Disclaimer: Same as before, I still own the plot, Sprite (Elizabeth), Blake, and the DISCLAIMER! I don't own the boys, Bayou, Marit, Slider, Firecracker, Spark, Atlantic, Birdy or Smartass, they own themselves and were kind enough to let me borrow them for awhile. Hope you enjoy this nice long chapter, and please review :)
Smile,
~Sprite~
I have a new idea for my readers/reviewers. It's a dedication at the beginning of the chapter for a reader/reviewer I think deserves it. So please corrective criticism is helpful as are ideas and IMs/Emails are always fun. So without further ado,
Dedication: This chapter is dedicated to Smartass, and Lai (Clue). Smartass, you are the best sister and friend anyone could ask for. Not only have you helped me out with story ideas/problems whatever, you also gave me the BEST birthday present I've ever recieved. (A story on ff.net called The Keeper of the Stars go check it out!! lol) Plus, we have Mushy, Aaron, Spot and Race downstairs in my basement and we're working on a fabulous fic 'bout our kidnappings lol. Love ya Psychic Sis!! *big hugs*. Lai, thank you soo much for helping me with this dedication idea lol. I can't wait to read what's gonna happen in your fics! You've improved soo much on the writing front since I've known you and I'm soo proud to be a part of your "writing evolution". Keep it up sweetie!! :)
I know I said I was gonna put my SO's at the end of the chapter, but I changed my mind lol so here ya go:
SHOUT OUTS!!
SmartassLeprechaun: I know Bad Mushy!!! But he is sooo gorgeous *melts into a Spritey puddle* lol. Don't worry, things will happen. lol Yes you and Bayou are ADORABLE and will be even cuter soon!!!!! See you didn't have to wait as long. Love ya Psychic Sistah!!! ttyl :) Btw, I think we're still on for this summer. I talked to my mom, and just email/IM me LYL LYLAS Chica.
Alicat: Yeah I know what you mean, Tart is BAD news! Thank you I hope you like this chapter. ttyl
Lai: Don't die! Thank you, but I'm really not that talented, I just love to write. Yeah, we'll all go soak Tart lol. Yayayayay for your updates!! I can't wait to read more of any and all of your fics!! Thank you Mush lol LYLAS.
Birdy: I know poor Sprite! Everyone's got a thing against her lol. I'll try to make her feel better lol, it might take a little while, but hopefully everything will turn out for the best for her :) Of course you may be in the story. You're in this chapter in fact. I hope I represented you okay ttyl.
Sweets Conlon: lol Yes I finally updated. I'm sorry it took sooo long, but you liked the chapter didn't you? Hey, if you want, you can be in this fic, you can even have Jack if you want him lol. Just email/IM me ttyl FEEL BETTER SOON!!!! btw I don't have Strep thank God, but I do have the flu :( You're such a dork, you reviewed twice, but I still love ya for it thanks :)
Mouth da Incredible: Thank you soo much for the really wonderful compliment. It made me smile for a whole day :) Yes, judos is an awesome word lol. I'm updating now and I really hope you like it. Please read and review! Don'tcha just love Pulitzer's dance? lol ttyl :)
Firecracker: lol Well, I hope you'll still think I'm somewhat cool after what's gonna happen later. We sorta talked about it, but if you'll email me, I'll tell you more. I know I feel bad for Sprite, but her luck will change, don't worry. She's gonna meet someone VERY sweet in this chapter, but that's all I can say for now lol. Teachers and tests ARE EVIL!!!! Well, now that it's Spring Break I'm gonna try and get a lot more writing done, but we'll see.
Destria: Hey girl, I'm glad you liked the chapter lol. I hope you like this one just as much. Hey, if you have any comments or constructive criticism, I accept it with open arms lol. ttyl
Slider: Hey Sweetie Thank you SOOO mush for my Super long review!!!!!! Poor Spark, you're being awfully mean to her! lol you are a wonderful teacher I learned how to update! Yay! Thank you, I think you're a real swell person too. LYL LYLAS ROAD TRIP!!! ttyl :)
Last time on The Guardian:
"Sprite, dis is Taht, she's from Hahlem." Sprite blinked,
"Is she your sister?" Mush and Tart both laughed. Tart's laugh sounded like she had smoked too many cigarettes and drank too much whiskey in her life.
