Chapter 12

AN: Question open to all readers: what is this ffnet messenger? Miracle was asking me about it am I'm just likehuh? So yea, I need some help. Remember, I'm a newbie. I write and I post, who has time to explore?

Da Plug: The first official edition. I'm excited! Aren't you.
Story: NewsieGoil
Author: Cait Radcliffe
Now the author swears this isn't another Mary Sue, which is surprising because you can do a Mary Sueif you do it well. And although the chapter begins with a pet peeve of mine stood five foot fiveblonde hairyadda yadda it's nice to see a story with Skittery as the main squeeze. So I'm interested, and want to read more.
And you should too!


Now, get on with the story, right! Okay, here's the main dish:

Up ya come. Tess smiled appreciatively as the older man helped her onto the platform. She could have easily climbed up on her own, but Hank, as he preferred to be called, was the epitome of chivalry. They'd met up with him on the train from Chicago to Columbus, offering him some of their food when he'd had none. It seemed now, to make up for this gesture, he was going to accompany them safely back to New York.

After a quick headcount, a nervous habit that had quickly formed outside of Harrisburg because of Skittery's laziness once again, Tess relaxed into the nightly routine of dinner then cards. That night she'd decided to sit out of the game, perching behind Dakki's shoulder incase the girl needed some advice. Four kings, is that good? Dakki asked, fanning the cards out in front of Mush, Jack and Race, the latter with his cigar dangling haphazardly on the edge of his lip.

Now see, you'se a bright girl, I don't understand why you ain't getting dis. Race reached over and pulled out three of the kings, You want to get rid of these, and get three new cards.

Dakki scratched at her temple.

Tess shook her head in amusement as Jack and Mush protested loudly, correcting Race's teaching mistake and mumbling to themselves about how much of a cheat he was. She turned away from the game to where Klover and Blink were listening intently to one of Hank's stories from the war. She didn't want to barge half way in, despite the fact that all his stories tended to blend together, and she wandered in idleness until his figure caught her attention.

The first couple days out of Chicago and back to a wandering life on trains, she'd been glued to his side. He didn't mind, in fact, he found comfort in her presence, but at the same time he didn't speak of Sotheby's beyond stories of the few funny moments between him and the other boys. Denton had assured him, before leaving Chicago, that his friends would also be rescued, in a less dramatic way but rescued none the less.

That was where Denton was at the moment, hiding out in Chicago and gathering all the last minute information needed for his article that would stun the World. This expose on Sotheby's work camps would ruin the man, hopefully send him to jail for good and once again save those working boys unable to save themselves.

Situating herself on the edge, legs hanging over the side much like his but not reaching nearly as far, she rested her head on his shoulder. A moment later his hand rested on her back and she waited for him to speak. I wouldda thought fo sure dat you'd stay in Chicago.

she shrugged, New York's changed Leif. Da ol neighborhood ain't da same and well, da guys sellin dese days are nicer than before. Jack, well, ever since da strike She pulled away from his bony shoulder. Has he told you about da strike, yet?

Leif nodded, chuckling lightly in the process. I shouldda guessed dat in all went back to Jack. He turned back to the scenery, a river racing along the side of the tracks and reflecting the colors in the sky. I mean, he was the reason you left he blew out a small train of smoke from his cigarette. Makes sense dat he'd be the reason you came back too.

She sighed and chose not to answer as he laughed again. Don't be like dat! He's crazy for ya. And about damn time. I always hated you being all mopey.

I'm gonna kill Dakki She gritted between set teeth.

Nah, she didn't squeal. I've just got an eye fo dese things. He leaned back on his hands, fully enjoying the large blush spreading from ear to ear. Don't break his heart, alright? He needs a good goil like you'se. He said it softly, with an air of understanding and foresight, as if he'd pushed them together himself.

She turned with delight at his approval, narrowly avoiding his hand as it cuffed her chin playfully. It ain't like dat, Leif. Really, me and Jack, that just sort of happened while we was in Chicago.

She tried to protest her true intentions of returning to New York, but his smirk remained. But you're right, dese guys are nice. He looked around the box car. I could woop em in poka, but dere nice.

They laughed together heartily, Tess wrapping her arms around Leif's neck tightly, relishing in the feeling. For so long she'd wanted to feel that warmnth, that now it seemed unreal. He'd probably never tell her about what happened at Sotheby's but she wasn't worried, focusing on putting everything back to normal was her goal, and heading towards New York was half of the plan.
For that moment, Tess released him and watched his silent profile, the open landscape in the background, and became nervous as all hell. He belonged here, traveling and free, she'd known that all her life. And as much as she'd wanted it too, there was now something tying her down. It seemed there could only be two, and in a way she'd pushed him aside. Tess and Leif. Leif and Jack.

And now, Jack and Tess.




