I walked to the distribution centre and saw that Smarty and Sneaker were
already at the d.o waiting for their papes. Though I didn't make it a law,
it seems no one will get his papes until I do. As I limped closer, I could
tell that there was a look of worry on my brother's face. Once I got to
where they were standing, Smarty started to say something but I interrupted
him.
"Shorty and da new kid threw me into da wata 'ole and youse know what 'appens when I'se git wet. Anyways, I'se told Pa dat youse 'ad a date wit Daisy tonight so youse wouldn't be 'ome."
"Thanks T.C. It's betta dat 'e 'ears it from youse rather den me. 'E'll jist yell at me sayin' I'se too young to date. Youse started datin' Shorty younger den me, which doesn't make sense."
"It's Pa, what do youse expect?"
"Good point. Comeback 'asn't been around today 'as 'e because 'e owes me a dollar from dis mornin'."
I shook my head.
"I'se was too busy getting thrown into da wata."
I then relayed what had happened that caused me to get dunked in the first place. When I was done, both boys just shook their heads and laughed.
"Youse neva known when to keep your mouth shut 'ave you?"
I laughed and shook my head as I put my arms around the boy' s shoulders.
"Nope and I ain't plannin' on to any time soon. Lets go git our papes so wese can git da good spots."
As we walked towards the window up the ramp, I saw Shorty and Smokey Fingers enter the gates. I just groaned for it felt as though they were following me but I know that Shorty is just showing Smokey Fingers around. It would have been my job, but hey, I'm mad at them at the moment. Mr. Porchpin or as I like to call him Porcupine, opened the window.
" 'Ow many youse want T.C?"
I took my money and put it on the counter.
" 'Undred-eighty."
Porcupine gave me a weird look as one of the carries went and got my papes.
"Thoity more den usual? Youse in a bad mood?"
I nodded and he left it at that. Most people do leave me alone when they realize I'm mad. I'm such a hot head that no one likes to be around me, not even my parents. Besides having a personality like a tiger, I lash out like one. I've got such a ferocious temper that I've gotten in some fights that have caused me to be bedridden.
Porcupine put the papes on the counter and I took them and left. I waved good-bye to my brother and took a quick look to see if the guys were looking my way. They weren't which was good. I would then be able to get to my selling spot in peace.
I exit the gates and not too soon as I walk around the corner but a kid runs directly into me. I caught a quick flash of red hair and I knew who it was right away, Comeback.
"Watch where youse goin'! I'se got to git me papes."
Comeback has a tendency to lash out with his fist along with his words. His fist started to come towards my shoulder but I blocked it and with a swift movement punched him in the shoulder and hit him upside the head. After the stun left him of the quick movements, he realized who it was.
"Oops, sorry T.C."
He said as he rubbed his shoulder.
"It's okay CB. I'se in a bad mood today and 'ad to take it out on someone. I'se jist glad dat the physical part came out on you instead of Pa. I'se really yelled at 'im today. Tell Smarty when youse see 'im dat I'll see 'im lata at da Barn for da games. Are youse goin'?"
Comeback nodded and said that he was going to bring his friend Betty. He then asked me if I was going with Shorty like ALWAYS and there was more in the ALWAYS. Well that caused me to give him another smack upside the head.
"We don't ALWAYS go together and no I'se ain't goin' wit 'im. 'E's da reason I'se mad at da moment."
I shifted my papes to my other hand so that I could take a look at my Pappy's watch. My Ma had given it to me when I became the leader. She had gotten it from her father right before she came to Canada.
"Well I'se got to git goin' before someone takes me regulars. See youse lata."
I started off and Comeback went inside the gates to get his papes. As I walked, I delivered some papes to my regulars. Mrs. Hitch the seamstress was happy to get hers and Sammy the blacksmith was the same. He was having a slow day and liked his pape in the afternoon. By the time I got to my regular spot off by Victoria Park, I had sold 80 papes.
"Well 'undred left to sell den it's free time."
I said with a smile on my face and with a yell, I started to hawk the headlines.
"Building with Infestation!"
With that headline, I sold about 20 papes and in half an hour, I sold the last 80 papes. With 10 cents from the days selling, I went to the smoke shop and bought 2 packs of cigarettes. In my family, no one ever breaks a promise even if they are mad at that person. I've been a smoker since I was 16 and it is the one thing my Ma really disapproves of. She says that I smell like her brother Andrew back in Ireland. The smoke really gets to her. My Pa doesn't care just as long as I don't smoke around him. He thinks it is fine if a guy does but unladylike for a girl.
I walked over to the Thames River and then down a path that led to a make shift bench. I had found this spot a year ago and went there when I wanted to smoke. I sat down and took out a cigarette and a match and lit up. I gazed out on the water and saw that there was a bunch of ducks near the middle.
"Quack, quack."
