Chapter 9
Any hope that she would beat the others home drained from her mind as Nichole walked into the crowded bunkroom. Lowering her eyes to the wood floor, she pushed her way towards Blink's bed. Her eyes flashed quickly in the direction of the empty bottom bunk where Race would sleep before pulling herself up and laying down. Most of the boys, too apprehensive to say anything, glanced quickly her way then went back to what they were doing, avoiding any eye contact. Others talked quietly among themselves, the topic of the fight coming up.
Nichole ignored the mummers and let her eyes focus on the wall above her. Her swift entrance into the room didn't leave her much time to identify faces, but she did catch sight of the closed bedroom door at the end of the hallway. If Blink and Mary were in fact on the other side of that door, she didn't know. She didn't care at the moment. Their doings were no interest to her.
The only thing she wanted now was to fall into a deep dreamless sleep and clear all the thoughts and emotions from her mind.
It was now close to ten o'clock and most of the boys lie in their beds or spread out on the floor playing different sorts of games, from marbles to poker. Nichole lay, unmoved from the position she lay a half-hour ago lost in her own world. In the back of her mind, she noted the bottom bunk was still empty and Race hadn't yet returned.
Where is he? God, I hope he is okay.
She metally kicked herself for that thought and a feel of complete guilt washed over her body. She had just fought with the only friend she ever had and here she was worrying over a guy that been in her life for only four months.
But, I love him.
Those three unfamiliar words repeatedly ran through her mind. Should she forget anything she ever told herself and Mary and give into her feelings? Or do what her mind told her and run away from the problems confining her?
However, this was not the past anymore, everything had changed. She could be vulnerable and let her guard down. She had a place to call home somewhere she felt safe, she wasn't on the streets running, looking behind her every second. She was was in Manhattan, surrounded by people who cared for her and miles away from the harm she once knew.
The bunkbed shifted jolting Nichole out of her thoughts. Shifting she slowly looked over the edge, catching a glimpse of the top Race's head. Quietly, she watched him place a cigar on the table beside the bed and lie down. Returning to her previous position, she exhaled a shaky breath. With only a few candles to light the room Race must have not been able to tell who was on the top bunk.
Nichole rolled to her side and sighed. She wanted so badly to climb down to the bottom bunk and lay in Race's arms. Hear his soothing voice, and let him comfort her like he only could. Slowly and reluctantly, she shut her eyes and fell into a restless sleep, a single tear sliding down her cheek and onto the pillow.
HR
The next morning waking up was pure torture. Not only did Nichole have to get up to the booming voice of Kloppman; her head was pounding with a monstrous hangover. She didn't drink that much, but she hadn't consumed alcohol in a few months and her body wasn't use to the sudden intake.
With a painful groan she sat up and blinked a few times to focus her blurry vision. Not remembering where she was, she rolled to the end of the bed expecting her feet to hit the solid ground. Instead, she fell to the floor with a thud. Ignoring the pain that was now in her backside, she lay there unfazed by the fall, staring at the ceiling.
Maybe the guys will leave me alone and I could go back to sleep.
"Nick, what are you doing here?"
Nichole inhaled raggedly and opened an eye slowly only to quickly close it again. Race hovered above her agonizing face, concerned. "Nick, what are you doing sleeping in Blink's bunk? Are you okay?"
"Fine, fine." Disregarding the pain in her back and head, she stood grabbing the table beside her for poise. Race was immediately at her side, but was hastily pushed away to let the grumbling girl by.
Nichole made it to the washroom safely, only bumping into a few of the boys, who politely guided her in the right direction. Leaning over a sink, she splashed her face with water in some hope it would relieve the pain. A few boys glared her way; stray water hitting them as Nichole blindly threw the water at her face.
"Mary and Blink threw you out of the room, huh?"
Nichole lifted only her eyes to glare at the grinning boy who stood on the opposite side of the row of sinks. "Shut up, Jack. I'm not in the mood."
Jack laughed at her growl. "You might not want to let them have the room too much. They might make it an everyday thing." Wiping the rest of the shaving cream from his face, he threw the towel on the end of the sink, and strolled out of the washroom well aware of the death stare he ws receiving.
Nichole only rolled her eyes. Straightening to her full height she stretched the best she could without falling to the floor. The blood that rushed to her head while washing her face drained causing the immense pain in her head to worsen.
Clutching her head she turned to head towards the stairs. Her heart nearly stopped as she turned around to face Racetrack, standing in the doorway watching her intently with concerned eyes.
"Jesus Christ!" Her hand groped for something to hold on too. Grabbing the side of a sink, she scolded Race. "What the hell Race! Are you trying to give me a damn
heartattack!"
Sliding an arm protectively around her waist, he led her to his bunk. "Sorry, I just wanted to check and see if you were okay. You must have on hell of a hangover."
"Ya think?" She replied sarcastically to his observation. Lying down she closed her eyes. They shot back open at the feel of Race's fingers trailing over her face, pushing a stray hair from her eyes.
"You know you still haven't answered my question."
Her eyes wandered over his soft features as he observed her with a crooked smile. "And what question would that be?"
Her words formed in a harsh way. Race didn't seem to mind, he knew she wasn't in one of her best moods and didn't expect this encounter to be like last nights. "Why you were sleeping in Blink's bunk. What you do? Get confused or something?"
Nichole rolled her eyes when Race laughed at the words he just said. "Why do you think I was sleeping in his bunk!? Blink and Mary wanted the room to themselves, so I let them have it. I don't care what they do just as long as they don't use my bed."
