Ten years later.

Bart pulled his slightly spikey bangs away from his face and sighed. This alleyway didn't look too promising in the way of scraps. Just a couple of trash cans and an empty dumpster bin. Seeing as the dumpster was empty, it wasn't likely that there was anything in the garbage cans themselves.

But it couldn't hurt to look.

Bart took off the lid of one can and let out another sigh. It was completely empty. He checked another can, and had the same results.

Sundays were always hungry days.

As if to punctuate this, Bart's stomach started to growl. The scrawny pre-teen walked out of the alley and back into the street, watching people pass by.

The things they take for granted are the things he needed most.

"I really wish I had a Krusty Burger right now," Bart mumbled to himself. But those burgers were expensive to eat, except for when one found them in a garbage can, mostly intact (and if one's lucky, still in a box).

Bart wandered down the street, his ragged clothes clinging to his trembling, scrawny body.

Suddenly a blonde girl who looked to be about ten, and was carrying a bunch of books, approached him.

"Yeesh, you look worse than Nelson," she said, studying him.

Bart felt his face go read. "Yeah, well, you don't look so rich yourself!"

The girl frowned and said, "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I'm just making an observation."

Bart looked at the girl a moment, trying to figure her out. There was something about her that nagged him.

"Yeah, whatever," he said. "Apology accepted, I guess."

The girl stuck her hand out towards Bart. "I'm Lisa Simpson. What's your name?"

Bart's eye involuntarily twitched when he heard the name Simpson. For some reason, it brought feelings of deep loathing. He ignored the feeling and took Lisa's hand anyway.

"I'm Bart," he said.

"Heh, that's funny," Lisa commented. "I had a brother named Bart but..." Her expression changed from cheerful to sad. "Mom and Dad said he ran away. We never saw him again."

"Don't you have pictures?" Bart asked, suddenly curious. He didn't remember where he came from, so he naturally assumed he was an orphan. But maybe that wasn't the case...?

"We did at one time," Lisa told him, "but we lost them in the flood eight years ago. That was the same day Mom had to go to the hospital for a concussion. She's in a coma. As for Dad... well, he took it pretty hard and is worse than ever when it comes to alcohol."

"Oh. That must be pretty depressing." Bart didn't really know what it felt like to have a loved one within reach, but at the same time, not really there. He didn't know sadness anymore. Nor happiness. He only knew pain and want.

"Save your pity," Lisa snapped.

"Uh, sorry?" Bart really didn't know what to say. "I've lived on the streets ever since I can remember- I never had any family to care about, or to care for me."

"Well, I'm very sorry for you," Lisa said sarcastically.

Bart shrugged, ignoring the sarcasm in her voice. "I don't suppose you could help me out."

"Oh, great! Are you going to ask for my money?" Lisa stepped away from Bart, suddenly anxious.

Bart frowned. "Uh, I was thinking in terms of a place to spend the night. A couple of hobos decided to steal my box, and I've had to sleep on benches for two nights in a row."

Lisa considered for a moment. It would be nice to have company. Especially since Homer's almost always at Moe's.

But this kid was a complete stranger. There's no telling what he might do.

Yet, at the same time, Lisa felt sorry for him. He was alone, hungry, and had no family or friends.

Finally, Lisa's pity won the battle, and she said, "Okay, I think it'll be alright. Dad doesn't really care about guests."

"Hooray!" Bart fist pumped in the air, truly happy for the first time in a very long time.

And at that, Lisa smiled. Maybe today wouldn't be so bad.

. . .

And that's the end of chapter one! :) So, what do you think so far? Any plot holes? Constructive criticism is appreciated.

Spoiler alert: things are going to get a little crazy and hopefully hilarious in the next chapter. I'll leave you to guess what's going to happen.

Again, if you have any ideas, feel free to review.

P. S. I might end up rewriting chapter one, but I'm not sure. Thoughts?