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"Angel, you sure you wanna go out tenite? I mean, tink 'bout happened last night." Racetrack said, holding his daughter's hand tightly in his own. She smiled and squeezed it tightly. "Yeah I'm sure. I jest wanna go out. An' I promise I won't go by no abandoned buildin's." Angel laughed. Racetrack gave her a nervous smile and looked to Bright Eyes. She shrugged and smiled at her daughter. "You jest be careful Angel. Don't do nothin' stupid." Bright Eyes warned as Angel stood from the table and walked towards the door. "You know me. I'll be back lata." Angel said with a smile, closing the door quietly behind her. Bright Eyes crooked a finger at Racetrack. Racetrack's eyes widened as he pointed to himself. The children began to titter as their mother nodded to their father. Racetrack groaned and stood up, walking up to Bright Eyes and accepting the towel for drying the dishes. The children broke into laughter as he threw it over his shoulder with a scowl. "Hey you guys wanna help or what?" He yelled. The children grinned and immediately made themselves scarce as Bright Eyes laughed.
Grabs looked up from the kite he was making in his room for Taps as the door across from the boys' room slammed shut and a shine of golden hair met his eyes. He set the kite down on the bed, much to Taps' disappointment. "Aincha gonna finish it Grabs?" Taps asked. "Yeah I am. I'll be right back. Don't tech it. Uddawise it might break. Da glue ain't set in yet." Grabs warned as he stepped across the hall to the girls' room. Taps looked at him with a sigh and eyed the kite. "What did he mean, da glue ain't set in yet?" Ice whispered. Taps shrugged. "I dunno. I ain't da one buildin' da kite." He said. "Well I wanna see what happens when I DOES tech it." Ice said, lifting a tender finger to touch the kite. Taps grabbed her hand and wrestled her away. "No Ice! If you tech it you ain't gonna use it wit' me!" He protested. Immediately Ice drew her hand away. "It ain't fair. Dats bribery. Mama said." She pouted. "Oh well. I jest gotta do what I gotta do." Taps said firmly.
Grabs knocked on the door quietly, and when he didn't get an answer he walked in. Sunshine was laying face-down on the bed, still and quiet. "Hey whassa matta Sunny?" Grabs asked gently, sitting down on the double bed Sunshine shared with Angel. Sunshine sat up at the sound of his voice, revealing her red face and stained cheeks. "I dunno. I jest, I hate it when people's mean ta me!" She burst out. "Whaddya mean? Whose been bein' mean to ya?" Grabs asked tenderly. "Sketch." She whispered. Immediately, Grabs' eyes narrowed and his fists clenched. Sunshine saw this with wide eyes and immediately she grabbed one of his fists. "He didn't mean it Grabs! He was upset an' I came at a bad time! It wasn't his fault. Please don't hoit 'im Grabs!" She pleaded. Grabs sighed and patted his sister on the back. "I'll do my best. But if he does it again Sunny, you tell me an' I'll beat da livin' crap outta him." Grabs threatened as he walked to the door. "Danks Grabs. But I don't tink I'll be needin' it." Sunshine said quietly. Grabs sighed and smiled back at her as he closed the door. Sunshine's face crumpled once more and she sank back down on the pillow, her shoulders beginning to shake once more.
Angel crept towards the lower end of Manhattan once more, her eyes open and alert. This time she was sure she would find the culprits. She had identified one. If she could find him, she could find the rest of his crew. Then she could stop this. She searched the site, but found nothing. She was just about to give up when a low whistle attracted her attention. She hid behind an alley, peeking out from behind it. A few boys, then a few more, emerged from the shadows, following one other boy. She assumed he was the one who had whistled as he was leading them into the darkness. She smiled grimly and crept towards them, following their every step. They walked for what seemed like hours. Angel had no idea where she was or what she was doing, but she continued to follow them.
