AN: Yea! An update

(it hasn't been that long, has it?)

No more waiting, no more Sotheby...oops, you probably want to read it, huh? Okay, let's get through the formalities:

DISCLAIMER: Disney rules everthing Newsilishish

(wow, I butchered that one)

No SO's in this chapter, but look for your name in the next.

(all the cool kids are doing it)

Now, my new idea. I think that in the rest of the chapters and continuing into my new story,

(did she say new story?!)

Focus--I'm going to have a brief little section at the end of the chapter about a story I've read that week, day, whatever. I'll call it The Plug

(How original)

But, because I've been crazy hectic this week.

(Christmas is only how many days away?)

I'm going to start next week. Good idea? Glad you like it. Okay, back to the story....


Chapter 12

The next morning Tess lay silently among the covers and Jack's arms. He was still fast asleep; she could tell by the steady current of breath on her neck. But she had abandoned the idea of sleep long ago, resolving instead to succumb to her worrisome mind.

It had been a problem all her life, overanalyzing every detail of the chaotic world that surrounded her. And at that moment her mind jumped between two complicated issues. First, and most important, was Leif. She felt guilty for being so happy. Everything she'd wanted in her life has tumbled into place at the same time his had reached the worst. Cursing her foolish heart she scolded herself for not focusing solely on his recovery. With this inner conscience yelling at her, Jack had somehow become a distraction.

Issue number two had in fact been banned by issue number one, but she couldn't stop herself from crashing through that locked door. Last night could have been a dream. In fact, that morning, for the brief second before reality and its friend anxiety had crawled under the covers, she'd been convinced it was all a dream. Then Jack had mumbled something sleepily in her ear and rubbed boyishly at her hair tickling his chin before returning to the sleep that had come so easily to him.

Last night had been too easy, Tess had convinced herself. It didn't seem real—it couldn't be possible—her and Jack as a couple would shock everyone back in Manhattan. There was Jack's reputation to consider. He'd had girls before, lots of tall, blonde, beautiful girls who didn't require their own bunks while saying at the lodging house and who were somehow lost among the crowd after about two weeks. These girls were constant reminders to Tess that she lacked a very important something in what it took to be female.

So for Jack to act towards her in the same way she'd watched him act towards a handful of other girls made Tess a little uneasy. The one thing she'd held over those girls was her permanence. She had remained, the annoying little sister of Leif, while they had disappeared. But now, she found herself in a similar situation and felt a strange sympathy towards those nameless faces.

Because she wanted it to work—for all the bums in New York she wanted it to work. But if Jack discarded her like he had those others, or if he woke up and regretted his actions, she was preparing her retreat back within herself. She had to know he was genuine and her plan was to act as if nothing had changed. She'd focus on Leif, on fooling those around her, and keep on eye on Sotheby and the other on Jack, watching how each acted.

With that decision behind her she slid out of bed, changing in the adjoining bathroom so that when Jack woke she was sitting at the vanity, trying helplessly to create the same updo that Bessie had formed the day before.

She sighed in frustration, catching his boyish smile in the mirror's reflection. Blushing slightly, she bent and pretended to clean her fingernails. You should get dressed, Jack.

What time is it? He asked, lazily rolling to the floor. Before Tess could answer, Denton peaked his head into the room, fully dressed in a three piece suit.

He cried. Get dressed. Sotheby has waited breakfast already and any longer would be running over into the time we've planned to see the boys.

Tess' heart began to beat faster at the mention of Leif. From what Denton and Jack had told her from the study conversations, Sotheby would be lining up the boys like cattle in his front room and they would simply walk down the line and pick one. She'd asked nervously what they would do if Leif was not among the chosen group and Denton had reassured her that they'd requested a specific type of boy, describing Leif's age and built. And if he still wasn't in the line, then they'd simply request another group.

Okay, okay Jack mumbled to Tess and Denton's request to hurry. While he was tucking in his shirt, Tess began on his tie, surprised by the kiss he planted on her cheek along with the whispered thanks'. He smiled at her in a way that (if she had been thinking about him) she would have read as flirtatious.

