pChapter 6/p
p(Four months later)/p
pNichole sighed and rolled over on her stomach. She glanced over at Mary's silhouette that lay next her. It was too dark to tell if she was sleeping or not; the stars only provided so much light. /p
pFor the last hour her and Mary lay on the roof talking, mostly to catch up with their lives, but also to gain a quiet moment to themselves. The roof provided them a silent haven with a view of the entire city, to escape the chaos of forty rambunctious boys. She couldn't complain though, the closed up walls of the lodging house taught her to trust again. /p
pShe fingered the hat on her head and grinned. Race bought it for her after she began to steal his hat to relieve herself of her long brown hair. Of all the newsies she became closest to Race in the last few months. However, Nichole couldn't help to think of their friendship as something more, eventhough she would never admit it to herself. She ignore the tightening of her insides everytime Race smiled, or brushed against her; those feeling were pushed where she held all her others. /p
pNichole's eyes adverted from the floor to the stirring body next to her. Mary sat up, smiled at Nichole, and ran a hand through her hair. Nichole giggled softly, Mary's attempt to straighten her hair only caused it to become more unruly. A yawn escaped her lips before she could conceal it. /p
p"How long was I asleep?"/p
pNichole rolled to her back and yawned herself. "I don't know. The moment we finished talking, you were out like a light. You and Blink must be keeping yourselves busy at night, huh?"/p
pMary yawned again and shook her head. She was becoming accustomed to Nichole's wisecracks. "No, we haven't gotten that serious yet."/p
p"Then what are you doing sleeping in his bed?" For the past few weeks she watched Mary sneak into the boys bunkroom and into bed with Blink. /p
pMary sat up her head snapping towards Nichole, alarmed by the allegation. "How did you know that? You were usually dead asleep when I snuck out."/p
p"Yea, well I just happened to be awake one night." She paused ad smugly smiled at the blushing girl beside her. "So…you still going to tell me nothing happened?"/p
pMary lay back down and covered her hot face with her hands. She thought for a moment before answering. "Nothing happened. Blink would just hold me and we would talk until we fell asleep. Besides, do you think we would do that sort of thing in a room full of boys?" Nichole smacked her forehead mocking her friend. Mary rolled her eyes and continued. "If we wanted to do that we would have just kicked you out of the room."/p
pNichole snorted with laughter. "I don't think so. You and Blink better work some schedule around my sleep if you want to be alone." /p
pTheir laughter died down and the silence of the night took over. Mary took this time to look her friend over. All signs of her laughter faded from her face as her eyes searched the sky. She changed somehow. Her eyes held a look of trust and compassion; this was something Mary had not witnessed since the two were little girls. She had Race to thank for that. He worked his way into her circle of trust and into her heart. Nichole was head over heelsfor Race, but she was too stubborn to admit it. She needed a push, someone to help her. /p
p"So, Nick, you going to the party the newsies are holding at Irving Hall? I heard newsies from all over are going to be there."/p
p"What? Oh, yea I guess so. I ain't got anything better to do."/p
pMary's lips curled, and she could almost feel the horns growing from her head. A plan was already forming in her head. She shrugged nonchalantly not to give herself away. "Good, wouldn't be a party without you." /p
pShe stood and brushed the debree from her pants. Nichole finally ripped her eyes from the stars to stare at her friend curiously. "Where are you going?"/p
pMary's button down shirt had become damp from the warm July air. She removed it, revealing a white undershirt before she pointed to the fire escape latter. "Going back inside, I need to talk with Blink about something." /p
pNichole only nodded her attention back towards the sky. Mary hated to leave the open space of the roof; she was positive it was hotter inside then out here. She guessed right, she could feel the heat sting her face as she stood outside the open window. God she hated summer…/p
pThe bunkroom seemed to be in the same condition it was in when she and Nichole left an hour ago. The newsies didn't seem to notice the heat, they still produced the same amount of noise and energy. She walked forward spotting Blink across the room, but her feet became tangled in a shirt discarded on the floor. Most of the boys walked around shirtless due to the heat, so it wasn't unusual to see shirts thrown all around the room. /p
