Past Secrets and Present Times
Chapter 9
By Megan
Hotshot was steaming when she reached the lodging house and walked straight upstairs, ignoring Racetrack's cries.
"Heya Hotshot, we's playin' poker. You wanna play!"
All of the other newsies were in the room and yelled after her to come back. A few of them stared after her silently.
"What'd Jack do this time?" Dutchy asked the small group of them. His response was a few shrugs from his friends.
Jack stumbled into the lodging house a few minutes later with a worried look on his face, "Where's Hotshot?"
"Upstairs," Skittery said, "What'd you do?"
"I have no idea." Ignoring any further comments Jack took off up the stairs. Specs stared after him, worried, and took off after him. "Go back downstairs." Jack hissed at him when they had both reached the landing.
"Why? I'm not the one she's pissed off at. Now what'd you say to her?" Specs was furious.
"I didn't say anything. I told her yestaday that she should spend time wit' some other girls her age an' I introduced her to Hummin'bird and the other girls." Jack ran a hand over his face in aggravation, "I came here to get something an' when I got back she stormed out. Hummin'bird and her girls said somethin' to her but I dunno what."
Specs shook his head, "You let her talk to Hummingbird. Jack, what's wrong with you."
"Whatta you mean by that?"
"Everyone knows Hummingbird don't like any girl who don't act like her an' her friends. An' Hotshot is the exact opposite a all a them."
Jack sighed, "Alright, Specs go downstairs. I'm gonna go talk to Hotshot."
Specs looked at him for a second, then turned and walked downstairs, occasionally looking over his shoulder.
"I'se sorry," was the first thing Jack said when he entered the bunkroom, "None a the newsies have even talked ta those girls in months. I forgot how they act toward people who are different. I can try an' find some other girls who're more like you-"
"Cool it Jack. I don't need to hang out with any girls to be normal. I've been hanging out with basically all guys since I was nine. Sarah an' her friends are nice to hand out with once and a while but I'm so used to living wit' guys that bein' 'round 'em too much just bothers me."
"You're fine with just hanging around with us?"
She laughed at the shocked look that appeared on his face. "Jack if I wasn't I woulda run of a long time ago."
"So we're fine."
"As long as I don't hafta see those sluts again we are."
"Deal," They shook on it in the typical newsie fashion. Then they walked back downstairs. Once Hotshot had taken her seat she proceeded to get revenge on Racetrack for the previous night. She walked upstairs again later leaving Racetrack with his pockets nearly empty. As usual he was calling after her for one more game to get his money back. She left half the money she'd won off of him on his pillow. Unlike Racetrack and the guys she didn't feel like she needed the money she won and was merciful toward them.
Specs was stretched out on her bunk when she reached it, "What happened at Tibby's?"
"Nothin', I just had a disagreement wit' some girls but I'm over it. Now get off my bed so I can go to sleep."
He smiled meaningfully, "and if I don't."
"I'll soak you."
Specs knew her threat was empty. She was too tired to carry it out and it showed. If he didn't move she'd probably just climb up in his bunk for the night. Being as smart as he was Specs refused.
"Specs," she complained, "I'm tired. All I want is to go to bed."
"No."
She gave up and collapsed next to him on the bottom bunk, "Evil."
He rolled over giving her more room to lie down and looked down at her, "You know it."
She punched him hard in the chest for that comment and sent him sprawling to the floor. He sat up rubbing his sore chest and complaining, "That hurt."
"I told you," was all she said in response before rolling over.
He sat on the floor for a minute staring at her. As the other boys began to come into the room he pushed himself off of the ground and climbed into bed.
The next morning came too early for all of the room's occupants. When Kloppman came in they were all complaining, "Can I be sick or injured now?" Snoddy joked. A few pillows were the price for his remark. They all reluctantly dragged themselves out of bed and got ready for another long day.
