*Author's Note: Sorry about the weird format guys. FF.net is deciding to be weird so I wanted to make it somewhat easier. So even if it's weird, IT'S FOR YOUR OWN GOOD! ;-)*
After a long time, the group reached the Brooklyn Bridge.
"I've never been to Brooklyn. Have you?" David asked.
"Dats a dumb question. Of course we have. Everybody goes at one point in time." Blue scoffed, ignoring David's hurt look.
"I spent a month dere one night." Boots said happily as he jumped up on the edge of the railing.
"Hey watch dis." Jack said, motioning to Bright Eyes, Boots and Blue.
The group grinned and leaned over the edged and yelled loudly, David watching them nervously. After they stood up and proceeded, laughing, David looked at them uneasily.
"So, is this Spot Conlon really dangerous?" The others began to laugh even harder, Blue especially, recalling her close call with him.
Bright Eyes walked ahead of the others as they approached the docks in Brooklyn. David eyed the boys who were swimming in the river uneasily. The boys merely glared at him with no concern whatsoever. Blue gulped as they approached the end of the docks where she could see Spot sitting on a bunch of crates, surveying the surroundings. He had grown. He was still not very tall, but he had still grown a bit. His face hadn't changed at all, it was still the proud, stubborn face Blue remembered. He saw them approaching and his lips curled in an amused smile.
"Well if it ain't Jack be nimble, Jack be quick. An' me dear pal Brighty." Spot said.
Bright Eyes blushed and faked a sorrowful glance at Spot.
"I didn't do nothin', honest Spot. Don't hoit me!" She said as she burst into fake tears.
Blue glanced around her in surprise as the formerly sober Brooklyn Newsies began to laugh, and the effect produced a rarely seen smile from Spot.
He's got a nice smile. 'Course dats all he's got, da runt. Blue thought.
"See ya moved up in da woild Spot. Ya got a riva view an' everytin'." Jack said as he approached Spot.
Spot in turn jumped down from his perch and looked at Jack a moment before the two spitshook. Spot then smiled broadly, which surprised Blue greatly.
"Hey Boots! How's it rollin'?" He asked sidling up to Boots.
"I've gotta couple of real good shoota's heah." Boots said holding out his palm. Blue peeked into Boots' hand and saw,
Marbles? Why does he need marbles? Is it like some kinda peace offerin' or sometin'? Blue thought.
Spot smiled and took one of the larger marbles. Blue's questions were answered when the boy pulled out a large slingshot and placed the marble in it. She eyed David as the boy placed the ball in the slingshot and aimed it at a nearby beer bottle.
"So Jacky boy, I've been hearin' tings from little boids. Tings from Harlem, Queens." Blue watched Spot closely as he aimed the slingshot and let it go, the marble hitting the bottle perfectly.
As the glass shattered, David jumped, much to Blue's annoyance.
Whassa matta Davey? Neva heaid a beer bottle shatta before?
"Dey're chirpin' in my ear, Jacky boy's Newsies is playin' like dey're goin' on strike." Spot continued.
Playin'? Who does he tink he is? We ain't playin'!
"Yeah, well we are." Jack answered.
"But we aren't playing. We are going on strike." David put in.
EWWW! Now I's soundin' like David! Blech!
Much to Blue's amusement, Spot began to edge up to David, a scowl on his face. Though Spot was shorter than David, David still edged backward, his face uneasy.
"Oh yeah? Yeah? What is dis Jacky boy some kinda walkin' mouth?" Spot asked.
"Yeah he's a mouth. A mouth wit' a brain an' if you've got half of one you'll listen ta what he's gotta say." Blue's mouth nearly dropped open.
How kin he tawk ta Spot like dat an' still be livin'? I talked like dat ta him jest once, an' he's got his Newsies gunnin' fer me!
To her astonishment, Spot merely eyed Bright Eyes and sat down on the deck, waiting.
Bright Eyes nudged David, who jumped.
"Well uh, we started the strike, but uh, we've been talking to other Newsies all around the city." David started nervously.
Oh c'mon David. Is dat da best ya kin do?! At dis rate, we'll neva have Brooklyn. Blue thought as she leaned up against the pier.
Spot continued to glare at David.
"Yeah, so dey told me. But what do dey tell you?" Spot interrupted.
"They're waiting to see what Spot Conlon says. They say you're the key." Blue remembered that day a long time ago, when she had seen the metal key hanging around Spot's neck, and when she looked now, she saw it was still there.
Da Key of Brooklyn. She thought.
As she watched Spot, she saw him shift in his seat with satisfaction at the compliment.
Stuck up jeik. She thought with disdain.
"That Spot Conlon is the most famous Newsie, in all of New York, and probably everywhere else. And if Spot Conlon joins the strike, then they'll join, and we'll be unstoppable, so you've gotta join us, because, well, you gotta!" David ended in one breath.
Blue watched Spot who turned to Jack and Bright Eyes and nodded approvingly.
"Yeah, yer right Jack. Brains. But I've got brains too, an' more dan just half of one." Spot said, rising and pacing the deck.
"How do I know you punks won't run the first time some goon comes at ya wit' a club? How do I know dat you've got what it takes ta win?" Spot asked, as he smacked his black cane threateningly against his palm.
Blue bit her tongue to sass off again to Spot as Jack answered him calmly.
"Dats what I'm tellin' ya Spot." Spot turned to Jack and eyed him, before turning around and pacing again.
"Dat ain't good enough Jacky boy. Ya gotta show me." Spot replied.
Jack nodded and approached Spot, smacking him on the back in a friendly way.
"I undastand Spot. Ya know I do. We'll show ya, I promise." Jack said.
"You betta Jacky boy. 'Cause dats da only way yer gonna git me an' me boys." Jack nodded.
