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My Name is Lucy Completed 11/25/08
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Allison



Joined: 12 Oct 2005
Posts: 4216
Location: Florida
My Name is Lucy Completed 11/25/08

I thought I would share the novel I am writing for the challenge with you ladies. It's a mainstream fiction type story that I hope you will enjoy. Much different from my usual stories Wink

Alli
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Alli


Last edited by Allison on Tue Nov 25, 2008 5:25 pm; edited 6 times in total

Post Mon Nov 03, 2008 9:05 pm 
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Allison



Joined: 12 Oct 2005
Posts: 4216
Location: Florida


Jenna made her way to her favorite table and sat to wait and watch. Her patience was rewarded a few minutes later when she watched a small figure approach from across the quad.
For the last three months, Jenna had watched as the young girl had made her way boldly through the crowded courtyards of the coffee shops and deli’s frequented by college students and faculty. She watched as the girls quick hand snaked out to grab a service tip left unattended on a table along with the remnants of a sandwich. The dollar bills disappeared into a pocket with the speed of lightning as the girl made her way through the crowd. She took advantage of a patron’s restroom break to help herself to the unguarded cup of coffee as she continued her sweep of the courtyard.
The girl, dressed in baggy fatigue pants and a hoodie looked to be no older than seventeen to Jenna. Her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail and it wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination to believe she was just another college student from one of the local universities. Only the small black tattoo of a lower case letter “r” set her apart in Jenna’s mind.
Jenna new differently, she had observed the girls activities for months and had once followed her across town only to watch her disappear down a sewer manhole. She didn’t look strong enough to budge the heavy metal cover, but Jenna watched in disbelief as the girl fished out a rope and easily moved the cover aside. In an instant she was gone and the cover shoved back into place.
Today, she watched the girl take a seat on a concrete divider walk, her eyes fixed on an object close at hand. A student had placed a textbook on the wall and apparently forgotten it was there. Jenna watched with curiosity as the girl waited for several minutes to see if the owner would come to collect the book, before she moved quickly to take the book and slide it under her hoodie. With a smile of triumph, the girl jumped to her feet and made her way across the quad out of Jenna’s view.
It was that moment that Jenna decided what her junior year project would be. As a third year psychology student, Jenna was assigned to complete a case study on the behavior of a group of their choice. The girl, one of the children of the underworld would be the basis of her study.
Jenna collected her books and rushed back to the apartment she shared with her twin brother Jace and burst through the door to find him microwaving popcorn in their small kitchen.
“Whoa, what’s the rush?” he asked.
“I am so excited, I have finally decided on my project,” she said.
Jace grabbed a soda, his bag of popcorn and sat at the small table. He opened the bag and said, “Do tell.”
“I found my study group today,” Jenna said, the excitement making her voice waiver.
“The men’s basketball team,” Jace asked with a smirk?
“Heaven’s no, they are a bunch of brutes,” Jenna teased back.
“Who is it then?”
“A group of homeless kids who live in the world beneath our great city,” she said.
Jace’s forehead wrinkled up in a display of concern. “What the hell, have you lost your mind,” he asked?
“No, Jace, I haven’t. This will be a very unique study and I have made up my mind, so don’t even bother trying to change my mind.”
“Tell me what you have planned then.”
Jenna patiently outlined her plan to go undercover to infiltrate the group to learn how they had found themselves living in their current situations.
“I plan on doing this during our three week holiday break,” she announced.
“That’s only a few days away. Are you sure you have thought this out?” he asked.
“Completely,” Jenna said to assure him.
“You know Mom and Dad will kill me for not stopping you,” he said.
“Not if they don’t find out,” Jenna said with a sweet smile. “We have already told them we aren’t coming home for the break, so all you have to do is cover for me when they call.”
“You make that sound so simple,” he said.
“I know how creative you can be dear brother. If anyone can do it, I know you can.”
“Flattery may get you killed,” Jace warned.
“I promise I will be careful.”
“It isn’t you that I am worried about. I hope you know what you are doing.”
“This could be the project that opens the door to grad school for me,” Jenna said.
Jace knew how badly Jenna wanted to go to graduate school and he also knew that the family’s finances would be tapped dry once they got their bachelor’s degrees. Her only hope was to get a full ride or go to work full time and struggle for years to get her Master’s. Jenna’s goal was to graduate at the top of her class and earn the right to a full scholarship and a spectacular junior project would propel her to that status.
“I can’t believe I am agreeing to go along with this, but I know how much you want this,” he said.
Jenna rushed over and hugged his neck. “Thank you, Jace.”
“Grab a soda and sit down to tell me the rest of your plan,” he said.
Jenna took a soda from the refrigerator and sat down next to her brother.
“Well, as you know, school holiday starts after tomorrow’s class’s end, so I thought I would go shopping and spend the weekend getting prepared.”
“How will you find them?”
“I already have. I have been watching a young girl for three month and I know where the entrance to her home is.”
Jace realized Jenna had put quite a bit of thought into her plan. “How long will you be gone?”
“It may take the full three weeks of holiday to accomplish my goals,” she said.
“Three weeks is a long time to cover for you.”
“I thought I may mention to Mom that I may go upstate with a friend and her family for a ski trip if my studies went well.”
“That might help, but if you could give them a call sometime it would be better.”
“I will see what I can do. That may not be an option.”
“You will also need to let me know you are safe somehow.”
“That I already have figured out. I will leave you notes on the board at the coffee house as often as I can,” Jenna said.
Jenna was older by twelve minutes, but sometimes Jace felt like she was years older. “You have this all planned out don’t you?”
“Pretty much,” she said.
“Just promise to come home if it becomes dangerous,” he said.
“I promise.”
“So what can I help you do? If I am going to get blamed for this in the future, I at least need to be some part of it,” he teased.
“Go with me to some second hand stores tomorrow after classes to buy a new wardrobe,” Jenna said.
“That should be fun,” Jace said sarcastically.
“Oh, and you can cut my hair too,” she said.
“Now I know you have gone crazy if you want me to cut your hair,” he said. Jenna spent hours fussing over her long hair whenever she went out on dates and Jace couldn’t believe she would sacrifice her hair.
“I have to look the part of a homeless kid,” Jenna reminded him.
“Well, putting scissors in my hands will definitely help with that.”
“That’s what I am counting on,” she said with a grin.
“God, I must be nuts too,” Jace said.
“Why?”
“Because part of me thinks that it would be a great educational way to spend a holiday break.”
“I am counting on that, but I need you here.”
“I know, but it is going to be a great project for you. When do you have to have your study completed?”
“I have to turn it in the end of March, just before we go home for spring break.”
“Good, at least your hair will have time to grow back out before we go home,” Jace said with a chuckle.
Jenna punched her brother’s arm. “You are such a goof,” she said.
“Yeah, but you still love me.”
“Yes, I do. Thank you for helping me Jace.”
“You are welcome, but after all this is over, you have to be the one to tell Mom and Dad,” he said.
“That will take some planning,” Jenna said.
Jace grew quiet as he thought about the grief he would have to deal with once Jenna’s activities were discovered by their parents. He did not relish the thought of what was to come of his fate.
Jenna sensed his trepidation and asked, “Are you up for a movie tonight?”
“Yes, I could go for that. Something scary,” he said.
“Cool, you order a pizza and I will go pick up a movie.”
“That’s a deal,” Jace said. “May I borrow twenty bucks?”
Jenna laughed and took a twenty from her bag. “I will be back soon,” she said and left the apartment.
She walked three blocks to the neighborhood video store to pick out a movie and was on her way back when she looked across the street to see the girl and a companion walking in the opposite direction. Both girls were similarly dressed and seemed to be in a hurry to get to their destination. The sun was quickly fading and the night air had turned cool. Jenna had continued walking, her breath forming smoke in the rapidly cooling air. Soon snow would be falling and she silently wondered if she would survive the miserable nights ahead.


Part Two
Jenna woke up with a start the next morning. She rubbed her face, but could not remember what she had been dreaming off when she woke. Probably that damned horror movie, she thought as she crept from her bed. She would start the coffee before heading off to shower.
She pulled on a robe and slipped into her house shoes before walking to the kitchen. They would have to turn the heat on soon if the temperature continued to drop. She turned on the coffee pot and walked back into her bedroom. She turned on the shower and walked to her closet to pull out clean jeans and a sweater, laying them out on her bed.
Jace hear Jenna stirring in the apartment and smiled when he heard her start the water in the shower. The plumbing in their apartment was very outdated and he knew it would take several minutes before the hot water arrived so he snuggled back under his sheets. He would wait a few minutes and when he was sure Jenna was well into her shower he would turn his water on and sent her a blast of cold water momentarily before the pipes evened back out. It was a wicked way to treat his sister, but he just couldn’t resist the temptation.
Jenna tested the water and when she felt the hot water funneling through she dropped her robe and stepped into the shower. She started washing her hair and had just begun rinsing when the water suddenly went ice cold causing her to jump from beneath the flow. “Jace, you creep,” she screamed.
Jace grinned to himself and stripped down to shower.
Jenna finished her shower and dressed as Jace finished up his. She would get him back, but good she thought as she walked to the kitchen to pour their coffee. Jace liked his coffee warm, so she always poured it first to allow it to cool. He would always take a big gulp of the liquid, but today, Jenna would teach him to sip.
She poured his coffee, but instead of adding sugar into it, she poured two heaping teaspoons of salt into it. She prepared her coffee and sat smiling smugly until she heard Jace approach.
Jace walked in smiling. “Good morning dear sister.”
“You are such a creep,” Jenna said, barely holding back a smile.
“Sorry, I just couldn’t resist,” he said, with a devilish grin.
She watched intently as Jace picked up his coffee and lifted it to his lips for a long drink.
Jace tossed the cup back and then spewed the coffee out when the bitter, salt tinged coffee hit his taste buds. Jenna pushed back from the table to prevent being covered in coffee.
“Damn,” he hollered.
“Sorry, I just couldn’t resist,” Jenna said with a sweet smile.
“Oh you are so wrong for that,” he said as he walked to the sink for a dish rag to clean up his mess.
“Should I pour you another cup?” she asked.
“Thanks, but I think I will get it myself,” Jace said, as he dumped the rest of the tainted coffee down the drain.
“I’d say we are pretty even now,” Jenna said.
“Okay, truce,” Jace said as he turned back to Jenna while he stirred sugar in his coffee.
“Truce,” Jenna agreed.
“Are you ready to go shopping?” he asked.
“Yes, I am. I hope it won’t take too long.”
“Do you know what you are looking for?”
“Yeah, I won’t need much. A few pair of pants, a couple of hoodie sweatshirts, a heavy military style jacket and some combat boots, should take care of clothing. I think I will also look for an old backpack.”
“While you consider taking a knife you can keep in your backpack?” Jace asked.
Jenna looked at him curiously. “I don’t think I could use one for defense, but you never know when a knife may come in handy,” she said.
“You know there is an old army surplus store a few blocks over. It sounds like you could get most of your stuff there,” Jace suggested.
“Let’s start there then,” Jenna said.
“I would suggest some thick wool socks too. I am afraid winter is going to strike early and hard this year,” he said with concern.
“You may be right. The air sure was cool last night.”
“You want some toast or something?” he asked.
“No, I need to try to shrink my stomach,” Jenna stated. “I don’t know how often or much edible food I will be getting the next few weeks.”
“Can I sneak you some food somehow? I am going to feel really guilty having a pizza not knowing if you are eating or not.”
“Don’t worry about it one bit. I have wanted to lose a few pounds anyhow and I need to blend in. If I never seem hungry, it may raise a suspicion. So enjoy your pizza and we will have one when I get back.”
Jace made two slices of peanut butter toast to eat with his second cup of coffee. “I am going to finish getting ready while you eat,” Jenna said.
“Okay, I won’t be long,” Jace said as he picked up his second piece of toast.
“You know you should chew once in a while,” Jenna said and ruffled his hair on her way by.
Jace finished his toast and brushed his teeth. Jenna was still in her room when he came out so he walked over to her door and knocked. “Are you ready sis?”
“Yes, I will be right there.”
Jace pulled on a light coat and waited for Jenna in the kitchen. When she emerged from her room Jace noted a strange look on her face. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just excited and a little nervous,” she admitted.
“I would be worried if you weren’t.” He placed his arm around her shoulder. “Come on, let’s get this adventure of yours started.”
Jenna appreciated the comforting confidence Jace gave her. They walked to the door and were met by a cool breeze as they walked the steps down to the sidewalk.
Jace led the way to the army surplus store. It was further than he remembered, but they found it after a short walk. He opened the door and held it for Jenna. She walked in and her eyes took in the enormity of the store. “I will be like a kid in a candy store in here,” she said.
“Yeah, I thought you might,” Jace said with an impish grin
Jenna spotted racks of camouflage pants and made a bee line for them. “I think these would work well,” she said, holding up a pair of pants with baggy pockets down each leg. “Plenty of room for storage too.”
“Get them a little bigger than needed and you can get some thermal underwear that will help to keep you warm.”
“That’s a good idea,” Jenna said as she picked out two pair of pants and moved on to sweatshirts.
Jace left her looking at them and walked to the back of the store where he knew the knives would be stored in a locked glass case. He knew exactly what he wanted and picked out a sheathed spider knife. It was fairly compact and would fit Jenna’s small hand. The knife was sharp and would cut anything or anyone she needed. He paid for the purchase and had the man wrap it in a small bag he tucked in his coat. On his way back he picked out three pair of wool socks, two pair on thermal underwear and a pair of thick gloves.
Jenna had selected two sweatshirts and had entered a fitting room. When she stepped out wearing the baggy pants, Jace had to stifle a laugh. “They certainly won’t get you any dates.”
“Smaller you think?” she asked.
“Yeah, especially since you won’t be eating regularly,” he said. “Hang tight and I will get a smaller pair for you to try.”
“Thanks,” Jenna said and walked back into the fitting room.
Jace found the pants easily and pulled out a pair to take back to Jenna. He handed them over the door to Jenna. “Here, try these,” he said.
“Got them,” she said and pulled them into the room.
When she came out of the room again, the pants fit much better. They were still baggy enough to wear the thermal underwear, but not too roomy.
“These should do nicely,” he said. “I will grab another pair while you change.”
Jace found the pants and took the armful of clothing to the counter. “May I leave these here?” he asked.
“Sure,” the burly man said. “You two are the only customers I have seen this morning, so take your time.”
Jenna walked out to find Jace looking at boots. “Too shiny and new,” she said. “Do they have a used section?”
“I am sure they do,” Jace answered.
“The man behind the counter overhead them and said, “The used stuff is down aisle six.”
“Thanks,” Jenna said, flashing him a smile.
“You are welcome.”
They rummaged through a pile of boots until they located a pair that would fit just fine with the thick socks. “Now for a backpack,” Jenna said.
Most of the packs were full sized gear packs, but Jace found a midsized day pack that should hold her goods. “How is this,” he asked as he held up a stained green pack?
“That is perfect, Jace,” Jenna said. “I think that will be everything I need.”
“Wait, you still need a coat,” Jace said.
They found a rack of waist length, heavy coats and picked one that looked clean, but well worn. As they walked back to the front, Jace picked up a pair of long boot laces. “You never know when they may come in handy,” he shrugged and said.
“I am so glad you came with me,” Jenna said. “You have some very clever ideas.”
They walked together to the checkout counter and the man looked at her curiously. “This seems like a strange wardrobe for you,” he said. “Not that it is any of my business,” he added.
Jenna was warmed by the man’s comment and smiled at him sweetly. “I need this stuff for a school project,” she said.
“That makes sense. Are you of them theater majors,” he asked?
“No, I am a psychology student,” she said.
“Oh,” he said as he rang up her purchases.
He handed Jace the bags while Jenna fished out money to pay her bill. The large man gave her a receipt and change. “I hope you do well with your project,” he said as they turned to leave.
“Thank you,” she said.
They walked back to the apartment and spread her purchases out on her bed. Jenna walked into her bathroom and came back holding a pair of scissors. “Are you ready?”
“I still can’t believe I am going to cut your hair,” Jace said.
“I have an idea that should make it easy on you,” she said, as she handed Jace the scissors. He watched as she pulled her hair back into a tight pony tail and tied it up with a scarf. “Cut it just below the knot,” she instructed.
“That sure looks short,” Jace said.
“It will be, but it will also give it a ragged look without you having to do more than one cut,” she said.
Jace shook his head. “Okay, here we go,” he said as he took the ponytail in his hand and began cutting. “These are exactly barber shears,” he said as he struggled to cut through her thick hair.
“You are doing just fine, Jace,” Jenna assured him.
When he finally made it through, Jace was left with a handful of Jenna’s hair. “What do you want to do with this,” he asked?
“I want you to take it to the beauty salon next to campus on Monday if you would. They collect hair to make wigs for cancer survivors,” she said.
“Leave it to you to do something so sweet,” Jace said. “You know, I am proud that you are my sister,” he said.
“I couldn’t ask for a better brother either,” Jenna said. She gave him a rubber band to use on the length of hair. “I want to try out my look,” she said.
Jenna ran her hands through her cropped hair and walked to the bathroom for a glimpse in the mirror. Her long curly hair was gone, replaced by a jagged bob of hair. Different, but Jenna was not sure of the look. She stepped back into the bedroom.
“How are you going to do that?” he asked. “Oh geesh, Mom is going to kill me when she sees your hair,” Jace said when he saw her.
“I am going to get dressed and take a stroll,” she said.
“Go wait in the kitchen and you can be my first experiment,” she said.
Jace left the room and pulled the door behind him.
Jenna stripped out of her clothes and pulled on a pair of socks, pants and a sweatshirt before sitting on the bed to lace up the boots. It wasn’t all that cold outside, but she pulled the coat on for affect and walked into the kitchen.
Jace looked at her closely and frowned. “Got to lose the jewelry,” he said.
“Damn, that’s right,” Jenna said. She took off her rings, watch, but left the small gold hoops in her ears.
“That’s much better,” Jace said. “Before you go I want to give you something.” He pulled the small bag out of his coat pocket. “You will need to be very careful with this,” he said as he handed the package to Jenna.
She pulled the knife from the bag and carefully removed it from the sheath. “It is very sharp and will cut through anything you need it to,” Jace said. “Including a finger, arm or leg if you aren’t careful, so be warned.”
“I will be very careful with it,” Jenna said as she tucked it back into the sheath and placed it in one of the side pockets in her pants.
“That is a very good spot for it,” Jace said with a smile.
“I will be back in a couple of hours, so don’t worry,” she said.
“I always hate it when you tell me not to worry,” Jace said.
“I love you, Jace,” Jenna said as she hugged her brother.
“I love you too, but please, please, be careful.”
“I will,” Jenna said as she slipped into the coat and walked out the door. Jenna wanted to take a walk through the quad, to gauge people’s reaction to her and to possibly be noticed by one of the kids as someone new to the area. She felt her heart race as she stepped from a safe home onto the sidewalk, a different persona. She practiced lengthening her stride, giving her the appearance of a cocky swagger. She noticed older women who would normally have smiled to her, shying away from the much more haggard looking kid she appeared to be. She approached the quad, an area she visited almost daily and people that should have recognized her looked at her like a total stranger. She walked inside the coffee shop and put money down on the counter for coffee. The young girl behind the counter looked at her suspiciously and took the money before asking, “What can I get you?”
“Just a plain coffee thank you,” Jenna said.
The girl poured a cup of coffee and pushed it across the counter careful not to make contact with Jenna. This must be how the kids must get treated every day, she thought as she took her coffee and walked out of the shop, people moving out of her way. She walked over to the concrete wall and sat down to sip her coffee. The kids must really feel ostracized, being treated this way even when they were a paying customer, she thought as her eyes scanned the quad. She leaned back into a concrete pillar and felt the cold seep into her back. After an hour and no sight of the girl, Jenna was about to hit the street to go in search of her or one of her clan, when she saw the girl approaching. The courtyard was almost empty of patrons, so the girl stuck out amongst the small crowd. It would be slim pickings for her today, Jenna thought.
The girl’s eyes scanned the courtyard and she came upon a curious sight. Sitting on the wall she saw a young girl who was watching the crowd closely. She was very attractive and when their eyes finally met, gave her a warm smile of recognition.
The girl stood and left the courtyard. Dragon’s curiosity was peaked, so she followed the girl at a distance to see where she was going. She watched as the young girl stopped to check discarded coffee cups and food containers looking for something to eat. She watched as the girl stopped and picked something up from the sidewalk and smiling placed the object in her pocket.
Jenna could feel eyes watching her and a quick glance behind her let her know she was being followed. As she rummaged searching for food she hoped her performance was convincing. As she walked down the sidewalk she spied a shiny object and bent down to pick up a brand new penny. It was face up and Jenna smiled at the good luck omen and slipped it into her pocket. She continued down the street and stopped to rest on some apartment steps. The young girl that had been following her continued walking and as she passed, their eyes met again and Jenna hoped she would stop to talk. She was soon disappointed as the girl continued and disappeared around a corner.
Jenna stood and walked the streets for another hour before cautiously returning to her apartment. Her eyes were shining with excitement as she entered her apartment.
“How did it go?”
“Well I think. No one recognized me and I was treated like I had leprosy,” Jenna said. “I think I am ready, but ready or not I will head out in the morning.”
“I was hoping you would change your mind,” Jace admitted.
“No way, this is too important,” Jenna said. “I am going to pack my bag and then I will cook us some dinner,” she said.
“Don’t worry about cooking. I will have to fend for myself, so why don’t enjoy your last night at home and take a hot bath while I cook some dinner.”
“That is a great idea, Jace,” Jenna said and disappeared into her room.
She laid the backpack out on the bed and began rolling her clothing and stuffing it into her pack. She included a pen and small notepad that she would use to leave Jace notes. She left out a pair of thermals that she would wear tomorrow. She used the boot laces to tie her rolled up coat onto the shoulder straps of the pack. She hid a small roll of dollar bills in a small pocket in her pack to use in an emergency and loaded her pocket with a handful of change from her desk.
Then she carefully removed her clothing and placed them on a small chair in her room as she drew hot water for a bubble bath. Jenna was a neat freak when it came to hygiene and would have a difficult time not bathing for a few weeks. She did insist on packing a small travel toothbrush and paste. No matter what, she would find a way to brush her teeth. If she couldn’t bathe at least brushing her teeth would give her some sense of freshness.
She slipped into the tub full of fragrant bubbles and for a short while forgot about her holiday plans. At the moment, nothing mattered except for the warmth of the water and the smoothness of the bubbles on her skin. She laid her head against the back of the tub and closed her eyes.
Twenty minutes later, the clanging of pots and pans in the kitchen brought her back to reality as Jace was fumbling in the kitchen.
Dragon had slipped back inside the sewer drain and was making her way back to the hive, a mass of catacombs made up of caves and abandoned tunnels that were home to many of the city’s homeless, mostly children as most of the entry points were too small for adults to enter. Her eyes adjusted quickly to the darkness as she made her way to their hive.
She was welcomed by the six other members of her group as they huddled around the fire pit and discussed their day’s successes. Joker, the male leader of the pack had good luck rolling also known as panhandling that day and pulled out a loaf of bread and slices of dark orange cheese now that everyone was home. Dragon too was also successful and pulled out a small pack of bologna she was able to buy from a small store.
“There is a new girl in town,” she said as she added her meat to the pile.
“Who is she?” Joker asked.
“I don’t know, I just watched her today as she rolled at the quad and searched for some food on the streets, but I know I haven’t seen her before.”
“Well if you see her again, invite her back. If she was alone, she is in danger,” he added. “The weather is turning and this is no time to be alone on these streets.”
Memphis eyed Dragon suspiciously as she talked about a new girl. She and Dragon, currently a couple and she would not welcome competition for her lover’s attention. She made a sandwich and handed it to Dragon as she reached for a gallon jug of water.
“I think you, Memphis and I need to go haunting tonight,” Joker said. “Our supplies are getting low and the temperatures are dropping,” he said to Dragon. Haunting was the term for going out after dark to search for combustible materials. Mostly broken furniture, cardboard or paper goods was all they could find on the streets and in dumpsters. As the weather continued to change, they would all have to go out to haunt at night as competition would grow fierce on the streets. It could be dangerous, but it was a necessary risk to enable them to stay warm in the early evening. They had learned quickly that the hive did not have good ventilation, so the carbon monoxide built up quickly if a fire was left to burn at night, so when it was time to get sleep, the group huddled together in what they called a dog pile in a remote corner of their hive to share body warmth and remain secure.
Life was hard on the streets for this small group of youngsters, but every one of them agreed that it was more pleasant than the lives they had fled and as a group they did their best to survive.
When everyone had finished their meager meal, Joker stood and said, “Nemo you are in charge while we are gone. Keep this fire burning and everyone safe until we return.” He looked at Memphis and Dragon. “Are you two ready?” he asked.
“Both girls nodded yes, as they swallowed the last of their sandwiches.
Joker grabbed the cloth bag they used to carry items and followed by Dragon and Memphis walked to the entrance of their hive.
Jenna dried off and dressed in baggy sweats and a tee shirt before leaving her room to find Jace struggling to make spaghetti. She walked over and stirred the sauce he had simmering on the stove. “This smells good,” she said.
“It’s not hard to heat up a bottle of Ragu, but I’ll be damned if I can keep this pasta from sticking together,” Jace said.
“Did you add a little oil to the water?” Jenna asked.
“No, I didn’t,” he growled as he lifted a clump of pasta.
“It helps, so remember that in the future,” Jenna said. “I don’t think I’ll be the only one losing weight these next few weeks,” she teased.
“I will definitely miss your cooking,” he said.
“I hope that’s not all,” she said.
“Of course not,” Jace said. “You do laundry much better than me too,” he said with a smirk.
“It’s so nice to know I will be missed,” Jenna said as she set the table.
“Who am I kidding, I am going be worried to death about you, until you walk back in that door,” he said.
“Try not to worry, I will be safe,” she said.
“I will try to remember that as my imagination runs wild with all the trouble you could be into,” he said. “Bring me the plates please,” he said as he dipped up a portion of the boiled pasta.
They shared their last meal together making small talk as Jenna was deep in her thoughts. When they finished the meal, Jace suggested they call home and afterwards they spent the evening watching old Christmas movies on the television.
When Jenna stretched and yawned, Jace took her hint. “Enjoy your last night of sleep in a real bed,” he teased.
“Thanks, I will see you in the morning.”


