Nine-year-old Alice trudged through the snow as she pulled her sweater tighter around her.
Suddenly, it was grabbed, causing her to stumble back and fall into the snow.
"Hey!" a voice yelled. "Get away from her!"
Alice watched as the boys ran off and glared st Bucky. "I c-could defend m-myself." She hugged herself tightly as she shivered.
Bucky nodded. "I know, but the way they treated you just now is wrong." He frowned, seeing her tattered sweater. "Is that all you have?"
Her gaze turned to the ground as she nodded. "We haven't had money for awhile and with the Depression..."
Bucky took off his coat and put it around Alice's shoulders. "I'll talk to my mom and we'll see what can be done."
Alice frowned. "I don't need your charity, Bucky."
"It's not charity. I'm helping a friend."
She took the jacket off and gave it to Bucky. "It's charity. My folks and I are fine. Thanks but no thanks." She walked away.
"Alice, wait."
Alice turned around. "What? Why do you suddenly think I'm someone you need to take care of?"
"Because you're my friend!"
She gave him a small smile and turned away again. "See you later, Bucky."
Bucky watched as she walked away, letting out a sigh. He both admired and was frustrated by her desire for independence.
YOU ARE READING
Till the End of Time
AzioneAlice and Bucky were childhood sweethearts, so it was no surprise when the two exchanged vows. When the war came to the States, one was drafted, one would do whatever it took to serve, and one hoped to serve from the home front. But, as it goes, "...
