Goodbye
Chapter 6
Jack spent the next few weeks recovering. His fever finally broke, his lungs eventually cleared, bruises faded from dark purple to healthy pink flesh. Horrible burns on his back were still rather painful, but those on his hands and arms had mostly healed, leaving only pink scars behind that would fade over time. There were, however, lasting scars on his heart and soul. Spot, true to his word, had not been back to Manhattan since the fight. Regardless of the possibility that Spot planned the fight to enrage Jack into fighting for his life or merely lost his temper, Jack did fight. He'd even begun talking to the fellas in the lodging house again, though not nearly as often as before the fire.
Two of the people he was closest to in the world were both gone from his life forever and there was nothing he could do about it.
Crutchy's remains were so terribly burned that with Jack being badly injured, and with the ground frozen solid, there had been no rush for a funeral. But now, Jack was anxious to find a way to give Crutchy a Christian burial. With most of the Churchyard cemeteries full, it would be expensive to have him interred as Jack wished. And, though Jack had some savings, much of it had been eaten up by paying for room and board at the LH while he recovered, leaving precious little for use in funeral arrangements.
Still weak and unable to stand long, Jack had taken to helping Kloppman with the ledgers and other duties the aging caretaker was finding more difficult to do. He sat on a stool behind the counter in the lobby, pouring over the books. His elbow was on the counter and he supported his chin on his hand. To say he was bored would be an understatement. He longed to be outside, cold as it was it had to better than being stuck in the Lodging House.
Kid Blink burst through the door. "Jack!"
"I'se right heah Kid. Ya ain't gotta shout." Jack mumbled without looking up.
Blink approached him grinning from ear to ear. "Ahem!" Blink cleared his throat.
Rolling his eyes in exasperation, Jack finally looked up. "Whatcha want Kid?"
Just behind the smiling Kid Blink, stood a man, a few years older than Jack. He could have passed for Specs' older brother, complete with a black bolo hat and silver rimmed specs. His thin face was very serious, though he smiled cordially at Jack.
"This" Blink said to the man, "is Jack Kelly."
Jack's first instinct, after years of abuse at the hands of Snyder and others dressed so finely was to turn on his heel and run. But, he stayed where he sat, simply too worn out to get anywhere if he fled. He shifted on the stool. "Yeah," he nodded. "An who might you be?"
"I'm James Ryder." The man stepped forward, his hand open and extended to shake Jack's hand. He let it hang there for a long moment, dropping it to his side and wiping it on his gray trousers when Jack made no move to accept the greeting.
"What can I do foah ya, Mr. Ryder?" Jack replied cooly, standing as straight as he could manage.
He smiled politely. "Uh, Mr. Kelly, I represent the families of the children you and your friends rescued from the fire at St. Johns." Jack nodded. "They would like to express their gratitude for what you did that night. " Ryder continued when Jack merely cocked his brow. "Is this a convenient time to meet with you and your, uh, Newsies?"
Jack cocked his head to the side. "Which Newsies are you referrin to, Mr. Ryder?"'
Ryder pulled a small crisp piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it. He handed it to Jack. It was a list: Jack Kelly, Kid Blink, Skittery, Racetrack, and Mush
"I'se shoah I can get em tagedah foah ya." Jack gave Blink a nod and the blonde newsboy slipped back outside to find the boys. " If you'd like ta have a seat Mr. Ryder. I'd offer ya some coffee but well, it's kinda basic round heah."
Jack watched Ryder sit down properly with perfect posture on the ratty sofa. He wondered if he felt as out of place as he looked. The man spread out his papers and withdrew 5 sealed envelopes setting them in a tidy stack on the coffee table. That done; he sat back and placed his hands on his knees.
Fifteen minutes passed and Ryder moved only once, to check his gold pocket watch. He looked around the Lodging House, the surroundings brought two words to his mind: spartan and depressing. His throat was parched and he wished that there were a pot of coffee or tea brewing, as there had always been in his home growing up. He felt sorry for the boys that lived here, working day in and day out in the elements only to return to a cold drafty lodge that held more than twenty other boys. He sighed as he removed his hat and shoved his hand through his light brown hair. He wondered if any of the boys really had a future to look forward to. Well, five of them would, thanks to his clients.