I said with a laugh to myself. Just as I did, I heard a crack go off behind me. I whipped up but pain hit my knee and caused me to fall down on the ground. This caused my hat to fall down over my face so I could see who it was that had come up behind me. I heard laughter though so I figured it was someone I knew. I reached up for the bench but a hand grabbed it instead.
"Do youse normally make animal noises?"
The voice asked. I pulled my hat off once I was standing and saw that it was Smokey Fingers who had come up behind me. I put my fingers through my hair to tidy it up a bit, plopped the hat back on my head and sat down.
"What do youse want?"
I picked up my snuffed out cigarette and saw that it was still good. Smokey Fingers sat down beside me a little too closely so I moved over a bit so he'd have room.
"Well I was goin' for a walk after selling my papes and saw dat you came down here. I wanted to apologize for what Shorty and I did to you earlier. Plus.I was wonderin' if I could have some smokes."
I pulled the pack out that I bought for him and tossed it to him. We lit up the smokes we had and sat there in silence until both of us were done. Silence still overcame us until he spoke.
"You're a very different girl Tiger."
PUNCH!!! I hit Smokey in the shoulder hard and glared at him and with a somewhat growl, spoke.
"I'se told youse not to call me dat!"
"But your Pa did."
"Dat's because 'e named me Tiger in da foist place. Den Skinner me cousin, who was da leada before me, added the claw part when she saw me fight. Da only people who call me Tiger are me Ma and Pa. NO ONE ELSE!"
Smokey Fingers looked down at his hands and then out at the water.
"I'm sorry once again. When I heard your Pa call you that and you didn't get mad or anything, I thought it was okay to call you that."
All right, so it was an innocent mistake. I guess I shouldn't have punched him in the shoulder.
"I'se should be da one dat's sorry, I'se jist git very touchy bout da name. Don't worry bout it. I'se was wonderin' though. What do youse mean dat I'se different?"
"Well from where I'm from, not many girls smoke, drink and lead a group of boys. None of dem plays pool or dress like you. All of dem dress in either skirts or dresses."
I straightened out my knee and winced a little. The pain would bug me for a few days that's for sure.
"Yeah well I'se also been brought up different from other goils. Me parents gave me a lot of freedom and rarely disciplined me. Me Ma's Irish and so she doesn't mind if I'se drink and she thinks it is good for a goil to hang wit boys. Me Ma was da foist goil to run da Lower London Newsies and afta 'er was Skinner, me cousin. I'se took ova 3 years ago and some of da boys dat I'se grew up wit didn't like me bein' da leada. I'se finally challenged dem to anythin' like drinkin', dat dey could think of and if I beat dem at everything then dey would 'ave to accept me. Runnin' races were one exception and dey all knew dat."
I looked at Smokey Fingers and laughed at the expression on his face. It was of complete shock that I had been drinking since the age of 15.
"Like I'se said, me Ma is from Ireland and our family 'as strong stomachs. I'se actually been drinkin' since 14 but me parents 'ave known since I'se was 15. Everything else like fightin' and playin' pool 'ad been taught to me by Skinner."
I glanced at my watch and saw that dinner would be on the table soon.
"If wese want some good seats at da table, we 'ad betta git a movin'. Ma's gonna 'ave da suppa on da table in 'bout 10 minutes."
Smokey Fingers got up and helped me to stand up. I then grabbed his arm and pulled him up the path to where the street started. He started for the long way and I wasn't willing to being late for supper.
"Dere's a shortcut through dis alley, c'mon."
We started running and made it to the Lodging House in 5minutes. My knee was in slight pain but food would soon take my mind off of it. We entered the building to see the long table set up and Ma setting the last few dishes on the table. I walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
" 'Ello Ma. Suppa smells good."
She smiled but then smelled the air and gave me a dirty look.
"Youse been smokin' gain. 'Ow many times do I'se 'afta tell youse dat you'll stunt your growth."
Stunt growth? I've stopped growing since I was 15.
"Ma, it relaxes me like your popery calms youse."
Ma just shook her head and went into the kitchen. The spot at the head of the table by the kitchen was Ma's and the one by the door was Pa's so I grabbed some right in the middle. Neither of my parents likes to smell the smoke on me so the middle should do. Pa came downstairs and went into the kitchen and soon after Loudmouth, Sneaker and Too Tall came in and sat down. Loudmouth took his place on the other side of me and we discussed some issues that were going to be brought up at the next meeting.
"Anybody thoisty?"
I got a few nods and went into the kitchen to get 2 beers, 4 waters and milk. I grabbed the glasses out of the cupboard and went over to the sink to get the opener for the beers. Just as I grabbed it, I heard some loud whispers coming from the storage closet.
"I'se still don't see your problem wit our daughter? She's 'ealthy and fit."