Part Three
Jenna woke the next morning to a chill that filled her room. She looked at the clock to find it still early, but she knew she would not be able to go back to sleep, so she climbed from the bed to turn the coffee pot on. She started the water for the shower and slipped out of her clothes. A quick shower was all she needed to freshen up.
When she finished, she quickly dried off and began dressing in the layers that would hopefully transform her from a college student to a child of the streets. The clothing felt warm as she dressed and ran a brush through her mussed hair. She walked into the kitchen and drank a cup of coffee while she waited for Jace to awake. She was pouring her second cup when he came staggering into the kitchen.
“You are up early,” he said. “You must be eager to get started.”
“I am. When I woke up earlier I knew there was no way I could go back to sleep. I didn’t wake you did I?” she asked.
“No, I smelled the coffee,” he said as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
“Sit and I will pour you a cup,” she said.
“When do you think you can get a message to me?” he asked.
Jenna chuckled. “I haven’t even left yet.”
“I know, but I am already worried.”
“I will have a note posted for you by Wednesday,” she promised.
“Damn, it’s cold in here,” he said.
“Yeah, you are going to have to turn the heat on.”
“No, you aren’t going to have heat, so I will wait to you return. That way I will get a little bit of your experience at least.”
“Jace, you don’t have to do that,” she said.
“I know, but I want you to know I support you in some small fashion,” he said.
“That is so sweet, but don’t risk freezing to death on my behalf.”
“Just get back here before it gets too bad,” he said.
Jenna finished her second cup and disappeared into her bedroom to brush her teeth. Then she hoisted her backpack onto to her shoulders and walked back to the kitchen.
“Are you leaving already?” he asked.
“There’s no time like the present,” Jenna said. She leaned down and kissed her brother’s cheek. “I will be back before you know it,” she said.
Jace stood and embraced Jenna in a tight bear hug. “Please be safe,” he said with tears in his eyes.
Jenna knew she must flee before his tears began to fall. “I will,” she said and rushed to the door. She closed it tightly behind her and leaned back for one last moment before she stepped out into an entirely foreign world.
She stepped out onto the sidewalk and worried for the first time about what she would do if she couldn’t find or wasn’t accepted into their group as she walked around the city, her pack exhausting her shoulders as she became accustomed to the weight. She walked for hours, bumping into cursing strangers and passing shops filled with eager customers as they rushed about their business. It was near mid day before she saw the first of the kids dashing across a street. He looked Latino and was racing across the street carrying a can of spray paint like he was being chased by a demon. A demon was close, but it soon became apparent that an angry shop owner was chasing the young man, cursing in a language Jenna was glad she didn’t understand. When the overweight man stopped at the corner bent over in exhaustion, she looked to find the young man had disappeared into a rushing crowd.
Jenna walked on and came to the quad without realizing where her feet had taken her. Her stomach growled with hunger and she wished she had taken the time to eat breakfast. Her inclination was to pull out some money and order a sandwich or Danish, but then she remembered the role she was playing.
Dragon sat on the concrete wall this time, observing Jenna as she slowly approached searching the empty tables for tips or food to quickly snatch away. Finding none, she walked on in hopes of finding something to fill her stomach before it rubbed raw against her backbone. Jenna turned toward the wall and saw the young girl watching her intently. She smiled and waved Jenna closer.
Jenna walked closer and sat beside the young woman. “It’s a tough morning to grab some food, isn’t it?” she said, her voice warm and piercing.
“Yes, I haven’t eaten all day and I hoped to find something here,” Jenna said.
“With all the college kids gone home for the holidays it’s going to be pretty slim pickings,” she said. “You are new in town aren’t you?”
“Is it that obvious?” Jenna asked.
“Well, you do have a rather distinctive southern accent and I don’t remember seeing you around before,” Dragon stated. “I never forget a pretty face,” she added with a smile.
“I just rolled into town on Saturday,” Jenna admitted. “I couldn’t stand that Podunk little country town any longer,” she said.
“Podunk,” Dragon said with a smile.
“Yeah Podunk, barely a traffic light in town and so small everyone knows what everyone else is doing or not doing,” Jenna said.
“That would make a great street name for you, unless you already have one,” Dragon said.
“No, I am so new to this I guess I haven’t even thought about that,” Jenna said.
“First rule of the streets is to never reveal your real name,” Dragon warned. “I am known as Dragon, by the way,” she said proudly.
“Why dragon,” Jenna asked?
Dragon pulled up the sleeve on her left arm and showed Jenna a tattoo of a small red dragon. Jenna also saw several angry scars on the lower part of Dragon’s arm, the evidence of cutting. She took her eyes of the scars and looked into Dragon’s face.
“Ah, that makes sense,” Jenna said. She grinned. “Podunk, I guess I could live with that,” she said.
“The joy of being on the streets is that you can change it at anytime, but I think it fits you,” Dragon said.
“I guess you are right about that,” Jenna said.
Dragon reached into her pocket and pulled out a napkin. She opened it to offer Jenna half of a cake donut. “It’s not much, but it will take the edge off,” she said as she held the donut out.
“I can’t take your food,” Jenna said.
“You aren’t, I am giving it to you. Don’t worry, I ate the other half,” she said with a brilliant smile.
“Thank you, my angel,” Jenna said.
Dragon laughed at being called an angel. “I am far from an angel,” she said.
“What are you then?” Jenna asked.
“I am a child of the underworld, but far from an angel,” Dragon said to meet Jenna’s challenge. “Do you plan to stay in the city?”
“For a while at least, it seems like such a good place to be as any.”
“It can be very dangerous too, especially for one traveling alone. Do you have a place to stay?” she asked.
“I stayed at some shelter last night, but the old drunks there gave me the creeps,” Jenna said.
“Shelters can be very dangerous places. I would like to offer you a place to stay if you would like.”
“I would like that very much,” Jenna said.
“Don’t jump too soon, at least until you see it and meet the others,” Dragon said.
“Others, who are the others”?
“There are seven of us that live together in the hive,” Dragon explained. “We are called the Renegades,” she said, pointing to the small black tattoo next to her left eye.
“Ah,” Jenna said, “I was wondering about that.”
“You get your ink after you have been with the Renegades for a year,” Dragon said. “I have had mine for two years now,” she said proudly.
“So you have been living on the streets for three years?”
“There’s nothing wrong with your math,” Dragon said.
“Do you mind if I ask how old you are?”
“Yes, Podunk I do. I am seventeen,” she said defensively.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you,” Jenna said.
“No, I should apologize. Seventeen for most is very young, but living on the streets, you mature very quickly,” she said. “I haven’t been a child for a long time.”
Jenna felt sadness take over Dragon and knew she was on perilous ground. “I am nineteen, am I too old for the group?”
Dragon laughed softly. “No, Joker is twenty. He is our leader even though he won’t admit it. Every one of us looks up to him.”
“That sounds very nice.”
“It’s very comfortable,” she said. “Do you want to walk?”
“Sure, which way,” Jenna asked?
“Let’s walk down to the business district and see if we can make some money,” Dragon said.
“They walked ten or so blocks and took a left to find the sidewalks filled with bustling people rushing to and fro. Dragon leaned on a street sign. “Can you spare some change?” she asked a passing man, who abruptly ignored her request and walked on. “Why don’t you try the other side of the street,” Dragon suggested.
Jenna crossed the street and leaned next to the street sign just as Dragon had. “Ma’am can you spare some change?” she asked a young woman in a tight black suit. She was talking on a cell telephone, but took the time to hand Jenna some change from her pocket. “Thank you ma’am,” Jenna said to her back as she walked quickly away.
That was a hopeful start, but Jenna quickly found that begging on a street corner was not very profitable. Maybe one in ten people that passed her would hand her change, the others would simply pretend she didn’t exist. After an hour, the crowd started to thin out and she looked across the street. Dragon motioned her across and they walked into an alley to add up their take.
“We did pretty well today,” Dragon said. “Each of us brings something back to the hive to share for dinner.”
“What should we bring?” Jenna asked.
“Something cheap,” Dragon said with a grin. “Something hot too,” she added. “Any ideas?”
Jenna remembered a small Chinese takeout place not far from the apartment she shared with Jace. The portions were always big and the price was reasonable. If they pooled their money they could buy a couple of meals and extra rice.
“How about Chinese, I found a nice place that gives big portions,” she said.
“Let’s go see what we can get,” Dragon said.
Luckily the shop was empty of customers so they placed their coins on the counter to determine how much food they could order. The older woman at the counter helped them with their order and took their money. “Would you like something to drink while you wait?” she asked kindly.
“No thank you,” Dragon said. “We are all out of money.”
“That’s not what I asked,” the woman chided and placed to cups of soda in front of them.
“Thanks,” Jenna said and handed a cup to Dragon.
The woman turned back to the kitchen and barked orders in Chinese while the two girls waited patiently for their orders. When the woman set two bags on the counter and motioned for them, the girls rushed over and took the bags. “Thank you again,” Jenna said.
“Stay warm and safe,” the woman said as they turned to leave.
“Yes ma’am,” Jenna said.
“I like your choice of shops,” Dragon said. “There is no way we had enough money for all of this,” she said holding up her bag.
“There is still room for kindness in this world,” Jenna said.
“Yeah, but that is few and far between,” Dragon said. “Let’s get this home while it’s still warm.”
Jenna thought they would walk forever before Dragon slowed and approached a manhole cover. This was not the area that she had followed Dragon too earlier, so she was thrown off a bit by this location.
Dragon handed her the bag and bent down to pull the cover aside and climbed down. She reached for the bags. “Be careful,” she warned Jenna.
Jenna climbed down and with guidance from Dragon pulled the rope until the metal covering slipped back into place. The darkness of the tunnel seeped into her veins as she stood frozen willing her eyes to adjust.
“Give it a minute,” Dragon said.
“Is it always this dark?”
“Always, but that is the source of our safety. People hesitate to enter the darkness for fear of the unknown. Only those that live here can find their way through the catacombs.”
“So you could be leading me to my death,” Jenna said.
“If you choose to think that way, yes I could, but I am bringing you to your new home. You are just going to have to trust me.”
Slowly, Jenna’s eyes adjusted and she could begin to make out the jagged surface of the walls. It wasn’t yet dark outside, but it was pitch black down here and she could barely see feet in front of her.
“Don’t shuffle your feet or you will trip,” Dragon warned.
A hundred yards deeper into the abyss, Jenna could begin to see the flickering of a fire and she prayed this was their destination.
“Almost there,” Dragon said appearing to read her thoughts.
As they approached, she could begin to see small figures moving around the fire. She counted and found three people moving just ahead of her.
“Welcome back, baby,” Memphis said and then stood up to kiss Dragon. She eyed Jenna suspiciously as she approached the fire. “Is this the one you talked about?” she asked Dragon.
“Yes, this is Podunk. This beautiful creature is Memphis,” Dragon said. She pointed out the other three youths sitting around the fire. “That is Cheyenne,” she said pointing to a young girl, “this mutt is Tagger,” she said smiling at the young Latino Jenna had seen earlier in the day. “Joker, Nemo and Tiny are still out.”
“Here put these on the table,” Dragon said, handing Memphis the bags of food. “Did everyone have a good day?”
“All I can say is I will be glad when the college kids get back,” Memphis said. “It was slim pickings out there today.”
“Yeah, we had some luck rolling up at the business district,” Dragon said, “but the quad was dead.”
“I lifted a few loaves of crusty bread,” Tagger said proudly. “You better keep that at bay, if Joker finds out you are stealing, he will be upset with you,” Dragon said. “You know he won’t put up with that.”
“I know, but it is so much easier,” Tagger said.
“That’s not the Renegade way, Tagger and you know it,” Memphis said. “That will only lead us to trouble with the law.”
“I know,” Tagger said, hanging his head in shame.
“You need to make amends and pay that shop keeper for the bread you stole,” Dragon said.
“I will,” Tagger said.
Silence fell over the group, and in the silence they heard the sliding of the metal cover at the entrance.
“Someone is coming,” Dragon said. They all held their breath until they saw three figures approaching and the larger form of Joker leading the way. With him were two others, Jenna found out were Nemo and his little sister Tiny.
“Welcome back,” Dragon said as they quickly made their way to the fire to warm their hands. “I want you to meet Podunk,” she said turning back to Jenna.
“Welcome, Podunk,” Joker said. “This is Nemo and Tiny,” he said.
“Thank you for your welcome,” Jenna said.
“We have another surprise,” Dragon said.
“What is it?” Joker asked.
“Hot food,” Dragon proudly announced. “We had some luck rolling and found a great Chinese shop and the old woman who owns it loaded us up.”
“We brought desert then,” Joker said. “Tiny found half a bag of uneaten chocolate chip cookies and I was able to buy a day old pie to go with the last of our bread and cheese.”
“We shall feast tonight then,” Dragon said. “Let’s eat while it is still somewhat warm.”
Jenna followed the small group over to a make shift table using a large cable spindle. Dragon opened the bag and pulled out the containers of food while the others added their bounty. Jenna was amazed by all the extras the older woman had provided for them. There were a dozen egg rolls and two extra containers of fried rice that they had not ordered. Fortune cookies rained from the bag as Dragon emptied the last of the containers.
Tiny opened plastic spoons and handed one to each of the kids. She was adorable, a small, blonde haired, blue eyed girl.
“Thank you,” she said to Tiny when she handed her a spoon.
Tiny just nodded her head.
“Tiny doesn’t speak anymore,” Nemo said.
“Tagger, bring the water and cups please,” Joker said.
Tagger jumped to his feet and brought a gallon of water and plastic cups to the table.
“Dear Lord, we thank you for this feast,” Joker said.
“Amen, came a chorus of voices.”
“Let’s eat,” Memphis said. “I am starved.”
The food stretched beyond her wildest belief and Jenna felt like everyone had eaten their fill. Some left room for sweets, but Jenna chose to pass on the pie and cookies, relishing the taste of the sesame chicken in her belly.
Once everyone had finished the meal, they all gathered around the fire. Jenna had taken her back pack off when they arrived, but kept a close eye on it after the meal. It held everything she owned at the moment and would be lost without it.
“We need to haunt tonight,” Joker said.
“I will go,” Dragon said. “I think Podunk should come too, to get used to finding stuff to keep the fire burning.”
“Not a problem,” Jenna said as she hoisted her pack to her shoulders.
“Tagger, go with them, just in case they find something large,” Joker said.
“Let’s go ladies,” he laughed and said as he grabbed their carry bag.
“Hit the back of the pizza place. I think today was their delivery day and you might find some cardboard in the dumpster,” Joker said.
“We will be back later then,” Dragon said as they began to walk to the entrance.
Jenna could feel Memphis’ eyes boring into the back of her head as she walked beside Dragon. She did not mean to cause any domestic turmoil, but was glad when Dragon suggested she go with them.
When they cleared the opening, Jenna looked at Tagger. “Didn’t I see you earlier running with a can of spray paint?” she asked. “Followed by a rather large angry man,” she added.
He smiled a mischievous smile. “Yeah that was me. I was adding some art to the back of the man’s retaining wall, but he didn’t share my appreciation for art,” Tagger said.
“Tagger can draw like no one I have ever seen,” Dragon said.
“Where did you learn that?” Jenna asked.
“I was a gang member out in L.A.,” he said. “I found it easy to create art with spray cans of paint, so I became a natural tagger.”
“L.A. is a long way. How did you end up here?” she asked.
“My Mom thought we should move here to get away from all the gang wars going on in L.A., not knowing that gangs were getting just as bad here. I stayed clean for a year after we moved, but when she died, I came back to the streets. This time I found the Renegades and not the violent street gangs I had previously belonged to.”
“I am sorry about your mom,” Jenna said.
“She is so much better off now,” Tagger said, shrugging his shoulders. “She worked so hard in her life and had nothing other than me to show for it, but she was a proud woman who never failed to provide for me as a child.”
“How old are you now?” she asked.
“I am eighteen and have been a Renegade for just over a year,” he said proudly pointing out his ink.
“What type of art do you like to create?”
“Would you like to see some?” he asked, excited she was interested in his art.
“I would love too,” Jenna said.
“Let’s hit the pizza shop first and then we can take a side trip,” Dragon suggested.
The pizza shop was twelve blocks north of the hive. Jenna could not remember ever having walked this much in one day and knew she would be happy to go to sleep tonight. As they had hoped, the dumpster held half a dozen boxes that had been broken down to save space. Tagger quickly folded them and tucked them into the carry bag he had slung over his shoulder.
They walked down a few more alleys without finding much more than a few broken chair legs to add to their stash. When they turned a corner they found a bundle of newspapers from the previous day that had been dropped at the wrong location.
“Jackpot,” Tagger said as he scooped up the papers in his arms.
“Here let me take the bag,” Jenna offered.
Tagger gladly handed her the bag. “Keep your eyes open for some string,” he said.
“What would you use string for?” she asked.
“Joker has taught us how to tightly wrap the newspapers with string to make them so compact they burn slower,” Dragon said. “Done properly, these papers will burn for hours instead of minutes,” she said.
“That’s smart,” Jenna said. “I wouldn’t have thought about doing that.”
“That’s Joker, he is always finding new ways to make survival easier for us,” Dragon said.
Tagger’s gait picked up speed, so Jenna imagined they were getting close to his artwork. “Are you ready?” he asked.
“Yes,” Jenna said, nodding her head for emphasis. When they turned the next corner, she stopped dead in her tracks. A solid concrete wall nearly eight feet tall was covered in a battle scene with dragons, knights and warriors waging battle. She couldn’t believe someone could create such fine detail with a can of spray paint.
“Tagger, this is beyond belief,” Jenna said, still staring at the wall.
“You should see what he can do with a pencil and paper,” Dragon said. “I swear his art looks like it could take life,” she said.
Tagger’s chest swelled with pride and the compliments he was receiving.
“Have you ever considered doing something with your talent?” Jenna asked.
“Besides street graffiti?” he asked.
“Yeah, like formal art school or something,” Jenna said.
“Dragon girl, you better pinch your new friend and wake her up, she dreaming again,” he teased.
Dragon laughed at Tagger’s comment.
“I am serious, Tagger, you have such a talent, it seems so pointless to waste it on people who can’t appreciate it for the beauty it portrays.”
Tagger looked at Jenna. “Look at me girl. I am an inked up, Latino, street kid. People look at me and rush off in the opposite direction when they see me.”
Jenna could see the pain in his words and knew from her brief experience that they were true. “But you are so much more than this,” she said as she pointed to the wall. “People will only see this if they stumble down this alley.”
“I would get arrested if I got caught painting up something in public view,” Tagger said.
Jenna knew he was right. Still it was such a waste of talent. “I know your right, but you are really good, Tagger.”
“Yeah I know,” he agreed.
“Modest too I see,” Jenna teased.
“We better head back before Joker starts to get worried,” Dragon said.
“Lead the way,” Tagger said.
The air was cooling quickly as they made their way back to the sewer manhole. They pulled the cover aside and quickly slipped inside. It was easily ten degrees warmer beneath the street, but it still promised to be a cool night. They heard the screaming of a siren overhead as they turned back toward the hive and walked toward the shadows of flickering flame.
The group was elated to see them return with such a wonderful bounty. Even though they did not find string to bundle the papers with, it was a welcomed sight.
“I have something that will work, I think,” Nemo said.
All eyes turned toward him as he dug into his pack and pulled out a coil of insulated electrical wire and handed it to Joker.
“We can use this like big twist ties,” Joker said. “Good job Nemo.”
“Thanks, Tiny and I were scavenging through an abandoned house and when I saw this sticking out of an outlet I started pulling on it and it kept coming and coming. I knew eventually it would come in handy for something,” he said with a smile.
For the next two hours they sat around the table separating and rolling the newspapers into compressed logs for the fire, bundling them with the electrical wire to hold them together. When they had finished their task, Joker extinguished the fire and the group went together to their sleeping quarters.
Jenna lay down on a soft pallet they had made of discarded mattresses and sleeping bags and was quickly surrounded by the rest of the group. She tucked her backpack under her head for a pillow and as soon as she was settled, the group formed around her. Dragon huddled up against her back, while Tiny came and snuggled up against her front. She wrapped her arms around the small girl as Joker covered them with the few blankets and coats they were not wearing and then crawled under the covers as well. It was a cozy arrangement, one that worked very well. Jenna felt the body spread between them and felt the shivering of Tiny’s small body subside as she drifted off to sleep.
The next morning when Jenna woke, she was stiff and sore from lying in the same position all night. The dog pile was very effective in maintaining warmth for the group, but offered little room for movement throughout the night.
Her first morning in the hive was much different than her mornings in her apartment. Instead of waking up slowly to the aroma of brewing coffee, she woke up to the chill of a December morning and Joker working to start the fire.
For breakfast, they shared the last of the pie and cookies remaining from last night’s feast. During the day, the group would split up, each pairing or individual going off in separate directions to panhandle and search for food. It was survival of the fittest during the day, but at night they returned as a group to share a common meal if they were lucky.
Dragon and Jenna had experienced good luck in the business district the previous day, so Dragon decided they would head back there today.
“Podunk and I will try our luck at the business district again today,” she announced to the group.
“I think a group of us should hit the subway station too,” Joker said. “We haven’t been there in a while and maybe we will have some luck and if nothing else it will be warm.”
“Tiny and I will go with you,” Nemo said. “Me too,” Cheyenne and Memphis said.
All eyes turned to Tagger. “I will take the quad then and see what I can shake up.”
“Just don’t shake up too much,” Joker warned.
“I got it, Joker,” Tagger said with an impish smile.
They emerged from the tunnel in groups of two to prevent detection. Jenna and Dragon having the furthest to travel left first. They walked quickly in the brisk air and as they approached the district the smells of coffee and fresh baked pastries assaulted their senses.
“Damn, that coffee smells good,” she said to Dragon.
“I am not much for coffee, but I would love a good cup of hot chocolate right now. There is a soup kitchen another block up, let’s shoot inside to see what they have to offer,” she suggested.
Jenna had walked through the district many times, but had never noticed the small building Dragon took her too. The front was very run down and outside, several desperate looking men milled around aimlessly. She was relieved when Dragon took her by the arm and rushed her past them and ducked inside.
“Good morning, ladies,” a rather jovial man said. “We haven’t much this morning, but you are welcome to some hot chocolate and a meat filled biscuit,” he offered.
“That would be great, thank you,” Dragon said.
“He handed each of them a biscuit, filled with ham and a cup of extremely watered down hot chocolate.”
“Thanks,” Jenna said as she accepted his offering.
Dragon steered her over to a couple of chairs near a small heater. “Let’s sit here and eat.”
Jenna took a hungry bite from her biscuit and a sip of the hot liquid. “It’s not the best by far, but at least it is hot and sweet.”
“Let’s keep our eyes open today for some nice Styrofoam cups and maybe we can treat the others with some real hot chocolate tonight if we can get some money,” Dragon said.
“That reminds me. How does the group find water to drink?” Jenna asked.
“Each of us stays on the lookout for empty plastic jugs, milk jugs, water cooler jugs and the like to take back to the hive. It is Cheyenne’s responsibility to keep the jugs filled with fresh water.”
“How does she find it?”
“Usually in water fountains at the park or train stations or from bathroom sinks,” Dragon said. “You will find out that each of us has tasks assigned to us that we do routinely.”
Curious, Jenna asked, “What is your task?”
“Since I am usually the most mobile of the group, I am assigned to look for new kids on the street. That’s why I found you,” she said. “This is not at all a safe place, especially at night.”
“Joker found out quickly that I have the ability to spot a new kid and to judge their ability to join our group,” Dragon said. “We do not tolerate violence or drug use in our group and we shy away from the kids that have bad news written all over them.”
“What typically happens to those kids?” Jenna asked.
“Several things can happen. They can get caught up in criminal activity and get jailed or killed or they join one of the West Side gangs and usually end up one of the latter.”
When they finished their biscuits they stopped by the counter for a refill on the hot chocolate. After thanking the man one more time, they took their drinks and walked back into the hustle and bustle of early morning traffic.
As they made their way down the street, they rummaged through trash cans, salvaging zip lock bags, Styrofoam cups and several newspapers that had been discarded already. They were also lucky enough to find a dozen bottles in a small park which they could exchange for a recycling fee.
Dragon left Jenna at a busy corner intersection, empty hot chocolate cup in hand to start panhandling as she moved ahead to another corner.
“Spare change,” she said as she held out her cup. From time to time someone would drop loose coins from their pockets into her cup and one man dropped a dollar bill which quickly disappeared into her pocket. When the morning rush finished, Dragon guided her to another park where they searched for bottles and cans for recycling, but someone had already beat them to the trash cans.
“If we are lucky, we can beat the garbage truck to one of the hotels in the district,” Dragon said as she took Jenna’s hand and pulled her forward. Looming ahead of them in an alley were two large green dumpsters at the back of a high rise hotel. “We have to watch for security here,” she said.
“I will dive while you watch out for anyone approaching and for god sakes Podunk, don’t let the garbage truck come and carry me off,” Dragon teased.
“What you don’t want a free ride today?”
“Hell no, this dumpster smells bad enough,” she said, as she climbed down inside it.
Jenna paced anxiously for several minutes that seemed to her an eternity before she saw Dragon’s head pop up out of the dumpster. She slung the bag over and handed it to Jenna. “Hang onto this while I get out of here.”
Dragon dropped down to the ground beside her and took the bag. “Let’s clear this place quick.”
Jenna followed her quickly out of the alley and across to the small park. “That was well worth the trip,” Dragon spread as she guided them to a bench.
She opened the bag and started pulling out objects. “I found six more bottles that are good for fifteen cents each and I found these,” Dragon said holding up an almost full pack of cigarettes and several packs of matches. “Lucky for us, someone decided it was time to kick the habit,” she said. “These are like gold on the street.”
Jenna cocked her head curiously at Dragon. “The bums that hang out around the food kitchens will pay a quarter for two smokes and another quarter for a full book of matches. If we can find a working bic lighter they go for fifty cents,” she said, her eyes shining with excitement.
“What are these for?” Jenna asked as she pointed at several notepads that still had sheets of usable paper. “Those are for Tagger,” she said with a grin.
Dragon grinned wildly as she pulled out an object wrapped in a hand towel. “This is the grand prize.”
She opened the towel to reveal a bottle of whiskey only half finished. “If times get desperate we can sell shots, otherwise we will keep this for medicine.”
“Medicine,” Jenna asked?
“Yes, with winter come colds and the flu. We use whiskey to make hot drinks with lemon and honey if we can find it to help break fevers and ease aches so you can sleep.”
Jenna was impressed with not only the thoughtfulness of the kids, but the ingenuity as well, making the most of every available resource to survive on items discarded by others.
They turned in the rest of their collection of bottles and then retired back to the park to pool their money. They had managed to collect seven dollars and thirty eight cents between them and the lunch crowd had not begun yet.
“It looks like we will be eating hot again tonight,” Dragon said with a sparkle in her eyes.
“You know the golden arch place is running a special on hamburgers for two for a dollar,” Jenna said.
“It has been a while since we have had burgers,” she admitted.
“Well let’s get to hustling and see if we can’t add some fries and maybe a two liter of soda to that,” Jenna said. “How much does a box of hot chocolate cost?”
“Almost two dollars,” Dragon said.
“We can do this,” Jenna said and pulled Dragon off the bench.
By the time the lunch crowd was over they had collected another six dollars. They were excited as they walked toward home, the money jingling in their pockets and their packs full of scavenged items. Dragon led them to a small dollar store where they purchased a box of hot chocolate mix and a two liter bottle of soda.
When they reached the hive, they found they were the first back for the day. It had been such a profitable day, she and Dragon decided to go back out and make a pass through the quad. They deposited their goods in a safe place and headed back above ground.
“Let’s spend a couple of hours scouting out the quad and then go get those hamburgers before we head in for the night,” Jenna said.
“Sounds like a plan to me,” Dragon said.
At their first stop, the girls were rewarded by finding a half of a club sandwich a patron had not been able to finish. Dragon scooped it up quickly before one of the wait staff could bus the table. She rolled it into a napkin and stashed it in her hoodie.
As they approached the coffee shop, Jenna turned to Dragon. “I need a potty break. I will meet you on the wall in just a few minutes.”
“That’s cool,” Dragon said.
Jenna was relieved that Dragon did not want to go in with her. It was only Tuesday, but she would take advantage of an opportunity to leave Jace a message on the board as promised. She quickly walked through the shop and entered the restroom. She relieved her bladder and then pulled out her notepad and pen to jot her brother a note which read:
Jace, I am doing well, staying warm and eating good. I love you and will see you soon. Love J
She walked out of the bathroom and stuck the note on the board quickly. As she was about to turn and walk away a pink post it note paper caught her eye. She smiled, seeing that it was a note from Jace which read:
Jenna, I miss you like craz
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Alli


Last edited by Allison on Fri Nov 07, 2008 5:48 pm; edited 1 time in total

Post Mon Nov 03, 2008 9:07 pm 
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MysteryGirl
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Go Alli!!!!! Great story line, loving this so far. Keep it up.





