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 15 - Friends and Enemies
Apollonia coursed through the streets catching glimpses of all of the vendors in the marketplace. Everyone was eager to sell their wares, from fruits and vegetables to knickers and boots. They watched the passersby, attentively urging invitations to anyone who even glanced at their goods. Various tongues were heard throughout the crowd - French, Spanish, Italian, German, English, people with Irish brogues and deep, guttural Dutch accents. She heard a man speaking loudly, standing on a crate, haranguing to three men holding in his hand a silk dress of somewhat fine quality. He apparently was auctioning them to the highest bidder. Further down the street, a woman was arguing with a merchant over the price of a cotton apron. She felt cheated, as was obvious in the tone of her voice and her repeated broken English. Apollonia took a whiff of the air, which was filled with one thousand aromas of food and New York life. Shortly afterwards, she approached a clearing of the streets as she turned the corner to make her way to Michael's Emporium. "Going somewhere, Mrs. Conlon?" She heard someone say behind her in an unflinching, menacing voice. Quickly, she spun around wanting to know who was questioning her. Surprisingly, she was met with an incredibly intimidating young man. As he approached her, she stood paralyzed by the frightening look in his eyes.
"Do I know you?" She asked cautiously. He walked over to her, sauntering towards her with an arrogant swagger. "You should. But if you don't, your husband certainly did."
She looked at him confused. As soon as he stood over her, erect at 6'2", she immediately knew who he was. Killian Christy, the former leader of Queens, had been following her the entire time.
"Conlon should tell you not to travel alone. Bad things could happen to a pretty young thing." His icy pale blue eyes bore into her as a streak of fright overtook her. She ran through the streets with Killian quickly closing in behind her. She made a detour into a nearby alley, hoping to cut between the buildings to the next block and lose him in the crowd. A sudden hand shot out and grabbed her by the hair. He pushed her up against a wall holding her face so that she could not look away from him. A sadistic smile ran across his face. "So, you're Conlon's whore. I have to say he sure does have good taste."
She remembered all too well the story Spot told her of a fierce newsie who wanted control of Brooklyn and the surrounding areas. Killian never forgot about how Spot and his boys kicked his ass and ordered him never to return to Queens and turning Queens over to Spot's second-in-command. As an added bonus, Spot had sex with Killian's girlfriend who left him for Spot. It was a relationship which lasted only a few short weeks, but Killian never forgot it and had planned his revenge for the longest. She screamed so loud that she stomped on his foot and kicked him in the shin. This only caused him to become infuriated. He slapped her face so hard, he stung his hand. While he pinned her up against the wall, he forced her to look up into his devilish eyes.
"You shouldn't have done that, baby. I was thinking about having a little fun with you and letting you go about your own business. But now I'm going to fuck your brains out and kill you, you cock-sucking slut!" Forcibly, he held his hand across her mouth as she struggled to get free. His body weight and height made it damn near impossible for her to escape. He immediately began lifting her skirt, feeling around to lower her pantalets so he could violate her. Apollonia could not believe what was happening to her. Here she was having a wonderful day, not a care in the world, and now she was at the mercy of an old nemesis of Spot's. What was worse, Spot was not able to save her. As these thoughts coursed through her mind, Killian began biting and kissing her neck, trying to provoke a sensation within her.
"Come on. You know what I wanna do. Why don't you settle down and put your mind to it. You might like it." He said as he groped her breasts. Killian seemed to be getting the right reaction he wanted from her because she started screaming, although her sounds were muffled, and writhing to get free of his grasp. It was hopeless. An involuntary cry escaped her lips when he jerked her head back by her hair and forced a slobbering kiss on her mouth. Just as he was about to enter her, a pair of strong hands seized control of him. One punch, then another came crashing into Killian's face. Killian swung at his assailant, missing with every swing. His competition never missed his target, always landing a direct hit on his tough, but struggling body. Without warning, Killian pulled out a knife and jabbed it towards the attacker's chest. He missed. The hero made one kick box-like move to Killian's hand, causing him to drop the knife and scream in pain and frustration.
Finally, the brave man grabbed him by the shirt pulling him towards himself and smashing Killian's chest into his powerful thigh before throwing him to the ground and kicking him numerous times in the ribs. Killian laid there face down, moving slowly in pain. Apollonia watched the entire ordeal from a distance, shaken by the horror of what just happened to her. Her rescuer ran to her. "Are you alright, Mrs. Conlon?" Straining to catch her breath, she nodded in acknowledgement of his question.
