Broken Dreams

Wilted

Jazmine decided to spend the day with Riley and Huey since they had a day off from school for a teacher work day, while Derek was at his part time job at Dicks Sporting Goods. Riley was shooting hoops while Huey was watching from the side along with Jazmine. "Riley, you've been at this for an hour. At least sit down to breathe."

"Naw man. I gotta keep practicing so I can tryout for school b-ball."

"It's only in 3 days." Huey reminded him. "Plus, don't you have a quiz to study for in your history class?"

"So?"

"Nevermind." Huey rolled his eyes, no wonder he had a D in that class. He doesn't study.

Jazmine just watched the two. She didn't participate in the public school, she took her classes online and still was getting her high school credits. "So Jazzy? How's yo spanish class?" Riley changed the subject.

Jazmine shrugged her shoulders, really she didn't like that class because of the amount of ignorance the teacher had. She always wanted to take French like her father once did when he went to school, but Sarah would always go on and on about Spanish classes. Before she left their lives of course. "Didn't you wanna take French?"

Jazmine nodded. Plus, she was too afraid to write down on a piece of paper and give it to the counselor about her requesting a change in that class.

"Damn. This was supposed ta be fun. But this is dry as hell. Jazzy, look at me for a sec." Riley said, dropping the basketball and walking over to her.

Huey raised an eyebrow curiously as his brother went on. "Imma ask you sum crazy ight? And I need you to do it for me and Huey."

Jazmine nodded.

"Promise a nigga?"

She nodded again. No matter what she was told to do, she had to do it. She promised.

"I need you to try and talk."

Jazmine's eyes widened as she gave him the "are you serious" face.

"You promised." Riley reminded her.

She sighed in defeat. It's been so long since she's spoke. What if she was actually a mute? What if she didn't have the same pretty angelic voice she used to have?

"Jazmine. At least do it for Tom, if not for us." Huey added, looking into her emerald eyes. He was happy his skin was a bit dark, she couldn't see him blush just by staring into her eyes.

She'd do anything for her dad, so she nodded her head slowly before opening her mouth to speak.
—🌸—
Derek breathed in slowly, setting his things down on the counters and sorting them. They needed to be reshelved anyway. Especially the nike's, they were a mess. One of his female coworkers, Misty walked to him. And Derek couldn't deny, Misty was cute and attractive. At least to him. She stood around 5'6, athletic build, medium length dark brown hair, and brown skinned. And he couldn't help but fall head over heels with her. Even though he was with Jazmine. "Hey Derek, can you help me with shelving some things in the female section of the store?"

"Of course." He said, following her into the section she was in. He could see the mess she's made with the clothes and shoes and all the 'nude' mannequins.

"Can you put these two athletic gear sets on the mannequins over there?"

Derek nodded, grabbing the sets and putting them down. He glanced over to Misty who was hard at work putting clothes on some mannequins. Some were gonna be displayed by the window and the others stay behind. "Where do you want this mannequin?" Derek asked, pointing to the one wearing an all adidas set.

"By the shoes. It's right behind Aisle 11. Thank you!" Misty said, rushing over to hug him.

Derek smiled, leaning forward and kissing her soft lips. "Shh, don't tell the boss."

"I won't." She giggled, her cheeks becoming red as she let him go before continuing to clothe the mannequins.
—🌸—
"H...h.." Jazmine tried to speak, it's been so long her voice sounded like a whisper. A raspy one at that.

"Huey." She managed to say, tears pouring out of her face.

Huey and Riley exchanged glances before pulling her into a hug. "Jazzy yo voice..it's so quiet and raspy." Riley commented.

Jazmine rested her head on the crook of his neck, bursting into tears. She had lost her angelic voice. Or so she thought. Huey's scowl softened, hugging her tighter. "Jaz, shh. You're still beautiful."

Huey's chest tightened. He can't be turning soft now. "So don't think negatively of yourself. Your voice does not determine your beauty, it's simply your heart."

Jazmine sniffled, hugging both of them. Until Derek approached anger filling his eyes. "Jazmine!"

Jazmine jumped at the sound of his voice. Quickly releasing them.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Jazmine got up and rushed over to him, where he angrily wrapped his arms around her waist. Not knowing his grip was too tight. "And you two, stay the fuck away from her!"

"Nigga. I oughta fuck yo ass up right now. Don't be telling me what ta fuck ta do! Nobody orders Yung Reezy to do shit up in this bitch!" Riley shouted defensively. Huey examined Jazmine's expressions. She was uncomfortable.

Derek laughed. "I'm scared, I should shit my pants right here. Pft, lame." And with that, he was gone. Dragging Jazmine along. Jazmine looked at Huey and Riley, tears falling from her cheeks as she mouthed the words.

"I'm sorry."
—🌸—
Derek wasn't much of a drinker, but when he was angry he went straight to alcohol. He has a fake ID and that's how he got away with drinking alcohol. "Jazzzzzy?"he slurred.

Jazmine approached him, smelling it.

"Gimme kisss babyyyy." He got up, wobbling over to her and planting a sloppy kiss on her lips.

Jazmine grew uncomfortable and shoved him. Rage to kicked in. "You Bitch!"

And that's when he punched her.