* * * * * * * * * * *
Alonna sat next to Chain, holding a bag of ice on the boy's
bruised forearm. He cringed as she applied it to a new spot on
his bicep, and she recoiled in fear. "I didn't hurt ya, did
I?"
"Naw..." Chain tried his best to give her a big smile.
"You're a big help, 'Lonna. Ya could never hurt
anyone."
She was hesitant, but set the ice back on his arm after a moment.
"Good." They sat in silence. No one had told the young
girl exactly what had happened. Just that her brother and his
friends had gotten hurt and any help she could give them would be
appreciated. "You seen Gunn?"
"Up on the roof." One of the older boys called from his
guard post at the door.
Chain indicated that he would be alright, so she headed up for
the roof, taking the rusty metal stairs two at a time. Arriving
on the roof, she glanced around until she finally spotted him
crouched near the ledge. "Hey Big Brother."
Gunn didn't answer, continuing to stare out blankly over LA.
"I'm gettin' ready for bed. Wanna tell me a story?"
No answer.
"Gunn?" She was genuinly concerned now. "What's
wrong?"
You'll die alone... "Nothin'. Just
go to bed, 'Lonna. I'm busy."
"But we was gonna have another story tonight, right?"
Gunn shook his head. "No more stories. Time to grow
up."
Alonna stood still in shock. Whatever had happened today was far
worse than she had ever imagined. Quietly, she turned and headed
back down the stairs, a single tear coursing down her cheek.
"I'm sorry." Gunn said to the silence around him.
"But I can't promise ta always protect ya anymore.... not
with Ty out there. Even I can't stop 'im. This is two times now.
Next time it might be you, Sis." He hung his head. It was
the first time in Charles Gunn's life that he had ever felt
completely helpless.
