The Golden Apple

Twelve - Jake

The days came and went out on the streets. Sunrise, stealing, hiding, eating, sunset, repeat. I leaned against one of the clothing booths in my dusty cloak. I went from a sheltered, well fed citizen back to a greedy, dirt covered thief. My throat felt dry. I haven't actually spoken with anybody ever since I left the castle.

I chewed my lip nervously. Magnolia is probably pacing back and forth on the carpet floor of her bedroom, waiting for me to return. I haven't been gone for that long. I've been sleeping on a pile of stolen clothing near an abandoned booth for five nights now. Five nights isn't bad.

I felt my eyes stinging. Who am I kidding? I thought miserably. Five nights is too long.

I stood up from my spot and brushed the dust from my pants. I wandered about the crowds. The usual blended chatter of obscure citizens seemed much louder than it usually is. My ears started ringing again. A group of squealing children ran past me like the wind. I had to cover my ears to block out the commotion.

I pulled my hood over my eyes to shut out the light. There was a fresh fruit booth up ahead of me. My stomach growled. The lady behind the booth lifted a woven basket full of golden apples and green pears.

I watched her intently. She brushed a loose strand of hair from her eyes and then wiped her hands with a damp rag. Another man approached her soon after. I could tell she knew him personally. He had his hand on her shoulder as he talked, conveniently drawing her attention away from the fruit completely.

I grinned. Now was my chance to get some loot.

I started by taking short, quiet steps towards the booth. I noticed a taller man walking right past me in the same direction, so I slid over and mimicked his footsteps from behind his back. Luckily the man had a large shoulders, so I could slink behind his wider frame. Although I had to make sure I wasn't standing too close to him. I didn't want to end up having to socialize in any way.

My heart skipped a beat when someone bumped my shoulder by accident. I winced. I probably should have thought this through more. There were so many people passing me at once, and they were slowly pushing me closer and closer to the man from behind. I shrunk down a little. I hope he doesn't sense my presence. Calm down, I thought, blocking out my fear. You're doing great.

My legs wobbled. I snuck closer to the woven basket of shiny fruit, preparing to snatch the first one within reach. Suddenly, I felt something snag onto my cloak. I turned around cautiously. A small hand had grabbed it from behind, and it seemed like it belonged to a toddler. I groaned. It was Tegan.

My eyes darted in every direction. I certainly did not have time for obnoxious children right now. Please don't speak out loud, I prayed in my mind. Don't be a talkative child for once in your life.

"Hello, Jake!"

I clapped a hand over her mouth as quickly as I could. Tegan started to squirm under my grip, but I made sure she didn't make a sound. She crinkled her eyebrows at me, her eyes wide with panic. I patted her on the head to let her know everything was completely normal. Unfortunately, that didn't stop her from flailing about.

"Tegan!" I whispered. "Excuse my language, but what the actual hell are you doing in the streets all by yourself!? You're only five years old!"

Tegan pulled my hand away from her mouth and held up six of her little fingers. "Six years old," she corrected me. "I am six years old."

"Still! You're only six years old!" I replied hastily. "Look, I'm really busy at the moment because I need to -"

"What are you doing all alone on the streets?" Tegan interrupted. "And why are you whispering? There's people everywhere! I can't hear you!"