"Yes, I'm just shaken up a bit." She thoughtfully looked up at him, wishing to thank her savior, but was taken off guard when she saw who it was.
"Jack." He looked at her with so much concern in his eyes. She tried to calm herself down but was overtaken by shock and mortification. Jack gently hugged her and told her it was okay. "It's gonna be alright." He told her repeatedly. He glanced over at the would-be rapist who was lying on the ground unconscious. "Come on. We'd better get you some treatment." Jack swiftly escorted her out of the alley back to his apartment. Without opposition, Apollonia obliged Jack's wishes as the two left the wounded attacker to meet his grisly fate, whatever it may be.
~
Giselle had begun spending more time in the company of David. David's visits were becoming more frequent and Giselle had to splice her time between working at the bookstore, attending to Apollonia, and entertaining David. David still had not worked up enough courage to ask her out on a date, but he was working on it. He even asked Blink for advice on how to approach the matter. Blink joked to him about using the old "Caveman Method" of knocking a woman upside the head and carrying her off to his place. David just thought he was crazy.
He thought that it would be a good idea to take her to one of the cozy little restaurants that dominated New York, but he did not want the guys seeing him around town with Giselle and he did not want to give her the wrong impression about himself.
"I'll take her to Brooklyn. There's very little chance of the guys finding out that I took her to dinner over there." He said to himself. "When I go see her tomorrow, I'll ask her if she'll go out with me. That would be great."
As he spoke his thoughts aloud, Checkers walked up behind him. "So, you're talking to yourself now, David?" Startled, David quickly turned around to see who was addressing him.
"No. I was just thinking my thoughts out loud to make sure I knew what I wanted to do."
"Hey, don't get so defensive. If ya talk to yourself, dat's one thing. If ya start answering yourself, then dat's another story." David just rolled his eyes, bought a paper from him and went on home.
~
Sitting in a comfortable chair, mind racing with thoughts, Apollonia struggled to remain composed. Jack walked over to her holding a wet towel and a box of ice. "How are ya feeling?" He sincerely asked while lightly touching the corner of her bleeding mouth. "Better. Not totally fine, but better." She winced in pain as Jack touched a sore opening that bled continuously, constantly allowing her to taste the metallic flavor of her own blood. Jack could not stand to see her feeling like this. He was even angrier at the attempted assault on her. It kept playing over and over in his mind: the threat, the harm, the evil look in his eyes as Killian tried to have his way with her. Apollonia would never forget it. Neither would Jack. Apollonia broke the silence.
"What do you think will happen now? What do you think he will do?"
"Nothing if he wants to live." Jack said with a sinister tone in his voice. With that statement, Apollonia smiled as much as she could without hurting her lip. Apparently, Killian's strong hands had pushed the inside of her mouth into he teeth, causing injury. Apollonia couldn't believe that after all this time this Killian character would come to exact his revenge on Spot by forcing himself on her. He figured it was better to get back at Spot in death rather than in life. "If you want, you can stay here for the night. I don't think you should walk the streets after what just happened. The bulls have probably found him by now and he might try to say that you sent a mob after him, blaming you for his beating." She said sighing heavily. "You can sleep in my bed. I'll sleep out here on the sofa." She gazed at him thoughtfully. "Don't worry. The sofa is much more comfortable than it looks." She smiled up at him as he rubbed her back soothingly.
"Are you hungry?" Apollonia nodded to him and he jumped up to go to the kitchen and cook a delicious dinner. As he looked through the cupboards and pantry, Apollonia remained composed in her current surroundings. She instantly thought about Giselle and what she would say about her absence. She wondered how she could get a message over to her to let her know that she was safe. The day's events were too much for her to think about for right now and she reasoned that Giselle should not be so concerned for her and her whereabouts. Right now, she was in good hands.
"I thought we should have some chicken and rice with vegetables. Is that okay with you?"
