Chapter 8
Entering Irving Hall, you would think the strike was happening all over again. Newsies from all over were all ready packed into the room drinking, dancing, gambling and forgetting their troubles for the night.
Mary entered hand in hand with Blink awhile after the others arrived. Searching the crowd, she quickly spotted Nichole sitted with the Race, Jack and Spot obsorbed in an intense game of poker. If she were sitting with anyone else, Mary would not have known it was her. Instead of her just rolled out of bed look, Nichole appeared half-decent. Her shirt was neatly tucked, and buttoned with both suspenders over her shoulders instead of hanging from her side. Walking closer Mary also noticed her hair was still damp from the bath she must have took before coming.
Thanking Blink for pulling out her chair, she sat down and looked up at Nichole who sat straight across from her. When she didn't acknowledge her presence, Mary glanced over at Blink for help. He cleared his throat causing four pairs of eyes to stare up at him.
"Heya fellas, how's it rollin?"
Jack groaned and threw his cards down on the table. "I'll tell you what's rolling, Nick's luck. She's beating me out of all my money."
"Yea, well I'm going to quit while I'm ahead." Nichole stood advoiding Mary's eyes and gathered the money she won, leaving the table with a blank expression. All eyes were on her as she stalked through the crowd.
"What the hell did you do to her!?"
Mary gasped and glared Race down. "What do you mean what did I do? I didn't do anything, I haven't talk to her since she helped me get ready!"
Race snorted and threw his cards down, pushing the pile of money in Spots direction. "Well, she was acting just fine until you two showed up."
Blink stood, ready to beat Race to a bloody pulp. "Don't talk to my girl like that!" Placing a hand on his chest, Mary gently pushed him a saft distance from Race. When she was sure he wouldn't try anything, she turned back to Race.
"Race, whatever it is that's wrong with her, she will get over it. If it's something I did then I'm sorry, but I'm here to have fun not fix her problems." Grabbing Blink's hand she led him out to the dance floor, leaving the three friends shocked by the cold tone of Mary's usual soft, caring voice.
Spot shook his head and snubbed the cigerette that hung from his lips. "There is deffinetly something going on between the two of them, and It ain't nothing good."
Rolling his eyes at Spot's obvious observation, Race left the table to get a drink.
HR
Mary tightened her arms around Blink's neck almost choking him. What the hells the matter with her? Is it that time of the month or something?
While dancing with Blink, all the events that occurred in the last few months flew through Mary's mind. Even after thinking through everything carefully, she couldn't figure out any reason for the way Nichole was behaving, but it was really beginning to tick her off.
Ungrasping her death grip from his neck, Blink bent his head to her eye level. He was quiet for too long; he needed to find out what was happening between the two friends. "Mar, If you don't mind me asking what the hell is going on between you and Nick? You two get in a fight or something?"
Mary turned her eyes away from his. "I don't know, but she's acting like a bitch, and it's pissing me off."
Blink sighed and pulled her closer to him. "Well, you must have said or done something. People just don't act that way for no reason."
She hit his chest somehow thinking it would release some of the anger she felt. "She was acting the same way while she was helping me get ready. She almost cut off my air supplie tying the corset." She followed Blink as he began to sway to the music.
"Well, did you say anything to her before you got ready?"
Mary thought for a moment. "Nope, I saw her at Tibby's before we headed back to the lodging house to get ready, but I didn't talk to her. You know, come to think of it she wasn't very talkative in Tibby's."
Blink shrugged. "You think it was something you said the night before when you went to talk to her, when you could have been cuddiling with me."
She laughed into his shirt. Blink grinned. "I really didn't say anything to her, I asked her if she wanted to pick a dress out…" Mary paused a ligth bulb going off in her head.
"What?" Blink asked when she paused mid sentence, a look of realization taking over her features.
"I asked her if she wanted to pick a dress out and she said no and when I asked her again she got defesive and left the room."
Blink was completely lost. "So?"
Mary shrugged lost herself. "I don't know, but that has to be it because I didn't say anything else to her. I must have to do with something in her past." She giggled lightly memories clouding her mind. "I remember after the age of seven, she would fight the nuns when they tried to make her wear a dress. She wanted to dress like the boys."
