The next day, Mush came into the lodging house earlier than usual.
"Heya Race, where's Jeff?"
"He stayed da night in Brooklyn." Race said. "Was real tired afta da pokah game,"
"Was Illy der?" asked Mush hopefully.
"Yeah. I told her ya was lookin' for her but she didn't say nuttin'." said Race. He didn't like lying to Mush, but Illy had made him promise that he wouldn't reveal her identity.
The only other person who knew was Spot, since Illy had stayed the night in Brooklyn and all.
"She stayed da night der wid Jeff an' Spot," Race said.
"Does she seem ta like Jeff?" asked Mush.
"No, but dey do got a lot in common," said Race, smiling to himself.
"Thanks Race. I'm gonna go see if I kin still catch Illy an' apologize." Mush said.
"Why?" asked Race, but Mush was already out the door and on his way to Brooklyn.
* * * * *
"I'll see ya latah Spot," said Illy as she tucked her hair under her hat. "I wanna sell in Manhattan taday,"
"A'right, but ya gotta come back for da rematch!" Spot said. Illy laughed.
"Don't worry, I'll be der," Illy started the long walk back to Manhattan.
A few minutes later, Mush entered the Brooklyn Lodging House.
"Hiya Mush," said Spot walking over to Mush as he burst through the door to the bunk room. "Yer ova heah a little eoily ain't ya?"
"Yeah, but I gotta see Illy. Is she heah?" asked Mush. Spot didn't know dat Mush didn't know that Illy was being Jeff so he shook his head.
"Naw, said she was gonna sell in Manhattan taday," said Spot.
"Where's Jeff?" asked Mush. Spot looked confused.
"What d'ya mean?" asked Spot. "Don't you'se know dat." Spot trailed off. Then he realized that Mush didn't know that Illy was 'Jeff'. "He left wid Illy," Spot said simply.
"Oh," Mush looked disappointed. "Thanks Spot,"
* * * * *
"Hey Jeff!" Mush yelled. Illy ignored him. "Jeff wait up!" Mush called again. When he finally caught up with Illy, he stopped her. "Why didn't ya stop?"
"Huh?" asked Illy. "Who was cawlin' me?"
"I was!" Mush said.
"Oh, I didn't heah ya. Sorry,"
"Where's Illy?" asked Mush.
I'm right heah Mush, Illy longed to say, but she didn't.
"Spot said she was wid you'se,"
"He did?" asked Illy. Way ta go Spot, she thought.
"Yeah,"
"She was, but den she said for me ta go on by meself," Illy said quickly. Mush's face fell. "Why?"
"I just wanted ta tell 'er dat I'm sorry for kissin' her," Even though I don't regret it. thought Mush, "An' good-bye too,"
"Good-bye?" Illy asked.
"Yeah, taday's my last day of sellin'." said Mush. "My parents think it's a better idea for Lynn ta live wid us, so we'se movin' an' I jist wanted ta tell her.." Mush choked on his words. "wanted ta tell her dat I loved her an' I always would,"
Illy's heart dropped.
"I'se gotta go now," said Mush. "If ya see her, would ya tell her for me Jeff?"
"Shoah," Illy promised. Mush nodded and ran away from her.
Illy wanted to slap herself. She had just had the chance to tell him that she loved him too. She stopped herself. Did she love him? She didn't know. She walked over to the pier and sat down on a crate, her head on her hands.
"What's da mattah wid you'se Jennifer?" she asked herself. "D'ya love him or not?"
Illy looked at her reflection in the water. She imagined Mush standing next to her with his arms around her, and them watching the sunset together.
"Yes," she quickly decided. "I've got ta tell him."
* * * * *
Mush walked into Tibby's when he got back to Manhattan. The carriage that was taking himself, Lynn and his parents back to the Meyers estate was parked outside.
"Hey Mush, what's wid da suit?" asked Jack.
"Guys," said Mush. "I'se leavin'," Tibby's grew silent. Race stood up.
"Ya can't leave Mush!" he protested. "What 'bout Illy?"
"She has what she wants," said Mush looking at Race. Race stared at him like he had just turned into a four-eyed freak.
"What are you'se tawlkin' 'bout?" Race demanded.
"I see her hangin' around wid you," said Mush. "I know you guys love each odder an; I ain't gettin' in da way of dat. I'm engaged an' I'm leavin'. I just wanted ta say 'bye ta you fellas,"
Race stared blankly at Mush.
"Ya can't leave!" Race said. "Illy loves you!"