"No, she's me goil."...
Now, on with the chapter!!!
Chapter 8: She's Me Goil
Sprite's mouth dropped open and her eyes widened into saucers.
"What?!" Tart pushed herself up even closer to Mush than she was before.
"You hoid us right Sprint. He's me boy, an' I'se his goil." Tart slowly ran a willowy finger down Mush's cheek in a seductive manner. Sprite looked at the couple.
"The name's Sprite, and I'm outta here." The blonde said as she glared at Mush and walked away calmly. Mush wanted to call out to her, but Tart beckoned him back to the dance floor. So he said nothing.
Liz felt as if her heart were breaking. She didn't understand it. She'd only known Mush a few days, but she felt as if they'd been friends forever. She couldn't believe that he hadn't told her about Tart. She didn't feel jealous, only betrayed. The tall girl continued walking until she ended up outside on the dock. She sat down to think, but was interrupted minutes later, when a hand was placed on her shoulder.
"Hey, Sprite right?" Sprite looked up to see who was speaking to her. It was a girl she had never seen before. She looked about sixteen years old with very bronzed skin. She had a strong build, likely from being a newsie and lifting all the papers. Her dark cinnamon cocoa hair naturally razored or fanned out letting more of her face of her face be seen.
"Yeah, that's me. Do you know me?" The girl shook her head, and her hair swayed around her face.
"Naw. I'se hoid 'bout you from Race, an' I saw you'se inside. I was watchin' ya. What ya did took guts. Chidin' Spot Conlon, and then jus' tawkin' ta Taht. I admiah you'se kid. I'se Smahtass, but me frien's cohl me Avi." Smartass brought her hand to her mouth and spit on it before extending it to Sprite. It was at that moment Sprite realized something. Spitting into one's hand wasn't meant to be gross, it was a sign of respect and friendship. If you could mix your saliva with someone, it meant you could be friends with them as well. Sprite quickly spit on her palm and shook with Smartass. "So," Smartass said, "wha's yoah real name, and who gave you da nick?" Sprite smiled.
"Real name's Liz Williams, and Mush gave me my nickname. He said I reminded him of a fairy. I have no idea what a fairy is, but it can't be too bad." Smartass threw her head back and laughed out loud.
"You'se a piece 'a woik. Ya know dat?" Sprite tried to remember where she'd heard the name Smartass before.
"Wait, you'se, I mean you're the one who's with Bayou right?" Smartass's aquamarine eyes sparkled as she spoke about the one she loved.
"Yeah, me an' Bayou's gonna git engaged soon. Well, soon as he figahs out I ain't gonna leave 'im, an' I wanna be wid him foahevah." The smile once on Smartass's face turned to a frown, and Sprite tried to change the subject a bit.
"How long've you two been a couple?" Smartass looked up from the water under the dock, to the stars in the sky. She shivered slightly and scooted closer to Sprite.
"'bout five yeahs. Hell, sometimes i' seems a whole lot longah. I was 'levin (11) an' 'e was twelve. We'se had oah tough times, but we woiked trough 'em an' stuck togedda." Sprite smiled.
"I hope someday I have a relationship like that." She sighed and looked at Smartass.
"Don' worry sweetie, you'se will. Ya jus' gotta find da right guy's all." Smartass then decided to change the subject, "so howa de odda goils treatin' ya?" Sprite sighed again.
"Well, some of 'em are really nice like Marit, and Spark, and Atlantic. But I think Slider hates me." Smartass snorted, the wind blowing her beautiful brown hair in her face. Smartass put her arm around Sprite.
"Naw, she don' hate yas. Sli, she's had i' rough. She used ta be real sweet," Smartass paused, "like you'se. Dat was back in da day when she an' Spot were tagedda. Now deys were da classic Romeo an' Juliet. 'a parents fohbid 'a ta see 'im, so dey ran aways tagedda. Dey ended up heah in Brooklyn. Da two o' dems was so adorable. Den dat idiot had ta go an' ruin it. So Slidah comes home one nigh', an' sees 'im an' a whoah (whore) in deah bed. Dey got into a big fight, an' she left 'im. Neida o' dems been da same since. I kin tell dey still love eachodda. I mean, a love like deahs jus' don' go away. Well, who knows da whole story, oah what'll 'appen." Sprite nodded slightly. She never realized Slider had such a detrimental (AN: cool word huh?) and upsetting past. Smartass voiced Sprite's thoughts aloud,"Yeah, dat's why she acts da way she does. Is' a covah foah how she really feels. If ya break trough it dough, den you'se'll fin' a life long frien'."