"I thought you guys knew everything about each other."
"I never said that."
"I just guessed seeing how close you two are."
Mary rested her head on his shoulder, kissing the exposed skin on his neck. " Well, everyone has their little secrets that they like to keep to themselves."
I just hope Nick doesn't keep this secret to herself for too long.
Nichole sipped from the half filled glass in her hand, her eyes wandering around the room, gaging at the couple's show of affection. Everyone seemed to being having a good time, everyone except her. The last place she wanted to be now was stuck in a room packed to its compacity with wild boys. Though the sight of Mary made a laugh escape her lips. Even with hundredes of people in the room, she stood out like a sore thumb. She and Mary were the only girls there, but with the ridicilouse getup Mary wore, she was even more noticable.
I have to admit though, she does look beautiful, and her and Blink do make an adorable couple.
Her eyes moved over to the table where Race, Jack and Spot still sat, unmoved. They seemed to be in a deep conversation; each of them hunched over the table. She glanced away quickly, turning her back towards the table. Did Race just glance over at her, concerned?
She pushed the thought to the back of her mind, bewildered by the thought of anyone caring about her. Pouring the rest of the drink down her throat, she shook her shoulders to release some of the tension. Damn, I need to relax.
Ordering another drink she pulled a cigerette out of her pocket and headed back over to the table.
HR
The atmoshere of the party had slowed in the last few hours as people began to file out of the building. Only a few people were left and most of those who were staying were either too drunk to find the door or passed out lying on the floor.
The Manhatten newsies stayed and were grouped in a corner of the huge room, occuping six tables. Mary's and Nichole attitudes hadn't changed much through out the night and as of the moment they weren't looking nor speaking to the other.
Mary, who still couldn't put the puzzle pieces together, sighed and waved the smoke from Nichole's cigerette from her face. When did she start smoking again? She hasn't smoked for the last three months. She then remembered Nichole telling her smoking helped her relax. She must be really stressed out over something.
"Nick, you know I hate it when you smoke."
The boys at the table held their breaths, catching Nichole's challenging stare. Shit was going to hit the fan. "I know, that's why I'm doing it."
Spot looked between the two. Clearing his throat, he stood. Even he didn't want to get between these two. "Uhh, I think I'm going to start heading back to Brooklyn. See ya later Jacky-boy, Race, Blink."
Mary waited until Spot was out of hearing distance before responding. "Why are you being such a bitch tonight? Did I do something to upset you, because If I did I suggest you tell me right now" She pounded her fist on the table for puntuaction.
Nichole didn't flinch a bit; If possible her stare became colder. "You didn't do anything. I told you, earlier I was just frustrated, now leave me the fuck alone--"
"I'm not leaving you alone until you tell me why you're acting the way you are!" Mary stood and her chair went crashing to the floor. The boys eyeing the scene before them nervously jumped at the sudden sound.
"I'm acting the way I am cause I'm stuck around you all the time. I only learned from the best!"
Mary glanced away from Nichole, but quickly returned her glare. The laugh that she released was cold and bitter. "Ohh that's right just blame everything on me! EVERYTHING IS MY FAULT!" She paused and without thinking the next words slipped from her mouth. "IS IT ALSO MY FAULT YOU GOT RAPED!"
The pain and anger that flashed in her friend's eyes was like a punch to the stomach to Mary. That was far from the right thing to say she knew it, and she would regret saying that sentence for the rest of her life.
Everyone in the room held their breaths and Mary helplessly watched on as Nichole snubbed her cigerette and quickly stalked out the back door pushing anyone and everything in her way. Mary sat down and closed her eyes against the burning tears listening to Nichole punch the wall then walk out the door.
What the fuck is the matter with me! Why did I say that?!
HR
The flimsy wood door banged against the brick wall displaying how much anger Nichole held within her. Her only friend, the only person she had in this huge world, betrayed her. Not only had Mary told everyone the one thing in her life she was ashamed of, but also she lied to her.
The bond they made nine years ago at the tender age of six to always stand by the other was now broken. Broken like Nichole's heart. She was on the verge of tears, but refused to let them fall. She wasn't going to betray herself as Mary had and let herself cry, something she promised she would never do.
