DISCALIMER: Yada, yada, yada. Newsies belong to Disney. Phoenix, Salsa, and
Clue belong to me, though! Muah ha! Oh, and so does Crow! And Doctor
Reynald too! And Blackjack too!
A.N. Holy Bananas!!! So many reviews! I'm sooo happy!!! YEEEEE HAW!!! Thanks so much to all of you! I love all these reviews! And a BIG FAT THANKS to all the new readers who have come along. And especially to all my readers who have been with me since chapter one. :SIGH: I love ya all!
*Doll Face: Jiminy! LoL! I'm glad ya like the story so much. Thanks for the review!
*BitterSweet: Oooo, drugs. Are you addicted to this story now? LoL. Good! Woohoo! Don't worry, you'll find a way to add spice to your story. I really like it so far. Thanks for reviewing!
*Pecan: Thanks! Here's your next chapter! Enjoy it!
*Chachi: Woohoo! You're all excited about this story! That's the spirit! LoL! Thanks for the really nice reviews!
*Gypsy: Just the fact that you didn't have anything to say was funny enough to make me laugh. LoL! Now what was that about airlines? Hahaha. Well, here's another chapter coming at ya. Hope ya like it.
*Candi Kane: Hee hee, being in suspense is a good thing. I'm glad you're so interested in the story. Thanks for the nice reviews!
*lange: Awww, sorry to say, but Salsa actually did move away and will not make any more appearances in the story. But don't worry. I'm sure she's in a happier place and all. Hahaha. Marriage, marriage, marriage! All in due time, my dear. They've only been together for what, a few weeks? We don't wanna rush it, now do we? Hee hee. Thanks for all your enthused reviews! Hope ya like this chapter!
*Gemini Kelly: Yay, you're obsessed with it! I'm so happy! Muahaha! Your reviews are so nice, awww, I think I'm gunna cry. LoL! But for real, you're always ready with compliments. Heya, when are you gunna update your new fanfic? I've been waiting for like ever!!! Hee hee!
*Brenna: Heya, I'm glad you came back to reading my story. Thanks so much for the reviews! I'm extremely glad ya like it so much! Keep them coming!! Enjoy this chapter!
*Snuggles: Sorry for all the cliffhangers, lol. But how else am I gunna keep you guys reviewing and asking for more? It's all about suspense, my dear. LoL! Thanks for the reviews!
*Sweets: Patience, my dear, patience! Hee hee! Thanks for reading and reviewing! Sorry that the suspense is taking such a toll on ya! But here's another chapter. Hope you enjoy it very much!
*Amber: Hahaha, thanks for having confidence in my future chapters, lol. Thanks for the nice review too. I love stories with twists, they're just insane!! So naturally, I have to write one! Have fun reading the new chapters!
*Thunderstorm: :Tears well up in eyes: They love me, they really love me! Hee hee! Thanks so much for your reviews! I'm excited that you're enjoying reading this story so much. I hope you like the next chapters a lot.
~AND NOW, THE FEATURE PRESENTATION....
Sugar and Spice and A Little Bit of Vice
Spot and Phoenix were walking hand in hand two days later through a pleasant little park situated in the heart of Midtown as they talked about their plans for the future. They could have easily done this in Central Park, but Spot had made reservations at a wonderful restaurant in this particular borough where he planned to take his girlfriend for lunch. German food was served there and when he was a child, his mother always use to take him to the restaurant when he did well in school. That was nearly a decade ago, but the memories were still vivid as if he had lived them yesterday.
"I'se just don't think the Brooklyn lodging house is a good environment fer an infant," Phoenix went on. She and Spot were discussing whether they would need to find a new home upon the arrival of their child. "It's so loud and crazy. I'se don't trust any of yer newsies wid a baby."
Spot snapped out of his thoughts. "I agree, but we'se aint gots the money tah rent out a small apartment room. If I starved everyday fer nine months, we might have enough fer half a year, but then what are we'se gunna do when we'se broke again? I think the lodging house would be the best bet fer now. Ya don't have tah worry about me boys. There's gunna be a whole new set of rules when the baby comes."
