Jazmin

Chapter 1 Part 3

-Jaz- Lisa shouted from the party in her drunk, high pitched voice- get back here right now!

-I'll be right there Lisa- Jaz said as she returned downstairs

The party was louder now, everyone was packed, like sardines, in Lisa's living room. The entire house smelled like cheap liquor and weed.

- You must try this- Lisa said as she handled Jazmin a cup- it's the strongest alcohol in the streets now, some guy brought a whole bottle of it. I diluted it in some orange juice, just as you like it.

-Thanks, OMG are you trying to kill me, Lisa? - Jazmin said laughing as she smelled the pungent odor coming from the cup.

Jazmin drank the alcohol fast, and suddenly all she could feel was happiness. She seemed airy and full of life. She danced, jumped and sang; her black hair moving in all directions. She felt animalistic, sensual, everything inside of her was awakening to the beat of the music. The next song came up, a Cuban bolero; a sign that the party was winding down. People screamed to complain but it was too late for the party to keep going; they certainly did not want to draw the attention of the cops.

The soft and romantic tunes of the bolero filled Jazmin's veins with a hint of sudden sadness. Everyone was leaving. This was her last party as a teenager; she now had responsibilities. She worried about her future which was both already decided for her but so uncertain. She was supposed to start her first job on Monday. She always dreamed of being exactly who she was becoming, but that was before she knew what her opportunities really were. Her job was far from her house, two buses away to be exact. The buses in the city were always late and when they came, people had to find a way to fit in. Limbs were seen hanging from the windows and the doors of the bus. She also worried about her salary, ten dollars a month, barely enough for the bus rides and for an occasional snack. Ten dollars were equivalent to 200 pesos, and each bus fare was 2 pesos and the meals offered by the school were 25 pesos. She felt claustrophobic thinking about this, trapped in a tragic comedy, in a nightmare too bad to be true.

- I'll get some water and I'll head out- she said to Lisa who was laying down on her bed as she kissed her cheek

-Okay, love. Get home safe please- Lisa said as she yawned.

Jazmin went to the kitchen and grabbed a cup of water. Still lost in her thoughts, she let out a soft scream and a tear ran down her face.

-Hey, I saw you on the balcony earlier today. The stars are amazing tonight, right? My name is Pablo.