Memories

Chapter 1

Jade's POV

We travelled in silence. Ashtyn was staring hard on the road, his hand gripped tightly on the steering wheel. I stared out the window, as we passed the 'Welcome to Colorado' sign.

A lawyer had come to our door, and told us that our mum had had trouble paying the bills and rent, so we couldn't keep living in our little apartment. I had felt so bad about this, because I was always asking my mum to borrow money, and never paid her back. And every time I asked, she would always happily hand it over, saying to spend it wisely. What she didn't know was, the money was mostly used to bail Ashtyn out of jail, because of the shit he would always get into. I never knew that she needed the money. If I did, I would've never asked, even for Ashtyn.

I swear to god, that kid needs to learn his lesson.

Anyways, so now we were sent to Colorado to live in our dad's house, while he was stuck in jail. Even though we're not sixteen yet, we turn sixteen this year, so we were able to live by ourselves.

We used to live in Colorado, with our mum and dad, who had always cared and supported us at school and with other extra-curricular activities.

They used to be the best parents in the world. 

But then, one night, I remember them having a big fight, and Ashtyn and I could hear yelling from our rooms, on the other side of the house. We couldn't make out what they were saying, but suddenly, our mum had burst into our rooms and told us to hop in the car.

All I could remember about that night was her saying, "I've had enough."

She took us to Kansas, which was where she was born, and we lived pretty happily for six years. Our mum supported us by herself, making sure that we always had food, good education, and was always keeping up with our music and sport.

Until now.

What she had kept away from us all this time was that she had breast cancer, and every single day, it was getting worse and worse.

***

*Two days ago*

"Attention please, could Jadyn and Ashtyn Jones come to the main office immediately. This is very urgent. I repeat, could Jadyn and Ashtyn Jones come to the main office immediately. This is very urgent." 

The whole class was staring at me and I wondered why we would be called to the office. 

I hadn't done anything wrong, and I was sure about that because I had always made sure that I kept up to date with my homework, and I was a good kid in class. However, I swear to god, if Ashtyn got me in trouble, I will cut up his boxing gloves and dye his hair orange. I could also tell mum the type of shit Ashtyn got himself into, or that he snuck out every single night, but I'm too nice to do that to him.

"Jadyn hurry up and go. Did you not hear the speaker? This is urgent," the teacher said impatiently.

I quickly pack my stuff and briskly walked out.

As soon as I was out of the teacher's sight, I fumbled for my phone in my pocket, and called Ashtyn, knowing he would be wagging.

"What do you want, Jade? I'm kinda busy right now," Ashtyn said.

"Well this is important. We have to go to the office immediately, and unless you want to be caught, get your ass over here this instant."

"What for?"

"I don't know, but hurry up. How long will you get back to school?"

"I here now, I'll meet you there," said Ashtyn, and he hung up.

"Can Jadyn and Ashtyn Jones come to the main office immediately. This is really important." The speaker repeated, and with that, I started running to the office.

***

"Jadyn, I'm so glad you're here now. Ashtyn should be coming soon," said Ms Murphy, the school secretary, "Let's wait for him, shall we?" She smiled kindly, and I could tell something strange was going on, because Ms Murphy was known for never smiling.

Around a minute later, Ashtyn burst in.

"Sorry I came so late Ms, I went to the bathroom, and then I sprinted here," lied Ashtyn.

Ms Murphy raised her eyebrows, but didn't question anything. Then, she said, "You're mum's in hospital right now. Here's the leave pass, and now hurry up and go!"

Exchanging a worried glance, Ashtyn and I bolted out the door to his car.

***

Ignoring the speed limits and traffic lights, we whizzed past buildings and houses, only to be stopped by red lights. 

Suddenly, behind us we heard the police siren.

"Stop the car!" I screamed at Ashtyn.

"No."

"ASHTYN FUCKING PULL THE CAR OVER OR WERE GOING TO GET ARRESTED AND NOT GO ANYWHERE!"

He pulled over with a sigh, "Happy now?"

Then the cop came up to us.

"Do you know why I pulled you over?" He asked.

"I'm sorry but we need to get to the hospital right now. We got a message from school," I explained, before Ashtyn could cut in with his rude-ass mouth and make things worse.

"I can clear the traffic for you. Just drive behind me, but remember, this is only for today because it's an emergency. However, I'm still going to give you a ticket."

We got to the hospital pretty quickly after that.

***

"Mum!" 

We burst into the ward.

She opened her eyes, and smiled when she saw us. "Hello, my babies, I've got something important to tell you, and I don't think I've got much time left."