Scotty sat back on his haunches, breaking the contact and stared at her.
"Fuck," Tino said while lighting a cigarette. "It's cold as shit out here." The older boy looked at the children that were backing away. "Go home, stupid!" The little girls ran off. Marcella was crying and rubbing her sorehead while Jalissa circled Phonso trying to reach her. Marcella finally ran away and Phonso looked at Jalissa in admiration.
"You know how to scrap." Jalissa blushed and grinned and the two went over to Scotty and Vanessa.
"Your nose is bleeding." Scotty stood and then pulled Vanessa up. She suddenly remembered her own injuries to both her body as well as to her pride. She swiped at her nose and saw the blood on her gloves. Angry tears welled up in her eyes and she clenched her teeth and looked after the retreating kids. They had ganged up on her and called her mother names. The words swirled around in her head; trick baby, your mama is a ho.