My Daughter, Audrey [ON HOLD]

The Blade

“Are we still going to the orphanage?”  Audrey asked.

               “No, darling, you’re going with Ms. Willis ‘ere.  She’s going to take good care of you.”

               “Yes, I will, dear.  I’ve got a dog and lots of colorful fashion magazines.  There’ll be plenty to do while Peter’s helping us.”  Jennie extended a hand towards Audrey, but Audrey poked her bottom lip out and ran into Peter’s arms.

               Jennie didn’t take offense; she understood that Audrey could only be overwhelmed and perhaps even frightened.  “I’m sorry, Peter, maybe she can come with me tomorrow.”

               “I wish, but I’m supposed to ‘ave her out today.  But she’ll be much safer, I’m sure, with ya.”  Peter squatted and placed his hands on Audrey’s trembling shoulders.  “Listen, Ace, don’t be afraid, be brave.”

               “I know, I should be.  But, I don’t want to go without you!”  Audrey threw her arms around Peter’s neck and clung to him like she had done that night she had the bad dream.

               “There, there, love, don’t be scared.  I’ll be visitin’ often.” 

               Audrey didn’t respond for she had fallen asleep right there.

               “Bless her, the poor thing,” Jennie commented, stroking the girl’s blonde hair.

               “Well, where’s your cab, I can drop her off?”  Peter asked, picking the girl up.

               “I actually walked here, but it’s not too far. Perhaps a five minute walk, you mind?”

               “Oh no, not at all.  We can walk there.”

               Jennie smiled softly.  “Good.  I can put tea on, if you’d like?”

               “I would fancy a cup.”

               The three of them headed out of the train station.   Peter found it interesting that he had arrived at the station, intending to part from Audrey, but instead he found romance with the girl of his dreams as well as keeping Audrey.  He hoped he would never have to part with the little girl, for he found her mending parts in his heart that he thought would never heal.  Her sweet, innocent nature reminded him of starting fresh and forgetting the toils of his past.  Audrey even brought him closer to Jennie, who he thought he would never have a chance to be with.  Yes, Audrey was more than he could’ve wished for, but she was beginning to be everything and more. 

               The walk to Jennie’s house was very peaceful—despite the yelling people, horns honking, protestors, and shop keepers coming in and out—other than that, Peter and Jennie enjoyed walking side by side.  Jennie, if one was to ask her what it was like at that moment to walk along side Peter, she would have said she was proud to be seen with him.  She had always walked alone on the streets, and most everyone knew who she was, at least the older men did.  The women thought of her as trash, and they scowled and called her names loud enough to shame her.   But this walk was different for Ms. Willis—the women instead stared at her in curiosity, wondering what she was doing with an attractive young man and little girl.   The boy beside her didn’t look like a measly, grimy customer; he looked like a friend, or perhaps, a relative.   The women were more careful with their displeased expressions and instead flashed fake smiles in her direction.  Jennie returned them with an honest nod and gentle smile.

               The men, on the other hand, stared at the lad beside her, envying that he was in her presence.  Peter could tell they were comparing their worth against his, and he could sense that some wanted to challenge him for the girl at his side, but thankfully, holding Audrey kept them at bay.   One man shouldered him on purpose, but Peter was silent and just continued walking.  The further he walked into her part of the town, the more he felt harsh eyes glaring through him.   He was surprised Jennie was even alive—there were hoodlums everywhere.  Some he could see were holding razors and guns, but they seemed to have agreed on staying away from Jennie.   But he was a new face, and he hoped they wouldn’t pick a fight with him because he was on their “turf”.

               “Ey, lad, wot’s yer business ‘ere?”  hollered a young boy, coming out of the shadows.  His knife danced between his fingers.

               Jennie pressed herself against Peter, giving her will to fight to Peter.

               Peter felt a wave of fear rush over him, but when he saw the responsibility to keep his girls alive, he tried to think of a plan.  Peter spoke to Jennie through the corner of his mouth.  “Listen, love, I’m handing Audrey to ya, don’t worry about me.  Go, 'n' call the cops.'

               “Be safe, Peter,” Jennie whispered back as she took Peter from him.  She blended into the shadows and made it safely to her house.

               “Got anythin’ on ya?”  The boy asked, now tossing the knife back and forth between his hands.   He was burly sized boy, but Peter had shared the streets before—he knew the ways and minds of such wayward boys.  Peter took a glance around his surroundings, choosing his weapons and escapes carefully.

               “Sorry, me stuff’s at the shop.  We can pop by there when I drop ya arse off at the cops'.”          

               “Nice one, mate, now 'and over the goods.”  The boy brandished the blade in Peter’s direction and laughed menacingly.

               Peter laughed softly and backed against the brick wall close to the garbage cans.  He just waited for his moment. 

               The boy closed in on Peter, balancing the blade in his palm.   It was obvious to Peter that the boy had never cut anyone before.   Perhaps he was new to the streets and had taken on a dare by the more experienced lads?   The boy, seeing no fear in Peter’s eyes, lurched forward, aiming for Peter’s chest.   Peter, having already calculated the move, moved to the side and whacked the boy on the side of the face with the garbage can lid.   The boy stumbled to the side, giving Peter enough time to twist the blade out of the sweaty hands and into his own.     

               “Try again, lad, I’ll cut yer face up.”  Peter meant it, too.  He was not afraid to open up another human being if it was for self- defense.  “'N' if ya open yer mouth to call yer mates, I’ll stab ya once.  'N' if ya touch my girl, I’ll stab ya twice.  Don’t think I won’t be watchin’ ya.”

               “Alright, alright!  I was jest jokin’!  Lemme go!”

               Peter shoved the boy away, but kept the blade ready in case he pulled out a pistol. Thankfully, the boy just ran off like the coward he was and didn’t show his face again either.   Peter smirked and tossed the blade in the air and caught it by the handle.   He headed towards Jennie’s house, but unfortunately, more restless adolescents were still searching for blood.   Two older boys jumped out of their hiding places and threatened Peter into giving them his knife.  He did so willingly.  He trusted his abilities to stand on his own.