Race laughed again. "Well, I don't know if you are going to get your bed back anytime soon. That door is still closed and I didn't see Blink or Mary earlier."
Groaning she covered her face with a pillow. Mary had better not expect me to do her anymore favors anytime soon. Throwing the pillow to her side, she glanced up at Race, who sat on the edge of the bed looking very amused.
"Don't you have newspapers to sell?" She asked obviously annoyed.
Pulling the pocket watch from his vest, he shrugged. "I got time, and beside I won alittle money at the races a few days back. I got money to live on for a few days without selling papes." He groaned exasperated when she rolled to her side, her back facing him. "Which means I can stay here and talk with you." He hinted.
"Well, you'll be talking to yourself so I suggest you leave and get your papes." Jezz, Nick why don't you just tell him to fuck off! God, one minute you're kissing him in a dark alley and the next you're lying on his bed telling him to get away from me and leave. Could you be any more of an idiot!
She rolled to her other side. Race still sat on the edge of the bed waiting. She sighed, upset with herself for giving in so easily. "Look I'm sorry, but you would act this way too if you had a hangover and in the back of the mind you had the fear you would never talk to your best friend again. Stay if you want, but don't expect me to be very talkative."
Race shrugged and plopped down next to Nichole on the bed, placing his arms underneath his head. Shifting her body slowly to her other side she glared at him. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Laying here." Race retorted, smiling smugly. Nichole scrunched her eyes closed, and inhaled sharply. Was everyone trying to drive her insane? It was a goddamn conspiracy.
"Well, I suggest you lay somewhere else, not so close to me."
"Well, I hate to tell you this, but you are laying in my bed, and that sorta gives me the right to lie here whenever I want."
With every word he said his face inched closer to Nichole's. She saw this and smiled mischievously. Placing a hand on his shoulder as if she was welcoming the kiss he was about to give her, she gave it a forceful shove, sending Race to the floor.
"HEY!"
Grabbing his aching head helooked up at Nichole, who was now perched on Blink's bunk and had to smile. He would have never guessed her to be the flirting type, but if he didn't know any better she had done just that.
"What's the matter? You didn't mind when I kissed you last night." He asked his small laugh piercing the sudden silence of the room.
Nichole growled when her thoughts were brought back to the kiss. That nights events would forever be etched in her mind, and she wanted it that way. It just occurred at the wrong time in her life…
"Race, do you want me to kick your ass, because you are really beginning to piss me off." She replied her voice dangerously low. Nichole drew back when Race rested his chin on the bunk and brushed a hand across her cheek; pushing a curl from her eyes.
"I'm sorry." Race answer sincerely jumping on the bed. When she didn't shun away from him, he cautiously rested a hand on her hip, making his position more comfortable. "I just wanted to get alittle laugh from you. I didn't mean to upset ya."
"Yea, well you succeeded in one of those two things."
Race groaned and rested his head against her shoulder. "Nick, give me a break here. I'm trying to get you to let me in." He breathed a laugh. "But it ain't working too well."
Nichole was taken back by his words. Leaning back she eyed his neatly combed hair. Slowly, unsure of her actions, she ran her fingers through his black tresses. Some where in the back of her mind she thought it would comfort him. Race lifted his head his eyes wide in surprise.
"It's not your fault, Race. I want to let you in, but this whole situation with Mary…you just had to choose the night me and Mary got in a fight to kiss me…Everything is just so damn confusing. I want to forget everything and just be with you--"
"Then why don't you?" Race meekly interrupted.
"Because I wouldn't feel right about it, with Mary mad at me and everything. On top of that, I never had anyone who actually cared for me like you, and I guess I'm just scared."
She paused, startled by the words that just left her mouth. Never in the years that she had been abused or lived on the streets had she admitted to herself that she was scared. It was just something you didn't do for if you did then you were giving in. However, this was something she wanted to give into.
Biting her lip in thought, she sat up startling Race from his resting-place on her shoulder. She turned towards him sheepishly. "Sorry." Turning she flashed him a small smile and jumped to the floor.
Laying there talking with Race made her realize something. The last few months in the lodging house had turned her into a different person. She needed to change the way she thought to match that person, forget the things she taught herself to live on the streets. She was going to give this relationship a chance, and if it didn't work out then atleast she could tell herself, she was once in love.
"Nick, you okay?" He sat there for the last minute just watching her lean against the bed, a thoughtful look on her face. When another minute passed and she still hadn't moved he became concerned.
Jumping down beside her, Race raised his eyebrows at the grin she held on her face. "What are you grinning at? A few minutes ago you were pissed at me."
She exhaled gustily and shook her head. "Nothing, just go get your papers. I want to wait here until Mary comes out I need to talk to her."
Race nodded not wanting to argue and ruin the good mood she was in. Turning his heel, he walked towards the stairs. Nichole, thinking on impulse and her heart, grabbed his hand pulling him back next to her. Tentatively she brushed her lips against his. The kiss didn't last long, but it was full of meaning and hope of a relationship to come. Breaking the contact, she ran a thumb over his bottom lip carefully, as if she was tracing it in her mind.
"After I talk to Mary or if I do I'll meet you at Tibby's for lunch." She said her eyes directed at the wood floor.
Race had to grin at her shy matter, she was always so confident in anything she did, but standing there with lips swollen from the earlier kiss, and her eyes towards the floor she appeared quiet and timid. Two things he knew she was not.
