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 22: Sapphires and Kisses

Apollonia spent much of her free time with Jack. Ever since they let it be known that they were a couple, the two were practically inseparable. Apollonia would make surprise visits to the warehouse where Jack worked and Jack would return the favor by showing up at her house unannounced. They felt like teenagers who would play hooky from school just to enjoy a day of fun-filled activities. Whenever she visited the warehouse, the guys would openly lust after her in the same manner the men at the steel mill would when she would visit Spot. "Men." She said to herself.

At the end of a hard day's work, Apollonia met Jack at his place of employment and walked back to his apartment. It was a delightful meandering of sorts as they would hold hands and converse simultaneously. They would run into the many newsies that were still hawking the headlines as they passed through the streets of Manhattan. Jack bought a paper from one of them along the way. He was proud to finally stroll through New York with a woman that was not a one-night stand, or a prostitute, or a girlfriend that he only had lukewarm feelings for. Finally, he thought, this was a bona fide deal.

Once they made it to his place, he took a quick shower. Apollonia made herself at home, being that she was at her man's apartment. She began cooking dinner for the both of them, since she was taught that one of the ways to a man's heart was his stomach.

"Sweetheart, could ya bring me a towel to dry off, please. They're in the linen closet." Apollonia swiftly walked to the closet to retrieve a towel for her lover and promptly brought it to him. He pushed the shower curtain back to reveal his wet, naked body. Apollonia just smirked at him. He took the towel from her and patted his face dry. He stood there looking at her with a smug grin on his face.

"Would ya like ta do da honors?" He said, handing her the towel to dry the rest of his powerfully built body. She was more than happy to oblige him. He would steal kisses from her as she dried him off. She giggled like a schoolgirl as he would play with her, teasing to pull her into the shower and drench her with him in her own clothes.

After eating dinner, they retreated to the rooftop of the apartment building to look up at the sky and enjoy the night air. She loved nights like these.

"Ya remember those guys ya met at Paddy's - Bryan, Patrick, and Russ? The ones dat were vying to win a dance with ya?" She nodded.

"Well, ya wouldn't guess what happened today. They all remembered ya from dat night and asked about us. They wanted ta know if we were taggeda or if ya were up for grabs. I asked them what if I told them dat ya were already taken? And they all patted me on da back. They thought dat maybe if they had a chance with ya dat they could make a move on ya. But I let them know dat they didn't have a chance in hell of getting with ya. You're mine and I got ya something ta prove it."

She looked at him curiously as he pulled something from his pocket. It was a small box containing something of value, she knew. As he handed it to her, he could see the interest building up in her eyes. Slowly, she opened it to find a pair of Sapphire earrings inside.

"Jack, they're beautiful."

"Just like you, baby." He planted a heated kiss onto her painted lips. She was beleaguered by the romantic act and gift that he had just bestowed upon her. He saved his money for several months to buy them. He went into a jewelry store months ago searching for something that would make her jovial and, more importantly, would show that he loved her. Material things were not what made love possible between two people, he knew, but it never hurt to show someone that you love them by showering them with gifts. He purchased the earrings as soon as he saved enough money. And they were worth it. Just seeing her eyes light up like fireworks in a midnight sky was definitely a guarantee that he roused bliss within her spirit.

They sat in a comfortable silence most of the night, listening to each other's sighing and breathing. Apollonia would be lost in thought about what type of relationship the two were headed for. She knew that it would be a loving and sentimental one. Her heart told her that she had made the right decision. Jack, too, was reflecting on their affiliation with one another. He visualized himself with her without end. These were the things that made him mad for her. Her love and compassion would make him complete.

Suddenly, Apollonia remembered Jack mentioning something about seeing David at one of his favorite hangouts.

"Shouldn't you be meeting David at Brady's tonight?"

Jack shrugged. "It can wait. I'm enjoying my time here with you." He kissed her shoulder sweetly as she savored in his affectionate motion. He inhaled and exhaled hurriedly. He wasn't in a hurry to leave Apollonia's side.

This was the first time in a long time where he was content to have a woman that he cared a great deal about in his home. Countless times he would be involved with a woman and, as he looked over at her sleeping in his bed, he did not feel the type of connection that he had always longed for. Apollonia certainly filled the void he had been trying to satisfy. He then hugged her in an all-embracing hold.

"Are you gonna stay over tonight or are you going back ta your place?"

"That depends. What do you want me to do?"

"Well, I have no problem waking up in the morning to a beautiful woman lying next to me? So, what do you think?"