Spot approached Bright Eyes, who was sitting on the dock, with her hands in her lap.
"Ya undastand don't ya? Dat I cain't jest rush inta dis unless I know ya kin do dis."
Bright Eyes nodded.
"Sure I undastand Spot. Don't worry 'bout it." She replied.
"Oh I won't be losin' sleep 'bout it dats fer sure." Spot replied with a smile.
He glanced over at Blue as if he had noticed her only for the first time. As he approached her, Blue raised her head proudly, ready for a quick comeback should he speak to her.
"So, you been wit' dese guys fer a while? Don't tink I've seen ya around." Spot said, leaning on his cane.
Blue restrained herself from dropping her mouth open completely.
He don't know me. Dat ain't possible. But still. I could have some fun wit' dis. Blue thought as she smiled at Spot.
"Oh I've been with 'em a while." She replied.
"Well, if you an' yer group gets us, I'll git ta know ya betta." Spot said, walking away from her.
"Still soft?" She whispered.
Spot stopped in his tracks, much like he had the day that Blue had first said those two words. He turned to face her, his face a mask of amazement.
"Blue." Blue smiled and whipped off her cap with a flourish.
"Da one an' only. I'm surprised dat ya remembered me name." She said mockingly.
"I neva fergit a name." Spot said with a scowl.
"But ya obviously fergit faces." Blue retaliated.
"I didn't fergit yer face. Ya jest grew up. Betcha didn't even recognize me eida." Spot said.
"Oh but I did. Trust me. Ya look pretty much da same, Spot Conlon." Blue mocked.
Spot merely glared at her, his eyes scanning her, his lips pursed together.
"What? Ya puttin' da memry deep in yer tiny brain so dat ya won't fergit dis time?" Blue asked, putting her hands on her hips.
"I cain't fergit ya now." Spot said walking away from Blue.
Blue smiled, and walked over to Red, who was talking with Boots. Bright Eyes watched her go and then approached Spot.
"What was dat action Conlon?" Spot looked up at her, his gray-blue eyes blazing.
"Whaddya talkin' 'bout Bright?" He asked.
"You know. 'I cain't fergit ya now'." Bright Eyes imitated in a sing-song voice.
"You shuddup. Its nothin'." Spot said, turning away from her.
"Spot. Do you like her? Afta she insulted yer pride?" Bright Eyes asked with a smile.
Spot turned on her angrily.
"No I do not! I could neva, eva, like dat skinny, annoyin', little chit!" Spot spat out.
Bright Eyes continued to smile, which infuriated him even more.
"Whaddya smilin' at?" Spot asked.
"You. You're jest too stubborn to admit dat ya,"
"Dats enough Bright! Now if ya really want me on yer side, ya betta keep quiet 'bout Blue. Uddawise, you'll find her in an alley all beaten up. Ya want dat?" Spot countered.
Bright Eyes' smile faded.
"Ya wouldn't do dat Spot. Yer too kind fer yer own good." She said softly. T
he anger slowly faded from Spot's face.
"Yeah maybe. Maybe dats why I neva soaked her. 'Cause what she said was true. I am soft. But I ain't 'bout ta let me boys know dat. An' you betta not squeal, or else!" Spot said, ending with raising his voice.
Bright Eyes smiled and patted Spot on the back as Jack motioned to her.
"I give ya my solemn vow an' hona not ta tell anyone. I neva have an' I neva will." She said solemnly.
Spot gave her a small smile and waved her away. Bright Eyes ran off towards Jack and the others as Spot watched her go. His eyes flickered to the girl, her blonde hair flopping out from under her cap, and his eyes rested there for longer than an instant. Then he shook his head and turned from her.
Blue shook her head sadly as Jack told the group of boys in Manhattan that Brooklyn had refused to help them, unless they proved themselves to them. The boys hung their heads.
"Well Jack maybe we should ease off a little, ya know?" Blue's head shot up as Racetrack spoke slowly.
She glanced at Bright Eyes. Her head was erect, her eyes blazing and her lips pursed.
"Maybe we're movin' too soon. Maybe we're not ready ya know?" Mush put in.
Good old Mush. Which side is he on? Dis is da second time he's tried ta wimp out on us. But Race? Geez. I thought he'd have some sense.
Jack looked at his friends silently.
"I definetly think we should hold off for a little while." Skittery said lamely.
Bright Eyes looked at Racetrack and he shrugged his shoulders. "Well, we don't have Brooklyn ya know." He tried to explain to her.
"Who we kiddin' here? Spot was right is dis jest a game to you guys?" Jack asked incredulously.
The boys shook their heads, giving explanations all the while. David then began to talk, bravely and strongly, much to Blue's amazement. As she listened to his speech, she was filled with something like admiration for David.
He's an' okay speaka if I do say so meself. Spot's right. He is a mouth. Blue thought with a smile.
When David finished speaking, the bells at the World distribution office began to ring. All of a sudden, as if on cue, Blue's stomach began to rumble. She hadn't had a decent bite to eat in days. The boys had been kind and had shared all they had, but it still wasn't enough. For one split second, the idea to buy some papes and get some money for food was tempting. But one look around at Jack, Bright Eyes, and Kid Blink changed her mind.
"Anybody hear dat?" Jack yelled from atop the Greeley statue.
"NO!" Blue yelled with the others.
"So what are we gonna do 'bout it?" Jack yelled once more.
"SOAK 'EM!" Blue yelled happily as she and the others ran towards the distribution office.
When they reached it, they formed a group around the buyers, glaring at them apprehensively. The first boy who bought his papers, a boy named South, looked at them, then back at Mr. Weisel and the Delancys. He threw his papers down on the ground with a flourish and joined the group of boys. Five or six more boys saw them and didn't buy papers. But one big boy, a kid named Tancer, merely glared back at them and tried to walk by.
