Chapter Six

Picnic at the Battery

Jack's and Nicolette's visit to the bakery that afternoon had been successful. After the excitement of getting the job wore off, Nicolette realized that she had no where to stay that night. She decided not to mention this to Jack but instead asked to see his friends again so that she wouldn't have to face her situation just yet. She needed more time to think what to do.

Jack agreed. He also insisted that since it was dinner time and "he" had kept her out so late that it was his pleasure and duty to take her out to dinner. It almost made her cry to see how nice he was about preserving her pride and dignity. A great wave of temporary calm washed over her because she felt that at least for now, one of her burdens, the worry of food, had been lifted from her shoulders.

They swung by Tibby's to see if anyone was there yet and most of the kids were. They were going to sit down at a table when Jack changed his mind.

"Let's have us a picnic." He announced to the whole roomful of boys. "A newsie picnic at da Battery." This idea was greeted with cheers and yells and soon the restaurant was empty as all the boys hurried off to get ready, newsie style.

Jack explained to Nicolette as they started walking in the general direction of Battery Park.

"A picnic to us means dat everyone buys one item on da way to da park and den when we'se all there we lay it out and share it all."

"How quaint! I think it sounds lovely." Nicolette said smiling. Then her smile faded. "But what can I contribute? You know that..." She was interrupted by Racetrack who suddenly appeared beside them.

"Hey, Princess. Youse ain't allowed to contribute a thing. They's a rule dat only newsies can bring stuff to a picnic like dis." He leaned close in a confiding manner. "You see, we ain't a real trustin' lot and we'se afraid that letting other people bring stuff might end up with one of us gettin' poisoned or somethin'." He winked then walked off. Nicolette started to laugh.

"Where in the world does that boy come up with these things? First he bows to me like I am royalty and now this 'rule' nonsense." She smiled. "Anyway, I'm grateful to him. He's a kind lad."

"Yeah, the kind you wanna clobber." Jack muttered.

"What? Did you ask me a question?" Nicolette asked. Jack shook his head to clear it.

"Uh... I just said, ain't this nice weather..." Jack still couldn't understand why he felt this way. For Pete's sake! He and Sarah had been together for almost a year and the whole time he hadn't even so much as talked to another girl, not counting the ones he sold papers to. Why did he suddenly feel an attraction to Nicolette and feel like soaking any other boy who talked to her? Race was one of his best friends, for cryin' out loud!

***

On the way to the park Jack bought a wheel of white cheese from a man with an almost empty cart. As he and Nicolette entered the park it was already teaming with newsies. There were so many that Nicolette felt she might be swept away if she let go of Jack's arm.

Jack was quite surprised and confused when he found himself overjoyed that Nicolette seemed to hold on to him tighter and stay a little closer once they entered the park. 'I've got to go see Sarah tonight!' he told himself.

Once all of the boys were there the eating commenced. To Nicolette it seemed like one huge taste testing feast. She and Jack went from place to place sampling a little of this and a little of that if it looked good.

They ran into a few more of Jack's good friends such as Crutchy who Nicolette immediately fell in love with in a friendly way. His disposition was so sweet and honest and with his crutch he seemed to have a kind of sympathetic appeal for friendship.

There was also David and Les Jacobs. She liked them both but didn't get much of a chance to talk to them because Jack whisked her away and took her to Race.

"Hey, Race," He said, "Would youse mind keepin' Nicolette company while's I go and visit a friend?" Race had a knowing look in his eye.

"Sure thing, Jack-boy." He said. He stuck out his arm and smiled at Nicolette. "Come along, Princess. We'se got sights ta see." She took his arm and he led her through the crown as Jack disappeared in the opposite direction.

***

Author's Note: What da ya t'ink? I'm writing as fast as I can but more reviews will make me write faster, (hint, hint ;-)

~Jessie