CHAPTER 3

            Pirate had been on the streets for a week. She had to stay hidden otherwise people would recognize her and tell the government where she was. She often hid in the small spaces between buildings. She left rarely for fear of being seen. That made it hard for her to find food. She was practically starving. She had only eaten twice since the attack. "Thank goodness I have an endless supply of water." She thought gratefully as she looked down at her hands. "Otherwise, I'd be dead! But still, I wish I had some food."

            No sooner had she said this than a man burst into the alley. Oblivious to the fact that he wasn't alone, the man popped his head outside the alley for a few seconds making sure the coast was clear. He then turned around to face the inside of the alley and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Pirate. Hundreds of thoughts started buzzing through his head all at once. "What if she saw? What if she calls the cops? What if? …" a smile slowly began to creep across his face. "What if she couldn't tell?"

            He walked over to the girl who was by now shaking with fright. He still had that sinister grin plastered on his face. "What's your name girlie?" he asked in a sickeningly sweet voice that was more artificial than the fruit filling inside pop-tarts. There was no response. "C'mon, I ain't gonna hurt you. What's your name sweetheart?" he tried again. Obviously this was the right way to go because the girl gave in. "Pirate." she said timidly. The man knew that couldn't be the girl's given name, but he decided not to push his luck by asking about it. "You must be hungry." he said instead. "Here, come with me and I'll give you something to eat." Pirate pondered a bit, and then agreed figuring that if he pulled anything, she would be able to defend herself. She must not have been thinking too clearly.