Peaisonally, I tink he's a selfish pig. An idiot of sorts. Too dumb ta know whats good fer him. I'll enjoy soakin' him, da little moron.
Tancer continued to try to get through the boys, despite David's trying to get them to stop. Jack finally punched the papers out of Tancer's hands, exasperated. Tancer looked at him, then bent down to get his papers, punching Jack's legs out from under him as he got them. Then the fighting ensued. Blue happily took Tancer by the hair and smacked him repeatedly in the face before he had had enough. She threw him down on the dock and gazed about happily at the struggle.
No matta what, fightin's always da best ting ta do. In my opinion. She thought as she watched Bright Eyes pummel a man out of the corner of her eye.
The fight went on for about ten minutes before the policemen arrived.
"Guys! C'mon its da bulls!" Jack yelled motioning for the group to break it up.
Kid Blink quickly grabbed Blue by the arm and ducked as she swung at him on impulse. After they were safely away from the gates, Blue turned around again.
"I didn't see Bright Eyes!" She exclaimed. She gazed about the fleeing boys and saw her. She was grasped by Racetrack firmly by her arm, and they were running as fast as they could away from the mess. But one sight caught her eye as Kid Blink began to drag her away.
"Crutchy! Crutchy's still dere!" She yelled.
Blink stopped for a moment, then began to drag her away.
"Blink! We gotta get him!" She yelled trying to break free.
"We cain't! Jack'll take care of it!" He yelled back. The last she saw of him was him being dragged off brutally by the Delancys.
************************************************************************
Blue sat in the booth at Tibby's, her arms limp at her sides. She looked up at the others and saw very much the same thing. Kid Blink was sitting beside her, his hand on her back, his other hand supporting his head. Jack's head was down, his hand absentmindedly stirring his drink. Racetrack's head was up, but his brown eyes were in another world far from this one. Bright Eyes sat next to him, her blue eyes clouded over and misty as she gazed out the window. David sat beside her, his head up and his eyes bright as he gazed around at the sad faces about him with no concern.
"Dis much is positive. We gotta git Crutchy out tenight." Jack said, finally ceasing his endless stirring.
"Yeah? An' how we gonna do dat?" Bright Eyes said softly.
Blue gazed at her and was surprised at the usually tough girl's face. Her face was incredibly sad, her eyes misted over and her hand on her chin as if to keep it from trembling.
"We're gonna git him out. I've done it before. Heck I've even got outta da refuge. It ain't dat hard if ya do it right. Dave yer comin'." Jack said as an afterthought.
David looked up, surprised.
"Me? I can't, I mean,"
"Yer comin' Dave. I needs ta toughen ya up a little if yer gonna be a Newsie. Ya saw Spot. He's even younga dan ya. Same ting wit' Blue an' Bright Eyes heah." Jack said gesturing to the girls.
David's face still wore a mask of complete helplessness.
"C'mon Dave. Lets git da stuff tegedda. We're gonna bust him out as soon as its dawk." Jack said as he stood, motioning to David.
He's such a wimp it ain't even funny. Dat little puppy dawg look. Good grief. It'll take a miracle fer Jack ta roughen him up. Blue scoffed as David followed Jack out the door.
Bright Eyes' head dropped onto her hands in a helpless gesture, surprising everyone. Racetrack looked down at her sharply.
"Hey, whassa matta wit' you?" Racetrack asked sympathetically, placing his hand on her back. Bright Eyes shuddered a moment, then lifted her head. To Blue's surprise, a single tear coursed its way down her cheek.
"It's all my fault. I shoulda helped Crutchy." She said, her voice shaking.
Racetrack stared at her, his hand rubbing her back rhythmically.
"No it ain't. It weren't nobody's fault. It's okay, Jack'll git him out. Don't worry 'bout it." Bright Eyes shook her head fiercely.
"It's my fault! I was right by him an' I didn't yell ta him dat da bulls was comin'. I let da Delancy's git him." She said sadly.
"Aw come off it Bright!" Bright Eyes and everyone else looked up at Blue.
"If dat's true den we're all ta blame. We tried as hard as we could, ya cain't blame yerself fer sometin' dat ya had no control ova." Blue finished.
"She's right Bright. It's okay." Kid Blink said reassuringly.
"Of course she's right. She's always right. I jest feel so bad." She said softly, smiling at Blue.
Blue looked towards the door as it opened and the bell behind it jingled. She looked away impulsively, then stopped and turned back. The figure standing at the counter struck her as familiar and she stood up.
"Whassa matta Blue?" Kid Blink asked curiously.
Blue shook her head and walked towards the boy standing at the counter. She tapped his shoulder and gasped happily as she saw the boy's face. Fox's slightly older face popped out at her.
"Fox! It's you!" She said happily.
Fox stared at her and brushed his blonde hair out of his face.
"Blue! I cain't believe it! It's really you!" He said happily, hugging her, then spit-shaking with her.
"Fox! I'm so glad ta see ya! I ain't seen ya since, since I left! I've been tryin' ta find ya, but Archer wouldn't say." She said excitedly.
Fox nodded knowingly.
"Yeah, I figured. He was pretty mad." Blue frowned.
"Whaddya mean?" Fox shrugged.
"Well, I left Queens fer Brooklyn." He said easily.
Blue's mouth dropped.
"Brooklyn? You was in Brooklyn dis whole time?" She said in shock.
Fox grinned.
"Yeah. I been unda Spot Conlon. Ya met him yet?" Fox asked.
Blue's lips came together firmly.
"Yeah, I've had da hona. Why'd ya leave Queens?" Blue asked as Fox shrugged again.