"I never knew that. Poor Slider. I'll be nicer to her no matter what happens. What she really needs is a friend." Sprite said.
"Amen ta dat." The dark haired girl stood up slowly, her knees cracking as she stood. "Well, Sprite, it was fun tawkin' to yas. I hope we kin do it again soon. Maybe I'll see ya aroun'." Smartass held out her palm again to shake with Sprite.
"Yeah, bye Smartass," Sprite said, pushing her blond hair out of her face. A moment later, Bayou emerged onto the dock. He walked over to his girl and put an arm around her waist. Even by the luminous moonlight, Sprite could see most of the young man's features. He was taller, and very muscular and well built. He had dark, nearly black curly hair. He looked almost like a copy of Mush.
"Well, Sweetheaht, you'se ready ta go?" Bayou asked. Smartass turned back to Sprite and gave her a quick hug. The brunette leaned in close to Sprite's ear.
"Cohl me Avi," was all Smartass said as she walked away with her boyfriend. Sprite smiled and brushed off the green dress she borrowed. She sat back down on the dock, her legs dangling off the side. Only minutes later, Marit emerged.
"Hey Sweetie. You'se almos' ready ta go back home?" Sprite got a warm feeling when Marit asked if she was ready to go home. She really felt like it was her home now.
"Yeah, I'm ready." Marit helped Sprite back up to her feet. Sprite was so busy thinking about everything that had happened that night, she didn't notice when Marit was speaking to her.
"Sprite, Sprite, you'se listenin'?" The taller blonde nodded. "You'se aight? You'se got teahs all down ya face." Sprite reached up her hand to clean her face, and felt the tears. She hadn't even realized she was crying.
"Mar, I wanna go home." Marit enveloped the new newsie in a tight hug and rocked her.
"Don' worry honey, eveything'll be okay. Ya jus' gotta pick ya chin up. Tomarraw's a new day." Marit gave Sprite a quick squeeze and released her. "Come on, les' go." Marit led Sprite back inside to the party. As soon as the duo stopped moving, Sprite sunk to the floor and lay down. Marit rolled her eyes, "poah kid, she's so tiahd she fell asleep at a Spot Conlon pahty." Marit walked off to find Race and a stronger newsie who could carry the sleeping girl home.
Once the leader of the female Manhattan newsies found her boy, she pulled him aside from the table he was gambling at.
"Race, I needga (need ya) help. Is' Sprite." Instantly Racetrack turned serious.
"She okay?" Marit smiled.
"She's fine. She jus' fell asleep is all. I need a guy strong enough ta carry 'a home dough. Any guys available?" Race looked around the room. Most of the guys were preoccupied with other girls, cards, or each other. Racetrack soon spotted Mush standing alone by the wall. Not having seen or known what took place between Mush, Sprite and Tart earlier, Racetrack asked if Mush could take the girl back to Manhattan.
"Shoah." The tan boy said following his friends over to where his ward was laying. Mush's heart fluttered when he saw her. She looked like a tiny fairy, with her legs curled up and her head on her arms. Her short blonde hair covered her face slightly until Mush bent over to pick her up. As soon as his hands touched her back, Sprite slid into his grip, and he easily lifted her off the ground. Sprite felt the warm body and snuggled closer to it, but was still deep in the land of nod. "Come on," Mush said to the two love birds who had witnessed the sweet exchange and stood together holding hands.
By the time Mush, Marit, and Race got back to the girl's lodging House, Mush thought his arms were going to fall off. It wasn't that Sprite was that heavy, but carrying dead weight across town definitely put on added strain.
Finally, the group entered the bunk room, and Marit and Racetrack went off to spend some quality time together. Mush found Sprite's bunk with her small bag on the bed, and gently set her down. He pulled the covers over the sleeping girl, and leaned over to kiss her forehead.
