She's Stronger Than You Think

Black Leather

The date was June 28th. The night was cool from the evening rain, but not enough to make one shiver. The stars glistened in the blackish-blue sky, chasing away all thoughts of further bad weather. The streets were illuminated with flickering yellow streetlights, though the shadowed alleys hold their secrets. Every now and then, new secrets would reveal themselves, but when day came, all of them, old or new, disappeared with the stars.

(Y/n) stood in a dark alley and admired her work. The smell of spray paint did not bother her, for she was used to it. She stepped back and watched the rest of them paint the brick walls vibrant colours. This gave her time to reflect. For ten years, she had been living under her cousin's wing. She wasn't the leader yet, but Matt was cool. He had taught her how to shoot a gun and when. He showed her what to do when running from the cops. And he never forgot her when things got tough. But, being the only female in a gang, one would expect that.

"They're coming!" She heard a voice call. Multiple gasps and commands to run reached her ears. She didn't have to think twice. She followed the guys through alleys and behind parked cars. They were all desperate. They couldn't get caught again. They jumped over fences, climbed ladders, lept across building roofs. (Y/n)'s breath flowed steadily as she ran. She was used to it. Beads of sweat formed on her eyebrow, but she wouldn't stop. Not until they all finally reached their meeting point in the large, green park. There they all gathered in a circle.

"Okay, is everybody here?" Matt said, as he approached. He was the calmest of the gang. "Yeah, everyone's here," green-haired Sean said. "Awesome. Good job warning us Dan. You gave us just enough time," Matt congratulted the navy-blue headed man. Dan smiled. (Y/n) remembered their last lookout. He had waited too long to warn them and ended up getting caught. He wouldn't tell the cops who else was involved, so he got the chair for everything.

"So now, our territory has been marked," Matt continued, "The Hoods won't be invading that side of the city any time soon." "Unless they decide to make waves again," Sean said. He had a point. The Hoods were a rival gang. They had always been picking fights with Matt's gang, Black Leather....literally. Multiple times, their leader, Nate, had challenged him. (Y/n) was nervous that Matt would end up dead.

"I think it's time we move on for tonight," Matt said. "See you all on Saturday." The gang dispersed into the night once again. Dan went one way, Sean went the other. Matt and (y/n) headed toward their home, and the rest of the gang went their own separate ways. As they went Matt received a phone call. He waved to let his cousin know to continue walking home. "Hello?" He answered. "You're running out of time," a deep voice threatened. Matt looked around nervously, despite the fact that he was part of one of the most dangerous gangs in town.

"I thought this was a private matter," Matt argued. "He can't wait much longer," the voice said. "I know. Just, tell him I need a little more time," Matt pleaded. "I'll tell him, but I can't guarantee anything," the voice stated. Then he hung up. Matt hesitated before doing the same. He hurried to catch up with (y/n). For a brief moment, he considered telling her everything. But he shook his head. She would be shocked and horrified at what he had done.