Empty+Handed

Since I finished writing __ Miscommunications, __ I decided to put this story up! I hope you enjoy! 12-26-11 Chapter 1 I sat, crouching down, waiting for someone to be carrying to-go orders. I licked my lips anticipating a wonderful meal melting down my throat. I stayed hidden in the shadows of the alley. When I heard the sounds of voices coming in this direction, I pounced to grab the plastic bag. "Hey!" A boy my age yelled. He didn't think it was smart to chase over a bunch of leftovers, but he stepped towards the alley with curiosity lurking in his mind. "I don't think this is a good idea Ryan!" A friend of his yelled back at him. "Don't worry! I've got this under control." He carefully stepped around the garbage while keeping himself alert in case of an attack. "Hello? Where are you? I'm not going to hurt you. I just need to ask some questions." Ryan ceased talking in a soothing way, when he found me gorging down on his food. He beckoned to his friends. "Guys, come here! There's nothing to be afraid of." Ryan averted his attention back to me. While he was staring at me, I just savored the taste of the food touching my tongue. Even though he was staring at me with concern, I ignored whatever he did, because the only thing that mattered was this food in front of me. When I was done, I noticed he was broad shouldered, tall, and had blonde hair. Even in dim lighting, his hair was shining with this glow that made the moon look dull. I saw he offered his hand, but I inched slowly backwards. "Wh-wh-what do you w-want?" I stuttered as the words came out. The aftertaste of those words were weird in my mouth for I haven't spoken to anyone in years. He smiled. "It's okay. We're not gonna bite. I'm Ryan and these," gesturing to three guys behind him, "are my friends." "R-r-Ryan?" He laughed. I liked his laugh. "Yes, that's my name. What's your name, huh?" I stared at him blankly, but I was actually thinking of my name. My name. It took awhile, but my name came slinking back to me after three minutes. "M-my n-name's S-s-Sapphire." "Alright Sapphire. I would just like to know why you're here and why you stole from me. That's all. If you answer those question, I'll leave. Promise," Ryan said slowly as if speaking to a three year old about their wrong doings. "I was hungry. Had no food. No food for days. This," I gestured all around me, "is my h-home. I live 'ere. M-myself and no one else." I glances sideways to avert his intense eyes and to find if any danger was hiding in the trash cans. "Well you could've just asked. If you need--" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">I interrupted. "Shh! Somethin's 'ere." I stalked slowly to a trash can beside him and vigorously kicked at it. "Get outta 'ere! Leave!" I continued kicking while waiting for a response. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Just when Ryan was about to question my accusation of a trash can, an orange tabby emerged from the can. Then, suddenly, a little boy, covered in dirt and grime, ran across the alley terrified of what would of happened if he didn'ts retreat. Ryan gazed with amazement. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">"Sorry. Dirty scoundrel. Always tryin' to steal my things. If I had any." I cleared my throat. "Yeah. S-sorry for my s-slang." I laughed sadly, but when I realized the awkward silence, the laugh faded into the night. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Ryan checked his watch. "Oh gosh. Mom is gonna freak if I don't call her. Guys, we gotta go now." All of his friends weren't reluctant to leave, but Ryan stayed for a few more seconds. "Bye Sapphire. I'll come back tomorrow, and we'll get you an actual meal. Sounds good?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">I nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">"Seeya then!" Ryan dashed out and yelled, "Guys wait up! I'm the one who's driving you guys! Guys!" His voice faded as his distance was farther and farther. The only sound left was the pitter-patter of water made by his footsteps.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">I knew I couldn't rely on him coming back, but when I went to sleep, it was the only thing I anticipated for. Just because he said it in a reassuring voice, I couldn't wait until tomorrow. Of course when people, who are richer than you, promise you something, they never fulfill it. Never, in my life, has someone allowed me to steal their food and let me eat it. Never. The fact that... Ryan let me take his food and offer me more tomorrow is satisfying. If you were in my position, wouldn't you feel joy or excitement?