The weather surrounding New York City on their arrival was in drastic contrast with the feelings of the group. Two arid months had climaxed into a summer rainstorm, lightening and all, the shook the city and sent most indoors. Steam rose from the pavement until a light fog had formed in the air. Tess felt as if she were walking among clouds, and loved every minute of it.

Slipping out of the box car, unnoticed and overlooked, a dangerous task to begin with, was harder among the puddles of rain and mud. But watching Dakki spin circles down the unnaturally emptied street was worth it. Her skirt was rreaching out to all angles and her arms waved in the air as she skipped in between the group, singing some nonsense song about the wonders of rain.

Skittery, the most unsuspecting out of the whole group, was snatched as partner and the fumbled through a clumsy waltz. Dakki giggled, pushing his cap up and over his brow from where it fallen to cover his eyes.

He began to laugh also, looking as if he were enjoying the exercise, until his feet got the better of him and down he fell. It was a soft landing no doubt, straight into a pile of mud that froze every member of the group into laughter. Oh Skittery, Dakki cooed, one hand on her mouth and the other reaching to help him up. I'm so sorry.

He accepted her help, standing and wiping helplessly at the stain. And dat was he cleanest pair of pants! Race cracked, receiving a harsh glare from Skittery before adjusting the duffle bag and setting off again with Mush and Blink.

Ms. Birdie will be able to get it out. Tess assured, sneaking a quick peak and trying not to laugh any more. Embarassed, Skittery sulked ahead with Dakki still in toe. What a sight we must be, she mumbled, raising her face to the sky so that the rain could wash off almost two weeks of dirt. Certainly two weeks without some sort of rinse was common for a newsie, but this dirt was foreign, of a different kind and earned not by selling papes. The city welcomed them home, and cleansed them, making them vulnerable once again to it's ruggedness.

She set forth at her own pace, comforted by the fact that Leif fell in step with her. You're right, he took a deep breath. The city is different.

You're not even back to our neighborhood yet.

He shrugged. I can feel the difference, even from here. With a quick look at Tess he nodded towards where Jack had begun to walk to her left before whistling a recognizable family tune about new love.

Jack had heard it before and Tess noticed his eyes shift in her direction. Before she could pounce on her loving but thoughtless brother, he spoke. I knew this day would come. He seemed to be addressing Leif more than Tess, so she remained silent. The two had been surrounded air of awkwardness since returning from Chicago. It was a mixture of Jack seeing Leif in such a desperate situation and Leif knowing of Jack's interest in Tess. Also time had separated the two for so long it seemed time itself would be the only remedy. So after the long train adventure home, Tess was glad to see them falling back into the familiar role of best friends.

Yea, you always had dat sixth sense Kelly. Leif rested an arm around his sister's shoulder and Tess enjoyed the security of both figures on either side of her.

She looked up at Jack from over her brother's arm and noticed that thoughtful expression that occasionally crossed his face. He began to explain and she concentrated on the movement of his features. I knew you'd come back, both of you. Da otha guys moved on and maybe I did toobut I knew I'd see ya again.

That seemed to settle it, an open statement of forgiveness that both Leif and Tess had been hoping Jack would offer. It seemed the final notch in her plan and although things weren't going back to exactly how they were before, the changes were acceptable to all.

By the time they arrived to the street the Lodging House was located on the rain had picked up, quarter sized drops making hair stick to the back of Tess' neck. They raced up the steps, shaking off as much rain as they could before entering fully. With the inclement weather preventing any amount of selling, the lodging house was full of roudy boys, chaos making it impossible to hear Thumper's shouts until he was directly in front of the trio.

He launched himself in Tess' direction only to be caught in mid air by Jack's arms. Whoa there Thump, where'd you get dis? With the little boy situated comfortably on his hip, Jack tugged at the familiar shirt the boy wore.

Jack, Tess said I could wear your shirt until you got back. He pouted slightly, knowing exactly the amount of lip to warrant an escape of punishment.

She did, huh? Tess beamed innocently.

So dat I wouldn't miss ya as much.

Jack laughed and set the little boy back onto his feet. He scurried over to Leif and Tess, staring momentarily at the new person before tugging on Tess' hand. She bent and hugged him tight before picking him up much like Jack had done. Thump, I'd like ya to meet my brother Leif.

Brotha? But I taught I was your brotha. Again the lip protruded and Tess bumped it with her finger.

Corse you're my brother, and so is Leif.

Leif offered his hand, which the boy shook cautiously before recoiling back into Tess' embrace. And Mush.

What about Mush, Tess laughed, tickling him under his knobby knees.

He's your brother too, right?



And Bink.

What would I do without Blink.



Him too.

Race makes funny's faces.

Best funny faced brother ever!

What about Jack, the little boy asked innocently. Is he your brother too?

The question, and everything from the weeks before, made Tess bite her tongue and look at Thumper with wide eyes. He titled his head to the side, asking again with the gesture as Tess flashed her eyes from Leif and back to Thumper. She made sure to avoid Jack's steady gaze. Setting the boy back onto the floor Tess leaned in close to his ear and whispered her secret.
He laughed, looking at Jack before slapping her a high five and running up to the bunk room. Leif called after him, asking him to introduce him to the other guys and leaving Jack and Tess to themselves.

