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 21: Sexual Confessions, Passionate Obsessions
Although bright and sunny, the iciness from the cold wind easily told another story. Giselle entered the brownstone with a box of beignets for her and Apollonia to have for breakfast. Freezing from the frosty weather, she promptly set a log on fire in the fireplace. After she took pleasure in the warmth of the flames, she went into the kitchen and began placing the treats onto small plates. Seeing that the box of tea had not been opened, she began boiling water and slicing lemons to prepare for the succulent beverage. She thought that it was about time for Apollonia to wake up and found it unusual that she was still asleep. Slowly, she crept up the stairs. As soon as she reached the top, she opened the door to Apollonia's bedroom and quickly found out that she was not alone. Jack was sound asleep, sleeping peacefully with his arm around Apollonia. Giselle was somewhat shocked, but was not totally surprised by the situation. She figured sooner or later Jack would have gotten close enough to bed her. But, if he truly did love her, she thought, where's the harm in it? Calmly, she went back downstairs, turned off the stove, put her coat back on and left the house without making a sound.
Jack slowly opened his eyes and looked down on the woman who was sleeping next to him. His ultimate desire had finally come true. He won the heart of Apollonia. He reminisced on how last night's events had gone over. The lovemaking was unbelievable. He had numerous fantasies of them intertwining their bodies into one being, sealing their love for one another in close embrace. He felt that even if they were together intimately, he would still feel that he needed to be closer. He felt that he waited forever to taste those lips of wine. He also wanted to let Apollonia know that she, too, had found another partner. She did not have to go on as the beauty-as-loner. She could still love someone; have someone to love and treasure. And that someone was Jack. He lightly kissed her on the forehead as she slept silently against his chest, pulling her closer to him.
~
David would make weekly visits to Jack's place as usual. In between writing articles and developing projects, he needed time to unwind. And who better to unwind with than his best friend. Sitting on top of the apartment building, David and Jack talked for a lengthy period of time. Gazing up at the starry sky and inhaling the New York air, the two comrades looked out over the city skyline of Lower Manhattan. Jack was pleased that he left the former life of solicitation behind him. He finally had a woman in his life; a true love. He grinned to himself, remembering that he had not told David of his newfound romance.
From work to women, they covered the gamut of topics that men of their age discuss. David was reluctant to bring up Giselle, even though he knew that Jack was most likely wondering what the deal was between the two. He quickly inhaled before guzzling a drink of his beer.
"I'm going to ask Giselle out tomorrow." He simply stated.
"Ya haven't asked her out yet?"
"No, I mean, I want to, but I'm always too scared. And you know how I am around the opposite sex." Jack just laughed at his last statement. He remembered vividly how David once tried to ask a girl out and he nearly urinated on himself due to extreme angst. He had been apprehensive to ask girls out ever since.
"Dat's great, Dave. I'm sure she'll accept."
"I hope so. It's been a long time since I have been out on a real date and it has taken me this long just to talk to Giselle without looking like an idiot. I just hope she says yes."
"She will." Jack assured him. Jack took a brief moment to pause as David continued consuming his buzz-inducing beverage.
"Guess what, Dave?" David looked at Jack waiting for his response. "Apollonia and I are tagedda, officially."
"That's great, Jack. I always knew you two would be together. And I wish you both the best." David said as he briskly patted him on the back.
"Thanks, Dave." Jack paused for a second wondering about David's congratulations and felt compelled to ask him something.
"Tell me something, Dave. How did you know that I cared so much for her?"
David looked at his friend with a composed gaze. "It's like this, Jack. Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don't say."
Jack looked thoughtfully at David. He was so touched by his friend's words.
"I know that you told me that you loved her, but I knew that you loved her deeply. Deeply enough to stay away from her even though it was tearing you up inside. You have real heart and real courage. And it takes a real man to do what you did. Apollonia is a very lucky woman."
"No, Dave, I'm the lucky one. To have a woman like that and a friend like you. Thanks." Jack and David spit-shook before giving each other a hug, something they hadn't done since they were a few years younger. David broke the hug first.
"Well, I've got to get going. I'm going to meet Denton about some upcoming projects. See you later, Jack."
"Take care, David." Jack said as he looked on as David made his way to his meeting.