"Aww! How swee'. Hahd ass Mushy's got a t'ing foah lil' sleepin' goils." Mush rolled his eyes and turned around to face the girl who was speaking.
"How ah ya Sweets?" Mush asked the tall girl, a few bunks away from where Sprite was. Sweets pushed her longer coppery blonde hair out of her way as she spoke.
"I'se pissed off like hell. I shoulda been at da pahty ta night! 's me own brudda's boitday an' I'se sick." As if to prove her point, Sweets sneezed and swore again. "G-d damn!" Sweets didn't bother Mush too much, but she could be irritating at times.
"Wheah's ya lovah boy?" Mush asked. Sweets grinned and raised her eyebrows.
"Jack, aw he's downstaihs gettin' me som'in ta eat. I'se stahvin'." Mush nodded and turned back to Sprite.
"Night, Lizzie." Sprite smiled lightly in her sleep and rolled over. Mush rolled his sleeves back down. "Well, Sweets. Was fun tawkin' to yas, but I'se gotta git back home. See ya aroun'." Sweets didn't even pay attention to what Mush said. Her dinner and entertainment had come back.
"Bye Mush," Jack said waving as Mush walked out of the bunk room. The tall dark skinned boy grimaced as he walked out into the hall. Marit and Racetrack were kissing like there was no tomorrow. Mush cleared his throat.
"Git a room you twos." Marit and Race didn't stop their kissing as Race waved him away.
It was late by the time Mush made it back to the lodging house. He decided to go for a walk before he headed back, and ended up walking halfway around the city before turning back. The dark inky sky and cool night air made Mush think of his mother. He missed her immensely, and he was reminded of her on nights such as that one.
"Ma, I really miss ya. I hope you'se an' Pop ah okay up deah in heaven. I know I promised Mistah Blake I'd take cah (care) o' Lizzie, but is' hahd. 'specially now. I gots all dese strange feelin's. Please help me figah eveythin' out. Take cah o' Antonio an' ya selves. I miss ya all. I love you, night." Mush turned back to head home, and just missed seeing a shooting star streak across the night sky.
TBC I hope y'all liked this chapter. Not too much drama, but we learned more 'bout Slider, met Smartass, and Sweets, and got to see Mush's adorably lovable and affectionate side. I do so love Mushy lol. Reviews are mush appreciated lol ttyl :)
~Sprite~
Smile,
~Sprite~
I have a new idea for my readers/reviewers. It's a dedication at the beginning of the chapter for a reader/reviewer I think deserves it. So please corrective criticism is helpful as are ideas and IMs/Emails are always fun. So without further ado,
Dedication: This chapter is dedicated to Smartass, and Lai (Clue). Smartass, you are the best sister and friend anyone could ask for. Not only have you helped me out with story ideas/problems whatever, you also gave me the BEST birthday present I've ever recieved. (A story on ff.net called The Keeper of the Stars go check it out!! lol) Plus, we have Mushy, Aaron, Spot and Race downstairs in my basement and we're working on a fabulous fic 'bout our kidnappings lol. Love ya Psychic Sis!! *big hugs*. Lai, thank you soo much for helping me with this dedication idea lol. I can't wait to read what's gonna happen in your fics! You've improved soo much on the writing front since I've known you and I'm soo proud to be a part of your "writing evolution". Keep it up sweetie!! :)
I know I said I was gonna put my SO's at the end of the chapter, but I changed my mind lol so here ya go:
SHOUT OUTS!!
SmartassLeprechaun: I know Bad Mushy!!! But he is sooo gorgeous *melts into a Spritey puddle* lol. Don't worry, things will happen. lol Yes you and Bayou are ADORABLE and will be even cuter soon!!!!! See you didn't have to wait as long. Love ya Psychic Sistah!!! ttyl :) Btw, I think we're still on for this summer. I talked to my mom, and just email/IM me LYL LYLAS Chica.
Alicat: Yeah I know what you mean, Tart is BAD news! Thank you I hope you like this chapter. ttyl
Lai: Don't die! Thank you, but I'm really not that talented, I just love to write. Yeah, we'll all go soak Tart lol. Yayayayay for your updates!! I can't wait to read more of any and all of your fics!! Thank you Mush lol LYLAS.