"No she doesn't," said Mush. "I know my place. I'll miss you fellas," Mush turned, walked out of the restaurant and climbed into the carriage next to Lynn and his parents as Illy came around the corner.
"Mush!" she called out. Mush leaned out of the window and waved to her.
"'Bye Jeff. It was nice ta know ya," Mush leaned back inside of the carriage and tuned out the rest of the noises he heard.
"Mush it's me!" she screamed as loud as she could. "I'm Illy!" The newsies rushed out of Tibby's.
But Mush didn't hear her and the carriage turned the corner. Illy took off her hat, and let her hair fall down to her shoulders.
"Don't go Mush," she whispered. "I loves you," Illy sunk to her knees in tears. Race ran over to her and put his arms around her comfortingly.
"I'se sorry Illy," Race said. Illy hugged her brother and cried on his shoulder.
"You'se didn't do anythin' Racetrack. It was me," said Illy through her sobs. "You'se told me ta tell him but I'se was too stubborn,"
"We Higgins' have dat reputation," said Race. He pulled Illy up off of the ground. "C'mon, let's get you'se back ta da lodgin' house,"
* * * * *
Mush was staring out of his bedroom window. He found himself thinking about Illy again.
"Stop thinkin' 'bout 'er Meyers," he said. "She don't love ya. It's been seven months since you've seen her. Even if she did love ya den, she wouldn't anymoah."
Mush frowned. He was talking to himself again. It was now July and he missed Illy more than ever.
"No, she nevah loved you." he continued.
"Did she tell you that?" asked Rosa as she entered his room. She had come with Lynn to the Meyers' estate.
"Who are you'se?" he asked Rosa.
"I'm Rosa," said Rosa. "I used to work with Jennifer before she was fired," Rosa started making Mush's bed.
"Wait a second, did you say she was fired?"
"Yessir, right after Miss Lynn told her father what had happened between you two," Rosa said.
"Dey told me she quit!" Mush yelled.
"Did they?" asked Rosa. "Well that's Lynn for ya. She hates it when Jen got anything that would make her happy,"
"Illy," Mush sighed.
"Illy?" asked Rosa.
"Dat's what I cawled 'er. An' da rest of da newsies cawled her dat too," Rosa nodded knowingly.
"Yes, with her brother Racetrack. He was so helpful that day when her mother died." Rosa sighed. "Mrs. Higgins."
"Race is 'er brudder!?!?" asked Mush.
"Yes didn't you know?" asked Rosa.
"Illumination Higgins!" he said. "Illumination Higgins!" he cried. "Dat's what she was sayin'!"
Rosa was thoroughly confused. She continued with making his bed.
"I can't believe it, she does love Race, but he's her brudder. How could I have been so stupid?" Mush raced out of his room, grabbing his newsie clothes with him as he went.
* * * * *
"You'se okay?" asked Spot. Illy nodded.
"I still miss him, but I think I'll be okay," said Illy. She glanced at her watch.
"Hey fellas ain't it almost time for da firewoiks ta start?" asked Race as he walked into the room. The Brooklyn and Manhattan newsies cheered and filed outside for the Independence Day fireworks, all except for Illy.
"Ya still upset Illy?" asked Race putting his arms around his sister. Illy nodded.
"It's been seven months," she said quietly. "Seven months. I had hoped.." she trailed off. Race nodded.
"Ya wanna come outside an' see da firewoiks?" he asked. "dey're supposed ta be real good." Illy smiled weakly.
"Yeah," Race took her hand and they started the walk out to the pier. But at the door of the lodging house stood a familiar figure. Illy gasped.
"M.Mush?" she asked.
"In poison," he replied. He took her other hand. "I wanted ta.."
"Look dey're startin'!" Spot interrupted. Illy and Mush looked up at the sky which was being brightly illuminated by the fireworks. "C'mon, let's go get a good seat." Race ran out to the pier, closely followed by Mush and Illy.
Mush and Illy sat down on a crate. After a few minutes of watching, Illy turned her gaze to Mush.
"Ya came back," she said. Mush looked at her.
"I had too." Mush said.
"Why?"
"I wanted ta say what I wanted ta say in poison. I didn't think it would sound the same ta ya comin' from Jeff,"
"Oh but it did," said Illy smiling. Mush looked surprised. "Jeff was me," she said.
"You.Jeff?" Mush asked. "Oh wow,"
"I came after you, but you had just left Tibby's an' ya didn't stop ta listen ta me," Illy said.
"What did ya want ta say?"
"I love you'se too Mush, I still do," said Illy. Mush smiled.
