"Sis, I'm just going to find a bathroom."
"Okay," I nodded, voice distant. My focus was on a mom and her child. She wiped the face of the boy which was messy from ice cream. It reminded me of when mom would do the same for me when I was young. Back when she was still-
I gulped, dismissing the thought.
I look beside me expecting to see Noah. Except he isn't there. Slipping out my phone, I press 1 on the dial pad set to call his number. The bringing sound starts and his ringtone plays.
It's Noah here. Jokes. I'm not at the phone right now, please leave a short message and I'll get back to you.
Hanging up, I search the crowd for familiar blonde hair and the same eyes as mine. Nowhere to be seen. I can't help the leap of my heart at the thought something might have happened to him.
I must look for him.
And so, that is what I do.
*****
My legs are begining to hurt by the time I reach an alleyway at the back of a resturant called Guza Gomei. It's the last place I think to search- having scored nearly all the areas of the Plaza. Noah is not one to roam down the alleyways normally, but a bad feeling in my gut is the push I need to continue.
Strangely enough, I hear voices the deeper I go.
"Who are you to butt into our business?"
"I'm just someone walking by and it seems like that is a body below you."
I would recognize that soft and playful tone in his voice anywhere.
From the frustrated tone of the other voice, it felt like they were in a heated argument. For now I decide to hide behind a dumpster that is still far enough, but gives me a clear view of the scene as I poke my head around the object. Sometimes rushing into a situation is not always the best solution.
Noah stands in front of two teenagers about my age. They tower over him, patting wooden baseballs against their heads, their expressions turning dark as they sneer at him. I focus on Noah, who shifts his head between them and off to the side behind them.
That's when I notice a third body leaning against a fence behind them. The raven haired boy holds his ribs with a scrunched face that looks to be in pain. I didn't know the details of the situation, but Noah's involvement clicked into place. He tended to have a hero complex and jumped into any situation that showed injustice on an individual or animal.
"Trust me, boy." the ugliest goon warned. "You want to walk away right now before I beat you to a pulp." He then slowly started approaching and his freind followed.
And this is where you need to think of something, I remind myself. Popping back around the corner I racked my brain for anything. Just one idea. Then it hit me. Taking out my phone, I opened up my videos where I knew a recording of NCIS would be there. Opening the file, I set it to the exact time in the video that I NEEDED. "This should do it," I mumbled.
Inhailing a lungful of air, I jumped out from behind the dumpster and yelled, "Hold on!"
"What is it now?" They snarled, there eyes falling onto me instead. My brother kept his eyes on the figure leaned against the fence.
"I called the cops. They will be here soon."
The taller one wearing an ACDC shirt halted and considered my words very carefully. "And why do I feel like you're lying?" He fished, his voice poorly hiding his uncertainty.
"Well, for one," I continued, "this here is my brother and I do what I must to protect him. And secondly, it seems like the guy behind you was beaten unfairly." I shake my head while clicking my tongue. "That is just not on." My fingers tap down on the play button and on queue, the sound of police sirens consume the area.
"OH, that will be them," I add slowly. It's the determining factor that tips the situation to my favour. I see both of them stiffen and eye each other, contemplating whether to fight or flight.
"This is not over, Presley." They yell towards the guy against the fence. "Until next time." The goons shift on the balls of their feet before they are dashing away in the opposite direction. I finally relax, my fake brovado slipping away. From beside me, Noah sprints to the boy.
"Are you okay?"
"A bit bruised. But I'll be okay." He coughs, spitting out blood before wiping it on his t-shirt. "Would you guys be able to help me up?"
"Of course," Noah says and issued me to grab his other arm. We circle his arms around our necks before we help carry him out of the alleyway one step at a time. We find the nearest seat available and help him to take a seat. People look at the scene around us. Some gasping, while others looking without surprise. Like they are somehow used to seeing someone bloody and battered
The idea makes my belly sink.
Noah goes to pull out his phone to call an ambulance but Presley darts a hand out.
"No," he shakes his head. "Not the ambulance. Not yet, anyway."
He nods, tight-lipped. A look of relief settles on Presley's face. He moves his hand back and reaches for the phone in his jacket pocket. Unlocking it with the swipe of his finger, he dials numbers before placing it to his ear. He waits for a second.
"James." His voice manages to stay calm, as grey eyes stay stormy. "Bad news. I've been ambushed by Striker's boy. I'm not in the best condition. Okay, you too."
He hangs up the call. He looks to be thinking something, his attention far away before they settle back on the present. Presley looks up under long eyelashes and sky-grey eyes." What are your names? "
" Mine is Noah, and this is my sister."
His gaze falls on me, before he says, "Thank you for saving me. James will reward you somehow."
"And who is this James?"
"Just someone who wants to express his gratitude."
"Okay?"
"Now, you if excuse me, I have to get myself to the hospital." He rises from the chair, one arm wrapped around the chair arm for support.
"Let us help you."
He shakes his head at Noah. "No. That's alright. I don't want you to be seen with me any longer then you have too."
I didn't like the sound of that so before Noah could protest, I grab hold of his arm and whisper in his ear:"Aunt Pia will be back any second now. We have to go."
"But-"
"No buts."
"Okay."
"I hope you make it to the hospital fine. It was good that I came when I did. If you don't mind, we will take our leave now."
"Sure," he smiled, acting oblivious to the fact that I wanted to be away from him. "Maybe I'll see you guys around sometime."
I hope not.
"Yeah..." I faked a smile. "Maybe."
I dragged Noah away by his arm in a hurry. It was about time we get back to Aunt Pia. Stuff blood, and anything else."
Story title: The day I Met Striker
Story Chapter: Stuff Blood and anything else.