She needed to get out of this city, and back to her way of life, where the only person she had to worry about was herself and Mary. She didn't need this excess baggage, these boys butting into her present and past life. Everything around her was falling to pieces, and for once in her life, she didn't know what to do.
I could leave. NO! I'm not going to betray Mary like she did to me, I'm going to keep the promise I made.
Footsteps approached cautiously behinde her, but Nichole didn't bother to turn around. The smell of cigar smoke gave away the identity of the person.
"Race, I ain't in the mood for talking so I suggest you go back inside with your friends and enjoy the rest of your exciting evening."
Race's heart broke at the sound of her emotionless voice. Ignoring her command he sat next to her on the crate and did the only thing he could think would comfort her. Hesitantly, he moved closer and wrapped his arms around her in a loose hug. When she didn't resist, he tightened his grip, pulling her closer to his body.
The warmth that radiated from him was a huge comfort to her, and for the first time since she arrived at Irving hall her tense body was fully relaxed. Breathing in his scent of cigars and soap, she rested her head against his chest listening to the steady beating of his heart. If only she could stay like this forever.
"Was what Mary said in there true? Were you really ra…raped?" The last word came out choked. He hated to ruin the serene moment, but he needed to get the question off his back.
"No, it was an attempted rape. I got away before anything happened." Nichole was too drained emotionally to say anything other then the truth.
"I'm sorry." Race replied sincerely.
She groaned, exasperated. "I don't need you sympathy, or anyone elses for that matter."
Standing she began to walk out of the alley and back to the lodging house in hope to beat the others there. Race's frantic plea ceased her movements.
"Nick, wait!"
She turned, her eyebrows frowed in an irritated glare. Race swallowed the lump that formed in his throat; unable to find the words he wanted to say. He panicked when she turned away from him again, and grabbed her arm with more force then he intended too causing her body to crush against his.
Both stood motionless shocked at the closeness of their bodies, Race mostly shocked that she didn't pound his head in yet. Nichole released a shaky breath, and tilted her head upward something she regreted the moment her eyes met his chocolate brown ones.
Were the others right, was she really in love with Race but didn't want to admit it? She was only fifteen, how could she be in love if she didn't even know what love was? Her debating mind completely went blank at the feeling of Race's lips on hers.
Her body tensed at the soft touch, not knowing whether to punch him or return the embrace. Quickly making up her mind that she didn't want to leave the warmth of his arms, she wrapped her shaking hands loosly around his neck, and returned the kiss.
Race, shocked by her sudden actions hesistantly wrapped his unplaced hands around her waist. The two shared the embrace for what seemed like an eternity, but in reality only ten minutes passed. It was still a long kiss nontheless and both were breathless as they pulled away.
All thoughts of anything Mary had said slipped from her mind, and Nichole sighed contently feeling Race's heavy breath on her neck as he rested his head on her shoulder. Things were moving alittle too fast for Nichoe liking, but at the moment, none of that mattered. She was in Race's arms safe from anything that would harm her physically or emotionally.
Reluctantly Race pulled back from her and looked into her eyes, searching for the emotions she held deep within her. He could never tell what she was feeling before, her eyes always appeared empty, but now they were filled with different emotions. Love, longing, confusion…
Stroking the side of her face, he gave her a concerned look. "Are you okay with this? With what just happened?"
Nichole swallowed hard unsure of what to say. She wanted to tell him she was perfectly fine with everything, and that she loved him, but she was still unsure about the new feelings swarming throughout her.
Kissing him hastily on the lips, shocking herself and Race, she backed out of the alley. "I need sometime to think this whole thing over. This is all new to me…I'm sorry. "
With those last words said, she ran from the alley, mostly to escape the confused and hurt expression that glazed over Race's features. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him, and rushing into something she wasn't ready for would do just that. Nichole stopped in mid stride, rememberance of a minor detail floating through her mind. She promised the room to Blink and Mary, meaning she would be sleeping in Blink's bed tonight. The bed that happened to be directly above Race's
Nick, brace yourself. You have one hell of a night ahead of you.
Lost in thought and the sudden need to lie down, she didn't notice the small chain, and ring gleam in the dim moonlight on the dirt and copplestones below her.