~
Racetrack went to Sheepshead as usual and won quite a bit of money. He and the guys went out to party at Paddy's and were joined by some of the other friends. Skittery, Snipeshooter, Boots, Snoddy, Itey, Dutchy, Snitch, Swifty, and countless others were present for the fun. They crowded the bar as much as the regulars who visited the establishment. Snoddy and Blink decided to engage themselves in an arm wrestling contest while Race took and made bets. Since Snoddy worked in a factory, he was a sure winner. Itey, Snitch, and Boots placed bets on Snoddy while Snipeshooter, Skittery, Dutchy, and Swifty bet on Blink. The latter were upset when they saw their money go to the winning team.
"Well, that's what ya get when ya arm wrestle a guy with a job in da factory."
"Well, if I had my arms on some machinery instead of a dame, I would probably win all of da contests and be one lonely son-of-a-bitch!" The fellas howled at Blink's smart-ass remark. Snoddy just smiled at him, knowing that he was only teasing. Mush scanned the crowd and noticed a pretty customer sitting nearby. She was engaged in a friendly card game by herself. Mush casually walked over to her.
"Hi, uh, do ya mind some company?"
"Of course I don't. I'm always pleased to enjoy the companionship of a good- looking gentleman." She politely replied, signaling for him to take a seat next to her. Mush blushed at her response. The gang quieted down a bit, partly so they could eavesdrop on their conversation. Racetrack and Blink kept sneaking glances over at them. Mush tried to maintain his cool.
"Nice night we are having isn't it? Nice and warm."
"Yes, I should say so." Mush kept tapping the side of his beer mug as he initiated a discussion. "It's also a nice night for playing cards. What are ya playing?"
"Solitaire."
"Oh, dat's a nice game." Mush felt himself blushing as he looked over at his friends watching them secretively, pretending not to overhear their chat. Blink and Racetrack snickered as they knew what they were doing was wrong, but they couldn't resist. Mush gave them a stern look before setting the wheels in motion. She seemed entranced by the nice-looking young man who decided to join her. She always had a thing for guys with curly hair.
The festivities were on a roll when all of a sudden a handsome couple walked through the door. All former newsies' eyes were on them. Everyone was pleasantly surprised by the pair's entrance and, more importantly, by whom the pair contained. A tall, dark blonde Adonis and an alluring, dusky beauty. Jack and Apollonia stood looking around as they entered the setting. Racetrack smiled to himself, puffing on his cigar, because he knew something no one else had; Apollonia was now with Jack. Everyone motioned for them to sit at their table and join them. Many of the guys had not seen Apollonia since the funeral or several days after. And seeing her with Jack made them want to know all of the full-scale details of their new relationship. The waitress came up to them and took their orders promptly. As soon as she left, the fellows gathered around, bombarding them with questions. They wanted to know how Apollonia was doing, when did she and Jack become an item, and how long it took for Jack to ask her out. She happily answered their questions without any hesitation. All were intrigued by her story of how she and Jack recognized their love for each other and decided to act out on said love. Everyone was fascinated with their story and found it all the more reason to celebrate along with Racetrack's winnings.
The tavern's resident ensemble started to congregate and play music for the entire bar. The crew got very excited. Jack raved to everyone about how good the band was. Apollonia sat in his lap, conversing with the guys and staring into Jack's eyes every once in a while. Jack also returned the gesture. Jack's eyes went from her face to the neckline of her blouse. It was cut revealingly low. The cleavage between her firmly developed breasts was provocatively exposed. Jack admired the view, but he was almost sure that many of the guys felt the same way, even though they were treating her with much respect. Respectable or not, they were all men and Jack knew how men thought when it came to women, especially attractive ones.
"Hey, Jack! Remembah when we all jumped on da tables at Tibby's and sang and danced our asses off when we saw our picture in da papes?" All of the guys fondly remembered such activities. Apollonia looked on, knowing that this was definitely an event that she wished that she was present for. Bumlets even mentioned his swirling antics on the ceiling fan which was the icing on the cake. The guys even decided to serenade each other with a rendition of one of their favorite songs.
"Hey, fellas! I've got an idea. Why don't we all sing our guts out and give dis joint something ta live for." Racetrack said as he walked over to the band and requested that they play "King of New York." The maestro accepted his appeal. "Hey, Mush! Get ovah here and help us out. Bring your pretty date with ya. You're gonna kick start this deal." Shrugging his shoulders, Mush took the young lady by the hand and walked over to the rest of the pack.
Apollonia looked over at Jack, smiling as she knew what kind of party animal Racetrack could be.
