Sleepers of Hell's Kitchen

5.

SHAKES POV

I was making my way to the Italian Restaurant on the corner of the mainstreet, the flat roof being our usual spot to hang out together on days like this. Earlier today, after John and I both went our own separate ways, I went home to check up on ma and to help her out if needed. I was deep in thought when I saw Lina crossing the street, making her way to the apartment buildings I just left. No one has seen or heard from Lina since she left Fat Mancho's shop the day before, not even in church this morning.

"Hey Li!" I shouted, waving my hand when she lifted her head to look up, I stopped in my tracks and dropped my arm once her eyes met mine. The small bruise she had the day before was nothing compared to the big fresh bruise she had right under her eyes. She dropped her head and quickly made her way through all the people that were in between us, till she stood in front of me.

"Hi." She says, giving me a small hug.

"Hey, what's up?" I said, hugging her back a bit too hard because Lina left out a small whimper. "Oh shit sorry, what happened?" I asked, noticing the bruises on her arms as well.

"Gary, nothing new." She replies, shrugging her shoulders.

I nodded, not really knowing how to reply. "You comin' to the roof? I think the rest is there as well."

"Yeah, I just need to drop some things at home." she says, holding up the small bag she has in her hands.

"Ait, should I walk with ya?" I asked.

"Oh no, don't worry cowboy I think I remember my way home." Lina says laughing, "I'll see you later!"

"See ya!" I said, laughing. Lina made her way to her apartment building while I stood in my place. Once her long hair disappeared around the corner I turned around and walked to the restaurant.

As I was climbing up the fire escape to the roof, I could already hear Tommy, Mike and John.

"Hey! Look who finally decided we're cool enough to be seen with." John laughs.

"Shakes! It's about time man." Tommy says while throwing me a soda from the ice bucket.

"Yeah, sorry I got caught up with helping ma." I took a spot next to Michael.

"So who's gonna do it?" Michael says, turning his attention to John and Tommy again.

"Who's gon' do what?" I asked.

"Genius over here had the amazing idea to hit the hotdog vendor." Tommy says, while nodding his head to Mike.

"Yeah, I don't know Mikey, that man ain't like the others." John says, laying back down.

"Yeah, that man goes crazy when you try to hit on him." I said, taking a sip from my drink. "And by the way, whose turn is it?"

Tommy looked at the three of us, before Michael turned his head to me: "Yours."

"Mine? No, it's not my turn." I said.

"Yes, it is." John says.

"You didn't even go!" I said to John who was propping himself up to lean on his elbows.

"Yes, I did! I went after him!" John says, while pointing to Tommy.

"I went like 2 weeks ago, it's Lina's turn!" I said, throwing my hands up.

"It is, where's she been tho? I haven't seen her out yet today." Tommy said, turning his head to Michael.

"I don't know, why d'ya look at me?" Mike says.

"Prince charming over here forgot his princess?" John laughed.

"No." Michael said. "She wasn't home earlier, I haven't seen her either."