“If you run any slower I’m definitely going to be late for my families party.” I was becoming winded.
“If you’re indicating I’m slow, it’s not my fault!” She caught up to me and kept at my pace. “If you’re so concerned with being late, let’s take a short cut.” She sounded relieved.
I agree and we cut across the street before a car took out our legs.

The short cut was passed an abandoned store. We rarely have taken it.
Halfway behind the building, I stopped instantly and pulled Blanche back. We were frozen.
A gang was ahead of us. Their skin was marred with ink and their faces were shot with scars. Their hushed tones and eyes indicated they had seen us, the trail of their looks blazed us like lasers. “Hey!”
“Don’t panic,” I whispered.
One member began to approach us and the others followed.
I spoke up, “Listen, we’re just taking a short cut. We can turn around, it’s no big deal.”
They laughed amongst each other. They knew what was happening now. “You could go, but I don’t think that’s happening sweetheart.”