Meet Jasmine, a thirteen year old girl abandoned by her own parents and left to fight for her life on the streets. Everyday, the only sun she sees is inky black. The good news? Her Ipod. The only thing her parents gave her. And Fight Song by Rachel...
The next morning I hear the door open loudly to reveal Cody. Both Nora and I are immediately ushered out of bed. Cody looks worriedly at me.
" I overheard my mother talking earlier, she's gone to visit a couple of her friends who want to adopt you, Jasmine. Trust me, they're more bad news." Cody whispers.
"What do we do now?" I ask my eyes full of fear.
"Luckily, I know where Barbara keeps the adoption papers. I'm gonna grab a package and leave for while. Take this old phone and record Barbara's movements and actions. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can. Here are your breakfasts by the way." He says as he hands us two bowls of cereal.
"Thanks." Nora and I say in unison. Then, we both crack up laughing. He smiles before heading downstairs. It took us about ten minutes to finish eating breakfast. Just about then, the sound of a door slamming echoes through the house, presumably Cody leaving.
"GIRLS!!!!!! COME DOWN, NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" A gruff voice shouts at us from below. We gulp and head down the stairs slowly. As I descend the steps, I also turn on the recording on the phone Cody gave me. The two of us enter the living room. To our relief, Barbara is the only there but she looks angry.
"We have guests coming tomorrow! Jasmine, vacuum now! Nora, you start mopping, go! What are you two brats waiting for!?!" She yells. Without any further hesitation, we being doing our chores silently. It feels like an eternity but actually it has only been about forty minutes and my back's already sore. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Nora stuffing something her pocket and I make a mental note to ask about it later. Another painfully slow fifteen minutes later, the bitch lady (her new nick name) comes down and surveys our work before ordering only me into the kitchen. She takes out a hangar and violent hits me for god knows how many times, bring me to tears. The bitch lady hit my palms, arms, legs, back, etc before sending me upstairs to the room. When I enter, Nora looks at me with a pained expression.
"You alright, Jaz?" I nod my head. She motions for me to join her on her bunk. I walk over and sit down next to her. She takes a deep breath before pulling out a formal letter from what appears to be the government. My eyes widen as I read the contents.
To Mrs. Barbara Smith,
We have successfully filed a restraining order for Miss Jasmine Hoffman against Ms. Rachel Platten and Ms. Melanie Platten. The restraining order will take effect as of the 7th of October, 2016. At this time, we thank you for contacting the Civil Court with your concerns. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Civil Court of New York
Rage fills my body as I finish reading the letter. Nora looks at me with pity and I just begin to sob uncontrollably. Cody returns an hour later looking down and frustrated. He notices the letter in my hands.
"So, you've seen it as well?" We nod. Sighing, he shows us some forms.
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I look at him in surprise and betrayal. He chuckles before showing us the next form.
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After registering what the certificate meant, my frown was turned upside down and I let out a laugh. He then showed a similar one to Nora.
"Can you two wait a minute, I'm just gonna quickly pack my bags before we get our butts out for here!" He says. We laugh and nod. We couldn't believe it. We could leave this horrible place behind. I know Cody is good man and he will help me in getting Rachel and Melanie cleared of any wrongdoing.
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