Ch.5 Lost
Jack told me it wasn't that big of a problem. He said there were some shoes I could have back at the Newsboys Lodging House. He took his papes and started running in the other direction, and Les followed. David gave me this look that said sorry and took off after his brother. I waited in the alley for a minute watching all the other newsies wander around. I didn't know them very well yet, but I wanted to meet all of them eventually. Tired of just standing around I went and bought 20 papes. This time Weasel didn't give me any problems, just glared at me. I could handle glares. I bet I made a pitiful sight. My red hair was pulled back, although some of it had gotten loose and was dangling around my face. My torn clothing, almost rags now, dirty face, arms, and feet completed the picture. Perhaps that's why I sold all but two of my papes before the boys got back. Jack had in his hands a pair of black, scuffed up boots. They were a bit big, but much better for walking. Jack, David, and Les still needed to sell their papes so I told them I'd be fine by myself. That's when I got the brilliant idea to take a walk. I convinced myself that maybe if I just wandered around long enough James would miraculously appear. I closed my eyes and spun in a circle. I opened my eyes and headed in the direction I was facing.
I passed buildings, alleys, fire escapes, carts, carriages, horses, and most of all people. There were ladies in fashionable dresses escorted by their gentleman friends. Kids played games in the streets; while vendors tried to sell their fruits and vegetables. I was only looking for one thing, the sight of my brother's beaming face amidst the crowds. The harder I looked the more people began to look like James. I had to stop shake my head and rub my eyes. All the searching had affected my brain, so I sat down for awhile. People went by and they all looked so happy. I folded my hands and prayed something I don't normally do. All I wanted was to find my brother, I'd never ask for anything again. Putting in a good word with Him never hurt anybody and there'd be an even better chance of finding James now. Morning left and afternoon took its place. The sun was bright in the sky and my stomach reminded me that it was hungry was again. I went in the nearest restaurant and bought the cheapest thing to eat. I had some bread and coffee. While I ate I noticed that the other restaurant goers were staring at me. Unnerving it was, having all those eyes on you, so I was glad enough to get out of there. For the rest of the afternoon and well into the evening I searched for my twin. Eight o'clock it was, when I realized I was lost. " You don't even know what city you're in. Stupid, stupid, that's what you are", I berated myself. The sun had gone down and once again I was alone in the dark.
" Enough feeling sorry for yourself," I whispered harshly. An hour later I couldn't take another step. By this time all the respectable citizens of New York were inside. " Probably having a good time too" I scowled. The thing I wished for most was someone else in my situation to talk to, and directions back to Manhattan. My feet were so sore, but I had to keep walking. There just weren't any good places to stop and sleep. " What kinda town is this? They don't even have decent places to sleep." I mused angrily. I was only angry cause I didn't feeling like moving any more. Eventually the stores and buildings grew farther and farther apart. The scenery changed and I knew that I had walked right out of Manhattan. The new city had a different feel to it, the air had a strange yet familiar smell. I sniffed but still couldn't recognize the smell. The further I went the stronger the smell got. Then, boom it hit me. This place smells like FISH. Yep, I was right, because way in the distance I could make out piers. " Finally!", I thought, " Things are looking up." Water lapped up against the docks and it made a peaceful, soothing kind of sound. I sat down on the end of one of the piers and took off my shoes. I stuck my feet in the water and immediately jerked them back out. Shivers went up and down my spine and goosebumps formed on my arms. The water was colder than I imagined. Slowly this time, I eased my aching feet to the water. I uttered a sigh of contentment, cause I hadn't felt this good all day. I closed my eyes and leaned my head against a nearby post.
Meeting on the Docks
Distant voices rumbled above my head. They were strange voices loud and slurred together. Two words came through clearly, " Who's dis?" A sharp kick in the side brought me completely out of my dream like state. Rubbing my ribs I opened one eye and looked up. Above me was a blonde-headed kid with blue green eyes. The kid also had a gold tipped cane. He wasn't so big but the two boys with him had major muscles. I opened my other eye and pulled my feet from the water. My toes had become all wrinkly, must've been sitting there for a while. I'm always loosing track of time. I stood up all the way but I kept staring at my toes. " Who're you?" he repeated. I said nothing. " Real talkative ain't ya" He gave up asking me questions and said, " Me name's Spot Conlon, leader of da Brooklyn newsies." I remembered that name from somewhere. Spot delivered this short speech with a sort of arrogant pride. I didn't hold nothing against him, if I was leader of something big; I'd be the same way. I had to contribute something to the conversation so I said proudly, " My name's Fury and I'm the first girl newsie in the whole of Manhattan." I don't know if he made a face or not for I was still inspecting my feet. " Whatcha doing in Brooklyn then?" I looked him right in the eye and said, " I got lost. I only been in New York for two days, give me a break." He informed me of the time, it was a little past midnight, and I shrugged. I can't do anything about the time. He volunteered to walk me back to Manhattan, but I refused. " Just give me directions" I commanded. All three of the Brooklyn boys gave me look like " this girl must be nuts." Spot actually gave me really good detailed directions. I was preparing to go about my when Spot called out, " Wait a minute." He whispered something to his buddy and he disappeared. He came back carrying a large wooden stick and gave it to me. " Dis will help ya if ya come across any trouble. I don't think any of my boys will miss it. Ain't nobody can say I never helped out a fellow newsie. Say hello ta Jack for me." I yelled out, " Goodbye and thanks!" then ran off in the direction he showed me.
* Author's Note- Fury getting lost and winding up in Brooklyn may seem a bit obvious, but just hang on. It is setting up for another chapter. There will be twists I promise.*