Then suddenly, the boys stopped outside a building. Angel sat back against a wall in astonishment. She knew this place. It was in the middle of the Bronx. She had hid outside it with her younger brothers and sisters when her parents and the Conlons had fought to save Grabs from Oscar Delancy. There had been a shoot-out inside, she had been told later, and Grabs had shot Oscar, leaving a scar in his back. Then she took her attention back to the boys. She now counted six of them, all sizes, tall and short. The leader, a tall gangly youth, put his hand in the air and called for someone. One of the other boys handed him an object and the leader took it. Then the leader lit a match and light struck into the darkness. Angel winced as the light stung her eyes. Then she noticed another boy running around the building, pouring something all around it. Her foot struck something as she moved closer. It was a jug exactly like the one the boy was carrying. She opened the lid and winced at the smell of alcohol. She quickly corked it again and her eyes fell upon the leader.
He waited till the boy with the jug came back and then he took the lantern he was carrying over to the building. He stood still for a moment in the silence and darkness. His black hair was striking in the bright light of the lantern, the shadows it cast, bouncing off of his face. Angel couldn't see his face clearly, but she could tell it was intense and focused. Then he suddenly raised the lantern over his head and threw it on the ground. Instantly the flames leapt up and began to consume the building and the alcohol eagerly. The leader jumped back as the flames grew higher. He watched them a moment, then walked back to the group of boys.
Angel watched them, her blue eyes intensely watching them. So intense was she that she didn't hear her stalker until too late, when his burly arms were around her, one large hand over her mouth. She struggled and tried to scream, but his hand was firm and his grip strong. The group of boys whirled around at the sound of the scuffle. Angel tried desperately to break free but to no avail and as the boy began to drag her over to the group, she ceased to struggle. When they reached the boys, her captor held her straight and let her go. She shoved herself away from him fiercely, eyeing him as she did so. His blonde hair was of medium length, his brown eyes large and bright. In them was a sense of loyalty to his gang. She could tell. The same loyalty burned in her eyes when it came to protecting her family.
She looked away from him and instead focused her gaze on the leader. He stared back at her intensely. Then suddenly as the moon came out from behind the clouds and reflected in the deep blue oceans of his eyes, she gasped. Angel stared at him, recognition echoing in her eyes. The boy cocked an eyebrow and to her surprise, smiled gently. Then he looked up to Angel's captor. "Good woik Quincy. I knew we was bein' follaed. Looks like mebey you wanted sometin' from me afta all. I might notta been ice-cream or even a kiss, but dats okay." He said, winking at her as the boys tittered. "Whaddya doin' dis fer? Dis is crazy!" Angel burst out.
The boy's mood changed from relaxation to seriousness. "Fer revenge. Dats da only reason I kin do dis an' pull dis off." Angel scoffed. "Revenge don't cause nothin' but headaches. Its so stupid! Yer jest gonna end up in da Refuge fer it anyway!" The boy laughed and shook his head. "Naw. I'm too smart fer da bulls. Too smart. Besides, dis is only da beginnin'. I ain't even gotten to da middle of me plans." He said with a smile. "So what is ya plans?" Angel asked quietly. He eyed her for a moment, then looked away. "Why should I tell ya?" He asked. "Because mebey ya need ta." She murmured, looking away from him. He walked up to her and held up her chin so that she looked at him. "I don't need ta tell nobody nothin'. Not even you angel goil." He said quietly. He finally dropped her chin and walked away. "Look, we'll let ya off da hook dis time, but next time, keep away from us." He said firmly, motioning to his boys.
"Wait!" Angel called out. The boy stopped and turned around to face her. "Me name IS Angel." The boy cocked his head and grinned. "Really? Well it suits ya." He said, his eyes dancing. "Whats yers?" Angel asked tentatively. The boy laughed out loud. "Sorry angel-goil. I cain't even tell ya dat!" He laughed as he turned around and walked away, melding into the darkness. Angel watched him go, then hesitated. Then she began to follow him, slowly in the darkness. She hadn't gone far when she heard a footstep behind her. She stopped and whirled around, striking out in the darkness. A hand grasped her fist and twisted her to the ground. Angel began to fight the force pushing her down but stopped when it spoke. "Geez, would ya cool it Angel! Geez a guy could git killed by you!" Sketch's familiar voice rang out. Angel leapt to her feet. "Conlon! Whaddya doin' here?" She moaned.
