Dear Diary,
I dreamt a wonderful dream. For a moment, all my troubles were gone. I was home safe in my parent’s house: no drama, no struggle to survive. I lie on my bed snuggling between clean fresh sheets, enjoying the laziness of the day. My mom sang to the radio as she cooked her famous buttermilk biscuits, eggs, sausage and gravy. My dad drank coffee and pretended to read the morning newspaper as he watched my mom cook. My mouth watered as I waited for mom to say, “Boo Bear, come down to eat.”
The Runt interrupted my dream before the invitation to eat. At the first opportunity, the boy dies. Wearing his over-sized combat boots, the little pest stomped up and down the 2A hall singing my name. “Madie…Madie…Madie.”
I pulled my mom’s quilt over my head and try to ignore the noise.
“MADIE…I’M HUNGRY!” the boy yelled as he pounded his fists on my door.
“Go eat a POTATO!” I yelled from the comfort of my bed “I’m not your MOTHER!”
“But I don’t like potatoes!” he responded. “I want eggs!” His whiny voice sounded pathetic and needy. Tony caters to the boys every need and treats the gutter-rat as if he were a helpless toddler. The boy’s neediness drives me crazy.
.
I climbed out of bed, flung open my door and leaned into the boy’s face. “I DON”T CARE! Gutter-rats don’t get to be choosy; especially ones that enjoy disturbing my sleep. Now go away and leave me alone!” I gave the boy a stern look before adding, “Disturb me again and YOU DIE!”
Before I could close the door, I hear a familiar voice say “Mornin’, Sunshine.” It was Sheriff Pete.
Pete and his Posse of deputies do their best to keep lawlessness on this side of town to a minimum, a difficult task considering the circumstances.
I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was later than I thought “Afternoon Pete, How you been?”
“I’m well. Sounds like you’re off to a cheerful start.”
I rolled my eyes and motioned for Pete to come in. “Better arrest me know ’cause I’m gonna kill that boy someday. What brings you to our humble school?”
Pete stepped into the room and sat on the edge of my desk. “JT stopped by my jail, said you guys had some unwanted visitors.”
“It was the Sharks.They beat up Tony and took most of our winter fuel.”
“I heard. Stay away from Xavier and his goons. Don’t confront. Don’t retaliate. They are too big and too dangerous.”
I rubbed my eyes and ran my hands through my tangled hair. I wanted to disagree with Pete but I knew he was telling the truth. We would fail miserably in a one on one fight against the Central Sharks. Except for Matt, his brother Jonas, Tony who lies dying and a couple of others, our fighting skills are lacking.
“I’ll hold a meeting and ask everyone to keep their distance.”
Pete walked toward the door. “Tell your gang, my Posse and I will take care of Xavier.”
I waved goodbye to Pete as I imagine myself plunging a knife deep into Xavier’s chest as the rest of my gang of misfits vanquish his goons.
Still hungry, the Runt returns to my room holding four eggs he stole from the farmers market. “If you cook these, I’ll share.”
I couldn’t turn down the boy’s offer. I hadn’t seen or eaten an egg in weeks.
Yours Truly,
Madie