"Jack, we're gonna need ya for dis performance. Why don't ya get up and show your gorgeous girlfriend how we used ta do it back in da day." Jack smirked at him and happily obliged him. Lifting her up from his lap, Jack graciously gave her his seat as he bent down to kiss her on the cheek. "Let an old pro show ya how it's done!" He whispered in her ear. Apollonia smiled as he walked over to Racetrack, Mush, Blink, Bumlets, Skittery, and the others to croon one of their favorite melodies.
Apollonia loved how he was taller than the other men in the excitement- charged room. She loved how his muscular, long legs held him so erect and proud. She also loved how his powerful, broad shoulders dominated the other men. And she also was taken by how his strong, tanned hands were so tender and loving when on her body. He was once boyishly handsome. Now, he was ruggedly handsome. With his soft, long dark blonde hair falling onto his forehead and hazel eyes he looked so sexy and dangerous; yet gentle and kind, all at once.
Surrounded by numerous spectators, they began singing. Mush kicked it off by singing "A pair of new shoes with matching laces." One by one, the guys belted out the lyrics of their much-loved song. It brought back memories of how they were ecstatic to see their picture in the papers. Jack sang the line "A porcelain tub with boilin' water" in honor of Spot. He didn't know if Apollonia knew that Spot sang that line. He thought singing it would be an honorable gesture. They would resonate while dancing up a musical storm. The band played the melodious tune in its entirety. The Manhattan crew jumped up and down, all around the pub entertaining both the clientele and the owner. They were met by a rolling applause once they finished. Jack, breathless and sweaty, walked over to Apollonia and kissed her on the cheek before pulling her up and hugging her.
"You were great, cherie. Joie de vive is with you."
"What does that mean?"
"It means 'joy of life'. And I'm glad I'm living my life with you." Jack smiled at her warmly before planting a lingering kiss on her in front of everybody. Hoots and hollers surrounded them as they engaged themselves in such romantic behavior. She even heard Racetrack yell, "Whoa! Jacky-boy!" in the background. Jack remembered that statement all too well when he kissed Sarah in front of everybody at the end of the strike. His comment didn't have the same effect on him then as it did now. Most likely because he truly loved this woman who he was openly romancing.
"I haven't seen this much action since going to dat cabaret eight blocks up!" Yelled Bumlets. Jack was overjoyed that everyone now knew and saw with their own eyes that Apollonia was now his woman; and he was now her man.
"Keep dat up and you two will have da priest comin' up in here lecturing to us about the sins of lust." Blink said. "Lust. That's my favorite sin!" Screamed a drunken Skittery.
"Hell will be no hotter for one more sin, but the world ten times more pleasant."
Everyone laughed at Jack's statement. Women were on their minds, particularly those who did not have girlfriends. Racetrack, Blink, and Mush were all especially happy that Apollonia and Jack were together at last. Her "brothers" gave them their blessing. They all looked at each other with a glimmer in their eyes that only they understood. The others were not around to see what Apollonia went through, so they were unaware of her angst. Tonight was definitely a wonderful night.
~
David hoped that the night would go over smoothly. He finally gathered up enough courage to ask Giselle out on a date and, much to his surprise, she said 'yes', just as Jack said she would. David's stomach was aching. He tried to remain composed for as long as possible, but the anticipation of seeing her was gaining control of his nerves. He kept fidgeting as he stood outside the theatre waiting for her. She suggested that they meet somewhere on neutral territory rather than have him meet her at her apartment. Giselle had not told Apollonia about her date with David, so she didn't find it appropriate to have David meet her at Apollonia's house. Soon after, Giselle arrived, stepping out of a carriage, ready to greet him.
"Hi, Giselle. You look lovely tonight." He said while examining the beautiful dress she purchased the day she and Apollonia ran into Jack as he was exiting the Vienna Model Bakery.
"Merci, Monsieur Jacobs. You look tres magnifique."
"Thanks." David replied, blushing to a bright shade of red. "Uh, shall we?" He said escorting her to the front door of Irving Hall.
As they watched Medda perform with her new entourage of entertainers, their personalities were quite opposite. Giselle quietly observed the performance onstage with David sitting next to her. Appearing more nervous than anything, he tried to stay focused. He already found the courage to ask her out and she accepted. Now, he had to keep her interested in him. She would throw an intermittent glance his way as he tried to stay calm. All in all, things were going well. "So far, so good." He said to himself.
"I'm sorry, Monsieur. What did you say?"
"Hmm, oh, nothing! I was just saying so far, it's good." He saved himself face so that he would not ruin this night. It was their first date and he wanted it to go without incident.