"I guess," Phoenix sighed, the dreamy look in her eyes dissipating. She had wanted a miniature Victorian house where she and Spot could live happily, away from the hustle and bustle of the New York commoner; away from the drudgery of a newsie's life. But that was a high aspiration, and quite possibly and unachievable one for someone of her status. She had no more than a dime in her pocket and three sets of clothing. "I guess it was silly of me tah wanna have our own place."
"No it wasn't. Youse just want the best fer our family. Everyone wants more than what they's gots from time tah time."
Phoenix smiled and leaned over to caress Spot's cheek with a kiss, a kiss that the Brooklyn leader escalated in depth by turning his head to meet her lips with his own. It felt so good to him to be with her like this. When they had been mere friends before, the things they had done with each other had been heartless, but now, there was vast feeling behind every action.
When they broke the kiss, Spot blushed and nearly giggled. He looked away from the girl to let his childish smile fade away. He was so energized and animated that he might have skipped along the pathway he and Phoenix were upon had he not a tough-leader persona to maintain. Then again, he was not familiar with all the newsies from this part of New York. Were he to do such a thing, no one would be none the wiser. It frightened him that he was actually considering the idea. He shook his head and laughed, and when Phoenix asked him what was the matter, he only replied, "Nothing." He knew what was causing all this giddiness, though. It all started yesterday afternoon in the Bronx...
~*~*~*~
"There aint nuthin like a good game of pokah tah wind youse down when ya 'ad a bad day," Flame said as he inhaled the fumes of his cigarette. Just ten minutes ago, he and Spot had been discussing how they were going to deal with the scabs that were terrorizing boroughs all over the state with threats to seize power. Now, the two leaders were engaged in a heated game of cards.
"Amen tah that," Spot said as he threw two coins onto the huge pile of money at the center of the table. "Especially when youse shoah yer gunna bag some good cash."
Flame studied Spot's face, and then glanced at his own hand of cards. The stakes were getting incredibly high. Soon enough, he would have to fold for lack of money. "I see yer two bits, and I raise ya two more."
The Bronx newsies gathered around the two leaders gasped. Whoever won this game would indeed be a happy guy. Each boy stared at the shiny coins serving as prize money with much desire, wishing they were as good at blunting as Spot or Flame.
Spot did not answer the challenge at first. There was so much he was jeopardizing in these brief minutes. Ever since he had told Phoenix his true feelings for her, he had been saving a large percent of his salary from selling papers to buy an engagement ring for the girl. He only had a few dollars so far, but he knew he would gradually get to the required amount. The problem surfaced here. Spot was bidding his savings money in this poker game against Flame. If he lost, he would have to start all over again in putting aside money, but if he won, he would have enough to at least make a down payment on the ring he wanted to purchase in the future.
He sustained his monotonous look and nodded his head. "All right." He threw two more coins on the money pile and then laid his cards, backside up, on the table. "So what youse gots?"
"Conlon, Conlon," Flame said with a sneer. "I never thought I'se would see the day when youse were beat at yer own game. I gots me a full house!" His newsies cheered at their leader's victory and patted him on the back.
Spot glared at them all, seemingly disappointed. But just when they began reaching forward to collect the coins that made up the money pile, he smirked. "I suggest youse drown yer ego in the toilet, Flame." He turned over his cards and slammed them on the table proudly. "Read 'em and weep, boys. That's a Flush!"
~*~*~*~
Spot watched as Phoenix bought an apple from a vendor across the street and beamed with pride. Winning that poker game had been so exhilarating. It was almost too easy, as if it had been his fate. Whatever the cause for his victory, he was ever thankful.
"They's ran outta green, so I'se had tah get a friggin red apple," Phoenix said with a sigh. "Ya want a bite?"
"Nah, I'se aint too hungry." Spot retook the girl's hand in his and they continued their stroll in the park. The Brooklyn leader was bursting with happiness that was too hard to control. If he did not stop acting like this, Phoenix would know he was hiding a surprise from her. He calmed himself and thought about his trip to upstate Manhattan that same afternoon...
