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 18 - Kiss From A Rose
Entertainment had always been an important feature of New York City life and a street called Broadway came to mean more than just a road. Musicals were now the rage in New York and people from throughout the city attended these lively functions.
Jack and Apollonia sat in the orchestra section as they observed the sextet of ladies who dominated the stage. Male chorus members soon joined and got on their knees and sang to the women.
"Tell me pretty, maiden, are there any more at home like you?" The chorus members sang and the house went into a tailspin. Cheers and tears erupted throughout the theatre as the men crooned to the six ladies on the stage. Ladies clapped and men whistled as the entourage of singers serenaded the young women who swooned to the sounds of their admirers. Apollonia found it gratifying to see such bliss in an audience. She found it quite pleasurable to be surrounded by so many lovers of the stage and plays. Jack looked on as he took pleasure in enjoying the events of the night as well. There was something else that remained in the back of his mind: her well-being. He told her once before that he wanted her to be happy and he'd always felt that his actions should've told her this. After all, actions speak louder than words. He believed that his conduct towards her would hopefully prove to her what kind of man he was. She then looked over to him as he lightly whisked his finger across the top of her hand.
Seeing his serious expression, Apollonia grew bold enough to allow him to take her hand in his in public. Gently, she closed her fingers on his. She was delighted by the audacious things she'd done on these dates. Surely this newfound freedom was another sign that she had found another man she could love all her life. Jack, too, had found a partner. A respectable, intelligent woman who was heartbreakingly beautiful. A woman who shared his own quirky turn of mind, many of his beliefs, and a few of his doubts. With her, if she'd have him, he could withstand any storm that could come their way.
~
Later on that night, Apollonia and Jack made their way to Von Werdt's, a quaint and cozy little restaurant that many New Yorkers raved about. The affordable cuisines were more than what they bargained for, much to their delight. After they placed their orders, Jack tenderly smiled at her and initiated a conversation. "So, how did you like the performance?"
"It was rather enjoyable. Better than I had expected." Apollonia had heard about the Floradora Girls that performed at the Broadway Casino. She had heard that their performances were rather entertaining and wanted to see them for sometime. She was gratified that Jack had offered to take her to see them.
Jack saw how beautiful she really was. Her dark hair was hanging over her shoulders as her dark eyes shined. Her figure was extremely feminine and he couldn't help but look her over and over. Everything from the pink rose in her hair to the curve of her long lashes pleased him. His eyes then fell upon her breasts, large and luscious as they were, they popped out of the squared neckline that showed them off magnificently. He decided to stop staring, lest he was prone to throw her onto the table and ravage her right there. Within a couple of minutes, their dinner arrived. Apollonia began to dine on her Pork Tenderloins with Apple Sauce as Jack began consuming his Chicken Fricassee with a side order of mashed potatoes.
Well into the dinner, as she sipped her tea, Apollonia proceeded to question him. "Jack, what are your thoughts about us?"
Jack paused for a second before responding. "I love being with you. Being seen with you, being in your presence. When we're close, I must constantly fight my own feelings. I want to be even closer. I enjoy talking you, spending my time with you. Making sure you are happy. I love making you smile. Your smile is one of the most captivating things about you. It spreads like a butterfly. I've been waiting for someone like you. You're a dreamer, just like me. And you have a spirit that I am drawn to. When I'm with you, you make me feel alive."
Apollonia was mystified, yet relieved to hear such sincerity in his words. She had no idea that Jack had felt this strongly about her. Jack had trouble reading the expression on her face. "Did I scare you?"
"No, of course not. I just wanted to know your thoughts on the matter. That's all."
Apollonia decided not to make any more conversation concerning the inevitable bond that they were sharing. They continued to dine and enjoy the romantic rendezvous as the night went on by.
~
Once they approached her brownstone, Apollonia felt relieved and pleased with the night's events. She turned to him, staring straight into his caring eyes, and thanked him.
"This was a wonderful night. I had a very lovely time. Thank you, once again, Jack."