HugZ, Noni
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Post Mon Nov 03, 2008 11:13 pm 
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Allison



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Thanks Noni. I'm enjoying it so far!!

Alli
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Alli

Post Tue Nov 04, 2008 2:00 am 
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Allison



Joined: 12 Oct 2005
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Part Four

Wednesday morning dawned cold and blustery and Jenna groaned when she awoke to a half empty dog pile. The cold seemed to seep in her bones as she sat upright and brushed the hair back from her face. Frost formed I front of her face as she exhaled deeply from a stretch. She stood and left the dog pile to find a small group huddled around the fire.
“Morning,” she groaned.
“Good morning,” Joker said. “Did you sleep well?”
“Very well, yes, thank you.”
Jenna joined them around the fire and stuck her hands above the small flames to warm them. Someone, she presumed Joker, had started warming a pot of water for the last of their hot chocolate.
As the rest of the kids filtered in, Joker took the water from the flames and poured it into their cups. “Drink up,” he said. “It’s going to be a cold day outside today.”
They silently lifted their cups and enjoyed the warmth of the sweet liquid as it temporarily warmed their bodies. The group discussed assignments and Joker finished the conversation by saying, “If you don’t have good luck by the end of the lunch rush hour, come home and get out of this weather.”
Jenna was pleased to find that she, Memphis and Dragon would be assigned to the quad. Joker reckoned as nasty as the weather was, people in the business district would be in too much of a rush to pay attention to anyone but themselves and efforts there would be a miserably cold wasted day.
When they took their turn to leave the hive, Jenna shivered as she stepped into the morning. Glancing off to the east, she could see the line of a cold front that was headed their way, ushered in by a brutal wind that gusted so strongly at times she feared she would lose her footing.
“Damn, this is an ugly day,” she said to Memphis and Dragon.
Dragon looked up at the thick grey clouds and shook her head. “We would be better off if it snowed. At least people’s spirits would be lifted and they would be in more of a charitable mood. Today’s ugliness will just spread to darken moods already stressed by the hustle and bustle of life.”
“That is a very keen observation,” Jenna said.
“Dragon is very perceptive to the moods of people,” Memphis said.
“Yes, I can see that.”
They walked across campus and huddled closely together as they searched the crowd. As Joker had predicted, people were rushing to get inside out of the weather and soon, the shopkeepers would store their outside seating for the winter months that would drastically reduce their opportunities to lift a tip or leftovers forgotten by a busy patron.
Jace had gotten up early, eager to see if Jenna had left a note for him as promised. He dressed and rushed to the coffee shop and his eyes sparkled as he searched the board for Jenna’s note. He also saw that the note he had left was gone, which was a good sign. Jace found the note, short and to the point and smiled as he tucked it into his pocket. He turned to leave the shop and stopped when he saw three small figures huddled outside. He and Jenna did not discuss how he should react if they ran into each other, so Jace took it upon himself to wing it. They looked cold and miserable as they searched the meager crowd.
Jace turned and walked back to the counter. “May I have four large coffees with cream and lots of sugar to go please? Will you also put them in one of those cardboard carriers,” he asked.
“Of course,” the young woman behind the counter said as she took his money.
Jace looked to his left and saw huge blueberry muffins and dug deeper into his pocket for more money. “Please bag three of those,” he said, pointing to the muffins.
“You got it,” the girl said, “but these are on me.”
The girl had seen staring out the window at the group of young women and read what his intentions were. She had seen the homeless kids around all year and she worried for not only their safety, but the health as well in this miserable weather.
“Thanks,” Jace said, as he picked up the coffee holder and bag of muffins.
The girls were still huddled at the wall as he approached. Jenna was facing away from him, so she did not see him approach and was unaware of his presence until he softly spoke to them.
“Merry Christmas,” he said, and placed the coffee and bag of muffins on the concrete wall, pulling one coffee out for himself.
Jenna caught his eye only briefly. “Thanks and you too,” she said and shared a warm smile with him.
“You are welcome,” he said and walked away.
“Wow,” Memphis said. “That rarely ever happens these days.”
Jenna smiled at her. “There are still angels walking among us, they are just hidden well,” she said.
“Good lord, don’t go getting all religious on us, you are beginning to sound like Joker,” Dragon teased.
“There could be worse things,” Jenna said, as she picked up a cup of the coffee and took a sip. Jace was an angel and he had the shop prepare the coffee just as she liked it. The warmth of the coffee and the unexpected sight of her brother made her morning complete. The wind didn’t seem as bitter as it whipped around them for a few moments.
“This is good,” Dragon said.
Memphis reached and opened up the bag to find the three large muffins stashed inside. “Mmm, blueberry, my favorite,” she moaned.
“We better share just one,” Dragon said. “We may have to have the other two for dinner tonight, if things don’t pick up,” she added.
“You two go ahead,” Jenna said. “I will just enjoy this heavenly coffee.”
“Are you sure?” Dragon said.
“Positive.” Jenna was hungry, but she knew that Dragon and Memphis were much thinner than she and would need many more calories to burn for warmth, whereas she had a few extra layers to shed. She did enjoy the sounds of pleasure the girls made as they relished every morsel of the muffin.
Jenna turned away from them just in time to see Jace disappear from view. That was very sweet of him, she thought as she leaned against the wall to enjoy her coffee.
“You know he was kind of cute,” Memphis said. “You should have talked to him.”
“You think?” Jenna said with a grin.
“Yeah, I do.”
“Well maybe if we see him again, I will do just that,” Jenna said with a smile.
Dragon smiled back at her with a curious look in her eyes, but did not say anything more.
When they finished their coffee, they tucked their cups away in the bag. “There’s not much happening around here, so why don’t we cruise around back and check out some dumpsters. If we can’t find much to eat at least we can find something to burn,” Dragon said.
“Hey, did you bring that pack of smokes?” Memphis asked.
“Yes, I did,” Dragon answered.
“If you and Podunk want to hit the dumpsters, I will take the smokes and see what I can sell a few streets over,” she offered.
Dragon hesitated for a moment as she thought over the proposition. She knew Memphis despised dumpster diving, but the area she knew Memphis would be traveling to could also be dangerous. “Why don’t you just wait and the three of us will go together,” Dragon said.
“Naw, I will be fine,” Memphis said.
Against her better judgment Dragon pulled out the pack of cigarettes and took out eight. “That should bring you a dollar and if those sell, come back and get the rest,” she said.
Jenna looked at Dragon curiously.
“It’s too dangerous to be seen with a full pack that is just begging for trouble,” she told Jenna.
“Oh, okay, I guess that makes sense. Are you sure we shouldn’t go with her though?”
“No, Memphis knows what she’s doing,” she said.
“Thanks Baby, I will be back soon,” Memphis said and then dashed off into the cold.
Dragon turned to glance toward Memphis, praying she was right and her lover would return safely before climbing into the dumpster to explore. Jenna stood outside the dumpster, nervously stamping her feet, trying to keep them warned as she watched for signs of anyone approaching. She could hear Dragon rummaging around inside the dumpster and mumbling to herself.
A few minutes later, Dragon’s head popped up in the dumpster, startling Jenna. She held out three heavy cardboard pizza boxes and began climbing out.
“Pretty slim pickings in there,” she said.
Jenna tucked the boxes away and they moved on to the next dumpster. This was the dumpster used by the coffee shop and held much more promise. Dragon slipped inside and within minutes surfaced with a zip lock bag. Inside the bag were numerous coffee filter packs. “I don’t know why we haven’t thought of this before, but the shop only uses the packs once, and I am sure there is plenty of coffee left in them. If we put the pack in hot water, wouldn’t it at least give us the coffee flavoring?” she asked.
“Yes, I don’t see why not,” Jenna answered as she placed them in the carry bag.
“Good,” Dragon said and ducked back into the dumpster.
Memphis was much better at selling things than she was at digging through a dumpster. She also had knowledge of an alley, frequented by winos that regularly jumped at the chance to buy full cigarettes. They would snatch up butts from the street to smoke them down to the filter and looked upon a full cigarette as a gourmet meal. She had dealt with several of the men who lived in the alley before so she let a bit of her caution slide. She quickly sold six of the eight upon entering the alley and as she continued walking, a man she did not recognize approached her. His cold blue eyes were glazed over by alcohol or something worse and alarms began to immediately sound off in her mind. Memphis knew this man was trouble and began stepping away from him.
“What are you selling today little girl?” he snarled.
“I have two cigarettes left,” Memphis said.
“How much?” he asked.
“Twenty-five cents,” she said, still backing away.
“That’s robbery,” her growled.
“Well, no one is forcing you to buy them,” Memphis popped off without thinking.
She could see the man’s eyes suddenly flicker with rage as his hand flew out and she felt a searing pain in her cheek. “You are right about that missy,” he growled as he lunged forward again to try to grab her.
Memphis spun on her heel to evade his grasp and took off back down the alley as the man laughed hysterically.
Her cheek was on fire, but she would not stop to check herself until she was a long way from that alley. She could smell the coppery smell of blood and felt it run down her cheek. After she had run several blocks she stopped in front of a store window and looked at her reflection. She had a small gash on top of her cheekbone that was bleeding profusely. She reached into her pocket and found a napkin and pressed it against her cheek to stop the bleeding.
“Damn, Joker and Dragon are going to be furious,” she said, as she began to walk toward the quad where she would hook up with Dragon and Podunk.
When Memphis turned the corner down the alley where Jenna was standing guard, Jenna spotted her immediately and saw that she was pressing a bloody object to her face. “Dragon, get out here now,” she said and banged on the dumpster before racing to Memphis. As she approached, she saw the bloody napkin in her hand and rushed to her side. “What happened?”
“I got slashed by some damned bum,” she said.
“Let me see,” Jenna said.
Memphis lifted the napkin from her face and Jenna saw the gash under her eye. The bleeding had almost stopped, but the skin around it was already turning an ugly deep purple. “You were lucky, another few inches and that could have been your eye,” Jenna said, as she placed the napkin back over the cut.
Dragon raced up beside them. “What happened? Are you alright?” she asked.
“I got slashed by a bum, but I am alright,” Memphis said, the fear in her voice making it waiver.
“Stay here, I will be right back,” Jenna said.
Dragon watched as Jenna ran back down the alley and vanished.
Jenna rushed inside to the coffee shop and walked to the counter. “I am sorry, but there has been an accident. Would you have an alcohol swipe and some Band-Aid’s you could give me from your emergency kit?” she asked the girl behind the counter.
“What happened?” the girl asked.
“My friend got slashed by some bum,” Jenna said.
“Oh my God, will she be alright?” the girl asked as she lifted the kit onto the counter and opened it.
“Yes, I think she will be fine,” Jenna said and began rummaging through the kit. She quickly found an alcohol wipe and several small Band aid’s that she could use as strips to butterfly the wound closed. “Thank you so much,” Jenna said and raced from the shop.
When she returned to the alley, Memphis was sobbing in Dragon’s arms. “Here let me help you,” she told Memphis.
Memphis looked up at her and Dragon watched as Jenna tore the top off the alcohol wipe and gently swabbed the wound.
“Holy shit, that stings,” Memphis cried.
“I know sweetie, but it has to be cleaned before any infection sets in,” Jenna said, wiping as gently as she could.
Dragon watched her closely as she used the small band aids to seal the gash closed. “Where did you learn that?” she asked.
“The girl scouts,” Jenna said with a chuckle.
Dragon was not sure if Jenna was serious or just teasing, but she was grateful for the care she was giving Memphis. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome. Did you find out what happened?”
“Yeah, the bums keep a pop top lid from their sterno containers or canned meat in their pockets for protection. They have a metal ring on the lid so it’s easy to slip a finger in it and use it as a weapon to protect or harm someone,” she explained. “She was approached by a man she didn’t recognize who cut her and tried to grab her,” she said.
“She was very lucky then,” Jenna said.
“I should not have let her go alone,” Dragon said.
“Well, there is nothing to be done now, but learn from the mistake,” Jenna said. “We will be more careful in the future and not take any risks we don’t have to.”
“Let’s get you back to the hive,” Dragon said, as she placed an arm around Memphis’ shoulders.
Jenna followed them back to the entrance and saw them inside. Dragon saw that she was not following them down into the tunnel and looked up at Jenna.
“I will be back,” Jenna said, and slid the cover over the man hole.
She was worried that the wound would get infected if it was not properly cleaned on a regular basis. There was no telling what that lid had come into contact with. Jenna walked toward the dollar store she and Dragon had visited and carefully pulled out several dollars of her emergency stash to buy peroxide and band aids. Since she was splurging she also picked up a bottle of generic aspirin, just in case Memphis started showing signs of a fever. She cringed at the counter when she realized how much of her emergency stash it would eat up, but this she determined was an emergency and could benefit the entire group.
When she climbed into the tunnel and pulled the cover over her head she could her faint whispers down the tunnel. Jenna found the entire group sitting around the fire as Dragon explained what happened. Memphis looked up at her and smiled when she sat beside her and opened her bag. “Cheyenne will you bring some water please?”
Jenna poured out two of the aspirin and handed them to Memphis. “Here, take these. It will help with the headache you are going to have and will fight off any fever,” she explained.
Memphis followed her instruction and swallowed the pills. No one asked where they had come from, but Jenna did receive a curious look from Joker. They were all just happy that Memphis was safe and they were back together as a group.
“It wouldn’t hurt for you to lie down and try to get some rest,” Jenna said to Memphis, who nodded her head and was lead to the dog pile area by Dragon.
“We should stay in the rest of today and rest,” Joker said to the group.
Tagger pulled out one of the notepads Dragon had brought for him and wandered away from the fire. The rest of the younger kids joined Dragon and Memphis, leaving Jenna and Joker alone around the fire.
“Thank you for what you have done for Memphis and the rest of us,” he said.
“No problem,” Jenna said and stretched her hands over the fire.
“There is something special about you, I just haven’t figured it out,” he said to Jenna.
“I am nothing special. You are the one that is special for what you do for these kids,” she said.
“These kids as you call them,” he said with a warm smile, “are very important to me.”
“How did you come to be here Joker?” she asked.
“I was born and raised in Utah as part of a large Mormon family,” he started.
“That is a long way from here,” she said.
“Yes, it is,” he answered.
“As part of the Mormon faith, each young person has a duty to perform a mission to spread the word of the church and to help out wherever they can.” Joker smiled as he appeared to be remembering a pleasant memory. “After my freshman year in college, I was drawn by fate to start my mission. I had no idea what it would be or where God would lead me, but I knew to travel east,” he explained. “I found myself drifting, penniless and hungry on the college campus, until I watched a young man swoop in out of nowhere and lift a half uneaten sandwich from one of the tables on the quad. That young man turned out to be Tagger who befriended me and brought me to the hive. One by one, each of the kids drifted into our lives and we formed our small family.”
“How long have you been here?” she asked.
“Going on three years,” he said.
“But isn’t your mission only to last two years,” Jenna asked?
“Yes, but my mission has just begun. I was sent here for more than just an experience, I went sent here to complete a task,” he said.
“Do you know what that is?” she asked.
“No, but I have faith that when it is time for me to know, it will be clear to me.”
“It must be comforting to know you have that kind of faith,” Jenna stated.
“It is,” Joker said. He was about to ask her a question when Tagger walked over and handed her a sheet of paper.
Jenna took the paper and held it up to the fire so she could view it properly. Tagger had duplicated the scene he had painted on the wall with dragons and warriors, this time with pencil and paper. “This is amazing, Tagger,” she said.
“That is for you,” he said, proud of her praise.
“You have such a talent,” Jenna stated.
“I have been trying to get him to consider going to art school,” Joker said. “He has a terrific comic book story running in that head of his, but he just won’t let it out,” Joker teased, ruffling Tagger’s already wild hair.
“That would be quite an accomplishment,” Jenna added to reinforce Joker’s comment.
Tagger wandered back over to his spot and began drawing once more. Jenna looked back across the fire at Joker who seemed preoccupied with his thoughts.
“What do we have to share for dinner?” she asked.
“I was just wondering the same thing. We have a little bread and some cheese left, but it won’t go far.”
“We have two large blueberry muffins that were given to us this morning,” she said, smiling as she remembered the way Jace had brought them to her and the girls. “I have a little change left.”
“Save it. We will just have to skimp tonight and hope that tomorrow is better,” Joker said. “As bad as I hate it I think we will all have to haunt tonight,” he said. “Do you feel comfortable with going out with Nemo and Tiny?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Good, I think if we all go out maybe, just maybe we will have a little luck. Our paper logs are running low.”
An hour later, Joker pulled the group together for their meager meal. “Tonight, we all go out to haunt except for Memphis and Dragon. I want you to stay behind and rest,” he said.
“No way, Joker, we are going out just like everyone else,” Memphis said. “It’s just a little cut,” she insisted.
“Very well, but I don’t want anyone out longer than two hours. Is this understood?” he asked.
The entire group nodded their heads in agreement and then Joker made their assignments. “Remember no more than two hours,” he said, as the groups began to prepare for the night above.
Jenna made sure Tiny was bundled up as snuggly as possible. She was such an adorable child, her blue eyes sparkling as Jenna tended to her. Nemo joined them carrying a tote bag.
“Are we ready?” she asked.
“I will lead the way,” Nemo offered.
Tiny reached up and slipped her small hand into Jenna’s. She could feel how cold the little girl was and she prayed that they would be lucky and could come back to the hive and its relative warmth quickly.
They scavenged several alleys with little luck and had decided to try one more before it was time to return to the hive. Tiny was exhausted from the cold and the walking, so Jenna picked her up and wrapped her in her arms. The dumpster was behind a small restaurant, the neon lit sign reading “Mama’s Italian Eatery.”
Jenna had never noticed the shop before, but the smells coming from the kitchen made her mouth water as Nemo opened the dumpster and peered inside. In the very back he spied several cardboard boxes, but would have to climb inside to reach them.
“Give me a boost would you Podunk?” he asked.
She gently shook Tiny awake. “You have to stand up for a few minutes Tiny,” she whispered and then sat her on her feet. Tiny wiped the sleep from her eyes as she watched Jenna lift Nemo into the dumpster.
Nemo quickly moved to gather the cardboard and was about to hand it to Podunk, when they heard the back door to the kitchen open and a rather plump older woman peered out at them.
“What are you little ones doing out there?” she asked.
Jenna took the cardboard from Nemo and helped him to the ground. “We are looking for items to burn to keep us warm ma’am,” she said.
“No homes to go to?” the woman asked.
“No ma’am. We all live together,” Jenna said afraid of saying too much.
The woman stepped closer and looked them up and down. “You are all too skinny. What have you eaten today?”
“Not a whole lot to be honest. This wasn’t a good day for us in gathering food and money.”
“I can see why, this weather is so nasty nobody should be out in it,” she said. “Especially a little one,” she added with a smile to Tiny who smiled back at the kind speaking woman. “What is your name?” she bent down and asked Tiny.
“Her name is Tiny and she don’t talk no more,” Nemo said.
“That is sad. A little girl her age should be talking up a storm,” the woman said, as she cocked her head sideways. “Everyone calls me Mama,” she said. “Papa goes to church every Wednesday and Saturday nights when I run my spaghetti specials and I always cook too much,” she said. “Makes me wonder if he doesn’t like my cooking anymore,” she said with a laugh.
“I bet there is nothing wrong with your cooking,” Jenna said.
“Wait right here please,” Mama said and vanished inside the kitchen.
“Business is slow and those kids are hungry,” she said to herself. “I would just throw it out anyhow,” she mumbled as she pulled out the largest plastic bowl she had with a lid and filled it with spaghetti, meat balls and sauce. She took a well worn cloth bag and placed four loaves of her crusty bread and napkins with plastic forks wrapped up in them into the bag. She thought of the little one who didn’t speak and pulled out a bag of Papa’s favorite chocolate chip cookies down from the pantry. He would surely miss them, but that little girl needed them much more than he did, she laughed thinking about her jovial little man.
Jenna had picked Tiny up in her arms again as they waited for the woman to return. When the door opened wide, Jenna could not believe her eyes. The woman had her arms full as she approached.
“I’ll make you a deal,” Mama said. “Every Wednesday and Saturday I will fill this bowl up with spaghetti and this bag up with bread as long as you return them to me the next morning. In exchange, when the snow starts to fly, you and your friends will shovel the snow from the sidewalk so my customers can come in. My Papa is not in shape to be able to do that no more.”
“Is that all you need done?” Jenna asked.
“For now yes, my child,” Mama said. She handed Nemo the large bowl of spaghetti which she filled to the brim. “How many of you are there?” she asked.
“Eight,” he answered.
“That should be enough to fill you up then and there are forks in here,” she said as she handed Jenna the bag with bread still warm from the oven. “And for you, my little friend,” Mama said, as she handed Tiny the bag of cookies. “Eat and enjoy,” Mama said. “Now go to wherever it is you call home and eat and get out of this weather,” Mama said.
Jenna had tears in her eyes when she turned away, but stopped to turn back to the old woman. “God bless you,” she said.
Their feet seemed to float off the sidewalk as they made their way quickly back to the hive to find out they were the last to arrive. The group was huddled around the fire looking hungry and depressed when someone, probably Tagger asked, “Is that garlic bread I smell?”
“Yes it is so will you come help?” Jenna said and the whole group came running.
Joker took the heavy bowl from Nemo and asked, “Just what do we have here?” as he placed it on the table.
Jenna sat Tiny down and began to tell them about their new deal with Mama and the arrangement for hot food twice a week as they spread the feast out on the table.
“Dear Lord, thank you for an answer to our prayers,” Joker said.
“Thank you for Mama too,” Nemo added.
“Amen,” the group chanted and then settled in for a filling meal, eating until nothing was left in the bowl, especially after Tagger took portions of bread and scraped out the last of the sauce.
“That was the best meal I have had in forever,” he said as he popped the bread in his mouth.
Tiny used her small hands to push the bag of cookies into the middle of the table. “We have desert too,” Nemo said.
“Thank you for sharing with us Tiny,” Jenna said.
Each of them took a cookie from the bag and then carefully wrapped the rest to keep them fresh. The night that had started off so miserably, ended up perfectly with bellies full and hearts warmed by the kindness of a stranger. One by one, the kids slipped away into the dog pile to dream the night away leaving Joker and Jenna tending to the fire.
When all had grown quiet, Jena looked at Joker and asked, “Why doesn’t Tiny talk?”
Joker’s face blanched when he heard the question asked.
Joker looked directly at Jenna and she could see the tears pooling in his eyes. She knew then the story he was about to tell was full of pain and mental anguish and was not one he enjoyed telling.
“That little girl has suffered more in her short lifetime than most adults do in an entire lifetime. Her mother was killed in a car accident when she was eight, leaving her father to raise her and Nemo alone.” Joker shook his head while he talked. “Her father struggled to raise them as most single parents do, but what he did to that little girl is just unforgiveable. He succumbed to the pressures and began drinking heavily and began to act inappropriate to her. Nemo states that their dad would become delusional and speak to her like he was talking to a younger version of their mother, about how beautiful she was and how much he loved her, several times calling her by her mother’s name.”
“I am afraid I know where this was headed,” Jenna said.
“Unfortunately so, as she grew older, his actions became inappropriate as he began to abuse her, physically, and in a sexual manner,” Joker said, nearly choking on his words. “Nemo was unaware of what was happening, until one night, he was awakened by the sound of her cries as she lay in bed bleeding from her father’s physical attack. He said she looked up at him with eyes that were empty of emotion and asked him to take her away.”
Jenna found tears streaming down Joker’s face and she reached out to comfort him.
“Nemo wrapped her up the best he could, took the last money his father had in his wallet and while he was passed out in a drunken stupor, he and Tiny stole away into the night. Those were the last words Tiny ever spoke.”
“I hope someone took care of that bastard,” Jenna said.
“Nobody had to,” Joker said. “Nemo called one of his friends from school about three months after they left and was told that their dad had finally succeeded in drinking himself to death.”
“So now they are entirely alone?”
“Except for us, we are their only family.”
“How long have they been here?” she asked.
“I found them wandering the streets about a month after I moved down here,” he said. “They were half frozen and starving to death.”
“I can’t imagine the trauma she has experienced,” Jenna said.
“It must have been horrific,” he said with another shake of his head.
The silence grew between them as the fire began to fade and Joker extinguished it for tonight. He walked with Jenna into the dog pile and whispered, “Good night.”
“Good night, Joker,” she said as she snuggled her way into the pile. She was immediately enveloped by the warmth of the children around her and fell quickly to sleep.
The next morning, Jenna, Tiny and Nemo, took the bowl and bread bag back to Mama’s and left it on the kitchen steps with a note of thanks signed by each of them. As they walked back to the sidewalk, Jenna noticed the leaves that had fallen, littering the front entrance. She made a note to ask Mama for a rake and some bags, so they could clean the area up for her and slipped it inside the bowl.
The cold front had arrived, but at least the bitter wind had calmed, making the temperature almost tolerable. Nemo lead them down to the train station and they had a good day and were able to add to the pile of coins the others had collected during the day. They still had bread from Mama and decided they would send Cheyenne and Tagger to the store for cold cuts and chips. It wouldn’t be a hot meal, but one that could be stretched a long way.
The following day, Jenna and Dragon dropped by Mama’s to find a rake and several empty plastic bags sitting on the steps along with the bread bag holding several loaves of bread and slices of cheese. Jenna tore off a chunk of bread and wedged the cheese inside it to make a sandwich before she picked up the rake and began raking leaves. Dragon ate a quick sandwich too and then began collecting the leaves Jenna had raked, stuffing them in the bags and tossing them to the curb for pick up. For just a moment, she debated taking the bags to the hive before remembering how badly leaves smoked when they burned, but it would have been nice to smell the aroma of burning leaves.
They did find a few small branches that had fallen beneath the leaves and several boxes Mama had set beside the dumpster for them which they took to the hive with the rest of the bread and cheese before heading back out to finish rolling for the day.
Friday passed uneventfully and when it was close to seven, the time Mama had asked for them to drop in came Jenna, Nemo and Tiny were joined by Tagger who volunteered to help carry the food back to the hive.
Jenna tapped softly on the kitchen door and it was opened moments later by Mama, who looked tired from her long days work. “Hello, children,” she said, when she found them there and her eyes immediately lit up with excitement.
Tagger was introduced to Mama and he stepped forward and handed her a folded piece of paper. “Thank you,” he said then stepped back to the group.
Mama opened the paper and covered her mouth to suppress her gasp of surprise. “This is beautiful,” she exclaimed and held the paper to her chest. When she saw the puzzled look on Jenna’s face, Mama turned the paper to show them what Tagger had drawn.
He had drawn the restaurant, down to the finest detail in pencil and offered it to Mama to show his appreciation for her kindness in the form of the only gift he had.
“I will hang this up in the dining room if that is okay with you,” she said.
“I would love that,” Tagger said, beaming with a huge smile.
“Let me get your food and by the way, thank you for doing such a great job on the leaves. Papa was very impressed,” she said and turned away. She carried the large bowl and handed it to Tagger and then gave the bread bag to Jenna. She also handed Nemo a cardboard box that held a homemade cake. “I thought you should have something sweet,” she said.
“Thank you,” Nemo said.
“And for you little one, I have this,” Mama said as she handed Tiny a small doll and then stooped down to wrap a warm scarf around her neck.
Tiny beamed up at her and Nemo said, “Thank you Mama. She lost her doll when we were traveling and I haven’t been able to replace it.”
“You are most welcome,” Mama said.
“Thank you Mama, we will see you Wednesday,” Jenna said.
“Stay safe and stay warm,” Mama shouted after them.
And so they settled into a routine with Mama, each time a different kid joined the group to be introduced and to issue their appreciation to Mama. When they arrived the following Saturday, in addition to the food Mama had a special request.
“Wednesday is the last time before Christmas on Thursday I will see you and I would like for everyone to come by at eight instead of seven,” she said. “I plan to close the restaurant early so we can share a Christmas dinner together,” she announced.
“That would be great Mama,” Nemo said, as the others remained silent in a state of shock.
“Yes, it would be Mama, but can we at least come to help you cook?” Jenna asked.
Mama considered it for a minute. She knew she didn’t need the help. She had been cooking for large groups for decades, but she sensed that it would do the children good to feel like they were helping.
“Wonderful idea,” she said. “Come at five and we can get started,” she said with a soft laugh.
“We will Mama,” Jenna promised.
As they walked back to the hive, buzzing with excitement, Jenna felt a twinge of guilt begin to tug at her. Next weekend she had planned to bring the group together to tell them who she really was and she feared they would feel betrayed when she told them. Memphis noted her silence and leaned over to ask, “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I am just thinking of something,” Jenna said and thankfully Memphis let it drop at that.
That night around their makeshift dinner table, the excitement flowed like an electric current as they talked about the dinner they would have at Mama’s. “I wish there was something we could get her for all she has done for us,” Dragon said.
“Well, we have a few days to come up with something,” Jenna said.
“I think that should be your assignment,” Joker said. “You seem to know her better than any of us. We will continue rolling and try to come up with a little extra money if you will find something we can afford and you think Mama would like.”
“I will do my best,” Jenna said.
After their meal, Jenna met with Memphis. She had been cleaning and bandaging her wound each night before they went to sleep. As they sat away from the group, Jenna took of the bandage and examined her cheek very closely.
“This is healing up very well,” Jenna said. “I think another day of a bandage and then you can safely leave it open.”
“How bad does it look?” Memphis asked.
“You are going to have a scar, at least for a while, but as you age I think most of it will fade,” Jenna said to assure her. “Just think of it as a battle scar,” she teased.
“Lord knows, I have enough of those so adding one more won’t hurt a thing,” Memphis said.
Jenna was softly dabbing peroxide on the gash when she asked Memphis, “Do you mind if I ask how you got here?”
“Why do you want to know that?” Memphis asked suspiciously.
“I am just curious. If you don’t feel comfortable able telling me, that’s fine,” Jenna said.
Memphis thought for a moment. Jenna had cared enough for her that she tended her wound and life seemed to have really improved since she had joined the hive. They always seemed to eat well and just when it seemed things were at their bleakest something would come through with them, like the dinners from Mama.
“I am sorry, I have trust issues,” she said. “I guess from my name you can tell I am from Memphis. My mother is or maybe was by now a prostitute and crack addict.”
“Do you not know if she is still alive or not?” Jenna asked.
“No, and to be perfectly honest, I really don’t care,” she said. “There is no love between her and me.”
“What about your father?”
Memphis laughed a dry and bitter laugh. “I asked my mother about him until I was fourteen and she never knew who he was. She finally told me he could have been one of her tricks or one of the dope dealers she slept with to get drugs.”
“So you never had any type of male figure in your life?”
“Not unless you can count Freddie, mom’s pimp. He was the most consistent male in my life. She turned tricks for him for years.”
Jenna could feel and almost taste the bitterness in her words as Memphis continued.
“I don’t know what I did wrong. I did as well in public school as could be expected and stayed out of the gangs like she asked me to, but nothing I did or could ever do was good enough to get a compliment or please my mother.”
“That must have been really hard on you,” Jenna said.
“It was, especially when I came home from school one afternoon to overhear my mom and Freddie discussing selling off my virginity?” she said.
“What the hell?” Jenna said.
“One of Freddie’s frequent customers had a special thing for young girls, especially if they were still virgins. When mom heard a five thousand dollar price tag I knew the gears of her mind were in motion, calculating how much crack that could buy her.” Memphis shook her head. “So anyhow, after Freddie left, I confronted her about their conversation and you will never believe what she told me.”
“I am almost scared to ask,” Jenna said.
“She told me that she didn’t see anything wrong with getting money for something I would soon be giving away for free,” Memphis said, getting choked up just thinking about it.
Jenna took Memphis in her arms and hugged her tight. She would never understand how a mother could do that to a child, especially one they had given birth to. “I am so sorry,” she whispered in Memphis’ ear.
“Thank you. So after my mom was distracted later that night with one of her john’s I snuck out of the house and hit the road, landing here a little more than a year and a half ago.”
Jenna held Memphis as she thought about the horrific stories these kids had told her. So far, with the exception of Joker, they had left what should have been their loving homes to escape terrible abuses. It was no wonder there was so many kids on the street, she thought as she felt tears wetting her shirt.
“I am sorry to have upset you,” she told Memphis as she stroked her face.
Memphis wiped her tears away. “That’s alright, that was my past life. Now I have Dragon and I have never been so happy in my life,” she said with a smile.
“May I be a pain and ask one more question?” Jenna asked.
“That depends, you have pretty much used up your quota for the night,” Memphis teased.
“This may be an easy one.”
“Go for it then.”
“Where do you see yourself in the future?” she asked.
Memphis smiled. “Living in a small house with a white picket fence with Dragon and a little one,” she said, “Or if not a child, at least a pet.”
“That paints a very good picture,” she said.
“Yes it does. Maybe one day we will make it,” Memphis said.
“I wish you two the best of luck,” Jenna said.
“Thanks.”
“You are welcome. Are you ready to get some sleep?” Jenna asked.
“Yes, it has been a long day,” Memphis said.
Jenna followed her to the dog pile and snuggled into the group. She laid awake for some time, thinking of all the pain and suffering these kids had survived. When she did manage to fall asleep, she was awakened several hours later by a terrifying dream where she was in Memphis’ body and she was being raped by Freddie’s perverted customer. Her body was soaked with sweet and Jena knew there would be no more sleep for her tonight, so she crept from the pile and walked into the hive.
The air was cool and she felt her body shivering, but lighting a fire was too dangerous, so she hugged herself tight and rocked to keep her body warm.
“You can’t sleep either?” a soft voice said.
Jenna looked up to find Cheyenne beside her. “No, I was having a bad dream.”
“I am sorry,” she said. “Would you mind if I sit with you?”
“No, not at all, what has you up tonight?” she asked.
Cheyenne sat down behind Jenna and wrapped her arms around her, pulling her close. “I was thinking of home.”
Cheyenne was the last of the kids to relay her story to Jenna and now was the perfect opening for Jenna to ask. “Where is home?”
She could feel Cheyenne’s body jiggle as warm breath caressed her ear. “Slap dab in the middle of a sea of cornfields in Nebraska,” she chuckled.
“Really, so why the name Cheyenne,” Jenna asked?
“It sounds so much more romantic than Nebraska,” she said with another chuckle.
“What do you miss about home?” Jenna asked.
“How do you know I miss it?” she asked.
“I can sense it in your voice,” Jenna said.
“I miss the smell of mom’s apple pie cooling on the counter in the summer and the smell of the dirt when dad and my brothers plowed it in preparation of planting,” she said with a sigh and continued. “The roar of a bonfire after all the harvesting was done and the laughter we shared around the dinner table after a long days work.” Cheyenne seemed lost in her thoughts and remained silent for several minutes.
Unlike the rest, Cheyenne seemed to have a loving family and a stable childhood which confused Jenna. “Why are you here?” she finally asked.
“I was bored with life in Nebraska and wanted to taste adventure,” she said. “There was nothing for me after high school but to settle down with some hick farm boy and raise corn and a handful of babies,” she said.
“Have you tasted your adventure?” Jenna asked.
“I have learned life on the farm isn’t as bad as it seemed when I was growing up. She held on tighter to Jenna and said, “There are few things as beautiful as looking up into the night sky and seeing the heaven’s full of bright stars.”
“You certainly can’t do that in a city with all its artificial lighting and pollution,” Jenna agreed. “So why didn’t you go to college after you finished high school?”
“I had good grades, but our family didn’t have much money and I would never ask to burden them when there was always a piece of equipment needing repairs or stock to be fed,” she said. “I have been away from home for almost a year and I have seen a lot, both good and bad and learned a great deal about how precious life is,” she said.
“Has it been enough to satisfy your wander lust for adventure?” Jenna asked.
“I am beginning to think so. I find myself longing for home more often these days.”
“Have you discussed this with the rest of the group?”
“No, I haven’t yet, but I have been thinking of home a lot more lately.”
“Did you run away from home?”
“Oh, no my parents knew what I planned to do. Mind you they weren’t thrilled with the idea, but my father knew how badly I wanted to see the world and he convinced my mother to go along with my plan reluctantly of course.”
“That is cool that they supported you in your adventure.”
“I think my father felt a little guilty, like it was something he passed down to me in his genes,” she whispered almost childlike. “When I told him what I wanted to do, he confided in me that for two years after he came back from Viet Nam, he travelled around the country, trying to find himself again after all the death and destruction he witnessed.”
“Was he able to accomplish that?” Jenna asked.
“Not entirely, I don’t think. I can remember him waking up in a cold sweat from dreams when I was younger. He did tell me that he knew when it was time to go home and I believe I am almost there.”
“Have you talked to them since you have been gone?”
“I have called several times, but I feel guilty because I always leave mom in tears,” she said.
“Are you her only little girl?” Jenna asked.
“Yes, I am the baby. I have three older brothers,” Cheyenne said.
“I would imagine that only makes it worse for your mom,” Jenna said. “She misses the comfort of another woman in the house.”
“That could be. Mom and I spent a lot of time together. We cooked large meals every night, even after my oldest brother Jake got married and moved out.”
“Do you have an idea of when you will go home?” Jenna asked.
“I was thinking I would call home after Christmas and start my way back,” she said.
“That is soon. How will you travel?”
“I have forty dollars stashed away for a bus ticket. It probably won’t be enough to get me all the way, but I have learned how to travel on my own,” she said.
“Cheyenne, do you feel you know the group well,” Jenna asked?
“I think so, why do you ask?”
“Can you keep a secret, and I mean just between you and me for now?”
“I am pretty sure I can. What is on your mind?” she asked.
“I have something to share with the group soon and I am afraid my story will make them all mad with me and I don’t know how to do it,” Jenna said. “You see I haven’t been exactly honest about who I am,” she said.
“Well, for the most part you really haven’t told us anything about you other than you came from a small town,” Cheyenne said.
Her comment caught Jenna by surprise. Cheyenne was right, she really had never shared much with the group and no one had asked for details. So she really hadn’t lied, she just hadn’t been completely truthful and forthcoming with her story.
“It is something like an unwritten rule to ask someone about their history,” Cheyenne said. “The group naturally accepts each other for who they are not who they have been.”
“I have broken that rule so many times already then,” Jenna said.
“If they didn’t want you to know about them then they wouldn’t have told you anything,” Cheyenne said.
“I can believe that,” Jenna said as she relaxed and rested her head on Cheyenne’s chest.
They were both lost in their thoughts and silence fell between them until Cheyenne asked, “Are you ready to try to sleep?”
“Yes, I am sleepy, but it is so comfortable right here,” she said.
“Then there is no need to move. It feels good to be this close to you.”
“Thank you, Cheyenne,” Jenna said.
“Relax and when it is time for you to tell your story, you will know it. Be honest and give them credit for being the caring, loving people that they are,” Cheyenne whispered.
“I will,” Jenna said as she stifled a yawn.
“Sleep,” Cheyenne said and pulled Jenna close.






