Riona
Spot and I didn't return to the lodging house until long after dark that night.
"Are you going back to Brooklyn?" I whispered as we entered the bunkroom.
"Nah, it's too late now. I might as well sell wit youse in the mornin."
"Well goodnight then." I quietly tiptoed over to the makeshift screen in the corner of the room that the boys had set up to give my "privacy". I could hear spot settling into one of the empty beds as I changed and did the same. Although I was exhausted, I couldn't fall asleep for the life of me. The day's events kept flashing before my eyes in one blurry scene. I was still kicking myself for breaking down and in front of Spot of all people. Yet, somehow he seemed to understand, it confused me.
Finally my eyelids began to feel heavy and I drifted off.
Spot
"Wake up boys!" Kloppman called up the steps.
I was already awake, staring up at the cracks in the ceiling absently. Riona's story was still swimming around in my head, the sad look on her face still made me feel like I'd been punched in the stomach.
Everyone started moving around, so I decided to start getting ready for the day. On the way to the washroom, I passed Race trying to wake Riona.
"Queeny get up girlie," he said shaking her lightly.
I shook my head. "That won't work. She's out cold." I walked into the washroom, filled a bucket with cold water and returned to Race's side.
"What are ya doin?" he asked, a little unsure.
"Waking her up." I lifted the bucket and he backed away.
"She's gonna soak ya."
I smirked, "She'll try." With that, I flipped the bucket over, sending a stream of cold water rushing to her sleeping form.
"What the—" she sat up with a start.
"Morning Riona."
Anger flared in her eyes. "Spot Conlon, I swear to God." She bounded off the bed and lunged at me, swinging a pillow.
"Time to get ready Queeny," Jack called, baring any more fighting. "We're gonna be late."
"Aww Jackie boy. You ruined my fun." I chuckled, but stopped short when I caught the death stare she was giving me on her way to the washroom.
"Told ya," Race called before heading down the stairs, followed by the other boys. I decided to wait and apologize to Riona. I plopped down on the bed, staring at the washroom door. Ten minutes passed without any movement from the other side. "Riona come out already. They're gonna be out of papes by the time we get there." When there was no response, I got up. "I'm leaving now."
Riona
I was almost ready by the time Spot left. My anger had subsided, but I wanted him to suffer a little while longer. It was fun to see him grovel.
I went to the distribution center alone and got my papes, heading for Central Park.
"Buy a paper sir?" I asked to a wealth looking man with is back to me. When he turned to face me, my breath caught in my throat. He wasn't an old man as I'd expected. He couldn't have been more than a year older than me. His skin was a creamy dark olive color, and his equally dark hair hung into his chocolaty eyes.
"Sure," he replied with a smile that seemed to brighten his whole face.
"Hey Queeny," Kid Blink called from a few feet away. "You commin to lunch?"
"In a bit Kid."
I turned back to the boy by my side. Confusion masked his face. "Queeny? That's an unusual name."
I blushed a little at the nickname that the boys had given me. "My name is Riona, it's Irish for queen."
"Riona. It suits you well. I'm Whesley." He extended his hand and I shook it. "May I buy you lunch?"
I was supposed to meet the boys at Tibby's, but I wouldn't be missed. "Alright." He nodded and we headed toward the edge of the park.
Spot
The last selling spot that I could think of to look for Riona was Central Park. I hadn't seen her all day and I was eager to apologize for the morning.
I finally found her standing with a young aristocrat a few yards into the park. I started to approach them, but as I got neared, they walked off in the general direction of the exit to the park.
Disappointed and curious, I turned on my heal and walked toward Tibby's.