Pulling her into a hug, he kissed the shell of her ear sending involuntary shivers down her spine. "See ya at Tibby's."
Retracing his steps to the stairs, he was gone. Nichole stood there, still recovering from her close encounter with Race. For once in many years, she felt giddy and untroubled. Shaking her head, she glanced at the stairs before lying back down on Race's bed. The hangover that she had when she woke up was still there, but she had all but ignored the pain, her thoughts and emotions overpowering it.
From what she could tell from the rays of sunshine lighting the room, it was about midmorning. The heat of the day wasn't the worst it could be and Nichole could lie comfortably with her undershirt and button down shirt on. She sighed impatiently, and almost considered knocking on the door and asking Mary to come out. That plan was soon forgotten when the creak of a door cut through the silence.
She sat up waiting for one of them to notice her. Blink appeared first, he only wore his pants and still looked half-asleep. Though, the goofy grin spread over his face was a good hint of the events that went on last night. He yawned and scratched the back of his head sleepily then walked in the washroom oblivious to Nichole's presence in the room.
Mary walked out a minute later the same grin plastered on her face. All the anger she held last night had vanished. Looking up from buttoning her shirt, her eyes widened at the site of her friend still sitting in the bunkroom.
Briskly she walked across the room. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be out with the others selling papers?" She asked in a loud whisper.
Standing she crossed her arms over her chest and smirked smugly. "I should be saying the same thing to you." She leaned closer to her face. "Why are you whispering?"
Rolling her eyes, she pushed Nichole back on the bed. Sitting down next to her, she asked again. "What are you doing here?"
"I had a hangover this morning so I lied back down and Race stayed with me. He left alittle while ago." When she was met in silence, she glanced over towards Mary who looked away, ashamed. Grabbing her hand, she squeezed it reassuringly. "Mar, I know you are sorry for what you said last night and I forgive you. I was acting like a bitch and you had a right to be mad at me…"
"But I didn't have the right to say what I did in front of everyone."
Nichole nodded. "Yes, but I forgive you anyway." Mary laughed and Nichole's face turned serious. "Mar, you are my best friend and if I lost you I don't know what I do."
She gathered her in a hug and patted her back lightly. Pulling away, she shot Mary a wicked smile. "So, you and Blink…."
A blush creeped up Mary's neck, and she turned away shyly. After a few minutes of composing herself, she nodded up and down slowly. Nichole stood pulling Mary up with her and hugged her again.
"How was it?"
Mary hit her playfully on the shoulder. "I'm not telling you. That is between Blink and me. You'll have to experience it for yourself, to find out."
Whoa, don't even go there!" Her eyes widened at the thought of her being in Mary's place. "I'm not ready for that sorta thing."
"Not ready for what sort of thing?"
Both girls turned towards a confused Blink and bust out laughing. His eye scrunched up and he shrugged. "What?"
"Blink, your shirt." Mary reached out, undid his crookedly buttoned shirt, and fixed it for him. When she finished, she patted his chest. "There good as new. Wouldn't want you making a fool out of yourself infront of the others."
"Ohh no, we wouldn't want that." Nichole retorted snorting back laughter. The couple ignored the comment and engaged in a passionate lip lock. Nichole stopped laughing to eye them disgusted. "God, you guys spend one night in the room alone and you get all mushy on me."
Breaking the kiss Blink flashed her a toothy grin. "You better watch it. When you get a boyfriend I'm going to make smart comments when you two are together." Nichole rolled her eyes at his playful threat. Blink kissed Mary quickly before releasing her.
"Gotta go sell papes. See you later." He waved a hand in Nichole's direction. "Bye, Nick."
"Bye." Her eyes followed Blink until he disappeared from the room, and then she shifted her gaze to Mary. "So, what are we going to do here by ourselves until lunchtime?"
Covering her mouth with a hand to prevent a yawn from escaping Mary shrugged. She let the words sink in then looked at Nichole confused. "What's happening at lunchtime?"
"Nothing, I just told Race that I meet him there for lunch." Catching the sly grin that slide across her friend's face, she groaned inwardly. She had just given herself away.
"Ohh really?" her eyes twinkled mischieviously. "Since when are you and Race going out on dates?"
It's not a date." Nichole insisted. "It's just lunch with him and all the other guys."
"Ohh come on!" Mary pushed Nichole on the nearest bed. "Are you going to sit there and tell me nothing, absolutely nothing happened while you and Race where in here…ALONE?"
Nichole nodded and began to bit her nails, a habit she had when she was nervous. The one person she couldn't lie to was Mary, she just became too nervous, and Mary quickly caught on to that.
"You're lying! Ha! Something did happen!
Nichole sighed loudly, stood and began to pace the small space between the bunks. She spit the pieces of fingernail she bit off before answering. "Fine, something did happen. Last night in the alley after I ran out, Race came out and we were talking. I got up to leave, but he pulled me back and….he kissed me."
The high pitch squeal that filled the room caused Nichole caused her to loose her balance and fall back down on the bed. Mary stood jumping up in down in excitement like a five year old. Smiling at the reaction she received, Nichole shook her head and pulled Mary down next to her stopping her movements. Mary only bounced up and down on the bed.
"Oh my God, I can't believe you finally got your first kiss! So, how was it? Is Race a good kisser?"
Nichole blushed, something she rarely did around Mary. This only caused another outburst from Mary. "Ohh he must be if you're blushing! There is a first for everything!"
