Project Powers

Chapter Two

"Stay back!" I warned, wielding my plank of wood as a weapon. The stranger wasn't fazed and as he got closer, I knew he was a drunk. Wisps of gray hair stuck out from his head as if he touched a light socket and his dark brown eyes bulged from his eyes. His skin was a peachy color and sweat dripped from his face. He wore a baggy t-shirt and stained jeans, missing his shoes. 

"Y'all gotta get outta here!" He cried, fear noticeable in his voice. He stopped his running and looked at me and Avery, "They're coming for us!"

I narrowed my eyes, "Okay... uh, that's nice, but we should be going..." I crouched and slung my bag over my shoulder before standing again. The old man furrowed his brow.

"Don't believe me eh? Heh, first it was Bronx, then Queens and now they're coming here! I escaped 'em, but they'll come and take you. We're all doomed!" He cried, waving his arms wildly.

"Who's 'they'?" I asked coldly, not prepared to put up with this guy's craziness. 

"The one's in white..." He murmured, looking at something behind us. "THEY"LL TAKE YA AWAY! RUN! RUN BOY, BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!" He turned on his heel and took off back towards the sidewalk, a few people looking over and frowning.

"He was scary..." Avery said softly. I turned, relieved he was gone, "Hey, it's okay. He just had one too many drinks is all. C'mon, let's find a new sleeping spot." We had to keep moving, or else people would notice us sleeping in alleys. Every night we slept somewhere new. 

"O-okay..." She said quietly. She grabbed her trash bag and cardboard, stuffing it into her backpack before picking up Iris. I simply nodded and we walked towards the street, leaving behind doughnut crumbs and trash.

New York City was awfully busy today, with people of all sorts bustling about. A few other homeless were spotted, propped up against walls with a cup for money. Some sitting on the curb with some pathetic sign. You see, being homeless, you are able to spot other homeless pretty easily. Usually dirty and smelly, bags under eyes and looks of lost hope in their eyes. Some looked at us with pity, others just nodded as a greeting. 

Avery clutched tightly to my hand, her eyes glued to the street. She loved counting how many orange cars she could find. Usually it was about five, her record being twelve. A few people bumped into us, but it was pretty normal to be jostled about, so we payed it no mind. My mind reeled to think of another place to sleep. Each night got harder and harder, all the good spots already taken by other homeless. There are times where I think of going to the police, just giving up and getting a warm bed. But then I remember my mom and how she'd "want" us back. I shuddered slightly and kept walking. 

After a few more blocks, my feet began hurting. A constant throb that stung every time I put a foot down. 

"Let's take a breather, yeah?" I said, letting go of Avery's hand to sit on the curb, resting my back on a street lamp. Avery sat across from me, letting Iris down. She sniffed the new ground, exploring but staying close.

"What did he mean by 'they'?" Avery asked innocently.

"I have no idea squirt." I said, trying to lighten the mood. Just then a police officer walked by. It was a woman with her hair pulled back in a tight pony tail. She stopped and turned to us, "Are you kids lost?" 

Used to lying to get out of trouble I said, "Oh no ma'am. Our mom is in Starbucks getting herself a coffee," I said, indicating the coffee shop right across from us. "She says we embarrass her so she told us to stay here."

Right on cue, Avery grinned creepily, "Want to see my toenail collection?" 

The officer smiled awkwardly, "Er, no thanks hun. Alright, stay out of trouble you two!" She walked away at a fast pace and me and Avery burst out laughing. 

"Nice one, always works." I chuckle, high-fiving her. Avery snorted, "Adults are so gullible."

As our laughter slowed down, I noticed a guy around my age watching us. He sat alone at a table in front of Starbucks, a coffee in front of him. He had curly brown hair and bright blue eyes that sparkled in the light. He had a gray hoodie on and baggy sweats and I instantly knew he was homeless. A large garbage bag was seated next to his chair, most likely his belongings. 

When he realized I caught him staring he looked away instantly, suddenly enchanted by the brick wall of another building. 

"Stay here." I told Avery, getting to my feet and approaching the guy. He seemed harmless enough. He smirked as I crossed my arms.

"Why the hell were you watching us?" I asked far to stern for a normal tone. He shrugged, "Dunno... my eyes wander a bit."

"What do you want?" I asked with a second thought.

"I couldn't help but hear you two were looking for a place to sleep." He said coolly. 

I raised a brow, "And I should trust you because...?" 

"Because your a fellow hobo and have nothing to lose." He said, the friendliness gone in an instant. "It's safe, warm and currently home to others like us. Families, kids, adults... it's nice."

I sighed, rubbing my temples, "Okay, okay. You can show me your 'home', but if I don't like it, I'm out. Deal?" 

"Deal. Follow me to your new home." He got to his feet, swiftly grabbing his bag. I motioned Avery over and she came, followed my Iris. 

"Aw, who's this little cutie?" He asked, bending a bit to see Avery.

"I'm Avery." She said simply, glancing at me.

"I'm Jace." I said, glancing at Avery as well.

"Nice to meet you both!" He said with a smile. "I'm Miles. Now come, your kingdom awaits!" 

NOTES

So we got a new character!!! Miles!! Tell me what you think about him in the comments. 

:) :)

Stay cool and outta school,

Bailey Dawson.