After the show, he planned on taking her to dinner at one of his favorite restaurants. A walk through the park would be the perfect finish. "I'm going to make this night special if it kills me!" He thought to himself. Determination was the word of the evening.
~
Things were quiet at Jack's apartment. Only twenty minutes ago neither of them could say that. They laid there speechless and sweaty. After a passionate lovemaking session, Jack took the initiative to discuss a few matters of the heart. Lightly scratching the top of her head with his fingertips, she woke up to his warm-hearted expression. "Hello, handsome."
"There's something I've gotta tell ya." She looked at him thoughtfully. "Since we're a couple now, I think that we should get some things out in the open."
"Okay...." Apollonia responded, slightly unsure about what he wanted to confess.
"Before you and me got taggeda, I used ta go ta the brothels on the edge of town or meet women in the bars and pay them to have sex with me." Apollonia just looked at him. "I didn't do it all of the time. There was the occasional girlfriend here and there, but either I caught myself comparing them to you or I lost interest." Her eyes lowered to his chest.
"I hope dat you don't look at me differently now because I only did it because I couldn't have you. Not ta mention I'm a man. I do have needs." He said raising her up closer to him. Apollonia was a little startled by the news, but she felt that it was the past and it had no bearing on the present.
"Well, at least you love me enough to tell me. Merci, mon chere." Jack kissed her affectionately. "And as you already should know, Spot was the only man I have ever been with. That's why I took so long to respond to you. I didn't want to give my heart and body to someone who was only toying with my affections." Jack looked at her with sincere eyes.
"I can only give you love dat lasts forever, and a promise ta be near each time you call. And da only heart I own is for you and you alone." Apollonia was touched by his words. She giggled when she remembered a statement made by Giselle about Jack.
"What?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I was just thinking about what Giselle said to me about us right after you walked me home one night. She said that once a man begins to touch you with words, he is not too far off with his hands." Jack smiled, knowing this to be true.
"It doesn't matter anymore now, Jack. She knows how we feel about each other. And she knows that we engage ourselves in the beautiful art of sex."
"There's an old Irish saying about sex. When sex is good, it's the most beautiful thing in the world. When sex is bad, it's still pretty good." Both laughed gleefully.
"You are so silly, Jack Kelly."
"Francis."
"What?"
"My real name is Francis. Francis Sullivan to be exact."
Apollonia looked at him amazed. Jack reached over and retrieved a picture from his nightstand. The picture showed a family of three. The sturdy, handsome man in the photograph was obviously Jack's father. He had glossy brown hair and a relaxed face. He was tall and strapping in build. His mother was shorter, but tall for a woman. She had dark hair and eyes and a warm, loving smile. Hard to miss was Jack. He was wide-eyed and innocent in the photo. His tattered vest showed evidence of a poor but active existence. His hazel eyes were beaming with pride and happiness. One would not have known that his life was riddled with many trials and tribulations by the smile he garnered.
Apollonia examined the snapshot as if she were studying for an exam. She carefully studied every face, trying to see where Jack received his spirit and determination from. She then later smiled.
"You look like your father."
"I have his mother's eyes. He told me that when I was about eight years old. She died shortly before they left Ireland. When they moved ta New York, I was born. I used to love to read the comic books dat he got for me. He bought them when he could afford to, which wasn't very often since he worked all day in da factories trying to put food on da table. My favorite dime-store novel was about Western Jim. I would read stories about his adventures in the west and all of da things he saw out in New Mexico. Dat's how I got started with my dreams of Santa Fe. When I was ten my mother got real sick. She died from malnourishment and starvation. My dad started drinking heavily and my mom had ta go ta work. She would not eat sometimes just so I could eat. Dat's when she started feeling bad. The long hours took their toll on her and she died. My pop needed ta pay da rent and feed me, so he robbed a liquor store and killed a cop in da process. He was hauled off to jail. I've been on my own evah since. I was caught stealing food from a vendor on da street, and when da bulls caught me, I was sent to da House of Refuge where this idiot named Snyder ran da place. Things weren't much bettah for me there so aftah several attempts, I finally escaped. Once I got out, I became a newsie and changed my name to Jack Kelly. And da rest is history."
Jack looked down as Apollonia reached for his hand. She kissed his cheek, letting him know that she could feel his pain. After a few moments of silence, Jack placed the photo back into the drawer and began making love to Apollonia once more.
Disclaimer: I do not own Newsies or any of the Newsies characters. Apollonia, Giselle, Checkers, and other miscellaneous characters are all mine.