He slowly leaned closer to her and kissed her. Sparks shot through their bodies, and Illy put her arms around his neck an pulled him closer. But then she suddenly stopped and pulled away.
"We can't do dis," she said.
"Why not?"
"Lynn," said Illy.
"Aw, I took care of dat," said Mush. Illy smiled at Mush and kissed him softly. "So, are we officially a couple?"
"You bet," said Illy. Mush put his arm around Illy's waist and they watched the fireworks together. Illy laid her head on Mush's shoulder.
After a few minutes, the finale started, which was sending up brilliant colors of red, white and blue mixed with other colors. Mush turned away from the beautiful sight to look at Illy. Illy noticed him staring.
"What?" she asked.
"Yer eyes really do illuminate da sky," he said as he was searching her eyes. Illy blushed. Mush kissed her as the last of the fireworks were sent into the sky with a loud BOOM!
"It's good ta see dat yer happy Illy," said Race. Mush looked at Race.
"Ya know one of da reasons I neva said nuttin' 'bout likin' you'se is 'cuz I thought dat you'se liked Race," Mush said. Illy laughed.
"Ya did?" she asked. Mush nodded.
"It's time fer bed," Spot called out. "Dat goes for da lovers too," he pointed his cane at Mush and Illy.
Because of it being the fourth of July, there were no empty beds for Mush, so he was going to share a bed with Illy.
"Lights out!" a voice called. The lights blinked off. Mush leaned over to Illy and put his arms around her.
"I loves ya Illumination Higgins," he said as he kissed her good night.
THE END!
A/N: I have come to the conclusion that everyone that has reached this point can read, so as you can see this is the end of the story. Yay! *victory dance* Ok...I'll stop scaring the little ones. Just to let everyone know...this is kinda the prequel to Home With You...like the whole Star Wars thing...*hums Star Wars theme* how episodes 4,5 and 6 came out before 1,2 and 3. Anywho...If you're one of the suckers whose read "Home With You" shame on you for spending all of your homework time on reading my crummy old stories! Go apologize to the teacher! Ok ok...I know I'm weird and have an extremely warped sense of humor. Anywho...review this story...or (even better!) check out my Harry Potter story! *gasp* A revelation. Just so you know, the HP is called "Matchmaker" and I think it's good. But then again...I thought this was good three years ago...oh well.
"Heya Race, where's Jeff?"
"He stayed da night in Brooklyn." Race said. "Was real tired afta da pokah game,"
"Was Illy der?" asked Mush hopefully.
"Yeah. I told her ya was lookin' for her but she didn't say nuttin'." said Race. He didn't like lying to Mush, but Illy had made him promise that he wouldn't reveal her identity.
The only other person who knew was Spot, since Illy had stayed the night in Brooklyn and all.
"She stayed da night der wid Jeff an' Spot," Race said.
"Does she seem ta like Jeff?" asked Mush.
"No, but dey do got a lot in common," said Race, smiling to himself.
"Thanks Race. I'm gonna go see if I kin still catch Illy an' apologize." Mush said.
"Why?" asked Race, but Mush was already out the door and on his way to Brooklyn.
* * * * *
"I'll see ya latah Spot," said Illy as she tucked her hair under her hat. "I wanna sell in Manhattan taday,"
"A'right, but ya gotta come back for da rematch!" Spot said. Illy laughed.
"Don't worry, I'll be der," Illy started the long walk back to Manhattan.
A few minutes later, Mush entered the Brooklyn Lodging House.
"Hiya Mush," said Spot walking over to Mush as he burst through the door to the bunk room. "Yer ova heah a little eoily ain't ya?"
"Yeah, but I gotta see Illy. Is she heah?" asked Mush. Spot didn't know dat Mush didn't know that Illy was being Jeff so he shook his head.
"Naw, said she was gonna sell in Manhattan taday," said Spot.
"Where's Jeff?" asked Mush. Spot looked confused.
"What d'ya mean?" asked Spot. "Don't you'se know dat." Spot trailed off. Then he realized that Mush didn't know that Illy was 'Jeff'. "He left wid Illy," Spot said simply.
"Oh," Mush looked disappointed. "Thanks Spot,"
* * * * *
"Hey Jeff!" Mush yelled. Illy ignored him. "Jeff wait up!" Mush called again. When he finally caught up with Illy, he stopped her. "Why didn't ya stop?"
"Huh?" asked Illy. "Who was cawlin' me?"
"I was!" Mush said.
"Oh, I didn't heah ya. Sorry,"
"Where's Illy?" asked Mush.