But she ignored that look, and the hand resting protectively on her hip as they descended the stairs. She held her chin high and went through the routine of the past two days, all the formality and silent sitting. The only entertainment was twirling her hair that she had thrown into a quick braid, the most elegant thing she could come up with. And breakfast crawled by, the loud tic toc from the grandfather clock making Tess' nerves twitch.

When Sotheby finally rose, pushing his chair back and fixing the tails of his suit, it took Tess a couple of moments to realize before jumping up herself. The four made their way into the living room, despite Tess' belief that the boys would be waiting in the front hall. The only positive aspect of that morning was Edward's absence.

Mrs. Sullivan, Sotheby turned to the anxious looking Tess, lying what he assumed was a comforting hand, on top of her own. I believe that this is where we will be leaving you now. The boys, they are not yet fit to be scene by someone of your

Her lips tensed and the furrow on her forhead was one of anger, no longer worry. While Tess stared threateningly at Sotheby, Jack stepped forward. That's very kind of you but my wife's presence is the most important one of all. After all, the boy will be working with her the most.

But Mr. Sullivan, I warn you I don't think

Tess laced her hands with Jack's, an obvious action that linked her to him, and he seemed to grow in height from it. Mr. Sotheby, he interrupted smoothly, I think I know my wife better than you. Now, if you'll please lead us to the boys. We have a tight schedule.

Sotheby, somewhat aggravated, spun on his heel and clicked into the other room, stopping next to the repulsive Mr. Crumb. This man, dressed in clothes that seemed to have been handed down from Edward or Mr. Sotheby himself, fit too tightly around the man's sagging beer belly. His hair was long and stringy and along with his missing front teeth and grease covered pores created the appearance of a drunk right off the streets of New York City.

Tess ignored the impulse to pinch her nose and turned away from the horrible sight, only to meet one much worse. The boys, heads hanging so that they only viewed their haggard reflections in the polished floor, were dressed barely in rags of shirts and pants. One boy wiggled his bare feet while the one to his left had arms thinner than Gracie and Emma's. Slowly, Tess scanned the line, hoping momentarily not to see her brother among the group of withered and defeated faces. But there, towards the far end, she caught sight of his bent frame, hair slightly longer but of the same color as hers. His arms were darkened by the sun and covered with the freckles of her father and he shifted slowly from one foot to the other, almost unnoticeable to one who didn't watch as closely as Tess was.

One boy began coughing loudly, the sound coming deep from within him and wracking his body in convulsions. He bent to try and catch his breath and Crumb stepped forward, cracking him across the temple with a club. Don't one of you'se move. The man growled as the boys to the left and right flinched and stopped from picking up their friend. Sotheby cleared his throat calling Mr. Crumb's attention and the man hurried to his place next to Sotheby.

It was obvious to the three that Sotheby was more than annoyed by Crumb's crass outburst in front of customers and by the way he cracked and re-cracked his knuckles, Tess was somewhat apprehensive to more forward. But after noticing the bloody cuts on her brother's feet she dropped Jack's hand and began to advance.

The boys seemed to sense her presence and if possible, they shrank further into themselves. She wanted to reach out and touch each, reassuring them that they would be released from this hell soon. She stopped in front of Leif and waited, trying to control the tears in her eyes, but he did not look up. So close, her fingers itched to hug him, grab him and run as fast as she could away from the horrible place. But still, he didn't move, having surrender to the forces of Mr. Crumb and Sotheby long ago.

She could no longer and disturbed to shivers, she turned back to Jack and Denton. Now facing Jack she realized her was watching Leif with a similar expression of alarm. Francis, this is the boy I Her voice caught in her throat as she returned to Jack, burying her head in his chest. It was hard for Jack also, watching the form of his best friend huddle in fear, and he hugged Tess close to him, hoping her body heat would somehow enter his own.

Sotheby shook his head, unaware of the deeper relationship, figuring that Tess' behavior was the result of a female sensitivity. Denton assumed the role of facilitator and continued the business transaction', signaling out Leif who grabbed harshly by Crumb. The young man, now looking like a mere child, glanced up as he was hauled away and looked wide-eyed at his beloved sister and a friend he'd never dreamed of seeing. Tess shifted in Jack's embrace, long enough to catch her brother's eye before he disappeared in the door of the servant's quarters.