"Yes, that fine. I love chicken." Jack smiled. "I was lucky enough to do some shopping the other day. Crutchy gave me some free chicken from the grocery store that he works for. It's good to have friends in high places." He joked. Apollonia lifted herself from the chair in which she was seated and walked over to a bureau drawer that had a framed picture on it. It was of Jack and the rest of the newsies during the strike. She softly smiled at the photograph, noticing Jack in the center of it looking like a gallant knight that had made a glorious victory. She scanned the picture towards the right and saw her love. Spot. She said to herself. She saw how incredibly cute he was in the photo. His eyes peering at her innocently. He looked innocent and childlike in the print. This was the Spot she met and fell in love with. The camera did not capture the tough, sexy womanizer that was known throughout New York. This was another side of Spot. The kind, gentler aspect of him. Her feelings of sadness and pain slowly began to resurface. Tears were beginning to well up in her eyes and she did not want to play the grieving widow role in Jack's presence. She looked away from the snapshot, hoping to eliminate her rising desolation.
She walked towards the kitchen table, watching Jack as he slaved over a stove cooking a tasty meal. Taking a seat, she felt compelled to ask Jack a curious question. "Jack, um, how did you know that I was in the alley, or in the marketplace area?" Jack looked at her with sincerity. "I was kinda following you." Apollonia looked at him astonished.
"I was in the marketplace talking to some of the younger newsies and hanging around watching the boxers in the ring. I caught a glimpse of you as you passed by. I was wondering what you had been up to since I saw you last and was curious as to where you were going. Then I saw Killian. And when that son-of-a-bitch started chasing you, I had to fight my way through the crowd just to catch up to you. I peeked through every alley until I finally found you. And you already know the rest." Apollonia was very grateful that Jack kept a protective eye on her. And seeing how he rescued her told her a lot more about him than she knew.
"Jack, I can't tell you how appreciative I am for what you did. I will forever be in your debt. Thank you." Jack moved stealthily up to her and wiped the tear that was quickly streaking down her face. He then went back to finish cooking, leaving Apollonia to enjoy her one-night stay at his meek domicile.
~
Big, dark-fringed brown eyes; silky waves of dark brown tresses; full, rosy- tipped breasts; a small, scared figure in a dingy alley. These varied images turned slowly through Jack's mind. He felt tension growing inside him, angry tension and, yes, damn it, sexual tension. The grim visual of Killian putting his hands on Apollonia in the alley, forcing himself on her, was menacing in itself. He wanted to go over to her, lying in his bed, and comfort her. Well, more than comfort. Jack got up from the sofa and walked to his bedroom door. He opened it quietly as not to wake her. He saw her lying on her side with her back to him. Slowly, he strolled toward the bed, watching her sleep as her chest heaved up and down from her soft inhaling. He stood there taking in all of her beauty. As he lifted the covers to meet with her, he halted. He felt that he would be no better than Killian. And he didn't want Apollonia to end up hating him. But God, she is so beautiful lying there. I have waited for a moment like this for so long. Jack's thoughts were at the forefront of his mind, but his conscience was getting the better of him. But that was too bad, he told himself. He'd just have to get over wanting her. At least, for tonight. With that, he turned around quietly and exited the room, looking back at her one last time to check up on her and gaze upon her incredible beauty.
~
The following morning was eye-catching. As sunlight broke through the window, Apollonia was met with warm sunshine. She was delighted to have gotten a good night's rest after her hellish encounter of the day before. She felt unusually safe and at peace in Jack's humble abode. She didn't know why exactly, but she felt protected. Secured. Inaudibly, she walked to the door to enter the living room. She had been met by a half-dressed Jack. "Morning, Apollonia. How did you sleep?" He asked, rising from the table and acknowledging her.
"Very well, thank you. I slept like a baby." Jack looked at her curiously. He always wanted to know what she looked like in the morning for some reason. He was quite pleased. Apollonia could not help but note his robust attractiveness. His tanned, muscular torso drew all her attention, despite her best intentions not to notice. Apollonia found she had to look away; her own thoughts embarrassed her. And she certainly did not want him to read them on her face. So, she looked away, hoping that he would not sense her awkwardness. Jack did notice, but he smiled to himself, not letting her see that he detected her embarrassment. "Um, I need to freshen up a bit. Where is your bathroom?"
"Over on the left." He said pointing her to its direction. As she closed the door, Jack's feelings of tension began to resurface. He was very happy to see her, and even more happy that she allowed him to reenter her life. He wanted to protect her as well as love her. It had taken all of his will power to not join her last night. God how he had wanted to, but he knew it would be best if he didn't. He was dealing in precious territory - a widowed young woman who he had loved and lusted after for years who was almost the victim a gruesome, sexual attack. Although he wanted to protect her as if she was a helpless little girl, his mind registered quickly that she was a full-grown woman, with an attractive face, firm, ripe breasts and an amazing figure. That impression was made on his mind almost without him knowing it. Right now he was concerned for her life.