I'm right heah Mush, Illy longed to say, but she didn't.
"Spot said she was wid you'se,"
"He did?" asked Illy. Way ta go Spot, she thought.
"Yeah,"
"She was, but den she said for me ta go on by meself," Illy said quickly. Mush's face fell. "Why?"
"I just wanted ta tell 'er dat I'm sorry for kissin' her," Even though I don't regret it. thought Mush, "An' good-bye too,"
"Good-bye?" Illy asked.
"Yeah, taday's my last day of sellin'." said Mush. "My parents think it's a better idea for Lynn ta live wid us, so we'se movin' an' I jist wanted ta tell her.." Mush choked on his words. "wanted ta tell her dat I loved her an' I always would,"
Illy's heart dropped.
"I'se gotta go now," said Mush. "If ya see her, would ya tell her for me Jeff?"
"Shoah," Illy promised. Mush nodded and ran away from her.
Illy wanted to slap herself. She had just had the chance to tell him that she loved him too. She stopped herself. Did she love him? She didn't know. She walked over to the pier and sat down on a crate, her head on her hands.
"What's da mattah wid you'se Jennifer?" she asked herself. "D'ya love him or not?"
Illy looked at her reflection in the water. She imagined Mush standing next to her with his arms around her, and them watching the sunset together.
"Yes," she quickly decided. "I've got ta tell him."
* * * * *
Mush walked into Tibby's when he got back to Manhattan. The carriage that was taking himself, Lynn and his parents back to the Meyers estate was parked outside.
"Hey Mush, what's wid da suit?" asked Jack.
"Guys," said Mush. "I'se leavin'," Tibby's grew silent. Race stood up.
"Ya can't leave Mush!" he protested. "What 'bout Illy?"
"She has what she wants," said Mush looking at Race. Race stared at him like he had just turned into a four-eyed freak.
"What are you'se tawlkin' 'bout?" Race demanded.
"I see her hangin' around wid you," said Mush. "I know you guys love each odder an; I ain't gettin' in da way of dat. I'm engaged an' I'm leavin'. I just wanted ta say 'bye ta you fellas,"
Race stared blankly at Mush.
"Ya can't leave!" Race said. "Illy loves you!"
"No she doesn't," said Mush. "I know my place. I'll miss you fellas," Mush turned, walked out of the restaurant and climbed into the carriage next to Lynn and his parents as Illy came around the corner.
"Mush!" she called out. Mush leaned out of the window and waved to her.
"'Bye Jeff. It was nice ta know ya," Mush leaned back inside of the carriage and tuned out the rest of the noises he heard.
"Mush it's me!" she screamed as loud as she could. "I'm Illy!" The newsies rushed out of Tibby's.
But Mush didn't hear her and the carriage turned the corner. Illy took off her hat, and let her hair fall down to her shoulders.
"Don't go Mush," she whispered. "I loves you," Illy sunk to her knees in tears. Race ran over to her and put his arms around her comfortingly.
"I'se sorry Illy," Race said. Illy hugged her brother and cried on his shoulder.
"You'se didn't do anythin' Racetrack. It was me," said Illy through her sobs. "You'se told me ta tell him but I'se was too stubborn,"
"We Higgins' have dat reputation," said Race. He pulled Illy up off of the ground. "C'mon, let's get you'se back ta da lodgin' house,"
* * * * *
Mush was staring out of his bedroom window. He found himself thinking about Illy again.
"Stop thinkin' 'bout 'er Meyers," he said. "She don't love ya. It's been seven months since you've seen her. Even if she did love ya den, she wouldn't anymoah."
Mush frowned. He was talking to himself again. It was now July and he missed Illy more than ever.
"No, she nevah loved you." he continued.
"Did she tell you that?" asked Rosa as she entered his room. She had come with Lynn to the Meyers' estate.
"Who are you'se?" he asked Rosa.
"I'm Rosa," said Rosa. "I used to work with Jennifer before she was fired," Rosa started making Mush's bed.
"Wait a second, did you say she was fired?"
"Yessir, right after Miss Lynn told her father what had happened between you two," Rosa said.
"Dey told me she quit!" Mush yelled.
"Did they?" asked Rosa. "Well that's Lynn for ya. She hates it when Jen got anything that would make her happy,"
"Illy," Mush sighed.
"Illy?" asked Rosa.
"Dat's what I cawled 'er. An' da rest of da newsies cawled her dat too," Rosa nodded knowingly.
"Yes, with her brother Racetrack. He was so helpful that day when her mother died." Rosa sighed. "Mrs. Higgins."
