Food is a luxury only some can afford. It's far too expensive, you're lucky if you can just walking around buying it whenever you want. Staying above board with how you get what you want is a privilege for the rich. At least, that's what Gabriela told herself as she hustled through a crowded New York City street. She was getting hungry, an inconvenience she had to deal with daily. Peering through arms and torsos, avoiding the bumps of brief cases and handbags, she spotted a break in the crowds around a corner. Slipping out of the fray and into an alley, she scouted the less crowded street for easy pickings. A poorly lit bodega caught her eye. She was no stranger to grabbing a quick bite and avoiding the payment, and this dingy spot seemed to her practiced eye to be easy work. She strolled in, the bells above the door jingling lightly as the door opened and closed. Avoiding eye contact with the man behind the counter, she began to peruse the shelves. A small loaf of bread could fit in her backpack without anyone noticing. Maybe some eggs too, and a couple of instant noodle cups. With enough food to sustain her for a day or two, she turned toward the front of the store to leave. The man behind the counter barely noticed her as she weaved between the few isles between her and freedom.
She was about to leave when a pound cake by the door caught her eye. She'd been good, she thought, only taking the essentials this time. What could go wrong with a little treat... Without thinking any further she grabbed at it, sliding it up her shirt. The black cotton shirt was cropped above her bellybutton but it was tight, perfect for holding items on the low and keeping her hands free.
As she reached for the door her stomach dropped as she realized she pushed the inattentive store owner too far. He saw her grab at the cake and was at the door before she was.
She shuddered as he loomed above her, arms crossed over his chest and a scowl set firmly into his rough features. His dark eyes seemed to bore through Gabriela, and she got sinking feeling that her usual feminine charm routine wouldn't get her out of trouble this time. Despite the doubts she tried anyway.
"Excuse me sir, I was just looking around, I don't want any trouble" Gabriela delivered the line in her softest voice, wagging her hips back and forth and twirling her jet black hair around her finger, trying to distract the man.
"Too late little lady, and don't go thinking I don't know what's in that backpack. It was a whole lot flatter when you came in. Give it all back."
Against her better judgement, Gabriela hesitated taking off her pack. Something about this man had her rooted in place. His forearms, thick and corded from long days unloading food crates, almost seemed to cast a spell on her. She felt an odd tingle as she looked this man up and down, a tingle she wasn't familiar with. Attraction, she wondered? No, he was older than her, at least in his mid thirties. Fear? No, she'd been in tighter spots before and got out just fine. Maybe it was something in between...
"Last chance, give back what you tried to take from me or you'll have to deal with the consequences." His gravelly voice was quiet, but carried the same authority as if he were yelling in Gabriela's face.
"What are you going to do, call the police on this hardened criminal?" Gabriela teased, changing her strategy now.
"I'm not involving them in this. I'm barely scraping by and you're taking from me without paying. We're dealing with this between us, and that's your final warning." His arms dropped to his side and he a took a step towards her.
"We'll if there's no need for cops then I guess I'll just be on my wa...OOF!" Gabriela's attempted exit was cut short as the man's heavy fist slammed into her stomach. Her knees buckled and she headed for the floor, gasping for air. Before she knew what was happening she was on her feet again, yanked up by her backpack. Another blow landed with a hollow thud, catching her just below her sternum. The shockwave of pain rippled out from her core through her limbs, bringing with it a rush of a adrenaline that heightened all sensation. Gabriela was acutely aware of the cold floor as she fell again, clutching her midsection on the ground.