~*~*~*~
The tiny jewelry store looked like a child in an adult's world, being huddled between two buildings of a much greater size. And in the same respect, it was ignored all the more. Spot nearly missed its entrance as he made his way through the city. The building did not even have sign by which to advertise itself. Spot slowly opened the door and entered the store unsure, half expecting to see the place filled with aristocrats who would look down at him as if he were a stray dog. Much to his surprise, he was only met by emptiness.
The only display in the store was a glass counter in the front where rings, necklaces, and bracelets were safely kept. Spot approached this counter and stood on his toes to look behind it for a salesperson, but no one was in sight. He shrugged and turned his attention to the rings. Most were elaborately designed with fancy gems and diamonds on thick gold bands, and were also unbelievably priced.
"Ah, Phoenix wouldn't like those anyways," Spot said aloud to himself. "She'd say sumthin about leavin that tah social conformists." He scanned the selection with pursed lips, and then he saw it. It was the most perfect ring he had ever seen. The band was silver and slightly thinner than the others were and at its center was a small ruby carved into the shape of a heart. In all its simplicity, Spot found it to be lovely. He knew instantly that Phoenix would adore it forever.
"Can I help you?"
Spot jumped back at the voice and looked up to see an old man smiling at him with bright eyes. After gathering his bearings, he finally replied. "Uh yea, I'se interested in buyin that ring there." He pointed to the one in question and waited for a reply, especially a rude one that would require him to show proof of his money. He was prepared for that.
"A fine selection!" The old man opened the back of the counter with a key and carefully gathered the ring's box in his wrinkled hand. He handed it to Spot for inspection. Spot took the small object, taken aback by the man's positive attitude, and ran his finger over the smoothness of it, a smile appearing on his face at the thought of Phoenix being his fiancé. "When are you going to propose?"
"How youse know I was proposin?" Spot was in awe at the man's guess.
"I have seen that look on so many people's faces." He leaned in close to the Brooklyn leader and smiled. "A few tips for you, my lad, since I have been down the road you have just now begun to follow. Always take time out for the one you love, no matter what circumstance you find yourself in. I do not care who you are or what status you hold! The second you prioritize something in your life over true love, all has failed. And worse of all, terrible consequences will occur that will shatter your every being."
Spot nodded. "Ya sound like someone who's talkin from experience."
"Well, aren't you a smart one," the man chuckled. "Yes, it happened to me, and I have regretted my actions ever since. Now I always give new lovers the same advice I gave you. I hope you will keep it close to you heart."
"I will," Spot assured him. "Now, about this ring. How much is youse askin fer it?"
Scratching his white hairs, the elder thought a moment. "How about I work out a deal with you? If you promise to remember what I have told you today, you can have the ring free of charge."
"Nah, I aint want no charity. I'se gots money in me pocket and I'se willin tah pay fer it."
"All right, all right. No need to become hostile!" He grabbed the ring from the newsie's hands and inspected it. "I believe this will be three dollars."
Spot arched an eyebrow. "Shouldn't it be a lot more than that?"
"Open your eyes," the old man replied. "I haven't a business anymore; the bank will close me down any day this month. What does it matter if I make a sell now? It won't be enough to keep this store running. So do not argue with me! Three dollars it is! If you do not have it, I suggest you turn around and show yourself out."
"All right, all right. No need tah become hostile," Spot laughed. He took out the amount needed and paid for the ring.
"You just remember what I told you," the old man said as he packaged the ring and its box in a brown paper bag. "I wish all goes well with you and your future bride."
Spot nodded with a smile. "Thanks fer everything! Youse don't have tah worry about me forgettin yer advice. There aint nuthin in this woild more important tah me than me goil!"
~*~*~*~
"Spot, did you hear what I said?"
Spot snapped out of his reflection trance for the second time and turned to look at Phoenix who was giving him an inquisitive look. "Uhm, what?"
She laughed. "What's wid youse, Conlon? Yer not all wid it, today."