Part Five

Jenna felt like she had walked the entire city the next two days as she searched for a gift for Mama. She was exasperated and had almost given up hope when she wandered into a pawn shop. As she was browsing the numerous glass cases full of jewelry her eyes were drawn to an antique looking set of ruby rosary beads. She knew Mama was Catholic from her conversations about Papa going to mass and she frequently praised God or asked for his help as she toiled around her kitchen.
She kept looking in the store, but the rosary beads kept drawing her back to them. The man behind the counter kept a wary eye on her and when she stopped in front of the rosary the third time he asked, “Is there something you would like to see?”
“Yes, I would like to see these rosary beads,” she said. “I am looking for a gift for Mama,” she said without thinking.
“Ah, those are beautiful,” he said as he moved toward the counter. He fished out a set of keys and opened the door to carefully reach in and take them out. He glanced at the price tag before handing them to Jenna.”
“They are gorgeous,” she said. “These would be perfect.” Jenna took the dangling price tag in her hand and turned it to read it, her smile growing to a frown when she read the price. Twenty dollars seemed like a fair price for such a beautiful gift, but she knew there was no way the group could afford that.
The man watched her closely and took in her dress and appearance. He quickly assumed that she was either homeless or from a very poor family. He remembered growing up poor and always struggling to find just the right gift for his mama as a child. He also remembered the kindness a female shopkeeper had shown him one particular Christmas when he was two dollars short for the gift he wanted to buy her. The woman saw the sparkle that the gift put in his young eyes and dropped the price to match what he could afford. Today, he saw the same sparkle in the young girl’s eyes as she held the beads in her cold hands.
Jenna stretched her hands out to hand the beads back to the shop keeper. “They are beautiful, but we don’t have that much money,” she said.
“Do you want them for your Mama?” he asked.
“She would love them, but there is no way we can get that kind of money so fast,” Jenna said.
“I have had them for over a year,” the man said. He turned and looked at the price tag again and said, “How about eight dollars?”
“Are you serious?” Jenna said.
“They are just taking up space and it would be nice if someone put them to good use,” he said.
“Let me talk to the others and I will be back first thing in the morning if we can come up with the money,” she said with hope in her voice.
“Well like I said, they have been here over a year, so I doubt anyone will come in today to buy them,” he said.
Jenna handed the back to him and turned to leave. She stopped and moved back to face the kind hearted man. “Just one more thing,” she said.
“Yes, what is it?” he asked.
“Would you be able to box it and wrap it?” she asked shyly.
The man laughed softly. “Yes, I can do that free of charge.”
“Thank you sir, I hope to see you tomorrow,” Jenna said and left the store.
“You are welcome,” he called after her.
Jenna knew eight dollars was impossible for the group to come up with without starving, so she planned to add five dollars of her emergency stash to the fund. Tonight when everyone was back in the hive, she would tell them about her find and the need of three dollars to make the purchase. There was still some daylight left, so Jenna decided to try some panhandling in the business district before she headed in for the night.
Most of the people she saw wore smiles as they were beginning to get into the Christmas spirit and they were more eager to share their pocket change with her. In the two hours she spent on the corner, she was able to amass three dollars in change. With the coins jingling in her pocket, she headed back to the hive.
She was the last to arrive and she found the rest of the group sitting around the table counting out their change. Jenna added hers to the pile, bringing the total to eight dollars and ten cents. Joker noticed her grinning like the Cheshire cat.
“Were you able to find something for Mama today?” Joker asked, curious about her excitement.
Jenna smiled broadly. “As a matter of fact I did. I found a beautiful set of rosary beads that have a ruby at the base that I think Mama would like,” she said.
“That sounds great, but how much?” Dragon asked.
“The man bargained with me and brought the price down to three dollars with gift wrapping included,” she proudly said.
“Three dollars, are you kidding?” Joker said.
“He said he had them for a long time and would love to see someone put them to use,” Jenna said, which was true.
Joker reached into the pile and pulled three dollars out and handed it to Jenna. “Does anyone have a problem with Jenna buying the gift for Mama?” he asked.
None of the group objected, so Jenna stashed the money in her pocket.
“That still leaves five dollars for food. What will we eat tonight?” Joker asked.
“Can we get burgers again?” Nemo asked shyly. “They were so good last week.”
Joker looked around the group and no one had any other ideas. “Burgers it shall be,” he said. “I will be back soon,” he said.
When Jenna returned to the pawn shop the next morning, the shop keeper beamed with a smile when she walked in. “I knew you would be back,” he said.
“The gift is just too beautiful to pass up,” she said.
Jenna had slipped into the restroom at a coffee shop to pull out five dollar bills to go along with the three dollars of change the group had collected for Mama’s gift. She placed the bills on the counter and pulled the loose change from her pocket, spreading it out on the counter to count it out in piles of a dollar each.
“Let me get this boxed and wrapped for you,” the man said, as she counted out the money.
“Thank you,” Jenna said, as she looked up from her counting briefly.
Jenna finished and patiently watched the man as he neatly wrapped the gift in holiday paper. She hoped Mama would like the gift from the kids and couldn’t wait to watch her open it.
The shop keeper continued to glance up from time to time to look at Jenna and the excitement on her face. He knew how tough life on the streets could be and how long it must have taken her family to come up with the money for the gift and his heart ached at the love he saw written on her face.
As he walked back over to the counter and placed the beautifully wrapped box down, he looked at Jenna and said, “You know I have reconsidered the price of this gift.”
Jenna’s face quickly turned from excitement to a frown of concern. The man smiled at this and went on to say,” No, I am not jacking the price up on you. I want you to take this gift for Mama and put that money back in your pocket. Times are tough and you can probably use the extra money, especially now,” he spoke kindly.
He saw the tears welling in Jenna’s eyes which made his heart lighter to know that she was going to accept his simple offer.
“Thank you so very much for your kindness,” she said. “One day I hope to repay you.”
“Don’t worry with that my child, just enjoy your holiday and I hope Mama knows how special you are,” the shop keeper said.
Jenna placed the money back in her pocket and tucked the gift inside her coat. “Thank you,” she said again and walked out the door.
The man had to wipe his eyes as he watched her go. She was a special child and the missed sale from one small item would not put a hardship on him. He felt better than he had in a long time, his heart lifted with joy as he remembered the glow of excitement on her face when she handled the rosary. That was payment enough for the gift.
Jenna didn’t bother to replace the five dollars in her pack. Instead she would use the money to buy the group another feast of Chinese food, like she had the first night she had joined the group. She walked back to the hive and waited for the day to fade and the kids to return with their day’s bounty.
Once they were gathered around the table, Jenna reported about her morning and the man’s generosity in giving them the gift for free. They were all amazed at his kindness and excited when she announced they would have a feast of Chinese food for dinner.
They had collected another three dollars as a group, but Jenna said, “Keep that for another day tonight is my treat.”
Joker looked at her curiously, but did not say anything as he scooped up the loose change and buried it in his pocket.
“Cheyenne, would you go with me to get the food?” Jenna asked.
“I would love too,” she said.
“Any particular requests,” Jenna asked the group?
“Egg rolls,” Tagger said with a grin.
“That we can do,” Jenna said then she and Cheyenne left the hive.
“It is amazing how much our fortunes have changed since you joined the group,” Cheyenne said once they were above ground.
“It’s always good to have a bit of luck,” Jenna said.
“Somehow I know it is more than luck,” Cheyenne said. When Jenna did not comment, she let the subject drop. “I am starving,” she said, when they got close to the street that was lined with small food shops.
“It all smells good, doesn’t it?” Jenna said, breathing in deeply.
“Yes it does.”
When they reached the Chinese restaurant, Jenna held the door open for Cheyenne. The same older woman was working behind the counter and eyed them closely. Her frown grew as they approached and Jenna was worried by her facial expressions. Seconds later, she knew she shouldn’t have worried.
“Where have you been? You are way too skinny. You need to eat,” the woman chastised her.
Jenna chuckled. “I have been eating,” she said with a warm smile.
“Not enough. You too skinny. I bet you can feel your bones under all those clothes,” she railed.
Cheyenne smiled as she took in the interaction between the two.
“What do you want tonight?” the woman asked.
Jenna pulled out the five dollar bills and began placing an order for sesame chicken, fried rice and egg rolls. They woman turned toward the kitchen and began barking the order to the cook staff. She turned back to Jenna and then back to the kitchen. “It’s cold out you need some soup to warm your bones.”
Jenna moved to place her hand in her pocket for more money and the old woman glared at her. “I got this,” she said. “Besides its just water and some eggs,” she said with a grin.
“Thank you,” Jenna said.
“You very welcome, you just keep coming back,” the woman said.
“Oh, I will,” Jenna promised.
Jenna and Cheyenne watched with growing excitement as the woman and the kitchen staff loaded three bags fully with food, plastic utensils and cups for the soup. The woman placed them on the counter. “Careful, this one has the soup,” she said.
Jenna gave that bag to Cheyenne and picked up the rest. “Thank you,” she said and smiled sweetly at the older woman. “Merry Christmas,” she added.
“Bah Humbug,” the woman said and waved them out the door, a sly smile playing on her face.
Cheyenne and Jenna stepped into the growing darkness still laughing at the old woman.
“That was interesting,” Cheyenne said. “I can’t believe the amount of food they stuffed in these bags,” she said.
“There are still kind people in this world,” Jenna said. “We better hoof it and get back before this stuff gets cold,” she said.
They made record time in getting back to the hive and were met by hungry faces eager for a hearty meal. She and Cheyenne placed the bags on the table and watched as the kids eyes grew as they pulled container after container of food from the bags. Joker smiled at Jenna, but didn’t say a word.
Jenna could tell that Joker was beginning to become suspicious, but returned his smile and opened up a gallon of egg drop soup and poured it into eight Styrofoam cups, which Cheyenne passed around to the group.
That night, they ate and ate, until all the food was gone and they were so full no one wanted to move.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we still have to haunt tonight,” Joker said. “We will be at Mama’s tomorrow night, so we need to get as much as possible tonight,” he reminded them.
Amid several moans and groans, the group slowly started making their way out of the hive and into the night. Hours later, when everyone had returned with a fairly good amount of combustible items, Joker called them around the fire.
“Tomorrow will be a short day for us,” he said. “I think we all need to make an attempt to make a stop at a bathroom somewhere tomorrow to freshen up and look as good for Mama as possible.” He smiled at Tagger who was making a funny face. “Yes, she knows we are street kids, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look our best when we show up for dinner,” he added.
The group agreed and extinguished the fire before retiring, exhausted to the dog pile. Jenna was very excited as the air around her grew silent and her thoughts were of the coming night’s events. She knew the food would be great as always and she hoped Mama would enjoy the gift they would give her. Her only wish was that they had a little something more to take. She fell asleep that night knowing that their presence and the joy she would see around her dinner table as they stuffed themselves with food would be enough for Mama.
When the dog pile started to shift and the kids woke the next morning the chilled air was filled with excitement. No one even bothered to stop for breakfast as they were eager for the day to burn. After agreeing to meet back no later than three, the groups left the hive for a day on the streets.
Jenna found herself with Dragon and Memphis at their favorite spot, the quad where they quickly spied and feasted on a leftover muffin. It was hard not to talk about the night to come without getting overly excited. Mama taunted them with a feast, but she would not tell them what she had planned on cooking so their imaginations worked over time dreaming of the food she would serve. Jenna left the two sitting on the concrete wall and walked inside the coffee shop for a restroom break.
As she passed the board, she saw one of Jace’s now familiar post it notes waiting for her which read come home or call Mom soon, he implored. She had to hide a smile as she imaged Jace trying to dance around the subject of her whereabouts to their prying Mom. She tucked the note away and headed into the restroom. She stopped in front of the mirror and found a different image looking back at her. Her hair, once the source of her greatest vanity was dirty and still bore the evidence of Jace’s first attempt at hair cutting. Even though it had grown in the few short weeks she had been in the streets it still looked ragged. She promised herself one of the first things she would do when she returned home was to go and get it styled to make it look more presentable.
She really hadn’t thought much about how her life had changed while she was in the hive. Though most of them were much younger than she, the group had taught her so much about their will to survive and truly what unconditional love was all about. Jenna thought really hard at could not remember one cross word ever being exchanged between any of them. She leaned down and washed her face in the sink, enjoying the warmth of the water on her face. She plundered through her back pack and found her toothbrush and toothpaste to freshen her mouth and ran damp fingers through her unruly hair.
She caught movement in the corner of her eye and saw Dragon coming through the bathroom door.
“You look marvelous, darling,” she said with a grin.
“Oh, what I wouldn’t give for a long, hot bubble bath,” Jenna said.
“It has been so long, I can’t remember,” Dragon said.
Dragon moved to the sink next to Jenna and began washing her face. Jenna pulled off a paper towel and patted her face dry and then watched Dragon. She really had beautiful features, high cheekbones and eyes that could welcome you deep into their depths or cut you to the bone in a single glare. Her curly hair ran wildly over her head in deep waves. Jenna could see why Memphis was so attracted to Dragon and her generous heart complimented her physical attractiveness. They were very lucky to have found one another with all the craziness in the world surrounding them and it was obvious to everyone how much in love they were when they looked at each other or when they touched.
She waited for Dragon to finish and together they walked back outside. Memphis went into the bathroom and was gone for several minutes. Dragon was almost to the point she was going to check on her when the door opened and Memphis came outside, obvious she had been crying. Jenna and Dragon rushed to her side, ready to tear anyone apart who had done harm to their friend.
“What is it Baby,” Dragon asked softly.
“I have a grey hair,” Memphis said.
“You have what?” Dragon said.
“I have a grey hair,” Memphis said, pointing to her temple.
“Dear God, I thought you were hurt,” Dragon said with a chuckle.
“Don’t laugh, it’s not funny Dragon,” Memphis said genuinely hurt.
“I am sorry Baby,” Dragon said as she took Memphis in her arms.
Jenna caught Dragon’s expression and had to turn away to keep from laughing herself.
“You are going to be just fine,” Dragon promised her as they began to walk across the quad.
There was little traffic afoot, so they soon found themselves walking back to the hive. When they entered, they found Nemo, Tiny and Cheyenne already there and working to start a fire.
Cheyenne and Tiny’s hair was pulled back into pony tails and tied up with bright colored strips of cloth. Faces were clean and Nemo’s hair was slicked back on his head. All three were full of smiles as they watched the other’s approach.
Tagger and Joker arrived within the hour and they sat as patiently as they could, waiting for the time to leave for Mama’s. Every one of them paced and fidgeted with clothes or hair until they could stand it no longer.
Sensing the mood of the group, Joker made the suggestion, “Why don’t we go up and walk around a bit before going to Mama’s. If we stay down here much longer we will drive each other nuts,” he said with a grin.
Absolutely no one objected and when Joker pulled the man hole cover back, he whistled loudly. “Would you look at this,” he exclaimed.
They all gathered around to peer up at the sky to see snowflakes falling to the ground.
_________________
Alli