"Whaddya tink? Tryin' ta find you. Yer parents is worried sick." Sketch explained. Angel sighed. "Well what are you doin' out here Conlon? Ain't it past YER bedtime too?" She asked sarcastically. Sketch rolled his eyes. "I don't GOT a bedtime. 'Sides, I was in Manhattan an' yer folks asked me ta go. I caught sight of ya afta a while, but I lost ya." Sketch explained. "Well ya found me. Now leave me alone." Angel said, starting to take up the trail once more before Sketch grabbed her arm. "I don't tink so. Yer parents wanted me ta BRING ya's home." He said firmly. Angel groaned and complied to his grasp, letting him walk her back towards the Manhattan district.
The two were silent for a time, occasionally Angel would look at Sketch, but she would see nothing but his firm look straight ahead. She finally sighed and burst out, "So what did ya do ta Sunny?" That got a reaction out of Sketch. He started, then looked at her sadly. "I dunno. What is she doin'?" He asked quietly. "Well, she was all depressed all durin' suppa an' she jest didn't tawk 'bout nothin'. I figured dat it was sometin' ta do wit' you." Angel explained. Sketch sighed and hung his head. "Yeah well, it is my fault sorta. I mean, I was mad at meself an' I took it out on her. Tell her I'm sorry, an', an' give her dis woncha?" Sketch mumbled, shoving a package in Angel's hand.
Angel accepted it and nodded. "You wanna tell me whats wrong witcha?" She asked gently. Sketch looked at Angel apprehensively. The two of them had always gotten along, but most of the time they fought. Both of them were tough, and neither wanted the other getting the better of them. This time Sketch could tell she was sincere. "I cain't Angel. Danks dough. Mebey some udda time. I jest need time ta sort tings out." Sketch said, patting Angel's hand. Angel nodded and gently released her arm. "Well Conlon, it's been nice, but I've gotta run. Danks fer takin' da time ta git me home." Angel said, stepping across the Manhattan border. Sketch smiled and waved at her. "Yeah yer welcome Higgins. Do me a fava. Don't go wandrin' out so far at night. Ya neva know what could be goin' on wit' all dese fires." Angel grinned.
"You worried 'bout me Conlon?" She teased. Sketch grinned. "Well I've got me duties ta all da ladies I likes." Angel laughed and rolled her eyes. "C'mon! Da only goil ya really like is Sunny!" She lauhged. Sketch's face went pale, but only for a moment. Then his face became sober as he leaned closer and whispered, "Don't tell nobody okay? It's a secret." He whispered. Angel grinned. "Alrighty den. But I suppose I kin tell Sunny cain't I?" She asked. "Actually I'd radda tell her meself, if ya don't mind Angel." Sketch whispered. Angel smiled and patted his back. "No problem Conlon. I'll let ya do all da love tawk. Yer betta at it anyway." She said. Sketch grinned and took a few steps backwards. "Yeah, I got da floitin' ways from me Papa, Mama says. An' I do believe it's gospel trut'." Sketch laughed. Angel grinned and burst into a hearty laugh. "Git outta here Conlon, 'fore ya wake up da whole neighbahood!" She said. Sketch smiled and ran off into the darkness, leaving Angel to make her way home alone.
