Everyone sat inside the lodge house quietly that night. Spot sat beside me eyes focused on something miles away. None of the other boys wanted to distract his thought process.
Doc told me that a guy did that once and he was lucky to walk away with just a broken leg and a shiner.
The dress sat on me uncomfortably. It brought out my feminine figure that had been hidden for so long. Additionally, Spot had given me more concealing powder (for that blasted scar). He claims to have a connections to an actress- which is his source for everything he's been giving me for disguise.
Without a newsie hat to cover my hair, it fell a little past my shoulders, framing my face lightly. I couldn't believe I was ignoring my father's last wish.
Everyone knew now I had to find a new job, Brooklyn had no girl newsies, period.
Spot didn't want me to work in a factory because it was dangerous. Small secure jobs in shops were difficult for street rats like me to get. I had to make money; the boys barely had enough to support themselves.
All this thinking was making me so tired. I curled up on the worn down sofa and rested my head on Spot's shoulder. He didn't move so it must mean he was not upset by this.
"So what's the plan, Spot?"
I could see him brush his hair back agitatedly.
"I know a place wheah you could woik . . ." he began unsatisfied, "dere's dis guy who needs annuda person ta groom his horses. Hoity-toity guy, but you'll get paid. Do ya have experience wid animals?"
On the farm, I would often go riding Sonny, our horse, and I had my share of grooming the creature as well.
"Yeah," I answered.
"Okay, so you'll see him tomorrow. An' I'll check up on ya every once in a while ta make shuah youh okay."
I wanted to protest, that I could do this job without a babysitter, but Spot's word was final.
The boys seemed to decide it was bedtime and headed up the creaky stairs. I followed them up, rubbing my eyes tiredly.
I fell on my bed groaning.
"Ey, Er-Rose?" Duke called. I felt him sit by my waist. I lifted my head up a little to see his face.
"Hm?"
He took his hat off and wiped his forehead. "Well, er, I just wanna say dat, I'se sorry. About ev'rytin'."
"Me too," I sighed.
"I—" he paused uncertainly and then continued, "I neva realized how pretty ya were. I mean ya always looked fine but when youh dressed like a goil ya look really pretty."
I felt my face heat up, feeling uncomfortable with him sitting so close to me while saying this.
"Thanks," I whispered. Sleep was overriding everything else. Before I knew it, I was out like a light.
Spot woke me in an unusual way, this morning. I could hear a faint sound, and something was tickling my nose. My eyes opened slowly only to be greeted by two familiar blue eyes.
I gasped and sat up immediately, hoping to shove him off, he merely made room for me and started laughing.
"Da look on youh face!" he snickered. Other boys who witnessed the event silently chuckled.
My eyes narrowed to slits.
"That is not funny." It only made him laugh harder. I couldn't get out of bed because he was sitting on my legs. "Alright Spot, some of us have work to do, so if you don't mind GET OFF!"
He fluidly slid off my bed grasping the frame of the bunk bed laughing.
I went to the wash room to clean up and then came back ready to go. Spot gave an approving look and took my hand.
"Let's go, Rose."
My new job was very peaceful. My boss was a kind gentleman, who offered me a drink of lemonade and a fistful of candies as I worked. His horses, King, Draco, Minny, and Paris were gentle beasts who allowed me to wash and brush them as well as clean out their hooves with no fighting. I hooked them up to the carriages and was done. My job was shorter than Spot expected so when I finished I would follow him around as he sold.
Watching Spot sell newspapers was spellbinding. If his looks weren't enough, his words and voice won over many people. He was charming, and witty, and pleasant to be around as far as his consumers were concerned.
Spot caught me staring at him and I looked down, blushing. I hoped he'd let it go but I would never get that lucky. He strolled over, smirking.
"Seen anything interestin', Rose?" he's been adding my name into every sentence addressed to me. Probably to get it in his head, so he doesn't make a mistake.
"You're really good at selling," I offered, feeling annoyed that he was teasing me.
His smirk widened, "Best in da business!"
I rolled my eyes but couldn't keep a grin off my face.
"Can we go home?" I whined. I was feeling a bit anxious for some reason.
"Alright," he smiled, now warmly.
I took his hand automatically, feeling stupid. He probably thought I was being really girly. I tried to draw my hand back but he held it tight in his grip.
"Wouldn't want you to go running off, now, would we?" Spot smirked.