Chapter 21: Sexual Confessions, Passionate Obsessions
Although bright and sunny, the iciness from the cold wind easily told another story. Giselle entered the brownstone with a box of beignets for her and Apollonia to have for breakfast. Freezing from the frosty weather, she promptly set a log on fire in the fireplace. After she took pleasure in the warmth of the flames, she went into the kitchen and began placing the treats onto small plates. Seeing that the box of tea had not been opened, she began boiling water and slicing lemons to prepare for the succulent beverage. She thought that it was about time for Apollonia to wake up and found it unusual that she was still asleep. Slowly, she crept up the stairs. As soon as she reached the top, she opened the door to Apollonia's bedroom and quickly found out that she was not alone. Jack was sound asleep, sleeping peacefully with his arm around Apollonia. Giselle was somewhat shocked, but was not totally surprised by the situation. She figured sooner or later Jack would have gotten close enough to bed her. But, if he truly did love her, she thought, where's the harm in it? Calmly, she went back downstairs, turned off the stove, put her coat back on and left the house without making a sound.
Jack slowly opened his eyes and looked down on the woman who was sleeping next to him. His ultimate desire had finally come true. He won the heart of Apollonia. He reminisced on how last night's events had gone over. The lovemaking was unbelievable. He had numerous fantasies of them intertwining their bodies into one being, sealing their love for one another in close embrace. He felt that even if they were together intimately, he would still feel that he needed to be closer. He felt that he waited forever to taste those lips of wine. He also wanted to let Apollonia know that she, too, had found another partner. She did not have to go on as the beauty-as-loner. She could still love someone; have someone to love and treasure. And that someone was Jack. He lightly kissed her on the forehead as she slept silently against his chest, pulling her closer to him.
~
David would make weekly visits to Jack's place as usual. In between writing articles and developing projects, he needed time to unwind. And who better to unwind with than his best friend. Sitting on top of the apartment building, David and Jack talked for a lengthy period of time. Gazing up at the starry sky and inhaling the New York air, the two comrades looked out over the city skyline of Lower Manhattan. Jack was pleased that he left the former life of solicitation behind him. He finally had a woman in his life; a true love. He grinned to himself, remembering that he had not told David of his newfound romance.
From work to women, they covered the gamut of topics that men of their age discuss. David was reluctant to bring up Giselle, even though he knew that Jack was most likely wondering what the deal was between the two. He quickly inhaled before guzzling a drink of his beer.
"I'm going to ask Giselle out tomorrow." He simply stated.
"Ya haven't asked her out yet?"
"No, I mean, I want to, but I'm always too scared. And you know how I am around the opposite sex." Jack just laughed at his last statement. He remembered vividly how David once tried to ask a girl out and he nearly urinated on himself due to extreme angst. He had been apprehensive to ask girls out ever since.
"Dat's great, Dave. I'm sure she'll accept."
"I hope so. It's been a long time since I have been out on a real date and it has taken me this long just to talk to Giselle without looking like an idiot. I just hope she says yes."
"She will." Jack assured him. Jack took a brief moment to pause as David continued consuming his buzz-inducing beverage.
"Guess what, Dave?" David looked at Jack waiting for his response. "Apollonia and I are tagedda, officially."
"That's great, Jack. I always knew you two would be together. And I wish you both the best." David said as he briskly patted him on the back.
"Thanks, Dave." Jack paused for a second wondering about David's congratulations and felt compelled to ask him something.
"Tell me something, Dave. How did you know that I cared so much for her?"
David looked at his friend with a composed gaze. "It's like this, Jack. Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don't say."
Jack looked thoughtfully at David. He was so touched by his friend's words.
"I know that you told me that you loved her, but I knew that you loved her deeply. Deeply enough to stay away from her even though it was tearing you up inside. You have real heart and real courage. And it takes a real man to do what you did. Apollonia is a very lucky woman."
"No, Dave, I'm the lucky one. To have a woman like that and a friend like you. Thanks." Jack and David spit-shook before giving each other a hug, something they hadn't done since they were a few years younger. David broke the hug first.
"Well, I've got to get going. I'm going to meet Denton about some upcoming projects. See you later, Jack."
"Take care, David." Jack said as he looked on as David made his way to his meeting.