Spot's heart leapt. This was the perfect opportunity! They were alone, sitting on a bench in front of a clear lake where ducks occasionally swam by in peace. The Brooklyn leader moved to the edge of the bench, preparing to drop to one knee. Even if Phoenix was not too keen with the traditional way of doing things, he knew this was only proper. "Phoenix?"
"That's me name!" The girl smiled at him enthusiastically, causing him to tense. What if she said no? What if she only laughed at him? What if she thought he was moving too fast? The questions raced through his mind haphazardly and he began to have his doubts.
"Uhm," he hesitated, not sure what he should do. He decided he would hold her hands in his, and on the word 'marry', he would let one knee fall to the ground. He looked into the girl's eyes for a long time, absorbing her soul and love for him in a simple gaze. Then, he was ready.
"Phoenix, ya know I love youse and that I always will until me dyin day. Ya mean everything tah me and so much more. I wanna be wid youse every day of me life, and I only see one way that that's possible. Phoenix, will youse m-"
"SPOT!!!"
The couple turned their heads to see Brooklyn's messenger newsie dashing across the fields of the park in a panic. He was the only one who had known of Spot's whereabouts in the case of an emergency. Spot groaned at the intrusion. Of all the most inopportune times to have barged in on someone! He had not even gotten to drop on one knee!
"What is it, Runner?" Spot asked once the younger newsie had reached him.
"SPOT! QUEENS SACKED THE BRONX!"
"What?!"
Runner paused to catch his breath. "They's came outta nowhere! All these scabs from Queens, and they's invaded the Bronx like it was nuthin! They's soakin people left and right! Flame sent a messenger tah Brooklyn fer yer help, but ya weren't there! But I sent our boys on anyways, and I said I'd come looking fer youse! They needs ya bad, Spot! Queen's leadah says he aint makin no treaties wid anyone but Spot Conlon!"
"Aw, shit!" Spot looked back at Phoenix sadly. By now, she had stood up and remained behind him with a worried look. "Sweety, I'se gunna have tah cancel our plans."
"Why can't youse just have the bum come tah youse?"
"It don't woik like that. He's the one taking over territories, and he aint gunna stop until I'se make him stop. So naturally, I'se gots tah be the one tah make the foist move." He rested his hands on her shoulder but she jerked away. His temper was beginning to break. Why was she making this difficult? "Phoenix, it's not like I wanted it tah happen! Stop actin like a baby!"
Phoenix glared at him. "I'se aint actin like nuthin. It's just that youse always canceling our things tah do yer stupid leadah duties."
"Stupid!? Without me, Brooklyn would be in complete disorder! And I aint always canceling, okay? Youse is being a drama queen. Why can't ya accept the fact that I'se gots other things tah do besides get all mushy wid youse?!"
"FINE! Go take care of yer damn territory war. Can youse at least walk me home?"
Spot shook his head. "Are ya kiddin? I'se aint got time tah go outta me way. We'se in a crisis heah!"
"But Spot!" Phoenix pleaded. "This is Midtown. All kinda crazy shit happens around these parts. Ya got goons wanderin the streets alls the time."
"If it makes ya feel any better," Spot replied. "I'll have Runner make shoah ya get home okay." Phoenix turned on her heels and marched off with clenched fists. "Heya, come back heah!" Spot ran after her and spun her around in his arms to kiss her hard. He found that in kissing her, he only longed for her more. Why did he always have to leave her? "I love ya," he whispered.
She blushed. "I love youse too." Spot hugged her and then nodded for Runner to begin walking her home. He looked after the two until they turned a corner, then he jogged off for Midtown.
More To Come!!! W00t w00t! Another chapter has come to pass, my darlings. Can anyone guess what that means? :Looks at each of their faces, which are covered with eagerness, she hopes: That's right! REVIEW TIME!!!! YEEEEEEEEEE HAW! REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW, Oh how I love thee! REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW, you are so good to me! Hee hee!! C'mon everyone, get in the spirit! Ya know ya wanna click that button down yonder and send me a nice little review. I know ya do, don't try to hide it. Give in to your temptations. REVIEW!!! Love ya all mucho!
