Life's What You Make It

Chapter 9

A few days later
Jasmine's pov

I think it was now Tuesday and I'd just woken up with the sun. Thankfully it was still quite warm of a night so it wasn't too cold. A few days back, I'd sold my phone so I could buy a tent and some food to keep me going. However this food had now ran out over the weekend and I was now stuck. My stomach rumbled, making the bruising that extra bit sore. I was still hurting quite bad, despite when I got jumped and Cole happening about 5 days ago. Every day, I've stared at the number Mrs Carter gave me, debating whether to ring it. School's probably wondering where I am, what if they were looking for me. But to be honest, I'm not too sure where I am myself. I know I was in a park, but what park. I thought I'd go explore today. I pulled myself up, groaning in pain as I did so, still in my uniform since Thursday, and unzipped the tent, seeing the sun beaming into my eyes making me squint. My whole body ached as I hobbled round, I don't even know what I'm looking for. I was not cut out for this life. I just wanted a hug, I wanted some nice food, a bit of warmth and a roof over my head.

I reached a main road, not far from where I was 'camping' if you can even call it that. I looked down, seeing a few shops, supermarkets and corner stores. After what felt like I'd been walking forever, I decided to go back to my tent. Except, when I got there, there was a van with a man shoving my tent into the back with what looked like other tents.

I found a bench and sat on it, taking this all in and thinking carefully about my next move. I looked at my watch, seeing it was 3:30pm, knowing school would've finished now, I hurled myself up from the bench and made my way towards the main road. Should I be doing what I was about to do, I thought to myself as I crossed the road. I made my way into one of the corner stores, looking for the shop worker. When I'd found them at the till, I slowly walked over, looking round for other people, making sure I was alone.

"Excuse me, can I borrow your phone please?" I asked the woman at the till. She took one look at me, taking in my appearance and the slowly fading black eyes I had, before nodding, pulling her phone out her pocket and unlocking it for me. "Thanks." I smiled weakly, as she passed it to me. I took the slip of paper out of my pocket, and dialling the number in. What am I gonna say? What if she doesn't answer? I thought, looking up, seeing the shop worker flash me a smile. I pressed the dial button, holding it to my ear hearing it ring, and ring, and ring. Before voicemail.

Beyoncé's pov
"Miss, have you heard anything from Jasmine?" Jordyn and Nathan asked, coming up to my desk before their lesson started.

"Last I heard, her mum was keeping her home so they could bond." I told them.

"Right, it's just she's not answering her phone, we're a bit worried." Nathan said, causing my stomach to drop.

"I'm sure she'll be fine, school rang her mum this morning asking where she was and she said she was keeping her at home." I reassured them, and partly myself. "Now go on and sit down, get your books out." I said as they nodded, walking over to their table.

I started the lesson, but it was hard to concentrate with this news of Jasmine not answering her phone. What if she's not alright. I set the class off on their work and sat down at my desk.

"Miss, the bells gone, can we go?" I heard one of the kids say, putting me out my trance as I stared at the computer screen.

"Hm, oh yes, go, be gone, I'll see you all tomorrow, don't forget to do the homework!" I said as they made their way out the room. Another day done. I walked out my classroom and towards the office, seeing Nicki stood in the doorway telling off another student. "Crack the whip" I whispered in her ear as I walked past, knowing she was already doing so. I made myself a cup of tea and sat on the round table where we usually hold our department meetings. I pulled my phone out checking the time, seeing it was 3:20pm. I quickly texted Shawn to say Solange was picking Blue up from school with Julez before Nicki came in and sighed.