The next few weeks passed as quickly as the first few after Hotshot had arrived. She received and sent occasional letters to Spot and sent them with Jack. It became a weekly occurrence for her to go out with Sarah and some of Sarah's friends. Once or twice a few other Brooklyn newsies visited her while they were walking through Manhattan. She also continued to practice fighting, being sure the Delancy's hadn't forgotten about her when they glared at her each morning. Things with Specs were also going well. They had been stuck in one place for a while but she had talked to his friends. Bumlets, Dutchy, Skittery, and Snipeshooter filled her in on what Specs liked to do. Specs was getting the same information from Kid Blink, Race, and Spot. The information each gathered helped things go much more smoothly. There were a few clubs in the city that let newsies in so they went to them a few tomes and others just hung out on the roof.
Another revelation was that Jack had allowed her to start selling on her own. She didn't mind selling with Specs but Jack told her it would be better for their relationship if they didn't spend all of their time together.
When she started selling by herself she realized some things about their relationship. When she had dated Spot they'd known each other for a long time and everyone knew she was a girl so they could do everything in public. Spot was her best friend then but she couldn't talk to him about everything because he was the leader. With Specs, their time together was limited and they had to be alone or well hidden. Most of the time he didn't even kiss her. He was more approachable because he wasn't in charge and was willing to talk about everything. He was more like a best friend who just occasionally kissed her. That was why it didn't shock her when they broke up.
"The timings just off," Specs told her, "I'm interested but we can't do anything a normal couple does because you're hiding." He was looking at her hoping she wouldn't take it too hard.
"I agree," Her answer surprised him. She knew if they didn't end it soon something would mess it up and they'd be so mad at each other that she'd probably run off. "When this is all over maybe it'll work but now's not the right time."
Specs smiled. The two of them were sitting on the roof of the lodging house watching the stars while the others played the nightly poker game inside. "We still need to spend time together though."
"Specs, if you weren't here my sanity would be long gone by now."
A whoop from downstairs sent them both into a fit of laughter as Jack beat Racetrack for the third straight game. She was right; the other boys could drive someone insane.
When most of the guys found out they were more concerned about Hotshot than Specs. She got plenty of offers to soak him and questions. "Guys, I don' want you's ta soak him. We're both fine with it." Unlike most girls who said that only to seem strong she was serious. She figured out that they needed to be friends before they dated and they weren't close enough to date yet.
"Gee, thanks fellas," Specs said sarcastically after he heard their offers, "It's nice to know I can count on you to cheer me up."
She went back to selling by herself and sometimes with a small group of newsies after the whole Specs issue had been cleared up.
It was one day when she was with David that the Delancy brothers finally kept their promise to soak her again. They were walking through an alley (You'd think they'd learn by now) one afternoon on their way to Tibby's. David, who still didn't know the streets as well as the other newsies, accidentally lead them down a dead end.
"Whatta we got here?" Oscars voice drawled behind them as they reached the wall. "Looks like some trash from the sewers."
Hotshot and David both spun around to face Oscar and Maurice who were grinning. David's glare was as unforgiving as Hotshots. Near the end of the strike they'd tried to beat him up but failed because of Jack. "We can take 'um." He whispered to Hotshot.
She nodded looking around the area for something to use. Her eyes landed on the fire escape out of both her and David's reach. Here eyes locked on David's and she glanced upward. He put his hands together and gave her a boost as the brothers charged. Hotshot swung herself on the bottom rung of the ladder as David jumped out of the way. She swung forward too late to kick them in the stomach but hit their backs herd enough to send them crashing into the wall. She landed on the ground behind them and jumped back as they tuned around. David had signaled her that he wanted Oscar and she only nodded in reply. The two went back to back ready to lash out at either of the brothers. Maurice reached into his pocket for his famous brass knuckles and a confused look came over his face, as he couldn't find them. Hotshot smiled as she placed a somewhat heavy object in David's pocket. He reached in and pulled it out. "So how tough are you without these Maurice?" he asked waving them around in front of him.
Oscar launched himself at David but the Brooklyn tricks landed him right back on the ground. Hotshot and Maurice moved farther over to fight separately. "You ain't nothin' but a pickpocket," Maurice said.
