Chapter 19: Performances and Broken Hearts.             

"Lets go people!" Race yelled as the Newsies got ready to go to Medda's. He shook his head and instead of waiting rushed over to Ivering Hall.

I peeked out the curtain. "Wow." I said under my breath. "Amazing isn't it?" Medda stated walking up from behind me. I slowly nodded my head.

"Lets just add the finishing touches shall we?" She asked guiding me into her room. Five minutes later I had to go out and perform.

"I'm nervous…are you sure I should be going out first? I mean, after you introduce me?"

"I'm positive! You'll be fine, now go, go!" She said, ushering me to wait by the curtain as she walked onstage. I couldn't hear much, until the hall erupted in cheers. I smiled; it was just like at the Star.

"We have a new girl performing tonight, and I know you'll all love her, here she is, Stormy." She introduced me. The music had started and I sauntered onstage.

I got a fever

An inflammation

That's what I got

You turn the heat on me

Some like it hot

I was center stage and making my way down to the Brooklyn table, I knew the song was pretty short, and wanted to be able to see the Manhattan Newsies too.

Look what you started

A conflagration

Baby, that's what

Don't let the flame go out

Some like it hot

I heard whistles from the crowd as I glided by the Brooklyn tables, taking many looks with me. I smiled to myself. By this time Ponine and the other dancers were onstage.

Oh baby, I'm from that old school

I'll play it real cool

But when you kissed me

I lit up

like a four alarm fire

I'd been on my way toward the Manhattan table when a drunk reached out for me. Out of instinct I slapped his hands and shot him a glare then moved on.

Call out the engine

Ring up the station

I'm on the spot

I had just reached Race and winked at him, causing many of the Manhattan newsies to laugh. 

Love burns you up the most

Like it or not

But baby, I like it hot

As I ended the song the dancers had made their was off stage and I saw Jack nudge Race.

"Wouldn't you be the one to tell us how hot she likes it?" He asked him. Race smacked his head but laughed anyways and I ran offstage.

Medda sang her 'Lovey Dovey' song and received a standing ovation. Ponine had gone onstage and performed: Lady Marmalade with Chewy, Miracle and Medda, earning themselves whistles and coins being tossed onstage.

When the show was over I ran out in my dress to meet Race. He gave me a weak smile.

"What's wrong? Didn't you like it?" I asked him. He nodded his head quickly. "Yea, I mean, ya were amazing…its jist…" He stopped.

"Tell me Race, I hate it when you keep things from me." I told him. He avoided eye contact.

"I have to go."

"What?!" I practically screamed. He took my hand and led me backstage. I heard Blink faintly mumble "He's gonna tell hoir, he's gotta do it." I turned my head back to look at him and gave him a confused look.

"I hate ta say goodbye like dis…" He said as we walked into Medda's room for privacy.

"Goodbye? Race, what are you talking about?"

"I have ta go ta Santa Fe." He told me. I gaped.

"I can come…" I told him.

"No, ya cant, I'se-I'se getting married." HE said looking down.

"YOUR WHAT?" I yelled.

"I'se so sorry! I didn't mean ta-" I interrupted him.

"To lead me on? To forget to tell me that you were engaged? I don't think that could have just slipped you mind!" I screamed at him.

"Calm down, please…"

"CALM DOWN? How can you even suggest that? Do you know what you're doing to me?" I turned my back on him. He set his hand on my shoulder and I jerked away from him.

"Get.Away.From.Me" I said through clenched teeth. He looked at me dumbly. "Get away from me Race."

"Look, I know ya don't mean dat, please, jist don't be mad…" He mumbled. I sighed.

"I'm not mad, I'm furious, I don't even want to see you again." By now Blink had walked in and stopped by the door.

"Ya ok?" Blink asked. "Peachy." I said leaving the room.

I ran to Chewy, who apparently knew he was leaving. "I'm sorry." She greeted me. I hugged her and cried on her shoulder, not caring who saw me.

"Lets go." I heard her say after awhile. I looked up at her and we walked back to the Lodging house. We stopped in front of the door.

"I can't go in there." I told her.

She nodded. "Its ok hun, you'll be fine. Just don't make eye contact." She told me. We walked in slowly and there was little conversation. I grabbed a bunk next to Blinks, instead of my usual bunk with Race.

He kept walking by my bunk to go to the washroom. I tried to ignore him but it seemed like he was always there. I had finally gotten asleep, along with the rest of the newsies when it felt like butterflies were kissing my lips. I looked up and it was Race, with his bags. I lightly pushed him away and turned around.

He knelt by my bed. "I know ya don't care, but I really do love ya, and wheneva I can I'm coming back for ya…" his voice trailed off.

"I don't want you Race." I told him, and he left.

*~*Wasn't that a good twist? I really thought it was, and it was hard cuz I love Race, but if my friends dont date the newsies they love *cough* Chewy and Ponine*cough* so can I!! Lol. I hope you like it!*~*