One Last Hope

Seventeen

✽Jasmine's POV✽

It's been a whole month since the day Cody got shot. Somebody left a note on Logan's doorstep saying that he was hurt real badly and that he was hiding in a barn somewhere on the edge of town. I really wanted to go look for him but Logan didn't let me. He said that it could be one of my dad's traps. He was starting to get on my nerves. Ugh. I appreciate him looking after me but I can take care if myself. I can't stay in this damn house anymore. All it brings me is misery and depression especially since Mikaylee moved out of our loft and moved into the guest bedroom down stairs with Elena. I really thought that she would change her mind about not wanting anything to do with the search for Cody, I was wrong. She's shutting me out and I can't stand it. 

Jennifer and my dad's wedding is next week. I certainly will not be attending. I turned down Jennifer's offer about being a bridesmaid. I sort of feel bad because I had an attitude about it, shes only trying to be nice. She just needs to accept that I'm not like my sister, I don't want a new mom. My real mom is all I'll ever need.. whether or not shes dead. I have no idea what my dad is planning or if he even loves her. All I know is that I'm not sticking around for the show. I've made up my mind.. I'm leaving this hell hole house. I don't plan on ever coming back. 

I stuffed as much clothes and snacks as i could fit into two backpacks. I have no idea where I was going or where the barn Cody is hiding in was so i guess i should start searching. I put the backpacks on and quietly walked out the front door.

I left a note on my bed for Kaylee. It said "You may have given up on our family but I haven't. C is dying. I'm not going to stand around waiting for you to change your mind about your choice. I'm leaving, probably never returning. I hope your happy now. Goodbye.."

A bit too harsh? Maybe..  I don't care. She wanted to be happy right? Well there you go. I took a bus to the only part of town that was known for growing crops and having barn animals. I didn't see a barn anywhere, I was starting to worry. The bus made its final stop on the edge of town. I ran off before the bus driver would make me pay for the ride. I saw a house lit up in the distance. I raced to it and knocked on the door. A man opened up the door. I remained motionless because I had completely forgotten what I was going to say.

"Are you alright, dear?" He finally broke the awkwardness.

"Yeah.. Do you know where the nearest farm is?" I asked firmly.

"A farm? H'm. There should be one down this street here. I must warn you though. Your not going to find anything there. The owners died years ago." He pointed to the direction of the farm. I didn't even finish our lovely conversation because I was too busy running in the direction he pointed to, looking for the damn barn.

I walked all the way down the street just like the man said to and nothing. Absolutely nothing. There was no barn in sight. Maybe this is one of my dads traps.

Shit. Shit. Shit. I started freaking out when I saw somebody walking behind me. Who the hell takes a walk this late at night.. in the middle of nowhere? I started walking faster. I kept turning around to check if I was still being followed and every time I did so, the person was closer to me. Then I heard fast, loud footsteps. That's when I knew I should start running. I picked up my pace, not wanting to check how close behind the person was. 

"Don't scream, I'm here to help you." The person caught up to me and put their hand over my mouth. 

"Why're chasing me then?" I was angry because whoever it was scared the crap out of me. 

"Your brother.. I've managed to keep him alive this long.. But if I don't get him the anesthetics and medicines that he needs, there's no use of torturing him. I need you to take care of him while I go steal some shit from the hospital and take care of some other business. Could you do that for me?" It was a tall dude talking. I saw his face now, I didn't recognize him from anywhere. 

"Yes, that's what I came here for. Take me to him! Please." I didn't want to talk to this stranger anymore. I need to see my brother, the last person from my old life that has yet to betray me. 

We quickly got through a large corn field and made it  to the front of the barn. I opened up the doors and rushed in yelling his name. I heard a little mumble in the background. Then I saw him laying on a stack of hay. I advanced over to his side and took his hand.

"Hi, Cody." Were the only words that escaped my mouth. I was speechless. I noticed that he had bandages on his leg where he got shot. I uncovered the skin and found it was infected. I gasped but then quieted down just in case he was awake. "Don't worry, we'll get you fixed up in no time."

"Jasmine?" Cody opened his eyes and squeezed my hand. 

"Yeah?"

"I'm so sorry I abandoned you. After mom died, I went on a rampage. I was out of control, I couldn't take care of two 10 year old's. I'm sorry." He had tears in his eyes. He fell unconscious again and I felt horrible. I never really understood why he never came back for us. Now I have my answer.