"But she doesn't act like a girl should. She runs around with boys, drinks and smokes. She fights too. I bet she doesn't even know how to sew like a girl should. No guy is ever going to want her. I thought she'd have a chance with Timothy but that bubble has been burst."
"She'll find 'er own guy someday. She jist ain't ready for it now. Don't try and rush 'er."
"You and I were married when you were 19 and settled down."
"Peter! Do you call leadin' da boys settlin' down? I'se told youse dat da O'Connor women are restless people. Dey neva settles down. I'se still run dis place when Golden needs time off and don't you dare say dat youse do cause youse know dat none of dose boys would listen to you. Dey only knows da ways of a goil leada. Golden is more strict den any boy leada dat I'se 'ave eva met."
"I just think that maybe we should send her to York to my friend. She has a finishing school for girls and if we send Golden now, maybe she'll turn into a proper lady."
I didn't hear Ma's response to that because by now I was backing away from the door. Send me to York to become a proper lady? He's got to be kidding. I would die if I had to go through all that pampering and teaching. I wouldn't last if I had to listen to stuck up girls talk about the latest fashion or which boy was the cutest. Being away from my Newsies would cause me to have a complete nervous breakdown. I finished up in the kitchen as quickly as I could so that I wouldn't have to face my parents if they came out. I walked back out and gave everyone the drinks they had asked for.
Just as I sat down, Ma and Pa came in and took their places at the table. The food smelt great and none of it had been touched. Everyone in the L.H. knows that no one is to touch the food until Grace is said. Pa said the familiar words and everyone dug in. I tried to eat but the word or my Pa stuck in my head. I pushed the food around on my plate and was glad that no one had noticed my loss for appetite.
Supper chatter was low tonight until Comeback rushed in and started to eat. He and Stitches who was the clown of the group started bickering over a biscuit. In the end it was Dragon who got the biscuit. I groaned and looked over to Smokey Fingers to see him slightly laughing. I elbowed him in the side to stop and then looked at my watch. It was almost time for us to head over to the Barn. I got up from my seat and from my cue so did Loudmouth, Dragon, Comeback, Stitches, Sneaker and Smokey Fingers.
"Ma, Pa suppa was great but wese gotta git goin'."
The boys headed up the stairs to get washed and changed and I started too but was stopped by Pa's baritone voice breaking through the other boy's chatter
"Tiger come on back here please. You are going to do the dishes."
"Aw Pa! I'se gotta git to da Barn."
"Well duties come before hanging with friends. Besides, it IS your night with Arrow to do the dishes."
I groaned and stalked off to the kitchen where Arrow was waiting. Arrow's 12 and a pretty cute kid with light blond hair and baby blue eyes. Arrow and I are partners when it comes to washing because we're the fastest. We get them done in 15minutes no matter how many people eat that night. Luckily tonight there were only 20 so it wouldn't take that long. I had to get to the Barn because tonight I was singing. I couldn't tell my parents that because to Pa especially it was considered something girls would do and try to enforce me to talk proper lessons. That would take all the fun out of it.
"Arrow, man your battle station. Tis time to do some cleanin'!"
Arrow took his place at the sink where the dishes were all ready. He would throw them to me and then I'd dry them and then put them away.
"Ready, Set Go!"
15minutes later, we were done and I was limping up the stairs to change my shirt and brush my hair. I took two steps at a time down the stairs, kissed Ma good-bye and out the door. Halfway there the pain became a bit unbearable so I slowed down my pace to a quick walk.
I arrived at the Barn, which actually was a barn on the edge of town. About once a week, the oldest Newsies of all the Lodging Houses in London go and hang out be it poker games or dances. As long as you were 15 and up you could attend. Reason we say this is that we don't want the younger Newsies around the smoke, drinks and poker. Whiskey handles the bar and no one is allowed to have more than 2 drinks if you are under17. Whiskey is the ref for the drinking contests when the under17 have gone back to their Lodging Homes. The most shots taken by anyone and that were 34, which was set by none other than me.
Trying the front door showed to be useless because it was already locked so I slipped to the back where the back door, thank you, wasn't. After closing the door, I could hear laughter coming from the main room and then it got quiet. I crept to the door leading to the stage and heard Whiskey.
"Ladies and gents, Wese 'ave a well known singa 'ere wit us tonight. It is me 'onor to introduce da most respected Newsie anywhere. Put your 'ands together for.what? She ain't 'ere yet?"
I decided to go out at that point so I pushed open the door and walked in.
"Thanks for the semi intro Whiskey. 'Ow bout next time youse actually say me full name?"
Laughter rang throughout the crowd as I took centre stage and Whiskey walked off.
" 'Ello dere London! Youse all know me, T.C!"
Then from the crowd I got the usual comment.
"What does T.C mean?"
