Chapter 2 ~~Orphan Homes,Coughs,And Peter.
Kenneth shivered as he pulled himself out from under the soggy piece of cardboard.He had used it that night for what little warmth it could give.He lifted the side of his jacket,which he had laid on Tina,and saw that she was sleeping. "Guess I'd best leave now."He thought to himself,Standing up.He bent down to stroke Tina's hair,Then Straightening His tall form,Shoved his hands deep into his pockets,and walked down the alley. The morning was icy,and frost hung in the air as he made his way down the street. "Hey!You!"Someone behind him shouted.Kenneth stopped short,and turned around to see an old Gentleman With a cane and spectacles perched upon his nose coming towards him. "Hello,Sir."Kenneth began slowly."Did ye want teh' ask me somethin'?" "Ask ye something!Yes I did!'the man Laughed coldly."See here,Lad.Where's Ye parents?"Kenneth shoved his hands deeper into his pockets. "Have'nt got any,Sir."He replied slowly. "Have'nt got any ye say?"The man scowled."Ye have to have some parents,Lad." "Well,I's got some,But they ain't alive nomore." "ah,So you're an orphan then,Eh.Lad?" "Guess you's could say so." "Well,Where do ye live?Do ye have a house of some sort." "Have'nt got a house either."Kenneth looked up at the man,What right had he to ask him these questions anyway? "Look here,Lad.If ye have'nt any living parents,or Guardians,around,and no home,Why is'nt ye in an orphan home?" "I has'nt any desire to live in one."He returned. "Well,I'll warn ye,Lad.If ye keep Walking the streets like this every day,The sheriffs will come and take ye to one.That's where Lads like Ye belong." "I's ain't no child,Sir.I be thirteen years old,an' I can fend Fer' Myself." The man waved him off and left without another word,And Kenneth,Turning back,continued his walk as usual. "Hey!Kenneth!"Peter ran up to his side."I was waitin' fer' ye over by the dumpster fer' a while.When ye did'nt come,I decided Ter' take a walk." "sorry,Peter."He apologized."I meant Ta' come sooner,But Tina took Awhile to get back Ta' sleep." "It's alright.Ye know,I'm so used to bein' a lone Lad that I ferget' you's got Tina."Kenneth shrugged and kept walking."Got some jolly news,Kenneth."Peter started up again."That big ol' church on the third street is givin' out some food.Should see if we's could git' some." "That's dandy,Peter,But fer' now I's got to get me some work,So's I can buy some med'cin' Fer' Tina." "Med'cin,Ye say?"Peter Exclaimed."What fer'?" "Tina's jus' gettin' a little cough,an I don't want her te' get worse." "I'd be mighty worried if I's was you!Ain't ye?" "Course I'm worried.That's why I'm goin' ter buy her some med'cine." "Sorry to say it,sir.But I's don't think that's gonna' help.Stayin' out in this cold is what's makin' her sick I reckon.We need ter' find a nice warm place fer' her to stay." "But there isn't no place fer me to take her."Kenneth argued. "I know of a place."Peter returned calmly."Ye jus' leave it to me,I'll go an take care of the matter for ye Kenneth.Ye jus go an' find some work like ye said.Jus' meet me back here in bout' two er' three hours."Peter decided. "Alright,Peter."Kenneth shrugged."Thanks." Peter waved his hand and disappeared around the corner,leaving Kenneth to himself. "wonder what he's goin' ter do."He thought aloud to himself,then shrugging again,trudged down the street towards the sewing shop.