Author's Note: This is a small ficlet that is the companion piece to Not Here. It is in Jack's POV and will feature the letters from Spot to Jack. You don't necessarily have to read Not Here to understand this but it might make it more well-rounded. Plus, it's really short, too.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Spot Conlon, Jack Kelly or any other character from the 1992 Disney musical, Newsies.
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Empty Apologies
You keep saying that you're sorry, Jacky-Boy, but that don't mean nothing to me.
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Most people have a harder time letting themselves love than finding someone to love them.
– Bill Russell
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September 1, 1899
Santa Fe? Are you there? Do you swear you won't forget me? If I found you would you let me come and stay?
I can't believe I'm waiting at the train yards, a well-earned ticket to Santa Fe clutched in my hand. I guess it's a good thing I never gave good old Joe his money back, eh?
You know, back in July – I didn't think I'd be heading out West anytime soon. I had David, I had Sarah, I had the boys… I had Spot.
Spot…
Goddamn that little Brooklyn bum. It's him, I'm leaving for. I just can't stay around anymore.
If he hadn't approached me after the strike…
If I hadn't let him kiss me…
He said he loved me. And now I'm leaving. Does it make any sense? Of course not. But when ever before did Jack Kelly make sense? Dave had the brains for the strike. That's why we won. I went scab. I ain't smart and I know it.
You're my chance to break free and who knows when my next one will be?
But the train's here now and I gotta go.
Santa Fe, wait for me…
I'm on my way.
So long, New York.