Warning: This story contains adult language, graphic violence, attempted
rape, attempted suicide, and sexually explicit themes. Reader's discretion
is advised.
Rating - R.
Disclaimer: I do not own Newsies or any of the Newsies characters. Apollonia, Giselle, Checkers, and other miscellaneous characters are all mine.
Chapter 9: Hands to Heaven
That night, the rain changed the weather; in the morning the temperature plummeted. Iron cold gripped the city. Bleak skies hid the sun. David handled the arrangements for the funeral on Apollonia's behalf. Apollonia was in a state of deep depression and in was in no mental condition to do such. She had never experienced anything like this before. It was as if the earth had opened itself up and swallowed her into its primordial abyss.
Word spread quickly about Spot's death. Newsies from all over went into mourning as the news of their dearly departed, respected former newsie reached them. The men at the now destroyed steel mill wore a black armband around their arms in memory of their cherished boss and co-worker. Several newsies, both former and current, brought cards, flowers, and other articles of sympathy to show their honor and respect for the now deceased Jordan Pierce Conlon. Apollonia, though dying inside, graciously accepted their condolences, no matter how tired or emotionally drained she was. Father Flanagan intoned his eulogy beside the open grave at St. Christopher's. Since Spot was from Brooklyn, she thought it appropriate for him to be buried in the borough from whence he came.
After the procession, gravediggers began to lower the stately mahogany coffin on its straps. David stood next to Apollonia, along with Giselle, Kid Blink, Racetrack, Mush, Boots, Crutchy, Skittery, Les, Sarah, and all of the other members of the Manhattan crew. Behind a tall oak tree stood Jack. He seemed dazed and sorrowful at the ceremony. He stood in the back behind the scores of newsies and steel mill workers not wanting to be noticed. As the coffin made its way into the ground, Apollonia swiftly placed a long-stemmed red rose on his casket. It marked for her the eternal love that will forever live in her heart. Jack looked on as the crowd disbanded; everyone leaving somberly to their prospective stations. Normally, Apollonia would have obliged the mourners by opening her home to them, but due to her delicate and mentally bruised condition, it was suggested by the doctor that she should not entertain any visitors. David, Giselle, Race, Kid Blink, Mush, Les, and Sarah accompanied her to her brownstone.
"Are you alright?" David asked concerned. Apollonia just sighed and nodded her head.
"Listen, if you need anything, anything at all, we are right here for you." Apollonia smiled at David for his thoughtfulness. "I know that, David. I value your friendships very much and I appreciate everything all of you have done for me." She said addressing everyone. He gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek. Race hugged her tightly, fiercely fighting back tears. "If you ever need to talk, you know where to find me." He said, wiping away tears that escaped his eyes. Kid Blink and Mush both embraced her, crying softly to themselves. Once they released her, Sarah stepped forward to pay her condolences. Apollonia found it strange, yet comforting that Sarah was kind enough to show her the gentle warmth of a friend in need. Sarah always admitted to herself that she was always a little jealous of Apollonia; but that did not matter anymore. She had much respect for her and held her firmly in her arms. Les gave her the most expressive and loving hug, with a single tear running down his cheek. Although he did not hang out with Spot that much, he respected him almost as much as he did another newsie leader. The group departed as Apollonia watched them leave to their homes. Giselle, holding her hand, looked over to her.
"Do you want me to come in with you, cherie?"
"No, thank you, Giselle. I just need some time alone." Giselle nodded her head and wept as she gave Apollonia a hug before leaving. Apollonia watched as Giselle departed and disappeared in the distance. As soon as her friend was out of sight, she turned on her heel, entered her lavish domicile and locked the door to the world.
~
Racetrack, Kid Blink, David and Mush all decided to spend their time at Brady's Bar. The day's events had taken their toll on the guys and they needed to unwind and relax. After taking a few sips of beer, Racetrack spoke his mind first.