Birdy: I know poor Sprite! Everyone's got a thing against her lol. I'll try to make her feel better lol, it might take a little while, but hopefully everything will turn out for the best for her :) Of course you may be in the story. You're in this chapter in fact. I hope I represented you okay ttyl.
Sweets Conlon: lol Yes I finally updated. I'm sorry it took sooo long, but you liked the chapter didn't you? Hey, if you want, you can be in this fic, you can even have Jack if you want him lol. Just email/IM me ttyl FEEL BETTER SOON!!!! btw I don't have Strep thank God, but I do have the flu :( You're such a dork, you reviewed twice, but I still love ya for it thanks :)
Mouth da Incredible: Thank you soo much for the really wonderful compliment. It made me smile for a whole day :) Yes, judos is an awesome word lol. I'm updating now and I really hope you like it. Please read and review! Don'tcha just love Pulitzer's dance? lol ttyl :)
Firecracker: lol Well, I hope you'll still think I'm somewhat cool after what's gonna happen later. We sorta talked about it, but if you'll email me, I'll tell you more. I know I feel bad for Sprite, but her luck will change, don't worry. She's gonna meet someone VERY sweet in this chapter, but that's all I can say for now lol. Teachers and tests ARE EVIL!!!! Well, now that it's Spring Break I'm gonna try and get a lot more writing done, but we'll see.
Destria: Hey girl, I'm glad you liked the chapter lol. I hope you like this one just as much. Hey, if you have any comments or constructive criticism, I accept it with open arms lol. ttyl
Slider: Hey Sweetie Thank you SOOO mush for my Super long review!!!!!! Poor Spark, you're being awfully mean to her! lol you are a wonderful teacher I learned how to update! Yay! Thank you, I think you're a real swell person too. LYL LYLAS ROAD TRIP!!! ttyl :)
Last time on The Guardian:
"Sprite, dis is Taht, she's from Hahlem." Sprite blinked,
"Is she your sister?" Mush and Tart both laughed. Tart's laugh sounded like she had smoked too many cigarettes and drank too much whiskey in her life.
"No, she's me goil."...
Now, on with the chapter!!!
Chapter 8: She's Me Goil
Sprite's mouth dropped open and her eyes widened into saucers.
"What?!" Tart pushed herself up even closer to Mush than she was before.
"You hoid us right Sprint. He's me boy, an' I'se his goil." Tart slowly ran a willowy finger down Mush's cheek in a seductive manner. Sprite looked at the couple.
"The name's Sprite, and I'm outta here." The blonde said as she glared at Mush and walked away calmly. Mush wanted to call out to her, but Tart beckoned him back to the dance floor. So he said nothing.
Liz felt as if her heart were breaking. She didn't understand it. She'd only known Mush a few days, but she felt as if they'd been friends forever. She couldn't believe that he hadn't told her about Tart. She didn't feel jealous, only betrayed. The tall girl continued walking until she ended up outside on the dock. She sat down to think, but was interrupted minutes later, when a hand was placed on her shoulder.
"Hey, Sprite right?" Sprite looked up to see who was speaking to her. It was a girl she had never seen before. She looked about sixteen years old with very bronzed skin. She had a strong build, likely from being a newsie and lifting all the papers. Her dark cinnamon cocoa hair naturally razored or fanned out letting more of her face of her face be seen.
"Yeah, that's me. Do you know me?" The girl shook her head, and her hair swayed around her face.
"Naw. I'se hoid 'bout you from Race, an' I saw you'se inside. I was watchin' ya. What ya did took guts. Chidin' Spot Conlon, and then jus' tawkin' ta Taht. I admiah you'se kid. I'se Smahtass, but me frien's cohl me Avi." Smartass brought her hand to her mouth and spit on it before extending it to Sprite. It was at that moment Sprite realized something. Spitting into one's hand wasn't meant to be gross, it was a sign of respect and friendship. If you could mix your saliva with someone, it meant you could be friends with them as well. Sprite quickly spit on her palm and shook with Smartass. "So," Smartass said, "wha's yoah real name, and who gave you da nick?" Sprite smiled.
"Real name's Liz Williams, and Mush gave me my nickname. He said I reminded him of a fairy. I have no idea what a fairy is, but it can't be too bad." Smartass threw her head back and laughed out loud.
