Broken Dreams

Unexpected

It was the next morning, Huey sat in his room. Reading one of his Malcom X books, he hasn't spoke any words to his brother since he's gotten punched in the jaw. But, all that was about to change when his grandfather entered his bedroom. "Boy, we need ta talk."

"What is it Granddad?" Huey asked, looking at him.

"You remember cutie-pie, right?" He said, placing his cane on the edge of the bed.

Huey nodded.

"You know she's missed you."

That statement really gained Huey's attention.

"But, she's no longer the cutie-pie you remember."

"What do you mean?" Huey asked, setting his book down.

"Ever since Tom died, she's been nothing but silent. Not even talking when she's spoken to. She lets her expressions talk for her. Maybe you should take the time to visit her, I'm sure she'd be thankful."

Huey sighed. "Let Sarah control her teenager."

"Sarah abandoned Jazmine." A voice said cold and deadly.

When they turned their heads to see Riley standing there.

"What?" Huey said as Granddad exited the room, knowing what was going to happen.

"You heard me. Sarah abandoned her and Mr. DuBois which lead to his death and her muteness. And when she discovered you was gone too, that ended everything fo' her." Riley said with no hesitation. He was still angry.

"Riley-"

"I'm not finished." He interrupted.

"When I needed you the most, you was gone. I had ta grow up without ya, when I truly needed you fo' somethin you wasn't there. And now here you are, back again thinkin everyone gonna fogive you and pretend you neva disappeared? Ion think so, nigga."

Huey's scowl softened for a couple of seconds, before returning. "Do you honestly think I care right now, Riley?"

Riley's fist clenched as Huey continued.

"I left for a reason. And I refuse to share it until the time is right. What more do you want?" Huey said, his veins poking out.

"I want you to fuck off, and go visit Jazmine." He spat, before exiting the room.

Huey sighed, looking at the window.

There's only one place to go

Jazmine's home.
————
Jazmine sat at the table, sweat rolling down her cheeks. She looked at the bills that were piled up in front of her which she has paid. She had until Thursday to show the bank. All of a sudden a knock was heard. When she had gotten up to see who it was, it was none other than Hue-

Riley?

"Ey Jazzy, can I come in?" He said.

Jazmine nodded, and stepped aside allowing him to enter.

"I heard from C-Murph you needed help delivering one of yo cakes and a little happiness." He smirked.

Jazmine simply shrugged and sat back down at the table, signing a paper for someone who had asked for a specially made cake for their wedding day which was Tuesday. Jazmine not only took care of herself, she had a job. She was a baker, and she baked specially made cakes or any other baked goods for people's special events. Riley could smell cakes in the oven, and his stomach growled. "You think I could have one of yo pies while I'm here? A niggas starving."

Jazmine nodded, and pointed to the dining room where a pumpkin pie lay with fancy whipped cream decoration on it. "Forreal? I can have this?"

Jazmine nodded once more.

"Thanks Jazzy, imma eat this motha fucka right now!" He licked his lips hungrily, grabbing a fork from her drawer and began eating the pie.

She only nodded, and checked up on the stove, it'd be done in a few minutes now.

Another knock at the door, when Riley opened it it was Huey. "Riley is-"

Riley shoves Huey quickly and shut the door. "Why the hell you here?"

"Excuse me? You told me to go see her!" Huey snapped.

"Well, I doubt she wants to see you now."

"Bullshit. I'm going to see her." Huey vowed, shoving Riley hard and walking into the house.

Jazmine looked up to see Huey standing there. Her chest tightened and she became pale. Was she seeing things? Could it be him? Huey only looked at her, before Riley came back in and broke the silence. "Jazzy, is that cake done?"

Jazmine got up, still cautious as she pulled out the cake and began decorating each layer. Followed by Riley swiping his finger in the frosting once in a awhile. She swatted him away as she added the final touches to the 3-tiered cake. It honestly was the best looking cake she's made.

"Damn Jazmine. It looks good!" Riley complimented, earning a side smile from the mulatto. She rarely smiles, only when she's around Riley. Since the drama had happened between her, her mother, and father Riley had been there for her. Made sure she was well fed, checked in on her every day since he had the spare key to her home. Even at times he'd help clean up some of the messes she makes as a baker. He's helped her with making a cake for a little 6 year olds birthday party, three wedding cakes, an 80 year old mans birthday cake, and a toddlers birthday cupcakes. Riley was like a brother to Jazmine, and Jazmine was like a sister to Riley. He just never wanted to admit it. Huey stood there, still questioning if he should speak or not. But something in his gut was telling him to talk. And when he did, worst mistake ever.

"Honestly, the cake could be a little less plastic looking. And the bridal topper should be on top, not a frosted flower."

Jazmine choked on her tears, dropping the bowl which was filled with batter for her next batch of cakes that'd she deliver to the Freeman's. The sound ricocheted and echoed from each of the walls. Riley quickly hugged Jazmine in attempt to soothe her. He glared at his brother something deadly, and pointed to the door. "Get out."

"But, I thought-"

"Get out Huey! This was a project Jazmine had worked hard on for the last few days, she strictly followed the woman's request, and made sure she followed through with what her customer wanted for their cake. Your opinion is irrelevant!" Riley spat.

Huey looked at Jazmine, who did not return his gaze. Instead she only rested her head on her closest guy friends shoulder. Silently weeping at the insult that was just hurled at her. Huey only sighed, obeying orders and exiting the DuBois home. Not knowing how much is criticism had effected the poor adolescent.