"Didn't like da way tings was gettin'. Cape was gettin' woise an' woise, 'specially afta what happened ta Checks. He's been gittin' outta hand. I asked Archer ta send him away. But Archer said no, he'd been wit' him since da beginnin' an' he didn't wanna break up da original gang." Fox said with a sigh.
"But you was wit' da original gang." Blue said, confusedly.
"Yeah, but Archer wouldn't send him away, so I left. Brooklyn's great. Spot's a great leada." Fox said happily.
Blue looked away, then at her friends at the table.
"Here Fox. I want ya ta meet da Manhattan kids." She said as she lead him to the tables.
Fox looked at the boys, an' embarrased smile on his face.
"Hey." He said quietly. The group from Manhattan looked up at him and waved.
"Dis here's Fox from Queens. He's me best friend so treat him right." Blue admonished.
Racetrack eyed her and leapt from his chair, shaking the boy's hand vigorously.
"Nice ta meet ya Fox. Hey, ya like ta play poka?" Racetrack asked, seating Fox beside him.
"Sorta. Don't do it very often though." Fox said with a smile.
"Hey I know you." Bright Eyes said suddenly.
Fox looked up at her and his face brightened.
"Me too! You's da goil dat Spot was tellin' me 'bout. Yer his friend." Fox said, his face expressing his enlightenment.
Bright Eyes' face was cleared of the previous sorrow and her eyes were alert and active as she scanned the newcomer.
"Yeah, yer da kid dat Spot took on. I ain't neva seen ya but a few times dough. But Spot ceitainly tawks 'bout ya alot." Bright Eyes said with a smile.
"He does? What does he say?" Fox asked, a bit of apprehension in his tone.
"Dat yer one of da best Newsies in Brooklyn an' dat he's glad dat he got to ya before da udda districts did." Bright Eyes said casually.
Fox grinned at Blue as he heard the news.
"Dat's great! I mean, it's nice of Spot ta say dat." Fox said, smiling at Bright Eyes.
"So Fox, what brings ya ta Manhattan?" Racetrack broke in suddenly, just as Bright Eyes was about to speak to Fox.
Bright Eyes eyed him curiously, but Racetrack took no note of it.
"Oh I came ta find Blue. We's old friends. An' plus, Spot wanted me ta make sure dat dere woin't no hard feelin's." Fox said easily, ignoring Racetrack's interruption.
"Oh. Well we ain't boddered by it. We lost one of our boys, but dat ain't nothin' Jack Kelly cain't handle." Racetrack said proudly.
Fox grinned.
"I'm glad ta hear dat. Hey Blue, I'd kinda like someone ta show me 'round Manhattan before I've gotta go. Ya wanna do da honas?" Fox asked with a smile.
Blue grinned and stood up.
"Sure Fox. But Bright knows all of da important spots. You wanna come wit' Bright?" Blue asked.
Bright Eyes' face lit up and she jumped out of the booth easily.
"Sure. Be back before suppatime boys. Aldough I might jest go an' see Spot aftawoids." Bright Eyes said, waving to the boys as she walked out of the room with Blue and Fox.
A pained look came over Racetrack's face, but it vanished quickly and he stirred his drink viciously. The other boys stared at him.
"Whassa matta Race?" Kid Blink asked quietly.
"Nothin'." Racetrack mumbled, his eyes boring a hole in the glass in front of him.
"Yeah right! You was ready ta spit firebawls at dat kid! What's goin' on?" Mush put in.
Racetrack looked up at them.
"It's nothin'. Da kid jest got on my neives." Racetrack said quickly.
"Naw, ya only stawted actin' like dat when he was tawkin' ta Bright." Snipeshooter said suddenly.
Racetrack glared at Snipeshooter as realization came into the other boy's eyes.
"Racetrack, do you, um, like Bright?" Kid Blink asked, an amused smile coming over his face.
"No I don't! Friend yes! Goilfriend no!" Racetrack said quickly.
"We didn't say nothin' 'bout goilfriends Race. Jest if ya liked her." Mush said, a laughing lilt coming into his voice.
"Same ting. I don't feel dat way 'bout her." Racetrack said moodily, his eyes staring at his glass.
"Sure Race. Whateva you say." Kid Blink laughed as the other's giggled into their hands.
The tour of Manhattan took longer than expected. Halfway through the tour, Bright Eyes insisted on leaving because as she said,
"I kin see dat you'se got alot ta ketch up on." She said with a twinkle in her eye as she departed.
Blue was somewhat glad she did. She and Fox talked about their past, of the happy days in Queens, and even her confrontation with Spot Conlon.
"Ya should try again Blue. He's a nice guy. Rough, but nice. Not one ta keep a grudge on a goil like you." Blue sighed.
"Yeah right. I don't wanna take dat chance Fox. An' plus I don't wanna endanga da group's plans of gettin' Brooklyn fer da strike. What do you tink Spot'll do?" Blue asked.
Fox shrugged.
"I dunno Blue. I do think dat he's seriously considerin' it dough." He said.
Blue sighed in relief.
"Tank goodness. Well we jest gotta do da rest of it right. I mean, before Jack left he was tawkin' 'bout doin' sometin' big to da Distribution Office. Even bigga dan tedays. An' dis time we won't lose one of our guys." She said firmly.
"Well I'll tell Spot if ya want." Fox offered.
"You do dat. Jest don't tell him who said it." She said cautiously.
Fox laughed and slapped her on the back.
"Don't worry. Well, dis is where we go our separate ways Blue." He said, stopping near the Brooklyn Bridge.
"Thanks fer takin' me 'round Manhattan." Fox said gratefully.
Blue shrugged.
"Aw, it was nothin'. I was glad ta have ya around. Come again won't ya?" She asked, a tone of pleading in her voice.
"Maybe sooner dan you tink Blue. See ya!" Fox said with a smile as he began to run down towards the bridge.