~
Racetrack went to Sheepshead as usual and won quite a bit of money. He and the guys went out to party at Paddy's and were joined by some of the other friends. Skittery, Snipeshooter, Boots, Snoddy, Itey, Dutchy, Snitch, Swifty, and countless others were present for the fun. They crowded the bar as much as the regulars who visited the establishment. Snoddy and Blink decided to engage themselves in an arm wrestling contest while Race took and made bets. Since Snoddy worked in a factory, he was a sure winner. Itey, Snitch, and Boots placed bets on Snoddy while Snipeshooter, Skittery, Dutchy, and Swifty bet on Blink. The latter were upset when they saw their money go to the winning team.
"Well, that's what ya get when ya arm wrestle a guy with a job in da factory."
"Well, if I had my arms on some machinery instead of a dame, I would probably win all of da contests and be one lonely son-of-a-bitch!" The fellas howled at Blink's smart-ass remark. Snoddy just smiled at him, knowing that he was only teasing. Mush scanned the crowd and noticed a pretty customer sitting nearby. She was engaged in a friendly card game by herself. Mush casually walked over to her.
"Hi, uh, do ya mind some company?"
"Of course I don't. I'm always pleased to enjoy the companionship of a good- looking gentleman." She politely replied, signaling for him to take a seat next to her. Mush blushed at her response. The gang quieted down a bit, partly so they could eavesdrop on their conversation. Racetrack and Blink kept sneaking glances over at them. Mush tried to maintain his cool.
"Nice night we are having isn't it? Nice and warm."
"Yes, I should say so." Mush kept tapping the side of his beer mug as he initiated a discussion. "It's also a nice night for playing cards. What are ya playing?"
"Solitaire."
"Oh, dat's a nice game." Mush felt himself blushing as he looked over at his friends watching them secretively, pretending not to overhear their chat. Blink and Racetrack snickered as they knew what they were doing was wrong, but they couldn't resist. Mush gave them a stern look before setting the wheels in motion. She seemed entranced by the nice-looking young man who decided to join her. She always had a thing for guys with curly hair.
The festivities were on a roll when all of a sudden a handsome couple walked through the door. All former newsies' eyes were on them. Everyone was pleasantly surprised by the pair's entrance and, more importantly, by whom the pair contained. A tall, dark blonde Adonis and an alluring, dusky beauty. Jack and Apollonia stood looking around as they entered the setting. Racetrack smiled to himself, puffing on his cigar, because he knew something no one else had; Apollonia was now with Jack. Everyone motioned for them to sit at their table and join them. Many of the guys had not seen Apollonia since the funeral or several days after. And seeing her with Jack made them want to know all of the full-scale details of their new relationship. The waitress came up to them and took their orders promptly. As soon as she left, the fellows gathered around, bombarding them with questions. They wanted to know how Apollonia was doing, when did she and Jack become an item, and how long it took for Jack to ask her out. She happily answered their questions without any hesitation. All were intrigued by her story of how she and Jack recognized their love for each other and decided to act out on said love. Everyone was fascinated with their story and found it all the more reason to celebrate along with Racetrack's winnings.
The tavern's resident ensemble started to congregate and play music for the entire bar. The crew got very excited. Jack raved to everyone about how good the band was. Apollonia sat in his lap, conversing with the guys and staring into Jack's eyes every once in a while. Jack also returned the gesture. Jack's eyes went from her face to the neckline of her blouse. It was cut revealingly low. The cleavage between her firmly developed breasts was provocatively exposed. Jack admired the view, but he was almost sure that many of the guys felt the same way, even though they were treating her with much respect. Respectable or not, they were all men and Jack knew how men thought when it came to women, especially attractive ones.
"Hey, Jack! Remembah when we all jumped on da tables at Tibby's and sang and danced our asses off when we saw our picture in da papes?" All of the guys fondly remembered such activities. Apollonia looked on, knowing that this was definitely an event that she wished that she was present for. Bumlets even mentioned his swirling antics on the ceiling fan which was the icing on the cake. The guys even decided to serenade each other with a rendition of one of their favorite songs.
"Hey, fellas! I've got an idea. Why don't we all sing our guts out and give dis joint something ta live for." Racetrack said as he walked over to the band and requested that they play "King of New York." The maestro accepted his appeal. "Hey, Mush! Get ovah here and help us out. Bring your pretty date with ya. You're gonna kick start this deal." Shrugging his shoulders, Mush took the young lady by the hand and walked over to the rest of the pack.
Apollonia looked over at Jack, smiling as she knew what kind of party animal Racetrack could be.
