02

CHAPTERS 02

Nathaniel loved drawing, having hung up many of his art on his walls, admiring how the colors mixed together to great newer shades, some darker, some lighter. He adored it, thankful that he had such a beautiful talent.

He sighed to himself, resuming the organization of the books he had to organize alphabetically. Since Nathaniel was very short compared to other boys, he had a gigantic ladder to help him reach the upper shelves.

With a groan, he climbed it, a few books in his hands that needed to be shelved. When he climbed up the ladder, he would sometimes look behind him to see if anyone was there. Although the store was locked and safe, he was paranoid that someone or something would randomly pop up and devour him.

He placed the books onto the shelf, shuffling to rush back down onto the flat ground. Then he repeated what he did. It was late at night and Nathaniel was yawning every few seconds, his baby blue eyes appearing a bit redder than usual. He had on a very drained red sweater that kept his small body warm throughout winter.

Nathaniel had moved onto the books that started with the letter G when he heard hushed murmuring outside the store. He was confused ; it was almost 3.AM. He shrugged it off though, assuming it was some teenagers messing around, spray painting some walls.

Just when he was about to step down from the ladder, he heard the glass doors creak open, a rough voice lowly speaking, « well that was quite easy. »

Valentino ---

With his two best men beside him, Valentino Amore stepped out of his shiny, black Porsche, his shoes hitting the solid ground in a fast pace as he signaled his men to stay close behind him. He needed a quiet place to speak to a rival gang member on the phone. It was a very relevant topic they had to address as soon as possible, and the streets were full of wasted teenagers. He didn’t want those brats to eavesdrop on anything, so talking out in the open, even in the furthest streets, was out of the question.

He glanced around the street, detecting a place that was excellent for his circumstance. He nodded to Zaire and Jackson, pointing at the library they had parked a few seconds away. Plus, it was beneficial because the library was the quietest place they knew. It was unplanned, very much so, but it was peaceful. Valentino moved towards the glass door, running his fingers through his well-groomed, blondish curls. He looked in, eyes piercing into the store.

« Let’s go, » he said, not seeing any lights on inside. His voice was low yet still strict and deep. The crimson curtains were drawn inside the library, but he could still perceive a peek of the inside. Cocking his gun in his hand, he forced the door open with a noisy, grimacing creak. His eyes widened imperceptibly in astonishment. It wasn’t even locked.

He snickered darkly in amusement, stepping inside, placing the blinds aside so he could pass. « That was easy, » he said emphatically, free of anybody hearing him.

His dark, almost black eye darted around the building, studying it. His eyes held anger, whenever and wherever, no matter the situation. Valentino had light brown curls with blonde streaks, always combed and taken care of correctly. He shaved commonly, loathing facial hair. On his right hand, he had a dulled rose tattoo that he got when he first formed the gang ; Tainted Rose.

Zaire and Jackson chased behind, looking around to see if anyone was watching. Jackson shut the entrance behind them, turning the keys that were left in the lock.

Valentino instantly began pacing, dialing Tyler’s, his former member’s, number. « Mother fucker, c’mon fucking accept the call ! » He thundered, his voice echoing through the library.