Post Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:02 pm 
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Allison



Joined: 12 Oct 2005
Posts: 4216
Location: Florida


Part Six
Amongst the oohs and aahs, Jenna felt her cheeks glowing with happiness at the sight of the first snow of the season. These were no little wet flakes, they were huge and soft as they floated down from the sky and quickly began to accumulate on the ground.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” Joker asked as Tagger rushed past to climb the steps to the outside eager to touch the snow.
Tiny was next, followed by Nemo. They could hear Tagger squealing with excitement as he jumped in the air catching snowflakes. When they were all outside, Joker moved the cover back across the man hole and walked to where Jenna was standing.
“This makes it perfect doesn’t it?” he asked.
“Yes, I have never seen a white Christmas,” she answered.
“Really?”
“Yes, it always seems to threaten to snow but what little we get normally melted as fast as it falls,” she said. This was true she thought. Every year when they went home for Christmas Jenna and Jace would pray for snow but, would be disappointed on Christmas morning when it would be cold, but the ground clear of snow. She thought it was ironic that this year when they decided to stay at school, they would have snow.
She laughed as Tiny and Nemo chased the flakes and hoped that the snow would continue to fall during the night. It would be so beautiful she thought to see the area covered in a white blanket of snow. She was laughing and pointing to Tiny when Jenna’s foot hit a small patch of ice and she slipped.
Joker was still there beside her and caught Jenna before she could fall to the ground. “Careful now,” he said, as his arm steadied her on her feet. “With snow comes hidden ice and if you aren’t careful you can bust it in front of everyone,” he teased.
The falling snow was the perfect remedy for killing time before they were due at Mama’s. When the time finally came, Joker rounded up the rosy cheeked group and they walked to the restaurant, still chattering excitedly about the snow that was falling more heavily. When they reached Mama’s and knocked on the kitchen door, they were met by Mama smiling ear to ear.
“Come in quickly and get out of that cold,” she said.
The troop walked inside and began shedding their heavy coats. Joker and Jenna took them and hung them inside a small closet as Mama instructed.
“You will find the mix for hot chocolate sitting on the counter, Dragon, so would you please make us all a cup?” Mama asked.
“I will help you,” Memphis said as they moved to the kitchen.
“Something smells wonderful,” Joker said.
“Dinner of course,” Mama said with a wink. “I have put some table games out in the dining room. Would you keep the boys and Tiny busy while we finish up dinner?” she asked.
“Yes, I will,” Joker said as he rounded up the kids and headed for the dining room.
“I need some potatoes peeled,” Mama said.
“Cheyenne, why don’t you and I tackle the potatoes,” Jenna said.
“You will find peelers in the drawer to the left of the sink,” Mama said.
“It really does smell wonderful in here,” Jenna said.
“There is nothing like the smell of cooking at the holidays,” Mama said.
Jenna glanced over at a table and saw the baking Mama had already finished. The table held pumpkin, pecan and apples pies and a pile of chocolate chip cookies. Fresh rolls were also cooking and added to the mouth watering aroma filling the air.
“Papa will be here by seven,” Mama said. “He pulled the late shift tonight, but we should be ready to eat by then.”
“Where does he work?” Jenna asked.
“He works at the college,” Mama said, as she opened the oven door and pulled out a pan holding a huge ham that she basted with honey sauce.
“Oh dear, that smells heavenly,” Dragon said as she brought them each a mug of hot chocolate. “What else can we do?” she asked Mama.
“You two can set the table for ten,” Mama said. “You will find dishes and utensils in that hutch there,” she said pointing to a large wooden hutch.
None of the kids had been beyond Mama’s kitchen so when Joker and the rest entered the dining room, they were amazed by the beauty of the small area. The tables were decorated beautifully and in the corner by the front door, there stood an eight foot Christmas tree, covered with strands of blinking white lights and adorned with what looked mostly like handmade ornaments. Tiny was drawn to the tree instantly when they walked into the room. Joker smiled up at her as he gathered the boys around the table to start a game.
Tiny inched closer to the tree and saw that some of the hand carved wooden ornaments had their names on it. She found one with a little girl holding a grey kitten and saw her name painted on the bottom. She located one for each of the group and then looked down for the first time at the presents under the tree. Each colorful gift was meticulously wrapped and held a tag with the name of the children. She bent down for a closer look, but did not reach out to touch any of the wrapped gifts. She was afraid if she touched anything, she would wake up and the dream would be over, but still she sat and stared at the beautiful tree.
Dinner progressed nicely and as Mama was whipping up the mashed potatoes, the door to the kitchen opened and Papa walked through the door.
“Welcome home, Papa,” Mama said.
“Thank you my love,” he said. “Who are all of these beautiful angels working with you?” he asked.
Jenna froze when she saw the man enter. She recognized him as one of the maintenance men from the college and she prayed he would not recognize her. When it was her turn to be introduced, the man looked at her and for a moment a flicker of recognition crossed his face, but he did not comment on her identity. Jenna was relieved when Mama asked Dragon to introduce him to the others in the dining room and he followed her.
Mama was ready to start dinner and she began barking orders. “Memphis, please take the macaroni and potato salads from the refrigerator and place them on the table.”
Dragon had re-entered the kitchen. “Dragon, take this bowl of gravy to the table please and ask Joker to come in here for a minute.”
“Podunk, take these potatoes to the table please,” Mama said handing her a large bowl of mashed potatoes. Mama picked up the rolls and followed her into the dining room. Papa had settled in with the boys and was watching the game they were playing. She looked up and saw Tiny, still standing in front of the Christmas tree.
“What can I help you with?” Joker asked when she returned to the kitchen.
“I need a strapping young man to carry this out,” she said as she opened the oven door and the smell of baked ham filled the room.
“I do believe I can handle that,” he said.
“Here you will need these mittens,” Mama said as she handed them to him. “Place it at the head of the table and Papa will know what to do next,” she instructed.
“Yes ma’am,” Joker said, as he picked up the large pan and carried it into the dining room and placed it on the rack Mama placed on the table.
Joker followed Mama back into the kitchen. “What else?” he asked.
“You can take this pan of lasagna in too,” she said.
“Girls, would you please fill up the tea glasses and then everyone find a seat around the table,” Mama yelled from the kitchen.
Mama pulled out a tray of deviled eggs and walked into the dining room, surveying the table. The table was filled with salads and casseroles, the large ham which Papa began to slice and eight smiling faces. “I will be right back,” she said as she walked into the kitchen and returned with a bowl of cranberry sauce which she sat on the table. Mama sat down at the end of the table, opposite of Papa who had finished slicing ham and smiled warmly at him. She reached for Tiny’s hand and Joker’s. “Joker would you do us the honor of blessing this food?” she asked.
“Certainly Mama,” he answered.
Everyone held hands around the table and bowed their heads as he began to speak.
“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this feast placed before us and for the loving hearts and hands that have prepared it for us. We thank you for the kindness and love shown to us by Mama and Papa and for the love we share as a family of God. Thank you most for bringing us together and enriching our lives with the love your teachings embrace. In God’s name we thank you. Amen.”
“Amen, came the chorus from around the table.
“Will everyone take a dish to their left and pass to the right when they have taken what they want, please,” Mama said. “Once all the dishes are passed, we will pass our plates to Papa for ham,” she instructed.
The dishes were passed in amazingly orderly fashion given the large amount of food and the excitement buzzing around the table. Mama started by passing Tiny’s plate to Papa for meat. Once all of the plates had been passed and received Papa declared, “Let’s eat.”
After an hour and plenty of second helpings, they had barely made a dent in the food Mama had prepared. Moans and groans were issued around the table and it was agreed that dessert would have to wait a little longer. Coffee and more hot chocolate were served as they allowed their meals to settle.
As they sat around the table chatting, Tiny kept looking over at Jenna. Earlier in the day, they had made plans for Tiny to give Mama her present and she was eager to perform her task. When Jenna finally nodded her head, Tiny got up from her seat and walked to the closet to retrieve the gift from Jenna’s coat pocket. All heads turned to watch Tiny as she approached bearing the small wrapped box. She climbed up in her seat next to Mama and extended the gift.
“What is this Tiny?” she asked.
“We wanted to buy you a small gift for all that you have done for us,” Jenna said. “We cannot begin to thank you enough for all the meals and love you have shown us.”
“You are a wonderful group of children,” Mama said, as she took the box, tears filling her eyes as she slowly began to peel the gift wrapping away.
Jenna held her breath as Mama opened the box and gasped in surprise. “This is so beautiful,” she cried as she took the rosary beads nestled in the box out and held them up for all to see.
“They are beautiful Mama and are just what you need,” Papa said.
“My old rosary beads broke last weekend,” Mama said as she looked up at Papa. “You really shouldn’t have though,” she said with a tear running down her cheek. “You should have saved your money.”
“Podunk worked out a grand deal,” Joker said with pride.
“They are so beautiful,” Mama said as she stood and walked around the table, hugging each of the kids.
“You are very welcome,” Jenna said.
Mama turned to Tiny and noticed an excited sparkle in her eyes. “Are you ready to open some gifts?” she asked.
Tiny nodded her head and smiled even brighter at Mama.
“Papa, will you do the honors?” she asked.
“I would love to Mama,” he said and walked over to the tree to pick up a stack of gifts which he placed on the table in front of Mama.
She read the first tag. “Nemo, I do believe this is for you,” she said as the gift was passed to him.
Nemo grinned excitedly as he opened the box and pulled out a baseball glove and ball. “Awesome,” he said.
“I remember you talking about how you loved baseball,” Mama said. “I do believe that once it warms up a bit, you might even convince Papa to play catch with you,” she said.
Nemo looked at Papa. “I would be honored,” Papa said.
“Thank you,” Nemo said.
“You are very welcome. Let’s see who is next,” Mama said. “Tagger, I do believe this is yours.”
Tagger sat straight up in his seat as the package was passed to him. He eagerly ripped open the paper and found a box of charcoal pencils and a thick sketch pad. “The drawing you gave to us was so inspiring we felt such an artist deserved better tools to work with,” Mama said.
Tagger ran over and hugged Mama’s neck and then Papa’s. “This is perfect,” he said, his mind already planning drawings to fill the pages.
“I do believe the next one is Tiny’s Mama,” Papa said as he walked over to pick up another stack of boxes.
Tiny looked up at Mama with great anticipation as she handed her a box. She accepted the box and began to work on the wrapping. Inside she found a thick blue sweatshirt that had a photograph of she and Nemo on the front.
“How did you do that?” Joker asked.
“I can be very sneaky at times,” Mama said.
“Thank you Mama,” Tiny said.
The entire room froze at the speaking of those three words. Jenna had thought she was delusional at first to think that Tiny had broken her self-imposed silence. Surely her ears were playing games with her. Even Mama was shocked. “You are very welcome, Tiny,” Mama said.
“My name is Lucy,” Tiny said.
Now Jenna knew she wasn’t delusional. “You are very welcome then, Lucy,” Mama said, as she reached for the little girl and pulled her into a crushing hug.
“Lucy is such a pretty name for such a pretty girl,” Papa added.
“Thank you Papa,” Lucy said as she climbed from her chair and walked over to hug Papa.
“You are most welcomed,” he said as she crawled up in his lap. Jenna noticed that Papa too had tears welling in his eyes.
Everyone around the table just stared at Lucy, completely shocked by her behavior. Lucy just looked back at the amazed faces and smiled at them.
Mama had to tear her eyes away from Lucy to give out the next gift. “Joker, this is yours,” she said.
“Thank you Mama,” Joker said and leaned over to kiss her cheek. When he peeled back the paper he found a copy of the Book of Mormon shining up at him. “Perfect,” he said. “Thank you both.”
Mama looked at Cheyenne and gave her the warmest of smiles. “Someone told me that you were on a much different adventure and that you had a love for writing,” Mama said, as she handed her the next wrapped gift.
Cheyenne’s eyes darted over to Jenna who shrugged her shoulders and smiled.
Inside Cheyenne found a faux-leather bound book with empty pages.
“When you have completed your journey, maybe you will fill the blank pages with the experiences you had on your adventure,” Mama said. “Who knows, it may become the next great American novel,” she added.
“I will fill each page with the love and kindness I have experienced and you can bet a few pages will be added for all that you have done for us,” Cheyenne said.
Next, Memphis was the recipient of a pair of gently worn boots. “They aren’t new, but they should be much warmer than the ones you are currently wearing,” Mama said.
“They are beautiful,” Memphis said as she pulled them from the box. “They are the correct size too,” she said with a grin as she worked to take her old worn out boots off to try out her new.
Mama looked at Dragon. “You have the most loving smile and I know that head of yours is filled with so many dreams and ideas. Maybe this will help to keep those dreams alive until you can find your way to college one day and make them reality,” Mama said.
Dragon quickly pulled the paper from the heavy box and opened it to find a copy of “Introduction to Modern Psychology,” the textbook used most commonly in first year psychology classes.
“Oh Mama this is perfect,” she said.
“No sitting up all night reading it though,” Memphis teased.
“I will cherish every page of text, Mama,” Dragon said and hugged her neck.
“I am sure you will,” Mama said. “You know Papa has been busy too,” Mama said.
Papa smiled and walked over to a small cupboard. “Mama taught me how to crochet years ago, to keep me out of her kitchen,” he said as he picked up a stack of crocheted thick scarves. “I am so glad you kids came along,” he said. “My friends and family would have disowned me, had I sent them another scarf this year,” he teased as he handed each child a scarf.
“Oh Papa, tell the truth you have been working night and day to get those ready for tonight,” Mama chided.
“Of course you are right Mama,” he said. “You know I think there is one package left,” Papa said.
Papa walked over to the Christmas tree and bent down to pick up the remaining package. He took it to Mama and then stood beside her. Mama took the present from him and placed it in front of Jenna. “Before you open it, I want you to know just how special we all think you are. Many times I have caught people rummaging through my dumpster and those people have all turned and run away.” She looked around for Nemo and Lucy. “On that first night, you put up a brave stance and your heart reached out to mine. I was touched by you’re honestly and dedication to the others in the group and that is why we have made this gift for you.”
Jenna reached down to pick up the small package and began to reveal the contents, as everyone looked on closely. Her heart ached with happiness as she reached inside to find a photo book. On the cover was a group picture with all the kids with the caption, “We love you,” in gold script. She opened the book and inside was page after page of photographs Mama had taken of the members of the group and each had selected special captions for their photographs. This was indeed a special gift and would be a cherished keepsake for years to come.
Jenna was unable to contain her joy and tears ran down her cheeks. “This is such a special gift,” she cried as she hugged each one.
“You are very special to us,” Dragon said, echoing Mama’s earlier words.
“I hope everyone has had as good a Christmas as I,” Mama said, as she looked around the table at all the smiling faces. “Lucy, would you help me with dessert?” she asked.
“Yes, Mama,” Lucy said, as she took Mama’s hand and walked with her to the kitchen.
“I can’t believe she is talking again,” Cheyenne said.
“We will probably not be able to shut her up now,” Nemo teased.
“It is so amazing to hear her after all this time,” Dragon said.
“It is amazing what love can do,” Papa said to the group. They all turned to look at him and nodded their heads in agreement.
Inside the kitchen, Mama cut slices of each one of the pies and began sending Lucy out with them until everyone except her and Lucy was served. “Which pie would you like?” Mama asked.
“Do you have sliced cheese?” Lucy asked.
“Yes, I do,” Mama said looking a bit puzzled.
“Apple then,” Lucy said. “But only if you will melt some cheese over the top in the microwave,” she said.
“That sounds delicious. I have never had that. Would you mind if I joined you?” Mama asked.
“It’s so yummy Mama, you are going to love it,” Lucy said.
Lucy was absolutely right, Mama did love the apple pie with cheese melted on top and raved to Papa until he consented to try it.
“This is so good,” he said. “May I have a piece like that?” he asked Mama even though he had already finished a piece of pumpkin.
“I don’t see why not,” she said. “Does anyone else want seconds?” she asked.
“I am stuffed Mama, but thank you,” Jenna said.
In the end, Nemo, Tagger and Lucy ate a second piece of pie with Papa as the others lounged around the table.
Jenna glanced out the front window to watch the snowflakes as they swirled to the ground. It was hard to tell, but it looked like several inches had accumulated since they had been inside. She was lost in the serenity of the moment when someone hugged her from behind. “It is beautiful isn’t it?” Cheyenne asked.
“Yes it is and it looks like there is much more to come,” Jenna said.
“The snow makes me even more homesick,” Cheyenne said.
“What? It snows in Nebraska?” Jenna teased.
“Yes ma’am, that it does,” Cheyenne said. Generally in small increments of a few inches, but every now and then we will get a foot or more at a time and our world comes to a grinding halt.”
“I can only imagine how beautiful that must be,” Jenna said.
“Well then we will have to get you out of the big city,” Cheyenne said.
Lucy had climbed up in Mama’s lap after finishing her second piece of pie and had fallen asleep in her arms. Jenna smiled at the peaceful look on Mama’s face as she held Lucy close.
The clock in the kitchen chimed eleven. Jenna could not believe how fast the evening had gone. Jenna, Cheyenne and Dragon began washing the dishes and cleaning the table. Mama handed the sleeping Lucy to Papa as she joined them in the kitchen.
“Joker, in the pantry there is a large picnic basket. Will you bring it in here please?” Mama asked.
“Sure thing, Mama,” he said and returned with the basket she requested.
“I want to send food along with you to last a few days,” Mama said. “Papa and I will be going to our son’s house and won’t be back until Saturday,” she explained.
“Thanks Mama,” Joker said as he opened up the basket and started packing the food she gave him.
“We didn’t even touch the cookies,” she said with a chuckle. “I bet once Nemo and Tagger get hungry they won’t last long.”
“Yeah I saw them eyeing them closely when we came in,” Dragon said.
Mama added the remaining rolls and two loaves of bread to the basket so they could have ham sandwiches. There was easily still enough food for two more days of large meals, so much that the picnic basket could not hold it all, so Mama packed a few bags for the smaller kids to carry.
After everything was clean, put away and the food packed up tight, Joker looked at Jenna. “I guess we had better go soon.”
“Yes, I just hate ending such a fantastic night,” she said.
“I know, but Mama and Papa still have to drive home and get ready for their trip. Okay, guys it is time for us to head home,” Joker announced. He pulled on his coat and wrapped the scarf around his neck before leaning down to hug and kiss Mama and hug Papa. “Thank you for making this a special night for all of us.”
“Thank you,” Mama and Papa said.
When Jenna had her coat and scarf on she reached and took the still sleeping Lucy from Papa’s arms. “You two must be very careful on your trip,” she whispered to Papa.
Papa winked at her, “Mama still tries to tell me how to drive, but I have learned to tune her out,” he said with a grin.
“Papa,” Mama said with a grin.
“Happy Christmas Eve and Merry Christmas,” Jenna said.
Joker picked up the picnic basket and the other kids helped with the smaller bags. With their arms filled with food and presents, the Renegades stepped out into the cold December night and started for home.
The air was crisp and Jenna was amazed by how still and silent the night had become as they made their way back to the hive, footsteps crunching in the fresh snow.
Joker was the first to enter the hive and then they lowered the food basket and bags down to him. When everyone else had climbed down the ladder, Joker reached up for Lucy and held her until Jenna could climb down. He handed her back to Jenna and closed the manhole cover then they made their way through the darkness to the hive. After storing the food, they all headed for the dog pile and a night of much needed sleep.
“Merry Christmas everyone,” Jenna said as the clock at a nearby church steeple chimed midnight.
_________________
Alli

Post Tue Nov 11, 2008 1:05 am 
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PipSqueak



Joined: 04 Jul 2008
Posts: 987
Location: S.W. England


Yay, thnx Alli. U made me cry!

Post Sat Nov 15, 2008 2:33 am 
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Allison



