Page 78 of Bones
“Thank you,” I murmured, taking it from her freezing little hand. “That’s?—”
The sound of footsteps crunching through the snow from one end of the alley made all their little heads snap up. A figure stepped out of the darkness and they took off like a flock of startled birds. Only Apple stayed at my side, near vibrating with fear and a strange protective anger. I stepped in front of her to shield her, but Trey stepped out of the darkness, eyes wide as he watched the kids disappear.
“Is this what you’ve been doin’ every night?” he asked.
I got defensive. “Why?”
He looked startled at my tone. “Cause I’d have helped you if you asked.”
I clamped down on the rising well of emotion in my throat. “I don’t need help.”
Those sad brown eyes cut like a knife. “Bones, c’mon. How long are you gonna do this?”
“Leave Bones alone,” Apple spit from where she clutched my shirt. She reminded me of that fierce little kitten I’d held in the barn, all adorably puffed up but ready to bite.
Trey looked down at her and smiled, a real genuine smile I hadn’t seen in weeks. “Well, hi.” He crouched, resting his long arms on his knees. “I’m Trey. Who are you?”
“I know who you are.” She tossed her hair back, and I had to fight the urge to smile. “I’m Apple an’I’mthe one who helps Bones.”
Trey nodded, his face grave. “Oh, ok. I apologize, Miss Apple. I was just wonderin’ if I could help Bones too.”
She frowned at him.
“I’m thinkin’, if I helped too, we could feed evenmorekids every night,” Trey continued.
Her eyes widened, and she glanced up at me. I kept my expression even, unsure of what to say. She squinted back at Trey.
“You gonna give up your ration too?” she asked.
I had to bite back a curse. Trey’s brow furrowed in confusion for a second before understanding crossed his face. He glanced sharply up at me. “You’re giving up your ration?”
I glared at him, my stomach churning. “Where else am I gonna get food?”
“I dunno, I thought you worked out a deal or something with Madame.” He stood up and stepped closer. “How much of your food are you giving up?”
Apple’s cold fingers dug into my side. I rested my hand on top of her head, trying to comfort her. “I don’t think that’s any of your business,” I said.
“Bones.” He rubbed his forehead in a jerky, frustrated motion. “Godsdamnit.”
Panic started to creep in. What if he tried to stop me? What if he told Madame?
“Bones?” Apple whispered.
I forced myself to calm down, turning my back on Trey and kneeling to face her. She looked scared and I hated it.
“I’m gonna go talk to Trey,” I said softly. “It’s gonna be ok. I’ll see you tomorrow, alright?”
She nodded, casting another worried glance up at Trey before turning and disappearing into the darkness.
I took a breath and stood, turning to Trey, steeling myself. His eyes met mine, shining soft and warm again, and I hated how they made me feel wobbly.
“I’m not gonna stop feeding them,” I hissed. “You can’t make me.”
“I know,” he said.
I blinked, surprised. I’d been expecting him to fight me on this.
He stared at my bare hands. “Where’s your mittens?”
