Chapter Four

Learning More

"So, where youse from? Youse got a funny kinda..." He made motions in the air with his free had as if trying to grab the right word. "...way a speakin'." Nicolette laughed as she was feeling a little more at ease now.

"I'm from London."

"Yeah? Is dat what dey call da place down by da square? Cause' they's a guy there dat talks just like youse do." Nicolette could hardly contain herself.

"No, London is across the ocean. In England." She laughed some more and Jack looked a bit uncomfortable.

"Well, yeah. Of course! I's jest seein' if youse knew anything." Nicolette had gotten a little better hold of herself now but just nodded. She didn't trust herself to speak for fear that she would burst out laughing again.

While they had been talking they had gradually reentered the more populated area of Manhattan and were now out of danger. Jack noted this but still kept a hold of Nicolette's arm as he stealthily lead her toward Tibby's. He wasn't ready to loose this girl yet. She and her accent were far to fascinating.

***

When they were a block from Tibby's Nicolette finally noticed that they were "safe" again. She stopped and started to thank Jack.

"Mr. Kelly, I appreciate your helping me back there but I really must excuse myself and go find a job or something because those men also stole all of my money." Jack smiled.

"Hey, don't take it personally kid. Dats how it is in New York." He held up a hand before she could reply. "Listen, why don'ts I treat ya to lunch and den youse can go on yer way if'in you must. I mean wanna." Jack added quickly. Nicolette thought about it a moment.

"Alright." She smiled. "You save my life yet again, Mr. Kelly. Or, that is my stomach." They continued on their walk and Jack commenced to talking again.

"What's all dis 'Mista Kelly' stuff? Da names Jack. Rememba?"

"Well, it just doesn't seem right to call you Jack when we haven't been properly introduced."

"Well, lets pretend we has."

"But, it... alright." Just then they rounded the corner and there was Tibby's.

"Heah we are." Jack said holding the door open for Nicolette as she passed through. Inside it was quiet since most of the newsies were still out selling their papers. Race was there but he didn't see them, or they him, because his face was buried in horse racing statistics and cigar smoke.

Jack and Nicolette sat down at a booth in the back and when the waiter came Jack ordered for them both then they sat in awkward silence until Jack finally thought of something to say.

"So, hows old are ya?"

"Excuse me? What kind of question is that to ask a lady?!" Jack held his hands in front of him in defense.

"What's da matta? All I did was ask how old you was!" Nicolette sighed. 'You have you remember that you're not in England anymore! And you're not as high ranking as you use to be.' She scolded herself. 'From now on life is going to be a LOT different.'

"I'm sorry. Never mind. I'm fifteen. How about you?" He wiggled around trying to get comfortable and finally ended up with his back against the window.

"Seventeen." He stated. She nodded and tried to think of something else to say.

***

While the two in the back were conversing Specs had come in and spotted Race.

"Hey! How's it goin'? Any good horses runnin'?"

"Yeah, numba's four and seven."

"Hmm... hey, did youse see Jack and dat goil back deh?"

"What? What's youse talkin' about?" Race and thrown down his paper and was craning his neck to look around.

"No, they's behind ya. Way in da back." Specs whispered. Race glanced in the direction that Specs indicated and then whistled low.

"Heh. Jacky-boy sure knows how ta pick 'em! She's a real looka!"

"Yeah. Should we's walk up kinda casual-like and introduce ourselves?"

"I don't know... let's wait till somea da other guys get heah."

"Sure t'ing."

***

Author's note: Kind of a slow chapter but it gives you some information. :-) AND is has more Newsies in it! ;-)

~Jessie