RUN BOY RUN- reader x Five Hargreeves

Part Twenty-Eight

Lila was in the bathroom. I've been thinking a lot. And now is the time to go back. This way my only time and chance to go see the gang. I know I'm not gonna be in Dallas for much longer. Either death with come or we're going home. I'm ready for either. I slowly make my way to the door and open it ever so carefully. Elliot was screaming from his chair. I shush him from across the room and make my way out the door as quiet as I can be. The stairs squeak under my shoes, but it didn't matter anymore. I rush faster then air on top the street. I sneak into the alley way and look at the entrance, hopeful no one fallowed me. I inch my way inside and was almost instantly bombarded with questions from the girls. Where have you been? Are you alright? We've been worried sick. " Ladies I'm fine. But gather everyone. I need to make an announcement." I smile at them. Some little ones have gathered around, and hugged my legs. I bend down down and hug them. "Hey little guys, do you min helping gather everyone?" They nod excitingly, finally having a job. 

Kitty comes forth. "Dottie," she sniffs. I study her face. She had Ben crying for sure. The puffiness of her face, the redness to her nose, and the streaky lines of her makeup proved it. "Oh, Kitt-" "Oh so she's returned. Did you enjoy your littl;e field trip, whiles we were freezing here?" Jack emerged. "Please Jack-" Kitty started, but he kept jabbing. "We're there not enough blankets, I'm sure we can find more," I speak up, not wanting to cause more issues, then what we've already have. "No there are plenty. He's just-" "feeling very unprotected right now. As our leader, we should know where you are." "And I will tell you, when everyone is gathered. You called me your leader, right? So trust me like you did Ace. Anything that I do, is meant for the protection of this group. And that will not change." Jack opened his mouth, but mine cut him off before any words could make it out.  "You have two option right now. One, keep fighting me, and so help me, I will avoid al questions about my whereabouts, because it os non of you business. Or Two, gather everyone for my announcement, that you, Jack, of all people will want to hear the most." If he wasn't done fighting, I didn't care. I walked away before he could say another word. 

...

I stood in front of the e whole group. My family. This would be harder then I thought. I took a deep breath. "This morning, we went to Mary's son's house, and while we were there, some of my real family showed up. They need my help. And I don't know if I will be able to do both, help them and y'all. I know we just lost Ace, and this is gonna be the hardest thing I will ever do, but I am handing over my command." Whispers and gasps came from the crowd. The little ones confused looked around for explanations. My eyes welled up with tears. Some of the older children mad faces of bother anger and hurt. "I just don't know how much longer I will be in Dallas. And we can not afford to loose anyone else. Especially with Kennedy coming so quickly. So, please stick together. And don't get caught please. Kitty, I'm leaving you in charge of all the younger ones and all the girls ok?" Kitty had been front row this whole time. Tears were falling again. She nodded and looked down. "And for you older boys, I'm leaving you with Jack." The name left my lips so fast, I didn't think. Well that's not true I spent over 3 hours thinking about this. "You need to make sure that everyone returns at night and that you are protecting them. If the police find you, I'm leaving you both in charge of finding a new place, alright? If this family thing ends up a bust, I'll come back, but there-" "

Why didn't you mention you had family?" Jack called out, there was a new sense in his voice. Not cruel or mean. It was almost fear. "I didn't think they would come back. Or at least not for me. I really am sorry." He nodded and looked away. All over the theater there were blank stares, broken smiles, tears falling and tracing the pale faces of my Dallas family. I look towards back stage to see Five there. I felt the anger boil inside of me. Why did he fallow me? "I have to leave, but I wish you all the very best. And I love all of you." I hoped down from the stage and gripped onto Kitty. We cried into each others arms. I quickly ran out the whole knowing that Five would chase my tail. While I ran I heard the children call for me, some of our group cried and some boys yelled out in anger. Bout one voice made me turn. I swear on Pogo, that I heard Ace call my name. I turn around and collided with Five