Blink returned with three boys. Jack made his way over to the group as they sat down around Ryder. Jack sat on the arm of the chair Blink occupied and once everyone was settled he introduced them. Ryder nodded and jotted down notes on a piece of paper with each name.
"Right, Mr. Ryder. We're all heah now." Jack planted his hands on his knees. "What's dis all about?"
Ryder smiled. "Thank you Mr. Kelly." Jack rolled his eyes at the formality but listened. "I represent the families of the children you rescued from St. Johns." He explained. "They would like to show their gratitude by setting up a trust for each of you." He wrote a number on a piece of paper, folded it and slid it across the table to Jack.
"Damn, dats a-a lotta money!" Jack stammered, his eyes nearly popping out of his head. He showed it to Blink.
"What!?" The other boys asked in unison.
Blink grinned. "Split five ways dat's."
"Six." Jack cut him off. "Six ways, we'se givin Crutchy a proper burial."
"No, son," Ryder spoke up. "You EACH get that much. It's more than enough to cover education or whatever you like. In addition, they would like to cover any funeral expenses for your friend, and medical bills." He nodded to Jack.
Jack was gobsmacked. The number was generous, even split six ways. "What's the catch?" Jack questioned.
Ryder smiled. "Only one, rather than receiving the entire sum at once; you will each receive a monthly stipend. Then if you have a large purchase, tuition, relocation or housing expenses, you just need to clear it with the executor of the trusts." He surveyed the boys, they looked confused and stunned as the scrap of paper made it's way around to each in turn. "You boys gave my clients a second chance with their children. They'd like to give you a chance at a. more secure life."
After passing out the envelopes to the boys, containing thank you letters and the first installment of the money, Ryder excused himself and left the boys to absorb everything that had been discussed.
End Chap6
Ravey: DUDE! I really don't know where to start to say thanks for your help with this story and Santa Fe~ I can't wait to get goin on that and we have to write the Katie Sean thing! Spot Spot SPOT! Yesh he makes me crazy but I still luffle him even though he hurt Jack! Can't you keep him on a leash!? 143!!
Hopeykins: SIS! Thanks for all the support. Lyric is turning into the kewlest character! And I love her and Goose together! EEP! DUDE! UPDATE YOUR FICS!!!!!!!! I want more JAL and the others too! Write the song fic for Sagey and Jack and the other one for Sean and Katie sooooon! Peez! 143
Ershey: me icklest sistah! SF is gonna be so fun to write! I miss you! Why do you have to live in such a messed up time zone? LOL! I know yer knockin em dead in Smokey Joes! I will read the rest of If They Only Knew tonight! I luffle that story!
Zippy: I'm honored to be in your fave stories list! Skittery is definitely a hero! AND HE IS NOT GAY! (lol) I FINALLY updated! WOOTAGE! Its almost the end of Goodbye..and it's kinda sad.but the sequals are going to be great fun to write. Yesh Spotty needs to learn to ZIP-it! I totally agree!
Celtic: Thank you for everything! I love all the Jack and Skitts pics and the Bummy ones too! He is becoming a definate fave of mine! That Damn Yankee ROCKS! I love that you and Moxie are letting me help in it and Jeter is a definate hottie! Our RP is getting way fun too! EEP! Evil Jack and Prince Skittery.*le sigh!* And I bought Casper! LOL
Gip: thanks for the review! I'm so glad you wuff it!
Gin: Girll! You are such a star! Your fics are tres awesome and you are such a busy list mommy! Break a leg and write more!
Cards: I know I'm terrible for killing Crutchy! Sobs Yes, it had to be someone that would really effect Jack and the others! Thanks for the Gaelic stuff! I will update Family soon and plan to use it lots n lots! Update your fic!!!! I love ti!
Erie: OMG the most random of randomness! EEP! You are so much fun to chat with! Its kinda my goal as a writer to make people cry. I know it's a sick thing but there it is.
