Hey hey everyone!!! Here's the next chappie!! Special thanks goes out to
dreamcoat for being the only person to review the last chapter!!! Lol, I
gotta work on my timing when it comes to posting. ANYWAYZ, thanks so much
girl! :) Hope this chapter was quick enough for ya!! Well, I hope you all
enjoy and please review!!!
Disclaimer: It's almost 1am and I really don't feel like getting into a big legal brawl with you evil lawyers, so lets just say that Disney owns Newsies and that Kenny Ortega gave me the rights to Racetrack. No good? It was worth a shot.
~*~
About a week had past since the night of the storm and everyone was busy planning the last minute party to commemorate the strike. That party, of course, had been Spot's idea. "Ta rememba how Brooklyn saved yer hides from Weasel's goons." Medda had agreed to let them use Irving Hall, which would mark the first big celebration since Britt's surprise party. Britt was eager to help and filled Race in on all the preparations during their talks.
Both Race and Britt felt their feelings intensify since the night of the storm. Both were aware of the tingling feeling that came after the slightest touch. Both were aware that when they looked into each other's eyes, whether from across the room at Tibby's or saying goodnight on the steps of Britt's building, the world melted away and it was just the two of them. But only one of them was ready to give into their feelings. The other struggled, still keeping a safe distance away from ledge, for fear of falling harder.
His hesitation puzzled Britt. She knew the walls he built around himself were crumbling. She could see it in his eyes. But there was a part of himself that he wouldn't bring to the light. It was as if he were afraid. And Britt wasn't the only one confused about Race's current behavior. Ally knew first hand that Racetrack Higgins never held anything back. He was the most straightforward person Ally had ever met. If it weren't for him, she and David might not be together today. Ally looked up at the night sky and touched her necklace. For the sake of her sister's happiness, she vowed to find out why he was holding back the feelings everyone knew he had. She had confided in him once, and his advice still rang through her ears. Perhaps she could help him now. "I'll keep my promise Mama...I will make sure Britt is happy."
~*~
The next day, Ally and David went to the lodging house to help the others with decorations. The party was to be held in a few days and Britt had stayed behind to help Sarah and Mrs. Jacobs cook. Entering the lodging house, Ally and David couldn't help but laugh at the chaos. Crutchy, Bumlets, Specs, and Dutchy were in the corner making signs. Blink and Mush were chasing Clover and Magic around with streamers. However, they made the mistake of running by Spot, who strategically tripped them both with his cane. "Dat'll teach ya bums! Get back ta woik!" his infamous smirk shining. He looked towards the door, "Heya love boids." He welcomed them, "Come on in and join da ranks."
Ally and David laughed and took the streamers from Blink and Mush, putting them in a box to take over to Medda's. A few minutes later, Jack walked in with more boxes. "Heya Davey, Ally." He greeted, setting the boxes down.
"Hey Jack." Ally said, giving him a quick hug. "Have you seen Race?"
Jack's face turned grim, "Yeah....he's upstairs. He helped out some dis mornin' but he's been so...distracted."
Ally nodded and turned to David, "I'm gonna go up and talk to him."
"Alight," David said, kissing her briefly, "You want me to go with you?"
"That'd be nice." She smiled, walking toward the staircase.
David looked at Jack, "Don't worry...if anyone can get through to Race, its Ally." He followed her up the stairs.
They found Racetrack on his bed, leaning up against the headboard, smoking a cigarette. It took a few moments before he even noticed their presence. "Oh...uh...heya guys." He shifted off the bed uncomfortably, "What's goin' on?"
"You tell us." Ally stated, noting the stress in his eyes.
He shrugged, standing up. "I don't know what yer talkin' about doll..."
"We know there's something bothering you Race." David said, "We just want to help."
Race shook his head, walking over to the window, "No one can help me..." he trailed off.
"Britt can."
Race spun around to look at Ally, "How did ya..."
"Everyone knows," she said, "Even you know....you're just to afraid to admit it. And I'm here to find out why."
Racetrack didn't know what to say, he just shook his head again and turned back to the window.
"Race come on...please just talk to us. We know you have feelings for Britt, why can't you just..."
"I love Britt." He interrupted, closing his eyes. It was the first time he had said it out loud.
Ally stared at his back. Her feelings a mixture of shock and joy. She looked at David, who had a small smile on his face. She turned back to Race, "You have to tell her."
"I can't..." he said, his eyes still glued to the streets of New York.
"You have too! Race if it weren't for you, David and I might not be together right now." She sighed "I want you to be happy...and I know Britt makes you happy."
He leaned his forehead against the cool glass, remaining silent.
"You make her happy too ya know..."
More silence.
Ally took a step forward, "A wise person once said to me: If you care about each other, then that's all that matters."
Race looked at her, "Dat was different."
"How?"
"Ya wouldn't undastand."
Ally raised an eyebrow, "Maybe now I wouldn't...but I did a year ago. I know what its like to be afraid of what I felt." She smiled at David, who put his arm around her, smiling lovingly. "You helped me through that time. So please help me understand...how is it different?"