pShe kicked the shirt out of her path and continued her way over to the poker game. She slide into Blink's lap and was welcomed with a kiss. "Heya, Mar, where have you been?"/p
pShe returned the kiss and glanced at his cards. "Nowhere, just on the roof talking with Nick." /p
p"About what? You aren't talking about us are ya?" Blink asked in mock horror, pulling his cards from her wondering eyes. She shook her head and pouted when he folded his cards. /p
p"Maybe. If we were it was nothing bad."/p
p"Oh, really?"/p
pHe covered her lips with his in a simple kiss. An echo of groans filled the room. "Would you guys stop the kissing, we are trying to play!"/p
pMary licked her lips and grinned at the grumbling Italian boy, with his less then believable poker face. "Race, don't be mad because you ain't getting no loving."/p
p"Where is Nick anyway?" Spot slyly asked throwing another coin into the growing pile. His crystal blue eyes silently laughing with Mary's, both sharing the same thought. She broke the gaze and laid her head on Blink's bare chest. "She's still up on the roof, looking at the stars."/p
pRace threw his cards down in defeat. He removed the half-smoked cigar from his mouth and joined in the conversation. "Does she have a thing for the stars or something? She is up there an awful lot." Mary nodded against Blink's chest dazily. /p
pIThe air in the room was unbearable. A girl roll side to side trying to rest her petite body in a comfortable position. She sighed and pushed a stray foot off her stomach; she had another sleepless night ahead of her. /I/p
pI"Mary…Mary!" /I/p
pIThe desperate whisper penetrated the silent room, and Mary almost jumped out of her skin. She rolled to her side, her lengthy blonde hair blocking her view. Growling quietly, she brushed a hand over her hair. The anger in her eyes faded seeing her friend kneeling beside her cot. /I /p
pI"Nick, what's the matter?" Her eyes searched Nichole's frightened ones. "Did something happen?"/I/p
pINichole glanced over her shoulder as if someone was following her then crawled closer to the bed. "I need to talk to you." She pushed Mary back on the bed. "NOT HERE! Meet me on the roof."/I/p
pIMary hesitated a moment. Throwing off her tattered covers, she reached under the cot for her shoes. Nichole was already gone, up on the roof waiting. Something was definitely wrong. /I/p
pIMary exhaled the breath she held and stared down the fire escape she just climbed. The moon was dim and didn't produce much light so she climbed the medal steps blindly, praying she wouldn't fall. Her eyes found a small space lit by a candle, where Nichole sat. The room was too dark to see any features except her face, but now in the light Mary was appalled by Nichole's appearance. /I/p
pIHer throat tightened as she fingered her friends ripped shirt. A few moments passed before Mary could find her voice again. "What happened to you?"/I/p
pINichole tucked her legs closer to her body and laughed bitterly. "Remember today when Mr. Daniels asked to see me in his office?" Mary nodded and Nichole continued with a shaky breath. "Well let's just say he didn't want to talk to me…he wanted to rape me." She allowed her body to be pulled in a hug, her emotionless eyes towards the sky. /I/p
pI"Did he…rape you?"/I/p
pIShe shook her head. "I got out of there before he could." Nichole grasped the ring around her neck for strength. "I can't stay here anymore, Mary. I'm afraid to close my eyes, I need to get out." /I/p
pIMary released Nichole and leaned back to study her discouraged face, the words still not fully absorbed in her mind. "Are you saying you want to run, runaway and live on the streets?" /I/p
pIThe disbelieve in her voice almost caused the tears brimming Nichole's eyes to fall. "Yes, I can't take this anymore. The bad conditions, the food, the beatings; Mary we have to get out while we can, grab the opportunity while it's there."/I/p
pIMary turned away from Nichole's pleading eyes. They ran before, a year ago when they were twelve, but they quickly succumbed to the cruelty of street living. Atleast she had. "What makes this different from last time? And remember the little problem we have? What if Mario comes after us looking for the money we cheated out of him. WAKE UP NICK! WE ARE POOR ORPHANS!" Mary stood, and paced to release her aggravation. "He probably won't even ask for the money, he'll just kill us right there."/I/p
pI"Its been a year, Mar." /I/p
pIThe calmness in her voice made Mary pace faster. "It doesn't matter! They are out there and if they find us they'll kill us." /I/p