Entering Irving Hall, you would think the strike was happening all over again. Newsies from all over were all ready packed into the room drinking, dancing, gambling and forgetting their troubles for the night.
Mary entered hand in hand with Blink awhile after the others arrived. Searching the crowd, she quickly spotted Nichole sitted with the Race, Jack and Spot obsorbed in an intense game of poker. If she were sitting with anyone else, Mary would not have known it was her. Instead of her just rolled out of bed look, Nichole appeared half-decent. Her shirt was neatly tucked, and buttoned with both suspenders over her shoulders instead of hanging from her side. Walking closer Mary also noticed her hair was still damp from the bath she must have took before coming.
Thanking Blink for pulling out her chair, she sat down and looked up at Nichole who sat straight across from her. When she didn't acknowledge her presence, Mary glanced over at Blink for help. He cleared his throat causing four pairs of eyes to stare up at him.
"Heya fellas, how's it rollin?"
Jack groaned and threw his cards down on the table. "I'll tell you what's rolling, Nick's luck. She's beating me out of all my money."
"Yea, well I'm going to quit while I'm ahead." Nichole stood advoiding Mary's eyes and gathered the money she won, leaving the table with a blank expression. All eyes were on her as she stalked through the crowd.
"What the hell did you do to her!?"
Mary gasped and glared Race down. "What do you mean what did I do? I didn't do anything, I haven't talk to her since she helped me get ready!"
Race snorted and threw his cards down, pushing the pile of money in Spots direction. "Well, she was acting just fine until you two showed up."
Blink stood, ready to beat Race to a bloody pulp. "Don't talk to my girl like that!" Placing a hand on his chest, Mary gently pushed him a saft distance from Race. When she was sure he wouldn't try anything, she turned back to Race.
"Race, whatever it is that's wrong with her, she will get over it. If it's something I did then I'm sorry, but I'm here to have fun not fix her problems." Grabbing Blink's hand she led him out to the dance floor, leaving the three friends shocked by the cold tone of Mary's usual soft, caring voice.
Spot shook his head and snubbed the cigerette that hung from his lips. "There is deffinetly something going on between the two of them, and It ain't nothing good."
Rolling his eyes at Spot's obvious observation, Race left the table to get a drink.
HR
Mary tightened her arms around Blink's neck almost choking him. What the hells the matter with her? Is it that time of the month or something?
While dancing with Blink, all the events that occurred in the last few months flew through Mary's mind. Even after thinking through everything carefully, she couldn't figure out any reason for the way Nichole was behaving, but it was really beginning to tick her off.
Ungrasping her death grip from his neck, Blink bent his head to her eye level. He was quiet for too long; he needed to find out what was happening between the two friends. "Mar, If you don't mind me asking what the hell is going on between you and Nick? You two get in a fight or something?"
Mary turned her eyes away from his. "I don't know, but she's acting like a bitch, and it's pissing me off."
Blink sighed and pulled her closer to him. "Well, you must have said or done something. People just don't act that way for no reason."
She hit his chest somehow thinking it would release some of the anger she felt. "She was acting the same way while she was helping me get ready. She almost cut off my air supplie tying the corset." She followed Blink as he began to sway to the music.
"Well, did you say anything to her before you got ready?"
Mary thought for a moment. "Nope, I saw her at Tibby's before we headed back to the lodging house to get ready, but I didn't talk to her. You know, come to think of it she wasn't very talkative in Tibby's."
Blink shrugged. "You think it was something you said the night before when you went to talk to her, when you could have been cuddiling with me."
She laughed into his shirt. Blink grinned. "I really didn't say anything to her, I asked her if she wanted to pick a dress out…" Mary paused a ligth bulb going off in her head.
"What?" Blink asked when she paused mid sentence, a look of realization taking over her features.
"I asked her if she wanted to pick a dress out and she said no and when I asked her again she got defesive and left the room."
Blink was completely lost. "So?"
Mary shrugged lost herself. "I don't know, but that has to be it because I didn't say anything else to her. I must have to do with something in her past." She giggled lightly memories clouding her mind. "I remember after the age of seven, she would fight the nuns when they tried to make her wear a dress. She wanted to dress like the boys."
