The next day Lucky began working on her new act for Medda's. "I have a few songs I'd like for you to try. Just a few numbers I have in mind." Medda said in a business like manner. Lucky knew she was in for a long day.
Lucky decided on two numbers to try first and she and Medda started working. At about noon Medda was ready to take a break. They had been planning and prepping and singing all morning. "Little duck you are wearing me out already. I think we are both ready for a lunch break. Any where you want to go."
"Why don't you just pick something up? I'm not really ready to stop yet I guess." Lucky said smiling. She loved to sing and be in front of an audience. Working this hard kept her mind off of less pleasant events.
"Alright I'll take out then. Where do you want to eat from?"
"Hmmm. Oh Medda do you think you could get something from Tibby's. I haven't eaten there in so long!" Lucky pleaded.
"Anything for you little duck. Tibby's it is. I'll get you the special. You need to put some meat back on your bones."
"Oh Medda!" Lucky laughed as Medda left.
She began working again and didn't notice when Medda walked back into the theater. As Lucky finished her song she heard applause from the audience. She began laughing when she saw Medda in the back row.
"Oh little duck!" Medda said walking onto the stage. "That was beautiful I think I might cry. With that voice you will win and break hearts. Yes you will, mark my words. They will love you."
Lucky blushed furiously. "I'll try my best Medda. I'll try my very best." Lucky said honestly.
"If you sing that song half as beautifully as you just did…I will be proud of you no matter what little duck, no matter what." Medda said with true tears welling up in her eyes. "The boys will be very impressed. Yes the newsies will love it."
"What! The newsies, Medda I can't. They can't. The newsies can't come see this show Medda. I don't know if I will be ready to let them know I'm back by then!" Lucky sat down on the edge of the stage and put her head in her hands.
"Well it's too late now, I have already told them to come." "Lucky," Medda said putting her arm around her little protégé, "they deserve to know you're here. They are your friends. They care about you. Whatever it is between you, they deserve to at least know your ok. They deserve to know why you won't talk with them."
Lucky knew who Medda meant when she said they, but she wasn't sure if Spot was ready to see her again. She wasn't sure if she was ready to see him again. After all she had been through, she didn't know if she could face him.
A Western Union boy walked into the theater. "Is a Miss Peterson here?"
"That's me." Lucky said walking towards him. She signed the sheet and opened the telegram. It read "Darling Stop Running behind Stop Try to be there soon Stop I Love You Stop"
Lucky took a deep breath and steadied herself. The last part startled her, but she knew it would be there. She just hadn't gotten used to it yet. It shocked her every time and left a strange feeling in her stomach. She would have to get used to it soon.
Later that night on the Manhattan Lodging House roof, Spot stood looking at the stars. "Where are you?" He whispered under his breath. "Well where evah you are, I haven't forgotten you Lucky Peterson. Why can't I get you outta my mind? Your smile still, still…haunts me and your tears still hurt me."
Lucky sat in her window looking at the Stars. She felt a small shiver run down her spine. She dismissed it as the wind. The night was still.