Author's Note: I'm not as confident in this story as I have been in my other stories (reposts coming soon!). This is one of those stories that I know won't be perfect, but I just need to get out of my system. :-) Continued thanks for all your kind reviews!
December 24, 1898
The next week, Spot and Adelaide were counting their profits from the day when they heard a whistle. Spot jerked his head up and stood up.
"Come on. Ralphie wants us."
Adelaide looked in the direction Spot had looked and saw Ralphie standing on a street corner. She pocketed her money and followed Spot.
Ralphie held out his hand to her when they got to him. She sighed and pulled out her money and put it into his hand. "That all of it?"
Adelaide nodded.
"Good." Ralphie pocketed the money.
"Look, you're already threatening to hurt my brother if I run away, why don't you let me hold onto my own money?" she asked.
"What do you need money for?" asked Ralphie. "Anything you need, just ask me or one of the boys. We'll get it for ya."
"But why?"
Ralphie ignored her and looked at Spot. "Take her to the Bridge. Don't give 'em too long."
"Who?" asked Adelaide.
Spot just nodded and grabbed Adelaide's arm and pulled her along.
"Do you always just do what he tells you to do?" she asked.
"If I don't want a club to the head, yeah," said Spot, leading her through the streets. Once they turned a corner and saw the entrance to the bridge, they saw two tall figures and a small one standing there.
"Mikey," Adelaide said and took off running.
As soon as Tumbler saw her, he bolted toward Adelaide. She scooped him up in her arms and hugged him tight.
Her heart burst at the feel of his little arms hugging her neck.
"I miss you, Aide," he said.
"Oh, I miss you too," said Adelaide, closing her eyes hard, tears leaking out of the corners of her eyes.
Spot eventually caught up to them, never quickening his stride. Skittery walked over, escorted by Blade.
Adelaide put Tumbler down and walked over to Skittery, throwing her arms around him. Skittery held her tight, burying his face in her hair. She never wanted to let go. She felt Tumbler hug her waist and she put one arm around him as she leaned against Skittery. Her two little pieces of home – she never wanted to let them go.
"You okay?" he whispered. Adelaide nodded. "They hurt you?" She shook her head. Adelaide felt his muscles relax. "Merry Christmas Eve."
Adelaide grinned and looked up at him. "Merry Christmas Eve."
"Caught these two tryin' to waltz on in like they owned the place," said Blade.
Skittery frowned as he looked up. "What? Are you the bridge guardian?"
Blade shrugged. "Ever since Ralphie caught you sniffin' around our block, he wanted eyes on the Bridge."
Adelaide looked at Skittery. "You were here before?"
Skittery nodded. "There was a plan to sneak you out of Brooklyn, but we got caught when we were scoping the place out."
"And you're still alive?"
Skitters gave her a small grin. "Had a couple of shiners, but wasn't worse for the wear."
Spot turned to Blade. "Ralphie said this time it's okay." Blade nodded and walked away.
"Aide, I'm hungry," said Tumbler.
Adelaide pulled back from Skittery and grinned at her brother, taking his hand. "Then let's get you something to eat."
The three of them walked off down the street with Spot following at a short distance.
"So what does he have you doing?" Skittery asked.
Adelaide shrugged. "This last week I've just been selling papes."
"Nothin' else?"
Adelaide shook her head.
"What do you do when you're not selling papes?"
Adelaide shrugged. "Nothing. I work from dawn until dusk, then I go to bed."
"So why does he want you here so bad?"
Adelaide sighed softly, knowing Skittery deserved the truth.
"Can we eat there?" Tumbler asked, pointing at a bakery.
"Sure." Adelaide grinned down at them and they crossed the street. Skittery bought them each a pretzel and they huddled around a small table, trying to keep out of the cold.
"Where do you stay?" Skittery asked.
"Basement of a tenement building," said Adelaide. "There's blankets and cots everywhere. Everyone just sort of claims one."
Skittery frowned. "You sleep in the same room as all the boys?" Adelaide swallowed hard. She was too afraid of what Skittery might do or think she told him Ralphie made her share his bed. She nodded again. "That ain't right." He shook his head.
"There's a sheet that sorta divides a corner of them room for some privacy. That's where they let me sleep."
"I still don't like it," Skittery shook his head.
"Why doesn't he let you sell papes at home?" Tumbler piped up.
Adelaide chewed on her lip for a moment. "It's just different."
Skittery watched her for a moment. "He takes your money, doesn't he?"
Adelaide looked up at him and opened her mouth to respond, but nothing came out.
Skittery shook his head. "I don't get it."
"I don't think there's much to get," Adelaide sighed. "Ralphie takes what he wants."
"But why you?"
Adelaide opened her mouth to answer when someone walked over to their table. "Time to go," said Spot, walking over.
Adelaide sighed. "Can't we have a little more time?"
Spot shook his head. "Ralphie wanted you back with him before dinner."
Skittery stood up. "Can she walk with us to the bridge at least?"
Spot nodded.
Adelaide stood up and took Tumbler's hand. Skittery took her other hand and they walked out of the restaurant.
"I really appreciate you looking after Tumbler," she said.
"It's nothin'," said Skittery.
"Not to me," she said. "It means everything to me."
As they walked towards the bridge with Spot keeping a close, but respectful distance.
All too soon, they got to the Brooklyn Bridge. Adelaide bent down to Tumbler's level. "You take care of this guy for me, okay?" asked Adelaide.
"I will," Tumbler nodded, throwing his arms around her neck. "When are you coming home?"
"I don't know," said Adelaide, holding him tightly. "But I promise you, as soon as I can, I will." She gave him a kiss on the cheek before standing up straight.
Skittery pulled her into his arms and holding her tight. "I love you, Aide. Be careful."
"I love you too."
"You bein' over here doesn't mean nothin' for us. You're still my girl, okay?" Adelaide nodded. "I'm gonna figure out a way to get you back home. I promise."
"Don't do anything stupid."
Skittery smirked. "Since when have I ever done anything stupid?"
Adelaide grinned and pulled back a bit. "I'll make you a list." She leaned in and kissed him.
Spot cleared his throat from behind them. Their smiles faded.
"We'll come back. I promise."
Adelaide nodded. Skittery took Tumbler's hand and they began the mile-long walk across the bridge.
"Time to go," said Spot, walking over to her.
"Wait," she said. She stayed put until she couldn't see her boys anymore.