"T.C stands for Tigerclaw, da leada of da Lower London Newsies. Tonight, I'se gonna sing a song dat I'se known for a long time. Claude, 'it it."
Guitar, piano and tambourine started up from the corner of the stage.
"Lost inside this angel town,
Lost like I could not be found
No connections of the heart,
Love was glass that broke apart
Gimme faith in dreams, and some one to hold
Gimme love 'cause I'm out here in the cold
There are no secrets
No angels at my door.
And oh, when you touch my hand
I fall from grace
And oh, when you reach for me
I fall from grace.
On a steel town boulevard
Life's a promise that doesn't last
Resurrections of the past
Children come and are gone so fast
So gimme faith in love
Baby tonight
Gimme arms to hold you here so tight
There are no secrets
No angels at my door.
And oh, when you touch my hand
I fall from grace
And oh, when you reach for me
I fall from grace.
I finished up and the crowd cheered and started throwing caps on the stage.
"I'll give your 'ats back ova at da bar."
I collected them up and went over to the bar where about 20 Newsies came and collected them. When all the Newsies got his or her hat, Whiskey handed me a beer.
'Man I'm glad I can stomach this or else I'd be wasted by now.' I thought. I finished my beer and started to wander around the Barn. I talked with a couple of the Newsies that I've known over the years and I stopped by some of the poker tables. One of them had Smarty, Dragon and Too Tall there playing against some Upper London and Eastside Newsies. I noticed my friend Dusty and after the spitting ritual, we talked about the latest selling and the current headlines.
After watching the game for a bit, I started to get a craving for a smoke. Seeing that it was 9 o'clock, I figured that the smell would be off of me by the time I got home. I squeezed my way out of the Barn and into the cool night air. Walking around the corner, I grabbed a smoke from my pocket and lit up. I'm not sure how long I was out there before I heard someone open the door and come out. I was about to go say hi, but I heard that it was girl voices, the leading one being Daisy, Smarty's current girl.
"Tonight 'as been great except for one thing; Tigerclaw. Don't youse agree Petals?"
"Yeah. I'se can't believe she sand dat song. It is so an outreach for a man, though I'se don't think she'll eva git one. She 'angs out wit all does boys dat she's turnin' into one."
"Did youse two see da new kid from Lower London? 'E's so cute. I'se would love to go out wit 'im. Did youse see 'im starin' at T.C when she was singin'? It was like 'e was in a trance or somethin'. I'se think 'e's in love wit 'er. Dat's 'ow Smarty looks when 'e sees me."
Yeah right, it'll pass Daisy my girl. But hold on, Smokey Fingers liking me? A shiver went through my body. I turned my attention back to the girls talking.
"What I'se don't understand is why she's da only goil leada in London? All da other leaders are boys and so Lower London should rightfully be led by a boy. I'se think dat Smarty should be da leada. He's got da smarts for it and da height. 'E'd git respect from da others in no time."
Sorry girly, but it has to be earned. That's how it has always been done in Lower London. Brush up on your history. I took a puff from the shrunken smoke and I stepped out from the shadows. Seeing that this person was me, it took them by complete surprise and caused them to blush. Smarty came out just as I did.
"Listen 'ere Daisy. Youse betta learn some 'istory. Leada's in Lower London 'ave always earned respect, it isn't jist given to dem. I'se earned da respect from da boys 3 years ago as did Skinner, me GOIL cousin before me and me Ma before 'er. Jist cause youse think Smarty can do a betta job den me doesn't mean 'e's ready for it. 'E may in da future, but I ain't ready to give dis place up yet."
Smarty walked over and stood in between a hot head and a blushing loudmouth. (I'm pretty sure you can guess which one is which.) Daisy controlled her blush long enough to ask Smarty to go back inside with her. What he did next made me proud. He went from his place between us to my side.
"Listen Daisy, if youse gonna bad mouth me sister and think I'se gonna let youse git away wit it, youse got anudda thing comin'. Tigerclaw is da most respected leada anywhere because she showed up da boys 3 years ago. Da Lower London Lodging House 'asn't been run as smoothly as it 'as been dese past decades because a goil 'as run it. If youse think dat a boy could do betta, den git out of my sight cause I'se know one can't."
Daisy sulked off with her two companions following after her as though they were dogs with their tails between their legs. Once they were out of sight, I gave Smarty a hug.
"Thanks Reid. I'se was close to 'ittin' 'er."
" 'Ey, what are little bros for if dey can't stand up for deir big sisters? Lets git back inside, I'se know for a fact dat Dragon is braggin' dat 'e can beat youse in a drinkin' contest."
Both of us laughed because we knew that wouldn't happen and we walked back inside.
A/N: Hope you guys liked this chapter. I'm going to have the next one up soon so don't worry. For those who have reviewed thank, for those who haven't.please do soon! Hotshot, I loved Past Secrets and Present Times. Keep writing. For those others that I have read, keep writing too, it is great work. I don't own Fall From Grace by Amanda Marshall or the Newsies but they WILL come in later, don't worry.
