Child Magical Chapter 1

BABES IN BROOKLYN

Humble Beginnings

‘Quick Sis, quick! I need you to come with me.’

My hero was calling me through the open window.

‘Coming, Fwanken.’ I just could not get my three-year-old tongue around ‘Franklyn’.

I propped my doll on the armchair, kissed her cheek, and hurried outside.

Franklyn grabbed my hand and took off at a trot. We rounded the corner of the last house on The Block and my brother pointed downwards.

‘He’s in here. Quick!’

The stairs lead to a dank, ill-lit room.

Oh, no, not another basement!

An ample-bodied kid glared at me through his sweat-matted red fringe.

‘Go on Sis, bite him.’

Roly-poly cringed. Obviously, my reputation had preceded me.

‘Okay, Fwanken.’

We both moved forward, and the boy took off, scurrying like a rat towards the internal staircase. In his haste he stumbled, and we were on him in a flash – Franklyn holding him while I bit into his taut flesh. The boy yelped then started to cry.

No, don’t cry.

I backed off – when kids cried it upset me. After all, it was just a friendly bite. That’s what the Maltese did to show affection. Didn’t they? I was confused.

‘Bite him again.’

‘No, Fwanken. Let him go.’

The boy scrambled up the steps and made his escape.

Franklyn put his arm around my shoulder. ‘Good job, Sis. He won’t try stealing my marbles again.’