Jasmine Geidrus, at age twenty three lived with her father, Peter, and her little sister, Gabrielle. She worked at a local Sheets 'n Things, but never rose above the rank of simply cashier, half a year of working there, the shop closed up, and Jassy was laid off. A typical struggling mid-suburban family, even when Jasmine's father remarried. It was like a twister came into Jassy's life, uprooting the trees in her life and whacking everything in it's path. Her name was Kendra. A conservative woman, who's only interest was Jasmine's father; the girls can get lost. Because Jassy was an appropriate target, Kendra convinces Peter that it was time Jasmine moved out, and with a few more persuasive words, Gabby goes with her. This was a month ago. The two girls have been living in a less than perfect apartment, and in an even worse neighborhood for a week.
"Jassy?" A small voice just beside the brunette throws her back to reality. Jasmine all but looks down at her sister, her eyes fixated onto the menu above the small, dirty coffee shop. Had she been spacing out? Chocolate brown gaze settled a fraction lower, onto the expectant cashier's face, the woman looked like she was getting pretty annoyed. Jasmine glanced behind her at the waiting line she had made, then back at the menu. When she stepped closer to make her order, Gabby bounced up to the counter in front of her. "Large Hot cocoa, please," The girl ordered.
"Make that small," Jassy interrupted before the cashier could punch it in. This got Jasmine a rather vicious glare from her little sister, but the girl didn't say a word, she knew, for the fiftieth time, they didn't have enough to make it large. "And I guess..." Jasmine thought for a moment, then placed her order quietly. "I'll have a small raspberry tea," She murmurs, rummaging through her purse for her wallet.
Once it was all paid for, the two left the cafe to walk home. It wasn't dark yet, but it was certainly dusk. Every so often, Jassy had to pull Gabby along because the ten year old couldn't sip at her hot cocoa without stopping, which made Jasmine all the more nervous. Eventually, Jasmine was able to relax once their apartment building was in view; although it was considerably darker and Gabby had begun complaining about the colder weather, Jasmine felt as if she could handle herself if anything came her way. But a week in this part of town, she still wasn't used to. Every time she saw men standing in small groups, her heart went out of its way to pound adrenaline into her.
Just as long as home was in view, she was fine. She didn't see it coming, though. Just as she entered her apartment's parking lot, three men took notice in Jasmine and Gabby, more so Jasmine, calling out whistles and pet names. They either lived in this building or were visiting, because she hasn't seen them before. They were standing just outside the entrance smoking, in her path to safety.
"Excuse me," Jasmine spoke once she was right in front of them, indicating she needed to get through them. Although, she looked calm, fearless; her hand that was clutching Gabby's tightened over the smaller girl's hand. Gabby, though, avoided eye contact with the men, simply sipped at her cocoa.
"Oh you wanna get through?" One of the men began with a grin dangerously pasted on his lips...
