We returned to the table Nate and Sully had been sitting at. As I sat down across from them, I still felt nervous, and Sully staring daggers at me didn't help.
"Ya know, Nate, I sure hope you're right about this kid. She could turn out to be nothing more than a street rat."
"C'mon Sully, I was the same age when we met. Heck, I even did the same lift as her. I sure hope you didn't see me as a street rat," Nate scoffed.
Was he really that similar to me when he was younger? I pondered.
"'Course not, but this girl ran herself straight into a corner. You, on the other hand, had a gun pointed at the only guy who could keep up with ya. There's a huge difference here, Nate, and I just don't think you're seeing it!"
"Listen, Sully, I've got a good feeling about this. I feel like I can trust her, and I'm going to be training her with or without you."
I'm glad Nate's on my side on this. Sully clearly didn't want me here.
"Look, I'm not sayin' you can't do this, I just don't think it's a very good idea. What if she does turn out to be a rat, then what?"
"I'm not a rat," I blurted out.
"Excuse me?" Sully said, blindsided by my words.
"I said, I'm not a rat. I'm a hard worker, and I'm clearly outclassed here. I want to get better at this, and being with you is the best way to do that. Besides, what do I have to lose?"
"Well, kid, I'm glad you've finally spoken up. Let's see you prove yourself. At least ya got yourself some spunk!"
"See, Sully? Nothing to worry about. She's gonna be great, you'll see."
As night neared, the three of us roamed back to the boys' hotel, with Sully glancing over his shoulder at me every few minutes. While we walked, Nate asked everything he could think of about me. I told him all that had happened up until now, from escaping the orphanage, to how I got here after two years of traveling on foot. I never met my parents, and I have no way of trying to find them. Nate mentioned he lost his parents around my age too, and that he'd like to help me find mine once this job was done. He keeps surprising me with his kindness. He's done so much for me already, and we only just met. I don't understand how he could be so compassionate toward an orphan who stole his wallet just a few hours ago.
Arriving at the hotel, I offered to find my own place, but Nate insisted I room with them.
"Why are you being so nice to me? I've done nothing for you, but you're treating me like we've known each other for years," I asked.
"Yeah, I'd like to know that myself," Sully agreed. Nate was caught off guard by the sudden interrogation.
"I know what it was like growing up on the streets. When I stole, I was never given the opportunity to redeem myself. I just… wanted to treat you the way I would've wanted back then," Nate shrugged.
The hotel was a shabby building with colors that matched the rest of the city. Broken shutters covered the darkened windows and chipped paint peeled from the walls. It wasn't very inviting, but it was the first time in ages I'd had a proper roof over my head. The boys lead me from the front lobby down dimly lit hallways. Why was I so trusting towards these strangers when I knew nothing about them? This is the kinda place kids my age disappear from, so I was nervous. Arriving at the room, I was welcomed by a warm, cozy area with two beds and a small TV, a stark contrast from the rest of the hotel. Tucked in the corner was a clean, tiny bathroom.
"Help yourself to whatever you'd like," Nate said as he plopped on the couch.
"May I use your shower?" I asked, excited to use the one I had spotted shortly after entering.
Nate gestured towards the back and I dashed for the bathroom. I haven't been in a nice one like this since living in the orphanage. The room was quite claustrophobic, with only a bit of elbow space between the sink and shower, with the toilet directly in front of the sink. I looked at myself in the mirror. I hadn't had a clean inspection in years. My face was filthy, covered in scars and acne. My dark hair was a matted mess, and I looked miserable. I hated the reflection staring back at me.
I closed the door and turned the shower knob, causing refreshing water to start raining down. The moment the water began to run, I could hear mumbling behind the door that sounded like Nate and Sully arguing. I peeked out the door to get a better look.
"I still don't feel comfortable having her around, Nate. We don't even know her full name, where she's from, or anything!" Sully spouted.
"I've already told you, I'm trying to do the same for her that you did for me, and the only reason guns were involved was because of Marlowe. I'm sure she would've done the same thing if she were in my position back then."
"Okay, fine, just do whatever ya want, but when it blows up in your face, don't come cryin' to me," grunted Sully, lighting a cigar and leaned back in his chair.
I gently closed the door and got in the shower, hoping the warm water could help me clear my thoughts. No stranger has ever felt this way about me. Usually I get one pitiful look and they continue on their merry way, but this random guy wants to help me, all because he was similar to me at this age. This thought floated around in my head until I fell asleep.