"Shorty and da new kid threw me into da wata 'ole and youse know what 'appens when I'se git wet. Anyways, I'se told Pa dat youse 'ad a date wit Daisy tonight so youse wouldn't be 'ome."
"Thanks T.C. It's betta dat 'e 'ears it from youse rather den me. 'E'll jist yell at me sayin' I'se too young to date. Youse started datin' Shorty younger den me, which doesn't make sense."
"It's Pa, what do youse expect?"
"Good point. Comeback 'asn't been around today 'as 'e because 'e owes me a dollar from dis mornin'."
I shook my head.
"I'se was too busy getting thrown into da wata."
I then relayed what had happened that caused me to get dunked in the first place. When I was done, both boys just shook their heads and laughed.
"Youse neva known when to keep your mouth shut 'ave you?"
I laughed and shook my head as I put my arms around the boy' s shoulders.
"Nope and I ain't plannin' on to any time soon. Lets go git our papes so wese can git da good spots."
As we walked towards the window up the ramp, I saw Shorty and Smokey Fingers enter the gates. I just groaned for it felt as though they were following me but I know that Shorty is just showing Smokey Fingers around. It would have been my job, but hey, I'm mad at them at the moment. Mr. Porchpin or as I like to call him Porcupine, opened the window.
" 'Ow many youse want T.C?"
I took my money and put it on the counter.
" 'Undred-eighty."
Porcupine gave me a weird look as one of the carries went and got my papes.
"Thoity more den usual? Youse in a bad mood?"
I nodded and he left it at that. Most people do leave me alone when they realize I'm mad. I'm such a hot head that no one likes to be around me, not even my parents. Besides having a personality like a tiger, I lash out like one. I've got such a ferocious temper that I've gotten in some fights that have caused me to be bedridden.
Porcupine put the papes on the counter and I took them and left. I waved good-bye to my brother and took a quick look to see if the guys were looking my way. They weren't which was good. I would then be able to get to my selling spot in peace.
I exit the gates and not too soon as I walk around the corner but a kid runs directly into me. I caught a quick flash of red hair and I knew who it was right away, Comeback.
"Watch where youse goin'! I'se got to git me papes."
Comeback has a tendency to lash out with his fist along with his words. His fist started to come towards my shoulder but I blocked it and with a swift movement punched him in the shoulder and hit him upside the head. After the stun left him of the quick movements, he realized who it was.
"Oops, sorry T.C."
He said as he rubbed his shoulder.
"It's okay CB. I'se in a bad mood today and 'ad to take it out on someone. I'se jist glad dat the physical part came out on you instead of Pa. I'se really yelled at 'im today. Tell Smarty when youse see 'im dat I'll see 'im lata at da Barn for da games. Are youse goin'?"
Comeback nodded and said that he was going to bring his friend Betty. He then asked me if I was going with Shorty like ALWAYS and there was more in the ALWAYS. Well that caused me to give him another smack upside the head.
"We don't ALWAYS go together and no I'se ain't goin' wit 'im. 'E's da reason I'se mad at da moment."
I shifted my papes to my other hand so that I could take a look at my Pappy's watch. My Ma had given it to me when I became the leader. She had gotten it from her father right before she came to Canada.
"Well I'se got to git goin' before someone takes me regulars. See youse lata."
I started off and Comeback went inside the gates to get his papes. As I walked, I delivered some papes to my regulars. Mrs. Hitch the seamstress was happy to get hers and Sammy the blacksmith was the same. He was having a slow day and liked his pape in the afternoon. By the time I got to my regular spot off by Victoria Park, I had sold 80 papes.
"Well 'undred left to sell den it's free time."
I said with a smile on my face and with a yell, I started to hawk the headlines.
"Building with Infestation!"
With that headline, I sold about 20 papes and in half an hour, I sold the last 80 papes. With 10 cents from the days selling, I went to the smoke shop and bought 2 packs of cigarettes. In my family, no one ever breaks a promise even if they are mad at that person. I've been a smoker since I was 16 and it is the one thing my Ma really disapproves of. She says that I smell like her brother Andrew back in Ireland. The smoke really gets to her. My Pa doesn't care just as long as I don't smoke around him. He thinks it is fine if a guy does but unladylike for a girl.
I walked over to the Thames River and then down a path that led to a make shift bench. I had found this spot a year ago and went there when I wanted to smoke. I sat down and took out a cigarette and a match and lit up. I gazed out on the water and saw that there was a bunch of ducks near the middle.
"Quack, quack."
I said with a laugh to myself. Just as I did, I heard a crack go off behind me. I whipped up but pain hit my knee and caused me to fall down on the ground. This caused my hat to fall down over my face so I could see who it was that had come up behind me. I heard laughter though so I figured it was someone I knew. I reached up for the bench but a hand grabbed it instead.
