Broken Dreams

I'll Always Be Here

"Jazzy?" Derek said, his voice as quiet as it could be.

As he expected, Jazmine was asleep, resting her face on the soft silky white sheets. Derek calmly shook her, making sure he wasn't too violent. Eventually she opened her eyes, seeing her beloved boyfriend. A smile was plastered on her face as she greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. "You have those treats you need to bake, for the Freeman's."

Jazmine instantly shot up, quickly rushing to the kitchen and pulling out the treats from the refrigerator.

"I'll go with you to deliver them. But I think you'd like to get dressed first." Derek chuckled, watching her blush as she ran up the stairs.

Jazmine chose an outfit that would keep her warm in this chilly weather.

She came back downstairs, put the cookies in a basket and made her way out the door, her free hand intertwined with Derek's.
—🌸—
"Huey, son we need to talk." Granddad said.

"Yes?" he said nervously, it's been so long since he heard him refer to him as son. Riley soon emerged as well, standing next to his brother.

"Boys, I'm getting old now. Way too old." He paused, looking at his grandsons. Seeing the matured boys.

"Granddad, whatchu sayin?" Riley said, leaning closer.

"I'm gonna die soon."

"No, no-"

"Huey, Riley. I believe in the both of you. I really do, but I need you both to do something for me." Granddad said, clenching his cane. "Just this once."

"What is it?" Huey's voice cracked.

"Take care of cutie pie for me."

Huey shook his head bitterly but sadly. "But she has Derek. She doesn't need-"

"That's a hunk of cow shit. Boy she needs you so much. She lost her mom, dad, she needs a man, she needs men in her life. And that Derek boy ain't the man she needs and I can sense it. She needs you."

Huey's heart sank as he thought about what he just said. "Promise me you'll take care of her, Huey."

He hesitated. "I promise."

"And Riley, are you gonna be there for her too?"

"Always." Riley answered truthfully, fighting to keep his emotions in tact.

Tears brimmed in Granddad's eyes as he weakly pulled the two boys into a hug. A hug they longed to have. "I love you both."

"We love you too." the boys said in unison, resting their heads on his shoulders.

"Boys. I'll be the third brightest star you'll see in the sky. I love you, my boys."

And sadly, those were the last words they'd hear their Grandfather say. He died in his sleep later on that day. A few minutes before Jazmine and Derek dropped off the cookies. And once Jazmine saw the missing old man, she instantly broke into tears. But she felt a set of arms wrap around her, and they weren't Derek's. It was Riley's. Huey hesitated, watching his brother and Jazmine hug. But he made a promise to Granddad. He'd take care of her. And soon enough, Huey's arms coiled around Jazmine. And as her heart fluttered but tore in pain at the tragic loss, she accepted the embrace. And Derek slowly pulled her out of their hug, wiping her tears and walking out the door. Not exchanging a single word to the two broken brothers.
—🌸—
Cindy sighed, holding her boyfriends hand as they walked together in the mall. With Huey tagging along, followed by Jazmine who of course had Derek right at her tail. "I'm sorry for your loss Reezy and McHat-Huey."

Huey didn't respond to her, only nodded his head. But Riley spoken up. "He said he'd be the third brightest star in the sky. Was he referring to-"

"Mom and Dad." Huey sighed. "I'll be back. Don't wait up for me."

Jazmine felt numb, watching him wander off alone. And in her heart she knew, that he now had a broken soul. She instantly released Derek's hand and raced after him. Causing them each to stare at her. "Jazzy!"

When Jazmine caught up to Huey, seeing his head drooped downward she stood in front of him. Huey looked up at her. "What is it Jaz?"

Jazmine only shot him a look, and that set Huey on edge. "Damnit Jazmine, can't you just speak? For once?"

Jazmine froze, she'd do anything for her best friend. For her broken best friend, for the best friend she'd never abandon. She opened her mouth slowly, but no sound came out. Only tears. Huey understood she wasn't ready, but he secretly missed the sweet sounding voice of hers. He missed her in general. So he simply pulled her into a hug, remembering the promise he's made to Granddad today. He held her close to his body. "I made a promise to Granddad."

Jazmine looked up to Huey, who didn't return her gaze. Simply looking straight ahead of him as he continued. "I promised him that'd I'd protect you."

Jazmine smiled, seeing a tear fall from his eye. She took her thumb and wiped it off of his cheek. Standing on her tippy toes to give him a tiny kiss on the cheek. Causing a small gasp to escape his mouth, as he looked down at her.

She buried her face in his chest, before walking away. When she disappeared around a corner, Huey put a hand on his cheek, running after her but he stopped. Seeing her already kissing Derek. On the lips. His heart ached at the sight, he's said he didn't care about the two's relationship but anytime he's seen them together he either turns his head to make a face, or simply walks away bitterly. This time he had to break it up, remembering what Granddad had said. "Hey Jaz, and Derek." Huey smirked, wrapping an arm around her.

"Oh. Hey Huey." Derek said, eyeing his arm.

Jazmine looked at Huey with uncertainty aware something was on his mind, and it wasn't about Granddad's death. Was it?

"So, mind explaining why you haven't said one word of comfort to Jazmine?"

"What do you mean?" Derek's eyes flickered with confusion.

"My grandfather just died. Which happens to be your girlfriends father figure. And you haven't said one word of comfort, anything at all." Huey said, venom escaping his lips.

"I said my condolences to her, genius." Derek remarked.

Jazmine only remained quiet. Knowing the truth behind Derek's lie. He didn't say a word about the death.

"Sure you did. Jazmine is fragile, and if you slip up even just once. Watch. Your. Back." Huey threatened, his eyes glistening with pure hatred and desperation. He was desperate for Derek to slip up, if anything he wished it. He wanted Derek out of the picture, so he could finally go down the pathway to achieve his new destiny. Being the man in Jazmine's life. And he knew just how to do so.

(Drama's awaiting. Don't worry.)