A.N. Holy Bananas!!! So many reviews! I'm sooo happy!!! YEEEEE HAW!!! Thanks so much to all of you! I love all these reviews! And a BIG FAT THANKS to all the new readers who have come along. And especially to all my readers who have been with me since chapter one. :SIGH: I love ya all!
*Doll Face: Jiminy! LoL! I'm glad ya like the story so much. Thanks for the review!
*BitterSweet: Oooo, drugs. Are you addicted to this story now? LoL. Good! Woohoo! Don't worry, you'll find a way to add spice to your story. I really like it so far. Thanks for reviewing!
*Pecan: Thanks! Here's your next chapter! Enjoy it!
*Chachi: Woohoo! You're all excited about this story! That's the spirit! LoL! Thanks for the really nice reviews!
*Gypsy: Just the fact that you didn't have anything to say was funny enough to make me laugh. LoL! Now what was that about airlines? Hahaha. Well, here's another chapter coming at ya. Hope ya like it.
*Candi Kane: Hee hee, being in suspense is a good thing. I'm glad you're so interested in the story. Thanks for the nice reviews!
*lange: Awww, sorry to say, but Salsa actually did move away and will not make any more appearances in the story. But don't worry. I'm sure she's in a happier place and all. Hahaha. Marriage, marriage, marriage! All in due time, my dear. They've only been together for what, a few weeks? We don't wanna rush it, now do we? Hee hee. Thanks for all your enthused reviews! Hope ya like this chapter!
*Gemini Kelly: Yay, you're obsessed with it! I'm so happy! Muahaha! Your reviews are so nice, awww, I think I'm gunna cry. LoL! But for real, you're always ready with compliments. Heya, when are you gunna update your new fanfic? I've been waiting for like ever!!! Hee hee!
*Brenna: Heya, I'm glad you came back to reading my story. Thanks so much for the reviews! I'm extremely glad ya like it so much! Keep them coming!! Enjoy this chapter!
*Snuggles: Sorry for all the cliffhangers, lol. But how else am I gunna keep you guys reviewing and asking for more? It's all about suspense, my dear. LoL! Thanks for the reviews!
*Sweets: Patience, my dear, patience! Hee hee! Thanks for reading and reviewing! Sorry that the suspense is taking such a toll on ya! But here's another chapter. Hope you enjoy it very much!
*Amber: Hahaha, thanks for having confidence in my future chapters, lol. Thanks for the nice review too. I love stories with twists, they're just insane!! So naturally, I have to write one! Have fun reading the new chapters!
*Thunderstorm: :Tears well up in eyes: They love me, they really love me! Hee hee! Thanks so much for your reviews! I'm excited that you're enjoying reading this story so much. I hope you like the next chapters a lot.
~AND NOW, THE FEATURE PRESENTATION....
Sugar and Spice and A Little Bit of Vice
Spot and Phoenix were walking hand in hand two days later through a pleasant little park situated in the heart of Midtown as they talked about their plans for the future. They could have easily done this in Central Park, but Spot had made reservations at a wonderful restaurant in this particular borough where he planned to take his girlfriend for lunch. German food was served there and when he was a child, his mother always use to take him to the restaurant when he did well in school. That was nearly a decade ago, but the memories were still vivid as if he had lived them yesterday.
"I'se just don't think the Brooklyn lodging house is a good environment fer an infant," Phoenix went on. She and Spot were discussing whether they would need to find a new home upon the arrival of their child. "It's so loud and crazy. I'se don't trust any of yer newsies wid a baby."
Spot snapped out of his thoughts. "I agree, but we'se aint gots the money tah rent out a small apartment room. If I starved everyday fer nine months, we might have enough fer half a year, but then what are we'se gunna do when we'se broke again? I think the lodging house would be the best bet fer now. Ya don't have tah worry about me boys. There's gunna be a whole new set of rules when the baby comes."