This comment earned Mary a pop to the head. Chuckling loudly at her shocked expression, Nichole stood dodging the pillow that flew by her head. Laughing again she let her eyes wander the room searching for a watch. Not finding one she shrugged and turned back to Mary.
"You know what time it is?"
Mary opened a window and stuck her head out. "It has to be atleast ten thirty, maybe eleven."
Nodding, Nichole turned her back to her. Mary scanned her eyes over her best friend, her new and improved best friend. She knew that going to New York would be in vain. Mary's eyes focused on Nichole's now bare neck where a necklace once hung. She never took that thing off.
"Nick, did you take your necklace off?"
Swinging around she glanced at Mary confused, her fingers groping her neck. When her hands didn't feel anything there, she cursed loudly. Clenching her fist, she punched the wall. Grabbing her arm before her hand made contact with the wall again, Mary pulled her into a hug.
"Look, we'll find it. It probably got loose and fell off while you were sleeping." Running a hand through her hair, Nichole shook her head.
"No, I had it on when I took a bath so either I lost it in the washroom." She sighed despondently her shoulders slumping. " Or at Irving Hall."
"Nick, don't worry. We'll find it even if we have to get all the guys to search the whole lodging house and Irving Hall."
She clicked her tongue and nodded, letting her eyes rest on the window. Grabbing Mary's hand, she dragged her out of the room. "Come on Mar, we got to start heading over to Tibby's."
HR
With a swift walking pace, the two made it to Tibby's in five minutes flat. None of the guys had arrived yet so the girls made themselves comfortable in a booth and waited. Jack was the first to arrive a few minutes later, not to the surprise of the two.
"Whoa, what are you two doing here, and together? I thought after the little show you two put on last night, you wouldn't be talking to each other." Removing his cowboy hat, he sat opposite of the girls.
Nichole's lips twitched into a smile. The smile on his face was just too comical. "'Yea, well we're friends and friends forgive each other for their mistakes."
"Even if you were acting like a bitch…"
"Shut up, Mary."
A hint of amusement twinkled in Jack's eyes as he sat back and watched to two of them go at. It was obvious in their playful fighting that they both cared for each other deeply. How could he think they would stay mad at each other for long? He waved a hand in the air to get their attention.
"Hey, hey, break it up. We're here for lunch not to argue." He eyed them carefully. "Did you guys sell any papes today? You both look like you just woke up."
Nudging her shoulder, Nichole laughed. "You hear that Mar, he called you ugly. Who ever thought sweet old Jack could be that cruel."
"Shut up. He directed the question at the both of us."
Nichole shrugged. "I always look like this."
Mary ignored Nichole's statement, rolling her eyes. "We kinda got held up at the lodging house, so we just decided not to sell today." She told Jack simply.
"Well, I know you got held up." He nodded his head towards Mary. "But what to you, Nichole? That hangover you had get worst?"
He leaned forward, his eyes boring into hers. He smiled knowingly. He knew exactly what happened, he was the one that told Race to stay behind and talk to her. Watching Race's happy go lucky attitude all day, he was positive something happened between the two. He became even more positive when Nichole shot Mary a warning glare and fidgeted in her seat. The idea of Race and Nichole was slowly beginning to become a good concept.
"Yea, it became so bad I had to lie down for a while."
Jack the finger she was biting away from her mouth. "You know we are in a restaurant, you can order something if you're Hungary."
Nichole laughed nervously, and studied the bite marks in her skin. She sighed relieved when the bell on the door rang and Race and Blink walked in. Standing, Nicole saluted over to Race and grabbed him by the wrist. Before he could say anything, she dragged him out of Tibby's and into the nearest alley.
"What…was…that?" Blink gestured behind him, an eyebrow raised.
Mary patted the empty seat beside her, placing a hand around his waist when he fell down beside her. "Race and Nichole are finally getting together."
Running his hands soothingly over his wrist, he glanced at the nervous girl confusedly. "What's the matter, Nick. You kidnapping me or something? Cause you know if you just asked I go anywhere with you."
Nichole could help it. Her lips curled into a full fledge grin. His boyish features and adorable grin were irresistible. Relaxing, she shook her head and giggled. "Sorry, Jack was just making me nervous. I think he is expecting us to get together or something."
The grin his face held fell back to a frown."I thought we were together." He said solemnly
"I never said…" Her voice trailed off into the musty alley. The look on his face was just heartbreaking. How could she be so selfish? Everytime someone said or hinted her and Race should get together she became even more unsure of what she should do.
Damit! I wish the others would get a life and stay the hell out of mine.
"Race, I want to be with you, but…
"But what, Nick." Race had it with this teasing, he wanted a really relationship with her. Couldn't she see that? "I'm not good enough for you!? Are you embarrassed to be seen with me!? Because frankly I don't know what's wrong with you!" He turned away from her and to the brick wall. Swallowing the tears that were coming to his eyes he continued. "I want to be with you, Nick. I love you…but obviously you don't feel the same."
He turned sending her on last heart wrenching glare, ignoring the shocked look on her face. "Do us both a favor and just stay the hell away from me."
Clenching her eyes closed, she turned her back to the opening of the alley, not wanting to watch him leave. God, he just poured his heart out and told her he loved her. He actually loved her. How could she so moronic?
A nauseating feeling washed over her, and she leaned on the wall to keep herself from fall over. With her back against the wall, she slid to the cobblestones. The emotions that were deep inside her took over her body and she did something she promised herself she would never do. The tears came slowly at first, but then they thoroughly soaked her face, and her body shook violently.
She had gained back her best friend, but lost the one person she truly loved.
