Chapter 6
Nicholas walked over to the pay phone on the corner. It was getting late and he knew Ruby was working. He dialed the number to their apartment.
"Hello" answered Ruby.
"Hey, Ruby, it's me," Nicholas said.
"I'm sorry, there's no one here by that name. You must have the wrong number." Ruby said then hung up the phone.
Nicholas hung up the phone knowing that was her code for it's going to be a late night. He knew he would be staying out most of the night while Ruby was entertaining her guest. He decided to check up on his own endeavors and make his rounds. He was now seventeen and had gotten an apartment for them while Ruby had gone home to care for her sick mother. She had been gone for almost a year. She had returned a few weeks ago, but she didn't seem to be herself.
Over the years Nicholas had learned a lot about business. He had even worked for Big Tony for a couple of years till someone shot and killed him. Since he himself knew most of Big Tony's business, Nicholas took it over. He still had to operate it on the down low. However, no one really ever opposed Nicholas. He was no longer that scrawny little kid that slept in a closet. Nicholas was almost six foot high and still growing. He knew he scared most of his employees, he liked it that way.
Nicholas was brought out of his thoughts when he heard something. "Is that a cat?" He whispered to himself. He heard it again as he continued down the alley. "What the fuck is that?" He whispered again.
Nicholas walked quietly down the alley as he began to hear voices.
"No money, no product." Said a man's voice.
"But, I need it, I'll do anything. Here you can sell this or keep it as collateral till I get you the money." The woman begged.
"What the fuck am I going to do with a baby you stupid bitch." The man said as he laughed.
"You can make thousands off selling a baby, just take it and give me what I need." The woman begged again.
"What do you think, boss?" Said the man.
"Bring her to me, and leave that damn thing out there. I'm tired of hearing it scream." Another man bellowed.
Nicholas looked around the corner to see a man grab the woman and jerk her through the door, then slamming it closed. The baby he had thought was a cat began screaming. Nicholas broke out in a sweat. That sound reminded him of the night he couldn't save his sister. He stood frozen in place. Thoughts ran through his head of what he should do. As the baby continued to cry, Nicholas waited to see if anyone would open the door. It seemed like forever and still, no one came to rescue the screaming child. Nicholas crept down the alley, stooping low as he passed the window. He reached into the carrier and touched the baby. It was freezing. It wore only a diaper and had no blanket. He picked up the baby and tucked it in his jacket for warmth. He grabbed what he assumed was the child's diaper bag and carrier then he ran off.
It was later when Nicholas arrived at the apartment. The baby still nuzzled in his jacket. He walked quietly to the kitchen, placing both the carrier and bag on the table. He began pulling things out to see what he could find. Finding a can of powdered formula, he opened it to find it mostly empty with a few bugs as a bonus. A few diapers that looked too small for the baby in his arms. He found a bottle with clumpy liquid and an old baby blanket that was filthy.
"Well, this shit won't do" Nicholas whispered. "Let's see if we can get you cleaned up a little."
Nicholas walked to the bathroom, grabbing a towel and washcloth. Returning to the kitchen, he ran warm water in the sink to bathe the child. Removing the well-used diaper to reveal he had rescued a damsel in distress. She was a pretty little redhead with a few curls on the top of her head. He washed her clean and dried her off. Using the towel, he laid the baby on the table. He grabs one of the diapers and struggles to put it on her.
"This is temporary, sweetheart, I promise." He said to the baby. "Now, let's get you wrapped up in a nice warm blanket.
Nicholas wrapped her in a small throw blanket from the sofa. He held the baby close to his shoulder and stepped out of the apartment. Knocking on the Neighbors door, knowing she would be up. The woman worked the third shift and she would have just gotten home.
"Hello, what can I do for you young man?" The woman asked as she opened the door.
"I'm so sorry to bother you so late, but I have a bit of a predicament. I was babysitting my cousin's baby and realized they didn't leave me with the correct size diapers. I need to go out for a bit to get a few things. Ruby is asleep and I really don't want to take her out in the cold. Do you mind keeping her till I return?" Nicholas said.
"Well, look at this little angel. I would love to." She responded. "What's her name?"
"This is Abigail." Nicholas said "I will try to be quick. They didn't leave me a bottle either." Nicholas handed over the child and headed toward the exit.
After searching for a twenty-four-hour store close by, Nicholas returned about an hour later with essential supplies. He had stopped by the neighbor's apartment to retrieve the baby who was getting fussy. Nicholas knew she was hungry and prepared a bottle for her quickly. He sat on the sofa with the child, giving her the bottle. The baby took the bottle as if it was going to get away from her.
"Slow down sweetheart, it's not going to run away," Nicholas said as he laughed.
The baby began to fall asleep in Nicholas's arms. He was satisfied that she seemed to have gotten her belly full. He grabbed a blanket and covered them both to settle in for the night.
Comments