"I guess," Phoenix sighed, the dreamy look in her eyes dissipating. She had wanted a miniature Victorian house where she and Spot could live happily, away from the hustle and bustle of the New York commoner; away from the drudgery of a newsie's life. But that was a high aspiration, and quite possibly and unachievable one for someone of her status. She had no more than a dime in her pocket and three sets of clothing. "I guess it was silly of me tah wanna have our own place."
"No it wasn't. Youse just want the best fer our family. Everyone wants more than what they's gots from time tah time."
Phoenix smiled and leaned over to caress Spot's cheek with a kiss, a kiss that the Brooklyn leader escalated in depth by turning his head to meet her lips with his own. It felt so good to him to be with her like this. When they had been mere friends before, the things they had done with each other had been heartless, but now, there was vast feeling behind every action.
When they broke the kiss, Spot blushed and nearly giggled. He looked away from the girl to let his childish smile fade away. He was so energized and animated that he might have skipped along the pathway he and Phoenix were upon had he not a tough-leader persona to maintain. Then again, he was not familiar with all the newsies from this part of New York. Were he to do such a thing, no one would be none the wiser. It frightened him that he was actually considering the idea. He shook his head and laughed, and when Phoenix asked him what was the matter, he only replied, "Nothing." He knew what was causing all this giddiness, though. It all started yesterday afternoon in the Bronx...
~*~*~*~
"There aint nuthin like a good game of pokah tah wind youse down when ya 'ad a bad day," Flame said as he inhaled the fumes of his cigarette. Just ten minutes ago, he and Spot had been discussing how they were going to deal with the scabs that were terrorizing boroughs all over the state with threats to seize power. Now, the two leaders were engaged in a heated game of cards.
"Amen tah that," Spot said as he threw two coins onto the huge pile of money at the center of the table. "Especially when youse shoah yer gunna bag some good cash."
Flame studied Spot's face, and then glanced at his own hand of cards. The stakes were getting incredibly high. Soon enough, he would have to fold for lack of money. "I see yer two bits, and I raise ya two more."
The Bronx newsies gathered around the two leaders gasped. Whoever won this game would indeed be a happy guy. Each boy stared at the shiny coins serving as prize money with much desire, wishing they were as good at blunting as Spot or Flame.
Spot did not answer the challenge at first. There was so much he was jeopardizing in these brief minutes. Ever since he had told Phoenix his true feelings for her, he had been saving a large percent of his salary from selling papers to buy an engagement ring for the girl. He only had a few dollars so far, but he knew he would gradually get to the required amount. The problem surfaced here. Spot was bidding his savings money in this poker game against Flame. If he lost, he would have to start all over again in putting aside money, but if he won, he would have enough to at least make a down payment on the ring he wanted to purchase in the future.
He sustained his monotonous look and nodded his head. "All right." He threw two more coins on the money pile and then laid his cards, backside up, on the table. "So what youse gots?"
"Conlon, Conlon," Flame said with a sneer. "I never thought I'se would see the day when youse were beat at yer own game. I gots me a full house!" His newsies cheered at their leader's victory and patted him on the back.
Spot glared at them all, seemingly disappointed. But just when they began reaching forward to collect the coins that made up the money pile, he smirked. "I suggest youse drown yer ego in the toilet, Flame." He turned over his cards and slammed them on the table proudly. "Read 'em and weep, boys. That's a Flush!"
~*~*~*~
Spot watched as Phoenix bought an apple from a vendor across the street and beamed with pride. Winning that poker game had been so exhilarating. It was almost too easy, as if it had been his fate. Whatever the cause for his victory, he was ever thankful.
"They's ran outta green, so I'se had tah get a friggin red apple," Phoenix said with a sigh. "Ya want a bite?"
"Nah, I'se aint too hungry." Spot retook the girl's hand in his and they continued their stroll in the park. The Brooklyn leader was bursting with happiness that was too hard to control. If he did not stop acting like this, Phoenix would know he was hiding a surprise from her. He calmed himself and thought about his trip to upstate Manhattan that same afternoon...
