Race to the Finish

Race to the Finish chp.52

~Jason Cohen's POV~

"Jason you have to calm down. Andy is scared and locked in his room just please breathe." Aliana, my older sister, tried getting me to calm down.

I couldn't calm down though. Our dumbass of a step-father isn't home and the money I had been saving up that I hid taped under the couch isn't there. This only means one thing and that is he's out gambling all my f*cking money.

"How the f*ck do you want me to calm down? That f*cker took all my savings and is out gambling! I'd be lucky if he returned with one penny!" I yelled in anger.

I was steaming. All I wanted was to get enough money so I could leave without looking back.

I mean I feel guilty as hell about me wanting to leave and leaving my little brother and older sister behind, but I know they wouldn't be in danger.

Ok, they wouldn't be in danger from our step-father, but us Cohen tend to make a lot of enemies. It isn't our fault or our mother's, may she rest in peace, but of our real father.

My dad wasn't a good man thus why he is in prison three states over. I would say that I was shocked when he was arrested or at least felt sad because he would no longer be there for us, but I'd be lying through my teeth.

He loathed us. There's no other way to describe it. He abused my mom from time to time, but he never dared touch us. He would just abuse us verbally and treat us as his slaves.

Aliana sighed. "Jason I understand, but Andy is scared. It isn't good for any kid to hear these fights between you and our step-dad. He had enough of that before dad went to prison." Aliana said in a soft voice.

I paced the room. I didn't want Andy to be scared. I'm not stupid I know whenever he hears the fights between our step-dad and me, it reminds him of our dad.

"I need the money Ali." I said emphasizing need.

"Why?" She asked now paying full attention.

"Mark wants his money." I grumbled.

I didn't add the fact that, that money was my ticket out of here. I don't want to hurt her or Andy, but I can't stay here anymore.

"Shit, Jason! How much do you need? I'll give you the money." Aliana said a bit tiredly.

I rubbed my face frustrated. I couldn't take money from my sister. She needs it as much as I do. Except I don't think she's planning on leaving us. I feel so horrible, but it has to be done.

"A lot Ali and I'm not about to take your money." I said and continued pacing the room.

Aliana sighed and left the room without another word. I stuffed my hand in my pocket and pulled out a box of cigarettes. I pulled one out before stuffing the box deep into my pocket. I dug my hand in the other pocket and pulled out a lighter to light my cigarette. I inhaled a puff before letting the smoke out of my mouth.

This soothed my nerves a bit, but my posture was still stiff.

I kept smoking, but at one point I took the cigarette out of my mouth, blew out the smoke, and just looked at the burning cigarette for a moment.

Wait... you smoke?" Alex's question from Jaiden's birthday party rang through my head.

"Uh, yes?" I remembered saying, but it sounded more as a question.

"You really shouldn't." She had said looking into my eyes with her captivating honey colored ones.

"I know, but I have my reasons to." I had responded.