Joined: 12 Oct 2005
Posts: 4216
Location: Florida


Part Seven
After a breakfast of Mama’s leftovers everyone decided to go to a park for a snowball fight. The snow had accumulated nicely over night. Flurries were still falling, but it was not the large flakes that had been produced the night before. Church’s played Christmas music as people traveled through the city in a festive mood.
Jenna would have liked a cup of coffee, but the shops were all closed for the day. Even the fast food chains were closed down in celebration of the holiday. Jenna was exhausted and found a park bench to catch her breath while the others continued the snow ball war. It was hard to tell who was on what team as they frequently turned on one another with a wet snow ball and a hearty laugh.
She watched them play with love in her heart. She had decided tomorrow would be the day she told the group of her true identity. She really missed Jace and knew that if she did not make contact with her mother soon, she would show up on their front steps. She could at least put an end to her mother’s worries.
“I will be right back,” she yelled to Joker as she walked across the park.
Joker shook his head and watched her walk until a snow ball from Tagger struck the side of his head and the chase was on.
Jenna walked across the park and stepped inside a phone booth. She quickly dialed up the operator and placed a collect call home.
“Hey Mom, Merry Christmas,” she said when her mom accepted the charges. “Sorry I had to call collect, but I forgot my cell charger when we came up to ski, but I didn’t want today to pass without talking to you.”
“I am so glad you called honey, I was really getting worried. I have been trying for days to reach your cell.”
“Sorry, but I was so excited I forgot to pack my charger along with my ski mask, but thankfully my friend had an extra I could borrow.”
“I take it your studies went well if you are on a ski trip,” Mom said.
“Yes, I have almost finished my research for my junior project so I decided I was due a little reward,” Jenna said, hoping her mom was buying the story.
“When are you heading back?” he mom asked.
“I should be home Saturday or Sunday at the latest. I will call and let you know,” Jenna promised. “Is dad around?”
“Yes, hold on and I will get him. I love you,” her mom said and the line went silent.
“Hey baby,” her dad said when he picked up the phone. “I have been fighting to keep your mother from heading north to look for you,” he said with a chuckle.
“I was a bonehead and forgot to pack my cell charger and when I went to call home, I was completely dead,” she explained. “Sorry, but I had to call collect.”
“That is not a problem. I am just glad you called, your mother has been climbing the walls and Jace wasn’t able to give her a number of where you are.”
“That isn’t his fault the cabin we are staying in does not have a phone, so I had to hike over to the ski resort to call. My friend’s father insists on getting away when he gets away if you know what I mean,” Jenna said.
Her father roared with laughter. “So no cable or internet either,” he said.
“Not even a television, but the snow and the skiing has made it worth the sacrifice.”
“I am so glad you called.”
“I just wanted to say Merry Christmas and I will call from home this weekend. I love you dad.”
“I love you too baby,” her father said.
She hung up and dug thirty five cents from her pocket and dialed the apartment. Jace picked up on the second ring.
“Hello,” he said.
“Merry Christmas, brother,” she said.
“I am so glad you called. I know I have to call home today,” he said really stressed.
“I just hung up with mom and dad. I told them I forgot to pack my cell phone charger so I had to call collect,” Jenna said.
“Clever,” Jace said. “So how are you and when are you coming home?”
“I am doing great. We are having a snow ball fight in the park just down from the apartment and I will be home early Saturday.”
“A snowball fight sounds like fun,” he said.
“Why don’t you come join us and have some fun?” Jenna said. “Afterwards you can bring us some hot chocolate to warm us up,” she suggested.
“I will be right there,” he said.
“Just follow the sound of laughter and you will find us,” Jenna said. “Grab a snow ball and start throwing.”
“Bye,” Jace said and hung up.
Jenna could tell that her brother really missed her and it was worth breaking her cover to spend some fun time with him. She would be sharing the news with the group tomorrow night anyhow. She walked back into the park undetected and scooped up a handful of snow which she formed into a ball and threw it at Dragon, smacking her upside the head when she was taking aim on Memphis.
Dragon was startled by her shot and turned to find Jenna doubled over in laughter. “Oh, no you didn’t,” she said as she scooped up snow and started running after Jenna.
Jenna ducked behind Tagger who expertly jumped to the side as Dragon hurled her snow ball, striking Jenna square in the face.
It was Dragon’s turn to laugh until Lucy pelted her with a snow ball. “You are going to get it now squirt,” Dragon said and chased Lucy until she caught her. Lucy squealed as Dragon placed her frozen hand on the back of her neck. She was laughing so hard that Lucy was able to wiggle out of her grasp and ran to hide behind Nemo.
Jenna was about to chase after Dragon when a snow ball whooshed by her ear and struck Memphis. They spun on their heels and all eyes turned on Jace.
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist joining in,” he said, and then ducked away from a throw by Jenna.
He scooped up another handful and dodged a throw from Tagger as he left his shot fly, hitting Tagger in the shoulder. They ran and chased and threw frozen snow at each other for another hour until they were all breathless and frozen.
Jace collapsed on a bench. “That was fun,” he said.
“Yes, it was,” Lucy said.
“My name is Jace and I have an apartment close to here and when I saw you guys playing I just had to join in. I hope you didn’t mind,” he said.
“No, not at all,” Joker said. “The more the merrier in a snow ball fight,” he said. “I am Joker,” he said as he extended his right hand.
“Nice to meet you Joker,” Jace said as he shook his hand.
Joker introduced the rest of the group and Jace had to fight laughter when he introduced Jenna as Podunk.
Dragon had watched him closely as they talked. “Hey, aren’t you the dude that brought us muffins and coffee at the coffee shop?” she asked.
“Busted,” Jace said holding his hands up in mock surrender.
“I sure could use some of that coffee now,” Dragon said.
“I don’t have coffee, but if you want to walk back with me, I can bring us out some hot chocolate,” Jace suggested.
“That would be very nice,” Joker said. “Lead the way.”
Jace took them the few blocks to their apartment and left them on the steps. “Stay here, I will be right back,” he said and with a warm smile he dashed into the building.
Dragon looked up at Jenna and said, “He is kind of cute you know.”
Jenna smiled at her and chuckled. “Do you really think so?”
“Yeah I do,” she said. “He seems to be attracted to you too.”
“How do you figure that?” Jenna asked.
“Well first at the coffee shop and now he just happens to crash our snow ball fight. Seems like more than just a coincidence,” she said.
Jenna was just about to say something when the apartment door was flung open and Jace returned carrying a carafe of hot chocolate and Styrofoam cups.
“Here we go,” he said as he handed Jenna the stack of cups. “Will you pass these out for me?” he asked.
“Sure Jace.”
“Thanks Podunk,” Jace said with a grin. He could not wait to find out how Jenna had come up with that name, he thought as he began pouring the hot liquid. Truth be told, he couldn’t wait for her to come home and tell him about all her adventures.
“This is good,” Lucy said, with a cheerful smile.
Jenna watched her closely and was still adjusting to hearing her speak after her prolonged silence. She had such a small, sweet voice Jenna imagined an angel’s voice could not be any sweeter.
Jace kept looking at Jenna and smiling, adding further fuel to Dragon’s claim that he was attracted to her. Jenna hoped they would all share a laugh when she told them that Jace was actually her twin brother.
“I wish I had some cookies or something to share with ya’ll,” he said, his southern twang becoming more evident.
“That’s okay, the hot chocolate is great,” Memphis said.
“I am glad you are enjoying it,” he said.
“Very much so,” Dragon said.
“So are you a college student?” Memphis asked.
“Yes, I am,” Jace said.
“That must be nice,” Dragon said.
“Do any of you go to college?” he asked.
“No, we don’t,” Joker said a little perturbed at the question. It should be obvious to anyone that the group was homeless, he thought suspiciously.
Jenna felt the tension growing in the air and felt she needed to get away from Jace before Joker began putting the pieces together. She handed Jace the cup and said, “Thanks for the hot chocolate. See you around,” she said and began walking down the sidewalk.
The rest of the kids quickly followed suit, thanking Jace for his kindness and then walking away. When Dragon walked up beside her, Jenna reached out and draped an arm around her. “I don’t know about you guys, but I worked up an appetite.”
“I am ready for a ham sandwich or three, myself,” Tagger said as he rushed ahead of the group.
Before they made it back to the hive, the snow began to fall again. As Joker pulled the cover over the man hole, large flakes were spiraling to the ground. Memphis and Jenna began making sandwiches as Tagger and Nemo got into the deviled eggs. “Save some for the rest of us,” Memphis growled.
Joker had been mysteriously quiet since they started back to the hive. “Thanks,” he said when he took a sandwich from Jenna.
“Are you feeling okay?” she asked.
“Yes, I am fine. Why do you ask?”
“You just seem more quiet than usual,” Jenna said.
“Just thinking,” Joker said.
Joker did not elaborate and Jenna did not push him for more information. She sat next to him as she ate her sandwich and looked around the group. She would miss them, that was for sure but she knew it was time to get back to her life. Still, she couldn’t help but worry how they would survive the brutal winter ahead. Jenna had to remind herself that they had survived just fine before she came into their lives.
“Do we need to haunt tonight?” Dragon asked.
“It probably wouldn’t hurt and maybe we can pick up some discarded items from Christmas,” Joker said.
“What should we look for?” Jenna asked.
“Empty gift boxes and maybe even some discarded clothing if new clothing was received as a gift,” he said. “Let’s relax for a couple of hours then we can hit the streets.”
Tagger ate a second sandwich and then settled into a corner with his back against the tunnel wall and pulled out his sketch pad and went into a world of silence as he began drawing. Joker tended to the fire while Jenna and Cheyenne put away the food. Dragon and Memphis had settled into the dog pile and were talking softly as they cuddled together.
Jenna sat across the room from Tagger and rested her head against the wall as she closed her eyes and allowed the peace and quiet to seep into her body as she relaxed.
Cheyenne shook her gently awake two hours later. “It is time to go,” she said.
“I am ready,” Jenna said wiping the sleep from her eyes.
“Come then, you can haunt with me tonight,” Cheyenne said.
Jenna followed Cheyenne from the hive and slowly climbed the steps leading above ground. She was delighted to find that it was still snowing as she and Cheyenne replaced the cover. “Where to?” she asked.
“I think we will head over to the rows of brownstones over on Eighth Street,” Cheyenne said.
“That sounds promising,” Jenna said.
Cheyenne stopped and turned to look at Jenna. “You are leaving soon aren’t you?” she asked.
Jenna was determined not to deceive the group any longer than necessary. “Yes, I will be leaving Saturday morning,” she answered.
“I will wait until next week to tell the group I am headed home too then,” Cheyenne said. “I know you haven’t been with us for very long, but the group is very attached to you.”
Cheyenne did not speak to make Jenna feel guilty, but she was overcome with the truth of her words. She would miss the others as well. “If I give you my address will you keep in touch?” Cheyenne asked.
“I would really like that,” Jenna said. “I would love to know what you do once you get back home.”
“Probably find me a good farmer man and settle down to raise a flock of kids,” Cheyenne said.
“Do you have that man in mind?” Jenna asked.
“No not really but, there always seems to be a wealth of young men in our small town,” she said with a shy grin.
“He will be a lucky man to have you choose him,” Jenna said.
“Thanks,” Cheyenne said as they reached the row of brownstones.
They rummaged through the overflowing trash containers and did find a few gift boxes and newspapers thick with after Christmas sale advertisements. They found very little else of use and decided that it was probably too soon to find much discarded from the holiday and so they headed back toward the hive.
When they returned, they added their bounty to a growing pile. Tagger was already back drawing as Joker and Nemo rolled the papers the group had rummaged.
Memphis and Dragon were the last to return and they too were almost empty handed. “Slim pickings tonight,” Dragon said as she dropped a few boxes on the pile. “I guess people are still too busy celebrating to clean up yet,” she said with a grin.
Jenna felt more tired than she should have and her joints ached. She hoped it was from the snow ball fight earlier in the day and not the onset of the flu. “I think I am going to turn in early tonight,” she said.
“Good night and Merry Christmas,” Joker said.
“You too Joker and the rest of you as well,” Jenna said before slipping out of the light of the fire.

Part Eight
Friday morning came all too quickly and Jenna felt like she had been run over by a train when she sat up and stretched. It was cold in the dog pile and her bones ached with every movement. She had also developed a cough during the night. When she finally stood and walked from the dog pile, she found the others huddled around the fire.
“You don’t look so good,” Dragon said as she reached out her hand and felt Jenna’s forehead. “You are running a fever too.”
“Could you get me a couple of those aspirins?” Jenna asked.
“I will get them,” Nemo said.
Nemo returned with a cup of water and two aspirins.
“Thanks Nemo,” Jenna said and smiled weakly at him. Even the simple movement of smiling hurt. She took the pills and drank the cup of water.
Joker looked at Dragon and shook his head. “I am afraid you are catching the flu,” she said.
“Oh dear, I hope not,” Jenna said.
“I will hit the grocery store and buy some honey so we can fix you up with a hot totty and see if we can nip this before it gets worse,” Joker said. “Start some water boiling and I will be back soon,” he said to Dragon. He turned to Jenna and said, “In the meantime keep as warm as you can and try to eat a little something.”
Even the thought of food at the moment made Jenna’s stomach churn, but she was able to eat a roll and sip on a little water.
She was sitting against the wall shivering when Joker returned. He pulled out the one ceramic coffee mug they owned and poured honey and lemon juice into it, then asked Dragon, “Will you get me the whiskey?”
“Sure thing,” Dragon said.
When she returned with the bottle, Joker twisted off the cap and poured some of the caramel colored liquor into the cup and then added hot water and stirred the mixture. “This is going to taste horrible, but it will help you sleep and break the fever,” Joker said as he walked to Jenna with the cup of steaming liquid.
“Thanks,” Jenna said as she took his offering and tentatively raised it to her lips.
“It is going to be hot, but drink it as fast as you can tolerate. The cooler it gets, the worse it tastes,” he said.
Everyone sat around her and watched as she took the first sip and made a horrible face. “You are right, this is awful,” Jenna said, but continued sipping the drink.
“Finish that one and I will be back in a few hours to make you another,” Joker said.
“Are you trying to kill me or cure me?” Jenna asked.
“Trust me, it won’t take but two,” he said.
“To do which,” Jenna asked?
Joker just grinned at her and turned to the group. “Cheyenne, will you stay with Podunk while the rest of us roll?” he asked.
“Sure,” she said and sat down next to Jenna. “I will see if I can get her to sleep.”
“That would be the best thing for her right now. Okay guys, let’s hit the streets. We all need some hot food tonight.”
Jenna listened to the shuffling of feet as they disappeared down the tunnel and then a fog settled over her brain as the whiskey’s narcotic effect kicked in and she felt herself swaying.
“Come with me and we will lie down for a while,” Cheyenne said as she stood and offered Jenna her hand.
Jenna accepted her offer and it took all of her remaining strength to stand and walk to the dog pile. She gladly laid down on her right side, shivering with chills and felt Cheyenne’s body wrap around hers. “Try to get some sleep,” Cheyenne said as she tried to send Jenna some of her body heat.
She slept fitfully for two hours, tossing and turning on the pallet as her body fought to break her fever. Cheyenne stayed with her, holding her when she could and watching over her when she became restless. Finally, exhaustion engulfed Jenna and for a while she slept peacefully.
Joker returned just after mid day to make her another drink. She attempted to resist, but Joker insisted that she drink one more and rest until the group returned later in the day. Jenna was too weak to put up much of an argument and drank the hot liquid as quickly as she could and then plopped back down on the pallet.
“I will be back later,” Joker said. “Are you okay,” he asked Cheyenne?
“Yes, I am good,” she said.
“See you soon then,” he said and walked away.
The second drink worked just as fast as the first and Jenna felt herself floating into a dream bleary sleep. It wasn’t long before she fell into a deep restful sleep and when she woke a few hours later, Cheyenne was still by her side.
“How are you feeling?” she asked.
“Wiped out, but I think I will live. The aches and congestion are gone and I think I am hungry,” Jenna said.
“Do you think you can handle a ham sandwich?” Cheyenne asked.
“I am certainly willing to give it a try. I feel like I haven’t eaten in days.”
“That is your body fighting off the fever,” Cheyenne said. “Sit tight and I will be right back.”
When she returned with a sandwich, Jenna had to fight hard to resist the urge to wolf down the sandwich. Instead she took small bites and chewed them slowly before swallowing. “I never knew ham could taste so good,” she said.
An hour later, the kids started returning home, each one of them came to check on Jenna to find out how she was feeling and ask if she needed anything. Jenna was deeply touched by the care and concerns each one of them displayed to her. Even Tagger came shuffling in and reached his hand out. “I found this for you,” he said smiling broadly as he opened his hand and a small tangerine orange was revealed.
“Thank you, Tagger,” Jenna said and took the orange to peel it, separating the sections and sharing them with the others. “This is so sweet,” she said after biting into a juicy section.
“It has to taste better than that drink,” Tagger said.
“A billion times better,” Jenna said with a chuckle. “I do feel better though,” she admitted.
“That is very good news,” Dragon said as she, Memphis and Joker walked into the dog pile. “We have decided on Chinese tonight, thinking some hot soup will do you good.”
“That does sound good,” Jenna said. “I have some money left,” she said as she dug into her pocket and pulled out a handful of change.
“Memphis and I will go,” Dragon said.
“We will be waiting,” Joker said as he gave them the combined changed from the days roll. “Let’s get the fire built up,” he said to Tagger.
They left the dog pile with Nemo and Lucy trailing behind them. “Do you feel like going to sit around the fire?” Cheyenne asked.
Jenna nodded her head and stood, still a bit wobbly on her feet. Cheyenne placed a protective arm around her shoulder to assist her to the fire.
Dragon and Memphis walked into the Chinese restaurant and the old woman cocker her head at them. “Where is the other girl?” she asked.
“Sick with the flu,” Dragon said. “We thought some hot soup would be good for her,” she said.
“Yes, it would,” the woman said. “What else you want to order?”
Dragon pulled out the change and counted out a little over five dollars. “Some soup, rice, egg rolls and maybe an order of sesame chicken,” Dragon said. “I know she loves that.”
“Okay you wait and I will get your order,” the woman said and then turned to bark out the order. Then she went to a small burner and heated water, tossing in some type of leaves. When she finished, she brought a large Styrofoam cup full of the liquid and placed it on the counter. “Chinese herbal tea will make her feel better,” the woman said with a smile that revealed several missing teeth.
“Thank you, I will see that she drinks all of it,” Dragon said, returning the woman’s smile.
The woman walked into the kitchen and returned with two large bags of food. “You go now while it is still hot and make sure she drinks that tea,” she said.
“I will,” Dragon promised and they took the food and rushed back to the hive.
“Your friend sent this to you to make you feel better,” Dragon said as she handed Jenna the cup of tea. “She said it was Chinese herbal tea and would make you feel better.”
“Thank you,” Jenna said and began sipping the fragrant tea. “This is good.”
“Well don’t fill up on tea, she loaded us up with food, so at least try some soup,” Memphis said.
“I will,” Jenna said.
They feasted on the food and Jenna finished off the tea which was making her feel sleepy again. Stifling a yawn with her hand, she looked around the group.
“How are you feeling now?” Joker asked.
“Much better, but sleepy,” she answered.
“Good. Why don’t you go ahead and lay down then,” he suggested.
“I feel like I need to do something,” she said.
“You do, it is called sleep,” Dragon said as she took her hand and led her into the dog pile.
Jenna knew it was useless to fight the sleep that was drawing her down, so she allowed Dragon to position her on the dog pile. “Sleep and we will be back later to keep you warm,” Dragon said.
“Okay,” Jenna said, and closed her eyes. She could feel Dragon standing over watching her for a few minutes as she drifted off to sleep, but did not hear her say, “Good night, Podunk,” before she rejoined the others to go out to haunt.
Jenna woke up briefly when the others arrived home and quietly climb in beside her and wrapped her in their warmth and love. She felt Dragon’s arm encircle her waist, her warm breath blowing softly in her ear as the pile closed in and Jenna faded back into the darkness of sleep.
Saturday morning arrived all too early as Jenna awoke dreading her task for the morning. It was time and she knew it, but she was finding it difficult to break away from the group. Fully rested, she was one of the first to wake and she lay still listening to the soft puffing snores of Nemo and Dragon as they finished the last of their dreams. Slowly, the pile began to wake and stretch as one by one they separated from the pile and moved out to the hive. Joker was up and had a fire started when Jenna walked out of the dog pile.
“Good morning, how are you feeling?” he asked.
“Much better, thank you,” she said as she fidgeted around the fire. “I need to talk to the group this morning before we go out,” she said.
“That’s fine. Is everything okay?” he asked.
“I will explain,” she said.
“Okay everyone, gather around, Podunk has something she needs to share,” Joker said.
Slowly the group came together and sat around the fire looking worriedly at Jenna.
“I am scared to talk to you, but it is time for me to do so,” Jenna said, her voice quivering with fear.
“There is nothing to be afraid of,” Joker said placing a comforting hand on her arm.
“I have come to love each one of you and I fear that what I have to say will hurt, you,” Jenna warned.
“Just tell us and we will decide,” Dragon said boldly.
Jenna took a deep breath as she looked around the group. “I have deceived you,” she said. “I am not really a street kid. My name is Jenna and I am a college student. I wanted to join you for a short period as a study on how you lived and survived on the streets.” Jenna could feel the tears welling in her eyes. “I feel like I have used you for my personal gain when all you have done is shown me true unconditional love.” She wiped a tear that spilled down her cheek. “Jace is actually my twin brother and I wanted him to have a chance to meet you to find out how special you are,” she explained.
The group remained silent and Jenna was unable to read their emotions. “I have learned so much from you over the last few weeks, but it is time for me to return home and prepare for school to resume.”
Joker reached over and took her hand. “I think we all knew you were different when you first came to us. It doesn’t matter why you chose to join us and I want you to know you have become an important part of our family.” He looked around the group and found them nodding in agreement. “You have brought new skills to our group that will help us survive on the street and brought us to Mama and the lady at the Chinese restaurant, who see us as human beings in need instead of just more garbage on the streets.”
Tears were falling freely now as Jenna tried to speak. “I never intended to hurt any of you and I have learned how much I take for granted in my life. I will take with me the joy of knowing what unconditional love really is and I hope I will never forget that lesson.” Jenna wiped at her tears.
“Will you still come visit us?” Dragon asked.
“If you will have me,” Jenna said.
“Oh please do come back, Jenna,” Lucy said.
“I would like that,” Jenna said with a warm smile to Lucy. “I want you all to know that if you need something, you can always come by the apartment and if there is something I can do, I will.”
“What will you do with your experience here?” Dragon asked.
“I am not sure yet to be honest, but for months I watched you as you rolled the quad and you drew me in,” she told Dragon. “I have a very important project to complete over the next few months and it will make or break my future. If I am successful, I will win a scholarship to continue my studies,” she explained.
“You will do it,” Nemo said. “You can do anything you put your mind to,” he added.
“Thanks for your vote of confidence, Nemo,” Jenna said.
“I would like to use your stories as the basis of my study,” she said after another deep breath, “but if any of you have a problem with it, I will understand.”
No one in the group had any objections which made Jenna begin to feel better.
“When do you have to leave?” Lucy asked.
“I need to go home today,” Jenna said. “My parents do not know about my project and Jace is having trouble deceiving my Mom,” she said with a grin. “He isn’t a very good liar,” she said.
“What do we tell Mama and the lady at the Chinese restaurant?” Dragon asked.
“I will talk with both of them,” Jenna said. “You know, I was thinking last night,” she said as she looked at Nemo and Tagger. “We will need to shovel Mama’s sidewalks today to remove the snow and I think it would be a good gesture if we did the same at the Chinese restaurant. The lady always gives us much more than we pay for and I think it would be a nice gesture of appreciation.”
“I think that is an excellent idea. The boys and I will take care of it this morning. Papa showed me where he keeps his snow shovel and I am sure he wouldn’t mind if we borrowed it,” Joker said. A light bulb seemed to turn on for Joker at that moment. “You know that might be a good way for us to make some money,” he added.
“That’s not a bad idea at all,” Jenna agreed. Lucy had crawled up into her lap as they talked. “Memphis will you grab my back pack please,” Jenna asked?
“Sure,” Memphis said and returned a moment later carrying the pack.
Jenna dug down inside her pack and pulled out her roll of dollar bills and tossed them to Joker. “That was an emergency stash, but there is enough to buy a snow shovel and still have some left over in case of hard times,” she said.
“We can’t take this,” Joker said.
“You just did,” Jenna said with a smile. “It is the least I can do.” “I would also like it if you and Memphis would use the clothing items in here too,” she said. “I won’t need this outfit, boots and jacket once I go home, so I will wash them and you can stop by and pick them up,” she added.
Memphis dug through the bag and pulled out the thermal underwear. “Oh I really need these,” she said. “My set is just about paper thin.”
“Will you promise to come back to visit?” Lucy asked as she played in Jenna’s hair.
“Of course I will. You know I don’t have class on Thursdays next semester, so why don’t we plan that you guys come over for lunch on those days,” Jenna said.
“That would be fun. Will Jace be there?” she asked.
“I don’t know his class schedule, but I know if there is any way he can be there, he will. He really had fun with you the other day.”
“He seems really nice,” Nemo said.
“Yeah, he’s not bad for a younger brother,” Jenna teased.
“I thought you said you were twins,” Memphis said.
“We are, but I was born first,” Jenna said with a laugh.
Tagger had disappeared and walked up to Jenna with his sketch pad. “I want you to have this,” he said as he carefully tore out the first page and handed it to Jenna.
Jenna and the others stared at the page. Tagger had sketched a collage of the group from the day after Christmas. Joker, Jenna and Cheyenne will in the center sitting around the fire, Memphis and Dragon were snuggled in the dog pile taking a nap, Lucy and Nemo were sitting across from Tagger talking and Tagger drew himself, sitting against the wall drawing, to keep the page symmetrical.
“This is fantastic,” Jenna said. “I will frame it and hang it in the apartment,” she promised and Tagger beamed with pride. “Is it safe to roll it up to carry it home?” she asked.
“Yes, I will do that for you.”
Tagger took the sketch back and rolled it carefully. Cheyenne said, “Bring it back here a second,” as she stood and walked back toward the dog pile. She had kept some paper ribbon from one of the gifts and she tied the sketch closed with a bow.
Tagger returned his gift with pride and handed it to Jenna. “Here you go Jenna,” he said.
“Thank you, Tagger,” Jenna said and leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. Jenna noticed that Joker was fidgeting and knew the morning was passing quickly and they would need to move quickly if they were going to get the sidewalks shoveled before they opened for business. She hadn’t left yet and she already missed them, she thought as she looked around the group. “Okay, you guys have snow to shovel and I need to get home,” she said.
They climbed out of the hive as a group one last time and walked together until they reached the intersection where they would part ways to go in opposite directions. Jenna hugged each one of them and noticed Dragon was holding back from the group.
“I am going to miss you so much,” she said.
“You can stop by any time you like and I am sure we will meet in the quad,” Jenna said. “We can have some coffee if you would like,” she promised.
“I would like that,” Dragon said. “Thank you for being my friend,” Dragon said. Before Jenna could respond, Dragon grabbed her in a hug and turned to rush away to catch the rest of the group.
Jenna stood at the corner and watched them until the group turned a corner disappearing from view. She turned back to head home, already anticipating a long, hot bath. When she climbed the steps, she prayed Jace would be home since she had left her key inside. She knocked and the door and smiled when Jace opened it seconds later.
“Do I know you?” he asked with a grin and then grabbed her up in a huge hug and pulled her inside. “I am just pouring some coffee. Would you like some?”
“I would love some,” Jenna said.
Jenna followed Jace into the kitchen and sat at the table while he poured the coffee. Jace brought two cups to the table and sat next to Jenna. “What is that?” he asked pointed to the rolled up sketch.
Jenna untied the bow and rolled out the sketch. “Tagger gave this to me as a going away present,” she said and Jace could hear her voice cracking.
“That is amazing,” Jace said as he marveled at the detail of the sketches.
“Tagger is a very good artist,” Jenna said. “He took me around the city to show me some of the graffiti art he has done and they are beautiful.”
“It is a shame such a talent is going to waste like that,” Jace said, still admiring the drawing.
“Yes, it is. He has dreams of writing his own comic book line one day,” Jenna said.
“I imagine it would be incredible based on this,” he said pointing to the collage. “What are you going to do with this?”
“I want to have it framed and hang it up in here,” she said.
“I think it would look great in the den,” he said.
Jenna sipped the coffee and talked with Jace until the urge for a bath took over. “Jace, if you don’t mind, I really need a long, hot bath,” she said.
“I have some errands to run, so I will give you some privacy and all the time you need for a bath,” he said with a grin.
“Thanks,” Jenna said and headed off to her bedroom.
“I will be back later with some lunch,” Jace said as she opened her door.
“Sounds great,” Jenna said from deep within her room.
Jace waited until he heard the water running and walked backed over to the table and picked up the sketch Jenna had rolled back up and walked out the door. He hadn’t gotten her a Christmas gift and would have the sketch framed for her. He smiled as he hit the sidewalk and started down to the shop.
Jenna filled the tub with steaming water and her favorite bubble bath before sinking beneath a blanket of soft bubbles. The water seeped into her bones as she closed her eyes and rested her head against the back of the bath tub. She was eager to gear up her laptop and start working on her project, but she knew she needed to spend some time with Jace and call home to let her mother know she was back at the apartment. She also wanted to get her hair trimmed to shape it up. It would still be short, but at least it would have a little style to it. When she felt the water growing cold, she stepped out and dried off. She walked to her closet and pulled out a pair of jeans and slipped them on. She was surprised at how loose they fit. She felt like she had eaten fairly regularly, but the extra exercise from all the walking she had done had trimmed her body. She wasn’t disappointed when she looked at her slimmer body in the mirror. She heard Jace return and finished dressing.
When she walked out of her bedroom she found Jace grinning wildly at her. “What’s up?” she asked.
Jace pulled a package from behind the couch and handed it to her. “Merry Christmas,” he said.
“Wait,” Jenna said and walked back to her room where she pulled out a box she had hidden under her bed.
She walked back into the room and handed the box to Jace. “Merry Christmas to you too,” she said.
Jenna began removing the paper from the package and quickly realized underneath was a frame and when she tore the paper off and saw Tagger’s collage framed she jumped up and hugged Jace. “This is perfect,” she said.
Jace opened his gift and found that Jenna had gotten him the newest computer game that he had been drooling over. “Thanks Sis,” he said, “but you shouldn’t have.”
“Why not,” she asked?
“Because this game cost a fortune,” he said.
“Well I only have one brother, so I splurged just a bit. Besides, this frame wasn’t a cheap gift either.”
“I only have one sister who I have missed something awful,” he said.
Jenna laughed at his comeback. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Jace said as he hugged her close. “Are you ready to get me off the hook with Mom?”
“I guess it’s time,” Jenna said. “Do you have your cell phone on you?”
Jace pulled out his phone and dialed home. “Here you go,” he said.
Jenna took the phone just as her mom answered. “Hey Mom, its Jenna,” she said. “I just wanted to call and let you know I am back at the apartment.”
“Did you have a great trip?” her mom asked.
“Yes I did and Jace and I just finished having Christmas.”
“That’s good sweetie, what else are you too up to?” her Mom asked.
“I am not sure. I think we will eat some lunch and then maybe go see a movie or something,” she said. “Oh, we have about six inches of snow on the ground too,” Jenna said excitedly.
“That’s sounds wonderful. I bet it is beautiful. You will have to take some pictures and email them to me,” she said.
“We will Mom,” Jenna said. “Do you want to speak with Jace?” she asked.
“Sure baby, I love you,” her mom said.
“I love you too and tell Dad I love him please,” Jenna said and handed the phone to Jace.
Jace took the phone as she walked into the kitchen to see what Jace had brought home for lunch. She peeked into the bag to find two large deli sandwiches. She caught his eye and he motioned for her to get started, so she dug into the bag and pulled out the still warm sandwiches.
When Jace ended the call he joined Jenna at the table. “Those smell great.”
“They taste great too,” Jenna said, wiping a spot of mustard from her mouth.
“So what do you want to do this afternoon?” he asked and took a bite.
“I thought we would go to the mall so I can get my hair trimmed and maybe catch a movie if you would like,” she said.
“The mall sounds great, but I would rather we rented a movie and watched it at home,” he said.
“That sounds like a plan,” Jenna said.
They finished lunch and took off for the mall. Jenna got her hair trimmed and then they stopped off at the video store to rent some movies. When they returned home, Jace made them popcorn and they settled onto the couch to watch the movie.
Jenna was glad to be back in the comfort of her home, but she could not help but wonder what the others were doing as she paid little attention to the movie. She felt her body relax as she grew tired the remnants of the flu still making her feel weak. Jace noticed her head starting to bob and suggested she make an early night of it and head off to bed.
Jenna was thankful to be able to climb into her own warm bed. She slipped into a t shirt and a pair of sweats then climbed between the covers. Sinking into the mattress was heavenly, and she pulled the thick covers up to her chin as a chill invaded her bed. She turned on her side and was disappointed when Dragon’s arm was not there resting on her hip. She tossed and turned for nearly an hour before her body succumbed to sleep.
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Post Sun Nov 16, 2008 12:12 am 
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MysteryGirl
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I love this story Alli Very Happy Is that the end?