"Where would I go?" I asked mockingly.
"Well since we both finished early, how bout we head to da docks?"
I didn't answer but he already started towing me there, so I guess the question was rhetorical.
First, we just sat on the docks with our feet dangling over the edge. Neither of us felt like swimming.
"Rose," he started, but I interrupted.
"Where did that name come from?" I asked, "is it one of your old girlfriends, perhaps?"
His eye brows went up in surprise.
"No," he grinned, "it was me sista's name. She died a pneumonia when she was twelve."
I felt my heart stutter. He gave me his sister's name? I felt honored.
"I'm sorry . . . I'm so sorry," I whispered. Though pride swelled in my chest, I couldn't help feeling bad. He lost family too.
"S'alright. At least I got to say goodbye," he spoke calmly. I began playing with the silver band on my wrist twisting it around as well at the string from Torrence. I was able to say goodbye too.
"So, when aw ya gonna tell me youh story, goily? What was wid da boy t'ing?" curiosity burned in his words.
"Well," I sighed, "it's a long story."
"I'se got time."
". . . and sad . . ."
"Wouldn't be da foist one I hoid."
I looked into the water concentrating on Spot's and my reflection. I stared into the water the entire time I told him my story. I was surprised that I was able to talk about the boat ride without choking on my words.
When I finished Spot sat there silently then blew out a breath of air loudly.
"Gee. That explains a lot."
I nodded my head a little. I bit my lip trying to get a hold of myself. I was seeing flashed of the boat again. My sickly brothers and father. Watching their eyes droop.
I think Spot thought that I was going to cry because he put an arm over my shoulder in a comforting manner. He definitely would not do this to the boy Erin.
I closed my eyes gently trying to wipe the awful images from my mind.
"I'se sorry, Rose," he whispered into my ear. I wanted to tell him I was fine, that I didn't need his apology; instead I just stared into the water, with his arm slung over me.
It felt good just sitting there with him quietly.
Once the sun started to set we made our way home. All the boys were laying around tired. It's been a long day.
I as tired myself. This whole week being Rose was not easy.
Little did I know things were about to get worse.
There was a gently knock on the door, almost unnoticeable. I went to open it but Spot stopped me. He pulled it open himself staring straight into the warm blue eyes of Christopher.
Once I saw him I ran inside hiding behind Duke, Le Maitre, and Flames. The quickly sat together close to conceal my body.
"'Ello, Christopher, how's it rollin'?" Spot asked nonchalantly.
Christopher smiled wickedly, "Not bad, Spot. I suppose ya know why I'm heah?"
Spot sighed quietly, "yeah. So waddaya want?"
"I believe you've been giving board an' bed to a young lady heah by da name Rose?"
Spot remained calm, but the other boys couldn't keep their cool as easily. Some scowled at the floor while others gave Christopher a daggers look.
"Maybe. She also might a left. What's she ta you anyways?" Spot asked, trying to make me sound unimportant. But Christopher must of known better.
"A goils a goil. I saw a pretty goil wid ya ova' dis past week Spot. Ya must a known I'd be spyin' a littul, just ta see if Erin made an appeahrance. So I'se decided dis was da next best t'ing."
Spot's knuckles turned white as he made a fist at his side.
"She ain't mine ta hand ova', Christopher," he hissed dangerously.
"Oh really, well I'd say udda wise. I'se been watchin' you two. She definitely is youhs, Conlon. So suck up, an' hand her ova."
Spot turned around violently ripped his hat off. He started pacing while attacking the poor cap.
"Why her? She ain't special. Can't ya find annuda goil?"
Christopher merely smirked. He knew he hit a soft spot, and this is exactly what he wants.
"I'd like her now, Spot."
Spot new it was a lost fight but he was ready to quit. I saw his face scrunch up in concentration.
I decided it was up to me. I stood up from my spot and came out.
"I'm right here," I announced in a calm voice. Christopher looked up half impressed half amused.
Spot looked up at me with an unreadable expression.
"All right, den," Christopher began, "I guess youh commin' wid me. Say goodbye."
I turned to the boys feeling my chest swell with pain and fear.
I was going to miss them. Before I could say anything all of the boys removed their hats together and lowered their heads. Spot did the same and, to my surprise, brought me into a strong embrace.
"I'll be watching you." He whispered only for me.
I nodded sadly and left his warm safe arms.
Christopher took hold of my hand and led me from my third family.