Within a few minutes, she came out of the bathroom and made her way to the table where Jack had placed a plate of breakfast for her. "How's your lip?" He inquired, blocking her way to her seat and stroking her face so that he could inspect the damage. "It's still a little sore, but I should be okay after applying ice to it a few more times." He then pulled her chair out for her to sit before taking his seat right next to her.
"I'm going to walk you to your house when we leave, alright? I don't think anything will happen today, but I want to be extra sure nothing happens."
"That would be fine. But we should go to the bookstore, instead. Giselle will be there and I know she will want a definite explanation for my absence last night."
"Of course, you have to let you big sister know where you were last night. Knowing her, she most likely called the police and had them looking for you all throughout Manhattan." He joked. She laughed, trying not to choke on the scrambled eggs that she was eating.
"You're right. Knowing Giselle, she probably hired two armed Pinkerton detectives to go searching for me." Jack laughed at her salty remark as he proceeded to drink his coffee and read his newspaper. Once she finished her breakfast, Apollonia excused herself to go Jack's room and gather her belongings. Jack went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and put on a shirt that he retrieved the night before so he would not have to disturb her morning ritual the following day. After about five minutes, Apollonia came out of his room, made one more trip to the bathroom, and proceeded to leave the apartment with Jack in tow.
~
The bookstore was momentarily empty. Giselle was visited by David, who had hoped to ask her out for a date. Unfortunately he was met by a jittery and upset acquaintance. Giselle told him that Apollonia did not come home the previous night and she was worried about her. She was even more upset at Apollonia for not, at least, leaving a note. She remained frantic even though David assured her that Apollonia could not be in any danger and that she was in good hands. Shortly, Apollonia and Jack entered the establishment with ease.
Giselle was ecstatic to see her, alive and seemingly in tact. "Mon Dieu! Apollonia, I was so worried about you! Where were you?" She inquired while holding Apollonia tightly and looking over at Jack with suspicion. David came up to them and looked over at Jack.
"It's okay, Giselle. I had a long day yesterday and I just came to tell you that I'm taking the day off. I will be out for most of the day and you can run the store while I'm gone." Relieved that she was back in one piece, Giselle complied with Apollonia's wishes. She wasn't going to ask any questions; at least, not yet. Turning to Jack and David, Apollonia politely excused herself and went into the back room with Giselle, leaving the two young men to converse briefly.
"So, Jack. What's the story?" David asked. "Too long to tell, too short to keep a secret." Jack commented. David looked at him confused. "I'll tell you at Brady's later on tonight. Meet me at 8 o'clock." David nodded. Jack walked over to the counter of the bookstore and looked back at David.
"So, Dave. What's been up with you?"
"Nothing much. I have been interviewing a couple of people for my research on the Five Points where people lived through chaos, gangs, and civil unrest in the 1860s. So far, nothing seems to be interesting enough to print. It's the usual stuff everybody already knows."
"Remember what I told you, Dave, you gotta improve the truth. Haven't I taught you anything?" He said, smirking.
"Yeah, but remember, that was your specialty, not mine." David laughingly retorted. Jack chuckled, leaning against the counter while absentmindedly thumbing through a catalog that was left on the countertop.
"So, Dave, I noticed you have been spending a lot more time wid Giselle." David looked at Jack surprised. "I saw you two walking taggeda a few days ago. What's da deal?"
"Well, there's no deal yet. I mean, we're just friends right now. I've been trying to work up enough courage to ask her out, but ..." David trailed off in disappointment. "Hey, don't worry, Dave. Wid your looks and your figure, you can have any woman eating out of da palm of your hand." David smiled as the two stood there in silence. Within moments, Apollonia and Giselle appeared.
"Listen, um, I've got a lot of errands to run and stuff to pick up, so, I'm gonna go now and leave you to your own devices." The ladies nodded their heads in acknowledgement. "Well, I'll be seeing you later, Apollonia. Take care of her, Giselle. And Dave, remember where to meet me. Eight o'clock. Alright?" David gave him a thumbs-up. Jack exited the bookstore and headed around the corner to carry out his responsibilities for the day.
Disclaimer: I do not own Newsies or any of the Newsies characters. Apollonia, Giselle, Checkers, and other miscellaneous characters are all mine.