"Jack, we're gonna need ya for dis performance. Why don't ya get up and show your gorgeous girlfriend how we used ta do it back in da day." Jack smirked at him and happily obliged him. Lifting her up from his lap, Jack graciously gave her his seat as he bent down to kiss her on the cheek. "Let an old pro show ya how it's done!" He whispered in her ear. Apollonia smiled as he walked over to Racetrack, Mush, Blink, Bumlets, Skittery, and the others to croon one of their favorite melodies.
Apollonia loved how he was taller than the other men in the excitement- charged room. She loved how his muscular, long legs held him so erect and proud. She also loved how his powerful, broad shoulders dominated the other men. And she also was taken by how his strong, tanned hands were so tender and loving when on her body. He was once boyishly handsome. Now, he was ruggedly handsome. With his soft, long dark blonde hair falling onto his forehead and hazel eyes he looked so sexy and dangerous; yet gentle and kind, all at once.
Surrounded by numerous spectators, they began singing. Mush kicked it off by singing "A pair of new shoes with matching laces." One by one, the guys belted out the lyrics of their much-loved song. It brought back memories of how they were ecstatic to see their picture in the papers. Jack sang the line "A porcelain tub with boilin' water" in honor of Spot. He didn't know if Apollonia knew that Spot sang that line. He thought singing it would be an honorable gesture. They would resonate while dancing up a musical storm. The band played the melodious tune in its entirety. The Manhattan crew jumped up and down, all around the pub entertaining both the clientele and the owner. They were met by a rolling applause once they finished. Jack, breathless and sweaty, walked over to Apollonia and kissed her on the cheek before pulling her up and hugging her.
"You were great, cherie. Joie de vive is with you."
"What does that mean?"
"It means 'joy of life'. And I'm glad I'm living my life with you." Jack smiled at her warmly before planting a lingering kiss on her in front of everybody. Hoots and hollers surrounded them as they engaged themselves in such romantic behavior. She even heard Racetrack yell, "Whoa! Jacky-boy!" in the background. Jack remembered that statement all too well when he kissed Sarah in front of everybody at the end of the strike. His comment didn't have the same effect on him then as it did now. Most likely because he truly loved this woman who he was openly romancing.
"I haven't seen this much action since going to dat cabaret eight blocks up!" Yelled Bumlets. Jack was overjoyed that everyone now knew and saw with their own eyes that Apollonia was now his woman; and he was now her man.
"Keep dat up and you two will have da priest comin' up in here lecturing to us about the sins of lust." Blink said. "Lust. That's my favorite sin!" Screamed a drunken Skittery.
"Hell will be no hotter for one more sin, but the world ten times more pleasant."
Everyone laughed at Jack's statement. Women were on their minds, particularly those who did not have girlfriends. Racetrack, Blink, and Mush were all especially happy that Apollonia and Jack were together at last. Her "brothers" gave them their blessing. They all looked at each other with a glimmer in their eyes that only they understood. The others were not around to see what Apollonia went through, so they were unaware of her angst. Tonight was definitely a wonderful night.
~
David hoped that the night would go over smoothly. He finally gathered up enough courage to ask Giselle out on a date and, much to his surprise, she said 'yes', just as Jack said she would. David's stomach was aching. He tried to remain composed for as long as possible, but the anticipation of seeing her was gaining control of his nerves. He kept fidgeting as he stood outside the theatre waiting for her. She suggested that they meet somewhere on neutral territory rather than have him meet her at her apartment. Giselle had not told Apollonia about her date with David, so she didn't find it appropriate to have David meet her at Apollonia's house. Soon after, Giselle arrived, stepping out of a carriage, ready to greet him.
"Hi, Giselle. You look lovely tonight." He said while examining the beautiful dress she purchased the day she and Apollonia ran into Jack as he was exiting the Vienna Model Bakery.
"Merci, Monsieur Jacobs. You look tres magnifique."
"Thanks." David replied, blushing to a bright shade of red. "Uh, shall we?" He said escorting her to the front door of Irving Hall.
As they watched Medda perform with her new entourage of entertainers, their personalities were quite opposite. Giselle quietly observed the performance onstage with David sitting next to her. Appearing more nervous than anything, he tried to stay focused. He already found the courage to ask her out and she accepted. Now, he had to keep her interested in him. She would throw an intermittent glance his way as he tried to stay calm. All in all, things were going well. "So far, so good." He said to himself.
"I'm sorry, Monsieur. What did you say?"
