How To Save A Life

Chapter 14: *a v gay person realizes there story is v heteronormative*

I silently cursed, damn Bronx kids, never know when to shut up.  "Well I haven't seen anythin."
He gave me a nasty look "Maybe, some other news boy will tell me."

Samson walked away looking for another newsie.
I stood nervously waiting, hoping Diem would stay relatively hidden.

I sold my papes in record time that day, before quickly going off in search of my girlfriend
All of her normal spots were empty, which made me worry more, but eventually I found her.

Diem was sitting in between two men in the middle of the stands.
"Need something kid?"
"Yeah dats my goil." I said pointing to Diem.
"Yeah sure she is." The man on her other side said.

Diem rolled her eyes.
'This is my boyfriend'
"Oh sorry kid."

She stood up and smiled at them 'thanks boys, i will try to bring the papers even faster tomorrow'

"No need kid, we'd help ya anyway."

As we walked away she began to sign 'I have known those guys for a while, some of my regulars, I saw you talking to S-a-m-s-o-n and they let me hide there for a while'
I nodded and when she was done signing I took her hand again.

On the way back to the lodging house I kept an eye out for Samson.
'Calm down, I'm sure it will be fine, I doubt he will find me'

"I'm just makin sure he ain't tryin ta kidnap ya."
'You are being paranoid'
I continued at glance around as she signed.
"I ain't bein paranoid. I'm bein careful, I don't wanna lose ya Perla."

Diem POV

Samson was back.
Wonderful.
My dear big brother, back from the dead.
I'd rather have Jack as a big brother than Samson.

"Whatda hell is you doin here? I already toldja we aint got no goils 'ere." I heard Jack almost yell from the door.

Everyone froze around the poker table.
I quickly pulled my hat onto my head, tucking my braids in.

"I would just like to take a look around, if you don't mind."
"Yeah I would mind, leave da premises or I call da police."

I could almost see Samsons crooked creepy smile as he spoke "And you believe they would take your word over mine, a childs over a mans. The voice of a convict over the voice of an older brother in search of his lost baby sister."

Jack sighed "Fine, youse can look around."
We went back to the game, trying to act natural as he came into the room.

"Call."
"Call."
"Call."

Around the table everyone called Alberts bet when it got to me I just grunted and through a penny in.
Mush who was on my right raised the bet and so we went around again calling the bet, except for Elmer, who folded.

After I threw in my money again Samson looked at me suspiciously.

"Why is it that he doesn't talk?"
Blink who was sitting on the window sill watching the game glared at him "He do, just not wit random people round."

Samsons gaze shifted back to me.
"Can't he tell me himself?"

I glared at him over my cards.
"You just slipped up, Diem."
In a flash he was behind me, ripping off my hat, letting my braids fall.

"Finally. This was all I needed boys, we'll be going now." He grabbed my arm and pulled me roughly from my chair.
I began to shake as he started dragging me towards the door.

Blink, Mush and Jack all stood blocking the door.
"Youse aint goin anywhere."

"Stand aside."
Jack's brow furrowed "No!"
Samsons grip on my arm tightened, his nails digging into my skin.