"Do youse normally make animal noises?"
The voice asked. I pulled my hat off once I was standing and saw that it was Smokey Fingers who had come up behind me. I put my fingers through my hair to tidy it up a bit, plopped the hat back on my head and sat down.
"What do youse want?"
I picked up my snuffed out cigarette and saw that it was still good. Smokey Fingers sat down beside me a little too closely so I moved over a bit so he'd have room.
"Well I was goin' for a walk after selling my papes and saw dat you came down here. I wanted to apologize for what Shorty and I did to you earlier. Plus.I was wonderin' if I could have some smokes."
I pulled the pack out that I bought for him and tossed it to him. We lit up the smokes we had and sat there in silence until both of us were done. Silence still overcame us until he spoke.
"You're a very different girl Tiger."
PUNCH!!! I hit Smokey in the shoulder hard and glared at him and with a somewhat growl, spoke.
"I'se told youse not to call me dat!"
"But your Pa did."
"Dat's because 'e named me Tiger in da foist place. Den Skinner me cousin, who was da leada before me, added the claw part when she saw me fight. Da only people who call me Tiger are me Ma and Pa. NO ONE ELSE!"
Smokey Fingers looked down at his hands and then out at the water.
"I'm sorry once again. When I heard your Pa call you that and you didn't get mad or anything, I thought it was okay to call you that."
All right, so it was an innocent mistake. I guess I shouldn't have punched him in the shoulder.
"I'se should be da one dat's sorry, I'se jist git very touchy bout da name. Don't worry bout it. I'se was wonderin' though. What do youse mean dat I'se different?"
"Well from where I'm from, not many girls smoke, drink and lead a group of boys. None of dem plays pool or dress like you. All of dem dress in either skirts or dresses."
I straightened out my knee and winced a little. The pain would bug me for a few days that's for sure.
"Yeah well I'se also been brought up different from other goils. Me parents gave me a lot of freedom and rarely disciplined me. Me Ma's Irish and so she doesn't mind if I'se drink and she thinks it is good for a goil to hang wit boys. Me Ma was da foist goil to run da Lower London Newsies and afta 'er was Skinner, me cousin. I'se took ova 3 years ago and some of da boys dat I'se grew up wit didn't like me bein' da leada. I'se finally challenged dem to anythin' like drinkin', dat dey could think of and if I beat dem at everything then dey would 'ave to accept me. Runnin' races were one exception and dey all knew dat."
I looked at Smokey Fingers and laughed at the expression on his face. It was of complete shock that I had been drinking since the age of 15.
"Like I'se said, me Ma is from Ireland and our family 'as strong stomachs. I'se actually been drinkin' since 14 but me parents 'ave known since I'se was 15. Everything else like fightin' and playin' pool 'ad been taught to me by Skinner."
I glanced at my watch and saw that dinner would be on the table soon.
"If wese want some good seats at da table, we 'ad betta git a movin'. Ma's gonna 'ave da suppa on da table in 'bout 10 minutes."
Smokey Fingers got up and helped me to stand up. I then grabbed his arm and pulled him up the path to where the street started. He started for the long way and I wasn't willing to being late for supper.
"Dere's a shortcut through dis alley, c'mon."
We started running and made it to the Lodging House in 5minutes. My knee was in slight pain but food would soon take my mind off of it. We entered the building to see the long table set up and Ma setting the last few dishes on the table. I walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
" 'Ello Ma. Suppa smells good."
She smiled but then smelled the air and gave me a dirty look.
"Youse been smokin' gain. 'Ow many times do I'se 'afta tell youse dat you'll stunt your growth."
Stunt growth? I've stopped growing since I was 15.
"Ma, it relaxes me like your popery calms youse."
Ma just shook her head and went into the kitchen. The spot at the head of the table by the kitchen was Ma's and the one by the door was Pa's so I grabbed some right in the middle. Neither of my parents likes to smell the smoke on me so the middle should do. Pa came downstairs and went into the kitchen and soon after Loudmouth, Sneaker and Too Tall came in and sat down. Loudmouth took his place on the other side of me and we discussed some issues that were going to be brought up at the next meeting.
"Anybody thoisty?"
I got a few nods and went into the kitchen to get 2 beers, 4 waters and milk. I grabbed the glasses out of the cupboard and went over to the sink to get the opener for the beers. Just as I grabbed it, I heard some loud whispers coming from the storage closet.
"I'se still don't see your problem wit our daughter? She's 'ealthy and fit."
"But she doesn't act like a girl should. She runs around with boys, drinks and smokes. She fights too. I bet she doesn't even know how to sew like a girl should. No guy is ever going to want her. I thought she'd have a chance with Timothy but that bubble has been burst."
