Catalyst

XII

december, about 11 months ago...

-

I like her boots, Camila eyes the feet of a woman approaching her, wondering just how expensive those must have been. They're a purple velvet, and they shine of nice taste and dollar signs. Camila tries not to look back at her own feet, which are strapped up in a pair of sneakers coming loose from the sole.

She shivers as a gust of the cold winter air pokes through the holes in her coat, tucking her body in on itself as she walks down the narrow sidewalk. She lowers her head an extra inch, avoiding eye contact with anybody who happened to pass by. She was used to getting weird looks occasionally, but that doesn't mean she enjoys it or seeks it out.

It was busy for this time of day; usually most people in the city would be at work. Camila supposes it must be lunch time. Her stomach rumbles with the reminder.

Eventually, she comes to a stop just outside of the alleyway between two buildings. She waits for the majority of the people to pass by before looking left and right and ducking inside. Not that she's ashamed to call this her home, but... drawing attention to this place could have severe consequences for the people inside.

An opening just beyond a gated entrance halfway between the buildings produces a camp, homeless folk ranging from ten years of age to mid-fifties scattered about in various setups. Camila found this group about a year ago, around the same time she met Shawn. Not that it is particularly legal for this place to exist, but Camila is glad it does. They might not know each other too well, but they help one another when they can.

"Hey, Mila!" Camila turns her head. Speaking of Shawn...

She smiles as she spots his waving hand by their tent, removing her hands from her pockets as she approaches. They hug in greeting, and when he backs up Camila nearly tackles him in gratitude. In his right hand he holds an energy bar and a bottle of water. And in his other, what appears to be a slightly less used jacket than the one currently on her person. She accepts both, smiling widely at him as she tears her old coat off.

"You found one?" Camila asks in disbelief, "How did you get this?"

"I have my sources," He shrugs. The extra protection from the cold kicks in, and she shudders out the last of her chills. Shawn has a knack for pulling things they need out of his ass. He disappears for hours at a time, and when he comes back he always has things necessary for their survival. He never tells her about what he does to get them these things, but she's not complaining. He could be an underground drug dealer for all she cares; as long as it kept them alive. He's not that type of guy, though; he believes in an honest lifestyle.

"You're the best," She can't remove the smile from her face as she opens the water and takes several big gulps. Her throat had been dry since yesterday morning.

His smile slowly fades as he watches her drink and eat, and she finds her brows pinching together. A deep, sad frown had fallen over his face. She'd never seen such a mood change. She takes a step closer to him as he speaks, "You won't believe that for much longer."

"What do you mean?" She asks quickly, wanting to reassure him.

"I have something to tell you," He tucks his hands in his pockets, nodding to a bench just off to their right, "You might want to sit down for this."

Without another word, she follows him to the bench and plops down. She finishes chewing the last bite of her bar and takes a sip of water before giving him her full attention. She worries at her lip, concerned for whatever bomb he's about to drop on her.

"My brother contacted me," He starts, "Apparently, he's been looking for me for awhile..."

Camila remembers him telling her about his brother. About his entire family, actually. About how when he came out to them, they kicked him out. About how he skipped town to avoid the pain, leaving his brother behind. About how much he misses him.