Hotshot smiled, if only he knew. But replied, "An' proud of it."
He launched himself at her but this time she was prepared. She turned her body just enough to send him flying past her. He came back much slower. She started the combination Kid Blink had seen her doing on the roof. Out of the ten punches only one missed. The other nine landed on his stomach, chest, and face as she counted, "Uno… Dos… Tres…" After Diez she paused for a moment then launched herself into the air. She swung her leg around and her foot collided with the side of his head. He hit the ground hard and was somehow up again in seconds. He threw one punch that landed on her face. At least she'd have a nice battle scar for a few weeks; a black eye. The rest of his coordination was completely off though, he couldn't even walk straight. One kick would finish him off, but it would have to be hard. She turned slightly and pushed off a wall to get herself going fast enough. Sticking her foot out in front of her she hit his face and he dropped to the ground.
She landed more softly and looked over toward where David and Oscar had been fighting. Like his brother Oscar was stretched out on the ground. His nose looked broken and the rest of him was probably covered with bruises. David was sitting against the side of the building trying to catch his breath. The only evidence that he'd been fighting was a bit of blood dripping out of the corner of his mouth.
"You ok?" she helped him to his feet.
"Mmm hmmm," he nodded, "You're gonna have a real shiner in a couple a hours."
She shrugged, "Ain't like it never happened before."
The two quickly left the alleys and got to Tibby's. Jack was on them seconds after they walked in the door. They explained to him their situation and, with many interruptions, convinced him that they would live. The only thing Jack insisted on was getting a piece of ice for Hotshot's eye. They were surrounded by other newsies the minute they sat down, everyone wanted all the gory details.
Back at the lodging house that night Kloppman raised an eyebrow when they returned, "You ever gonna stop fightin'?"
"Never," she smiled, knowing she worried the old man.
Specs stared at her for about two seconds after she entered the room. He hadn't been at Tibby's that afternoon to hear the story and he hadn't seen her so the sight of her shocked him. He jumped off his bunk and landed on Dutchy who was walking between the two bunks. The two of them collapsed into a pile on the floor.
She couldn't help but laugh and spoke as they untangled themselves, "I'm fine. Dave an' me jus' had a little fight wit' the Delancy bruthas."
Specs looked at her eye, "A little fight? Are you aware that you have a black eye."
"Yeah, but you should see the other guys. Oscar's got a broken nose and Maurice's got some nasty cuts from running into stonewalls. They're both gonna have a bunch a bums and bruises."
Specs was staring her in the face trying to decide if she was lying or not. "There'd better be proof at the distribution office tomorrow," he told her.
She nodded and motioned him away with a wave of her hand. When he got out of her way she sat down at Race's poker game. Because she was partially disabled for the night Race decided to try a few of his old tricks. Unfortunately Hotshot knew all his tricks. She saw him pull a card out of his sleeve and practically yelled, "Whatta you think you're doin'?"
To respond he jumped almost a foot in the air and dropped all his cards. Bumlets had been sitting behind him and pulled the chair as he went to sit back down. In other word, Race was introduced to the floor.
There were no really big wins that night and they all went to bed without complaining that they couldn't buy papes the next day. Racetrack, however, stopped by Hotshot's bunk on the way to his bed, "Umm, thanks for the money the other night," he said glancing around, and hoping nobody heard him.
"Don' worry about it," she said, "Just remember." A wicked smile played on her face, "You owe me."
Racetrack winced, "You'se gonna use that against me aintcha."
"You have no idea," She grinned and rolled over.
Race stumbled off to his bed as Specs came over, "There's a party down at the pub next weekend." He said, "You wanna go?"
She shrugged, "Maybe, depends on what's up 'round here and how good my games wit' Race are. Who else is goin'?"
"Uh, I think Mush is takin' one a the goils from across town. Dutchy'll be there, Skittery, Bumlets, maybe Crutchy. A few Brooklyn guys were sayin' they might come."
"Alright," she said, "Like I said, it depends on how things go."