"You're very welcome, Darling." Mon Dieu! He said Darling. She thought to herself. Unfalteringly, he stepped towards her, his eyes fixed onto hers. Gently, he bent down and kissed his lady love tenderly on the lips. It was a rewarding kiss, laced with a slightly heated passion behind it. He parted her lips with his tongue, just enough to stick the tip of it into her mouth to taste her and give her a taste of himself. She did not resist. As a final gesture, he brushed his lips softly onto hers to gather a lasting feel. Apollonia stood spellbound. After a moment of silence, she decided to make her way into her home.
"Good night, Jack." She huskily said. Jack watched her as she made it up the steps and entered her luxurious abode. Once she disappeared, Jack smiled to himself and casually made his way back to his modest dwelling, while enjoying the grandeur of the New York City atmosphere.
~
Apollonia laid back in her chair reminiscing about the night's events. She was delighted to have had such a wonderful time with Jack. She pondered on the questions and comments he made to her during dinner. A blissful smile spread across her face as she touched her lips that were still wet from Jack's moist lips when she was startled by a sudden presence.
"Giselle! You scared me."
"Not as much as you scared me, mon chere." Said Giselle, casually walking toward her. "What happened tonight?" She asked sternly. "Why do you want to know?"
"You'd better tell me what happened or I will make you wish you were dead!" Apollonia laughed at Giselle's flimsy attempt to threaten her. "Giselle, you never cease to amaze me with your sad attempts of dominance." She made her way to sit in front of her, arms crossed, and set on hearing everything Apollonia had to say. "He said that he likes my spirit. He likes being with me. He wants to make me happy."
"What else?"
"What else did he say?"
"What else did he do?" Apollonia looked at her puzzled. "Why do you ask?"
"Your handsome suitor, in addition to having a mouth, also has two hands."
"He never touched me, at least not the way you are thinking. He was respectable the entire time. I swear." Giselle did not believe her. Apollonia knew that she shouldn't have lied, but she did not want Giselle implanting negative thoughts into her head, nor did she want Giselle to know about her growing feelings for Jack. It was a constant battle of wills trying to move on with her life without Spot. It would be too much for her to have Giselle playing big sister to her while trying to decide what was best for her.
"How much power does your irresistible Irishman have over you?"
"As much as you have over David." Apollonia snapped. Giselle was shocked to hear Apollonia say something so impudent. And she was embarrassed that she would bring David's attraction into the conversation.
"Be honest with me. What else did he tell you?" Giselle inquired. "He told me that he loved the way I smiled. That it spreads like a butterfly. That he has been waiting for someone like me for a very long time. Before he even met me he said. He says I make him feel alive. One with the world. I was so touched."
"When a man starts to touch you with words, he is not far off with his hands."
"There is nothing wrong with words." Apollonia replied. "Please, Apollonia. Words can be just as bad. I'd prefer a drunkard at the bar touching your derriere than to have him tell you your smile flies like a butterfly!"
"Spreads like a butterfly." Apollonia corrected.
"Spreads, flies. Whatever! Mon Dieu! Just look at you! I can see it now. One stroke of his finger and you'll be on your back!"
"You're wrong! Jack is a well-mannered young man. Why do you dislike him so much?"
"I don't dislike him. I just don't trust him. I'm only looking out for you, cherie. I don't want you to fall head-over-heels with someone only to be heartbroken again. Your heart cannot take the pain." Giselle stressed. Apollonia lovingly smiled at her friend and held her hands for effect.
"I appreciate your concern, Giselle. I understand that you are looking out for my well-being. But you have to understand that this is a choice that I will have to make and if I choose to go further with Jack, it will be my decision, not yours."
"Just remember; when it comes to bed, there is no difference between a former newsie, president, or even a priest!" Giselle left the parlor to go to bed, leaving Apollonia with her midnight thoughts of Jack.
Little did she know that Jack was thinking about her, too. Lying in bed, topless and sexy, Jack recalled everything that they talked about from the first time in years that he spoke to her. Did she like what I had to say to her? Was she touched or terrified? Does she know what I said was genuine? How does she feel about me? She is so damn gorgeous. Her warm, satin and lace-clad body did nothing for his resolve or his control. It was only by forcing himself to think of other things that he could finally ignore the memory of the scent of her and the feel of her very womanly curves in his arms and fall fast to sleep. Damn this is torture! Was his last waking thought.
Disclaimer: I do not own Newsies or any of the Newsies characters. Apollonia, Giselle, Checkers, and other miscellaneous characters are all mine.