Chapter 15 - Friends and Enemies
Apollonia coursed through the streets catching glimpses of all of the vendors in the marketplace. Everyone was eager to sell their wares, from fruits and vegetables to knickers and boots. They watched the passersby, attentively urging invitations to anyone who even glanced at their goods. Various tongues were heard throughout the crowd - French, Spanish, Italian, German, English, people with Irish brogues and deep, guttural Dutch accents. She heard a man speaking loudly, standing on a crate, haranguing to three men holding in his hand a silk dress of somewhat fine quality. He apparently was auctioning them to the highest bidder. Further down the street, a woman was arguing with a merchant over the price of a cotton apron. She felt cheated, as was obvious in the tone of her voice and her repeated broken English. Apollonia took a whiff of the air, which was filled with one thousand aromas of food and New York life. Shortly afterwards, she approached a clearing of the streets as she turned the corner to make her way to Michael's Emporium. "Going somewhere, Mrs. Conlon?" She heard someone say behind her in an unflinching, menacing voice. Quickly, she spun around wanting to know who was questioning her. Surprisingly, she was met with an incredibly intimidating young man. As he approached her, she stood paralyzed by the frightening look in his eyes.
"Do I know you?" She asked cautiously. He walked over to her, sauntering towards her with an arrogant swagger. "You should. But if you don't, your husband certainly did."
She looked at him confused. As soon as he stood over her, erect at 6'2", she immediately knew who he was. Killian Christy, the former leader of Queens, had been following her the entire time.
"Conlon should tell you not to travel alone. Bad things could happen to a pretty young thing." His icy pale blue eyes bore into her as a streak of fright overtook her. She ran through the streets with Killian quickly closing in behind her. She made a detour into a nearby alley, hoping to cut between the buildings to the next block and lose him in the crowd. A sudden hand shot out and grabbed her by the hair. He pushed her up against a wall holding her face so that she could not look away from him. A sadistic smile ran across his face. "So, you're Conlon's whore. I have to say he sure does have good taste."
She remembered all too well the story Spot told her of a fierce newsie who wanted control of Brooklyn and the surrounding areas. Killian never forgot about how Spot and his boys kicked his ass and ordered him never to return to Queens and turning Queens over to Spot's second-in-command. As an added bonus, Spot had sex with Killian's girlfriend who left him for Spot. It was a relationship which lasted only a few short weeks, but Killian never forgot it and had planned his revenge for the longest. She screamed so loud that she stomped on his foot and kicked him in the shin. This only caused him to become infuriated. He slapped her face so hard, he stung his hand. While he pinned her up against the wall, he forced her to look up into his devilish eyes.
"You shouldn't have done that, baby. I was thinking about having a little fun with you and letting you go about your own business. But now I'm going to fuck your brains out and kill you, you cock-sucking slut!" Forcibly, he held his hand across her mouth as she struggled to get free. His body weight and height made it damn near impossible for her to escape. He immediately began lifting her skirt, feeling around to lower her pantalets so he could violate her. Apollonia could not believe what was happening to her. Here she was having a wonderful day, not a care in the world, and now she was at the mercy of an old nemesis of Spot's. What was worse, Spot was not able to save her. As these thoughts coursed through her mind, Killian began biting and kissing her neck, trying to provoke a sensation within her.
"Come on. You know what I wanna do. Why don't you settle down and put your mind to it. You might like it." He said as he groped her breasts. Killian seemed to be getting the right reaction he wanted from her because she started screaming, although her sounds were muffled, and writhing to get free of his grasp. It was hopeless. An involuntary cry escaped her lips when he jerked her head back by her hair and forced a slobbering kiss on her mouth. Just as he was about to enter her, a pair of strong hands seized control of him. One punch, then another came crashing into Killian's face. Killian swung at his assailant, missing with every swing. His competition never missed his target, always landing a direct hit on his tough, but struggling body. Without warning, Killian pulled out a knife and jabbed it towards the attacker's chest. He missed. The hero made one kick box-like move to Killian's hand, causing him to drop the knife and scream in pain and frustration.
Finally, the brave man grabbed him by the shirt pulling him towards himself and smashing Killian's chest into his powerful thigh before throwing him to the ground and kicking him numerous times in the ribs. Killian laid there face down, moving slowly in pain. Apollonia watched the entire ordeal from a distance, shaken by the horror of what just happened to her. Her rescuer ran to her. "Are you alright, Mrs. Conlon?" Straining to catch her breath, she nodded in acknowledgement of his question.