"You'se a piece 'a woik. Ya know dat?" Sprite tried to remember where she'd heard the name Smartass before.
"Wait, you'se, I mean you're the one who's with Bayou right?" Smartass's aquamarine eyes sparkled as she spoke about the one she loved.
"Yeah, me an' Bayou's gonna git engaged soon. Well, soon as he figahs out I ain't gonna leave 'im, an' I wanna be wid him foahevah." The smile once on Smartass's face turned to a frown, and Sprite tried to change the subject a bit.
"How long've you two been a couple?" Smartass looked up from the water under the dock, to the stars in the sky. She shivered slightly and scooted closer to Sprite.
"'bout five yeahs. Hell, sometimes i' seems a whole lot longah. I was 'levin (11) an' 'e was twelve. We'se had oah tough times, but we woiked trough 'em an' stuck togedda." Sprite smiled.
"I hope someday I have a relationship like that." She sighed and looked at Smartass.
"Don' worry sweetie, you'se will. Ya jus' gotta find da right guy's all." Smartass then decided to change the subject, "so howa de odda goils treatin' ya?" Sprite sighed again.
"Well, some of 'em are really nice like Marit, and Spark, and Atlantic. But I think Slider hates me." Smartass snorted, the wind blowing her beautiful brown hair in her face. Smartass put her arm around Sprite.
"Naw, she don' hate yas. Sli, she's had i' rough. She used ta be real sweet," Smartass paused, "like you'se. Dat was back in da day when she an' Spot were tagedda. Now deys were da classic Romeo an' Juliet. 'a parents fohbid 'a ta see 'im, so dey ran aways tagedda. Dey ended up heah in Brooklyn. Da two o' dems was so adorable. Den dat idiot had ta go an' ruin it. So Slidah comes home one nigh', an' sees 'im an' a whoah (whore) in deah bed. Dey got into a big fight, an' she left 'im. Neida o' dems been da same since. I kin tell dey still love eachodda. I mean, a love like deahs jus' don' go away. Well, who knows da whole story, oah what'll 'appen." Sprite nodded slightly. She never realized Slider had such a detrimental (AN: cool word huh?) and upsetting past. Smartass voiced Sprite's thoughts aloud,"Yeah, dat's why she acts da way she does. Is' a covah foah how she really feels. If ya break trough it dough, den you'se'll fin' a life long frien'."
"I never knew that. Poor Slider. I'll be nicer to her no matter what happens. What she really needs is a friend." Sprite said.
"Amen ta dat." The dark haired girl stood up slowly, her knees cracking as she stood. "Well, Sprite, it was fun tawkin' to yas. I hope we kin do it again soon. Maybe I'll see ya aroun'." Smartass held out her palm again to shake with Sprite.
"Yeah, bye Smartass," Sprite said, pushing her blond hair out of her face. A moment later, Bayou emerged onto the dock. He walked over to his girl and put an arm around her waist. Even by the luminous moonlight, Sprite could see most of the young man's features. He was taller, and very muscular and well built. He had dark, nearly black curly hair. He looked almost like a copy of Mush.
"Well, Sweetheaht, you'se ready ta go?" Bayou asked. Smartass turned back to Sprite and gave her a quick hug. The brunette leaned in close to Sprite's ear.
"Cohl me Avi," was all Smartass said as she walked away with her boyfriend. Sprite smiled and brushed off the green dress she borrowed. She sat back down on the dock, her legs dangling off the side. Only minutes later, Marit emerged.
"Hey Sweetie. You'se almos' ready ta go back home?" Sprite got a warm feeling when Marit asked if she was ready to go home. She really felt like it was her home now.
"Yeah, I'm ready." Marit helped Sprite back up to her feet. Sprite was so busy thinking about everything that had happened that night, she didn't notice when Marit was speaking to her.
"Sprite, Sprite, you'se listenin'?" The taller blonde nodded. "You'se aight? You'se got teahs all down ya face." Sprite reached up her hand to clean her face, and felt the tears. She hadn't even realized she was crying.
"Mar, I wanna go home." Marit enveloped the new newsie in a tight hug and rocked her.
