Riona
"Here we are," Donavan said, stepping in front of a building that was about the size of the lodging house, but that's where the similarities stopped. This building had a small yard in front and delicate ivy crawling over the bricks.
The other two started up the walkway, but I just stood gaping at the house before me. "You live here?" I squeaked out.
"Come on," Erin called, pulling me up the stairs by my sleeve. "Mother?! Father?!"
"Donavan? Erin? What in the name of St. Patrick are you doing home?"
Even before I could see her, my mother's voice brought tears to my eyes. As soon as she came into view, I threw my arms around her. She pulled me away from her slightly so that she could inspect me, squinting slightly. Moments later, she let out a gasp and her eyes brimmed with tears as she looked up at my brother. He nodded and she wrapped her arms around me even tighter.
Hours later, my whole family sat around the fireplace in the den, reliving the last year of separation. I did my best not to think about what would happen, although I knew I'd have to face it eventually. I just wanted to enjoy being with my family.
My father told me all about the money that he had grossed in the American steelworks, and I shared with them stories of the newsies and the lodging house. An expression of disgust washed over all their faces as I described my corner of the bunkroom.
"You will live with us now. Won't you Riona?" Erin asked during a lull in the conversation.
Somehow that single question flicked on a switch in my mind. I had only told Jack I was going to be out with Whesley for the afternoon. If it got late enough, they'd think something happened and start looking for me. "What time is it?"
My father pulled out a shiny gold pocket watch. "Half past twelve. Why?"
I shot up like an arrow. "I have to go."
"Riona! Wait—" Donavan called, but I didn't have time to explain.
"I love you all," I called as I dashed for the door. "I will come back tomorrow."
He followed quickly after me on the steps. "A girl like you shouldn't be out on the streets alone at this time of night. At least let me walk you back."
"Donavan, I've been living on the streets for a year, I think I can walk myself home," I replied simply then waved and took off into the darkness.
Spot
It couldn't have been any later than ten o'clock when one thing became very evident. I wasn't going to be getting any sleep that night. Watching my newsies sleep wasn't helping either, so I decided to head back to Manhattan. If nothing else, I wanted to apologize to Riona for the rude way that I reacted to her comment on the bridge.
Once I reached the lodging house, I was fully prepared to climb the fire escape and creep in through the window, so as not to wake the others who were more than likely fast asleep. Just as I was about to step onto the first rung, a light in the lobby caught my eye, someone was still asleep. Upon entering, I discovered that not just someone was still awake, everyone was still awake.
"What's going on Jacky-boy?" I asked cautiously.
He glanced up at me, worry wrinkling in his brow. "Riona hasn't come back yet. Specs heard that Whesley guy say for her to meet him this afternoon--"
He didn't have to say anything more; I flew out the door, making a beeline for the 'hoity-toity' section of town.
After walking aimlessly through the streets for at least half an hour, I had a stoke of luck. A dark figure was coming toward me from the other direction. As it got closer, I quickly recognized him as the boy in the park.
"Where is she?" I called out, a twinge of anger in my voice.
He stepped closer, apparently to study me fully. "Well little street rat, you must be referring to Riona."
"I'm the only one who calls her that." I spat back.
"Apparently not my boy." He smiled a snide little grin and started down the street again.
All the anger that had been building up in me boiled over at that moment and I shoved him into one of the buildings lining the street. "Where is she?!"
"She's not one of you, street rat."
"What are you talking about?" I pressed him harder against the wall.
He winced, then continued. "Let' just say that her father has made a pretty good life for himself."
I was so shocked that I released him and backed away.
"Hey don't feel bad street rat," he continued, "I thought that she was one of you too. Why else would I have wasted my time with her?"
Before I knew what was happening, Whesley was lying on the cobblestone, clutching his nose. I stared down at my hands, which hadn't moved. It was then that I realized we weren't along on the street.
Riona stood over him, nursing her right hand. "From now on you stay away from me," she threatened, and then stalked off into the shadow of a nearby alley.
I followed her cautiously. As I neared the alley, I could hear muffled sobs filling the air. Without saying a word, I pulled her into a hug.
"How could I have been so stupid?" she asked quietly.
I squeezed her a little tighter. "He's a charmer Riona, it's not your fault."
Riona
It was at there, standing in that dark alley with Spot that I finally realized something. I was in love, but not with Whesley like I'd been thinking for the last week. I found it in the one place that I never though to look, my best friend.
We stood in silence, both of us completely at a loss for words.
"We'd better get back, the boys are all worried," he said, finally breaking the silence. With one final squeeze, he dropped his arms from my shoulders and turned for the street.
"Spot wait." I could hardly believe that the words had escaped my mouth. He turned back to face me, the little light from the moon catching in his deep blue eyes. Suddenly, I didn't know what to do, so I let my heart take over. Quickly I closed the distance that separated us and leaned up to gently cover his lips with mine.
Spot
I was floored. There I was, standing in an alley, kissing my best friend. When the fog started to clear in my mind, I did what any self-respecting boy would do. Kissed her back.
When we finally parted, she leaned up and whispered "I think I love you."
"Me too," I whispered back, "but don't tell the boys."
She laughed and even in that dark alley I could see her magnificent eyes dancing. "Speaking of which, we'd better get back."
We made our way back into the street. "Did I hear him say that you saw your father?"
"I'll explain later," she replied, lacing her fingers with mine. We took a few more steps, then she spoke up again. "Hey Spot."
"Yeah."
"Do me a favor, don't ever let me punch anyone again." She wiggled the fingers on her right hand. "It hurts."
OK I know that the ending was sappy and it kinda sucked, but there you have it. I actually have an Idea for a spin off of this story that would deal more with Riona's family, so let me know it you would be interested in it.