"Yes, I'm just shaken up a bit." She thoughtfully looked up at him, wishing to thank her savior, but was taken off guard when she saw who it was.
"Jack." He looked at her with so much concern in his eyes. She tried to calm herself down but was overtaken by shock and mortification. Jack gently hugged her and told her it was okay. "It's gonna be alright." He told her repeatedly. He glanced over at the would-be rapist who was lying on the ground unconscious. "Come on. We'd better get you some treatment." Jack swiftly escorted her out of the alley back to his apartment. Without opposition, Apollonia obliged Jack's wishes as the two left the wounded attacker to meet his grisly fate, whatever it may be.
~
Giselle had begun spending more time in the company of David. David's visits were becoming more frequent and Giselle had to splice her time between working at the bookstore, attending to Apollonia, and entertaining David. David still had not worked up enough courage to ask her out on a date, but he was working on it. He even asked Blink for advice on how to approach the matter. Blink joked to him about using the old "Caveman Method" of knocking a woman upside the head and carrying her off to his place. David just thought he was crazy.
He thought that it would be a good idea to take her to one of the cozy little restaurants that dominated New York, but he did not want the guys seeing him around town with Giselle and he did not want to give her the wrong impression about himself.
"I'll take her to Brooklyn. There's very little chance of the guys finding out that I took her to dinner over there." He said to himself. "When I go see her tomorrow, I'll ask her if she'll go out with me. That would be great."
As he spoke his thoughts aloud, Checkers walked up behind him. "So, you're talking to yourself now, David?" Startled, David quickly turned around to see who was addressing him.
"No. I was just thinking my thoughts out loud to make sure I knew what I wanted to do."
"Hey, don't get so defensive. If ya talk to yourself, dat's one thing. If ya start answering yourself, then dat's another story." David just rolled his eyes, bought a paper from him and went on home.
~
Sitting in a comfortable chair, mind racing with thoughts, Apollonia struggled to remain composed. Jack walked over to her holding a wet towel and a box of ice. "How are ya feeling?" He sincerely asked while lightly touching the corner of her bleeding mouth. "Better. Not totally fine, but better." She winced in pain as Jack touched a sore opening that bled continuously, constantly allowing her to taste the metallic flavor of her own blood. Jack could not stand to see her feeling like this. He was even angrier at the attempted assault on her. It kept playing over and over in his mind: the threat, the harm, the evil look in his eyes as Killian tried to have his way with her. Apollonia would never forget it. Neither would Jack. Apollonia broke the silence.
"What do you think will happen now? What do you think he will do?"
"Nothing if he wants to live." Jack said with a sinister tone in his voice. With that statement, Apollonia smiled as much as she could without hurting her lip. Apparently, Killian's strong hands had pushed the inside of her mouth into he teeth, causing injury. Apollonia couldn't believe that after all this time this Killian character would come to exact his revenge on Spot by forcing himself on her. He figured it was better to get back at Spot in death rather than in life. "If you want, you can stay here for the night. I don't think you should walk the streets after what just happened. The bulls have probably found him by now and he might try to say that you sent a mob after him, blaming you for his beating." She said sighing heavily. "You can sleep in my bed. I'll sleep out here on the sofa." She gazed at him thoughtfully. "Don't worry. The sofa is much more comfortable than it looks." She smiled up at him as he rubbed her back soothingly.
"Are you hungry?" Apollonia nodded to him and he jumped up to go to the kitchen and cook a delicious dinner. As he looked through the cupboards and pantry, Apollonia remained composed in her current surroundings. She instantly thought about Giselle and what she would say about her absence. She wondered how she could get a message over to her to let her know that she was safe. The day's events were too much for her to think about for right now and she reasoned that Giselle should not be so concerned for her and her whereabouts. Right now, she was in good hands.
"I thought we should have some chicken and rice with vegetables. Is that okay with you?"