Chapter 18 - Kiss From A Rose
Entertainment had always been an important feature of New York City life and a street called Broadway came to mean more than just a road. Musicals were now the rage in New York and people from throughout the city attended these lively functions.
Jack and Apollonia sat in the orchestra section as they observed the sextet of ladies who dominated the stage. Male chorus members soon joined and got on their knees and sang to the women.
"Tell me pretty, maiden, are there any more at home like you?" The chorus members sang and the house went into a tailspin. Cheers and tears erupted throughout the theatre as the men crooned to the six ladies on the stage. Ladies clapped and men whistled as the entourage of singers serenaded the young women who swooned to the sounds of their admirers. Apollonia found it gratifying to see such bliss in an audience. She found it quite pleasurable to be surrounded by so many lovers of the stage and plays. Jack looked on as he took pleasure in enjoying the events of the night as well. There was something else that remained in the back of his mind: her well-being. He told her once before that he wanted her to be happy and he'd always felt that his actions should've told her this. After all, actions speak louder than words. He believed that his conduct towards her would hopefully prove to her what kind of man he was. She then looked over to him as he lightly whisked his finger across the top of her hand.
Seeing his serious expression, Apollonia grew bold enough to allow him to take her hand in his in public. Gently, she closed her fingers on his. She was delighted by the audacious things she'd done on these dates. Surely this newfound freedom was another sign that she had found another man she could love all her life. Jack, too, had found a partner. A respectable, intelligent woman who was heartbreakingly beautiful. A woman who shared his own quirky turn of mind, many of his beliefs, and a few of his doubts. With her, if she'd have him, he could withstand any storm that could come their way.
~
Later on that night, Apollonia and Jack made their way to Von Werdt's, a quaint and cozy little restaurant that many New Yorkers raved about. The affordable cuisines were more than what they bargained for, much to their delight. After they placed their orders, Jack tenderly smiled at her and initiated a conversation. "So, how did you like the performance?"
"It was rather enjoyable. Better than I had expected." Apollonia had heard about the Floradora Girls that performed at the Broadway Casino. She had heard that their performances were rather entertaining and wanted to see them for sometime. She was gratified that Jack had offered to take her to see them.
Jack saw how beautiful she really was. Her dark hair was hanging over her shoulders as her dark eyes shined. Her figure was extremely feminine and he couldn't help but look her over and over. Everything from the pink rose in her hair to the curve of her long lashes pleased him. His eyes then fell upon her breasts, large and luscious as they were, they popped out of the squared neckline that showed them off magnificently. He decided to stop staring, lest he was prone to throw her onto the table and ravage her right there. Within a couple of minutes, their dinner arrived. Apollonia began to dine on her Pork Tenderloins with Apple Sauce as Jack began consuming his Chicken Fricassee with a side order of mashed potatoes.
Well into the dinner, as she sipped her tea, Apollonia proceeded to question him. "Jack, what are your thoughts about us?"
Jack paused for a second before responding. "I love being with you. Being seen with you, being in your presence. When we're close, I must constantly fight my own feelings. I want to be even closer. I enjoy talking you, spending my time with you. Making sure you are happy. I love making you smile. Your smile is one of the most captivating things about you. It spreads like a butterfly. I've been waiting for someone like you. You're a dreamer, just like me. And you have a spirit that I am drawn to. When I'm with you, you make me feel alive."
Apollonia was mystified, yet relieved to hear such sincerity in his words. She had no idea that Jack had felt this strongly about her. Jack had trouble reading the expression on her face. "Did I scare you?"
"No, of course not. I just wanted to know your thoughts on the matter. That's all."
Apollonia decided not to make any more conversation concerning the inevitable bond that they were sharing. They continued to dine and enjoy the romantic rendezvous as the night went on by.
~
Once they approached her brownstone, Apollonia felt relieved and pleased with the night's events. She turned to him, staring straight into his caring eyes, and thanked him.
"This was a wonderful night. I had a very lovely time. Thank you, once again, Jack."