HugZ, Noni
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Post Sun Nov 16, 2008 8:50 am 
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Allison



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Nope Noni I am only at 35K so there is more to come. Thanks for reading.

Alli
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Post Sun Nov 16, 2008 1:13 pm 
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I'm really enjoying this, thnk u Alli. I'm curious where ur going 2 go with it tho.

Post Tue Nov 18, 2008 12:09 am 
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Allison



Joined: 12 Oct 2005
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Hope I can surprise you then Purp Wink Thanks for reading and posting!

Alli
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Post Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:10 am 
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Allison



Joined: 12 Oct 2005
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Location: Florida


Part Nine

Jenna woke up at five the next morning and had spent three hours on her laptop when Jace came shuffling from his room.
“Dear Lord you are up early,” he said as he wiped his eyes.
“I was eager to get started while facts were fresh on my mind. There’s still coffee in the pot,” she said.
“Thanks,” Jace said stumbling into the kitchen.
“Do you want some breakfast?” she asked.
“You look like you are on a roll, so I will grab some cereal,” he answered.
“Are you doing any laundry today?” she asked.
“I could do a load or two. You have something you need washed?”
“Yeah, I want to give my clothes and coat to the girls. I left the rest of my spares with them already.”
“No problem just let me wake up a bit and I will hit the laundry room.”
“Thanks Jace.”
“You are welcome, Jenna,” he said.
“Hey, I found two new restaurants I want to take you too,” she said.
“Oh yeah, do tell,” he said.
“The first is Mama’s Italian Eatery. I met Mama my first week with the kids and she started preparing spaghetti for us twice a week so we would have something hot to eat and she prepared a feast for us for Christmas. In exchange, we agreed to shovel snow for her during the winter,” she added.
“That sounds like a win-win situation,” he said.
“She is an angel of a woman,” Jenna said. “I can’t wait for you to meet her.”
“How about tonight, is she open on Sundays?”
“Tonight would be great. I need to talk to her to explain why I am not with the kids anymore,” Jenna said. Jenna turned to find Jace smiling at her.
“You really miss them don’t you?”
“Yes, I do. I hope you don’t mind me talking about them so much.”
“No, not at all, they seem like a good bunch of people.”
“They really are Jace. I have never felt so much caring and unconditional love from someone who wasn’t a family member before in my life.”
Jace continued to smile at Jenna’s excitement. “Okay, that’s one, where is the other?”
“You will love this one too, a tiny hole in the wall Chinese place. The woman always gave us twice the amount of food we were able to pay for and when I was sick, she made me some special herbal tea.”
“Whoa wait a minute. When you were sick? You didn’t tell me you were sick.”
“I came down with a good case of the flu a few days ago,” she said. “Between the Chinese woman’s herbal tea and the hot tottie’s Joker made me drink, I was able to break the fever pretty quick,” she said.
“What is a hot totty?”
“The most God awful mixture of hot water, lemon, honey and whiskey you could ever imagine, but it worked very well. Made me sleep like a baby,” Jenna said, “and it only took two doses.”
“I will have to keep that in mind,” Jace said.
“Anyhow, both places are really good to the kids and I would like to do what I can to send them some business in appreciation of their kindness.”
“That is a very good idea. You know I could draw up some flyers that we could post around campus if you think that might help.”
“That would be great Jace,” Jenna said. “We need to ask permission and get the addresses and phone numbers, but I don’t see either of them having any problems with your suggestion.”
“Well it sounds like both are perfect places for hungry, broke college students,” he said with a chuckle. “Besides we usually eat out a couple nights a week anyhow.”
“Okay, Mama’s tonight and maybe Chinese mid week?” she asked.
“My mouth is watering already.”
Jenna turned back to resume her typing.
“Are you going to let me read that as you go?” he asked.
Jenna looked up at him. “Do you really want to?” she asked.
“Heck yeah, I want to see what all you did and learned while you were gone,” he said. “What other plans do you have brewing in that brain of yours?” He smiled at her and said, “You only stay this busy when you have something really good going on.”
“I have a few ideas in my head, but nothing concrete yet,” Jenna said which was partially true. “Do you feel up to a walk later this afternoon?” she asked.
“Sure. We can go after I finish the laundry. Where do you want to go?”
“There is a place on campus, I want to check out,” she said rather mysteriously.
“For what,” he asked?
“It depends on the size and availability,” Jenna said. “For one of my ideas,” she said. “I have another project for you too while you are waiting on the laundry to finish.”
“Oh really what?” he asked.
“I want you to get on the Internet and look up the contact information for the Gay and Lesbian group on campus,” she said.
“Is there something I should know about?” Jace teased.
“Maybe,” Jenna said to startle him. “What if there was?” she asked curious of what his answer would be.
“If you were to tell me that you were a lesbian I would be cool with it,” he said, not surprising his sister.
“Well, no I am not, at least I don’t think,” she said with a wink, “but the group fits into one of my plans.”
“This is getting better by the minute,” Jace said as he rinsed his cereal bowl out and went to gather his laundry. “Bring your clothes out and I will toss them in with mine,” he said.
Jenna hit a key to save her work and then walked into her bedroom to pick the small pile of clothing off of her bathroom floor. She took a whiff of them and thought Jace might want to wash them separately. With a chuckle, she took the clothing into the small living area and dropped them into his clothes hamper.
“They are a bit fragrant,” she said with a smirk. “You might want to wash them separate.”
“They can’t smell any worse than some of mine,” he said, picking up the coat. “But then again,” he said as he dropped it back into the hamper. He picked up the bottle of washing liquid and turned back to Jenna.
“You have any change?”
“Jace you are such a change bandit,” Jenna said and a light bulb came on in her head. “Hang on a second,” she said as she jotted the words change bandit down and then got up to get some coins from her room. “Here you go,” she said as she handed him a partial roll of quarters.
“Thanks Sis,” I will be back in a few.
Jenna was so focused on her typing that she did not hear Jace return and boot up his computer. He went to work on his assignment and printed out the information Jenna had asked for. He walked over to her and placed the sheet of paper on the desk beside her.
“Here you go,” he said still curious as to what her intentions were.
“Thanks, Jace,” Jenna said barely looking up from her screen.
Jace found himself pacing the apartment, eager to read what Jenna was so quickly writing. He knew at any moment she would ban him from the room for his pacing, so he decided to return to the laundry room to wait for the clothing to finish. He was about to put the final load into the dryer when the door opened and Jenna walked in.
“I will finish up here, if you want to go read the rough draft of what I have written so far. I know you are curious about what I have been writing,” she said. She watched as Jace hopped up from the single chair in the laundry room. “Keep in mind it is still in draft form, but it is the stories of how each of the kids came to the group.”
“Thanks,” Jace said and left the room in a whirl.
Jenna was pleased that Jace was so interested in her project. He would give her his honest opinion and she valued that from her brother. Jace sugar coated nothing. His manner was blunt and at times brutally honest, but she loved those characteristics in her brother.
Jenna placed the clothes in the dryer and dropped two quarters into the slot to activate the heating elements before taking up Jace’s spot in the chair.
Jace ran to the apartment quickly and took a seat at Jenna’s desk to begin reading the document she was working on. He was amazed to find that she had already written thirty pages. Her introduction to the study was brief and she described the living arrangement of the hive. Then she began introducing the kids of the Renegades and what life events had brought them to their current underground home.
Jenna began with Joker, the natural leader of the group and oldest of the seven. His story was amazing and Jace began to understand why Jenna was so drawn to the kids as he continued to read. When he reached Tiny and Nemo’s story, Jace had tears streaming down his cheeks as he read about the abuse she survived and the self imposed refusal to speak. He was curious though. When he had joined them in the snow ball fight, he clearly remembered Tiny being called Lucy and remembered her speaking. He was sure this mystery would be explained later in the story and he continued to read.
He was almost done when Jenna opened the door and carried in a basket of freshly dried clothing which she sat on the couch. She looked at Jace and could tell he had been crying his eyes still red and cheeks flushed as he sat transfixed to the computer screen.
“This is fantastic stuff,” he said, unable to tear his eyes away.
“Thanks are you almost finished reading?” she asked.
“Almost,” he said.
“Okay, I will put away the clothes while you finish,” she said.
Jace grunted something unintelligible as she left the room and carried the basket into her room and pulled out the clothing Jace had washed for her and laid them on the foot of her bed. She then took the basket of his clothing to his bedroom and left them on his bed. She went to the kitchen and pulled a soda from the fridge and sat down on the couch.
Five minutes later, Jace turned to face her. “Jenna this is going to be a fantastic project if the introduction is any clue,” he said.
She could see that his eyes were shining with genuine excitement as he spoke and knew that Jace was honest in his opinion.
“I am glad you like it so far. Are you ready to walk? I need to stretch my legs.”
“Sure, we better get our coats though, it is supposed to start snowing again later today,” he warned.
They left the apartment and began walking toward the campus just as small flakes began to fall. “I guess for once, the weather man is fairly accurate,” she said.
Jenna lead the way, passed the new gymnasium and sports complex to an older building tucked away behind the newer buildings. “What is this place?” he asked.
“I believe that it is the old practice gym,” she said. “No longer in use since the new facilities were built, so it is just used for storage,” Jenna said, her eyes calculating space as they approached and peered through the foggy windows.
Jenna tried the door, finding it locked. Too bad, she would have loved to see the inside of the building. She made a mental note to ask Papa what he knew about the building later today if he was at the restaurant.
“This looks like it would be perfect,” Jace heard Jenna whisper.
“What was that?” he asked.
“Just thinking out loud,” she said and walked around the building. She pulled out the sheet of paper Jace had given her earlier with the information for the Gay and Lesbian group and jotted down the building’s address.
They walked further onto campus toward the rows of frat and sorority houses to the address on the paper. Jenna smiled at the large rainbow flag hanging proudly on the front porch as they walked up the steps and knocked on the door.
A very handsome young man came to the door and opened it. “Hello,” he said. “May I help you?”
Jenna returned his welcoming smile. “I am looking for,” she paused and had to resort back to her paper for the name, “Codi Bryan,” she said.
“Codi isn’t here right now, but she will be back tomorrow after eight. Is there anything I can help you with,” he asked?
“No, I really need to speak with the President,” Jenna said.
“Well, like I said, she will be here after eight in the morning,” he repeated. “Can I tell her who to be expecting?”
“Jenna Thomas,” she said. “Thank you for the information.”
“You are very welcome. Have a great day and stay warm,” the young man said.
“Thanks, you too,” Jenna said as they turned and left the porch.
They began walking back toward the apartment. “Are you hungry yet?”
“Is it cold outside?” Jace answered.
“Point taken, let’s go see Mama.”
“Lead the way Sis,” he said.
They walked several blocks until they reached Mama’s. When they walked in, Jenna saw Mama at the back of the restaurant and walked toward her. Mama looked up at her looking confused at the change of appearance.
“Podunk,” she asked?
“Yes, Mama, do you have a few minutes?” Jenna asked.
“Rosa, take over,” Mama said to the woman in the kitchen. It was too early for the dinner crowd so Mama ushered them over to a small corner booth.
Jenna slid in beside Jace. “Is everything okay?” Mama asked.
“Yes, Mama, everything is fine,” Jenna said. “I have a few things I need to explain to you,” Jenna said.
Mama sat patiently and listened to Jenna after she introduced herself and Jace and explained her role in the lives of the Renegades.
“I wondered where you were last night when Dragon and Cheyenne came by for the food,” Mama said. “They seemed kind of sad, but I didn’t pry.”
That statement made Jenna’s heart sink, fearing her absence was the reason for their sadness. “Mama, I have some plans, but it is still too early to talk about them,” Jenna said. “Is Papa here tonight?”
“Yes, he is back in the kitchen reading the paper,” she said.
“I would like to talk to him for a minute before we leave, but I promised Jace some of your great food,” Jenna said.
Mama smiled. “What would you two like?”
“Jenna says your lasagna is to die for,” Jace said, making Mama’s smile even broader.
“I would like some of your chicken Alfredo,” Jenna said.
“Let me go get your orders in and I will be right back. Sodas for both of you?” she asked.
“That would be great Mama,” Jace said.
Mama disappeared into the kitchen and returned moments later, carrying two large drinks. She sat back down across from Jenna. “I hope you know I will be here to help with whatever plans you have,” she said. “You know I have grown to love those kids.”
“I know Mama, and your love has inspired me to do as much as I can,” Jenna said.
Mama cocked her head to the side. “You know Papa and I have been talking about Nemo and Lucy. What do you know of their parents?”
“Both are dead, Mother years ago and Father a few months after they left home,” Jenna said.
“So they are all alone? No home to return to?” she asked.
“None that I know of, why Mama,” Jenna asked.
“When we were driving home from our kid’s, Papa and I were talking about how quiet it was with no children around the house. Do you think Nemo and Lucy would consider living with us?”
Jenna wasn’t expecting that question from Mama. “I cannot answer for them, Mama, but it would be nice for them to have a loving home. They are both so young to be on the streets.”
“I know Papa and I aren’t spring chickens, but we could provide a loving home for them,” she said.
Jace surprised Jenna next by asking, “Would you consider adoption?”
“Yes, we would in a heartbeat, if it is not too expensive, otherwise we would have to go the foster care route.”
“Those kids don’t need to be in the foster system even temporarily,” Jace said. “I have a friend who can help, if you and the kids are interested,” he said.
Jenna looked at Jace curiously. “Susan just passed the bar exam and I am sure I can talk her into a pro bono case,” he said.
Jenna had forgotten Jace had dated Susan while she was in law school. “That would be terrific,” she said as the wheels of another plan began to turn in her head.
Jenna reached across the table and placed her hand on Mama’s. “I just want you to know that Lucy has been terribly abused in the past.”
Mama smiled. “I figured that out when you said she never spoke,” Mama said. “A child just does not shut down like that for a simple cause,” she said.
“Mama is that a storeroom or apartment on top of the back of the restaurant?” Jenna asked.
“It was the previous owner’s office,” Mama said. “Now we just use it for storage,” she said. “Why do you ask?”
“Oh, I am just curious,” Jenna said. “Would you consider loaning it out for a good cause, if it were to also be of benefit to your business?”
“If it has anything to do with the kids, then yes,” Mama said. “I can tell you aren’t going to share more information than that right now, so I will be patient until you are ready to discuss it, but mind you my patience has its limits,” she said.
“Oh hush, you have been patient with me for fifty years old woman,” Papa said as he carried two large plates of food to the table.
“May I join you young folks?” he asked, delivering the food.
“Please Papa and this is my brother Jace, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you young man,” he said shaking Jace’s hand. He then turned to Jenna. “Mama said you wanted to talk to me.”
“Yes please Papa. I was wondering what you could tell me about the old practice gym at the college,” she said.
“Ah, a nice little building that is going to waste. Beautiful hardwood floors, a small locker room with showers and several coaches offices. Nowadays it is just full of junk,” he said with a sigh.
“Who would I need to talk to about using the building?”
“Dominic Taylor is the Chief of Environmental Services, so I guess he would be a good starting point. I could introduce you to him if you would like. He has been around forever like me,” Papa said with a laugh.
Jac9e took a bite of the lasagna. “Dear Lord Mama, Jenna is right about your food, this is fantastic,” he crowed.
“Oh, before I forget, Jace has developed a flyer to post on campus with your permission to send some college students your way. He would just need the address, phone numbers and hours.”
“That’s a great idea,” Papa said. “We could use some extra business, especially in the winter.”
“Well college students are always hungry and looking for large portions at a good price, so it’s good for everyone involved,” Jace said.
“I will get you one of our take out menus. That has all the information you would need,” Papa said.
“Mama told us about your interest in Lucy and Nemo too. Would you like for me to talk to them and set up a meeting to discuss this with you?”
“That would be great,” Papa said with a huge smile.
The door opened and a large party came inside. While they were talking the restaurant seemed to fill up quickly. “We better get back into the kitchen. It looks like we will be having a busy night,” Mama said. “I will check back with you two in a little bit.”
“Thanks Mama and Papa,” Jenna said.
Jace had been busy eating, but he had kept a keen ear open to the conversation across the table. “You have got so much going on in that head of yours don’t you?”
“Yes, I have got to get home and get it all down before it escapes me,” Jenna said excitedly.
“Relax, I don’t think it is going anywhere before tonight,” he said.
“You are right,” Jenna said as she began eating and watched as Mama and Papa rushed about the room trying to serve the new customers. If business picked up by adding a crowd of college students Mama would need to have additional help, she thought as Mama carried out a tray of drinks. This would work well into her plan, she thought as she took another bite of Alfredo.
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Post Wed Nov 19, 2008 1:35 am 
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Allison



Joined: 12 Oct 2005
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Location: Florida