"I thought you guys knew everything about each other."
"I never said that."
"I just guessed seeing how close you two are."
Mary rested her head on his shoulder, kissing the exposed skin on his neck. " Well, everyone has their little secrets that they like to keep to themselves."
I just hope Nick doesn't keep this secret to herself for too long.
Nichole sipped from the half filled glass in her hand, her eyes wandering around the room, gaging at the couple's show of affection. Everyone seemed to being having a good time, everyone except her. The last place she wanted to be now was stuck in a room packed to its compacity with wild boys. Though the sight of Mary made a laugh escape her lips. Even with hundredes of people in the room, she stood out like a sore thumb. She and Mary were the only girls there, but with the ridicilouse getup Mary wore, she was even more noticable.
I have to admit though, she does look beautiful, and her and Blink do make an adorable couple.
Her eyes moved over to the table where Race, Jack and Spot still sat, unmoved. They seemed to be in a deep conversation; each of them hunched over the table. She glanced away quickly, turning her back towards the table. Did Race just glance over at her, concerned?
She pushed the thought to the back of her mind, bewildered by the thought of anyone caring about her. Pouring the rest of the drink down her throat, she shook her shoulders to release some of the tension. Damn, I need to relax.
Ordering another drink she pulled a cigerette out of her pocket and headed back over to the table.
HR
The atmoshere of the party had slowed in the last few hours as people began to file out of the building. Only a few people were left and most of those who were staying were either too drunk to find the door or passed out lying on the floor.
The Manhatten newsies stayed and were grouped in a corner of the huge room, occuping six tables. Mary's and Nichole attitudes hadn't changed much through out the night and as of the moment they weren't looking nor speaking to the other.
Mary, who still couldn't put the puzzle pieces together, sighed and waved the smoke from Nichole's cigerette from her face. When did she start smoking again? She hasn't smoked for the last three months. She then remembered Nichole telling her smoking helped her relax. She must be really stressed out over something.
"Nick, you know I hate it when you smoke."
The boys at the table held their breaths, catching Nichole's challenging stare. Shit was going to hit the fan. "I know, that's why I'm doing it."
Spot looked between the two. Clearing his throat, he stood. Even he didn't want to get between these two. "Uhh, I think I'm going to start heading back to Brooklyn. See ya later Jacky-boy, Race, Blink."
Mary waited until Spot was out of hearing distance before responding. "Why are you being such a bitch tonight? Did I do something to upset you, because If I did I suggest you tell me right now" She pounded her fist on the table for puntuaction.
Nichole didn't flinch a bit; If possible her stare became colder. "You didn't do anything. I told you, earlier I was just frustrated, now leave me the fuck alone--"
"I'm not leaving you alone until you tell me why you're acting the way you are!" Mary stood and her chair went crashing to the floor. The boys eyeing the scene before them nervously jumped at the sudden sound.
"I'm acting the way I am cause I'm stuck around you all the time. I only learned from the best!"
Mary glanced away from Nichole, but quickly returned her glare. The laugh that she released was cold and bitter. "Ohh that's right just blame everything on me! EVERYTHING IS MY FAULT!" She paused and without thinking the next words slipped from her mouth. "IS IT ALSO MY FAULT YOU GOT RAPED!"
The pain and anger that flashed in her friend's eyes was like a punch to the stomach to Mary. That was far from the right thing to say she knew it, and she would regret saying that sentence for the rest of her life.
Everyone in the room held their breaths and Mary helplessly watched on as Nichole snubbed her cigerette and quickly stalked out the back door pushing anyone and everything in her way. Mary sat down and closed her eyes against the burning tears listening to Nichole punch the wall then walk out the door.
What the fuck is the matter with me! Why did I say that?!
HR
The flimsy wood door banged against the brick wall displaying how much anger Nichole held within her. Her only friend, the only person she had in this huge world, betrayed her. Not only had Mary told everyone the one thing in her life she was ashamed of, but also she lied to her.
The bond they made nine years ago at the tender age of six to always stand by the other was now broken. Broken like Nichole's heart. She was on the verge of tears, but refused to let them fall. She wasn't going to betray herself as Mary had and let herself cry, something she promised she would never do.
