*Authors Note: Ok, this was kind of a random idea I had, so I figured I would put it down on paper. But I like it, so hopefully you will too! I'll try to update soon so I can really hook you guys in, but I'm not promising anything, as I'm leaving for NY tomorrow for the weekend and I might not get it up before I leave. I'll try though! Enjoy!
Chapter 1:
The door of the empty Lodging house lobby opened and a girl of about sixteen entered. She would have been beautiful, had she not been enveloped in fear and insecurity. Like a lost puppy she entered, her big green eyes darting around the room. She was petite to start, but she shrank back so much that she seemed almost a child. Seeing no one was there, so slowly walked to the desk and timidly rang the bell that sat on it. When no one came, she hesitantly walked over to the worn, faded couch that lay next to the opposite wall and sat down. She glanced up at the stairs, hoping someone would come down and help her, but instead she noticed a sign that was hanging on the wall. 'Speak the Truth.' How ironic… she thought to herself, when she her thoughts were suddenly interrupted.
"Can I help you miss?" said a friendly voice. She quickly looked over toward the desk, where a kindly old man now stood. Oh, I didn't notice that door behind the desk… she thought as she nodded and stood. "I was wondering if you had any room for me to stay here for a while…" she said, glancing at the man but trying to avoid eye contact if possible.
"Well, we don't usually take girls…" but seeing the sad look on her face he gave in with a smile. "Sure. Can you pay rent?" he asked, for many kids didn't. She nodded, looking just as frightened as when she had first entered. So the man thought he'd try to make it easier on her.
"Welcome to the Manhattan Newsboys (and girls) Lodging House. I'm Kloppman. If you ever need anything, feel free to come to me. Here, let me show you to the sleeping quarters. Now, I hope you won't mind sleeping with guys, as all we have is one main room," he said as they went up the stairs.
"Well, this is the bunkroom and the washroom is through those doors. I'm afraid you're the only girl, but the boys are real nice, so you should feel at home right away. I would tell you which bed is yours, but it changes from night to night, so hopefully the boys will be polite enough to give you a bed to yourself, and if they don't you come talk to me and I'll set them straight," Kloppman said with a smile, trying to make the girl feel better.
"You're welcome to stay around here today, but if you want to meet some of the boys then I suggest going to Tibby's (it's a restaurant a couple of blocks away that they like to eat at)," Kloppman added kindly before turning to go downstairs. Then, remembering one last thing, he turned back to her and asked, "By the way, what's your name? I need it for the books…"
"Julia. Julia Moore," she replied hesitantly. Kloppman nodded and headed back to his office. After he left, Julia began to look around. The place was a mess: beds unmade, dirty clothes everywhere. Finally, she set her small bag of belongings in a corner and went to wash up a bit.
She hadn't realized until she looked in the mirror how terrible she looked. Her face was covered in sweat, dirt and dried tears. Oh, it had been a long three days. Only three days? It seems as if I've been out here on my own for years, she thought, recalling the hard days and nights she had faced. Well, at least it was better then before… but her thoughts were interrupted by an unfamiliar voice.
"Heya… oh, sorry, I didn't know… I thought…" began the boy who had entered, surprised and unsure of what to do. After all, not many girls washed up in the washroom of the Newsboys Lodging House. Julia didn't know what to do either, for she hadn't expected any boys back for hours. After a second, the boy took hold of the situation and put out his hand. "Racetrack Higgins at yer service. Might I have da pleasure of makin' you'se acquaintance?" he asked charmingly. Julia shyly offered her hand and replied timidly, "Julia."
I have to get out of here. I don't want any acquaintances! Why can't anyone understand that? she thought, terrified of what could happen. "I have to go," she said before she ran downstairs and out the door. Racetrack, however, followed her down and caught hold of her arm as she started down the street. She turned to look at him, but it wasn't a look he was expecting. God, she's terrified of me! he thought. Calmly, he said, "Listen, I'se don't want ta hoit you. Trust me."
For a moment she just stared at him, her soft green eyes wide with terror. Seeing he wasn't going to let go, the terror slowly began to fade as she tried to read his expression. Well, God knows I need someone to help me, she thought, taking a closer look. Looks like an Italian. Must be an orphan, as he doesn't look like the type to have run away. Ok. "Ok," she said, with a little more confidence in her voice.
"You'se can call me Race," he said as he offered his arm. She took it, still with a wary look on her face, but with a bit less timid-ness than before. As they walked down the street, Race asked, "So, why are you'se stayin' in the lodgin' house anyways?" Julia answered pointedly, "I have no where else to go." Race chuckled and replied, "Well d'en, ya came ta da right place."
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Well, I hope you like it so far! I promise it will prove to be an interesting story once I get some of the plot down (those of you who have read A Little Bit of Luck know that my first chapters are usually introductions). Please review! –Maudie (Racesgurl)