pINichole stood and grabbed Mary by the shoulders. "Don't you think I know that? Besides, they aren't after you they are after me." She inhaled sharply and closed her eyes. "I cannot stay here anymore." Anger flared in her eyes as Mary began to protest. She turned her back to Mary and lifted her shirt, revealing years of scars. "Look…LOOK! This is what thirteen years of staying here has given me. These scars are never going to go away, I am always going to be reminded of my past." Nichole stared into Mary's tear filled eyes. "I need to get out of here while I can, leave everything behind. I don't care if you come with me or not, but I'm not leaving knowing you are going to worry about me." /I/p
pIShe wiped the tears that now flowed freely along Mary's face, and pulled her into an embrace, shedding tears of her own. /I/p
pI"So, where are we going?" Mary's words were only a horse whisper. A few minutes passed before Nichole pulled back and smiled through her tears. "I don't know, I guess wherever we end up, we end up."/I/p
pIHer fingers once again wrapped around the ring hanging from her neck. She wasn't completely sure where or who gave it too her. The only information she knew was what the nuns told her. They didn't tell her much, only it was found around her neck when she was found. Maybe there was still hope her parents cared for her. Her fingers brushed over the inscription inside the ring. /I/p
pIThe stars will guide you…/I/p
pI"Come on, Mary. Let's get our things, If we leave now we'll get a good head start before the sun rises."/I/p
pIMary climbed back to the bunkroom, leaving Nichole to have a moment to herself. The youthful sparkle of a thirteen-year-old girl that was once there was gone. /I/p
p"Hey, Mary, you okay?" Blink turned his head to be eyelevel with her. Mary nodded quickly wiping the tears that slide down her cheeks. Standing she grabbed his hand. /p
p"Uhh…Blink, can I talk to you for a moment alone?"/p
pBlink followed behind her immediately, catching the look of urgency in her eyes. Sitting next to her on the bed, he grabbed her hand. "What's the matter?" When she didn't answer, he knelt beside her. "You know you can tell me anything."/p
pMary closed her eyes and cleared her throat. "It's nothing, really. Just some stupid memories." /p
p"About?" He didn't want to push her, but he yearned to learn about her past. For four months she avoided the subject. /p
p"It's something I don't want to talk about." Blink dropped her hand and Mary sighed exasperated; sitting next him on the floor. "I know it's been a few months, but it still hurts. It's not ever going to stop hurting, it's always going to be a part of me." /p
pBlink enveloped her shaking body in his arms and stroked her hair tenderly. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." He whispered in her ear. /p
pShe sat up straight and fixed her clothes. "I came in here to ask you to help me with something and I'm sitting here crying." She laughed silently to herself. /p
p"We came in here so you could ask me something? I thought you just wanted to get me alone." Blink joked winking suggestively. His smile widened as she released a small giggle. /p
p"No, actually I wanted you to help me with a little project that I've been thinking about ." /p
p He hesitated for a moment almost afraid to ask what she was planning. "What kind of project?" /p
pMary stood and smiled down at him innocently. "Well, while I was up on the roof I had a lot of time to think, and I thought we could play matchmaker with two of are friends." /p
pStanding Blink shook his head confused. "Whoa, what two friends are we talking about here?" He paused catching the growing smile on her face. "Race and Nick! No, there is no way that is going to work. I couldn't even imagine Nick going out with somebody…"/p
p"Why not! The two are crazy about each other. Am I and Spot the only two who see that?" Mary replied cutting him off. /p
pHe sat down on the bed and Mary followed. It wasn't that he didn't want to help Mary, he would do anything for her. It was just the fact that Race and Nick were already friends, like brother and sister in fact. He didn't want to ruin that. He removed his hat and shoved it in his pocket. "What were you planning on doing?"/p
pMary squealed happily and hugged him. "I really don't know, but I was thinking about doing something at the party." /p
p"The one at Irving Hall?" Blink hesitated when she nodded. Mary almost thought he wasn't going to answer. "So, we have two days to think of a way to get the two together. If the two are crazy about each other then this should be pretty easy."/p
pMary quickly shook her head from side to side. "Nick is to damn stubborn to admit anything. I will have to drag it out of her it I have too. "/p
pBlink sighed. There was no backing out now, he just had to go with the flow, and hope nothing back fired. This was going to be on hell of a party. Rubbing his hands together, he stood./p
p "Well, let the games begin."/p
