The Space Between- Riff (West Side Story)

Chapter One: This Little Gringa Went to Market...

*ONE YEAR AGO*

Aria smiled as she strolled through the market. It was a beautiful day for the middle of June. The sun was beating down on the pavement, but a light breeze was blowing, taking the edge off the sweltering heat that was common in New York City at this time of year. She had been asking Tony to go to the market for days now, but he had refused. He grumbled something about the streets being 'too dangerous right now, especially for a naive little twerp like her'. But when she checked the fridge and found it nearly empty, she grabbed her bag and slipped out the door.

'Besides,' she thought to herself, 'I won't be long. If he was really worried, he would have gone to the market himself, instead of spending all his time causing trouble with the Egyptian Kings.'

The Kings had become something of a nuisance to her brother and his gang lately, and everyone knew it was only a matter of time before they came to blows. Tony always tried to leave her out of the violent world he was a part of, but he couldn't shield her from all of it. She thought back to their fight the night before.

Tony slammed his hands against the table, his nostrils flaring.

"For the last time Ria, you ain't going to no market. We got plenty here already."

Aria raised her eyebrows and gave a slight scoff.

"You're joking, Tony. I know you are. Because-" She marched over to the fridge and gestured wildly. "This? This? This is not plenty." She slammed the fridge shut and stood toe to toe with her brother. "We have enough for two, maybe three days, Tony. And I ain't going hungry just so you can feel like you got power. I am going to that market tomorrow, whether you want me to or not." They stood there, glaring at each other for a few seconds.

"If I could interject here," Riff began lazily. Her eyes flashed over to where he sat on the couch, his leg hanging off the side and a cigarette held in his hand.

"No." She snapped. He raised his hands defensively.

"All I was gonna say, doll-"

"You know I hate when you call me that." She interrupted.

"-is that if ya really want to go, I'll take ya." He finished his sentence, unbothered. He glanced over at Tony. "You know she'll be safe with me, pal."

Tony frowned slightly.

"I thought you had a date with some mystery girl tomorrow."

Riff's smile faded slightly, and his eyebrows creased.

"Well, I mean, I do, but-"

Aria's eyes hardened and she felt her face growing hot.

"I don't want ya to take me Riff. I'm not a kid. I can damn well go to a friggin food market by myself. I don't need your help, and I don't want it."

"Well fine then." Riff snapped. "All the same to me if I don't have to waste my day with you." He stood up and made his way towards the door. "I'll wait for you outside, Tony." With one last glare, he walked out and slammed the door.

Tony started to head out after him, then hesitated.

"You ain't fooling anyone ya know. You're just jealous."

Aria's face reddened, but she ignored what he had said.

"Have fun with your gang violence," she said breezily, a saccharine smile on her face.

Tony stepped towards her.

"You better do what I say," he growled. "Don't leave the apartment, and don't you dare step foot inside that market tomorrow."