The Street Rat and The Lost Boys

Chapter 3

*Disclaimer - The characters in this story belong to Orson Scott Card who authored the book "The Lost Boys" and Joel Schumacher who directed "The Lost Boys" Movie. I only own the storyline to The Street Rat and the original characters. *

Chapter 3

Two years have gone by since that first encounter with the Lost Boys gang. Maya had grown smarter in learning how to survive in this unfriendly environment.

This was the true dark side to Santa Carla that tourist did not see. One minute someone is here and the next they disappeared. Drugs and alcohol flowed freely on the streets right in front of the cops who were supposed to monitor the boardwalk. Santa Carla was a playground for those who wanted to live outside the law of modern society.

As a beautiful 16-year-old, Maya knew the dangers of this world. Santa Carla was a world outside of the world. She had lived and now thrived in this city where the rule was stay with a group but know that in reality it is every man or woman for themselves. Don't become too attached to anyone because they might disappear forever the second you take your eyes off them.

Maya had found her own group of street rats who lived and worked together to survive. They trusted each other enough to not steal from each other but not enough to divulge their past or future plans. They were survivors fighting every day for just one more day. Maya was a survivor and she would do whatever was necessary to make it to the next day.

9:45pm

One thing that was amazing about Santa Carla was all the bonfires that lined the beach. When you looked out onto the beach, it was like dozens of fireflies all over with people crowding around them. With the fog rolling in from the sea, it looked so mystifying. A secret world that you just had to explore.

One bonfire in particular held Maya and her group.

The street rats cooked food stolen or bought with stolen money from tourist around a bonfire close to the boardwalk. The group shared the spoils from that day as well as funny stories they witnessed from tourist or local. As a group they were safe from those who would love to hurt them but separating meant the possibility of something happening to them.

As Maya and another girl passed out the food to the other kids one of the youngest members leaned forward: "Do you ever miss home? I do. Sometimes I wish I could go home to my mama. She married a man, James, and mama was pregnant with twin boys. I ran before they were born."

One of the boys snorted. "Nah. Only thing good about home was if my pop got lucky at cards and won a lot of cash. Those were the good day's because I would get a decent meal. Bad days I was lucky to have the skin on my back. I take Santa Carla and the death that comes with it than going home. They obviously didn't want you or you wouldn't be here with us."

Another boy nodded his head. "Best not to think about home kid."

Maya frowned at the two boys.

"Do not tell her that Kyle. That is just mean." The girl turned to the young girl. "Susan I am sure your mama missis you. I am sure she is worried sick about you."

Susan frowned. "You really think Maya? I mean she has a new family now. Why would she want me?" A tear ran down Susan's face.

Maya wrapped an arm around Susan's shoulders. "Yes, I bet she does. How about we call her? We will not tell her where you are at but at least she will know you are safe."