"You're very welcome, Darling." Mon Dieu! He said Darling. She thought to herself. Unfalteringly, he stepped towards her, his eyes fixed onto hers. Gently, he bent down and kissed his lady love tenderly on the lips. It was a rewarding kiss, laced with a slightly heated passion behind it. He parted her lips with his tongue, just enough to stick the tip of it into her mouth to taste her and give her a taste of himself. She did not resist. As a final gesture, he brushed his lips softly onto hers to gather a lasting feel. Apollonia stood spellbound. After a moment of silence, she decided to make her way into her home.
"Good night, Jack." She huskily said. Jack watched her as she made it up the steps and entered her luxurious abode. Once she disappeared, Jack smiled to himself and casually made his way back to his modest dwelling, while enjoying the grandeur of the New York City atmosphere.
~
Apollonia laid back in her chair reminiscing about the night's events. She was delighted to have had such a wonderful time with Jack. She pondered on the questions and comments he made to her during dinner. A blissful smile spread across her face as she touched her lips that were still wet from Jack's moist lips when she was startled by a sudden presence.
"Giselle! You scared me."
"Not as much as you scared me, mon chere." Said Giselle, casually walking toward her. "What happened tonight?" She asked sternly. "Why do you want to know?"
"You'd better tell me what happened or I will make you wish you were dead!" Apollonia laughed at Giselle's flimsy attempt to threaten her. "Giselle, you never cease to amaze me with your sad attempts of dominance." She made her way to sit in front of her, arms crossed, and set on hearing everything Apollonia had to say. "He said that he likes my spirit. He likes being with me. He wants to make me happy."
"What else?"
"What else did he say?"
"What else did he do?" Apollonia looked at her puzzled. "Why do you ask?"
"Your handsome suitor, in addition to having a mouth, also has two hands."
"He never touched me, at least not the way you are thinking. He was respectable the entire time. I swear." Giselle did not believe her. Apollonia knew that she shouldn't have lied, but she did not want Giselle implanting negative thoughts into her head, nor did she want Giselle to know about her growing feelings for Jack. It was a constant battle of wills trying to move on with her life without Spot. It would be too much for her to have Giselle playing big sister to her while trying to decide what was best for her.
"How much power does your irresistible Irishman have over you?"
"As much as you have over David." Apollonia snapped. Giselle was shocked to hear Apollonia say something so impudent. And she was embarrassed that she would bring David's attraction into the conversation.
"Be honest with me. What else did he tell you?" Giselle inquired. "He told me that he loved the way I smiled. That it spreads like a butterfly. That he has been waiting for someone like me for a very long time. Before he even met me he said. He says I make him feel alive. One with the world. I was so touched."
"When a man starts to touch you with words, he is not far off with his hands."
"There is nothing wrong with words." Apollonia replied. "Please, Apollonia. Words can be just as bad. I'd prefer a drunkard at the bar touching your derriere than to have him tell you your smile flies like a butterfly!"
"Spreads like a butterfly." Apollonia corrected.
"Spreads, flies. Whatever! Mon Dieu! Just look at you! I can see it now. One stroke of his finger and you'll be on your back!"
"You're wrong! Jack is a well-mannered young man. Why do you dislike him so much?"
"I don't dislike him. I just don't trust him. I'm only looking out for you, cherie. I don't want you to fall head-over-heels with someone only to be heartbroken again. Your heart cannot take the pain." Giselle stressed. Apollonia lovingly smiled at her friend and held her hands for effect.
"I appreciate your concern, Giselle. I understand that you are looking out for my well-being. But you have to understand that this is a choice that I will have to make and if I choose to go further with Jack, it will be my decision, not yours."
"Just remember; when it comes to bed, there is no difference between a former newsie, president, or even a priest!" Giselle left the parlor to go to bed, leaving Apollonia with her midnight thoughts of Jack.
Little did she know that Jack was thinking about her, too. Lying in bed, topless and sexy, Jack recalled everything that they talked about from the first time in years that he spoke to her. Did she like what I had to say to her? Was she touched or terrified? Does she know what I said was genuine? How does she feel about me? She is so damn gorgeous. Her warm, satin and lace-clad body did nothing for his resolve or his control. It was only by forcing himself to think of other things that he could finally ignore the memory of the scent of her and the feel of her very womanly curves in his arms and fall fast to sleep. Damn this is torture! Was his last waking thought.