Mrs. Sullivan, we could have avoided all these tears if you would have just stayed in the sitting room as I'd suggested. Sotheby's tone was more condescending than normal and Tess bit her tongue from spurting a smart remark. Please, let us walk among the gardens before having lunch. By the end the boy will almost be ready, you can finish packing your things and finally get back to that, he fixed his suit coat and eyed Jack in a disapproving manner. tight schedule of yours.

Jack nodded his approval, steering Tess with a light touch into the sitting room and out the side door. The spin around the freshly groomed gardens did Tess' mood and appetite little good, as she fretted over the appearance of her brother. Sotheby dominated the conversation, only making her nausea worse as he rattled on about how the boys bathed, dressed properly for travel and given the Bible before departing with the preferred customers. He said it in such a tone, as if he expected her, Denton, and Jack to be pleased with the idea—lodging boys against their will but pressing them with the word of God when they left for a place only slightly better than where they were before.

Unable the stand for his immorality any longer she pressed for them to return inside so that she could double check their bags (which she had already packed in her early morning alertness) and rest before lunch. she tried to joke, I'm of no use to you now, all shaken and pale.

Yes, of course, Mrs. Sullivan, we wouldn't want your health in be in jeopardy. So the four returned inside and Tess spent the rest of the day hidden in the bedroom, feigning sickness when lunch came around and insisting that the men eat without her.

While Tess paced the room, shoes abandoned to the corner so that he stocking covered feet scuffed the floor, a knocking at the door pulled her from her anxious thoughts. One moment, she called, scurrying over to the bed.

The door opened after she called again, tucked under the covers and feigning a headache. She smiled lightly at the boy carrying her tray of food. He seemed to sense her friendliness and as she sat up to help him he smiled in return. Excuse me Ma'm, Mr. Sullivan said I should bring ya up some of the lunch.

Thank you very much. She picked at the green beans with her fingers, surprising the boy. But Tess didn't mind and she noticed how he eyed the potato on her plate. That husband of mine, what a silly fool. He knows I don't like potatoes. The boy paused noticeably. Would you like it? Please, it will go to waste on this plate.

Are you sure Ma'm.

Of course. She popped him the potato, much like she had popped Thumper the apple what seemed like ages ago. Our secret. With the treat safely tucked into the pocket of his pants the boy thanked Tess one more time and hurried out of the room, afraid either that Tess would change her mind or that someone else would come and stop him from having the precious potato.

After the boy had slipped out of the door, Tess made sure that all of their things were waiting in front of the room, ready for the butler to move to the carriage. Taking a deep breath, she went downstairs and was happy to find Jack the only one in the sitting room. He was resting his forearms on his knees, on hand holding up his head and the other balancing a cigarette. He turned at the sound of her heels. I couldn't help it, he explained, sucking again on the nicotine. I just had to have one.

She plopped next to him and grabbed the dirty pleasure from his hand and took one long drag. Me too. She exhaled and smoke floated from her lips as she ground the cigarette into the ashtray. He chuckled to himself, reclining into the cushion of the sofa and resuming his distant stare.

He looked so

I know.

Another pause followed as Tess placed her hand on top of his briefly, hoping it was reassuring. He turned to look at her then, sitting up straight and scanning her features. Before she could speak he was kissing her, hand at the back of her head so that she couldn't jump away in surprise. It was an uncomfortable kiss, harsh and forced, nothing like the easy one from the garden. She was shocked when she finally managed to pull away, eyes hurt and confused at his actions.

But when she looked at him she saw that he too seemed to be searching for some sort of comfort. Jesus, I'm sorry he whispered, tilting her chin so that she no longer gazed at her hands. This whole thing is screwed up and, he leaned in closer so that their faces rested against one another, butterfly kisses brushing her cheeks. I just wanted to remember that

Tess understood and rested against him, her hands finding their way to his waist. After ignoring the conscious inside her head that told her to think of Leif first, she initiated a very light kiss, one so brief that he thought he imagined it. But it calmed his nerves and he needed to totally relax against her body, focusing only on the beat of her heart and the paths her fingers traced in his hair.
They stayed in this position for quite sometime, and Tess wondered if Jack had fallen asleep when Denton, Edward and Sotheby returned. Crumb fumbled behind them, finding no room to stand among the line of men in the doorway to the sitting room.