"Hmm, oh, nothing! I was just saying so far, it's good." He saved himself face so that he would not ruin this night. It was their first date and he wanted it to go without incident.
After the show, he planned on taking her to dinner at one of his favorite restaurants. A walk through the park would be the perfect finish. "I'm going to make this night special if it kills me!" He thought to himself. Determination was the word of the evening.
~
Things were quiet at Jack's apartment. Only twenty minutes ago neither of them could say that. They laid there speechless and sweaty. After a passionate lovemaking session, Jack took the initiative to discuss a few matters of the heart. Lightly scratching the top of her head with his fingertips, she woke up to his warm-hearted expression. "Hello, handsome."
"There's something I've gotta tell ya." She looked at him thoughtfully. "Since we're a couple now, I think that we should get some things out in the open."
"Okay...." Apollonia responded, slightly unsure about what he wanted to confess.
"Before you and me got taggeda, I used ta go ta the brothels on the edge of town or meet women in the bars and pay them to have sex with me." Apollonia just looked at him. "I didn't do it all of the time. There was the occasional girlfriend here and there, but either I caught myself comparing them to you or I lost interest." Her eyes lowered to his chest.
"I hope dat you don't look at me differently now because I only did it because I couldn't have you. Not ta mention I'm a man. I do have needs." He said raising her up closer to him. Apollonia was a little startled by the news, but she felt that it was the past and it had no bearing on the present.
"Well, at least you love me enough to tell me. Merci, mon chere." Jack kissed her affectionately. "And as you already should know, Spot was the only man I have ever been with. That's why I took so long to respond to you. I didn't want to give my heart and body to someone who was only toying with my affections." Jack looked at her with sincere eyes.
"I can only give you love dat lasts forever, and a promise ta be near each time you call. And da only heart I own is for you and you alone." Apollonia was touched by his words. She giggled when she remembered a statement made by Giselle about Jack.
"What?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I was just thinking about what Giselle said to me about us right after you walked me home one night. She said that once a man begins to touch you with words, he is not too far off with his hands." Jack smiled, knowing this to be true.
"It doesn't matter anymore now, Jack. She knows how we feel about each other. And she knows that we engage ourselves in the beautiful art of sex."
"There's an old Irish saying about sex. When sex is good, it's the most beautiful thing in the world. When sex is bad, it's still pretty good." Both laughed gleefully.
"You are so silly, Jack Kelly."
"Francis."
"What?"
"My real name is Francis. Francis Sullivan to be exact."
Apollonia looked at him amazed. Jack reached over and retrieved a picture from his nightstand. The picture showed a family of three. The sturdy, handsome man in the photograph was obviously Jack's father. He had glossy brown hair and a relaxed face. He was tall and strapping in build. His mother was shorter, but tall for a woman. She had dark hair and eyes and a warm, loving smile. Hard to miss was Jack. He was wide-eyed and innocent in the photo. His tattered vest showed evidence of a poor but active existence. His hazel eyes were beaming with pride and happiness. One would not have known that his life was riddled with many trials and tribulations by the smile he garnered.
Apollonia examined the snapshot as if she were studying for an exam. She carefully studied every face, trying to see where Jack received his spirit and determination from. She then later smiled.
"You look like your father."
"I have his mother's eyes. He told me that when I was about eight years old. She died shortly before they left Ireland. When they moved ta New York, I was born. I used to love to read the comic books dat he got for me. He bought them when he could afford to, which wasn't very often since he worked all day in da factories trying to put food on da table. My favorite dime-store novel was about Western Jim. I would read stories about his adventures in the west and all of da things he saw out in New Mexico. Dat's how I got started with my dreams of Santa Fe. When I was ten my mother got real sick. She died from malnourishment and starvation. My dad started drinking heavily and my mom had ta go ta work. She would not eat sometimes just so I could eat. Dat's when she started feeling bad. The long hours took their toll on her and she died. My pop needed ta pay da rent and feed me, so he robbed a liquor store and killed a cop in da process. He was hauled off to jail. I've been on my own evah since. I was caught stealing food from a vendor on da street, and when da bulls caught me, I was sent to da House of Refuge where this idiot named Snyder ran da place. Things weren't much bettah for me there so aftah several attempts, I finally escaped. Once I got out, I became a newsie and changed my name to Jack Kelly. And da rest is history."
Jack looked down as Apollonia reached for his hand. She kissed his cheek, letting him know that she could feel his pain. After a few moments of silence, Jack placed the photo back into the drawer and began making love to Apollonia once more.