Runaway: Thanks for the warm fuzzys! I need them from time to time. Yesh, mean horrible Spot! It isn't Jack's fault but he did get him to fight! So the end justified the means I guess.
Journey: I'm so glad you like it! They are so much fun to write, even when they are causing trouble or making me cry! I hope I can stay true to them.
Athlete: yesh! Hugs all around but especially Skittery! The thing with the glass almost didn't make it into the final review.I am so glad I kept it though (thanks Raven for the Spot-temper-tantrum-glass-thingy.lol) You're ok right? Not too depressed, I didn't let Jack die! huggles Jack It's a terribly sick thing I do to the characters I love.sigh
Rae Kelly: yesh you may come knock some sense into both Jack and Spot! They both need it! LOL I love yer fics and I miss you on NML! I think I'm the worlds worst Beta..GAH I'm sorry! I'm starting to get things working even without the laptop so bear with me k? Luv ya!
Shadowlands- Agnsty!Jack is definitely one of my muses. I need to get them all up on my profile, but that is another issue. I love Heroic!Jack , but Angsty!Jack is so fun to write! EEP! The fight was sooooo fun to write! Exhausting but fun! Kewl hat!
Sparks: Fist, thank you for reading this chap for me! Lilo and Stitch rocks! I never thought I would have a L&S quote about my Newsies fics.lol Hey I'm way older than 20 and still watch Disney shows. Everything but Hunchback..but I'm not going there!l GAH!
Treeeeeee! Heh! I miss chatting with you! As soon as I get my laptop back so I can do more than one thing without my dino-puter crashing, I will come chat with everyone again!
Mayo- LOL yesh I have this image in my head now of Spot in a little french maids outfit cleaning up the glass.. GAH! What am I saying!? Haha, Spot cries. He does, not often and not many see him, but he does cry. I will update Family soon! I know I have been saying that but I really will! Hurry and write that story! I wanna see what you have planned for Sagey.!
Spazjoslyn- sigh they are like PMSy teen girls arent they?! Mood swings and all! *gives all the Newsies Choccy to help with the PMSyness! My ego gets great attention from your reviess! Thanks!
Gryffin- Skittery is one of the bravest! I so love writing him. Jack does need comfort. Damn Sarah and her evil ways! I know, the thought of Spotty- boy saying its ok to cry. well, he is full of surprises. Spot wanted Jack to fight for his life (litterally) but it really backfired on him cos they really are mad at eachother. I think he kinda forgot that Jack would prolly say stuff that wasn't so nice and let it get to him a little too much.YUM! Homemade Lasagna sigh Garfield's got nuttin on me when it comes to that.
Dakota-Jones - Yes yes! Heroic!Skittery strikes again! UPDATE YOUR FICS!!!!
Fox- Jack and Spot really are closer to being brothers than anything else. They care a lot about each other but they drive each other crazy at the same time.
T-R-Us - Thanks! Only Spot and Jack could fight like that and not end up dead. You have a Race Plushie?? I want one! Well of Jack and Skitts. I do adore Race though!
MsJonyReb - OMG careful! Burning dinner is bad! And I don't know that I could get the guys there fast enough to get you out safely if you started the place on fire cos of my fic. I would really feel bad! *tear* Jack definitely was living on adreniline!
Hot Shot RyoM - Thanks for the review! I hope you like!
Angelfish- Thanks! This has been one of the hardest but one of the most fun stories to write. I know that sounds wrong with as sad as it has been but, Its been fun to focus just on the guys for a while.
Firefly- EEP! I miss chatin to you!!!! Thanks for the reviews and for all your help! Stay away from old men in kilts! Heh
Moxie - Ok, you haven't reviewed on here but you are such a help and such a great writer!! I love That Damn Yankee!!!! I wish you could post it here but oh well. Get the rest of your stuff posted and keep writing! I'm having a blast with the RPs for it!
Stretchykins - twinny! GAH I mish you! I'm so glad you are ok, dumb boss people that didn't keep you safe!!!! WRITE!!!! You are one of the best and you haven't written in so long TTYS!
