and believe that my dreams will come true.
I walk into the house and see Ma sitting at the kitchen table, staring at an old photo album. I sit down across from her, and for a moment, we just look at each other.
"Ma, I'm gonna make it out of here. I promise," I say softly.
She nods, tears welling up in her eyes. "I know, Jasmine. I just... I want better for you than what I had."
"I'm gonna do it, Ma. For both of us," I say, reaching across the table to hold her hand.
That night, I go to bed feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things can change.
Anyways
The next few weeks are a blur of college applications, part-time work, and trying to keep the peace at home. Ma's been softer with me, and Pops is trying to stay clean. It's a fragile balance, but it's something.
One evening, Tinisha and Brook come over to help me pack for college. We laugh and reminisce about high school, and for a moment, everything feels normal.
"Jas, you're really doing it. You're getting out," Tinisha says, hugging me tight.
"I couldn't have done it without y'all," I reply, tears in my eyes.
As we sit in my room, surrounded by boxes and memories, I realize just how far I've come. I'm ready to face whatever comes next.
Leaving Day
The day I leave for college, Ma and Pops both come to see me off. It's a bittersweet moment, filled with hugs and promises to stay in touch.
"Make us proud, Jasmine," Pops says, his voice thick with emotion.
"I will, Pops. I will," I reply, hugging him tight.
As I drive away, I feel a mix of fear and excitement. This is it. My chance to start fresh, to break free.
And I'm ready.
End of Chapter 2
YOU ARE READING
Breaking Free: A Journey After High School
Teen FictionIn the heart of Dade County, Jasmine Carter stands at the crossroads of her life. Fresh out of high school, she's ready to leave behind the chaos of her family-her father lost in a battle with addiction, and her mother consumed by jealousy. With dre...