p(Four months later)/p
pNichole sighed and rolled over on her stomach. She glanced over at Mary's silhouette that lay next her. It was too dark to tell if she was sleeping or not; the stars only provided so much light. /p
pFor the last hour her and Mary lay on the roof talking, mostly to catch up with their lives, but also to gain a quiet moment to themselves. The roof provided them a silent haven with a view of the entire city, to escape the chaos of forty rambunctious boys. She couldn't complain though, the closed up walls of the lodging house taught her to trust again. /p
pShe fingered the hat on her head and grinned. Race bought it for her after she began to steal his hat to relieve herself of her long brown hair. Of all the newsies she became closest to Race in the last few months. However, Nichole couldn't help to think of their friendship as something more, eventhough she would never admit it to herself. She ignore the tightening of her insides everytime Race smiled, or brushed against her; those feeling were pushed where she held all her others. /p
pNichole's eyes adverted from the floor to the stirring body next to her. Mary sat up, smiled at Nichole, and ran a hand through her hair. Nichole giggled softly, Mary's attempt to straighten her hair only caused it to become more unruly. A yawn escaped her lips before she could conceal it. /p
p"How long was I asleep?"/p
pNichole rolled to her back and yawned herself. "I don't know. The moment we finished talking, you were out like a light. You and Blink must be keeping yourselves busy at night, huh?"/p
pMary yawned again and shook her head. She was becoming accustomed to Nichole's wisecracks. "No, we haven't gotten that serious yet."/p
p"Then what are you doing sleeping in his bed?" For the past few weeks she watched Mary sneak into the boys bunkroom and into bed with Blink. /p
pMary sat up her head snapping towards Nichole, alarmed by the allegation. "How did you know that? You were usually dead asleep when I snuck out."/p
p"Yea, well I just happened to be awake one night." She paused ad smugly smiled at the blushing girl beside her. "So…you still going to tell me nothing happened?"/p
pMary lay back down and covered her hot face with her hands. She thought for a moment before answering. "Nothing happened. Blink would just hold me and we would talk until we fell asleep. Besides, do you think we would do that sort of thing in a room full of boys?" Nichole smacked her forehead mocking her friend. Mary rolled her eyes and continued. "If we wanted to do that we would have just kicked you out of the room."/p
pNichole snorted with laughter. "I don't think so. You and Blink better work some schedule around my sleep if you want to be alone." /p
pTheir laughter died down and the silence of the night took over. Mary took this time to look her friend over. All signs of her laughter faded from her face as her eyes searched the sky. She changed somehow. Her eyes held a look of trust and compassion; this was something Mary had not witnessed since the two were little girls. She had Race to thank for that. He worked his way into her circle of trust and into her heart. Nichole was head over heelsfor Race, but she was too stubborn to admit it. She needed a push, someone to help her. /p
p"So, Nick, you going to the party the newsies are holding at Irving Hall? I heard newsies from all over are going to be there."/p
p"What? Oh, yea I guess so. I ain't got anything better to do."/p
pMary's lips curled, and she could almost feel the horns growing from her head. A plan was already forming in her head. She shrugged nonchalantly not to give herself away. "Good, wouldn't be a party without you." /p
pShe stood and brushed the debree from her pants. Nichole finally ripped her eyes from the stars to stare at her friend curiously. "Where are you going?"/p
pMary's button down shirt had become damp from the warm July air. She removed it, revealing a white undershirt before she pointed to the fire escape latter. "Going back inside, I need to talk with Blink about something." /p
pNichole only nodded her attention back towards the sky. Mary hated to leave the open space of the roof; she was positive it was hotter inside then out here. She guessed right, she could feel the heat sting her face as she stood outside the open window. God she hated summer…/p
pThe bunkroom seemed to be in the same condition it was in when she and Nichole left an hour ago. The newsies didn't seem to notice the heat, they still produced the same amount of noise and energy. She walked forward spotting Blink across the room, but her feet became tangled in a shirt discarded on the floor. Most of the boys walked around shirtless due to the heat, so it wasn't unusual to see shirts thrown all around the room. /p