Chapter 6
Jack spent the next few weeks recovering. His fever finally broke, his lungs eventually cleared, bruises faded from dark purple to healthy pink flesh. Horrible burns on his back were still rather painful, but those on his hands and arms had mostly healed, leaving only pink scars behind that would fade over time. There were, however, lasting scars on his heart and soul. Spot, true to his word, had not been back to Manhattan since the fight. Regardless of the possibility that Spot planned the fight to enrage Jack into fighting for his life or merely lost his temper, Jack did fight. He'd even begun talking to the fellas in the lodging house again, though not nearly as often as before the fire.
Two of the people he was closest to in the world were both gone from his life forever and there was nothing he could do about it.
Crutchy's remains were so terribly burned that with Jack being badly injured, and with the ground frozen solid, there had been no rush for a funeral. But now, Jack was anxious to find a way to give Crutchy a Christian burial. With most of the Churchyard cemeteries full, it would be expensive to have him interred as Jack wished. And, though Jack had some savings, much of it had been eaten up by paying for room and board at the LH while he recovered, leaving precious little for use in funeral arrangements.
Still weak and unable to stand long, Jack had taken to helping Kloppman with the ledgers and other duties the aging caretaker was finding more difficult to do. He sat on a stool behind the counter in the lobby, pouring over the books. His elbow was on the counter and he supported his chin on his hand. To say he was bored would be an understatement. He longed to be outside, cold as it was it had to better than being stuck in the Lodging House.
Kid Blink burst through the door. "Jack!"
"I'se right heah Kid. Ya ain't gotta shout." Jack mumbled without looking up.
Blink approached him grinning from ear to ear. "Ahem!" Blink cleared his throat.
Rolling his eyes in exasperation, Jack finally looked up. "Whatcha want Kid?"
Just behind the smiling Kid Blink, stood a man, a few years older than Jack. He could have passed for Specs' older brother, complete with a black bolo hat and silver rimmed specs. His thin face was very serious, though he smiled cordially at Jack.
"This" Blink said to the man, "is Jack Kelly."
Jack's first instinct, after years of abuse at the hands of Snyder and others dressed so finely was to turn on his heel and run. But, he stayed where he sat, simply too worn out to get anywhere if he fled. He shifted on the stool. "Yeah," he nodded. "An who might you be?"
"I'm James Ryder." The man stepped forward, his hand open and extended to shake Jack's hand. He let it hang there for a long moment, dropping it to his side and wiping it on his gray trousers when Jack made no move to accept the greeting.
"What can I do foah ya, Mr. Ryder?" Jack replied cooly, standing as straight as he could manage.
He smiled politely. "Uh, Mr. Kelly, I represent the families of the children you and your friends rescued from the fire at St. Johns." Jack nodded. "They would like to express their gratitude for what you did that night. " Ryder continued when Jack merely cocked his brow. "Is this a convenient time to meet with you and your, uh, Newsies?"
Jack cocked his head to the side. "Which Newsies are you referrin to, Mr. Ryder?"'
Ryder pulled a small crisp piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it. He handed it to Jack. It was a list: Jack Kelly, Kid Blink, Skittery, Racetrack, and Mush
"I'se shoah I can get em tagedah foah ya." Jack gave Blink a nod and the blonde newsboy slipped back outside to find the boys. " If you'd like ta have a seat Mr. Ryder. I'd offer ya some coffee but well, it's kinda basic round heah."
Jack watched Ryder sit down properly with perfect posture on the ratty sofa. He wondered if he felt as out of place as he looked. The man spread out his papers and withdrew 5 sealed envelopes setting them in a tidy stack on the coffee table. That done; he sat back and placed his hands on his knees.
Fifteen minutes passed and Ryder moved only once, to check his gold pocket watch. He looked around the Lodging House, the surroundings brought two words to his mind: spartan and depressing. His throat was parched and he wished that there were a pot of coffee or tea brewing, as there had always been in his home growing up. He felt sorry for the boys that lived here, working day in and day out in the elements only to return to a cold drafty lodge that held more than twenty other boys. He sighed as he removed his hat and shoved his hand through his light brown hair. He wondered if any of the boys really had a future to look forward to. Well, five of them would, thanks to his clients.