~*~*~*~
The tiny jewelry store looked like a child in an adult's world, being huddled between two buildings of a much greater size. And in the same respect, it was ignored all the more. Spot nearly missed its entrance as he made his way through the city. The building did not even have sign by which to advertise itself. Spot slowly opened the door and entered the store unsure, half expecting to see the place filled with aristocrats who would look down at him as if he were a stray dog. Much to his surprise, he was only met by emptiness.
The only display in the store was a glass counter in the front where rings, necklaces, and bracelets were safely kept. Spot approached this counter and stood on his toes to look behind it for a salesperson, but no one was in sight. He shrugged and turned his attention to the rings. Most were elaborately designed with fancy gems and diamonds on thick gold bands, and were also unbelievably priced.
"Ah, Phoenix wouldn't like those anyways," Spot said aloud to himself. "She'd say sumthin about leavin that tah social conformists." He scanned the selection with pursed lips, and then he saw it. It was the most perfect ring he had ever seen. The band was silver and slightly thinner than the others were and at its center was a small ruby carved into the shape of a heart. In all its simplicity, Spot found it to be lovely. He knew instantly that Phoenix would adore it forever.
"Can I help you?"
Spot jumped back at the voice and looked up to see an old man smiling at him with bright eyes. After gathering his bearings, he finally replied. "Uh yea, I'se interested in buyin that ring there." He pointed to the one in question and waited for a reply, especially a rude one that would require him to show proof of his money. He was prepared for that.
"A fine selection!" The old man opened the back of the counter with a key and carefully gathered the ring's box in his wrinkled hand. He handed it to Spot for inspection. Spot took the small object, taken aback by the man's positive attitude, and ran his finger over the smoothness of it, a smile appearing on his face at the thought of Phoenix being his fiancé. "When are you going to propose?"
"How youse know I was proposin?" Spot was in awe at the man's guess.
"I have seen that look on so many people's faces." He leaned in close to the Brooklyn leader and smiled. "A few tips for you, my lad, since I have been down the road you have just now begun to follow. Always take time out for the one you love, no matter what circumstance you find yourself in. I do not care who you are or what status you hold! The second you prioritize something in your life over true love, all has failed. And worse of all, terrible consequences will occur that will shatter your every being."
Spot nodded. "Ya sound like someone who's talkin from experience."
"Well, aren't you a smart one," the man chuckled. "Yes, it happened to me, and I have regretted my actions ever since. Now I always give new lovers the same advice I gave you. I hope you will keep it close to you heart."
"I will," Spot assured him. "Now, about this ring. How much is youse askin fer it?"
Scratching his white hairs, the elder thought a moment. "How about I work out a deal with you? If you promise to remember what I have told you today, you can have the ring free of charge."
"Nah, I aint want no charity. I'se gots money in me pocket and I'se willin tah pay fer it."
"All right, all right. No need to become hostile!" He grabbed the ring from the newsie's hands and inspected it. "I believe this will be three dollars."
Spot arched an eyebrow. "Shouldn't it be a lot more than that?"
"Open your eyes," the old man replied. "I haven't a business anymore; the bank will close me down any day this month. What does it matter if I make a sell now? It won't be enough to keep this store running. So do not argue with me! Three dollars it is! If you do not have it, I suggest you turn around and show yourself out."
"All right, all right. No need tah become hostile," Spot laughed. He took out the amount needed and paid for the ring.
"You just remember what I told you," the old man said as he packaged the ring and its box in a brown paper bag. "I wish all goes well with you and your future bride."
Spot nodded with a smile. "Thanks fer everything! Youse don't have tah worry about me forgettin yer advice. There aint nuthin in this woild more important tah me than me goil!"
~*~*~*~
"Spot, did you hear what I said?"
Spot snapped out of his reflection trance for the second time and turned to look at Phoenix who was giving him an inquisitive look. "Uhm, what?"
She laughed. "What's wid youse, Conlon? Yer not all wid it, today."
