Page 1 of Grace of Spades
1
Grace
I'm going to have to find a new place to stay soon. Last night was too cold against the concrete. Maybe I'll find something with a nice wood floor. I swear, no matter how many layers of sweaters and blankets I use the cold still spreads through them from the floor into my bones.
I stretch out my stiff, sore body and hurry to my rucksack to grab a change of clothes. There's not much clean left. Looks like I'm going to the laundromat soon. Once dressed in ripped jeans, a black t-shirt, and my favourite giant black hoodie that I found in a lost and found, I am ready to fight another day. I pack up my stuff, blankets, flashlight, and my knives, and heave my rucksack over my shoulder and sneak out of the abandoned building I've been staying at for the last few weeks. I comb my long dark hair out with my fingers and step out into the morning.
The sky is still that clear empty blue-grey of early morning just before sunrise. Another day to survive.
I make my way downtown using back streets and alleyways. My stomach cramps telling me that I'll have to hit up the shelter for some food. I cut down an alley that will take me where I need to go and I make sure one of my knives in my pocket is ready for whatever may come. I feel eyes on me already so I focus my awareness around me. The last thing I need is to get jumped first thing in the morning. It's happened before and I gotta say, not a fan.
I keep walking down the alley. Nothing happens but I knowbetter than to let my guard down. I'm almost to the street on the other side. Almost safer. Never safe butsafer.
A large dark figure steps into the alley in front of me and I grip my knife harder as I go to walk past him. As I get closer, I relax. It's just Ray.
"Hey, man." I greet him with a grin.
"Hey, Little Mama. Where you headed?" He asks. Ray is a good guy. I mean, not agoodguy but he's a good guy to have at your back when shit goes down. It doesn't hurt that he's nice to look at too. He's also my best friend. And shit? Shit always goes down.
He's in his late twenties, tall and lean with mocha skin and buzzed dark hair. He has a jaw that could cut glass and a killer smile. I mean, he's totally not on my radar but you would have to be blind not to realize he's attractive. But ew, no.
"I'm going to the shelter to grab some breakfast. You?"
"Early morning drop off." He shrugs holding up a small black duffle bag. I nod.
"You need back up?" I ask.
"Sure. I'll never pass up hanging with you." He grins. "You armed?"
"Do I look stupid?" I ask making him chuckle as we start walking down a side alley. I'm always armed.
"Good girl. I'm hitting the gym after this, wanna come?" He asks.
"Depends on what time we get done. I still have school." I remind him.
"I don't know why you still go." He shakes his head. We've had this discussion so many times that it starting to get annoying so I just shrug in response.
I need to have something going for me. My abusive druggy parents sure as hell aren't going to help me. I have to do shit myself. Finishing high school is the first step. I only have a few months until I graduate and then I can get down to business.
"How's Shay?" I ask changing the subject.
"She bailed."
"Aw man, I'm sorry." He just rolls his eyes and gives me a look. He knows I don't like Shay. I never did. She's a duplicitous bitch. But I keep my thoughts to myself because I don't need the bitch coming after me with all the other bullshit I have to deal with.
We continue chatting and ribbing each other until we reach a rusty blue shipping container. I stand guard for Ray making sure he has his back covered. What are besties for?
I hear him knock twice. The door groans open revealing a big scary dude with a trim beard and shiny black shoes that don't match the rest of him. He's wearing dirty paint-splattered jeans and a white shirt riddled with holes and stains. What did Ray get himself into?
Big Dude connects eyes with me and huffs a smug laugh apparently amused by the tiny girl protecting the runner's back. Bitch, try me and see what happens. I may be short but I can still take a motherfucker out.
I ignore his reaction but keep him in my eyesight. I don't trust him. Judgmental, yes but I'm still alive. I've learned to trust my gut. I'm rarely wrong.
They talk for a bit before money and product exchange hands. Next thing I know Ray is beside me hurrying me off.
"Dude made me an offer for you," Ray mutters disgust clear in his voice.
"Ew. I knew I didn't like him." I mutter as we walk. I don't let go of my knife until we get inside the gym.