Edward coughed roughly and the two parted, Jack clasping tightly to Tess' hand so that she didn't leave. But Edward was watching her in a strange way, stranger than the sexual airs of before, and she pleaded with her eyes to let him go.

She whispered quickly in his ear, pulling back in time to notice him nod slightly. After asking permission from the rest of the gentlemen she excused herself, placing a brief kiss on Jack's cheek before doing so.

Tess pretended to go into the library, slipping into the hallway that led to the kitchen when she was sure no one noticed. She stopped and rested lightly against the swinging door, trying to decipher the voices behind it. Two women were speaking and Tess was sure that Dakki was one of them. She pushed lightly and the door opened with little hesitancy, Tess relaxing at the sight of Dakki. The other woman was dressed in a similar apron and uniform, turning in surprise at the sight of Tess. You'll tell me later okay Mags. Shuffling Tess out another door, Dakki didn't wait for a response. How's the headache? She pulled a roll from her apron and tossed it between her two hands. I missed ya. Edward had no one else to focus on besides me.

Tess rolled her eyes. I'm fine, that manugh! How can you stand working for him?!

The two moved further into the servant quarters, stopping in front of the cabinet that held all the mops and brooms. Catching the roll right before it hit the floor, Dakki broke off pieces, chewing in between her words of wisdom. I dunno, it's a paycheck. The one thing that will get me out of here.

Tess smiled in understanding. I can't wait to leave this place. I miss the city, everything being so chaotic but right where I left it. And these stupid dresses! I'm pulling on a pair of trousers and dare anyone to try and get me out of

I'll place my money on Jack. Ten seconds you'll be throwing them to the floor,,,

She said it so casually, staring off into space and popping chunks of bread into her mouth, that Tess almost missed the meaning. She punched her friend's arm jokingly. I can't believe

The two giggled in unison and suddenly bread was no longer being thrown into mouths. Dakki held her hands up in surrender, ceasing the mini food fight. I should get back out there. Tess chewed nervously on the end of her braid. Don't leave without saying good byeand stop that! She pushed the hair out of Tess' mouth and was about to leave when Tess' hand grasped hers.

Did you hear that?

The two froze and listened, and sure enough, a cough sounded from the cabinet. They turned, positioning themselves so that they faced the cabinet head on and Dakki held up three fingers, silently counting down. When all three fingers were down, they pulled open the door roughly, jumping back in horror when Edward rolled out. He smiled smugly on the floor. he pointed at Tess, you're coming with me.

Recovering from her initial shock, Tess backed away as Edward stood. Ah, I don't think so. She spat.

I knew there was something about you two. And then, when I saw you with that servant, Dakki hiccupped from behind the large thug, a natural response when she became angry. in the garden, I was almost positive. Now come on, we're gonna go explain to father just why you're here. He reached for Tess' arm, unprepared for her dodge and mean right hook. He staggered backwards, grasping his nose. You bitch! You broke my nose!

Yeah, that's not the only thing that's gonna be broken, I can promise that. She cracked her knuckles and bent, as if ready to wrestle him to the ground.

The sweat on his forehead shone under the light from the window and as he charged at her, Tess tried to figure out how to escape with Dakki in tow. Ducking from his grasp she kicked his legs out from underneath him, rolling again as he tumbled to the ground. An instant after she leapt over him, cursing loudly when he reached for her skirt. Now on the ground also she kicked helplessly at his hands. She felt him pulling her closer when all of a sudden the room echoed with the sound of resonating metal. Tess was free from Edward's grasp and she clambered to her feet, pushing the messed strands of hair from her face to see what had happened.

Standing there, still holding the skillet with two hands, Dakki looked at Tess with large eyes. A second later she dropped the object to the floor and covered her open mouth. I think I killed him. She said behind her hands, Tess bending to see if she was right.

Fortunately, Edward's heavy breathing could still be heard and after reassuring Dakki that he'd escape with only a mighty bump, they dragged him into the cabinet and secured it with a chair.
Tess paced for the second time that day, her plan for the afternoon now drastically changed. We have to leave as soon as possible. She muttered.

I can have someone make sure Leif is ready. Dakki offered.

