Skittery
I still remember the first time I looked into your eyes…
I couldn't avoid it any longer, you were waiting for me to take your penny in exchange for the paper. You were so pretty from a distance, I could barely imagine what you looked like close up. Of all the boys in the group, I was probably the only one who didn't want to be singled out by you. Except for The Mouth, maybe, but he was a wimp when it came to girls anyway.
It wasn't like I'd never been with a girl. I'd just never been looked at twice by one as pretty as you.
"Much obliged to ya, Miss," I managed to say as I tipped my hat. I stole a glance up at you and found I couldn't look away. Your smile was dazzling, and you eyes caught mine like a snare.
"What's your name?" you asked in a voice as sweet and smooth as honey.
"Skit-" I squeaked. I cleared my throat and attempted to gain back my dignity. "Skittery."
You raised your fine eyebrows in surprise. "That's your name?"
I chuckled a little. I had forgotten what it was like talking to someone other than the newsies. You wouldn't be familiar with our nicknames. "Nah," I said, finding it to be easier to talk with each word. "It's just what they call me."
You smiled again, warming your cerulean eyes. "Well, Skittery, they call me Tessa."
I still remember the first time I looked into your eyes. I was sure I'd never seen anything quite so beautiful.