Apollonia giggled to herself. "Well, I needed to finish up some chores at home and Giselle was going to help me. Now that I'm no longer a manic depressive, she doesn't need to stay with me as much."

"Okay. Why don't you do what you have to do at home, and I'll swing by and spend the night at your place. How does that sound?"

"Sound great, cherie."

~

One hour had passed and David was getting restless. He was beginning to think that Jack had forgotten about their plans to meet. He quickly gulped down some of his beer, only to be overtaken by a deep, gut-wrenching belch. Women at a near by table looked over at David in both disgust and humor. David just ran his hand through his curly hair and patiently waited for Jack to enter the bar. He did not have a long wait. Jack scanned the bar for his friend and promptly greeted him.

"Heya, Dave. Sorry I'm late. I've just had dinner and was cozying up to my girlfriend and walking her home and all."

David grinned. "How's Apollonia doing?"

"She's fine. Even better after I gave her a gift."

"What gift?"

"I got her some Sapphire earrings that set me back a couple of dollars, but they were worth it. Ya should've seen her face light up when I gave them to her."

"And I bet you started kissing her passionately, huh?"

"I wasn't kissing her. I was whispering in her mouth."

David nearly spit out his beer laughing at Jack's witty remark. Jack looked and saw a curly-haired blonde smiling at him. She waved to him, aiming to persuade him to come over to her and spend some time with her. Jack looked down and away, trying to ignore her. David caught a glimpse of the young woman. He instantly saw that she was trying to gain Jack's attention, but to no avail. Angry, she stormed away to another section of the bar.

"Jack, who was that? Do you know her?" Jack guzzled down some more of his beer before answering. "Yeah, I do."

"What does she want with you?" Jack looked over at his clueless friend.

"She wants what I give Apollonia." After a brief moment of thinking, David quickly realized what Jack was saying. She was a lady of the evening whose services were once used by Jack. David should have known that she was such, being that most of her cleavage was exposed, almost showing her nipples, and she was being rather flirtatious with most of the male clientele.

"Well, she seems to be making herself scarce. Guess you weren't a total loss to her after all." Jack just remained silent.

"I'm guessing that now that you're with Apollonia you're going to change your old habits, huh?"

"Dat goes without saying, Dave. I've waited for her for so long, and I'm not gonna go screwing things up. I'm gonna do this right, Davey."

David raised his bottle to Jack. "Here's to making a change."

"And here's to love." They clanked their bottles together imperfect unison before tossing down their beers.

"Speaking of love, have ya made a move on Giselle yet? Apollonia told me dat you two went out on a date da udda night. How'd it go?"

"It went well. I didn't make a move on her if that's what you're asking. I'm taking things nice and slow. It took me this long just to ask her out."

"Giselle is a very upright person. A little straight-laced at times, but she's respectable. She wasn't too keen on me seeing Apollonia in the beginning, but Apollonia said that she would have to get used to us, whether she liked it or not."

"Well, I hope that she doesn't see me as some scab that's trying too hard to impress her."

While taking another sip of his beer, two licentious-looking women were eyeing them. One was olive-skinned, dark-haired, and attractive. The other was pale with dark blonde hair and brown eyes and equally good-looking.

The dusky one shifted in her seat, waving to them. As she bent forward, the daring cut of her dress temptingly exposed her breasts to the two men. The blonde winked at them while licking her lips. David nearly blushed at the sight of such. David nearly blushed at the sight of such.

"Sorry ladies, but we are both taken." Jack stated. Both women just frowned and turned their business over to each other and their spirits.

"So is this part of the pages of your history, Jack?" Jack just looked on, not wishing to discuss the matter.

"Looks like I'm gonna hafta find another hangout. We're getting a little too popular here now." David nodded in agreement. Jack looked around the bar noticing the endless procession of women for sale and men ready and willing to pay for what was between the women's legs for a quick, cheap night of passion. Jack was glad that he decided to leave this type of lifestyle and that he told Apollonia up front what he did so he didn't have to feel guilty about his past shenanigans.

"Hey, want to go swing by my parents' place. They haven't seen you in a while and would appreciate the visit. What do you say, Jack?"

Jack was thrilled with the offer. He hadn't seen the Jacobs' in quite a while. Quickly, they headed out of the door.

~

Giselle spent much of her time polishing wood and silverware with Apollonia. Giselle was being rather coy the entire time while she looked back on her date with David. She still had not told Apollonia about the rendezvous with the brown-haired reporter and knew that Apollonia would squeal with delight about the engagement.