When Angel reached her home, she stepped in quietly, whispered goodnight to her parents and slipped into her room. All of her sisters were asleep, Ice curled up in Fairy's arms in their double bed, and Sunshine all alone in the bed she shared with Angel. Angel crept into bed and touched Sunshine gently on the shoulder. Sunshine didn't stir in a few minutes she whispered, "Ya stink like smoke Angel." Angel grinned as her sister rolled over on her side and stared at her with smiling brown eyes. "Yeah, I was jest wandrin'." She said. "You've been doin' alotta wandrin' lately." Sunshine pointed out. "Yeah I have, but it's necessary I guess. You okay?" Sunshine nodded. "Yeah. I had a tawk wit' Grabs. It's all okay. Still hoits dough." Sunshine whispered.
"Well hoit no more. I gots sometin' fer ya from Sketch." Angel whispered. Sunshine shot up in bed, surprising Angel. "Good grief goil! Ya tink you could jump up quicka? I didn't hit da ceilin' dat time!" Angel burst out, then lowering her voice, remembering the sleeping occupants of the house. "Oh, what did he say?" Sunshine whispered fervently. "He said ta tell ya dat he's sorry an' dat he was jest mad at hisself an' he took it out on you. An' he said ta give ya dis. I don't know what it is." Angel said, shoving the package in her sister's hand. Sunshine hesitated a minute, then whispered. "Lets go out on da fire escape. Dat way I kin see betta in da moonlight an' we won't hafta worry 'bout wakin' nobody up." She whispered, easing open the window.
Angel nodded and crept through after her sister, plopping down on the fire escape as soon as they reached it. Sunshine eagerly tore through the newspaper wrapping and gasped as she held the thing in her hands like the precious treasure it was. It was a small slingshot, just the right size to fit in Sunshine's delicate hands. Painstakingly inscripted on the back, in an attempt at flourished letters, was the name Sunny. Sunshine picked up another item in the paper remnants. It was a golden marble, beautiful and sparkling like a jewel in the moonlight. Angel whistled as she looked at it. "Man, dat boy KIN be romantic when he wants ta." Sunshine didn't speak, but merely looked at the presents in awe and delight. "He's so nice ta me. So sweet." She whispered. Angel smiled and put her arm on her sister's back as they both looked at the presents from the son of Brooklyn.
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"Angel, you sure you wanna go out tenite? I mean, tink 'bout happened last night." Racetrack said, holding his daughter's hand tightly in his own. She smiled and squeezed it tightly. "Yeah I'm sure. I jest wanna go out. An' I promise I won't go by no abandoned buildin's." Angel laughed. Racetrack gave her a nervous smile and looked to Bright Eyes. She shrugged and smiled at her daughter. "You jest be careful Angel. Don't do nothin' stupid." Bright Eyes warned as Angel stood from the table and walked towards the door. "You know me. I'll be back lata." Angel said with a smile, closing the door quietly behind her. Bright Eyes crooked a finger at Racetrack. Racetrack's eyes widened as he pointed to himself. The children began to titter as their mother nodded to their father. Racetrack groaned and stood up, walking up to Bright Eyes and accepting the towel for drying the dishes. The children broke into laughter as he threw it over his shoulder with a scowl. "Hey you guys wanna help or what?" He yelled. The children grinned and immediately made themselves scarce as Bright Eyes laughed.
Grabs looked up from the kite he was making in his room for Taps as the door across from the boys' room slammed shut and a shine of golden hair met his eyes. He set the kite down on the bed, much to Taps' disappointment. "Aincha gonna finish it Grabs?" Taps asked. "Yeah I am. I'll be right back. Don't tech it. Uddawise it might break. Da glue ain't set in yet." Grabs warned as he stepped across the hall to the girls' room. Taps looked at him with a sigh and eyed the kite. "What did he mean, da glue ain't set in yet?" Ice whispered. Taps shrugged. "I dunno. I ain't da one buildin' da kite." He said. "Well I wanna see what happens when I DOES tech it." Ice said, lifting a tender finger to touch the kite. Taps grabbed her hand and wrestled her away. "No Ice! If you tech it you ain't gonna use it wit' me!" He protested. Immediately Ice drew her hand away. "It ain't fair. Dats bribery. Mama said." She pouted. "Oh well. I jest gotta do what I gotta do." Taps said firmly.
