Run [Stereo Kicks/ James Graham]

Chapter 4

The next morning, Leo was gone with a final hug and kiss to the forehead, taking his things with him. "I'll miss you, Amelia. Stay safe."
It was lonely as I sorted through my money and food, figuring I rather needed more water, but had enough food for the week, and more money than I could remember.
"I'm okay, Reece." I sighed, looking down at the necklace around my neck. "I'll always love you, bro. That's why I'm here, isn't it?" Stupidly, I talked to him for an hour or so, even though he'd never hear me, and I didn't know if he was still alive. It was likely, but there could have been a freak accident or something, and I wouldn't have said goodbye.
"Back for another job?" The face shrouded in shadows sneered down at me. "What is it this time?"
"Water." I said bitterly.
"Very well... One leather handbag, containing a purse, you'll get five bottles." It was actually a decent trade, so I set off, keeping an eye out for likely victims.
Two middle aged women were strolling along, window shopping, one with a simple black and cream handbag over her shoulder, the other with a red one over her arm. They were both made of leather, and probably contained purses, so it was a question of which one to take.
I finally settled for the red one, as the women walked with her arms slightly out, so it wouldn't be hard to snatch if I ran close to her right side.
Decision made, I sprinted, swiping the bag off her in one clean motion and continuing to run, hearing lots of people yelling, and several chasing me. My years on the streets had built up my speed and stamina, so I lost them, arriving at the backstreet soon after.
The handbag contained a almost empty purse, several makeup items, a phone, some picture frames and car keys, which made me gasp. If I could figure out which car they belonged to...
I dumped the makeup, kept the phone and photoframes, and putting the car keys onto my necklace, where they were hidden and secure. Once I was done, I knocked specifically on the door, silently trading the bag and purse for the water.
"Car, car, car... Where could you possibly be?" With everything stored safely back at my hideout, I set out on a search for the car, knowing it could bring me hundreds of pounds, thousands if it was expensive and in good condition.
I travelled to a multi-story car park, looking around, then at the keys. They had 'Ford' written across the top, and I sighed, before pressing the button. It was the only car park in a wide area, and when I heard a responding click, a smile lit up my face.
Much to my disappointment, the car was fairly old looking, and a bit battered, but I climbed in, starting it up and heading to a scrapyard, deciding against the risk of a proper car dealer.
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When I returned to my hideout two hours later, I was £500 richer, almost making me cry with happiness. I would buy a portable heater or something, as the temperature was icy.
"Clothes!" The thought made me smile, so I picked up £50, and headed towards Asda.
Grinning, I sorted through three pairs of skinny jeans, two shirts, three t shirts, a new jacket, some socks and underwear, and a pair of trainers. "Good for you." The cashier smiled at me, taking in my still ragged appearance.
"Thanks." Hurriedly leaving, I headed to some public toilets to change, stuffing my old clothes into the bag as well. A smile was now permanently on my face as I practically skipped back to where I considered home.
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Three months later
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I'd run out of luck, and Leo wasn't here again, having travelled all the way up to Yorkshire for two months to get in on some large events, then he was going to Manchester for a bit. My money and food was constantly short, and I knew I needed to do something before I... Died.
"What about this time?" The all-too familiar voice crooned at me.
"Food and water."
"What a desperate little girl..." He sneered. "Find me a cat."
"A cat?" My eyebrows rose, and he stared down at me, so I silently left, confused. Who in their right mind would ask for a cat? It wasn't my place to complain, so I went down in search of a pet store.
Three hours later, I finally stumbled across a Pets At Home. There would hopefully be a pet store nearby, so I continued down the street until I came to a tiny, old store.
Peering inside, I could see no one there, apart from an old person snoring at the desk. My main disadvantage was the bell above the door that would wake the animals into a frenzy.
I crept around the back, pressing the back door open and going inside, the locks yielding easily. It was quiet as I prayed that a store would have a cat, and I didn't have to carry one that hopefully wouldn't bite me the entire way back.
To my luck, there was a cat, albeit not being for sale. Their dark eyes looked lazily up at me as I stole a crate, shoving it in as fast as I could and fleeing the area.
This particular cat was either fat, or cats weighed more than I expected, because my arm was aching when I arrived at the house. Three knocks, then one, then two, and the door opened.
"Very good. Took you a while." He accepted the crate off me, handing me a box. "Enjoy, girly." The door shut again. Opening the box, I saw four bottles of water, several apples and bananas, one small packet of cheap rice and a hunk of bread.
It was mouth-wateringly good to me, but I carried it all back to my hideout. "Reece..." My voice trailed off into the quiet as I broke up the bread, opening a water bottle. "I love you, bro. Sometimes I wish I could see you again, but then again, I don't. I'd be accepting that I gave up watching you grow up, instead of figuring something out or contacting the police, even though they warned me for it. I'd do anything for you, Reecey, but I wish I'd choose differently. I love you."
"He loves you, too."
The voice made me whirl around. "Leo? What are you doing here?"
"I'm only stopping by, I'm on the move. Caught the message that crime had risen around here, and I knew you were in trouble. Stopped by with some stuff." Leo dumped a large box at my feet. "Don't bother repaying, you've already done enough. Promise me one thing?"
"Anything." I agreed immediately.
"Find Reece one day." Leo hugged me tightly, and kissed my cheek, before leaving again. "I'll see you in three months!" Everything whirred by, and I was left in a shell shocked state, the feeling of Leo's hug lingering, the box still sitting at my feet.
"I love you, too, Leo." I smiled, crouching down and opening it. So much food, bottled water, and even a little money met my eyes that I burst out into tears.
Leo had saved my life, again. When I couldn't even save my own, or his. Although... I had saved Reece's. And that's all that mattered to me.
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A/N: sorry about the way I'm dragging on her life in the streets! I think it really sets her background more, and I don't want it to be a cliché suddenly happen to bump into the boys, immediately move in with them and everything's okay. No, I've got a plan. But leave me feedback! It's hugely appreciated, peeps ❤️