She ducked as a boot went flying by her head. She picked it up off the floor and threw it back in the direction of the washroom, where it had come from. Kid Blink was coming out and dove out of its way.
"What's goin' on in there?" Specs asked.
"Snipeshooter stole anudder one a Race's cigars. The Havana one's he got for his birthday."
"Dios Mios," Hotshot sighed and leaned back against her pillow. "All a you get in here an' get in bed 'fore I soak every one a you!" She yelled when another shoe flew in her direction. She took careful aim for the middle of the fighting and they all jumped apart. "Snipeshooter, give Race his cigar back. If you want one that bad you can work harder tomorrow so you's gots enough to buy one," she sighed, "Men, leave 'em to their own devices and this is what you get." A few pillows were tossed in her direction for the comment. She rolled over and pulled a sheet over her and fell asleep as the room quieted down.
A few hours later Specs was awakened by a loud hacking cough that was occasionally heard around the bunkroom lately. He pushed him self out of bed and went to check on his friend. Blink wasn't in his bed so Specs walked over to the washroom. "You alright Kid?" he asked walking in. He almost tripped when he saw Kid Blink sitting on the floor next to the toilet. Kid tried to nod but sent himself into another coughing fit and he coughed up more of a dark liquid. Specs turned on the dimmest of the lights in the room, first so it would be easy for his eyes to adjust and secondly so he wouldn't wake anyone else up. "Kid?"
Kid Blink sat back and spoke in an almost choked voice, "Towel,"
Specs picked up a towel and tossed it at him. He then filled a glass with water and brought it over. He was very disturbed when he found blood on the towel and floor around Kid. "Here." He handed the glass to his friend, "Kid, what's wrong with you?"
"It's just a cold," he claimed.
"Kid Blink," Specs challenged, "Most colds don't make you cough up blood. This is serious. Maybe you should go see the doctor tomorrow."
Kid took a few small sips out of the glass and Specs felt his forehead, "You're burning up!" he hissed.
"I'se had colds before Specs. I'll be fine." He matched Specs' tone but coughed some more.
"Fine don't go to the doctors, but I'm tellin' Jack in the morning."
Kid Blink's eyes went wide and he grabbed Specs' arm. "Specs, please, don't tell Jack. I'm fine I promise. I just need ta take it easy sellin' for a few days. Just gimme a few days and I promise I'll be better. Don't tell nobody Specs. C'mon help me out here."
Specs looked down at Kid Blink's pitiful face. Something in his gut told him he should tell Jack or Kloppman but Blink's face was so pleading that he couldn't ignore it. "Alright," he agreed, "But if you're not better in a few days I'm telling Jack."
Kid Blink nodded in agreement, "Thanks Specs." Another coughing fit suddenly hit him and he coughed up more blood. Specs knew he couldn't back out of his promise so he just sat there and rubbed Kid Blink's back, talking quietly until the fit passed. Unfortunately for the boy affectionately known as Kid many more followed before his body seemed too tired to even cough anymore.
"You better be ok." Specs said too quietly for the shorter youth to hear. When Kid Blink finally regained the ability to breath properly and hadn't had a coughing fit for over half an hour Specs helped him back to bed and cleaned up the washroom.
The next day he and Kid Blink shared a glance before they went out the door. Kid Blink looked away acknowledging the fact that he needed to slow down. Kid Blink went of with Mush and Crutchy while Specs went off in the opposite direction with Hotshot. He sighed knowing Kid would probably do as much work as usual. Hotshot could tell he was worried and asked what was on his mind. Specs didn't want to talk about it and seemed somewhat distant so she grabbed his arm and began yelling headlines regaining his attention. His mind became more focused on selling his own papes and memories of the night before drifted to the back of his mind.
Hey everybody! Havin' a good day I hope. Mines been great. Today (May 23rd) is my 15th birthday and it was great, otha than the fact dat we had school. My friends decorated me and my sisters' lockers with feathers, balloons, and paper. (We're twins). I had no homework and my last color guard practice before the parade (gulp) and until next year (tear). Well I'll write another chapter or two before finals. I promise.
luv ya all
Megan
Chapter 9
By Megan
Hotshot was steaming when she reached the lodging house and walked straight upstairs, ignoring Racetrack's cries.