"'CAUSE I DON'T DESOIVE HER!" Race screamed, spinning around. He looked at them, his breathing heavy, before falling onto his bed, his head in his hands. He looked up at them, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "She...she desoives so much betta den what I hafta offer."
A creak turned their attention to the doorway, where a familiar figure stood, a tear cascading down her cheek.
Racetrack's eyes widened, "Britt..."
Ally walked over to her sister, "How long have you been here?" she asked.
Britt didn't take her eyes off Race, "Long enough." She turned to Ally and David, playing with her necklace, "Could you leave us alone for a minute?"
They looked back at Race, who by now was standing. His hands were in his pockets as he shifted from foot to foot, staring at the floor. Giving her sister's hand a reassuring squeeze, they left, closing the door behind them.
They were both silent for what seemed like forever, until Britt sighed and walked over to Race. He avoided her gaze, still staring at the floor. "Race, look at me."
He didn't move.
"Please?" her voice was pleading, almost sad. But not angry.
He looked up at her, her eyes weren't angry either. They were sad. Another tear escaped and Race's heart broke. "Britt, please don't cry...I just..."
"Shhh..." she put her finger to his lips. "I think you've down enough talking for tonight." She stepped closer to him, "It's my turn to talk and you are going to listen. Are you listening?"
He nodded.
Britt took a deep breath, "Good." She cupped his face in her hands, gently brushing her lips against his. Race stood there in shock for a few moments until his eyes fluttered shut and he kissed her back. His arms instinctively went around her waist as he deepened the kiss, pouring out every emotion he had been feeling since day one. Britt couldn't describe the feelings rushing through her. Being in his arms, kissing him. They were the only two people in the world, and for a few blissful moments, everything was right. After awhile, Britt pulled away as the two tried to catch their breath. Fighting against everything she wanted, Britt pulled away and stepped away from him. "Well I think I've said all I needed to say." She walked to the door and turned back to him, "I'll give you some time to think things over....and just so you know..." she reached her hand up to touch her angel charm. "It's not up to you to decide what I deserve, Anthony 'Racetrack' Higgins." She said, using his real name, that he had shared with her in confidence. With one final look at the boy she loved, Britt turned and left the lodging house.
Racetrack watched her leave, still in shock. He registered everything that had just happened. The kiss, his feelings, her words. He brought his hand up to his lips and smiled. Sighing, he flung himself on his bed and covered his face with his pillow, screaming into it.
~*~
Please Review!!! :)
Luv Alwayz & 4ever,
~Britt aka AngelicOne~
Disclaimer: It's almost 1am and I really don't feel like getting into a big legal brawl with you evil lawyers, so lets just say that Disney owns Newsies and that Kenny Ortega gave me the rights to Racetrack. No good? It was worth a shot.
~*~
About a week had past since the night of the storm and everyone was busy planning the last minute party to commemorate the strike. That party, of course, had been Spot's idea. "Ta rememba how Brooklyn saved yer hides from Weasel's goons." Medda had agreed to let them use Irving Hall, which would mark the first big celebration since Britt's surprise party. Britt was eager to help and filled Race in on all the preparations during their talks.
Both Race and Britt felt their feelings intensify since the night of the storm. Both were aware of the tingling feeling that came after the slightest touch. Both were aware that when they looked into each other's eyes, whether from across the room at Tibby's or saying goodnight on the steps of Britt's building, the world melted away and it was just the two of them. But only one of them was ready to give into their feelings. The other struggled, still keeping a safe distance away from ledge, for fear of falling harder.
His hesitation puzzled Britt. She knew the walls he built around himself were crumbling. She could see it in his eyes. But there was a part of himself that he wouldn't bring to the light. It was as if he were afraid. And Britt wasn't the only one confused about Race's current behavior. Ally knew first hand that Racetrack Higgins never held anything back. He was the most straightforward person Ally had ever met. If it weren't for him, she and David might not be together today. Ally looked up at the night sky and touched her necklace. For the sake of her sister's happiness, she vowed to find out why he was holding back the feelings everyone knew he had. She had confided in him once, and his advice still rang through her ears. Perhaps she could help him now. "I'll keep my promise Mama...I will make sure Britt is happy."
~*~
The next day, Ally and David went to the lodging house to help the others with decorations. The party was to be held in a few days and Britt had stayed behind to help Sarah and Mrs. Jacobs cook. Entering the lodging house, Ally and David couldn't help but laugh at the chaos. Crutchy, Bumlets, Specs, and Dutchy were in the corner making signs. Blink and Mush were chasing Clover and Magic around with streamers. However, they made the mistake of running by Spot, who strategically tripped them both with his cane. "Dat'll teach ya bums! Get back ta woik!" his infamous smirk shining. He looked towards the door, "Heya love boids." He welcomed them, "Come on in and join da ranks."