Blue smiled and began to walk back to Manhattan, thinking of her younger days.
After a long time, the group reached the Brooklyn Bridge.
"I've never been to Brooklyn. Have you?" David asked.
"Dats a dumb question. Of course we have. Everybody goes at one point in time." Blue scoffed, ignoring David's hurt look.
"I spent a month dere one night." Boots said happily as he jumped up on the edge of the railing.
"Hey watch dis." Jack said, motioning to Bright Eyes, Boots and Blue.
The group grinned and leaned over the edged and yelled loudly, David watching them nervously. After they stood up and proceeded, laughing, David looked at them uneasily.
"So, is this Spot Conlon really dangerous?" The others began to laugh even harder, Blue especially, recalling her close call with him.
Bright Eyes walked ahead of the others as they approached the docks in Brooklyn. David eyed the boys who were swimming in the river uneasily. The boys merely glared at him with no concern whatsoever. Blue gulped as they approached the end of the docks where she could see Spot sitting on a bunch of crates, surveying the surroundings. He had grown. He was still not very tall, but he had still grown a bit. His face hadn't changed at all, it was still the proud, stubborn face Blue remembered. He saw them approaching and his lips curled in an amused smile.
"Well if it ain't Jack be nimble, Jack be quick. An' me dear pal Brighty." Spot said.
Bright Eyes blushed and faked a sorrowful glance at Spot.
"I didn't do nothin', honest Spot. Don't hoit me!" She said as she burst into fake tears.
Blue glanced around her in surprise as the formerly sober Brooklyn Newsies began to laugh, and the effect produced a rarely seen smile from Spot.
He's got a nice smile. 'Course dats all he's got, da runt. Blue thought.
"See ya moved up in da woild Spot. Ya got a riva view an' everytin'." Jack said as he approached Spot.
Spot in turn jumped down from his perch and looked at Jack a moment before the two spitshook. Spot then smiled broadly, which surprised Blue greatly.
"Hey Boots! How's it rollin'?" He asked sidling up to Boots.
"I've gotta couple of real good shoota's heah." Boots said holding out his palm. Blue peeked into Boots' hand and saw,
Marbles? Why does he need marbles? Is it like some kinda peace offerin' or sometin'? Blue thought.
Spot smiled and took one of the larger marbles. Blue's questions were answered when the boy pulled out a large slingshot and placed the marble in it. She eyed David as the boy placed the ball in the slingshot and aimed it at a nearby beer bottle.
"So Jacky boy, I've been hearin' tings from little boids. Tings from Harlem, Queens." Blue watched Spot closely as he aimed the slingshot and let it go, the marble hitting the bottle perfectly.
As the glass shattered, David jumped, much to Blue's annoyance.
Whassa matta Davey? Neva heaid a beer bottle shatta before?
"Dey're chirpin' in my ear, Jacky boy's Newsies is playin' like dey're goin' on strike." Spot continued.
Playin'? Who does he tink he is? We ain't playin'!
"Yeah, well we are." Jack answered.
"But we aren't playing. We are going on strike." David put in.
EWWW! Now I's soundin' like David! Blech!
Much to Blue's amusement, Spot began to edge up to David, a scowl on his face. Though Spot was shorter than David, David still edged backward, his face uneasy.
"Oh yeah? Yeah? What is dis Jacky boy some kinda walkin' mouth?" Spot asked.
"Yeah he's a mouth. A mouth wit' a brain an' if you've got half of one you'll listen ta what he's gotta say." Blue's mouth nearly dropped open.
How kin he tawk ta Spot like dat an' still be livin'? I talked like dat ta him jest once, an' he's got his Newsies gunnin' fer me!
To her astonishment, Spot merely eyed Bright Eyes and sat down on the deck, waiting.
Bright Eyes nudged David, who jumped.
"Well uh, we started the strike, but uh, we've been talking to other Newsies all around the city." David started nervously.
Oh c'mon David. Is dat da best ya kin do?! At dis rate, we'll neva have Brooklyn. Blue thought as she leaned up against the pier.
Spot continued to glare at David.
"Yeah, so dey told me. But what do dey tell you?" Spot interrupted.
"They're waiting to see what Spot Conlon says. They say you're the key." Blue remembered that day a long time ago, when she had seen the metal key hanging around Spot's neck, and when she looked now, she saw it was still there.
Da Key of Brooklyn. She thought.
As she watched Spot, she saw him shift in his seat with satisfaction at the compliment.
Stuck up jeik. She thought with disdain.
"That Spot Conlon is the most famous Newsie, in all of New York, and probably everywhere else. And if Spot Conlon joins the strike, then they'll join, and we'll be unstoppable, so you've gotta join us, because, well, you gotta!" David ended in one breath.
Blue watched Spot who turned to Jack and Bright Eyes and nodded approvingly.
"Yeah, yer right Jack. Brains. But I've got brains too, an' more dan just half of one." Spot said, rising and pacing the deck.
"How do I know you punks won't run the first time some goon comes at ya wit' a club? How do I know dat you've got what it takes ta win?" Spot asked, as he smacked his black cane threateningly against his palm.
Blue bit her tongue to sass off again to Spot as Jack answered him calmly.
"Dats what I'm tellin' ya Spot." Spot turned to Jack and eyed him, before turning around and pacing again.
"Dat ain't good enough Jacky boy. Ya gotta show me." Spot replied.
Jack nodded and approached Spot, smacking him on the back in a friendly way.
"I undastand Spot. Ya know I do. We'll show ya, I promise." Jack said.
"You betta Jacky boy. 'Cause dats da only way yer gonna git me an' me boys." Jack nodded.
Spot approached Bright Eyes, who was sitting on the dock, with her hands in her lap.
