I roamed the streets of Brooklyn, dark in their gloom of shadows and drunken men. Where was I going to go now? Aunts and uncles have no right to kick their niece out, even if she had talked back to them. Now that I thought about it, it was a very idiotic reason to be homeless, "I say why cant I keep reading for five more minutes and they send me off on the street? Barbarians." I mumbled to myself as I searched the darkened street- most of the street lamps had burnt out. They hadn't even the courtesy to let me get my belongings together, "Tyrants." I said low. All I had with me was my blue dress that fitted a little tight if you ask me. Suddenly I heard a trash can fall over and a loud scuffle in the alley directly across from me on the other side of the street. "Get offa me!" I heard a boy say Someone kicked someone else and there was a loud groan of pain, "That's for disrespect'n me, make sure that you don't repeat your mistake." I saw a boy of about 17 or 18 emerge from the alley and brushing himself off, he began to walk back down where I had come, only on the other side of the street. Not wishing to be noticed, I stayed still in my shadowy haven of safety for the moment. However, as fate would have it, the boy was very careful in his observance of the shadows, and could easily tell that there was someone on the other side of the street. I silently prayed that he wouldn't care, but again fate was not on my side and he began to walk towards me with purpose. This was my cue to 'flee the scene of the crime' and get to a place that wasn't so deserted. I saw right in front of me there was a lodge for new---- New what? A few letters where missing from the sign, but it occurred to me that a lodge for whoever would have people in it, and that more than just me and that boy would give me better odds. I dashed up the front steps and walked in the unlocked front door. I hid behind the backside of the door, so if he followed, the door would hide me. or so I thought. He did indeed follow me into the lodge of new---- but unfortunately for me, he turned on the light. He turned and I saw his face, the first thought I had, rugged, and the second gorgeous. These clashing thoughts came to a halt when he saw me, his face at once changed and his face showed softening features of relief. "Who're you?" he said softly, I suppose he had realized that this was a lodge.

I bit my lip, I wasn't stupid, but I thought that maybe if I didn't say anything he would loose interest. Then I looked in his eyes, at first, I was just noticing his built frame not heavy but strong, his plaid shirt and brown pants, and that black cane he had on his right hip. His eyes were a fire-like blue, burning in their intensity. "Who 're you?" he asked again, a little louder.

My lip was starting to hurt, I thought of the first name that popped into my head-"Jade" I said as quietly as possible.

He cocked his head to the side and thought it over then looked back at me, he was searching for something in my eyes, and I felt that he would nearly kill me if he stared at me like that much longer. He looked away, "your lyin" he stated plainly

"Well um." I rambled

"It don't matta dough" he said, "ain't no place for a lady suchis poity as ya self to go wandren 'round Brooklyn"

I felt relief flood my face and my hands began to regain blood flow in them

He held out his hand towards me, "ya look lost goily, heah, I kin give ya a place ta sleep for da night" his face began to lighten, he smirked-"ya sca'd or sometin?"

Indignance filled my fair features, "Hell no" I said and took his hand lightly