Grabs knocked on the door quietly, and when he didn't get an answer he walked in. Sunshine was laying face-down on the bed, still and quiet. "Hey whassa matta Sunny?" Grabs asked gently, sitting down on the double bed Sunshine shared with Angel. Sunshine sat up at the sound of his voice, revealing her red face and stained cheeks. "I dunno. I jest, I hate it when people's mean ta me!" She burst out. "Whaddya mean? Whose been bein' mean to ya?" Grabs asked tenderly. "Sketch." She whispered. Immediately, Grabs' eyes narrowed and his fists clenched. Sunshine saw this with wide eyes and immediately she grabbed one of his fists. "He didn't mean it Grabs! He was upset an' I came at a bad time! It wasn't his fault. Please don't hoit 'im Grabs!" She pleaded. Grabs sighed and patted his sister on the back. "I'll do my best. But if he does it again Sunny, you tell me an' I'll beat da livin' crap outta him." Grabs threatened as he walked to the door. "Danks Grabs. But I don't tink I'll be needin' it." Sunshine said quietly. Grabs sighed and smiled back at her as he closed the door. Sunshine's face crumpled once more and she sank back down on the pillow, her shoulders beginning to shake once more.
Angel crept towards the lower end of Manhattan once more, her eyes open and alert. This time she was sure she would find the culprits. She had identified one. If she could find him, she could find the rest of his crew. Then she could stop this. She searched the site, but found nothing. She was just about to give up when a low whistle attracted her attention. She hid behind an alley, peeking out from behind it. A few boys, then a few more, emerged from the shadows, following one other boy. She assumed he was the one who had whistled as he was leading them into the darkness. She smiled grimly and crept towards them, following their every step. They walked for what seemed like hours. Angel had no idea where she was or what she was doing, but she continued to follow them.
Then suddenly, the boys stopped outside a building. Angel sat back against a wall in astonishment. She knew this place. It was in the middle of the Bronx. She had hid outside it with her younger brothers and sisters when her parents and the Conlons had fought to save Grabs from Oscar Delancy. There had been a shoot-out inside, she had been told later, and Grabs had shot Oscar, leaving a scar in his back. Then she took her attention back to the boys. She now counted six of them, all sizes, tall and short. The leader, a tall gangly youth, put his hand in the air and called for someone. One of the other boys handed him an object and the leader took it. Then the leader lit a match and light struck into the darkness. Angel winced as the light stung her eyes. Then she noticed another boy running around the building, pouring something all around it. Her foot struck something as she moved closer. It was a jug exactly like the one the boy was carrying. She opened the lid and winced at the smell of alcohol. She quickly corked it again and her eyes fell upon the leader.
He waited till the boy with the jug came back and then he took the lantern he was carrying over to the building. He stood still for a moment in the silence and darkness. His black hair was striking in the bright light of the lantern, the shadows it cast, bouncing off of his face. Angel couldn't see his face clearly, but she could tell it was intense and focused. Then he suddenly raised the lantern over his head and threw it on the ground. Instantly the flames leapt up and began to consume the building and the alcohol eagerly. The leader jumped back as the flames grew higher. He watched them a moment, then walked back to the group of boys.
Angel watched them, her blue eyes intensely watching them. So intense was she that she didn't hear her stalker until too late, when his burly arms were around her, one large hand over her mouth. She struggled and tried to scream, but his hand was firm and his grip strong. The group of boys whirled around at the sound of the scuffle. Angel tried desperately to break free but to no avail and as the boy began to drag her over to the group, she ceased to struggle. When they reached the boys, her captor held her straight and let her go. She shoved herself away from him fiercely, eyeing him as she did so. His blonde hair was of medium length, his brown eyes large and bright. In them was a sense of loyalty to his gang. She could tell. The same loyalty burned in her eyes when it came to protecting her family.