pShe kicked the shirt out of her path and continued her way over to the poker game. She slide into Blink's lap and was welcomed with a kiss. "Heya, Mar, where have you been?"/p
pShe returned the kiss and glanced at his cards. "Nowhere, just on the roof talking with Nick." /p
p"About what? You aren't talking about us are ya?" Blink asked in mock horror, pulling his cards from her wondering eyes. She shook her head and pouted when he folded his cards. /p
p"Maybe. If we were it was nothing bad."/p
p"Oh, really?"/p
pHe covered her lips with his in a simple kiss. An echo of groans filled the room. "Would you guys stop the kissing, we are trying to play!"/p
pMary licked her lips and grinned at the grumbling Italian boy, with his less then believable poker face. "Race, don't be mad because you ain't getting no loving."/p
p"Where is Nick anyway?" Spot slyly asked throwing another coin into the growing pile. His crystal blue eyes silently laughing with Mary's, both sharing the same thought. She broke the gaze and laid her head on Blink's bare chest. "She's still up on the roof, looking at the stars."/p
pRace threw his cards down in defeat. He removed the half-smoked cigar from his mouth and joined in the conversation. "Does she have a thing for the stars or something? She is up there an awful lot." Mary nodded against Blink's chest dazily. /p
pIThe air in the room was unbearable. A girl roll side to side trying to rest her petite body in a comfortable position. She sighed and pushed a stray foot off her stomach; she had another sleepless night ahead of her. /I/p
pI"Mary…Mary!" /I/p
pIThe desperate whisper penetrated the silent room, and Mary almost jumped out of her skin. She rolled to her side, her lengthy blonde hair blocking her view. Growling quietly, she brushed a hand over her hair. The anger in her eyes faded seeing her friend kneeling beside her cot. /I /p
pI"Nick, what's the matter?" Her eyes searched Nichole's frightened ones. "Did something happen?"/I/p
pINichole glanced over her shoulder as if someone was following her then crawled closer to the bed. "I need to talk to you." She pushed Mary back on the bed. "NOT HERE! Meet me on the roof."/I/p
pIMary hesitated a moment. Throwing off her tattered covers, she reached under the cot for her shoes. Nichole was already gone, up on the roof waiting. Something was definitely wrong. /I/p
pIMary exhaled the breath she held and stared down the fire escape she just climbed. The moon was dim and didn't produce much light so she climbed the medal steps blindly, praying she wouldn't fall. Her eyes found a small space lit by a candle, where Nichole sat. The room was too dark to see any features except her face, but now in the light Mary was appalled by Nichole's appearance. /I/p
pIHer throat tightened as she fingered her friends ripped shirt. A few moments passed before Mary could find her voice again. "What happened to you?"/I/p
pINichole tucked her legs closer to her body and laughed bitterly. "Remember today when Mr. Daniels asked to see me in his office?" Mary nodded and Nichole continued with a shaky breath. "Well let's just say he didn't want to talk to me…he wanted to rape me." She allowed her body to be pulled in a hug, her emotionless eyes towards the sky. /I/p
pI"Did he…rape you?"/I/p
pIShe shook her head. "I got out of there before he could." Nichole grasped the ring around her neck for strength. "I can't stay here anymore, Mary. I'm afraid to close my eyes, I need to get out." /I/p
pIMary released Nichole and leaned back to study her discouraged face, the words still not fully absorbed in her mind. "Are you saying you want to run, runaway and live on the streets?" /I/p
pIThe disbelieve in her voice almost caused the tears brimming Nichole's eyes to fall. "Yes, I can't take this anymore. The bad conditions, the food, the beatings; Mary we have to get out while we can, grab the opportunity while it's there."/I/p
pIMary turned away from Nichole's pleading eyes. They ran before, a year ago when they were twelve, but they quickly succumbed to the cruelty of street living. Atleast she had. "What makes this different from last time? And remember the little problem we have? What if Mario comes after us looking for the money we cheated out of him. WAKE UP NICK! WE ARE POOR ORPHANS!" Mary stood, and paced to release her aggravation. "He probably won't even ask for the money, he'll just kill us right there."/I/p
pI"Its been a year, Mar." /I/p
pIThe calmness in her voice made Mary pace faster. "It doesn't matter! They are out there and if they find us they'll kill us." /I/p
