Chapter 6

Delancey was coiling up a heavy swing. Alfred closed his eyes and braced for the impact but all he could hear was the boys being disgusted and heaving.

Without warning, a wet dirty rag flew in the air and landed on the Dickinson brothers.

“HEY! I think this belongs to you!” It was a girl’s voice.

As Alfred opened his eyes, all he saw in a quick flash was this stunning raven haired girl. She ran towards Inky and used a move to pin him on the ground. She whispered something in his ear. We could not hear what she had said. All Alfred knew was, Inky turned pale and stayed on the ground. She turned her view towards Nacho. He was ready to defend himself, however she was light on her feet to avoid Nacho’s hits. He was throwing punches in the air without thought, so it was easy for her to slip behind him. She threw a hook with her, had that knocked out Nacho. The Raven stood right in front of Alfred and stared at Delancey. Alfred was mesmerized by this mysterious figure.

“What are you doing here Raven? This is not your side of the block to handle.” Delancey barked at her, and he stood his ground, never taking his eyes off of her.

The Raven was famous around school. She’s been able to break down other gangs with her quick reflexes and help those in need. She’s more like a Robin Hood and a ninja mixed together. The other groups know her as the Raven because of her unique hair color. Alfred was curious about this mysterious figure.

Inky and Nacho are passed out near Alred, and he sees Delancey and this Raven discussing with each other in a standoff.

“I see you like my gift. It is a nice look for you. Dirty and nasty just like you.” The Raven smirked and crossed her arms.

Delancey’s cheeks turned a bright red as he saw he still had the rag on his head. Delancey growled.

“I want you to stop torturing this nerd. I want him. You have other toys you can play with. This one is broken and by breaking him more will not help you.You saw him right now. This will not be the last. I’m doing you the favor by taking him off your hands. You can have two of my top ones for this one.” The Raven stated.

The gears were turning in Delancey’s head. He didn’t know what her plan was and was hesitant.

“Maybe this will pique your interest” The Raven declared. She went through her hoodie’s pocket and took out a hand camera. She played the video of the whole ordeal that happened this past hour. Delancey was starting to break a sweat, and he laughed.

“I have never seen you want something so bad. You must really want him.” Delancey pulled his hair back. He walked towards her direction and shook hands with her. Delancey gestured to Inky that they’re heading out. Delancey grabbed the rag and threw it in Nacho’s face. Nacho gasped for air. His older brother tapped his shoulder, and the Dickinson brothers left.

Alfred could not believe what he just witnessed. He has never seen the Dickinson brothers defeated. The Raven was still standing in front of him and all Alfred could see was her frame and hair. He has not seen his hero’s face or her name.

There was an abrupt beeping that was coming from her watch. Alfred has never seen that type of model before. He saw her coughing uncontrollably and small amounts of blood was coming out. Alfred rushed to her aid. He gestured to her to sit on the bench.

“I am going to have an earful when I get home.” She laughed a little and leaned back on the bench.

“I shouldn’t have moved too much after having surgery, but I couldn’t help it. Delancey’s attitude and actions were getting on my nerves these past few days while I was away. He thinks when I am out he can freely move around. No way.” The Raven took a deep breath, got up, and headed towards Alfred’s belongings. Alfred scurried his way to that direction. They were putting stuff in the backpack.

Alfred could not help but stare at her. She was so beautiful. He even noticed when the sun hits her hair just right, you can see highlights of dark purple in her hair.

“You know it’s rude to stare.” The Raven spoke.

Alfred was startled.

“Is your hair real?” He asked.

“As real as the sky being blue. I really don’t like my hair. It gives me nothing but problems. The teachers think that I dye my hair, and they think I am such a delinquent. I always think with my heart rather than my head. My brother says that it will get me into trouble one day.” The raven stated.

Alfred placed her hair behind her ear, and he really gotta see her face. Alfred’s heart skipped a beat. She had fair skin with a button nose. Her eyes were a deep purple as well, and her hair was so long and straight that it made it half her torso.

“I think your hair is pretty cool.” Alfred smiled and his face was beet red.

The Raven did the same. She moved away from Alfred's long side-swept bangs. He had ebony straight hair that matched with his eyes. She could not help but think that she is seeing a little hamster right in front of her because of how cute he is.

“You’re not bad yourself.” The Raven complimented back.

“Why did you save me?” Alfred leaned back, and he was dying to know. The Raven cleared her throat.

“You remind me of my brother. You guys are smart people but you lack the confidence and the valor to defend yourselves and stand your ground. My brother does not let me help him. When I saw you, I thought that, maybe I had the chance to help someone like you.” she explained.

Alfred in awe and thankful; he can’t help but feel as though he needs to repay her indefinitely.

“Hey, do you want to come over for dinner at my house? I have this new Mintendo game on the Vii that I want to try out. You can also meet my brother. He’s working in the same company you are trying to compete in the competition” She offered as she got up and lent out her hand. Alfred looked at her hand and back at her.

“How can I go if I don’t know your name Miss Raven?” Alfred chuckled.

“Oh! I thought you knew! Well, it is nice to meet you! My name is Eileen Smith. Let’s be friends!” Eileen gave off such a brilliant smile.

“Nice to meet you, my name is Alfred Bartley,” he said.

“Let’s hurry before the sun sets even more!” Eileen offered her hand. Alfred took Eileen by the hand and they started their departure to her house.