Sleepers of Hell's Kitchen

2.

7:26pm. John, Tommy, Mike and Lina sat outside of Fat Mancho's place.

''It's about time Shakes! My clothes are goin' out of style!'' John shouts as I jog over to the door.

''Sorry, I got caught up'' I lied breathlessly. I've been trying to calm down ma by hugging her for the last half hour.

''Ok, so... what are we gonna do?'' Tommy says, looking at all of us for ideas.

''Do you know what crap like that does to your body?'' We all look to see father Bobby walking towards us nodding his head at Lina who was yet smoking another cigarette. Father Bobby was a close friend who just happened to be a priest, he was as comfortable sitting on a bar stool than he was doing communion in church. He was like the father we never had, he protects us, supports us and treats us fairly.

''C'mon father, bad habits are hard to beat'' Lina says laughing.

''Huh, what you lot all doin' here? Stayin' outta trouble I hope''

''Father, you know we don't get into trouble'' Mike says in a sort of sarcastic voice.

He raised his eyebrows looking down at us. ''Please just don't do anything stupid. That's all I pray for, for you all to stay outta trouble.'' He says while looking all five of us in the eyes.

''That's it?'' I say. ''That's it I swear.''

''You know, priests shouldn't swear'' Lina replies with another quiet laugh.

''And kids like you shouldn't be hanging out on street corners like this at night.'' Father Bobby replies. We all hesitate. ''Well, you don't look busy. You're coming with me.'' Father Bobby demands in a kind way, smiling at us.

''What? Where are we going?'' Tommy asks, standing up from his seat on the floor.

''Í'm delivering newspapers and magazines to the elderly and disabled around the neighborhood. Your mother said you'd love to help.'' He said, nodding in my direction.

''Yeah I bet she did'' I said sarcastically.

We were all interrupted by Fat Mancho locking up. ''What the fuck do you think my shop is? some sort of camp for you lot?'' he says whilst turning the key in the door.

''Nice to see you too Fat man.'' Mikey says with his arm around Lina. He turns to see Lina and raises his eyebrow with a smirk. ''Hey Barbie, that offer ain't gonna last forever.'' he winks at Lina.

Making Mike very agitated. Lina was about to storm up in front of the fat man but I managed to pull her back by the waist again, almost causing the same scene as earlier today.

''Woah hey, let's go.'' Father Bobby guides us all to leave. ''Look, don't go messing around with my girl, you'll have me to answer if you do.'' Father Bobby says firmly to Fat Mancho.

We walk away with all of us confused about what just happened, except for Lina and myself, knowing exactly what Fat Mancho was on about.

''Hey what the hell was that about?'' Mike says, stopping Lina by putting both his hands on her shoulders, turning her around.

''It's nothing.'' she says, brushing his hands off, turning around again.

''It's obviously something!'' Mike says looking at Lina with concern filled his eyes. ''Is he hittin' on ya?''

Lina stearmly turned around: ''If I say it's nothing, then it's nothing okay. Just drop it please.''

She gave Michael a weak smile and turned around to continue walking again. Father Bobby gave both Lina and Mike a concerned smile, but decided to let it go, not wanting to cause anything between the two of them.