"She'll find 'er own guy someday. She jist ain't ready for it now. Don't try and rush 'er."
"You and I were married when you were 19 and settled down."
"Peter! Do you call leadin' da boys settlin' down? I'se told youse dat da O'Connor women are restless people. Dey neva settles down. I'se still run dis place when Golden needs time off and don't you dare say dat youse do cause youse know dat none of dose boys would listen to you. Dey only knows da ways of a goil leada. Golden is more strict den any boy leada dat I'se 'ave eva met."
"I just think that maybe we should send her to York to my friend. She has a finishing school for girls and if we send Golden now, maybe she'll turn into a proper lady."
I didn't hear Ma's response to that because by now I was backing away from the door. Send me to York to become a proper lady? He's got to be kidding. I would die if I had to go through all that pampering and teaching. I wouldn't last if I had to listen to stuck up girls talk about the latest fashion or which boy was the cutest. Being away from my Newsies would cause me to have a complete nervous breakdown. I finished up in the kitchen as quickly as I could so that I wouldn't have to face my parents if they came out. I walked back out and gave everyone the drinks they had asked for.
Just as I sat down, Ma and Pa came in and took their places at the table. The food smelt great and none of it had been touched. Everyone in the L.H. knows that no one is to touch the food until Grace is said. Pa said the familiar words and everyone dug in. I tried to eat but the word or my Pa stuck in my head. I pushed the food around on my plate and was glad that no one had noticed my loss for appetite.
Supper chatter was low tonight until Comeback rushed in and started to eat. He and Stitches who was the clown of the group started bickering over a biscuit. In the end it was Dragon who got the biscuit. I groaned and looked over to Smokey Fingers to see him slightly laughing. I elbowed him in the side to stop and then looked at my watch. It was almost time for us to head over to the Barn. I got up from my seat and from my cue so did Loudmouth, Dragon, Comeback, Stitches, Sneaker and Smokey Fingers.
"Ma, Pa suppa was great but wese gotta git goin'."
The boys headed up the stairs to get washed and changed and I started too but was stopped by Pa's baritone voice breaking through the other boy's chatter
"Tiger come on back here please. You are going to do the dishes."
"Aw Pa! I'se gotta git to da Barn."
"Well duties come before hanging with friends. Besides, it IS your night with Arrow to do the dishes."
I groaned and stalked off to the kitchen where Arrow was waiting. Arrow's 12 and a pretty cute kid with light blond hair and baby blue eyes. Arrow and I are partners when it comes to washing because we're the fastest. We get them done in 15minutes no matter how many people eat that night. Luckily tonight there were only 20 so it wouldn't take that long. I had to get to the Barn because tonight I was singing. I couldn't tell my parents that because to Pa especially it was considered something girls would do and try to enforce me to talk proper lessons. That would take all the fun out of it.
"Arrow, man your battle station. Tis time to do some cleanin'!"
Arrow took his place at the sink where the dishes were all ready. He would throw them to me and then I'd dry them and then put them away.
"Ready, Set Go!"
15minutes later, we were done and I was limping up the stairs to change my shirt and brush my hair. I took two steps at a time down the stairs, kissed Ma good-bye and out the door. Halfway there the pain became a bit unbearable so I slowed down my pace to a quick walk.
I arrived at the Barn, which actually was a barn on the edge of town. About once a week, the oldest Newsies of all the Lodging Houses in London go and hang out be it poker games or dances. As long as you were 15 and up you could attend. Reason we say this is that we don't want the younger Newsies around the smoke, drinks and poker. Whiskey handles the bar and no one is allowed to have more than 2 drinks if you are under17. Whiskey is the ref for the drinking contests when the under17 have gone back to their Lodging Homes. The most shots taken by anyone and that were 34, which was set by none other than me.
Trying the front door showed to be useless because it was already locked so I slipped to the back where the back door, thank you, wasn't. After closing the door, I could hear laughter coming from the main room and then it got quiet. I crept to the door leading to the stage and heard Whiskey.
"Ladies and gents, Wese 'ave a well known singa 'ere wit us tonight. It is me 'onor to introduce da most respected Newsie anywhere. Put your 'ands together for.what? She ain't 'ere yet?"
I decided to go out at that point so I pushed open the door and walked in.
"Thanks for the semi intro Whiskey. 'Ow bout next time youse actually say me full name?"
Laughter rang throughout the crowd as I took centre stage and Whiskey walked off.
" 'Ello dere London! Youse all know me, T.C!"
Then from the crowd I got the usual comment.
"What does T.C mean?"
"T.C stands for Tigerclaw, da leada of da Lower London Newsies. Tonight, I'se gonna sing a song dat I'se known for a long time. Claude, 'it it."
Guitar, piano and tambourine started up from the corner of the stage.