"Man, whatta day. It's not everyday you go to a funeral of somebody you once knew." The guys bobbed their heads in agreement. "As depressing as it was, it was nice to see some of the former newsies from across town." Everyone remembered how melancholy the faced were. Some funeral attendees cried while others put on a strong façade of remaining calm and not letting their anger and sadness show. It was a miserable scene.
"Speaking of seeing the former newsies, did anyone see Jack?" They guys looked up shocked at David's question. "I didn't see Jack. Where was he?" Blink asked.
"Standing behind a tall tree. I guess he didn't want to be seen." Race shook his head. "He should've come forward. He knows dat no one would've been shocked to see him. I know dat he and Spot had their differences, but they were still cool." David just stayed quiet, looking back on the conversation he and Jack had about him visiting Spot in the hospital. He hoped that Jack took him up on his offer and saw him before he expired.
The waitress came by and asked them if they needed any more refills. Race and Blink took some more while Mush finished his glass and felt his stomach gurgling. They day's events had slowed down his energy a great deal. "Man, oh, man. What are we gonna do? How are our lives supposed to go now?"
"As usual, Mush." Racetrack said. "We live our lives as usual and keep da faith. You gotta ride your wagon 'til da wheels fall off. Today has taught me dat you never know what's gonna happen to ya." The guys looked at Racetrack as he spoke those words of wisdom. Although a wise guy most of the time, Racetrack did have a streak of judiciousness about him.
"There is someone else we haven't discussed yet, Apollonia. We have ta keep a close watch on her. She's like a sista ta us and we gotta keep an eye out for her. Capeche?" Everyone made a pact to keep their promises to themselves and each other as they clanked their mugs together.
~
That night, very late, Apollonia woke up. She felt like a child, frightened and angry. "Why did you do this to me, Spot? Why did you leave me alone?" She struck her pillow and kept striking it until she started to cry. She felt defeated; defeated and lost. She put her head down on the soft pillow. From the heavy starched cloth crept a scent, his scent, the imprint of someone who had shared the bed and sheets with her. He was gone but he still lingered. She tried to stop crying but couldn't. Every time she closed her eyes she saw two Spot Conlons - one being the beautiful and tough young man that she loved and who loved her immensely, the other being the decrepit and near-death person that hung on until the end. These images of her beloved kept playing in her mind the whole time. She remembered when he told her, looking at her with his impassioned blue eyes, that he loved her and that their love will last forever. She remembered his hands that were so loving and tender when on her body. The bed where she laid was the same bed that captured the essence of their lovemaking.
She prayed to God that Spot was in heaven, looking down from his heavenly station and watching over her. She was very distraught at the sight of her beloved lying in bed, frail and weak. Even in his dying state, he still had the fight in him. Seeing her in his last minutes of vision brought comfort to him before he expired. She remembered all too well the look in his eyes as he fixed them onto hers as he breathed his last breath. Their hands clenched together in a stately embrace as his soul left his body, making its way into heaven. This imaged burned in her psyche and would perhaps be there for all eternity. She wept until daylight.
~
She kept her bookstore/café closed for a few weeks. She did not find it appropriate to work immediately while in mourning. She stayed busy by going through the souvenirs of romance she kept throughout their marriage. She read through each letter thoroughly, fondly remembering the good times they shared together. She looked at the dried rose petals she kept in her diary, sniffing them to remember the scent of love. Red roses were her favorite. Spot always bought them for her. Sometimes red, sometimes pink. He always thought red ones represented their passion and love for each other while pink ones inspired whimsical delight of their romance. She then made her way over to the dresser where a picture of the two of them showed a beautiful and loving couple. Anyone would have seen the sparkle in Apollonia's eyes and the dashing look of the former Brooklyn newsie. One takes immediate notice of the startlingly light-colored eyes of the young man, which radiated power and authority.
The thoughts and memories of their steady romance coursed through her mind all day, everyday. She could still feel his presence in every room in the house. She even felt him in her dreams. The warmth of his touch, the smell of his hair, the heat of his breath, the look in his eyes, all of the elements of a man she could never stop loving. It would take a lifetime to erase the presence and memory of Spot Conlon, husband, friend, and cherished lover.
