Project Powers

Chapter One

I awoke with a gasp, blinking in the sunlight that burned my corneas. Yawning, I rubbed my eyes lazily and stretched my sore limbs. The same dream has been bothering me for weeks now, reminding me of the life I left behind. Regret and guilt ate away at me ever since I left. 

My eyes scanned my surroundings, tall skyscrapers on all three sides. Bits of garbage were scattered among the deserted alley-way, a plastic bag blowing gently in the wind. Avery was curled up on bits of cardboard, a trash bag wrapped around her like a blanket. She clung to a dirty stuffed dog that she brought from our house. Sadness pulled at my heartstrings as I remembered Avery in her actual bed, warm and safe. Now she was huddled on stained cardboard, her backpack used as a pillow. 

I also slept on cardboard, my jacket used as a blanket. Here we were in an alley way in the middle of New York City. We traveled by bus all the way from Ohio. I winced slightly as my stomach growled, hunger eating me alive. Forcing myself to be strong, I stood while stretching a second time before walking over to Avery and gently nudging her shoulder. The ten year old opened her eyes, staring into my green ones before a yawn caused her to momentarily close her eyes. 

"Morning Sleepy Head." I greeted her as she stretched her legs, "Morning." Avery then sat up and hugged her knees, "Jace... I'm really hungry." I winced on the inside. Food was very scarce now, ever since I ran out of money. We've starved for days and eating a decent meal is extremely rare. I hated seeing Avery suffer, all because I let her runaway with me. I gently pushed a strand of her raven black hair from her face. "That's okay. I'll go get some breakfast for us. Stay here okay? I'll be right back." She nodded and I admired her bravery.

Getting to my feet, I strode towards the street. Crowds of tourists bustled by, along with cars honking loudly. I stepped into the crowd and followed the sea of people. No one noticed me as a homeless young boy. That was the one good thing about Manhattan. My eyes searched the buildings until I found Dunkin' Doughnuts. Shuffling through strangers, I ducked down the alley next to the Doughnut shop. Sure enough the trash bins were overflowing with uneaten doughnuts, tourists throw away just so the would have time to make it to the next attraction. I began digging through the trash, disgusting smells infiltrating my nose. With a steady breath I took two Boston Cremes and put them in my bag. Still searching, I found a glazed doughnut and Apple Fritter. Satisfied, I stored them in my bag.

Sighing, I turned towards the street, when something suddenly caught my eye. It darted to my right. Spinning around, I found a stray cat backed up in the corner, her fur ruffled and whiskers bent. It watched me silently. I backed up, slowly reaching the sidewalk and pushing back towards our alley. The trip back ended quickly as I stumbled out of a crowd and walked towards Avery. She was petting her stuffed animal, looking up as I knelt and pulled out the two doughnuts. A big grin widened as she snatched them up and dug in. 

Happiness shot through me as I sat next to her, eating my doughnuts as well. After a few minutes of chewing, Avery squealed, "AWW! You got me a cat too! Thanks Jace!" Uh oh. I looked towards the street where the same stray from before came sauntering towards us. She had an orange coat with white stripes. Avery laughed as it got closer, sniffing our shoes cautiously. 

"It may have rabies!" I warned, but Avery picked her up and began petting her. The cat surprisingly began purring and warmed up to Avery. With a shrug, I returned to my breakfast, savoring each bite. By the time I finished, the cat was asleep in Avery's lap. 

She smiled at me, "I named her Iris." I nodded, glad she was happy, "Cool name." We were suddenly interrupted by a figure running towards us. Instinctively I grabbed a short plank of wood that had nails sticking out of it. Avery put down Iris and grabbed her pocket knife. This can't be good.

NOTES

Sorry it's a bit short, I've been up a whole night working on it. More is on it's way, so stay tuned!!

XDXD 

-Bailey Dawson