"Heya Hotshot, we's playin' poker. You wanna play!"
All of the other newsies were in the room and yelled after her to come back. A few of them stared after her silently.
"What'd Jack do this time?" Dutchy asked the small group of them. His response was a few shrugs from his friends.
Jack stumbled into the lodging house a few minutes later with a worried look on his face, "Where's Hotshot?"
"Upstairs," Skittery said, "What'd you do?"
"I have no idea." Ignoring any further comments Jack took off up the stairs. Specs stared after him, worried, and took off after him. "Go back downstairs." Jack hissed at him when they had both reached the landing.
"Why? I'm not the one she's pissed off at. Now what'd you say to her?" Specs was furious.
"I didn't say anything. I told her yestaday that she should spend time wit' some other girls her age an' I introduced her to Hummin'bird and the other girls." Jack ran a hand over his face in aggravation, "I came here to get something an' when I got back she stormed out. Hummin'bird and her girls said somethin' to her but I dunno what."
Specs shook his head, "You let her talk to Hummingbird. Jack, what's wrong with you."
"Whatta you mean by that?"
"Everyone knows Hummingbird don't like any girl who don't act like her an' her friends. An' Hotshot is the exact opposite a all a them."
Jack sighed, "Alright, Specs go downstairs. I'm gonna go talk to Hotshot."
Specs looked at him for a second, then turned and walked downstairs, occasionally looking over his shoulder.
"I'se sorry," was the first thing Jack said when he entered the bunkroom, "None a the newsies have even talked ta those girls in months. I forgot how they act toward people who are different. I can try an' find some other girls who're more like you-"
"Cool it Jack. I don't need to hang out with any girls to be normal. I've been hanging out with basically all guys since I was nine. Sarah an' her friends are nice to hand out with once and a while but I'm so used to living wit' guys that bein' 'round 'em too much just bothers me."
"You're fine with just hanging around with us?"
She laughed at the shocked look that appeared on his face. "Jack if I wasn't I woulda run of a long time ago."
"So we're fine."
"As long as I don't hafta see those sluts again we are."
"Deal," They shook on it in the typical newsie fashion. Then they walked back downstairs. Once Hotshot had taken her seat she proceeded to get revenge on Racetrack for the previous night. She walked upstairs again later leaving Racetrack with his pockets nearly empty. As usual he was calling after her for one more game to get his money back. She left half the money she'd won off of him on his pillow. Unlike Racetrack and the guys she didn't feel like she needed the money she won and was merciful toward them.
Specs was stretched out on her bunk when she reached it, "What happened at Tibby's?"
"Nothin', I just had a disagreement wit' some girls but I'm over it. Now get off my bed so I can go to sleep."
He smiled meaningfully, "and if I don't."
"I'll soak you."
Specs knew her threat was empty. She was too tired to carry it out and it showed. If he didn't move she'd probably just climb up in his bunk for the night. Being as smart as he was Specs refused.
"Specs," she complained, "I'm tired. All I want is to go to bed."
"No."
She gave up and collapsed next to him on the bottom bunk, "Evil."
He rolled over giving her more room to lie down and looked down at her, "You know it."
She punched him hard in the chest for that comment and sent him sprawling to the floor. He sat up rubbing his sore chest and complaining, "That hurt."
"I told you," was all she said in response before rolling over.
He sat on the floor for a minute staring at her. As the other boys began to come into the room he pushed himself off of the ground and climbed into bed.
The next morning came too early for all of the room's occupants. When Kloppman came in they were all complaining, "Can I be sick or injured now?" Snoddy joked. A few pillows were the price for his remark. They all reluctantly dragged themselves out of bed and got ready for another long day.