"Ya undastand don't ya? Dat I cain't jest rush inta dis unless I know ya kin do dis."
Bright Eyes nodded.
"Sure I undastand Spot. Don't worry 'bout it." She replied.
"Oh I won't be losin' sleep 'bout it dats fer sure." Spot replied with a smile.
He glanced over at Blue as if he had noticed her only for the first time. As he approached her, Blue raised her head proudly, ready for a quick comeback should he speak to her.
"So, you been wit' dese guys fer a while? Don't tink I've seen ya around." Spot said, leaning on his cane.
Blue restrained herself from dropping her mouth open completely.
He don't know me. Dat ain't possible. But still. I could have some fun wit' dis. Blue thought as she smiled at Spot.
"Oh I've been with 'em a while." She replied.
"Well, if you an' yer group gets us, I'll git ta know ya betta." Spot said, walking away from her.
"Still soft?" She whispered.
Spot stopped in his tracks, much like he had the day that Blue had first said those two words. He turned to face her, his face a mask of amazement.
"Blue." Blue smiled and whipped off her cap with a flourish.
"Da one an' only. I'm surprised dat ya remembered me name." She said mockingly.
"I neva fergit a name." Spot said with a scowl.
"But ya obviously fergit faces." Blue retaliated.
"I didn't fergit yer face. Ya jest grew up. Betcha didn't even recognize me eida." Spot said.
"Oh but I did. Trust me. Ya look pretty much da same, Spot Conlon." Blue mocked.
Spot merely glared at her, his eyes scanning her, his lips pursed together.
"What? Ya puttin' da memry deep in yer tiny brain so dat ya won't fergit dis time?" Blue asked, putting her hands on her hips.
"I cain't fergit ya now." Spot said walking away from Blue.
Blue smiled, and walked over to Red, who was talking with Boots. Bright Eyes watched her go and then approached Spot.
"What was dat action Conlon?" Spot looked up at her, his gray-blue eyes blazing.
"Whaddya talkin' 'bout Bright?" He asked.
"You know. 'I cain't fergit ya now'." Bright Eyes imitated in a sing-song voice.
"You shuddup. Its nothin'." Spot said, turning away from her.
"Spot. Do you like her? Afta she insulted yer pride?" Bright Eyes asked with a smile.
Spot turned on her angrily.
"No I do not! I could neva, eva, like dat skinny, annoyin', little chit!" Spot spat out.
Bright Eyes continued to smile, which infuriated him even more.
"Whaddya smilin' at?" Spot asked.
"You. You're jest too stubborn to admit dat ya,"
"Dats enough Bright! Now if ya really want me on yer side, ya betta keep quiet 'bout Blue. Uddawise, you'll find her in an alley all beaten up. Ya want dat?" Spot countered.
Bright Eyes' smile faded.
"Ya wouldn't do dat Spot. Yer too kind fer yer own good." She said softly. T
he anger slowly faded from Spot's face.
"Yeah maybe. Maybe dats why I neva soaked her. 'Cause what she said was true. I am soft. But I ain't 'bout ta let me boys know dat. An' you betta not squeal, or else!" Spot said, ending with raising his voice.
Bright Eyes smiled and patted Spot on the back as Jack motioned to her.
"I give ya my solemn vow an' hona not ta tell anyone. I neva have an' I neva will." She said solemnly.
Spot gave her a small smile and waved her away. Bright Eyes ran off towards Jack and the others as Spot watched her go. His eyes flickered to the girl, her blonde hair flopping out from under her cap, and his eyes rested there for longer than an instant. Then he shook his head and turned from her.
Blue shook her head sadly as Jack told the group of boys in Manhattan that Brooklyn had refused to help them, unless they proved themselves to them. The boys hung their heads.
"Well Jack maybe we should ease off a little, ya know?" Blue's head shot up as Racetrack spoke slowly.
She glanced at Bright Eyes. Her head was erect, her eyes blazing and her lips pursed.
"Maybe we're movin' too soon. Maybe we're not ready ya know?" Mush put in.
Good old Mush. Which side is he on? Dis is da second time he's tried ta wimp out on us. But Race? Geez. I thought he'd have some sense.
Jack looked at his friends silently.
"I definetly think we should hold off for a little while." Skittery said lamely.
Bright Eyes looked at Racetrack and he shrugged his shoulders. "Well, we don't have Brooklyn ya know." He tried to explain to her.
"Who we kiddin' here? Spot was right is dis jest a game to you guys?" Jack asked incredulously.
The boys shook their heads, giving explanations all the while. David then began to talk, bravely and strongly, much to Blue's amazement. As she listened to his speech, she was filled with something like admiration for David.
He's an' okay speaka if I do say so meself. Spot's right. He is a mouth. Blue thought with a smile.
When David finished speaking, the bells at the World distribution office began to ring. All of a sudden, as if on cue, Blue's stomach began to rumble. She hadn't had a decent bite to eat in days. The boys had been kind and had shared all they had, but it still wasn't enough. For one split second, the idea to buy some papes and get some money for food was tempting. But one look around at Jack, Bright Eyes, and Kid Blink changed her mind.
"Anybody hear dat?" Jack yelled from atop the Greeley statue.
"NO!" Blue yelled with the others.
"So what are we gonna do 'bout it?" Jack yelled once more.
"SOAK 'EM!" Blue yelled happily as she and the others ran towards the distribution office.
When they reached it, they formed a group around the buyers, glaring at them apprehensively. The first boy who bought his papers, a boy named South, looked at them, then back at Mr. Weisel and the Delancys. He threw his papers down on the ground with a flourish and joined the group of boys. Five or six more boys saw them and didn't buy papers. But one big boy, a kid named Tancer, merely glared back at them and tried to walk by.