Part Ten

Jenna typed well into the next morning and finally fell asleep, exhausted yet still excited about her project. She awoke the next morning to the smell of Jace cooking French toast and the aroma drew her out of the bed to stumble into the kitchen.
“Good morning,” he said.
“Morning, that smells delicious,” she said.
“Have a seat and it will be ready in just a minute.”
“Thanks,” Jenna said as she groggily poured herself a cup of coffee.
“Should I remind you that you have appointments to make today?” he asked.
“No, I remember, I want to catch Codi Bryan today and also meet Papa after lunch to meet Dominic,” she said.
“I thought I would go see Susan and ask for her help,” Jace said. “That is if you think the kids would consider adoption.”
“Why don’t you see if she is available and if her answer is yes, we will go meet with the kids when I return.”
Jace smile at her. He seemed really eager to play a role in her plan and his suggestion of Susan was very timely. Silently she prayed that the plan would work. Nemo and Lucy deserved a chance to finish school and have a loving family who truly cared about them.
She and Jace finished breakfast, discussing plans to meet up after lunch when she would go see Papa. If all went well with that meeting, she and Jace would visit the hive.
Jenna returned to her room to shower and dress as she mentally reviewed the conversation she hoped to have with Ms. Bryan. One of her goals to meeting with her would be to request some assistance for Dragon and Memphis, Dragon more specifically since she had such a strong desire to attend college. Ms. Bryan would hopefully be able to inform Jenna how she could go about tapping into some financial resources to enable Dragon to begin her college career. She also hoped that the Gay and Lesbian Center would assist her with some counseling services for the street kids if the rest of her plan was successful.
Surprisingly, she finished dressing before Jace and yelled out that she would meet him later in the day as she walked out the door. She walked to the center she and Jace had visited the previous day and was met by the same young man when she knocked on the door.
“Well, Hello again,” he said warmly. “Come inside out of this cold,” he said as he held the door open.
“Thanks.” Jenna walked inside and stood facing him. “Is Ms. Bryan in today?”
The young man laughed. “Codi is in yes, but I don’t think she would take to kindly by being called Ms. Bryan,” he teased.
“My mistake then,” Jenna said with a warm smile.
“She is in her office. Just give me a moment to let her know you are here. She is expecting you, you know,” he said with a wink.
“Thanks,” Jenna said as she fidgeted nervously while trying to figure out the young man’s comment.
He returned a moment later. “Ms. Bryan will see you now,” he teased as he ushered her in to a small office.
“I am Codi Bryan,” the woman said as she stood and offered Jenna her hand.
“Jenna Thomas,” she said as she shook the woman’s hand.
“Please have a seat,” Codi said. “What may I do for you?” she asked.
Jenna briefly explained her class project and outlined some very brief points of her plan to Codi who sat listening intently.
“That sounds like a very interesting study,” she said. “Do you think you can get the university to go along with it?” she asked.
“I am going to try my best,” Jenna said.
“I am still confused regarding what you want from me or the center,” she said patiently.
Jenna took a deep breath. “One or actually two of the kids I studied are lesbians,” she said. “One of them, Dragon, that’s her street name, has a strong desire to attend college. I was hoping that you might be able to assist me by informing me of grants or scholarships that may be available to her, since she has no home or family support.”
Codi looked at Jenna and smiled. “These kids really got under your skin, didn’t they?”
“Yes, it was the most amazing experience of my life. I also wanted to ask for the center’s assistance with some counseling if my request is granted by the school. So many of the kids have issues that I think we could help with,” Jenna said.
Codi sat back in her chair and remained silent for a few minutes as she digested the information Jenna had shared with her, while Jenna again fidgeted nervously. When Codi spoke, Jenna detected a bit of crackling in her voice.
“I find it very curious that you have come to me for help,” she said, locking eyes with Jenna.
Jenna cocked her head to the side, confused by the woman’s comment. “Why is that?”
“Because, eight years ago, I was Dragon,” she spoke. “I was kicked out of my family home for being a lesbian and I lived on the streets.”
Jenna felt a knot forming in her throat and her heart racing. She sat speechless, not knowing what to say next.
“If it weren’t for the kindness of the owner of a lesbian bar, I would probably have died on the streets an addict or a prostitute killed by a trick,” Codi said, her voice definitely cracking. “Liz Bryan took me in off the street and nursed me back to health.” Jenna saw that Codi had tears in her eyes as she continued. “She put me through college and helped me to found the center for other young adults to come and have a place that was safe and where they could meet others with similar interests.”
Codi recognized the shock on Jenna’s face. “We have been life partners for four years now,” she said.
Jenna relaxed a bit as the realization of Codi’s words began to sink in.
“So, to answer your question, the Gay and Lesbian Center has a foundation that can contribute to the tuition and book fees to a deserving person each semester. It is enough to cover the expenses, but little more.” She looked over at Jenna. “She would still need a place to live and food, so a job is probably not out of the question. Do you think she would be willing to work her way through school?”
“I feel pretty confident she would, given the opportunity and I have a good idea where she could find at least a part time job,” Jenna said.
“So that leaves a place to live?” Codi said.
“If I can convince the university to allow us to use the old practice gym, I am hoping we could set it up as a shelter for street kids who want help and that Dragon, her girlfriend and Joker the leader of the group could live on site and act as counselors to the kids.”
“You have thought this out very thoroughly haven’t you?” Codi asked.
“I have plans yes, but don’t have all the bases covered,” Jenna admitted.
“When do you plan to pitch your proposal to the University for the use of the building?”
“I have a friend who will introduce me to the head of Maintenance for the school after lunch today.”
“Dominic?” Codi asked.
“Yes, that is the man. Do you know him well?”
“He was very instrumental in our getting this building for the Center and was helpful with the renovations,” Codi said. “Would you like me to go along with you today to meet with him?”
Jenna perked up at the thought. “That would be fantastic.”
“I can’t make any promises, but if Dom can make it happen for you, he will,” she said.
“That would be really great,” Jenna said. “I think we could provide such a badly needed service to a lot of kids.”
“I really like your ideas,” Codi said. “You will have the support of the Center it whatever ways are possible,” she promised.
“Thank you so much.”
“Do you think you could bring Dragon by tonight?” Codi asked.
“If I can catch up with her today, probably so,” Jenna said. “What time did you have in mind?”
“We have a council meeting at eight. The council decides on the scholarships and I would like for them to meet Dragon. I would also like you to make a presentation regarding the idea of a shelter.”
“I can do that,” Jenna said excitedly.
“Great. Why don’t we meet at the Maintenance Office at one then,” Codi said.
“I will see if I can track down Dragon before then,” Jenna said. She stood and offered her hand to Codi. “I can’t thank you enough for your help,” she said.
“If you succeed with the shelter and help even one child, that will be thanks enough,” Codi said, as she walked her to the door. “I will see you at one.”
Jenna left the center so excited her feet barely touched the ground. She glanced at her watch and hoped that she had time to track down Dragon before her one o’clock meeting. She walked to the quad, hoping she would find Dragon rolling there.
Her luck was holding out. She found Dragon sitting on the concrete wall, watching the few customers pass by. She perked up when she saw Jenna approach.
“Wow, you look great,” Dragon said.
“I was hoping to find you,” Jenna said as she hugged Dragon tight. “I have so much to share with and ask you,” she said. “Will you come inside for some coffee?”
“I’d love that.”
“Have you had anything to eat today?”
“No, but I am not really hungry,” she said.
“Hungry enough to split a muffin with me at least?” she asked.
“Okay, I can do that,” Dragon said as she opened the door for Jenna.
“Grab us a table and I will be right back.” Jenna walked to the counter and bought two coffees and a muffin.
The young woman working behind the counter had seen them walk in and slipped a second muffin onto the tray. “It’s a two for one special today,” she said with a wink.
“Thanks,” Jenna said and carried the tray over to where Dragon was sitting. She placed a coffee and a muffin in front of her. “I am so excited.”
“What is going on?” Dragon asked curiously.
“There is so much happening right now I hardly know where to begin, but I guess I better start with you,” she said.
“With me,” Dragon asked startled.
“I need to ask you something.”
“What?”
“If you had the chance to go to college, would you?” she asked watching Dragon’s reaction closely.
“You know I would, Jenna, but that isn’t going to happen,” she said nonchalantly.
“Would you work to make it happen?” Jenna asked.
“What do you mean Jenna?”
“If you had a scholarship that would pay for your books and tuition, would you work to pay the remainder of your living expenses?”
“Oh, hell yeah,” Dragon yelled, her voice jumping with excitement. “I’d work my ass off if that’s what it took.”
“I need you to meet some people tonight,” Jenna said. “I also want you to round up the rest of the group and come to the apartment at five for dinner. I hope to have other news to share.”
“I can do that. You know Cheyenne is going home soon right?” she asked.
“I knew she was thinking about it yes,” Jenna said.
Dragon felt her dream come shattering to the ground when she looked at her appearance. “I look horrible to be meeting anyone,” she said.
“Come by the apartment at four and we will see what we can do to clean you up a bit,” Jenna said. “A nice hot shower and some clean clothes will be just the ticket.”
“Who am I meeting with tonight?” she asked.
“The council at the Gay and Lesbian Center who would be providing your scholarship, if they feel you’re serious about college,” Jenna said.
“Holy shit, you are serious about this.”
“Very much and you will find you have much in common with the President, she was a street kid once too.”
“No way,” Dragon exclaimed.
“Yes, way, if you don’t believe me ask her yourself,” Jenna said.
“That’s crazy cool,” Dragon said as she took the last bite of her muffin and a sip of coffee.
“You can do this, Dragon,” Jenna said. “I know you can.”
“It would be too late to start next semester, but at least I could get my paperwork and test scores in order for the spring,” Dragon said the sparkle of her dreams shining in her eyes.
“That is only a couple of months off,” Jenna reminded her.
“Thank you, Jenna, I promise I won’t let you down,” Dragon said.
“I know you won’t. Now go find everyone else and I will see you at four okay?” Jenna said.
“I will be there,” Dragon said and scooped up her coffee and took off across the quad.
Jenna checked her watch. She did not have time to go by the apartment to talk with Jace, so she decided to walk to the Maintenance Building to wait on Codi. Her path took her past the old gym building and she stopped to peek into the windows in the bright daylight.
Jenna jumped when she heard a voice from behind her. “The building does have a lot of potential,” Codi said. “Seems like it is just sitting here going to waste. It eve already has some old dorm beds stored in it from the looks.”
“Hello, I am sorry you startled me,” Jenna said.
“I am sorry, but you were really deep in thought,” Codi said.
“I couldn’t help but stop for another look as I walked by,” Jenna said.
Codi chuckled. “Let’s go see what we can do about making it yours.”
As they walked together, Codi asked, “Were you able to find the kids?”
“Yes, I found Dragon and gave her assignments to gather the group at my apartment tonight to discuss some things and she and I will meet you at eight thirty as you asked.” Jenna could not help but smile. “She is so excited about possibly becoming a college student, I thought she would bust.”
“That makes it even more important to make it happen. She is motivated to take advantage of the opportunity and would work hard to succeed,” Codi said.
“Yes, I think she would work very hard,” Jenna agreed.
Papa was waiting for her outside as they walked up. “Hello Papa, this is my friend,” Jenna said starting to introduce Codi, but was interrupted by him.
“Hello Codi, it has been a while,” he said.
“I should have known you two would know each other,” Jenna said.
“Papa has been a huge help in keeping the center in great shape,” Codi said. “Have you heard her plan yet?” she asked him.
“No, not yet, but knowing Jenna it will be something fantastic,” Papa said.
“Do you want to give him the run down before we go meet Dom?” Codi asked. “Papa may be able to throw some thoughts in that you haven’t considered.”
“Good idea,” Jenna said, as Papa showed them to a small picnic table. “I want to use the old practice gym that I asked you about last night to create a shelter for the Renegades and other street kids that want and need help. From what I have seen from the outside, it is just used for storage and it could be a perfect shelter. I would like Joker, Dragon and Memphis to live there as live in counselors.” Jenna smiled up at Codi. “Codi has agreed to provide some of her members as counselors and I am sure I can get some Psych students to volunteer.”
Papa seemed very deep in thought while Jenna explained her plan. “You know I think that would work, but it may take some convincing of Dom to give up the storage space.”
“There is only one way to find out,” Codi said. “Let’s go ask him.”
Papa led them into the building and knocked on a small office door. “Come in,” a deep male voice said.
Papa opened the door and ushered Jenna and Codi inside. “Dom this is Jenna, one of the kids I have been telling you about and of course you know this one,” Papa said placing a fatherly hand on Codi’s shoulder.
“Nice to meet you Jenna,” Dom said. “Good to see you again Codi. Have a seat please and tell me what Papa is so excited about I can see it all over his face.”
Jenna sat between Codi and Papa as she reviewed her study and her experience with the kids. When she began talking of her plans to develop a shelter, staffed by the older kids as they attended college and volunteers from other students, she noticed Dom leaning closer as he listened intently.
He looked over at Codi. “Did you put her up to this?” he asked.
“No, Dom actually she came to me for help. This is her own dream,” Codi said.
“So, what can I do to help?” Dom asked.
“I have noticed an old building on campus which I found was an old practice gym that is being used for storage right now,” Jenna said. “I think it would be a perfect location.”
Dom looked over at Papa. “The old gym, what do you think Papa?”
“Why don’t we go take a look, but from what I can remember it would be an ideal location,” Papa answered.
“Okay, you have me interested, let’s go take a look,” Dom said as he fished through his desk for a set of keys.
They walked quickly to the small building and were led inside by Dom who threw a power switch to turn on a row of overhead lights. At first, Jenna thought the place was huge, but soon her mind started mapping out the building and she thought it would be perfect. The gym floor they could convert to sleeping quarters and when they toured the building, there were four small offices that could be used for private bedrooms or a private area for counseling. Jenna was surprised that the locker room was as big as it was. There were four shower stalls and four toilet areas. This would be so perfect, she thought as they walked through the rest of the building.
There were a dozen or so beds and some office furniture stored on the gym floor, but the rest of the building was virtually empty. Her excited breath puffed out in front of her as she turned to Dom. “Do you think we could use this building?” she asked.
“As you can see, the building has power, but since it is just used for storage there is no heat. It has an oil furnace, but the university won’t pay to heat a storage building. “Do you think you could raise the money each month to pay for the heating oil?” he asked. “The university can still pay for the electricity, since in effect you will still be storing furniture that is the property of the school,” Dom said.
“I will make sure we come up with the money,” Jenna said. “Could we do some painting to freshen it up a bit?” she asked. “I will provide the materials and labor,” she said.
“I have no problems with your group using the building and even making some changes, but I will still need the permission from the university President,” he said.
“When do you think you could let us know?” Jenna asked, causing Dom to break out in laughter.
“Are you sure you two aren’t related?” he asked Codi. “Jenna is just as eager as you were.”
“She is excited about her vision,” Codi said.
“I will call the President this afternoon and let you know something in the morning,” he said.
“Thank you so much Dom,” Jenna said, hugging his neck excitedly.
“Whoa, it isn’t definite yet,” he warned.
“I have faith that you will get permission for us,” Jenna said with a brilliant smile.
“I can see why you were so excited Papa, she rubs off you doesn’t she?” he teased.
“The young lady has a great vision and it would be some really positive public service experience for the university,” Papa said. “I can’t think of a more deserving bunch of kids either,” he said. “If you need further incentive, I am sure Jenna would bring them by to meet you.”
“I think I get your point, Papa, and I will do my best.”
Jenna pulled out a pen and wrote down her cell phone number on a small piece of paper. “I will wait to hear from you tomorrow then,” Jenna said. “Thank you all, again,” she said as they walked out and relocked the building.
“I will see you later tonight Papa,” Jenna said. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome.”
Jenna and Codi started walking back toward the center as Papa and Dom returned to the Maintenance building.
“I bet she does not sleep tonight,” Papa said as she watched Codi and Jenna disappear. “Do you think you can convince the President to allow them to use the building?” he asked.
“I would bet my next paycheck on it,” Dom said with a wink as they walked inside.
Jenna walked with Codi back to the center and then parted company to return to the apartment. “Thanks. I will see you later tonight,” she said.
“You are welcome. I look forward to seeing you again and meeting Dragon,” Codi said.
“Later then,” Jenna said as she turned for home.
“Don’t you look like the cat that ate the canary,” Jace said when Jenna walked back into the apartment smiling so hard her face hurt.
“Oh Jace, this has been such a great day.”
“Sit down and tell me then,” he said.
“It took twenty minutes for Jenna to explain to him the events of her day.”
“Wow, you have had a great day. What time are the kids going to be here?” he asked.
“Dragon will be here at four and the others at five. I promised we would have pizza,” she said.
Jace looked at his watch. “It is almost four now,” he said. “When Dragon gets here, I will go pick up some pizzas. Do you think four large will be enough?”
“I think that should be plenty,” she said. “Take my card and I will pay for them.”
“No, Sis, this one is my treat,” he said.
“Thanks Jace,” she said and hugged him tight.
“I forgot to ask, how your morning went with Susan,” she said.
“Susan said she would love to help us out, but it will be after the New Year before she can get started on the paperwork, but she has agreed to meet us at Mama’s for dinner Wednesday.”
“Awesome, Jace,” she said with a grin.
Jenna jumped when she heard a knock on the door. She walked over and opened it to find Dragon and Cheyenne standing on the other side. “Come in,” she said and hugged each of them. “It is good to see you Cheyenne.”
“You too, I thought you might need some help making this one presentable tonight,” Cheyenne teased as she elbowed Dragon.
“Okay, that’s my cue to go for pizza,” Jace said. “I will be back soon.”
“Do you need some help?” Jenna asked. “I can handle Dragon if you would like to go with Jace to pick up pizza,” she said.
“Sure,” Cheyenne said. “Lead the way,” she said to Jace.
“Okay, let’s get you started,” Jenna said to Dragon and led her into the bedroom. “The bathroom is there,” she said, pointing to the door across the room. “You should find everything you need in the shower, shampoo, new razor, fresh soap.”
“Thanks,” Dragon said. “It seems like forever since I have had a real shower.”
“Take your time. There’s no rush. Toss me out your clothes when you get undressed and I will put them in the wash later,” Jenna said.
She heard the water start in the shower and Dragon cracked the door enough to push her clothes into the bedroom. Jenna walked over and picked up the pants searching for a size. The worn pants had no size label left, so, Jenna took a stab in the dark and pulled out a pair of jeans that used to fit her snugly. She held them up and thought they might just fit. A top was easy. She would pull out a warm sweater and Dragon could wear the coat Jenna had cleaned once she returned from the hive.
Dragon stepped under the flow of water and moaned softly as the hot water caressed her skin. Oh how she longed for a regular shower. Ever since she and Jenna had talked earlier in the day, her head had spun with excitement and she hoped her dreams would soon be coming true.
Jenna paced the room while she waited for Dragon to finish showering. She was excited and also nervous about speaking to the group. Her talk with Dragon had gone well, but she hoped her plans for a shelter and a new home for the group would be accepted by the group. She assumed they all would accept her help without a second thought and now that she had a moment to second guess herself, she worried about what they would think.
Dragon shampooed her hair and then shaved as the steam swirled around her body. After she bathed, she dried and wrapped the towel around her body before stepping into the bedroom. She saw the clothing Jenna had laid out on the bed for her.
“Sorry, I don’t have underwear that would fit you,” Jenna said with a shrug.
“No problem, I don’t wear them most of the time anyhow,” Dragon said with a smirk.
“Try that outfit if you like and if it doesn’t fit we will head back to the closet,” Jenna said and left the room.
Dragon slipped the jeans on and they slid easily over her hips. They were a bit loose, but would work well for tonight. She pulled the sweater over her head and then slipped on a pair of clean socks and her boots. She walked back into the bathroom and ran her fingers through her hair. “Not bad,” she said to the image in the mirror staring back at her.
Jenna had placed a new toothbrush out on the counter for her. It felt so good to brush her teeth with real toothpaste. Dragon finished brushing and then grabbed the coat off the bed before walking into the living room. “Well, will I pass?” she asked Jenna.
“You look very nice,” Jenna said. “How do you feel?”
“Almost human again,” Dragon said with a grin. “Your clothes fit pretty well too.”
“Not bad at all,” she said. “The others should be here soon. Will you answer a question honestly for me?”
“Sure, if I can,” Dragon said.
“The group won’t feel like I am forcing them to change by trying to help them out, will they?”
“I don’t think so,” Dragon said. “Everyone knows how much you love them and want only the best for each of us,” she said to put Jenna’s mind at ease.
“Okay, I hope you are right because I have some radical ideas to share tonight.”
“I can’t wait to hear them. You have done right by me so far,” she said.
Jace and Cheyenne returned with the pizza, closely followed by Joker and the rest of the group. Memphis walked over to Dragon. “Baby, you look good,” she said as she hugged Dragon.
“Thanks, doll,” Dragon said.
“Welcome everybody,” Jenna said. “Grab a seat where you can and some food.”
Jace and Cheyenne poured drinks as the others settled in.
“I have a lot to say to you tonight and I want to know how you feel about some things,” she said as she sat across from Nemo and Lucy. “I guess I should start with you two,” she said as she smiled at them. “Jace and I went to Mama’s for dinner last night and had a talk with her and Papa. They want to know if you two would consider becoming adopted as their children.”
Lucy looked up at Nemo with a huge smile. “I told you my dream would come true,” she told him.
“Yes you did Lucy,” he said.
“What dream?” Jenna asked.
“Christmas eve, after we left Mama’s, I had a dream that we would go to live with them and go to school and Nemo could play baseball again,” Lucy said. “He loves playing baseball.”
“So do you think you would like living with Mama and Papa?” Jenna asked.
Lucy nodded her head excitedly and Nemo grinned. “I think we would love that.”
“Okay, we will go meet them at the restaurant in a bit and tell them the good news.”
“I think you have all heard by now that Dragon may be able to start college soon, so we have that part working out. She is going with me to a meeting tonight to meet the group that may be offering her a scholarship to start in the spring, so we just need to work out a few more details.” Jenna looked at Dragon, then Memphis and Joker. “The scholarship is for tuition and books, so she will have to work for living expenses.”
“How will she go to college living at the hive?” Tagger asked.
“That is what I want to talk about next,” Jenna said. “I will know for sure in the morning, but I want to know if I have your help in this?” she said.
“In what,” Joker asked.
“I think I have a building on campus that the University will allow us to use as a shelter to help get kids off the street that want and need help.” She looked directly to Joker. “You are the key in this as you would be set up as the Director and you, Dragon and Memphis would be live in staff.”
“That would take care of a place to live, for the three of you and you could provide counseling and guidance to kids on the street that want to change their lives. Jenna also has an agreement from the local Gay and Lesbian center to provide some counseling services too,” Jace said.
“You could also go back to school if you are ready, Joker,” she said.
“I don’t know about school,” Joker said.
“Okay, well you would have a roof over your heads at least and could continue your work with street kids. Dragon and Memphis can probably go to work at Mama’s or someplace else to help offset some living expenses.”
“Cheyenne will be heading back home soon, but until she is ready she can help us prepare the shelter,” Jenna said. “That just leaves Tagger,” Jenna said with a wink to him. “Mama has a small room on top of the restaurant that could be converted to a small apartment. You could live there and provide some security at night and go to trade school during the day, helping out at Mama’s when she needs it.”
“We will have to get you set up with a grant or scholarship, but once the art department sees your work, I don’t think that will be a problem and I can help you with that,” Jace said, surprising Jenna.
“You have been busy,” Joker said. “It sounds like a good plan. So you will know tomorrow about the building?” he asked curiously.
“Yes, I should know first thing,” Jenna said. “The only cost will be that we have to buy our own heating oil, which should be no more than three hundred per month.”
She saw Joker flinch when she mentioned that amount. “I know it sounds like a lot, but I have some ideas on that too.”
“So what would we need to do?” Joker asked.
“After I hear from Dom tomorrow on the building, I would like to get to work on the place as quick as possible. Papa has volunteered to help us with some renovations, but mostly it needs some fresh paint, cleaning and set up. There are already a dozen or so dorm beds that can be set up for use.” She looked at Jace. “I am hoping Jace can type up some letters for us to use in getting items like sheets, linens and other items donated by local businesses.”
“That is no problem at all. I will have them done in the morning,” he said excitedly.
“Thanks Jace.”
Jenna checked the time. She wanted to go see Mama with Nemo and Lucy before the meeting at the center. Time was moving so quickly. She picked up a slice of pizza and took a bite. “When we finish dinner, I would like to take Nemo and Lucy over to Mama’s, but you are all welcome to go,” she said.
“I would like to stay and help Jace with the letters if you don’t mind,” Joker said.
“That’s fine with me,” Jace said.
“Has anyone given any thought to a name?” Cheyenne asked.
Jenna was speechless. In all of her planning, a name for the shelter never came into her thoughts. “No, I hadn’t come up with that,” Jenna admitted.
“Okay, so why don’t you, Nemo and Lucy go to Mama’s and the rest of us will stay and come up with some suggestions,” Cheyenne said.
“That works for me,” Jenna said. “Hey maybe Tagger can come up with some artwork too that we can use in advertising or in a sign.”
Tagger grinned. “I am all over it.”
“Good, so who wants the last slice of cheese?” Jace asked.
“Go for it Bro,” Jenna said with a grin.
A few minutes later, Jenna, Nemo and Lucy left for Mama’s. “Are you sure this is what you both want?” Jenna asked as they walked together. “I feel like I am pushing you guys too hard.”
“We both agree that it would be best for us to get off the streets and have a chance at a normal life,” Nemo said. “We are so much younger than the rest of the group and have an opportunity that we can’t pass on.”
“Is that how you feel too, Lucy?”
“I love Mama and Papa,” she said. “I miss going to school and being with kids my own age.”
“You may have to work really hard to catch up with the kids your age,” Jenna warned.
“I know, but I can do it,” Lucy said.
“She was always so good in school,” Nemo said. “I will have more trouble than she will.”
“Once we find out what schools you will be attending and can set up some plans, we can get some extra tutoring to help you both catch up,” Jenna said, as they turned the corner in front of Mama’s. Jenna stopped a few yards short of the front door and took a deep breath. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” both Lucy and Nemo said.
“Let’s get started then.”
Mama saw them as soon as they opened the door and called to them to have a seat at a booth by the kitchen.
“Hello, Nemo and Lucy,” she said as she hugged each of them. “How are you today?”
“We are great Mama,” Lucy said. “Jenna told us the great news and we are so excited to become part of your family.”
“Papa and I are so excited.”
“Jace and I will bring Susan, his attorney friend over for dinner on Wednesday to discuss starting the process if that is okay with you and Papa.”
“That will be great. Do you two want to go pack your stuff and go home with us tonight?” Mama asked.
Lucy looked at Nemo and nodded her head excitedly. “We don’t have much to bring,” he said.
“That’s no problem. We will be going shopping soon anyhow.” Mama smiled at Jenna. “I will need to find out what schools they will be attending and get them registered,” she said.
“Let me know if you need any help with that,” Jenna said. “I have also promised them some extra tutoring to help them get caught up with the kids of their age groups,” Jenna said. “It may take summer school to get them caught up, but we will do it,” she promised.
“I am so excited,” Mama said as she hugged them all again. “Papa will be here soon and I will share the good news with him.”
“I have one more favor to ask,” Jenna said.
“What is it dear?”
“Back in the store room you have some glass jars, can we have them?”
“The olive jars? Yes, you can. I just keep them around in case I need them.”
“Thanks. When will Tagger be able to move upstairs?” Jenna asked.
“Any time he is ready. We will have to do some work on making it livable for him, but at least he would be out of the weather.”
“Good, I may send him back tonight with these two,” Jenna said.
“That would be fine. They can start moving some things around a bit until we close for the night,” Mama said.
“Very good then, I will see you on Wednesday if not before,” Jenna said.
“We will see you in just a little while Mama,” Lucy said with a sweet smile.
“I will be waiting,” she said as she walked them to the door. “Stay warm.”
They rushed back to the apartment and gave everyone the good news. It was nearing time for the meeting, so Jenna got the kids reorganized. “Tagger, will you and Cheyenne, help the kids with their stuff? Maybe Cheyenne can help you start getting your room straightened out too,” she suggested.
“Yeah, it will probably need some reorganizing,” Cheyenne said.
“We will see what we can do about some furniture and a bed for you tomorrow,” Jenna said. “At least you will be inside and warm tonight.”
“That sounds great,” Tagger said.
“So what are those jars for?” Jace asked.
“An idea of course for raising some of the money for heating oil,” Jenna said. “I thought we could call these our Change Bandit jars and convince local merchants to display them so customers could donate their spare change to the shelter.”
“Help homeless kids have a home,” Joker said to himself.
“What was that?” Jace asked.
“To help homeless kids have a home,” Joker repeated louder this time.
“That is a great slogan,” Jace said. “Jenna can Memphis use your laptop while you are out and we will create some labels for the jars?” he asked.
“Knock yourself out,” she said. “Mama had six jars, but said she will save more for us.”
“That will give us a good start,” Jace said.
Jenna turned to look at Dragon. “Are you ready?”
“Waiting on you,” Dragon said as she jumped to her feet.
“We will be back later,” Jenna said as they walked to the door.
“Good luck,” rang a chorus of voices.
When they stepped out into the night, Jenna turned to look at Dragon. “Are you nervous?”
“A little,” she said.
“Me too,” Jenna said. “Things are moving much faster than I expected.”
“We will both do fine,” Dragon said. “Besides as charming as we are, how can anyone say no to us?” she teased.
“Great point,” Jenna said as she slipped her arm through Dragon’s.
An hour and a half later, Jenna and Dragon left the Gay and Lesbian center completely ecstatic. Dragon would have a scholarship from the foundation to start in the spring semester if she could get her application and papers submitted and Jenna had the full support of the center to assist with the shelter.
As a surprise, Codi had asked her partner Liz to attend the meeting to hear her presentation and after all the questions was answered and the students started filtering out, Liz pulled Jenna to the side.
“I wanted to give you this as a start up fund. You can use this for heating oil, linens or whatever you need,” she said as she handed Jenna a check.
Jenna looked at the check and was shocked to find the amount of one thousand dollars written in her name. “This is incredible. Thank you so much,” she stammered. “Thank you for believing in us,” she said.
“I have seen what helping what one kid can do and you have the opportunity to help so many more,” Liz said as she hugged Codi who had walked up to them. “I would also like to have one of your Change Bandit jars for the bar. Our patrons are very generous when they know their money goes to a good cause.”
“I will drop one off here tomorrow,” Dragon promised.
“Good deal,” Codi said. “I think we will be seeing a great deal of each other in the future. Will you call or come by after you hear from Dom tomorrow?”
“You will probably hear me screaming with excitement,” Jenna said. “If all goes well, that is.”
“Dom will come through for you,” Codi said. “He is a great man.”
“Yes, he is,” Jenna agreed.
“Come on we have work to do,” Dragon said as she took Jenna’s arm.
“We will see you soon,” Jenna said and turned to walk out with Dragon.
They returned to the apartment to find it buzzing with activity. Memphis, Jace and Joker were busy creating the letters and labels for the jars and did not hear when they walked in.
Stretched out across the small coffee table was a page of Tagger’s sketch pad, with a drawing of the front of the building with kids of all ages, sizes and colors milling about in front, with a rainbow arching across the front of the building with the words ‘The Rainbow Haven’, drawn into it.
“I like it,” Jenna said as she picked up the drawing and the others turned to her.
“Are you okay with us using the name?” Joker asked.
“I think it is perfect,” Jenna said.
“Great because we already have a letterhead created and have put it on the labels for the Change Bandit jars,” he said pointing to the colorful jars now sitting on the kitchen counter.
“We have great news too,” Dragon said. “I will get a scholarship and the shelter has its first donation.”
Jenna pulled the check out of her pocket and handed it to Joker. “I think you and I will need to go open a checking account tomorrow,” she said. “Liz wants us to use this money for heating oil or whatever we need to get the shelter up and running. She also wants a Change Bandit jar, for her bar.”
“I promised to drop one off tomorrow, so it looks like we are in good shape.”
“Congratulations Baby,” Memphis said. “I am so excited for you.”
“Thanks, my love,” Dragon said.
Jenna read over the letters they had drafted to solicit donations. “You guys have done a great job tonight,” she said as a knock came to the door.
Jace opened it to find Cheyenne smiling brightly. “The kids are taken care of and Tagger has a big enough space cleared out to sleep comfortably tonight,” she reported.
“Great job Cheyenne,” Jenna said. “What about you? What are your plans?”
“Well I was considering heading home this week, but I would really love to stay and see the shelter opened,” she said.
“We would love to have the extra help,” Joker said. “I think there will be plenty of work for everyone to get us up and running.”
“Okay, it’s getting late. Why don’t we all meet back here for breakfast in the morning and set a game plan to start soliciting donations and once we hear from Dom we can really get the ball rolling,” Jenna suggested.
“Sounds great,” Joker said. “We will see you bright and early and we will bring breakfast,” he promised.
“We will have the coffee and juice ready,” Jace said as he led them out.
Jenna collapsed onto the couch, still staring at Tagger’s drawing. “I am exhausted,” she said when Jace closed the door and walked over to her.
“You should be, you have moved mountains today,” he said. “You need a good night’s sleep, because it looks like our fun is just beginning.”
“You are so right, Jace,” Jenna said and stood to hug her brother. “I will see you in the morning,” she said as she hugged Jace and left the room. Jenna was so excited, but found herself drifting off to sleep as the exhaustion of the long day took over.
_________________
Alli

Post Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:12 pm 
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PipSqueak



Joined: 04 Jul 2008
Posts: 987
Location: S.W. England


Thnx Alli, I am so excited now!! It's a brilliant write. Very Happy

Post Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:22 am 
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