Chapter 7
Hannah's POV
"So, is this Spot Conlon really dangerous?" David asked nervously as we made out way across the Brooklyn Bridge.
We laughed.
"He's a little intimidating," Jack admitted, "but I don't think he'll kill ya."
"Don't worry Dave, I'll protect you," Charlie said, patting his shoulder.
"He doesn't scare you?"
"Well, I haven't really met him, but I've heard stories. I'm pretty sure I'm taller than him and he's a twig. Plus, I don't take shit from anyone."
Jack pulled her to a stop, gesturing for David and I to continue walking.
Charlie's POV
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"You gotta be careful around Spot," he said seriously.
"Um, why?"
"Cause he may be a twig, but he can pack a punch. He also deserves a little respect."
"I have respect for him Jack, I'm just not intimidated. You know me, I speak my mind and I don't take shit from people."
"That's why I'm worried. He likes tough girls, so he might make a move on ya."
"It doesn't bother me," I said with a shrug.
"But I thought you and me was…" he trailed off.
"Thought we were what Jack?" I asked, my heart beating so fast I thought it would burst.
"Nothin," he muttered, turning to follow David and Hannah.
"Wait!"
He stopped, but didn't look at me.
"You know Spot and I will never be a thing right?"
"…Yeah?"
"Yeah. I-well-t-there's someone I have feelings for already."
"Oh," he said, shaking his head before continuing forward.
I sighed, smacking myself in the forehead. Why do I fuck everything up?
Hannah's POV
We walked forward a ways, giving Jack and Charlie some privacy.
"What do you think they're talking about?" David asked.
"I'm not really sure. Maybe Jack decided to confess his undying love."
"I'm surprised they haven't told each other yet. It's obvious they like each other."
"Wow. Most guys are oblivious to stuff like that. I'm impressed you noticed."
"I've got good intuition," he said, tapping his head.
"Oh yeah? Do you usually know when a girl likes you?"
"Um, well, I don't really know. I don't think any girls have liked me that way," he admitted shyly.
"Or maybe your intuition isn't as good as you think," I said, blushing.
He opened his mouth to say something, but Jack caught up to us before he could. Charlie was lagging behind a little. I walked back to her to make sure everything was all right.
"You okay?"
"Not really. I-I think he might actually like me."
"That's great! So what's the problem?"
"I told him I like someone and he looked disappointed."
"Still not seeing the problem."
"I didn't tell him who it is, so he doesn't know it's him. He must think I like someone else. Damn, I totally fucked up!"
"I'm sure it's not as bad as you think," I assured her.
"You didn't see how dejected he looked."
When we reached the pier, Charlie and I couldn't help but stop and stare as a very wet Brooklyn newsie wearing very little clothing climbed out of the water.
"Goin somewhere?" he asked, giving both of us a quick up down.
Jack pushed passed him, making a path for us. David placed a gentle hand on my back, steering me past the shirtless newsie. Even though he was upset, Jack still kept an eye on Charlie to make sure she was okay.
Of course, being the clumsy individual that she is, she promptly tripped and fell. Rolling his eyes, Jack helped her to her feet.
"You alright Chucks?"
"I think so, ow!" she squeaked, holding up her palm.
Jack took her hand in his, examining the cut, which was small but still bleeding. He untied the bandana around his neck, moving to wrap it around her hand.
"It's gonna get blood on it," she said, trying to pull her hand away."
"It'll wash out and it's red anyway."
He pulled her hand back and gently wrapped the bandana around it, holding her hand longer than necessary.
David nudged my arm, mouthing "awwwww" when I glanced up at him. I stifled a giggle, swatting his arm playfully.
"Well if it ain't Jack be nimble, Jack be quick."
I looked up, catching sight of Spot, who was sitting up on his perch.
"I see you moved up in the world Spot."
"So have you," he said, eyes falling on Charlie.
Spot jumped down so he and Jack could do the spit handshake.
"See ya got yourself a couple a girls."
"That's Mouse and this is—
"Chucks," she jumped in, spitting on her hand and offering it to Spot. He quirked an eyebrow, but spit and shook her hand anyway.
"So why do they call you Mouse?" he asked, turning his attention to me.
"Oh, um, I—
"Right. That's why."
Charlie stood next to me as Jack and Spot had a chat.
"He really is a shrimp isn't he?" she muttered.
"He's taller than me," I pointed out.
"Well yeah, but he's shorter than me. It's a good thing I guess. If he pulls anything I could totally take him."
"Whatever you say."
"Jacky-boys newsies is playing like they're goin on strike," Spot said.
"Well we are," I piped up.
"And we're not playing. We are going on strike," David said.
"Oh yeah? Yeah? What is this Jacky-boy? Some kinda walkin mouth?" he scoffed.
I summoned my courage and stepped between Spot and David.
"Yeah he's a mouth," Jack laughed, "but he's got a brain."
"And if you've got half of one, you'll listen to him," I added.
Spot sighed, but nodded for David to talk.
"Well, we started the strike, but we can't do it alone, so we're talking to newsies all around the city."
"Yeah, so they told me. But what'd they tell you?"
"They're waiting to see what Spot Conlon does, see you're the key. I mean, you're the most respected newsie in all of New York. So if you join then they'll join and we'll be unstoppable. So you gotta join, I mean…well you got!" David finished.
I patted his shoulder encouragingly.
"You're right. He's got a brain. But how do I know you won't run scared the first time someone comes atcha with a club?"
"Cause I'm tellin ya Spot," Jack said.
"That ain't good enough. You gotta show me."
"We're not the running type," Charlie said.
"Oh yeah?" Spot asked, getting up in her space.
"Yeah," she challenged, crossing her arms and glaring down at him.
"Still ain't good enough. But you're tough…I like it," he said, giving her a smirk and lightly touching her arm.
I saw Jack tense for a moment. She leaned in so close I thought she was gonna kiss him, before she said, "Never gonna happen."
We lost our shit, laughing hysterically, especially Jack.
"Tough break man," he said, patting Spot on the back.
I glanced at David who was still laughing. Dammit if Charlie can be brave so can I. Come on Hannah, just do it!
"Hey David?"
"Yeah?" he managed through his laughter.
"Do you want to hang out tomorrow? We're won't be doing anything with the strike yet, besides not working, since we haven't really figured out a course of action."
He blinked in surprise, and then smiled.
"Yeah sure. I have to babysit Les though."
"That's fine."
"Great, I'll come pick you up at the lodge house at noon."
I just nodded, trying not to squeal. David yes to hanging out! My life is complete!