Any hope that she would beat the others home drained from her mind as Nichole walked into the crowded bunkroom. Lowering her eyes to the wood floor, she pushed her way towards Blink's bed. Her eyes flashed quickly in the direction of the empty bottom bunk where Race would sleep before pulling herself up and laying down. Most of the boys, too apprehensive to say anything, glanced quickly her way then went back to what they were doing, avoiding any eye contact. Others talked quietly among themselves, the topic of the fight coming up.
Nichole ignored the mummers and let her eyes focus on the wall above her. Her swift entrance into the room didn't leave her much time to identify faces, but she did catch sight of the closed bedroom door at the end of the hallway. If Blink and Mary were in fact on the other side of that door, she didn't know. She didn't care at the moment. Their doings were no interest to her.
The only thing she wanted now was to fall into a deep dreamless sleep and clear all the thoughts and emotions from her mind.
It was now close to ten o'clock and most of the boys lie in their beds or spread out on the floor playing different sorts of games, from marbles to poker. Nichole lay, unmoved from the position she lay a half-hour ago lost in her own world. In the back of her mind, she noted the bottom bunk was still empty and Race hadn't yet returned.
Where is he? God, I hope he is okay.
She metally kicked herself for that thought and a feel of complete guilt washed over her body. She had just fought with the only friend she ever had and here she was worrying over a guy that been in her life for only four months.
But, I love him.
Those three unfamiliar words repeatedly ran through her mind. Should she forget anything she ever told herself and Mary and give into her feelings? Or do what her mind told her and run away from the problems confining her?
However, this was not the past anymore, everything had changed. She could be vulnerable and let her guard down. She had a place to call home somewhere she felt safe, she wasn't on the streets running, looking behind her every second. She was was in Manhattan, surrounded by people who cared for her and miles away from the harm she once knew.
The bunkbed shifted jolting Nichole out of her thoughts. Shifting she slowly looked over the edge, catching a glimpse of the top Race's head. Quietly, she watched him place a cigar on the table beside the bed and lie down. Returning to her previous position, she exhaled a shaky breath. With only a few candles to light the room Race must have not been able to tell who was on the top bunk.
Nichole rolled to her side and sighed. She wanted so badly to climb down to the bottom bunk and lay in Race's arms. Hear his soothing voice, and let him comfort her like he only could. Slowly and reluctantly, she shut her eyes and fell into a restless sleep, a single tear sliding down her cheek and onto the pillow.
HR
The next morning waking up was pure torture. Not only did Nichole have to get up to the booming voice of Kloppman; her head was pounding with a monstrous hangover. She didn't drink that much, but she hadn't consumed alcohol in a few months and her body wasn't use to the sudden intake.
With a painful groan she sat up and blinked a few times to focus her blurry vision. Not remembering where she was, she rolled to the end of the bed expecting her feet to hit the solid ground. Instead, she fell to the floor with a thud. Ignoring the pain that was now in her backside, she lay there unfazed by the fall, staring at the ceiling.
Maybe the guys will leave me alone and I could go back to sleep.
"Nick, what are you doing here?"
Nichole inhaled raggedly and opened an eye slowly only to quickly close it again. Race hovered above her agonizing face, concerned. "Nick, what are you doing sleeping in Blink's bunk? Are you okay?"
"Fine, fine." Disregarding the pain in her back and head, she stood grabbing the table beside her for poise. Race was immediately at her side, but was hastily pushed away to let the grumbling girl by.
Nichole made it to the washroom safely, only bumping into a few of the boys, who politely guided her in the right direction. Leaning over a sink, she splashed her face with water in some hope it would relieve the pain. A few boys glared her way; stray water hitting them as Nichole blindly threw the water at her face.
"Mary and Blink threw you out of the room, huh?"
Nichole lifted only her eyes to glare at the grinning boy who stood on the opposite side of the row of sinks. "Shut up, Jack. I'm not in the mood."
Jack laughed at her growl. "You might not want to let them have the room too much. They might make it an everyday thing." Wiping the rest of the shaving cream from his face, he threw the towel on the end of the sink, and strolled out of the washroom well aware of the death stare he ws receiving.
Nichole only rolled her eyes. Straightening to her full height she stretched the best she could without falling to the floor. The blood that rushed to her head while washing her face drained causing the immense pain in her head to worsen.
Clutching her head she turned to head towards the stairs. Her heart nearly stopped as she turned around to face Racetrack, standing in the doorway watching her intently with concerned eyes.
"Jesus Christ!" Her hand groped for something to hold on too. Grabbing the side of a sink, she scolded Race. "What the hell Race! Are you trying to give me a damn
heartattack!"
Sliding an arm protectively around her waist, he led her to his bunk. "Sorry, I just wanted to check and see if you were okay. You must have on hell of a hangover."
"Ya think?" She replied sarcastically to his observation. Lying down she closed her eyes. They shot back open at the feel of Race's fingers trailing over her face, pushing a stray hair from her eyes.
"You know you still haven't answered my question."
Her eyes wandered over his soft features as he observed her with a crooked smile. "And what question would that be?"
Her words formed in a harsh way. Race didn't seem to mind, he knew she wasn't in one of her best moods and didn't expect this encounter to be like last nights. "Why you were sleeping in Blink's bunk. What you do? Get confused or something?"
Nichole rolled her eyes when Race laughed at the words he just said. "Why do you think I was sleeping in his bunk!? Blink and Mary wanted the room to themselves, so I let them have it. I don't care what they do just as long as they don't use my bed."