"Race is 'er brudder!?!?" asked Mush.
"Yes didn't you know?" asked Rosa.
"Illumination Higgins!" he said. "Illumination Higgins!" he cried. "Dat's what she was sayin'!"
Rosa was thoroughly confused. She continued with making his bed.
"I can't believe it, she does love Race, but he's her brudder. How could I have been so stupid?" Mush raced out of his room, grabbing his newsie clothes with him as he went.
* * * * *
"You'se okay?" asked Spot. Illy nodded.
"I still miss him, but I think I'll be okay," said Illy. She glanced at her watch.
"Hey fellas ain't it almost time for da firewoiks ta start?" asked Race as he walked into the room. The Brooklyn and Manhattan newsies cheered and filed outside for the Independence Day fireworks, all except for Illy.
"Ya still upset Illy?" asked Race putting his arms around his sister. Illy nodded.
"It's been seven months," she said quietly. "Seven months. I had hoped.." she trailed off. Race nodded.
"Ya wanna come outside an' see da firewoiks?" he asked. "dey're supposed ta be real good." Illy smiled weakly.
"Yeah," Race took her hand and they started the walk out to the pier. But at the door of the lodging house stood a familiar figure. Illy gasped.
"M.Mush?" she asked.
"In poison," he replied. He took her other hand. "I wanted ta.."
"Look dey're startin'!" Spot interrupted. Illy and Mush looked up at the sky which was being brightly illuminated by the fireworks. "C'mon, let's go get a good seat." Race ran out to the pier, closely followed by Mush and Illy.
Mush and Illy sat down on a crate. After a few minutes of watching, Illy turned her gaze to Mush.
"Ya came back," she said. Mush looked at her.
"I had too." Mush said.
"Why?"
"I wanted ta say what I wanted ta say in poison. I didn't think it would sound the same ta ya comin' from Jeff,"
"Oh but it did," said Illy smiling. Mush looked surprised. "Jeff was me," she said.
"You.Jeff?" Mush asked. "Oh wow,"
"I came after you, but you had just left Tibby's an' ya didn't stop ta listen ta me," Illy said.
"What did ya want ta say?"
"I love you'se too Mush, I still do," said Illy. Mush smiled.
He slowly leaned closer to her and kissed her. Sparks shot through their bodies, and Illy put her arms around his neck an pulled him closer. But then she suddenly stopped and pulled away.
"We can't do dis," she said.
"Why not?"
"Lynn," said Illy.
"Aw, I took care of dat," said Mush. Illy smiled at Mush and kissed him softly. "So, are we officially a couple?"
"You bet," said Illy. Mush put his arm around Illy's waist and they watched the fireworks together. Illy laid her head on Mush's shoulder.
After a few minutes, the finale started, which was sending up brilliant colors of red, white and blue mixed with other colors. Mush turned away from the beautiful sight to look at Illy. Illy noticed him staring.
"What?" she asked.
"Yer eyes really do illuminate da sky," he said as he was searching her eyes. Illy blushed. Mush kissed her as the last of the fireworks were sent into the sky with a loud BOOM!
"It's good ta see dat yer happy Illy," said Race. Mush looked at Race.
"Ya know one of da reasons I neva said nuttin' 'bout likin' you'se is 'cuz I thought dat you'se liked Race," Mush said. Illy laughed.
"Ya did?" she asked. Mush nodded.
"It's time fer bed," Spot called out. "Dat goes for da lovers too," he pointed his cane at Mush and Illy.
Because of it being the fourth of July, there were no empty beds for Mush, so he was going to share a bed with Illy.
"Lights out!" a voice called. The lights blinked off. Mush leaned over to Illy and put his arms around her.
"I loves ya Illumination Higgins," he said as he kissed her good night.
THE END!
A/N: I have come to the conclusion that everyone that has reached this point can read, so as you can see this is the end of the story. Yay! *victory dance* Ok...I'll stop scaring the little ones. Just to let everyone know...this is kinda the prequel to Home With You...like the whole Star Wars thing...*hums Star Wars theme* how episodes 4,5 and 6 came out before 1,2 and 3. Anywho...If you're one of the suckers whose read "Home With You" shame on you for spending all of your homework time on reading my crummy old stories! Go apologize to the teacher! Ok ok...I know I'm weird and have an extremely warped sense of humor. Anywho...review this story...or (even better!) check out my Harry Potter story! *gasp* A revelation. Just so you know, the HP is called "Matchmaker" and I think it's good. But then again...I thought this was good three years ago...oh well.