Peaisonally, I tink he's a selfish pig. An idiot of sorts. Too dumb ta know whats good fer him. I'll enjoy soakin' him, da little moron.
Tancer continued to try to get through the boys, despite David's trying to get them to stop. Jack finally punched the papers out of Tancer's hands, exasperated. Tancer looked at him, then bent down to get his papers, punching Jack's legs out from under him as he got them. Then the fighting ensued. Blue happily took Tancer by the hair and smacked him repeatedly in the face before he had had enough. She threw him down on the dock and gazed about happily at the struggle.
No matta what, fightin's always da best ting ta do. In my opinion. She thought as she watched Bright Eyes pummel a man out of the corner of her eye.
The fight went on for about ten minutes before the policemen arrived.
"Guys! C'mon its da bulls!" Jack yelled motioning for the group to break it up.
Kid Blink quickly grabbed Blue by the arm and ducked as she swung at him on impulse. After they were safely away from the gates, Blue turned around again.
"I didn't see Bright Eyes!" She exclaimed. She gazed about the fleeing boys and saw her. She was grasped by Racetrack firmly by her arm, and they were running as fast as they could away from the mess. But one sight caught her eye as Kid Blink began to drag her away.
"Crutchy! Crutchy's still dere!" She yelled.
Blink stopped for a moment, then began to drag her away.
"Blink! We gotta get him!" She yelled trying to break free.
"We cain't! Jack'll take care of it!" He yelled back. The last she saw of him was him being dragged off brutally by the Delancys.
************************************************************************
Blue sat in the booth at Tibby's, her arms limp at her sides. She looked up at the others and saw very much the same thing. Kid Blink was sitting beside her, his hand on her back, his other hand supporting his head. Jack's head was down, his hand absentmindedly stirring his drink. Racetrack's head was up, but his brown eyes were in another world far from this one. Bright Eyes sat next to him, her blue eyes clouded over and misty as she gazed out the window. David sat beside her, his head up and his eyes bright as he gazed around at the sad faces about him with no concern.
"Dis much is positive. We gotta git Crutchy out tenight." Jack said, finally ceasing his endless stirring.
"Yeah? An' how we gonna do dat?" Bright Eyes said softly.
Blue gazed at her and was surprised at the usually tough girl's face. Her face was incredibly sad, her eyes misted over and her hand on her chin as if to keep it from trembling.
"We're gonna git him out. I've done it before. Heck I've even got outta da refuge. It ain't dat hard if ya do it right. Dave yer comin'." Jack said as an afterthought.
David looked up, surprised.
"Me? I can't, I mean,"
"Yer comin' Dave. I needs ta toughen ya up a little if yer gonna be a Newsie. Ya saw Spot. He's even younga dan ya. Same ting wit' Blue an' Bright Eyes heah." Jack said gesturing to the girls.
David's face still wore a mask of complete helplessness.
"C'mon Dave. Lets git da stuff tegedda. We're gonna bust him out as soon as its dawk." Jack said as he stood, motioning to David.
He's such a wimp it ain't even funny. Dat little puppy dawg look. Good grief. It'll take a miracle fer Jack ta roughen him up. Blue scoffed as David followed Jack out the door.
Bright Eyes' head dropped onto her hands in a helpless gesture, surprising everyone. Racetrack looked down at her sharply.
"Hey, whassa matta wit' you?" Racetrack asked sympathetically, placing his hand on her back. Bright Eyes shuddered a moment, then lifted her head. To Blue's surprise, a single tear coursed its way down her cheek.
"It's all my fault. I shoulda helped Crutchy." She said, her voice shaking.
Racetrack stared at her, his hand rubbing her back rhythmically.
"No it ain't. It weren't nobody's fault. It's okay, Jack'll git him out. Don't worry 'bout it." Bright Eyes shook her head fiercely.
"It's my fault! I was right by him an' I didn't yell ta him dat da bulls was comin'. I let da Delancy's git him." She said sadly.
"Aw come off it Bright!" Bright Eyes and everyone else looked up at Blue.
"If dat's true den we're all ta blame. We tried as hard as we could, ya cain't blame yerself fer sometin' dat ya had no control ova." Blue finished.
"She's right Bright. It's okay." Kid Blink said reassuringly.
"Of course she's right. She's always right. I jest feel so bad." She said softly, smiling at Blue.
Blue looked towards the door as it opened and the bell behind it jingled. She looked away impulsively, then stopped and turned back. The figure standing at the counter struck her as familiar and she stood up.
"Whassa matta Blue?" Kid Blink asked curiously.
Blue shook her head and walked towards the boy standing at the counter. She tapped his shoulder and gasped happily as she saw the boy's face. Fox's slightly older face popped out at her.
"Fox! It's you!" She said happily.
Fox stared at her and brushed his blonde hair out of his face.
"Blue! I cain't believe it! It's really you!" He said happily, hugging her, then spit-shaking with her.
"Fox! I'm so glad ta see ya! I ain't seen ya since, since I left! I've been tryin' ta find ya, but Archer wouldn't say." She said excitedly.
Fox nodded knowingly.
"Yeah, I figured. He was pretty mad." Blue frowned.
"Whaddya mean?" Fox shrugged.
"Well, I left Queens fer Brooklyn." He said easily.
Blue's mouth dropped.
"Brooklyn? You was in Brooklyn dis whole time?" She said in shock.
Fox grinned.
"Yeah. I been unda Spot Conlon. Ya met him yet?" Fox asked.
Blue's lips came together firmly.
"Yeah, I've had da hona. Why'd ya leave Queens?" Blue asked as Fox shrugged again.
"Didn't like da way tings was gettin'. Cape was gettin' woise an' woise, 'specially afta what happened ta Checks. He's been gittin' outta hand. I asked Archer ta send him away. But Archer said no, he'd been wit' him since da beginnin' an' he didn't wanna break up da original gang." Fox said with a sigh.