Race laughed again. "Well, I don't know if you are going to get your bed back anytime soon. That door is still closed and I didn't see Blink or Mary earlier."
Groaning she covered her face with a pillow. Mary had better not expect me to do her anymore favors anytime soon. Throwing the pillow to her side, she glanced up at Race, who sat on the edge of the bed looking very amused.
"Don't you have newspapers to sell?" She asked obviously annoyed.
Pulling the pocket watch from his vest, he shrugged. "I got time, and beside I won alittle money at the races a few days back. I got money to live on for a few days without selling papes." He groaned exasperated when she rolled to her side, her back facing him. "Which means I can stay here and talk with you." He hinted.
"Well, you'll be talking to yourself so I suggest you leave and get your papes." Jezz, Nick why don't you just tell him to fuck off! God, one minute you're kissing him in a dark alley and the next you're lying on his bed telling him to get away from me and leave. Could you be any more of an idiot!
She rolled to her other side. Race still sat on the edge of the bed waiting. She sighed, upset with herself for giving in so easily. "Look I'm sorry, but you would act this way too if you had a hangover and in the back of the mind you had the fear you would never talk to your best friend again. Stay if you want, but don't expect me to be very talkative."
Race shrugged and plopped down next to Nichole on the bed, placing his arms underneath his head. Shifting her body slowly to her other side she glared at him. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Laying here." Race retorted, smiling smugly. Nichole scrunched her eyes closed, and inhaled sharply. Was everyone trying to drive her insane? It was a goddamn conspiracy.
"Well, I suggest you lay somewhere else, not so close to me."
"Well, I hate to tell you this, but you are laying in my bed, and that sorta gives me the right to lie here whenever I want."
With every word he said his face inched closer to Nichole's. She saw this and smiled mischievously. Placing a hand on his shoulder as if she was welcoming the kiss he was about to give her, she gave it a forceful shove, sending Race to the floor.
"HEY!"
Grabbing his aching head helooked up at Nichole, who was now perched on Blink's bunk and had to smile. He would have never guessed her to be the flirting type, but if he didn't know any better she had done just that.
"What's the matter? You didn't mind when I kissed you last night." He asked his small laugh piercing the sudden silence of the room.
Nichole growled when her thoughts were brought back to the kiss. That nights events would forever be etched in her mind, and she wanted it that way. It just occurred at the wrong time in her life…
"Race, do you want me to kick your ass, because you are really beginning to piss me off." She replied her voice dangerously low. Nichole drew back when Race rested his chin on the bunk and brushed a hand across her cheek; pushing a curl from her eyes.
"I'm sorry." Race answer sincerely jumping on the bed. When she didn't shun away from him, he cautiously rested a hand on her hip, making his position more comfortable. "I just wanted to get alittle laugh from you. I didn't mean to upset ya."
"Yea, well you succeeded in one of those two things."
Race groaned and rested his head against her shoulder. "Nick, give me a break here. I'm trying to get you to let me in." He breathed a laugh. "But it ain't working too well."
Nichole was taken back by his words. Leaning back she eyed his neatly combed hair. Slowly, unsure of her actions, she ran her fingers through his black tresses. Some where in the back of her mind she thought it would comfort him. Race lifted his head his eyes wide in surprise.
"It's not your fault, Race. I want to let you in, but this whole situation with Mary…you just had to choose the night me and Mary got in a fight to kiss me…Everything is just so damn confusing. I want to forget everything and just be with you--"
"Then why don't you?" Race meekly interrupted.
"Because I wouldn't feel right about it, with Mary mad at me and everything. On top of that, I never had anyone who actually cared for me like you, and I guess I'm just scared."
She paused, startled by the words that just left her mouth. Never in the years that she had been abused or lived on the streets had she admitted to herself that she was scared. It was just something you didn't do for if you did then you were giving in. However, this was something she wanted to give into.
Biting her lip in thought, she sat up startling Race from his resting-place on her shoulder. She turned towards him sheepishly. "Sorry." Turning she flashed him a small smile and jumped to the floor.
Laying there talking with Race made her realize something. The last few months in the lodging house had turned her into a different person. She needed to change the way she thought to match that person, forget the things she taught herself to live on the streets. She was going to give this relationship a chance, and if it didn't work out then atleast she could tell herself, she was once in love.
"Nick, you okay?" He sat there for the last minute just watching her lean against the bed, a thoughtful look on her face. When another minute passed and she still hadn't moved he became concerned.
Jumping down beside her, Race raised his eyebrows at the grin she held on her face. "What are you grinning at? A few minutes ago you were pissed at me."
She exhaled gustily and shook her head. "Nothing, just go get your papers. I want to wait here until Mary comes out I need to talk to her."
Race nodded not wanting to argue and ruin the good mood she was in. Turning his heel, he walked towards the stairs. Nichole, thinking on impulse and her heart, grabbed his hand pulling him back next to her. Tentatively she brushed her lips against his. The kiss didn't last long, but it was full of meaning and hope of a relationship to come. Breaking the contact, she ran a thumb over his bottom lip carefully, as if she was tracing it in her mind.
"After I talk to Mary or if I do I'll meet you at Tibby's for lunch." She said her eyes directed at the wood floor.
Race had to grin at her shy matter, she was always so confident in anything she did, but standing there with lips swollen from the earlier kiss, and her eyes towards the floor she appeared quiet and timid. Two things he knew she was not.