Blink returned with three boys. Jack made his way over to the group as they sat down around Ryder. Jack sat on the arm of the chair Blink occupied and once everyone was settled he introduced them. Ryder nodded and jotted down notes on a piece of paper with each name.
"Right, Mr. Ryder. We're all heah now." Jack planted his hands on his knees. "What's dis all about?"
Ryder smiled. "Thank you Mr. Kelly." Jack rolled his eyes at the formality but listened. "I represent the families of the children you rescued from St. Johns." He explained. "They would like to show their gratitude by setting up a trust for each of you." He wrote a number on a piece of paper, folded it and slid it across the table to Jack.
"Damn, dats a-a lotta money!" Jack stammered, his eyes nearly popping out of his head. He showed it to Blink.
"What!?" The other boys asked in unison.
Blink grinned. "Split five ways dat's."
"Six." Jack cut him off. "Six ways, we'se givin Crutchy a proper burial."
"No, son," Ryder spoke up. "You EACH get that much. It's more than enough to cover education or whatever you like. In addition, they would like to cover any funeral expenses for your friend, and medical bills." He nodded to Jack.
Jack was gobsmacked. The number was generous, even split six ways. "What's the catch?" Jack questioned.
Ryder smiled. "Only one, rather than receiving the entire sum at once; you will each receive a monthly stipend. Then if you have a large purchase, tuition, relocation or housing expenses, you just need to clear it with the executor of the trusts." He surveyed the boys, they looked confused and stunned as the scrap of paper made it's way around to each in turn. "You boys gave my clients a second chance with their children. They'd like to give you a chance at a. more secure life."
After passing out the envelopes to the boys, containing thank you letters and the first installment of the money, Ryder excused himself and left the boys to absorb everything that had been discussed.
End Chap6
Ravey: DUDE! I really don't know where to start to say thanks for your help with this story and Santa Fe~ I can't wait to get goin on that and we have to write the Katie Sean thing! Spot Spot SPOT! Yesh he makes me crazy but I still luffle him even though he hurt Jack! Can't you keep him on a leash!? 143!!
Hopeykins: SIS! Thanks for all the support. Lyric is turning into the kewlest character! And I love her and Goose together! EEP! DUDE! UPDATE YOUR FICS!!!!!!!! I want more JAL and the others too! Write the song fic for Sagey and Jack and the other one for Sean and Katie sooooon! Peez! 143
Ershey: me icklest sistah! SF is gonna be so fun to write! I miss you! Why do you have to live in such a messed up time zone? LOL! I know yer knockin em dead in Smokey Joes! I will read the rest of If They Only Knew tonight! I luffle that story!
Zippy: I'm honored to be in your fave stories list! Skittery is definitely a hero! AND HE IS NOT GAY! (lol) I FINALLY updated! WOOTAGE! Its almost the end of Goodbye..and it's kinda sad.but the sequals are going to be great fun to write. Yesh Spotty needs to learn to ZIP-it! I totally agree!
Celtic: Thank you for everything! I love all the Jack and Skitts pics and the Bummy ones too! He is becoming a definate fave of mine! That Damn Yankee ROCKS! I love that you and Moxie are letting me help in it and Jeter is a definate hottie! Our RP is getting way fun too! EEP! Evil Jack and Prince Skittery.*le sigh!* And I bought Casper! LOL
Gip: thanks for the review! I'm so glad you wuff it!
Gin: Girll! You are such a star! Your fics are tres awesome and you are such a busy list mommy! Break a leg and write more!
Cards: I know I'm terrible for killing Crutchy! Sobs Yes, it had to be someone that would really effect Jack and the others! Thanks for the Gaelic stuff! I will update Family soon and plan to use it lots n lots! Update your fic!!!! I love ti!
Erie: OMG the most random of randomness! EEP! You are so much fun to chat with! Its kinda my goal as a writer to make people cry. I know it's a sick thing but there it is.