The next few weeks passed as quickly as the first few after Hotshot had arrived. She received and sent occasional letters to Spot and sent them with Jack. It became a weekly occurrence for her to go out with Sarah and some of Sarah's friends. Once or twice a few other Brooklyn newsies visited her while they were walking through Manhattan. She also continued to practice fighting, being sure the Delancy's hadn't forgotten about her when they glared at her each morning. Things with Specs were also going well. They had been stuck in one place for a while but she had talked to his friends. Bumlets, Dutchy, Skittery, and Snipeshooter filled her in on what Specs liked to do. Specs was getting the same information from Kid Blink, Race, and Spot. The information each gathered helped things go much more smoothly. There were a few clubs in the city that let newsies in so they went to them a few tomes and others just hung out on the roof.
Another revelation was that Jack had allowed her to start selling on her own. She didn't mind selling with Specs but Jack told her it would be better for their relationship if they didn't spend all of their time together.
When she started selling by herself she realized some things about their relationship. When she had dated Spot they'd known each other for a long time and everyone knew she was a girl so they could do everything in public. Spot was her best friend then but she couldn't talk to him about everything because he was the leader. With Specs, their time together was limited and they had to be alone or well hidden. Most of the time he didn't even kiss her. He was more approachable because he wasn't in charge and was willing to talk about everything. He was more like a best friend who just occasionally kissed her. That was why it didn't shock her when they broke up.
"The timings just off," Specs told her, "I'm interested but we can't do anything a normal couple does because you're hiding." He was looking at her hoping she wouldn't take it too hard.
"I agree," Her answer surprised him. She knew if they didn't end it soon something would mess it up and they'd be so mad at each other that she'd probably run off. "When this is all over maybe it'll work but now's not the right time."
Specs smiled. The two of them were sitting on the roof of the lodging house watching the stars while the others played the nightly poker game inside. "We still need to spend time together though."
"Specs, if you weren't here my sanity would be long gone by now."
A whoop from downstairs sent them both into a fit of laughter as Jack beat Racetrack for the third straight game. She was right; the other boys could drive someone insane.
When most of the guys found out they were more concerned about Hotshot than Specs. She got plenty of offers to soak him and questions. "Guys, I don' want you's ta soak him. We're both fine with it." Unlike most girls who said that only to seem strong she was serious. She figured out that they needed to be friends before they dated and they weren't close enough to date yet.
"Gee, thanks fellas," Specs said sarcastically after he heard their offers, "It's nice to know I can count on you to cheer me up."
She went back to selling by herself and sometimes with a small group of newsies after the whole Specs issue had been cleared up.
It was one day when she was with David that the Delancy brothers finally kept their promise to soak her again. They were walking through an alley (You'd think they'd learn by now) one afternoon on their way to Tibby's. David, who still didn't know the streets as well as the other newsies, accidentally lead them down a dead end.
"Whatta we got here?" Oscars voice drawled behind them as they reached the wall. "Looks like some trash from the sewers."
Hotshot and David both spun around to face Oscar and Maurice who were grinning. David's glare was as unforgiving as Hotshots. Near the end of the strike they'd tried to beat him up but failed because of Jack. "We can take 'um." He whispered to Hotshot.
She nodded looking around the area for something to use. Her eyes landed on the fire escape out of both her and David's reach. Here eyes locked on David's and she glanced upward. He put his hands together and gave her a boost as the brothers charged. Hotshot swung herself on the bottom rung of the ladder as David jumped out of the way. She swung forward too late to kick them in the stomach but hit their backs herd enough to send them crashing into the wall. She landed on the ground behind them and jumped back as they tuned around. David had signaled her that he wanted Oscar and she only nodded in reply. The two went back to back ready to lash out at either of the brothers. Maurice reached into his pocket for his famous brass knuckles and a confused look came over his face, as he couldn't find them. Hotshot smiled as she placed a somewhat heavy object in David's pocket. He reached in and pulled it out. "So how tough are you without these Maurice?" he asked waving them around in front of him.
Oscar launched himself at David but the Brooklyn tricks landed him right back on the ground. Hotshot and Maurice moved farther over to fight separately. "You ain't nothin' but a pickpocket," Maurice said.
Hotshot smiled, if only he knew. But replied, "An' proud of it."