Disclaimer: I do not own Newsies or any of the Newsies characters. Apollonia, Giselle, Checkers, and other miscellaneous characters are all mine.
Chapter 9: Hands to Heaven
That night, the rain changed the weather; in the morning the temperature plummeted. Iron cold gripped the city. Bleak skies hid the sun. David handled the arrangements for the funeral on Apollonia's behalf. Apollonia was in a state of deep depression and in was in no mental condition to do such. She had never experienced anything like this before. It was as if the earth had opened itself up and swallowed her into its primordial abyss.
Word spread quickly about Spot's death. Newsies from all over went into mourning as the news of their dearly departed, respected former newsie reached them. The men at the now destroyed steel mill wore a black armband around their arms in memory of their cherished boss and co-worker. Several newsies, both former and current, brought cards, flowers, and other articles of sympathy to show their honor and respect for the now deceased Jordan Pierce Conlon. Apollonia, though dying inside, graciously accepted their condolences, no matter how tired or emotionally drained she was. Father Flanagan intoned his eulogy beside the open grave at St. Christopher's. Since Spot was from Brooklyn, she thought it appropriate for him to be buried in the borough from whence he came.
After the procession, gravediggers began to lower the stately mahogany coffin on its straps. David stood next to Apollonia, along with Giselle, Kid Blink, Racetrack, Mush, Boots, Crutchy, Skittery, Les, Sarah, and all of the other members of the Manhattan crew. Behind a tall oak tree stood Jack. He seemed dazed and sorrowful at the ceremony. He stood in the back behind the scores of newsies and steel mill workers not wanting to be noticed. As the coffin made its way into the ground, Apollonia swiftly placed a long-stemmed red rose on his casket. It marked for her the eternal love that will forever live in her heart. Jack looked on as the crowd disbanded; everyone leaving somberly to their prospective stations. Normally, Apollonia would have obliged the mourners by opening her home to them, but due to her delicate and mentally bruised condition, it was suggested by the doctor that she should not entertain any visitors. David, Giselle, Race, Kid Blink, Mush, Les, and Sarah accompanied her to her brownstone.
"Are you alright?" David asked concerned. Apollonia just sighed and nodded her head.
"Listen, if you need anything, anything at all, we are right here for you." Apollonia smiled at David for his thoughtfulness. "I know that, David. I value your friendships very much and I appreciate everything all of you have done for me." She said addressing everyone. He gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek. Race hugged her tightly, fiercely fighting back tears. "If you ever need to talk, you know where to find me." He said, wiping away tears that escaped his eyes. Kid Blink and Mush both embraced her, crying softly to themselves. Once they released her, Sarah stepped forward to pay her condolences. Apollonia found it strange, yet comforting that Sarah was kind enough to show her the gentle warmth of a friend in need. Sarah always admitted to herself that she was always a little jealous of Apollonia; but that did not matter anymore. She had much respect for her and held her firmly in her arms. Les gave her the most expressive and loving hug, with a single tear running down his cheek. Although he did not hang out with Spot that much, he respected him almost as much as he did another newsie leader. The group departed as Apollonia watched them leave to their homes. Giselle, holding her hand, looked over to her.
"Do you want me to come in with you, cherie?"
"No, thank you, Giselle. I just need some time alone." Giselle nodded her head and wept as she gave Apollonia a hug before leaving. Apollonia watched as Giselle departed and disappeared in the distance. As soon as her friend was out of sight, she turned on her heel, entered her lavish domicile and locked the door to the world.
~
Racetrack, Kid Blink, David and Mush all decided to spend their time at Brady's Bar. The day's events had taken their toll on the guys and they needed to unwind and relax. After taking a few sips of beer, Racetrack spoke his mind first.
"Man, whatta day. It's not everyday you go to a funeral of somebody you once knew." The guys bobbed their heads in agreement. "As depressing as it was, it was nice to see some of the former newsies from across town." Everyone remembered how melancholy the faced were. Some funeral attendees cried while others put on a strong façade of remaining calm and not letting their anger and sadness show. It was a miserable scene.