pINichole stood and grabbed Mary by the shoulders. "Don't you think I know that? Besides, they aren't after you they are after me." She inhaled sharply and closed her eyes. "I cannot stay here anymore." Anger flared in her eyes as Mary began to protest. She turned her back to Mary and lifted her shirt, revealing years of scars. "Look…LOOK! This is what thirteen years of staying here has given me. These scars are never going to go away, I am always going to be reminded of my past." Nichole stared into Mary's tear filled eyes. "I need to get out of here while I can, leave everything behind. I don't care if you come with me or not, but I'm not leaving knowing you are going to worry about me." /I/p
pIShe wiped the tears that now flowed freely along Mary's face, and pulled her into an embrace, shedding tears of her own. /I/p
pI"So, where are we going?" Mary's words were only a horse whisper. A few minutes passed before Nichole pulled back and smiled through her tears. "I don't know, I guess wherever we end up, we end up."/I/p
pIHer fingers once again wrapped around the ring hanging from her neck. She wasn't completely sure where or who gave it too her. The only information she knew was what the nuns told her. They didn't tell her much, only it was found around her neck when she was found. Maybe there was still hope her parents cared for her. Her fingers brushed over the inscription inside the ring. /I/p
pIThe stars will guide you…/I/p
pI"Come on, Mary. Let's get our things, If we leave now we'll get a good head start before the sun rises."/I/p
pIMary climbed back to the bunkroom, leaving Nichole to have a moment to herself. The youthful sparkle of a thirteen-year-old girl that was once there was gone. /I/p
p"Hey, Mary, you okay?" Blink turned his head to be eyelevel with her. Mary nodded quickly wiping the tears that slide down her cheeks. Standing she grabbed his hand. /p
p"Uhh…Blink, can I talk to you for a moment alone?"/p
pBlink followed behind her immediately, catching the look of urgency in her eyes. Sitting next to her on the bed, he grabbed her hand. "What's the matter?" When she didn't answer, he knelt beside her. "You know you can tell me anything."/p
pMary closed her eyes and cleared her throat. "It's nothing, really. Just some stupid memories." /p
p"About?" He didn't want to push her, but he yearned to learn about her past. For four months she avoided the subject. /p
p"It's something I don't want to talk about." Blink dropped her hand and Mary sighed exasperated; sitting next him on the floor. "I know it's been a few months, but it still hurts. It's not ever going to stop hurting, it's always going to be a part of me." /p
pBlink enveloped her shaking body in his arms and stroked her hair tenderly. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." He whispered in her ear. /p
pShe sat up straight and fixed her clothes. "I came in here to ask you to help me with something and I'm sitting here crying." She laughed silently to herself. /p
p"We came in here so you could ask me something? I thought you just wanted to get me alone." Blink joked winking suggestively. His smile widened as she released a small giggle. /p
p"No, actually I wanted you to help me with a little project that I've been thinking about ." /p
p He hesitated for a moment almost afraid to ask what she was planning. "What kind of project?" /p
pMary stood and smiled down at him innocently. "Well, while I was up on the roof I had a lot of time to think, and I thought we could play matchmaker with two of are friends." /p
pStanding Blink shook his head confused. "Whoa, what two friends are we talking about here?" He paused catching the growing smile on her face. "Race and Nick! No, there is no way that is going to work. I couldn't even imagine Nick going out with somebody…"/p
p"Why not! The two are crazy about each other. Am I and Spot the only two who see that?" Mary replied cutting him off. /p
pHe sat down on the bed and Mary followed. It wasn't that he didn't want to help Mary, he would do anything for her. It was just the fact that Race and Nick were already friends, like brother and sister in fact. He didn't want to ruin that. He removed his hat and shoved it in his pocket. "What were you planning on doing?"/p
pMary squealed happily and hugged him. "I really don't know, but I was thinking about doing something at the party." /p
p"The one at Irving Hall?" Blink hesitated when she nodded. Mary almost thought he wasn't going to answer. "So, we have two days to think of a way to get the two together. If the two are crazy about each other then this should be pretty easy."/p
pMary quickly shook her head from side to side. "Nick is to damn stubborn to admit anything. I will have to drag it out of her it I have too. "/p
pBlink sighed. There was no backing out now, he just had to go with the flow, and hope nothing back fired. This was going to be on hell of a party. Rubbing his hands together, he stood./p
p "Well, let the games begin."/p