Ally and David laughed and took the streamers from Blink and Mush, putting them in a box to take over to Medda's. A few minutes later, Jack walked in with more boxes. "Heya Davey, Ally." He greeted, setting the boxes down.
"Hey Jack." Ally said, giving him a quick hug. "Have you seen Race?"
Jack's face turned grim, "Yeah....he's upstairs. He helped out some dis mornin' but he's been so...distracted."
Ally nodded and turned to David, "I'm gonna go up and talk to him."
"Alight," David said, kissing her briefly, "You want me to go with you?"
"That'd be nice." She smiled, walking toward the staircase.
David looked at Jack, "Don't worry...if anyone can get through to Race, its Ally." He followed her up the stairs.
They found Racetrack on his bed, leaning up against the headboard, smoking a cigarette. It took a few moments before he even noticed their presence. "Oh...uh...heya guys." He shifted off the bed uncomfortably, "What's goin' on?"
"You tell us." Ally stated, noting the stress in his eyes.
He shrugged, standing up. "I don't know what yer talkin' about doll..."
"We know there's something bothering you Race." David said, "We just want to help."
Race shook his head, walking over to the window, "No one can help me..." he trailed off.
"Britt can."
Race spun around to look at Ally, "How did ya..."
"Everyone knows," she said, "Even you know....you're just to afraid to admit it. And I'm here to find out why."
Racetrack didn't know what to say, he just shook his head again and turned back to the window.
"Race come on...please just talk to us. We know you have feelings for Britt, why can't you just..."
"I love Britt." He interrupted, closing his eyes. It was the first time he had said it out loud.
Ally stared at his back. Her feelings a mixture of shock and joy. She looked at David, who had a small smile on his face. She turned back to Race, "You have to tell her."
"I can't..." he said, his eyes still glued to the streets of New York.
"You have too! Race if it weren't for you, David and I might not be together right now." She sighed "I want you to be happy...and I know Britt makes you happy."
He leaned his forehead against the cool glass, remaining silent.
"You make her happy too ya know..."
More silence.
Ally took a step forward, "A wise person once said to me: If you care about each other, then that's all that matters."
Race looked at her, "Dat was different."
"How?"
"Ya wouldn't undastand."
Ally raised an eyebrow, "Maybe now I wouldn't...but I did a year ago. I know what its like to be afraid of what I felt." She smiled at David, who put his arm around her, smiling lovingly. "You helped me through that time. So please help me understand...how is it different?"
"'CAUSE I DON'T DESOIVE HER!" Race screamed, spinning around. He looked at them, his breathing heavy, before falling onto his bed, his head in his hands. He looked up at them, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "She...she desoives so much betta den what I hafta offer."
A creak turned their attention to the doorway, where a familiar figure stood, a tear cascading down her cheek.
Racetrack's eyes widened, "Britt..."
Ally walked over to her sister, "How long have you been here?" she asked.
Britt didn't take her eyes off Race, "Long enough." She turned to Ally and David, playing with her necklace, "Could you leave us alone for a minute?"
They looked back at Race, who by now was standing. His hands were in his pockets as he shifted from foot to foot, staring at the floor. Giving her sister's hand a reassuring squeeze, they left, closing the door behind them.
They were both silent for what seemed like forever, until Britt sighed and walked over to Race. He avoided her gaze, still staring at the floor. "Race, look at me."
He didn't move.
"Please?" her voice was pleading, almost sad. But not angry.
He looked up at her, her eyes weren't angry either. They were sad. Another tear escaped and Race's heart broke. "Britt, please don't cry...I just..."
"Shhh..." she put her finger to his lips. "I think you've down enough talking for tonight." She stepped closer to him, "It's my turn to talk and you are going to listen. Are you listening?"
He nodded.
Britt took a deep breath, "Good." She cupped his face in her hands, gently brushing her lips against his. Race stood there in shock for a few moments until his eyes fluttered shut and he kissed her back. His arms instinctively went around her waist as he deepened the kiss, pouring out every emotion he had been feeling since day one. Britt couldn't describe the feelings rushing through her. Being in his arms, kissing him. They were the only two people in the world, and for a few blissful moments, everything was right. After awhile, Britt pulled away as the two tried to catch their breath. Fighting against everything she wanted, Britt pulled away and stepped away from him. "Well I think I've said all I needed to say." She walked to the door and turned back to him, "I'll give you some time to think things over....and just so you know..." she reached her hand up to touch her angel charm. "It's not up to you to decide what I deserve, Anthony 'Racetrack' Higgins." She said, using his real name, that he had shared with her in confidence. With one final look at the boy she loved, Britt turned and left the lodging house.
Racetrack watched her leave, still in shock. He registered everything that had just happened. The kiss, his feelings, her words. He brought his hand up to his lips and smiled. Sighing, he flung himself on his bed and covered his face with his pillow, screaming into it.
~*~
Please Review!!! :)
Luv Alwayz & 4ever,
~Britt aka AngelicOne~