Pulling her into a hug, he kissed the shell of her ear sending involuntary shivers down her spine. "See ya at Tibby's."
Retracing his steps to the stairs, he was gone. Nichole stood there, still recovering from her close encounter with Race. For once in many years, she felt giddy and untroubled. Shaking her head, she glanced at the stairs before lying back down on Race's bed. The hangover that she had when she woke up was still there, but she had all but ignored the pain, her thoughts and emotions overpowering it.
From what she could tell from the rays of sunshine lighting the room, it was about midmorning. The heat of the day wasn't the worst it could be and Nichole could lie comfortably with her undershirt and button down shirt on. She sighed impatiently, and almost considered knocking on the door and asking Mary to come out. That plan was soon forgotten when the creak of a door cut through the silence.
She sat up waiting for one of them to notice her. Blink appeared first, he only wore his pants and still looked half-asleep. Though, the goofy grin spread over his face was a good hint of the events that went on last night. He yawned and scratched the back of his head sleepily then walked in the washroom oblivious to Nichole's presence in the room.
Mary walked out a minute later the same grin plastered on her face. All the anger she held last night had vanished. Looking up from buttoning her shirt, her eyes widened at the site of her friend still sitting in the bunkroom.
Briskly she walked across the room. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be out with the others selling papers?" She asked in a loud whisper.
Standing she crossed her arms over her chest and smirked smugly. "I should be saying the same thing to you." She leaned closer to her face. "Why are you whispering?"
Rolling her eyes, she pushed Nichole back on the bed. Sitting down next to her, she asked again. "What are you doing here?"
"I had a hangover this morning so I lied back down and Race stayed with me. He left alittle while ago." When she was met in silence, she glanced over towards Mary who looked away, ashamed. Grabbing her hand, she squeezed it reassuringly. "Mar, I know you are sorry for what you said last night and I forgive you. I was acting like a bitch and you had a right to be mad at me…"
"But I didn't have the right to say what I did in front of everyone."
Nichole nodded. "Yes, but I forgive you anyway." Mary laughed and Nichole's face turned serious. "Mar, you are my best friend and if I lost you I don't know what I do."
She gathered her in a hug and patted her back lightly. Pulling away, she shot Mary a wicked smile. "So, you and Blink…."
A blush creeped up Mary's neck, and she turned away shyly. After a few minutes of composing herself, she nodded up and down slowly. Nichole stood pulling Mary up with her and hugged her again.
"How was it?"
Mary hit her playfully on the shoulder. "I'm not telling you. That is between Blink and me. You'll have to experience it for yourself, to find out."
Whoa, don't even go there!" Her eyes widened at the thought of her being in Mary's place. "I'm not ready for that sorta thing."
"Not ready for what sort of thing?"
Both girls turned towards a confused Blink and bust out laughing. His eye scrunched up and he shrugged. "What?"
"Blink, your shirt." Mary reached out, undid his crookedly buttoned shirt, and fixed it for him. When she finished, she patted his chest. "There good as new. Wouldn't want you making a fool out of yourself infront of the others."
"Ohh no, we wouldn't want that." Nichole retorted snorting back laughter. The couple ignored the comment and engaged in a passionate lip lock. Nichole stopped laughing to eye them disgusted. "God, you guys spend one night in the room alone and you get all mushy on me."
Breaking the kiss Blink flashed her a toothy grin. "You better watch it. When you get a boyfriend I'm going to make smart comments when you two are together." Nichole rolled her eyes at his playful threat. Blink kissed Mary quickly before releasing her.
"Gotta go sell papes. See you later." He waved a hand in Nichole's direction. "Bye, Nick."
"Bye." Her eyes followed Blink until he disappeared from the room, and then she shifted her gaze to Mary. "So, what are we going to do here by ourselves until lunchtime?"
Covering her mouth with a hand to prevent a yawn from escaping Mary shrugged. She let the words sink in then looked at Nichole confused. "What's happening at lunchtime?"
"Nothing, I just told Race that I meet him there for lunch." Catching the sly grin that slide across her friend's face, she groaned inwardly. She had just given herself away.
"Ohh really?" her eyes twinkled mischieviously. "Since when are you and Race going out on dates?"
It's not a date." Nichole insisted. "It's just lunch with him and all the other guys."
"Ohh come on!" Mary pushed Nichole on the nearest bed. "Are you going to sit there and tell me nothing, absolutely nothing happened while you and Race where in here…ALONE?"
Nichole nodded and began to bit her nails, a habit she had when she was nervous. The one person she couldn't lie to was Mary, she just became too nervous, and Mary quickly caught on to that.
"You're lying! Ha! Something did happen!
Nichole sighed loudly, stood and began to pace the small space between the bunks. She spit the pieces of fingernail she bit off before answering. "Fine, something did happen. Last night in the alley after I ran out, Race came out and we were talking. I got up to leave, but he pulled me back and….he kissed me."
The high pitch squeal that filled the room caused Nichole caused her to loose her balance and fall back down on the bed. Mary stood jumping up in down in excitement like a five year old. Smiling at the reaction she received, Nichole shook her head and pulled Mary down next to her stopping her movements. Mary only bounced up and down on the bed.
"Oh my God, I can't believe you finally got your first kiss! So, how was it? Is Race a good kisser?"
Nichole blushed, something she rarely did around Mary. This only caused another outburst from Mary. "Ohh he must be if you're blushing! There is a first for everything!"