She needed to get out of this city, and back to her way of life, where the only person she had to worry about was herself and Mary. She didn't need this excess baggage, these boys butting into her present and past life. Everything around her was falling to pieces, and for once in her life, she didn't know what to do.
I could leave. NO! I'm not going to betray Mary like she did to me, I'm going to keep the promise I made.
Footsteps approached cautiously behinde her, but Nichole didn't bother to turn around. The smell of cigar smoke gave away the identity of the person.
"Race, I ain't in the mood for talking so I suggest you go back inside with your friends and enjoy the rest of your exciting evening."
Race's heart broke at the sound of her emotionless voice. Ignoring her command he sat next to her on the crate and did the only thing he could think would comfort her. Hesitantly, he moved closer and wrapped his arms around her in a loose hug. When she didn't resist, he tightened his grip, pulling her closer to his body.
The warmth that radiated from him was a huge comfort to her, and for the first time since she arrived at Irving hall her tense body was fully relaxed. Breathing in his scent of cigars and soap, she rested her head against his chest listening to the steady beating of his heart. If only she could stay like this forever.
"Was what Mary said in there true? Were you really ra…raped?" The last word came out choked. He hated to ruin the serene moment, but he needed to get the question off his back.
"No, it was an attempted rape. I got away before anything happened." Nichole was too drained emotionally to say anything other then the truth.
"I'm sorry." Race replied sincerely.
She groaned, exasperated. "I don't need you sympathy, or anyone elses for that matter."
Standing she began to walk out of the alley and back to the lodging house in hope to beat the others there. Race's frantic plea ceased her movements.
"Nick, wait!"
She turned, her eyebrows frowed in an irritated glare. Race swallowed the lump that formed in his throat; unable to find the words he wanted to say. He panicked when she turned away from him again, and grabbed her arm with more force then he intended too causing her body to crush against his.
Both stood motionless shocked at the closeness of their bodies, Race mostly shocked that she didn't pound his head in yet. Nichole released a shaky breath, and tilted her head upward something she regreted the moment her eyes met his chocolate brown ones.
Were the others right, was she really in love with Race but didn't want to admit it? She was only fifteen, how could she be in love if she didn't even know what love was? Her debating mind completely went blank at the feeling of Race's lips on hers.
Her body tensed at the soft touch, not knowing whether to punch him or return the embrace. Quickly making up her mind that she didn't want to leave the warmth of his arms, she wrapped her shaking hands loosly around his neck, and returned the kiss.
Race, shocked by her sudden actions hesistantly wrapped his unplaced hands around her waist. The two shared the embrace for what seemed like an eternity, but in reality only ten minutes passed. It was still a long kiss nontheless and both were breathless as they pulled away.
All thoughts of anything Mary had said slipped from her mind, and Nichole sighed contently feeling Race's heavy breath on her neck as he rested his head on her shoulder. Things were moving alittle too fast for Nichoe liking, but at the moment, none of that mattered. She was in Race's arms safe from anything that would harm her physically or emotionally.
Reluctantly Race pulled back from her and looked into her eyes, searching for the emotions she held deep within her. He could never tell what she was feeling before, her eyes always appeared empty, but now they were filled with different emotions. Love, longing, confusion…
Stroking the side of her face, he gave her a concerned look. "Are you okay with this? With what just happened?"
Nichole swallowed hard unsure of what to say. She wanted to tell him she was perfectly fine with everything, and that she loved him, but she was still unsure about the new feelings swarming throughout her.
Kissing him hastily on the lips, shocking herself and Race, she backed out of the alley. "I need sometime to think this whole thing over. This is all new to me…I'm sorry. "
With those last words said, she ran from the alley, mostly to escape the confused and hurt expression that glazed over Race's features. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him, and rushing into something she wasn't ready for would do just that. Nichole stopped in mid stride, rememberance of a minor detail floating through her mind. She promised the room to Blink and Mary, meaning she would be sleeping in Blink's bed tonight. The bed that happened to be directly above Race's
Nick, brace yourself. You have one hell of a night ahead of you.
Lost in thought and the sudden need to lie down, she didn't notice the small chain, and ring gleam in the dim moonlight on the dirt and copplestones below her.