Yes. And as long as I tell Jack and Denton, we should be fine. Don't you think? Dakki nodded in guarantee and Tess hurried towards the exit when something else flashed in her mind. But Dakki, oh no Tess turned. You can't stay here. He'llhe'll tell Sotheby, and you'll be fired. She pointed frantically at the cabinet.

Dakki grabbed both of Tess' flailing arms. Don't worry about me. You get your brother out of hereand nail that Jack boy for me, will ya?

She was trying to sound cheerful but Tess could tell that Dakki was as worried as she was. No, you can come with us. To New Yorkthat's it. Can you pack before Tess shook her head. What am I saying, you just can't leave. What about your family

I don't have any family

And all your things

that fit within a bag

I've screwed up everything! You can't go

I'm going to New York! Dakki shouted, shrinking back after because of the volume of her voice. Bouncing on her toes she hugged Tess quickly. Wee, New York City, who woulda thought! Me, in da Big Apple!

But, what about your family? And all your stuff?

Dakki laughed at her friend's confusion. I told you, no family, no things. I've been ready to head out of here sincewell, since forever!

Pausing for a moment, Tess kicked back into gear. Well okay then. We'll get everything ready and meet you by the front gates.

I'm already gone! Dakki called, running out the door in the opposite direction Tess went only a moment later.

After the two girls split, Tess slipped back into the sitting room, settling herself between Jack and Denton, immediately grabbing Jack's hand to get his attention. But instead of being ignored as she'd been expecting and hoping would happen, she was quickly introduced to the new gentleman in the room. He was wearing clothes similar to Sotheby, except for a large monocle and a mustache that reminded Tess of a fuzzy caterpillar Gracie had shown her days before.

It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Well. So sorry I wasn't hear earlier. She turned to face Jack, glancing at the other men in the room before doing so. There has been a brief change in our plans and we need to leave as soon as possible.

Tess relied on the generally understood rules of etiquette that Sotheby and Well would refrain from asking exactly why. And as she'd planned, Jack and Denton trusted her judgment enough to play along. Race was called, slightly irritated for being interrupted from a poker game he was winning between the doorman and a gardner, and the bags were placed into the carriage.

Sotheby turned to Crumb, standing like a wallflower in the corner. Go get the boy, Crumb. As the man wobbled out of the room, Sotheby delighted in telling Mr. Well about the purchase' Mr Sullivan had just made. Really, he's one of our best boys. Was a little feisty in the beginning, but then, they all are. Eventually they all

Tess held her breath as Jack became redder and redder. She expected him to burst, the vein again throbbing noticeably and his fist about to squeeze the tea cup he held. Scurting closer to him, she leaned against him, one hand placed on his leg while the other twirled the hair at the base of his neck. Calm yourself, Kelly. She muttered.

He did as she suggested, turning to look at her then and plead with his eyes. She smiled and patted his leg gently, letting him know that she wanted to throttle Sotheby as much as he did.

While this whole silent exchange took place, Crumb returned with a much cleaner looking Leif. Still, Tess noticed the changes—cheekbones sticking out too noticeably, dark circles under normally sparkling green eyes, wrinkles that aged his face beyond the age of nineteen, and a body posture, bent and huddled, that drastically clashed with his normal confident strut.

It was only when he entered the room fully that she caught a glimpse of his typical energy. He stuttered in disbelief at the sight, his sister and friend only meters away. How, I can't believe— But that vigor, the light in his weak but present smile, filtered when Crumb struck cruelly at the back of his knees, causing him to bend in pain.

That will be enough, Mr. Crumb. Jack stated, rising and standing next to Leif. He helped the boy stand, surprising a majority of the people in the room, and offered his hand. My name is Francis Sullivan and you will be working for me now. Leif shook his hand with a ridiculous smile on his face and as Tess joined the two she realized that Jack had an identical one. What's your name, son?

After swallowing a chuckle, Leif cleared his throat. Well, me newsie name is Seven. He shook the offered hand. But me sista, and best friend, use ta call me Leif.

Tess shook from excitement, forgetting the voice inside her that chanted over and over that danger was the foundation of the house she stood in, and hugged her brother. It's nice to meet you Leif. I'm sure you'll be very happy at our home.

Oh, yes—yes ma'm.