Spot's heart leapt. This was the perfect opportunity! They were alone, sitting on a bench in front of a clear lake where ducks occasionally swam by in peace. The Brooklyn leader moved to the edge of the bench, preparing to drop to one knee. Even if Phoenix was not too keen with the traditional way of doing things, he knew this was only proper. "Phoenix?"
"That's me name!" The girl smiled at him enthusiastically, causing him to tense. What if she said no? What if she only laughed at him? What if she thought he was moving too fast? The questions raced through his mind haphazardly and he began to have his doubts.
"Uhm," he hesitated, not sure what he should do. He decided he would hold her hands in his, and on the word 'marry', he would let one knee fall to the ground. He looked into the girl's eyes for a long time, absorbing her soul and love for him in a simple gaze. Then, he was ready.
"Phoenix, ya know I love youse and that I always will until me dyin day. Ya mean everything tah me and so much more. I wanna be wid youse every day of me life, and I only see one way that that's possible. Phoenix, will youse m-"
"SPOT!!!"
The couple turned their heads to see Brooklyn's messenger newsie dashing across the fields of the park in a panic. He was the only one who had known of Spot's whereabouts in the case of an emergency. Spot groaned at the intrusion. Of all the most inopportune times to have barged in on someone! He had not even gotten to drop on one knee!
"What is it, Runner?" Spot asked once the younger newsie had reached him.
"SPOT! QUEENS SACKED THE BRONX!"
"What?!"
Runner paused to catch his breath. "They's came outta nowhere! All these scabs from Queens, and they's invaded the Bronx like it was nuthin! They's soakin people left and right! Flame sent a messenger tah Brooklyn fer yer help, but ya weren't there! But I sent our boys on anyways, and I said I'd come looking fer youse! They needs ya bad, Spot! Queen's leadah says he aint makin no treaties wid anyone but Spot Conlon!"
"Aw, shit!" Spot looked back at Phoenix sadly. By now, she had stood up and remained behind him with a worried look. "Sweety, I'se gunna have tah cancel our plans."
"Why can't youse just have the bum come tah youse?"
"It don't woik like that. He's the one taking over territories, and he aint gunna stop until I'se make him stop. So naturally, I'se gots tah be the one tah make the foist move." He rested his hands on her shoulder but she jerked away. His temper was beginning to break. Why was she making this difficult? "Phoenix, it's not like I wanted it tah happen! Stop actin like a baby!"
Phoenix glared at him. "I'se aint actin like nuthin. It's just that youse always canceling our things tah do yer stupid leadah duties."
"Stupid!? Without me, Brooklyn would be in complete disorder! And I aint always canceling, okay? Youse is being a drama queen. Why can't ya accept the fact that I'se gots other things tah do besides get all mushy wid youse?!"
"FINE! Go take care of yer damn territory war. Can youse at least walk me home?"
Spot shook his head. "Are ya kiddin? I'se aint got time tah go outta me way. We'se in a crisis heah!"
"But Spot!" Phoenix pleaded. "This is Midtown. All kinda crazy shit happens around these parts. Ya got goons wanderin the streets alls the time."
"If it makes ya feel any better," Spot replied. "I'll have Runner make shoah ya get home okay." Phoenix turned on her heels and marched off with clenched fists. "Heya, come back heah!" Spot ran after her and spun her around in his arms to kiss her hard. He found that in kissing her, he only longed for her more. Why did he always have to leave her? "I love ya," he whispered.
She blushed. "I love youse too." Spot hugged her and then nodded for Runner to begin walking her home. He looked after the two until they turned a corner, then he jogged off for Midtown.
More To Come!!! W00t w00t! Another chapter has come to pass, my darlings. Can anyone guess what that means? :Looks at each of their faces, which are covered with eagerness, she hopes: That's right! REVIEW TIME!!!! YEEEEEEEEEE HAW! REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW, Oh how I love thee! REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW, you are so good to me! Hee hee!! C'mon everyone, get in the spirit! Ya know ya wanna click that button down yonder and send me a nice little review. I know ya do, don't try to hide it. Give in to your temptations. REVIEW!!! Love ya all mucho!