"Lost inside this angel town,
Lost like I could not be found
No connections of the heart,
Love was glass that broke apart
Gimme faith in dreams, and some one to hold
Gimme love 'cause I'm out here in the cold
There are no secrets
No angels at my door.
And oh, when you touch my hand
I fall from grace
And oh, when you reach for me
I fall from grace.
On a steel town boulevard
Life's a promise that doesn't last
Resurrections of the past
Children come and are gone so fast
So gimme faith in love
Baby tonight
Gimme arms to hold you here so tight
There are no secrets
No angels at my door.
And oh, when you touch my hand
I fall from grace
And oh, when you reach for me
I fall from grace.
I finished up and the crowd cheered and started throwing caps on the stage.
"I'll give your 'ats back ova at da bar."
I collected them up and went over to the bar where about 20 Newsies came and collected them. When all the Newsies got his or her hat, Whiskey handed me a beer.
'Man I'm glad I can stomach this or else I'd be wasted by now.' I thought. I finished my beer and started to wander around the Barn. I talked with a couple of the Newsies that I've known over the years and I stopped by some of the poker tables. One of them had Smarty, Dragon and Too Tall there playing against some Upper London and Eastside Newsies. I noticed my friend Dusty and after the spitting ritual, we talked about the latest selling and the current headlines.
After watching the game for a bit, I started to get a craving for a smoke. Seeing that it was 9 o'clock, I figured that the smell would be off of me by the time I got home. I squeezed my way out of the Barn and into the cool night air. Walking around the corner, I grabbed a smoke from my pocket and lit up. I'm not sure how long I was out there before I heard someone open the door and come out. I was about to go say hi, but I heard that it was girl voices, the leading one being Daisy, Smarty's current girl.
"Tonight 'as been great except for one thing; Tigerclaw. Don't youse agree Petals?"
"Yeah. I'se can't believe she sand dat song. It is so an outreach for a man, though I'se don't think she'll eva git one. She 'angs out wit all does boys dat she's turnin' into one."
"Did youse two see da new kid from Lower London? 'E's so cute. I'se would love to go out wit 'im. Did youse see 'im starin' at T.C when she was singin'? It was like 'e was in a trance or somethin'. I'se think 'e's in love wit 'er. Dat's 'ow Smarty looks when 'e sees me."
Yeah right, it'll pass Daisy my girl. But hold on, Smokey Fingers liking me? A shiver went through my body. I turned my attention back to the girls talking.
"What I'se don't understand is why she's da only goil leada in London? All da other leaders are boys and so Lower London should rightfully be led by a boy. I'se think dat Smarty should be da leada. He's got da smarts for it and da height. 'E'd git respect from da others in no time."
Sorry girly, but it has to be earned. That's how it has always been done in Lower London. Brush up on your history. I took a puff from the shrunken smoke and I stepped out from the shadows. Seeing that this person was me, it took them by complete surprise and caused them to blush. Smarty came out just as I did.
"Listen 'ere Daisy. Youse betta learn some 'istory. Leada's in Lower London 'ave always earned respect, it isn't jist given to dem. I'se earned da respect from da boys 3 years ago as did Skinner, me GOIL cousin before me and me Ma before 'er. Jist cause youse think Smarty can do a betta job den me doesn't mean 'e's ready for it. 'E may in da future, but I ain't ready to give dis place up yet."
Smarty walked over and stood in between a hot head and a blushing loudmouth. (I'm pretty sure you can guess which one is which.) Daisy controlled her blush long enough to ask Smarty to go back inside with her. What he did next made me proud. He went from his place between us to my side.
"Listen Daisy, if youse gonna bad mouth me sister and think I'se gonna let youse git away wit it, youse got anudda thing comin'. Tigerclaw is da most respected leada anywhere because she showed up da boys 3 years ago. Da Lower London Lodging House 'asn't been run as smoothly as it 'as been dese past decades because a goil 'as run it. If youse think dat a boy could do betta, den git out of my sight cause I'se know one can't."
Daisy sulked off with her two companions following after her as though they were dogs with their tails between their legs. Once they were out of sight, I gave Smarty a hug.
"Thanks Reid. I'se was close to 'ittin' 'er."
" 'Ey, what are little bros for if dey can't stand up for deir big sisters? Lets git back inside, I'se know for a fact dat Dragon is braggin' dat 'e can beat youse in a drinkin' contest."
Both of us laughed because we knew that wouldn't happen and we walked back inside.
A/N: Hope you guys liked this chapter. I'm going to have the next one up soon so don't worry. For those who have reviewed thank, for those who haven't.please do soon! Hotshot, I loved Past Secrets and Present Times. Keep writing. For those others that I have read, keep writing too, it is great work. I don't own Fall From Grace by Amanda Marshall or the Newsies but they WILL come in later, don't worry.