Sotheby's clapping interrupted the moment and he tried to ignore the strange tension in the room. Denton had stood and joined the trio, placing a proud hand on Jack's shoulder as the stood, about face, subconsciously challenging Sotheby to try and stop them from succeeding. This pairing is so perfect, he forced the happy business for Well's sake and Tess figured that he would be as delighted to be rid of them as they would be to leave those hideous gates behind them. And now that the boy,

He boldly stated. Me name's Leif.

Sotheby hesitated, noticing the daring way the young man maintained eye contact. Now, that Leif is all ready, it seems that you're all set.

Denton was the only one to step forward and shake Sotheby's hand. And that money will be on in your mail as soon as we get to Chicago.

Goodbyes were exchanged and the group shuffled to the door when Tess wondered of Dakki's progress. Oh, Francis, you gentlemen get into the carriage. I think I might have left something up in the room. She was moving so quickly that Sotheby was surprised to seen her turn towards him and ask, You don't mind if I run upstairs real quick?

Oh no dear She was already at the first landing of stairs by the time her answered and after dawdling in the room which she knew was spotless, she slipped down the servants stairs into the kitchen, hoping to see Dakki waiting patiently. She moved further, peaking her head around the corner to see into the room that they'd been speaking in before. And initially seeing no bouncing head of blonde hair she began to turn until the open cabinet and discarded chair pulled her back. Running into the room she threw open the doors wider and sure enough, Edward was no where to be seen. She scanned the room frantically and ran in the direction she'd come, colliding with Dakki.

Fiah? Where's the fiah? Dakki giggled. See, I'm practicing for New York. I figure dat I need an accent and what do you tink about dat one? Cause I could always just play up the Midwestern thing, but I still

Tess grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her head.

Ow! I think I bit my tongue

He's gone!

Between trying to feel her injured tongue, Dakki mumbled, Who's gone?

She was dragged back into the room. Look, nothing.

Holy St. Francis!

Exactly. Jack is in the carriage, are you ready? Dakki nodded, still fumbling with fingers in her mouth, but in a more distracted anxious way. She was shoved towards the door that led outside. Meet us at the road.

Leaving the kitchen behind her, Tess controlled the urge to run to the front of the house until she heard the scuffle in the front hall. Her heels clicked on the tile and she had to grab onto the grand staircase's railing to stop from sliding to the ground and landing on a wrestling Jack and Edward. She gasped, her worst fear now playing in front of her.

Surveying the rest of the scene she watched Leif lunge at Sotheby and be held back by the scrawny Well, monocle missing in action. Denton was trying to help Jack and Race was cursing from the carriage, trying to hold back the team of horses.

A click sounded in the room just as Jack gave Edward his second broken nose of that day. The man slumped to the ground and Denton dragged Jack away before anymore punches could be thrown. The two stumbled towards the carriage, unaware that Tess had entered the scene and that Sotheby now had a fancy looking revolver aimed at them.

Well had been easily discarded of by Leif before he'd been guided into the carriage by the butler, an older man that Tess had always liked for some reason. Now she knew why. This was the scene she rushed into, Sotheby's back facing her as he raised the gun and fired one awful shot at Jack and Denton. They reached the carriage and jumped inside before he fired another and Tess watched in horror as the spooked horses began to flee.

She rushed forward, chopping into Sotheby's legs and grabbing the gun in one easy swoop. She took advantage of her surprise attack, swinging the end of the revolver into the side of his head and wasting no time after he fell to the ground.

The steps were tackled two at a time and she discarded the gun deep within the woods, before lengthening her stride (in heels no doubt) to try and catch the carriage ahead of her. Racetrack Higgins! She called, winded by her running but determined to catch up, If you leave me here, I'll haunt you for the rest of my life!

Even though she was breathing heavy she caught the smirk on his face as Race turned, stopping the carriage simultaneously. Oh, I thought ya was extendin da vacation.

She jumped on the back of the carraige and turned for one more sight of the awful house, tightening her grip when the horses began to gallop out of the gates, Sotheby's guards just noticing the commotion because of her joyous cry.

AN (number two):How do ya like the spacing? I'm fooling around with it. And Miracle hasn't been buggin me, so I think I'll stick with this. If ya have any opinion whatsoever--you know what to do. REVIEW!