"So, cherie, what did you do last week for fun? Stay indoors and read a book?" Apollonia inquired.

"No, Apollonia. I went out on a date, with David."

Apollonia looked up at her smiling. She already knew that she and David had a date, but did not let Giselle know that she knew. Giselle smiled at her shyly. "Mon Dieu! Why did you not tell me before?"

"I wanted to see you reaction. It's nothing serious. I'm just testing the waters. You were right. David is quite cute. The first beau that I think is worthy enough to be in my presence." Apollonia smiled.

"Well, that is tres bien. I am happy for you, chere."

"Merci, Apollonia."

They went back to doing their chores when Giselle became compelled to inform Apollonia about another issue.

"Cherie, there is something else I wanted to say to you. I want you to know that you are a strong woman. I saw you fall down and pick yourself up. I know that losing Spot was the worst thing that has happened to you and you will always feel sad because of his loss. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, you rose and flew. You picked up the pieces and moved on with your life. And I admire you for that. I hope that I share a love with the man of my dreams in the same way you shared your love with Spot."

"Merci, Giselle."

"And I also want you to know that I am happy for you and Jack. I am glad that he gave you the strength that you needed to move on with your life."

"It wasn't just Jack that helped me get through my trials, Giselle. You, Race, Blink, and Mush also had a hand in helping me out, remember?"

"I know, Apollonia, but Jack gave you the extra push that you needed to lift you out of your depression. Only a man that truly loves you can do that."

Apollonia was on the brink of tears as Giselle spoke such sentimental words about Jack.

"I'm glad that you finally approved of Jack and me together. Merci, beaucoup."

The two best friends went back to handling their household duties when Apollonia thought of a wonderful idea. "Giselle, I have an idea. Why don't the four of us go to Coney Island?"

"That's a very good idea. Tres bien! I will ask David if he is able to go next week. I know that he has a lot of work to do but I'm sure that he would be more than happy to join us. The four of us having fun on the many rides of Dreamland Park will be brilliant."

"I will tell Jack about the upcoming plans. I know he will not turn down the offer." As soon as Apollonia began placing the silverware into the curio, Giselle, almost reluctant, decided to ask her one more question.

"Um, Apollonia, do you mind if I ask you something personal?" Apollonia looked at her curiously. "Of course, Giselle. What is it?"

"Um, how long did it take for you to, well, do it with Spot?"

Apollonia smiled at her friend. Giselle, known to be rather prudish at times, wanted to know more about the initiation of sex and lovemaking. Apollonia motioned for her to sit down next to her on the sofa.

"Okay, sweetie, I'll start at the beginning."

~

Things were relatively laid-back and collected at the Jacobs' apartment. Esther had cooked a rather tasty meal for everyone. Roast lamb with potatoes and vegetables seemed to put everyone in a content mood. Mayer and Esther were always pleased to have company over, especially Jack. Jack was like a son to them, and they were his family. Even though David and Jack were best friends, he'd always felt like they were brothers.

Les was present and getting ready to go out on a date. Les was happy to see Jack as well. They talked for a while at the dinner table, filling each other in on what was going on in their lives. He was in high school and planning on going to college. He thought about becoming a professor due to being inspired by one of his favorite teachers.

Sarah, however, was not present. She would make occasional visits, usually for the holidays. She currently resided in Boston with her husband who was a successful banker.

"You need to pay a visit more often, Jack. You know how we feel about you." Esther stated.

"Well, I've been quite busy with work and all."

"That's not all he's been busy with." Joked David. Jack shot David a sly grin. Mayer looked on confused.

"What are you inferring, David?"

"Jack has a new girlfriend."

"Really, who? Is it that Polish girl I saw you walking down the street with before?" Inquired Esther.

"No, it's Apollonia." Both Esther and Mayer were surprised. "Isn't she the one who was married to Spot?"

"Yeah."

"Good gracious! Poor thing. To be so young and a widow. I take it that she's better now that she's with you."

"Yeah, she is. Spot gave us his blessing before he passed away, so there are no hang-ups."

"Say, why don't you bring Apollonia over for dinner next week? We would love to have you both over."

"Sure. Why not?" Jack answered. David was glad to have this kind of solidarity among his family. As Jack sat back leisurely sipping his cola, he decided to drop a bomb on the Jacobs.

"Don't you think you should invite Giselle over to dinner, too, Dave."

"Who's Giselle?" Asked Mayer.

David just looked confounded and shell-shocked at Jack. Jack grinned.