This comment earned Mary a pop to the head. Chuckling loudly at her shocked expression, Nichole stood dodging the pillow that flew by her head. Laughing again she let her eyes wander the room searching for a watch. Not finding one she shrugged and turned back to Mary.
"You know what time it is?"
Mary opened a window and stuck her head out. "It has to be atleast ten thirty, maybe eleven."
Nodding, Nichole turned her back to her. Mary scanned her eyes over her best friend, her new and improved best friend. She knew that going to New York would be in vain. Mary's eyes focused on Nichole's now bare neck where a necklace once hung. She never took that thing off.
"Nick, did you take your necklace off?"
Swinging around she glanced at Mary confused, her fingers groping her neck. When her hands didn't feel anything there, she cursed loudly. Clenching her fist, she punched the wall. Grabbing her arm before her hand made contact with the wall again, Mary pulled her into a hug.
"Look, we'll find it. It probably got loose and fell off while you were sleeping." Running a hand through her hair, Nichole shook her head.
"No, I had it on when I took a bath so either I lost it in the washroom." She sighed despondently her shoulders slumping. " Or at Irving Hall."
"Nick, don't worry. We'll find it even if we have to get all the guys to search the whole lodging house and Irving Hall."
She clicked her tongue and nodded, letting her eyes rest on the window. Grabbing Mary's hand, she dragged her out of the room. "Come on Mar, we got to start heading over to Tibby's."
HR
With a swift walking pace, the two made it to Tibby's in five minutes flat. None of the guys had arrived yet so the girls made themselves comfortable in a booth and waited. Jack was the first to arrive a few minutes later, not to the surprise of the two.
"Whoa, what are you two doing here, and together? I thought after the little show you two put on last night, you wouldn't be talking to each other." Removing his cowboy hat, he sat opposite of the girls.
Nichole's lips twitched into a smile. The smile on his face was just too comical. "'Yea, well we're friends and friends forgive each other for their mistakes."
"Even if you were acting like a bitch…"
"Shut up, Mary."
A hint of amusement twinkled in Jack's eyes as he sat back and watched to two of them go at. It was obvious in their playful fighting that they both cared for each other deeply. How could he think they would stay mad at each other for long? He waved a hand in the air to get their attention.
"Hey, hey, break it up. We're here for lunch not to argue." He eyed them carefully. "Did you guys sell any papes today? You both look like you just woke up."
Nudging her shoulder, Nichole laughed. "You hear that Mar, he called you ugly. Who ever thought sweet old Jack could be that cruel."
"Shut up. He directed the question at the both of us."
Nichole shrugged. "I always look like this."
Mary ignored Nichole's statement, rolling her eyes. "We kinda got held up at the lodging house, so we just decided not to sell today." She told Jack simply.
"Well, I know you got held up." He nodded his head towards Mary. "But what to you, Nichole? That hangover you had get worst?"
He leaned forward, his eyes boring into hers. He smiled knowingly. He knew exactly what happened, he was the one that told Race to stay behind and talk to her. Watching Race's happy go lucky attitude all day, he was positive something happened between the two. He became even more positive when Nichole shot Mary a warning glare and fidgeted in her seat. The idea of Race and Nichole was slowly beginning to become a good concept.
"Yea, it became so bad I had to lie down for a while."
Jack the finger she was biting away from her mouth. "You know we are in a restaurant, you can order something if you're Hungary."
Nichole laughed nervously, and studied the bite marks in her skin. She sighed relieved when the bell on the door rang and Race and Blink walked in. Standing, Nicole saluted over to Race and grabbed him by the wrist. Before he could say anything, she dragged him out of Tibby's and into the nearest alley.
"What…was…that?" Blink gestured behind him, an eyebrow raised.
Mary patted the empty seat beside her, placing a hand around his waist when he fell down beside her. "Race and Nichole are finally getting together."
Running his hands soothingly over his wrist, he glanced at the nervous girl confusedly. "What's the matter, Nick. You kidnapping me or something? Cause you know if you just asked I go anywhere with you."
Nichole could help it. Her lips curled into a full fledge grin. His boyish features and adorable grin were irresistible. Relaxing, she shook her head and giggled. "Sorry, Jack was just making me nervous. I think he is expecting us to get together or something."
The grin his face held fell back to a frown."I thought we were together." He said solemnly
"I never said…" Her voice trailed off into the musty alley. The look on his face was just heartbreaking. How could she be so selfish? Everytime someone said or hinted her and Race should get together she became even more unsure of what she should do.
Damit! I wish the others would get a life and stay the hell out of mine.
"Race, I want to be with you, but…
"But what, Nick." Race had it with this teasing, he wanted a really relationship with her. Couldn't she see that? "I'm not good enough for you!? Are you embarrassed to be seen with me!? Because frankly I don't know what's wrong with you!" He turned away from her and to the brick wall. Swallowing the tears that were coming to his eyes he continued. "I want to be with you, Nick. I love you…but obviously you don't feel the same."
He turned sending her on last heart wrenching glare, ignoring the shocked look on her face. "Do us both a favor and just stay the hell away from me."
Clenching her eyes closed, she turned her back to the opening of the alley, not wanting to watch him leave. God, he just poured his heart out and told her he loved her. He actually loved her. How could she so moronic?
A nauseating feeling washed over her, and she leaned on the wall to keep herself from fall over. With her back against the wall, she slid to the cobblestones. The emotions that were deep inside her took over her body and she did something she promised herself she would never do. The tears came slowly at first, but then they thoroughly soaked her face, and her body shook violently.
She had gained back her best friend, but lost the one person she truly loved.