"Yes, that fine. I love chicken." Jack smiled. "I was lucky enough to do some shopping the other day. Crutchy gave me some free chicken from the grocery store that he works for. It's good to have friends in high places." He joked. Apollonia lifted herself from the chair in which she was seated and walked over to a bureau drawer that had a framed picture on it. It was of Jack and the rest of the newsies during the strike. She softly smiled at the photograph, noticing Jack in the center of it looking like a gallant knight that had made a glorious victory. She scanned the picture towards the right and saw her love. Spot. She said to herself. She saw how incredibly cute he was in the photo. His eyes peering at her innocently. He looked innocent and childlike in the print. This was the Spot she met and fell in love with. The camera did not capture the tough, sexy womanizer that was known throughout New York. This was another side of Spot. The kind, gentler aspect of him. Her feelings of sadness and pain slowly began to resurface. Tears were beginning to well up in her eyes and she did not want to play the grieving widow role in Jack's presence. She looked away from the snapshot, hoping to eliminate her rising desolation.
She walked towards the kitchen table, watching Jack as he slaved over a stove cooking a tasty meal. Taking a seat, she felt compelled to ask Jack a curious question. "Jack, um, how did you know that I was in the alley, or in the marketplace area?" Jack looked at her with sincerity. "I was kinda following you." Apollonia looked at him astonished.
"I was in the marketplace talking to some of the younger newsies and hanging around watching the boxers in the ring. I caught a glimpse of you as you passed by. I was wondering what you had been up to since I saw you last and was curious as to where you were going. Then I saw Killian. And when that son-of-a-bitch started chasing you, I had to fight my way through the crowd just to catch up to you. I peeked through every alley until I finally found you. And you already know the rest." Apollonia was very grateful that Jack kept a protective eye on her. And seeing how he rescued her told her a lot more about him than she knew.
"Jack, I can't tell you how appreciative I am for what you did. I will forever be in your debt. Thank you." Jack moved stealthily up to her and wiped the tear that was quickly streaking down her face. He then went back to finish cooking, leaving Apollonia to enjoy her one-night stay at his meek domicile.
~
Big, dark-fringed brown eyes; silky waves of dark brown tresses; full, rosy- tipped breasts; a small, scared figure in a dingy alley. These varied images turned slowly through Jack's mind. He felt tension growing inside him, angry tension and, yes, damn it, sexual tension. The grim visual of Killian putting his hands on Apollonia in the alley, forcing himself on her, was menacing in itself. He wanted to go over to her, lying in his bed, and comfort her. Well, more than comfort. Jack got up from the sofa and walked to his bedroom door. He opened it quietly as not to wake her. He saw her lying on her side with her back to him. Slowly, he strolled toward the bed, watching her sleep as her chest heaved up and down from her soft inhaling. He stood there taking in all of her beauty. As he lifted the covers to meet with her, he halted. He felt that he would be no better than Killian. And he didn't want Apollonia to end up hating him. But God, she is so beautiful lying there. I have waited for a moment like this for so long. Jack's thoughts were at the forefront of his mind, but his conscience was getting the better of him. But that was too bad, he told himself. He'd just have to get over wanting her. At least, for tonight. With that, he turned around quietly and exited the room, looking back at her one last time to check up on her and gaze upon her incredible beauty.
~
The following morning was eye-catching. As sunlight broke through the window, Apollonia was met with warm sunshine. She was delighted to have gotten a good night's rest after her hellish encounter of the day before. She felt unusually safe and at peace in Jack's humble abode. She didn't know why exactly, but she felt protected. Secured. Inaudibly, she walked to the door to enter the living room. She had been met by a half-dressed Jack. "Morning, Apollonia. How did you sleep?" He asked, rising from the table and acknowledging her.
"Very well, thank you. I slept like a baby." Jack looked at her curiously. He always wanted to know what she looked like in the morning for some reason. He was quite pleased. Apollonia could not help but note his robust attractiveness. His tanned, muscular torso drew all her attention, despite her best intentions not to notice. Apollonia found she had to look away; her own thoughts embarrassed her. And she certainly did not want him to read them on her face. So, she looked away, hoping that he would not sense her awkwardness. Jack did notice, but he smiled to himself, not letting her see that he detected her embarrassment. "Um, I need to freshen up a bit. Where is your bathroom?"
"Over on the left." He said pointing her to its direction. As she closed the door, Jack's feelings of tension began to resurface. He was very happy to see her, and even more happy that she allowed him to reenter her life. He wanted to protect her as well as love her. It had taken all of his will power to not join her last night. God how he had wanted to, but he knew it would be best if he didn't. He was dealing in precious territory - a widowed young woman who he had loved and lusted after for years who was almost the victim a gruesome, sexual attack. Although he wanted to protect her as if she was a helpless little girl, his mind registered quickly that she was a full-grown woman, with an attractive face, firm, ripe breasts and an amazing figure. That impression was made on his mind almost without him knowing it. Right now he was concerned for her life.