Runaway: Thanks for the warm fuzzys! I need them from time to time. Yesh, mean horrible Spot! It isn't Jack's fault but he did get him to fight! So the end justified the means I guess.
Journey: I'm so glad you like it! They are so much fun to write, even when they are causing trouble or making me cry! I hope I can stay true to them.
Athlete: yesh! Hugs all around but especially Skittery! The thing with the glass almost didn't make it into the final review.I am so glad I kept it though (thanks Raven for the Spot-temper-tantrum-glass-thingy.lol) You're ok right? Not too depressed, I didn't let Jack die! huggles Jack It's a terribly sick thing I do to the characters I love.sigh
Rae Kelly: yesh you may come knock some sense into both Jack and Spot! They both need it! LOL I love yer fics and I miss you on NML! I think I'm the worlds worst Beta..GAH I'm sorry! I'm starting to get things working even without the laptop so bear with me k? Luv ya!
Shadowlands- Agnsty!Jack is definitely one of my muses. I need to get them all up on my profile, but that is another issue. I love Heroic!Jack , but Angsty!Jack is so fun to write! EEP! The fight was sooooo fun to write! Exhausting but fun! Kewl hat!
Sparks: Fist, thank you for reading this chap for me! Lilo and Stitch rocks! I never thought I would have a L&S quote about my Newsies fics.lol Hey I'm way older than 20 and still watch Disney shows. Everything but Hunchback..but I'm not going there!l GAH!
Treeeeeee! Heh! I miss chatting with you! As soon as I get my laptop back so I can do more than one thing without my dino-puter crashing, I will come chat with everyone again!
Mayo- LOL yesh I have this image in my head now of Spot in a little french maids outfit cleaning up the glass.. GAH! What am I saying!? Haha, Spot cries. He does, not often and not many see him, but he does cry. I will update Family soon! I know I have been saying that but I really will! Hurry and write that story! I wanna see what you have planned for Sagey.!
Spazjoslyn- sigh they are like PMSy teen girls arent they?! Mood swings and all! *gives all the Newsies Choccy to help with the PMSyness! My ego gets great attention from your reviess! Thanks!
Gryffin- Skittery is one of the bravest! I so love writing him. Jack does need comfort. Damn Sarah and her evil ways! I know, the thought of Spotty- boy saying its ok to cry. well, he is full of surprises. Spot wanted Jack to fight for his life (litterally) but it really backfired on him cos they really are mad at eachother. I think he kinda forgot that Jack would prolly say stuff that wasn't so nice and let it get to him a little too much.YUM! Homemade Lasagna sigh Garfield's got nuttin on me when it comes to that.
Dakota-Jones - Yes yes! Heroic!Skittery strikes again! UPDATE YOUR FICS!!!!
Fox- Jack and Spot really are closer to being brothers than anything else. They care a lot about each other but they drive each other crazy at the same time.
T-R-Us - Thanks! Only Spot and Jack could fight like that and not end up dead. You have a Race Plushie?? I want one! Well of Jack and Skitts. I do adore Race though!
MsJonyReb - OMG careful! Burning dinner is bad! And I don't know that I could get the guys there fast enough to get you out safely if you started the place on fire cos of my fic. I would really feel bad! *tear* Jack definitely was living on adreniline!
Hot Shot RyoM - Thanks for the review! I hope you like!
Angelfish- Thanks! This has been one of the hardest but one of the most fun stories to write. I know that sounds wrong with as sad as it has been but, Its been fun to focus just on the guys for a while.
Firefly- EEP! I miss chatin to you!!!! Thanks for the reviews and for all your help! Stay away from old men in kilts! Heh
Moxie - Ok, you haven't reviewed on here but you are such a help and such a great writer!! I love That Damn Yankee!!!! I wish you could post it here but oh well. Get the rest of your stuff posted and keep writing! I'm having a blast with the RPs for it!
Stretchykins - twinny! GAH I mish you! I'm so glad you are ok, dumb boss people that didn't keep you safe!!!! WRITE!!!! You are one of the best and you haven't written in so long TTYS!