Help! //McLennon

two

A hard hand lands on my shoulder and i lift my head to look at it's owner. He was a little taller than me and - even through my teary vision - i could see the worry scribbled all over his face. I hurriedly wipe my eyes on my dirty sleeve and nod.

"Yeah, yeah." i mutter quietly, going to walk away, but the guy grabs my wrist.

"I heard yer yellin'." he says and i turn my head, finally getting a proper look at him. He had squinty almond eyes and a long, hooked nose that went down to meet his thin, pink lips. He was the definition of a teddy boy with his big gelled up quiff, and leather jacket.

Once i don't respond, just watching him like a curious kid, he sighs and continues. "What's going' on, kid?" he asks solemnly, and i look down at my feet.

"'m 'omeless, and i don't what do. God, 'm so deep in shit!" i huff annoyedly, falling into the bench beside us. Mike groans into my shoulder as he tries to get some more sleep and i pet his hair. "What are yer watchin' us for?" i ask quietly at the guy, who was still standing beside me. He was intimidating - wouldn't lie - he looked older and was taller, automatically making me nervous around him. I cross my legs over each other and shy away from the other lad as he sits down beside me.

"Don't be scared, kid, 'm tryna help yer and yer little mate 'ere." he says, gesturing to a unconscious Mike with a small, sympathetic smile. He sighs exasperatedly, and hides his eyes in his hands, dragging it down his face to rub his slight stubble. "What am i doin'?" i hear him breathe and he looks over to me finally. "I'll buy yer dinner." he says and my eyes widen, an indescribable jolt rushing through me. My heart leaps excitedly into my throat and my hopes are suddenly through the roof.

"Yer..-Yer mean that?" i stutter and the guy nods silently, a emotionless mask covering his handsome features.

"Come with me." he breathes and grabs my hand, pulling me until i stand, Mike still asleep at my hip. He leads me through the busy streets, his slimy palm in mine so as not to loose each other through all the people. It wasn't too late, but it was dark and all the young adults were swarming the streets, smoking and drinking.

The guy leads us into a small diner on the corner of a street and sits us down at a table. We sit in complete silence as he hands me a menu and we scan through the food. I glance up over the laminated menu, watching his warm, brown eyes hazily scan the text. Strands of his hair fell down onto his forehead and there were noticeable bags under his squinty eyes. He looked worn down and exhusted beyond all belief; to the point i felt bad asking a meal from him.

"Thank yer." i murmur so quietly i question whether he heard, but he looks up and his hard eyes soften slightly. He lowers the menu and smiles wryly.

"It's fine, mate. I 'ave nothin' better to do." he sighs, glancing back at the menu then back up at me. "Can yer read this to me?" he asks, tapping the paper menu with his finger.

"Can't yer read?" i ask and he runs his hands through his hair, nodding; seemingly a tad embarrassed about it. As i read out the meal names, he rests his head on his fist and closes his eyes tiredly. I stop half-way through reading to see if he's still awake; he looked like he was dead to the world.

"'m awake yer know." he chuckles slightly, answering my thoughts and opening his eyes a slither. "Yer can keep reading."

"Scotch Eggs, Steak and Ale Pie, Rarebit, Meatballs,-"

"I'll get those." He declares and reaches in his pocket, pulling out a brown leather wallet. "What do yer want, kid?" he asks.

"The garlic bread. Please." i mutter timidly and he nods over Mike.

"What 'bout 'im?" he asks and i frown.

"We can share-"

"No way, yer look stravin'; both of yer, don't worry 'bout the costs." he says sternly, in a mother-like fashion. I nod slowly and glance over the menu again. "Urm...and a chicken schnitzel, please." I stammer, guilt playing up in my stomach. This guy looked so worn down and tired and i was sitting here eating away his money.