Kids In the Dark

A New Member!

Angelina's P.O.V.

I smile at the birds singing on my windowsill. It's a calm morning, so I'm thankful the fire escape isn't near my window. I'd probably have to punch James if he tried to pop in unexpectedly.

And wouldn't that be a shame? I think as I cradle one of my knives, sharpening it to its finest point.

After making sure my trench-coat is fully stocked, I make my way over to the walk-in closet.

"Hm...what to wear today?" I ask, tapping my chin.

I decide on a cute pair of a pink sweater over a cat shirt and some black jeans ripped at the knees. I grab my phone and hop down the stairs. When I get there, everyone else is downstairs crowding around Shannon. I hop the last couple steps, and call out to them.

"Hai guys! What's going on?"

Shannon looks over at me and smiles.

"Ah! Finally awake? Bout time. I've been giving out assignments, and since Tatum didn't wanna wake you, she dropped off your files in front of your door. Did ya get them?"

"I think so. Probably not. Whatever." I say nonchalantly, waving it off.

Shannon chuckles, then says "Well, I'd also like you to meet the new member!"

A small girl, about a head shorter than her, steps out from the midst of the crew. I squeal and run over to her.

"Omg! You're so CUTE! You look like a tiny little Barbie doll straight from the package!" I squeal even louder, hugging her super tight.

Shannon laughs, then pulls the Barbie to her side.

"This is Rose! Her codename is Red. She deals with knives and short range swords. And, heh heh, she's my girlfriend!"

I notice that as Shannon says girlfriend, James flinches a little and Chloe gets this ridiculous look on her face. I've stopped listening to the group as they all introduce themselves to Rose. James is sulking in the corner, away from the rest, with a sad look on his face. I walk over to him and tap him on his shoulder.

"Hey, are you ok? You look kinda sad. What's up?" I ask sincerely.

James just glares at me, but I don't take it seriously. I know that's just his way of getting out of things. I pull up a barstool, then boop him on the nose.

"C'mon, talk to me! Ya know I would've been a therapist if I hadn't been in prison."

James looks up at me with one eyebrow raised, but doesn't question me. I smile really big, then get up.

"C'mon. You're meeting her whether you like it or not." I say as I grab his arm and pull him off the stool.

He stumbles up, then wrenches his arm out of my grasp.

"Stop it Angelina! I don't want to meet her. I could care less about her. Just go away." He storms off to the front store.

I stand there shellshocked. Shannon walks up behind me and puts an arm on my shoulder.

"What's his problem?" She asks tentatively.

I shrug, and walk off, calculating whether he liked Rose or Shannon. Laughing evily, I make a conclusion. And set myself on getting them together.