He launched himself at her but this time she was prepared. She turned her body just enough to send him flying past her. He came back much slower. She started the combination Kid Blink had seen her doing on the roof. Out of the ten punches only one missed. The other nine landed on his stomach, chest, and face as she counted, "Uno… Dos… Tres…" After Diez she paused for a moment then launched herself into the air. She swung her leg around and her foot collided with the side of his head. He hit the ground hard and was somehow up again in seconds. He threw one punch that landed on her face. At least she'd have a nice battle scar for a few weeks; a black eye. The rest of his coordination was completely off though, he couldn't even walk straight. One kick would finish him off, but it would have to be hard. She turned slightly and pushed off a wall to get herself going fast enough. Sticking her foot out in front of her she hit his face and he dropped to the ground.
She landed more softly and looked over toward where David and Oscar had been fighting. Like his brother Oscar was stretched out on the ground. His nose looked broken and the rest of him was probably covered with bruises. David was sitting against the side of the building trying to catch his breath. The only evidence that he'd been fighting was a bit of blood dripping out of the corner of his mouth.
"You ok?" she helped him to his feet.
"Mmm hmmm," he nodded, "You're gonna have a real shiner in a couple a hours."
She shrugged, "Ain't like it never happened before."
The two quickly left the alleys and got to Tibby's. Jack was on them seconds after they walked in the door. They explained to him their situation and, with many interruptions, convinced him that they would live. The only thing Jack insisted on was getting a piece of ice for Hotshot's eye. They were surrounded by other newsies the minute they sat down, everyone wanted all the gory details.
Back at the lodging house that night Kloppman raised an eyebrow when they returned, "You ever gonna stop fightin'?"
"Never," she smiled, knowing she worried the old man.
Specs stared at her for about two seconds after she entered the room. He hadn't been at Tibby's that afternoon to hear the story and he hadn't seen her so the sight of her shocked him. He jumped off his bunk and landed on Dutchy who was walking between the two bunks. The two of them collapsed into a pile on the floor.
She couldn't help but laugh and spoke as they untangled themselves, "I'm fine. Dave an' me jus' had a little fight wit' the Delancy bruthas."
Specs looked at her eye, "A little fight? Are you aware that you have a black eye."
"Yeah, but you should see the other guys. Oscar's got a broken nose and Maurice's got some nasty cuts from running into stonewalls. They're both gonna have a bunch a bums and bruises."
Specs was staring her in the face trying to decide if she was lying or not. "There'd better be proof at the distribution office tomorrow," he told her.
She nodded and motioned him away with a wave of her hand. When he got out of her way she sat down at Race's poker game. Because she was partially disabled for the night Race decided to try a few of his old tricks. Unfortunately Hotshot knew all his tricks. She saw him pull a card out of his sleeve and practically yelled, "Whatta you think you're doin'?"
To respond he jumped almost a foot in the air and dropped all his cards. Bumlets had been sitting behind him and pulled the chair as he went to sit back down. In other word, Race was introduced to the floor.
There were no really big wins that night and they all went to bed without complaining that they couldn't buy papes the next day. Racetrack, however, stopped by Hotshot's bunk on the way to his bed, "Umm, thanks for the money the other night," he said glancing around, and hoping nobody heard him.
"Don' worry about it," she said, "Just remember." A wicked smile played on her face, "You owe me."
Racetrack winced, "You'se gonna use that against me aintcha."
"You have no idea," She grinned and rolled over.
Race stumbled off to his bed as Specs came over, "There's a party down at the pub next weekend." He said, "You wanna go?"
She shrugged, "Maybe, depends on what's up 'round here and how good my games wit' Race are. Who else is goin'?"
"Uh, I think Mush is takin' one a the goils from across town. Dutchy'll be there, Skittery, Bumlets, maybe Crutchy. A few Brooklyn guys were sayin' they might come."
"Alright," she said, "Like I said, it depends on how things go."
She ducked as a boot went flying by her head. She picked it up off the floor and threw it back in the direction of the washroom, where it had come from. Kid Blink was coming out and dove out of its way.