She looked away from him and instead focused her gaze on the leader. He stared back at her intensely. Then suddenly as the moon came out from behind the clouds and reflected in the deep blue oceans of his eyes, she gasped. Angel stared at him, recognition echoing in her eyes. The boy cocked an eyebrow and to her surprise, smiled gently. Then he looked up to Angel's captor. "Good woik Quincy. I knew we was bein' follaed. Looks like mebey you wanted sometin' from me afta all. I might notta been ice-cream or even a kiss, but dats okay." He said, winking at her as the boys tittered. "Whaddya doin' dis fer? Dis is crazy!" Angel burst out.
The boy's mood changed from relaxation to seriousness. "Fer revenge. Dats da only reason I kin do dis an' pull dis off." Angel scoffed. "Revenge don't cause nothin' but headaches. Its so stupid! Yer jest gonna end up in da Refuge fer it anyway!" The boy laughed and shook his head. "Naw. I'm too smart fer da bulls. Too smart. Besides, dis is only da beginnin'. I ain't even gotten to da middle of me plans." He said with a smile. "So what is ya plans?" Angel asked quietly. He eyed her for a moment, then looked away. "Why should I tell ya?" He asked. "Because mebey ya need ta." She murmured, looking away from him. He walked up to her and held up her chin so that she looked at him. "I don't need ta tell nobody nothin'. Not even you angel goil." He said quietly. He finally dropped her chin and walked away. "Look, we'll let ya off da hook dis time, but next time, keep away from us." He said firmly, motioning to his boys.
"Wait!" Angel called out. The boy stopped and turned around to face her. "Me name IS Angel." The boy cocked his head and grinned. "Really? Well it suits ya." He said, his eyes dancing. "Whats yers?" Angel asked tentatively. The boy laughed out loud. "Sorry angel-goil. I cain't even tell ya dat!" He laughed as he turned around and walked away, melding into the darkness. Angel watched him go, then hesitated. Then she began to follow him, slowly in the darkness. She hadn't gone far when she heard a footstep behind her. She stopped and whirled around, striking out in the darkness. A hand grasped her fist and twisted her to the ground. Angel began to fight the force pushing her down but stopped when it spoke. "Geez, would ya cool it Angel! Geez a guy could git killed by you!" Sketch's familiar voice rang out. Angel leapt to her feet. "Conlon! Whaddya doin' here?" She moaned.
"Whaddya tink? Tryin' ta find you. Yer parents is worried sick." Sketch explained. Angel sighed. "Well what are you doin' out here Conlon? Ain't it past YER bedtime too?" She asked sarcastically. Sketch rolled his eyes. "I don't GOT a bedtime. 'Sides, I was in Manhattan an' yer folks asked me ta go. I caught sight of ya afta a while, but I lost ya." Sketch explained. "Well ya found me. Now leave me alone." Angel said, starting to take up the trail once more before Sketch grabbed her arm. "I don't tink so. Yer parents wanted me ta BRING ya's home." He said firmly. Angel groaned and complied to his grasp, letting him walk her back towards the Manhattan district.
The two were silent for a time, occasionally Angel would look at Sketch, but she would see nothing but his firm look straight ahead. She finally sighed and burst out, "So what did ya do ta Sunny?" That got a reaction out of Sketch. He started, then looked at her sadly. "I dunno. What is she doin'?" He asked quietly. "Well, she was all depressed all durin' suppa an' she jest didn't tawk 'bout nothin'. I figured dat it was sometin' ta do wit' you." Angel explained. Sketch sighed and hung his head. "Yeah well, it is my fault sorta. I mean, I was mad at meself an' I took it out on her. Tell her I'm sorry, an', an' give her dis woncha?" Sketch mumbled, shoving a package in Angel's hand.
