It Had to be You
They talk about "love at first sight."
They talk about "puppy love."
They talk about "eternal love."
But nowhere does anyone talk about "love that bites you in the ass and runs away laughing."
Nobody expected it, least of all me. The leader of Brooklyn is not supposed to fall in love with a Manhattan newsie, and if he does degrade himself that way, then he is at least supposed to go for someone with power.
For a while, I was in love with a powerful guy. First it was Jack. I mean, can't get much higher than the leader, right? Then I fell for Race, the second-in-command. Then it was Blink, who had some influence.
Then there was him. God. He wasn't the most good-looking of the guys, but he was so sweet, so kind, so gentle . . . he actually cared. Every time I was in Manhattan, he always made a point of saying 'hi' and asking how I was doing. Then he actually listened. I mean, when you grow up in a lodging house packed with other loud-mouthed guys who are all talking at the same time, just being heard is pretty rare, and actually being listened to never happens. So when someone really listens, it's earth-shaking.
I think I fell for him before I even realized it. Seriously, it was like I woke up one morning and thought, "hey, I love him."
It just had to be him.
It just had to be the one person I can't tell and can't tell anyone my feelings about for two major reasons. One, he's a Manhattaner. Two, he doesn't have any power. I know it's shallow, but that's how the game is played in Brooklyn. It's all about power.
The most I can do is just hope this infatuation runs its course like all the rest and leaves me open for the next person who comes along.
But something inside tells me that there won't be a next person. That this is it; that it has to be him.
Dammit, Jake . . .
Why did it have to be you?
.fin.
Note: The title is kind of abstractly taken from "Dance 10, Looks 3" from A Chorus Line. The actual line goes, "Gee, it had to be you!" So I'm sitting there in Bio II and suddenly inspiration strikes; next thing I know half the story was written. Anyway, this is part of the amatus detestari series, and it's a standalone. The boys belong to Disney.