Gypsy

Chapter 2

· Zara ·

I slip through the shadows of Southside, dodging the places I know to be the most dangerous--those where people sometimes shoot each other just for the hell of it while the rest are either strung out or looking for their next fix. Those with guns aren't the ones you need to look out for--I've seen enough to know that for a fact.

Climbing over rubble and slipping through holes in old dilapidated walls, I know my way well enough to not worry too much about the lack of light. Most of the paths I take are both hidden by the shadows and hard for someone bigger to tread...and that's exactly why I take them. The monsters that sometimes roam these streets where I live might be dangerous, but I've become an expert at avoiding them nearly altogether.

Tips were weren't bad tonight, which is a good thing--I needed something to balance out the crappy day I've had. It isn't nearly as much I need, but at least I can bring back something to eat for me and my friends and still have enough left over to put with what I've saved so far.

I slip down another familiar alleyway then ease behind a dumpster to find the hole in the wall. I push my guitar through first then wriggle in behind it, thankful once again for my size. This will be my second to last stop. My stomach growls loudly and I grit my teeth and ignore it. I'll shut it up soon enough, but right now this is far more important.

Ordinarily I don't steal, but these are desperate times. The thing with the coat that put me before the judge this morning was much the same--someone needed, so I supplied. Or at least I had tried to, anyway. I've never been caught before. That was a first. I get caught again, I'll be spending time in jail instead of doing community service.

I scowl at that thought. Community service. When has the community ever served any of us?

I shake my head as I leave my guitar behind and feel my way along the brick wall in front of me. I try to put those thoughts out of my mind. They won't help me with my current mission. In fact, they could even be the very distraction that will get me caught again. Sadie needs this, and I'm not about to let her down just because I'm having a battle with my own conscience, or because I wasn't being careful when I should have been.

I know I must be getting close so I feel above me until my hand touches the familiar pipes that are just barely within my reach.

There's not much room for error where I stand sandwiched between the two walls, but I've done this enough by now to know exactly what I'm doing. I've known about this place for quite a while, was shown it not too long after I became a permanent resident on the streets of Southside. I miss the little boy who showed it to me all those years ago, but I'm still happy that he and his folks had found a life outside of this place. Not many people do.

I spring up with both hands stretched out above me and with well practiced ease, I grab the first pipe. Hand over hand, like some kid on a jungle gym, I pull myself up the wall. I climb until I reach the top then I roll over onto the roof. I don't bother to hide myself as there are no lights up here and tonight there is no moon either to give me away. But I do hurry. I've learned you don't tempt fate--she can be a real bitch sometimes when she wants to be.

I trot across the roof to the ventilation duct at its center then drop to my knees beside it. Out of habit, I glance over my shoulder, even though I know there won't be anybody there. Turning back, I slip my fingers into the grate then lift it up and set it aside. Without a sound, I drop down into the hole and disappear from view.