"What's goin' on in there?" Specs asked.
"Snipeshooter stole anudder one a Race's cigars. The Havana one's he got for his birthday."
"Dios Mios," Hotshot sighed and leaned back against her pillow. "All a you get in here an' get in bed 'fore I soak every one a you!" She yelled when another shoe flew in her direction. She took careful aim for the middle of the fighting and they all jumped apart. "Snipeshooter, give Race his cigar back. If you want one that bad you can work harder tomorrow so you's gots enough to buy one," she sighed, "Men, leave 'em to their own devices and this is what you get." A few pillows were tossed in her direction for the comment. She rolled over and pulled a sheet over her and fell asleep as the room quieted down.
A few hours later Specs was awakened by a loud hacking cough that was occasionally heard around the bunkroom lately. He pushed him self out of bed and went to check on his friend. Blink wasn't in his bed so Specs walked over to the washroom. "You alright Kid?" he asked walking in. He almost tripped when he saw Kid Blink sitting on the floor next to the toilet. Kid tried to nod but sent himself into another coughing fit and he coughed up more of a dark liquid. Specs turned on the dimmest of the lights in the room, first so it would be easy for his eyes to adjust and secondly so he wouldn't wake anyone else up. "Kid?"
Kid Blink sat back and spoke in an almost choked voice, "Towel,"
Specs picked up a towel and tossed it at him. He then filled a glass with water and brought it over. He was very disturbed when he found blood on the towel and floor around Kid. "Here." He handed the glass to his friend, "Kid, what's wrong with you?"
"It's just a cold," he claimed.
"Kid Blink," Specs challenged, "Most colds don't make you cough up blood. This is serious. Maybe you should go see the doctor tomorrow."
Kid took a few small sips out of the glass and Specs felt his forehead, "You're burning up!" he hissed.
"I'se had colds before Specs. I'll be fine." He matched Specs' tone but coughed some more.
"Fine don't go to the doctors, but I'm tellin' Jack in the morning."
Kid Blink's eyes went wide and he grabbed Specs' arm. "Specs, please, don't tell Jack. I'm fine I promise. I just need ta take it easy sellin' for a few days. Just gimme a few days and I promise I'll be better. Don't tell nobody Specs. C'mon help me out here."
Specs looked down at Kid Blink's pitiful face. Something in his gut told him he should tell Jack or Kloppman but Blink's face was so pleading that he couldn't ignore it. "Alright," he agreed, "But if you're not better in a few days I'm telling Jack."
Kid Blink nodded in agreement, "Thanks Specs." Another coughing fit suddenly hit him and he coughed up more blood. Specs knew he couldn't back out of his promise so he just sat there and rubbed Kid Blink's back, talking quietly until the fit passed. Unfortunately for the boy affectionately known as Kid many more followed before his body seemed too tired to even cough anymore.
"You better be ok." Specs said too quietly for the shorter youth to hear. When Kid Blink finally regained the ability to breath properly and hadn't had a coughing fit for over half an hour Specs helped him back to bed and cleaned up the washroom.
The next day he and Kid Blink shared a glance before they went out the door. Kid Blink looked away acknowledging the fact that he needed to slow down. Kid Blink went of with Mush and Crutchy while Specs went off in the opposite direction with Hotshot. He sighed knowing Kid would probably do as much work as usual. Hotshot could tell he was worried and asked what was on his mind. Specs didn't want to talk about it and seemed somewhat distant so she grabbed his arm and began yelling headlines regaining his attention. His mind became more focused on selling his own papes and memories of the night before drifted to the back of his mind.
Hey everybody! Havin' a good day I hope. Mines been great. Today (May 23rd) is my 15th birthday and it was great, otha than the fact dat we had school. My friends decorated me and my sisters' lockers with feathers, balloons, and paper. (We're twins). I had no homework and my last color guard practice before the parade (gulp) and until next year (tear). Well I'll write another chapter or two before finals. I promise.
luv ya all
Megan