Angel accepted it and nodded. "You wanna tell me whats wrong witcha?" She asked gently. Sketch looked at Angel apprehensively. The two of them had always gotten along, but most of the time they fought. Both of them were tough, and neither wanted the other getting the better of them. This time Sketch could tell she was sincere. "I cain't Angel. Danks dough. Mebey some udda time. I jest need time ta sort tings out." Sketch said, patting Angel's hand. Angel nodded and gently released her arm. "Well Conlon, it's been nice, but I've gotta run. Danks fer takin' da time ta git me home." Angel said, stepping across the Manhattan border. Sketch smiled and waved at her. "Yeah yer welcome Higgins. Do me a fava. Don't go wandrin' out so far at night. Ya neva know what could be goin' on wit' all dese fires." Angel grinned.
"You worried 'bout me Conlon?" She teased. Sketch grinned. "Well I've got me duties ta all da ladies I likes." Angel laughed and rolled her eyes. "C'mon! Da only goil ya really like is Sunny!" She lauhged. Sketch's face went pale, but only for a moment. Then his face became sober as he leaned closer and whispered, "Don't tell nobody okay? It's a secret." He whispered. Angel grinned. "Alrighty den. But I suppose I kin tell Sunny cain't I?" She asked. "Actually I'd radda tell her meself, if ya don't mind Angel." Sketch whispered. Angel smiled and patted his back. "No problem Conlon. I'll let ya do all da love tawk. Yer betta at it anyway." She said. Sketch grinned and took a few steps backwards. "Yeah, I got da floitin' ways from me Papa, Mama says. An' I do believe it's gospel trut'." Sketch laughed. Angel grinned and burst into a hearty laugh. "Git outta here Conlon, 'fore ya wake up da whole neighbahood!" She said. Sketch smiled and ran off into the darkness, leaving Angel to make her way home alone.
When Angel reached her home, she stepped in quietly, whispered goodnight to her parents and slipped into her room. All of her sisters were asleep, Ice curled up in Fairy's arms in their double bed, and Sunshine all alone in the bed she shared with Angel. Angel crept into bed and touched Sunshine gently on the shoulder. Sunshine didn't stir in a few minutes she whispered, "Ya stink like smoke Angel." Angel grinned as her sister rolled over on her side and stared at her with smiling brown eyes. "Yeah, I was jest wandrin'." She said. "You've been doin' alotta wandrin' lately." Sunshine pointed out. "Yeah I have, but it's necessary I guess. You okay?" Sunshine nodded. "Yeah. I had a tawk wit' Grabs. It's all okay. Still hoits dough." Sunshine whispered.
"Well hoit no more. I gots sometin' fer ya from Sketch." Angel whispered. Sunshine shot up in bed, surprising Angel. "Good grief goil! Ya tink you could jump up quicka? I didn't hit da ceilin' dat time!" Angel burst out, then lowering her voice, remembering the sleeping occupants of the house. "Oh, what did he say?" Sunshine whispered fervently. "He said ta tell ya dat he's sorry an' dat he was jest mad at hisself an' he took it out on you. An' he said ta give ya dis. I don't know what it is." Angel said, shoving the package in her sister's hand. Sunshine hesitated a minute, then whispered. "Lets go out on da fire escape. Dat way I kin see betta in da moonlight an' we won't hafta worry 'bout wakin' nobody up." She whispered, easing open the window.
Angel nodded and crept through after her sister, plopping down on the fire escape as soon as they reached it. Sunshine eagerly tore through the newspaper wrapping and gasped as she held the thing in her hands like the precious treasure it was. It was a small slingshot, just the right size to fit in Sunshine's delicate hands. Painstakingly inscripted on the back, in an attempt at flourished letters, was the name Sunny. Sunshine picked up another item in the paper remnants. It was a golden marble, beautiful and sparkling like a jewel in the moonlight. Angel whistled as she looked at it. "Man, dat boy KIN be romantic when he wants ta." Sunshine didn't speak, but merely looked at the presents in awe and delight. "He's so nice ta me. So sweet." She whispered. Angel smiled and put her arm on her sister's back as they both looked at the presents from the son of Brooklyn.
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