"Speaking of seeing the former newsies, did anyone see Jack?" They guys looked up shocked at David's question. "I didn't see Jack. Where was he?" Blink asked.
"Standing behind a tall tree. I guess he didn't want to be seen." Race shook his head. "He should've come forward. He knows dat no one would've been shocked to see him. I know dat he and Spot had their differences, but they were still cool." David just stayed quiet, looking back on the conversation he and Jack had about him visiting Spot in the hospital. He hoped that Jack took him up on his offer and saw him before he expired.
The waitress came by and asked them if they needed any more refills. Race and Blink took some more while Mush finished his glass and felt his stomach gurgling. They day's events had slowed down his energy a great deal. "Man, oh, man. What are we gonna do? How are our lives supposed to go now?"
"As usual, Mush." Racetrack said. "We live our lives as usual and keep da faith. You gotta ride your wagon 'til da wheels fall off. Today has taught me dat you never know what's gonna happen to ya." The guys looked at Racetrack as he spoke those words of wisdom. Although a wise guy most of the time, Racetrack did have a streak of judiciousness about him.
"There is someone else we haven't discussed yet, Apollonia. We have ta keep a close watch on her. She's like a sista ta us and we gotta keep an eye out for her. Capeche?" Everyone made a pact to keep their promises to themselves and each other as they clanked their mugs together.
~
That night, very late, Apollonia woke up. She felt like a child, frightened and angry. "Why did you do this to me, Spot? Why did you leave me alone?" She struck her pillow and kept striking it until she started to cry. She felt defeated; defeated and lost. She put her head down on the soft pillow. From the heavy starched cloth crept a scent, his scent, the imprint of someone who had shared the bed and sheets with her. He was gone but he still lingered. She tried to stop crying but couldn't. Every time she closed her eyes she saw two Spot Conlons - one being the beautiful and tough young man that she loved and who loved her immensely, the other being the decrepit and near-death person that hung on until the end. These images of her beloved kept playing in her mind the whole time. She remembered when he told her, looking at her with his impassioned blue eyes, that he loved her and that their love will last forever. She remembered his hands that were so loving and tender when on her body. The bed where she laid was the same bed that captured the essence of their lovemaking.
She prayed to God that Spot was in heaven, looking down from his heavenly station and watching over her. She was very distraught at the sight of her beloved lying in bed, frail and weak. Even in his dying state, he still had the fight in him. Seeing her in his last minutes of vision brought comfort to him before he expired. She remembered all too well the look in his eyes as he fixed them onto hers as he breathed his last breath. Their hands clenched together in a stately embrace as his soul left his body, making its way into heaven. This imaged burned in her psyche and would perhaps be there for all eternity. She wept until daylight.
~
She kept her bookstore/café closed for a few weeks. She did not find it appropriate to work immediately while in mourning. She stayed busy by going through the souvenirs of romance she kept throughout their marriage. She read through each letter thoroughly, fondly remembering the good times they shared together. She looked at the dried rose petals she kept in her diary, sniffing them to remember the scent of love. Red roses were her favorite. Spot always bought them for her. Sometimes red, sometimes pink. He always thought red ones represented their passion and love for each other while pink ones inspired whimsical delight of their romance. She then made her way over to the dresser where a picture of the two of them showed a beautiful and loving couple. Anyone would have seen the sparkle in Apollonia's eyes and the dashing look of the former Brooklyn newsie. One takes immediate notice of the startlingly light-colored eyes of the young man, which radiated power and authority.
The thoughts and memories of their steady romance coursed through her mind all day, everyday. She could still feel his presence in every room in the house. She even felt him in her dreams. The warmth of his touch, the smell of his hair, the heat of his breath, the look in his eyes, all of the elements of a man she could never stop loving. It would take a lifetime to erase the presence and memory of Spot Conlon, husband, friend, and cherished lover.