"Don' worry honey, eveything'll be okay. Ya jus' gotta pick ya chin up. Tomarraw's a new day." Marit gave Sprite a quick squeeze and released her. "Come on, les' go." Marit led Sprite back inside to the party. As soon as the duo stopped moving, Sprite sunk to the floor and lay down. Marit rolled her eyes, "poah kid, she's so tiahd she fell asleep at a Spot Conlon pahty." Marit walked off to find Race and a stronger newsie who could carry the sleeping girl home.
Once the leader of the female Manhattan newsies found her boy, she pulled him aside from the table he was gambling at.
"Race, I needga (need ya) help. Is' Sprite." Instantly Racetrack turned serious.
"She okay?" Marit smiled.
"She's fine. She jus' fell asleep is all. I need a guy strong enough ta carry 'a home dough. Any guys available?" Race looked around the room. Most of the guys were preoccupied with other girls, cards, or each other. Racetrack soon spotted Mush standing alone by the wall. Not having seen or known what took place between Mush, Sprite and Tart earlier, Racetrack asked if Mush could take the girl back to Manhattan.
"Shoah." The tan boy said following his friends over to where his ward was laying. Mush's heart fluttered when he saw her. She looked like a tiny fairy, with her legs curled up and her head on her arms. Her short blonde hair covered her face slightly until Mush bent over to pick her up. As soon as his hands touched her back, Sprite slid into his grip, and he easily lifted her off the ground. Sprite felt the warm body and snuggled closer to it, but was still deep in the land of nod. "Come on," Mush said to the two love birds who had witnessed the sweet exchange and stood together holding hands.
By the time Mush, Marit, and Race got back to the girl's lodging House, Mush thought his arms were going to fall off. It wasn't that Sprite was that heavy, but carrying dead weight across town definitely put on added strain.
Finally, the group entered the bunk room, and Marit and Racetrack went off to spend some quality time together. Mush found Sprite's bunk with her small bag on the bed, and gently set her down. He pulled the covers over the sleeping girl, and leaned over to kiss her forehead.
"Aww! How swee'. Hahd ass Mushy's got a t'ing foah lil' sleepin' goils." Mush rolled his eyes and turned around to face the girl who was speaking.
"How ah ya Sweets?" Mush asked the tall girl, a few bunks away from where Sprite was. Sweets pushed her longer coppery blonde hair out of her way as she spoke.
"I'se pissed off like hell. I shoulda been at da pahty ta night! 's me own brudda's boitday an' I'se sick." As if to prove her point, Sweets sneezed and swore again. "G-d damn!" Sweets didn't bother Mush too much, but she could be irritating at times.
"Wheah's ya lovah boy?" Mush asked. Sweets grinned and raised her eyebrows.
"Jack, aw he's downstaihs gettin' me som'in ta eat. I'se stahvin'." Mush nodded and turned back to Sprite.
"Night, Lizzie." Sprite smiled lightly in her sleep and rolled over. Mush rolled his sleeves back down. "Well, Sweets. Was fun tawkin' to yas, but I'se gotta git back home. See ya aroun'." Sweets didn't even pay attention to what Mush said. Her dinner and entertainment had come back.
"Bye Mush," Jack said waving as Mush walked out of the bunk room. The tall dark skinned boy grimaced as he walked out into the hall. Marit and Racetrack were kissing like there was no tomorrow. Mush cleared his throat.
"Git a room you twos." Marit and Race didn't stop their kissing as Race waved him away.
It was late by the time Mush made it back to the lodging house. He decided to go for a walk before he headed back, and ended up walking halfway around the city before turning back. The dark inky sky and cool night air made Mush think of his mother. He missed her immensely, and he was reminded of her on nights such as that one.
"Ma, I really miss ya. I hope you'se an' Pop ah okay up deah in heaven. I know I promised Mistah Blake I'd take cah (care) o' Lizzie, but is' hahd. 'specially now. I gots all dese strange feelin's. Please help me figah eveythin' out. Take cah o' Antonio an' ya selves. I miss ya all. I love you, night." Mush turned back to head home, and just missed seeing a shooting star streak across the night sky.
TBC I hope y'all liked this chapter. Not too much drama, but we learned more 'bout Slider, met Smartass, and Sweets, and got to see Mush's adorably lovable and affectionate side. I do so love Mushy lol. Reviews are mush appreciated lol ttyl :)
~Sprite~