Within a few minutes, she came out of the bathroom and made her way to the table where Jack had placed a plate of breakfast for her. "How's your lip?" He inquired, blocking her way to her seat and stroking her face so that he could inspect the damage. "It's still a little sore, but I should be okay after applying ice to it a few more times." He then pulled her chair out for her to sit before taking his seat right next to her.
"I'm going to walk you to your house when we leave, alright? I don't think anything will happen today, but I want to be extra sure nothing happens."
"That would be fine. But we should go to the bookstore, instead. Giselle will be there and I know she will want a definite explanation for my absence last night."
"Of course, you have to let you big sister know where you were last night. Knowing her, she most likely called the police and had them looking for you all throughout Manhattan." He joked. She laughed, trying not to choke on the scrambled eggs that she was eating.
"You're right. Knowing Giselle, she probably hired two armed Pinkerton detectives to go searching for me." Jack laughed at her salty remark as he proceeded to drink his coffee and read his newspaper. Once she finished her breakfast, Apollonia excused herself to go Jack's room and gather her belongings. Jack went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and put on a shirt that he retrieved the night before so he would not have to disturb her morning ritual the following day. After about five minutes, Apollonia came out of his room, made one more trip to the bathroom, and proceeded to leave the apartment with Jack in tow.
~
The bookstore was momentarily empty. Giselle was visited by David, who had hoped to ask her out for a date. Unfortunately he was met by a jittery and upset acquaintance. Giselle told him that Apollonia did not come home the previous night and she was worried about her. She was even more upset at Apollonia for not, at least, leaving a note. She remained frantic even though David assured her that Apollonia could not be in any danger and that she was in good hands. Shortly, Apollonia and Jack entered the establishment with ease.
Giselle was ecstatic to see her, alive and seemingly in tact. "Mon Dieu! Apollonia, I was so worried about you! Where were you?" She inquired while holding Apollonia tightly and looking over at Jack with suspicion. David came up to them and looked over at Jack.
"It's okay, Giselle. I had a long day yesterday and I just came to tell you that I'm taking the day off. I will be out for most of the day and you can run the store while I'm gone." Relieved that she was back in one piece, Giselle complied with Apollonia's wishes. She wasn't going to ask any questions; at least, not yet. Turning to Jack and David, Apollonia politely excused herself and went into the back room with Giselle, leaving the two young men to converse briefly.
"So, Jack. What's the story?" David asked. "Too long to tell, too short to keep a secret." Jack commented. David looked at him confused. "I'll tell you at Brady's later on tonight. Meet me at 8 o'clock." David nodded. Jack walked over to the counter of the bookstore and looked back at David.
"So, Dave. What's been up with you?"
"Nothing much. I have been interviewing a couple of people for my research on the Five Points where people lived through chaos, gangs, and civil unrest in the 1860s. So far, nothing seems to be interesting enough to print. It's the usual stuff everybody already knows."
"Remember what I told you, Dave, you gotta improve the truth. Haven't I taught you anything?" He said, smirking.
"Yeah, but remember, that was your specialty, not mine." David laughingly retorted. Jack chuckled, leaning against the counter while absentmindedly thumbing through a catalog that was left on the countertop.
"So, Dave, I noticed you have been spending a lot more time wid Giselle." David looked at Jack surprised. "I saw you two walking taggeda a few days ago. What's da deal?"
"Well, there's no deal yet. I mean, we're just friends right now. I've been trying to work up enough courage to ask her out, but ..." David trailed off in disappointment. "Hey, don't worry, Dave. Wid your looks and your figure, you can have any woman eating out of da palm of your hand." David smiled as the two stood there in silence. Within moments, Apollonia and Giselle appeared.
"Listen, um, I've got a lot of errands to run and stuff to pick up, so, I'm gonna go now and leave you to your own devices." The ladies nodded their heads in acknowledgement. "Well, I'll be seeing you later, Apollonia. Take care of her, Giselle. And Dave, remember where to meet me. Eight o'clock. Alright?" David gave him a thumbs-up. Jack exited the bookstore and headed around the corner to carry out his responsibilities for the day.