"But you was wit' da original gang." Blue said, confusedly.
"Yeah, but Archer wouldn't send him away, so I left. Brooklyn's great. Spot's a great leada." Fox said happily.
Blue looked away, then at her friends at the table.
"Here Fox. I want ya ta meet da Manhattan kids." She said as she lead him to the tables.
Fox looked at the boys, an' embarrased smile on his face.
"Hey." He said quietly. The group from Manhattan looked up at him and waved.
"Dis here's Fox from Queens. He's me best friend so treat him right." Blue admonished.
Racetrack eyed her and leapt from his chair, shaking the boy's hand vigorously.
"Nice ta meet ya Fox. Hey, ya like ta play poka?" Racetrack asked, seating Fox beside him.
"Sorta. Don't do it very often though." Fox said with a smile.
"Hey I know you." Bright Eyes said suddenly.
Fox looked up at her and his face brightened.
"Me too! You's da goil dat Spot was tellin' me 'bout. Yer his friend." Fox said, his face expressing his enlightenment.
Bright Eyes' face was cleared of the previous sorrow and her eyes were alert and active as she scanned the newcomer.
"Yeah, yer da kid dat Spot took on. I ain't neva seen ya but a few times dough. But Spot ceitainly tawks 'bout ya alot." Bright Eyes said with a smile.
"He does? What does he say?" Fox asked, a bit of apprehension in his tone.
"Dat yer one of da best Newsies in Brooklyn an' dat he's glad dat he got to ya before da udda districts did." Bright Eyes said casually.
Fox grinned at Blue as he heard the news.
"Dat's great! I mean, it's nice of Spot ta say dat." Fox said, smiling at Bright Eyes.
"So Fox, what brings ya ta Manhattan?" Racetrack broke in suddenly, just as Bright Eyes was about to speak to Fox.
Bright Eyes eyed him curiously, but Racetrack took no note of it.
"Oh I came ta find Blue. We's old friends. An' plus, Spot wanted me ta make sure dat dere woin't no hard feelin's." Fox said easily, ignoring Racetrack's interruption.
"Oh. Well we ain't boddered by it. We lost one of our boys, but dat ain't nothin' Jack Kelly cain't handle." Racetrack said proudly.
Fox grinned.
"I'm glad ta hear dat. Hey Blue, I'd kinda like someone ta show me 'round Manhattan before I've gotta go. Ya wanna do da honas?" Fox asked with a smile.
Blue grinned and stood up.
"Sure Fox. But Bright knows all of da important spots. You wanna come wit' Bright?" Blue asked.
Bright Eyes' face lit up and she jumped out of the booth easily.
"Sure. Be back before suppatime boys. Aldough I might jest go an' see Spot aftawoids." Bright Eyes said, waving to the boys as she walked out of the room with Blue and Fox.
A pained look came over Racetrack's face, but it vanished quickly and he stirred his drink viciously. The other boys stared at him.
"Whassa matta Race?" Kid Blink asked quietly.
"Nothin'." Racetrack mumbled, his eyes boring a hole in the glass in front of him.
"Yeah right! You was ready ta spit firebawls at dat kid! What's goin' on?" Mush put in.
Racetrack looked up at them.
"It's nothin'. Da kid jest got on my neives." Racetrack said quickly.
"Naw, ya only stawted actin' like dat when he was tawkin' ta Bright." Snipeshooter said suddenly.
Racetrack glared at Snipeshooter as realization came into the other boy's eyes.
"Racetrack, do you, um, like Bright?" Kid Blink asked, an amused smile coming over his face.
"No I don't! Friend yes! Goilfriend no!" Racetrack said quickly.
"We didn't say nothin' 'bout goilfriends Race. Jest if ya liked her." Mush said, a laughing lilt coming into his voice.
"Same ting. I don't feel dat way 'bout her." Racetrack said moodily, his eyes staring at his glass.
"Sure Race. Whateva you say." Kid Blink laughed as the other's giggled into their hands.
The tour of Manhattan took longer than expected. Halfway through the tour, Bright Eyes insisted on leaving because as she said,
"I kin see dat you'se got alot ta ketch up on." She said with a twinkle in her eye as she departed.
Blue was somewhat glad she did. She and Fox talked about their past, of the happy days in Queens, and even her confrontation with Spot Conlon.
"Ya should try again Blue. He's a nice guy. Rough, but nice. Not one ta keep a grudge on a goil like you." Blue sighed.
"Yeah right. I don't wanna take dat chance Fox. An' plus I don't wanna endanga da group's plans of gettin' Brooklyn fer da strike. What do you tink Spot'll do?" Blue asked.
Fox shrugged.
"I dunno Blue. I do think dat he's seriously considerin' it dough." He said.
Blue sighed in relief.
"Tank goodness. Well we jest gotta do da rest of it right. I mean, before Jack left he was tawkin' 'bout doin' sometin' big to da Distribution Office. Even bigga dan tedays. An' dis time we won't lose one of our guys." She said firmly.
"Well I'll tell Spot if ya want." Fox offered.
"You do dat. Jest don't tell him who said it." She said cautiously.
Fox laughed and slapped her on the back.
"Don't worry. Well, dis is where we go our separate ways Blue." He said, stopping near the Brooklyn Bridge.
"Thanks fer takin' me 'round Manhattan." Fox said gratefully.
Blue shrugged.
"Aw, it was nothin'. I was glad ta have ya around. Come again won't ya?" She asked, a tone of pleading in her voice.
"Maybe sooner dan you tink Blue. See ya!" Fox said with a smile as he began to run down towards the bridge.
Blue smiled and began to walk back to Manhattan, thinking of her younger days.