Jack moved closer to her, raising one eyebrow after the other. Should I ask? She simply shrugged, aware of the playful tone. He was about to add another smart remark when his presence was needed elsewhere.

Ah, the demands of being a leader. She chided, pushing him in the direction of the boys. And he left, content with being unaware of her secret, but planting a kiss on her cheek all the same.




Tess had only met Spot once since her return. He'd been a little shit before she left, full of nasty words that made Tess uncomfortable. He seemed to egg Jack on, as if the two competed in insulting people, her in particular. So she was hesitant to congratulate Miracle when she found out the two were together, more or less. But she'd sat at the table, twirling her finger in her drink, and listening as a best friend should to the girl's giddy gushing. It surprised Tess. Miracle wasn't the type of girl to swoon; she was hard, she stood on her own, it was the quality Tess admired the most. To see her drunk with love, Tess knew enough about the emotion to point it out, made Tess rethink some things. If Miracle could be happy, then Tess could be too.

Course, this was before the whole Chicago trip. In hindsight, Tess began to remember little comments Miracle slipped into their conversations, little bits about Jack that compared him to the sweet thing Spot had done the day before. In a strange way Miracle knew how things would work out, and Tess was embarrassed when Miracle whooped at the news of her brother and best friend.

They caught up on all the news from New York and the world beyond over lunch in Brooklyn, a little place that Miracle said her and Spot frequented often. Privacy issues, she'd explained, eyes scanning behind Tess' head, no doubt for the aforementioned boy. Because they were still keeping things mum. Only a couple of Spot's newsies knew and Tess was the only surviving Manhattan member. When Spot finally showed up, politely nodding to acknowledge Tess, she was glad to see that he had continued his pleasant streak. He'd squished into the booth next to Miracle, keeping the petting to a minimum, and catching her eye. That nod had acknowledged more than just her presence; he understood that Tess could keep a secret, that Tess was to be respected, and that Tess held their relationship in her hands because of her connection to Jack (word had begun to spread that Jack had himself a new girl).

That much had been agreed to and Tess was happy to see him treating Miracle as she deserved.
But she hated to keep the secret from Jack. Returning after a lunch with Miracle meant awkward conversations at the lodging house. Why didn't you'se two come to Tibby's den?

That was a favorite question, if not asked by Jack then by Leif, Thumper or another newsie. She'd try to play it off with a shrug but she'd begun to notice the queer look on Jack's face before he swooped in for a kiss. And she liked kissing Jack, maybe more so than she'd expected, and if keeping Miracle's secret jeopardized the number of kisses she received then, as horrible as it sounded, Tess was going to have to break.

This complicated situation was running through her head during an afternoon of selling with Leif and Jack. The two boys, returning from some meeting with Midtown, had met Tess on the Brooklyn line and decided to finish selling in Spot's territory. Everyone was in a good mood on accound of Denton's return. He'd carried good news all the way with him from Chicago: Sotheby was in jail and all the boys were released, train tickets to whatever destination they chose thanks to the govenor. So with only a few papers left, Tess didn't think much of selling in Brooklyn. If Spot was keeping the relationship a secret from his own boys, then he wouldn't be with Miracle at this time of day.

Jack was the only one with papers as the buildings surrounding them began to look more familiar. Tess studied the signs, sidewalk to rooftop and tried to figure out why a strange sense of déjà vu was hitting her. She'd walked through the city since birth, why was she now all of a sudden feeling something. Writing it off as lunch sitting a little queasy in her stomach she allowed Jack to tug her around the corner, rambling about the best selling spot only a few blocks away. New signs, new buildings and suddenly Tess understood why the area was so freakishly nagging her.

Jack stopped abruptly, Leif bumping into the back of him, as Tess read the sign: Bubba's. Spot and Miracle's place. And sure enough, the two had decided to risk a sighting, sitting right in the window seat out front. It was obvious Jack noticed the two, all lovey and flirty, because his face had twisted into a rather unattractive scowl. She reached to place her hand on his forearm but he'd already begun to stalk across the street.

He slammed both hands up against the glass, five fingers spread wide in disbelief while the other pressed a stack of papers to the pane. The two inside jumped back in surprise, mouths dropping in shock at the sight of the fuming newsie. They were quick to scramble to their feet, Spot pushing his way out of the door so that Jack didn't enter and cause a scene.

Okay Conlon, explain why the fuck your hands were all ova me sista! Tess, now arriving with Leif at Jack's side, pinched her lips in uneasiness as the vein began to rear again.

Spot was blocking Miracle as if he expected Jack to jump at her. In reality, he was the one Jack wanted to throttle and Tess wasn't sure anyone would be able to stop him if he snapped. Look Jack, we were gonna tell you but

I knew you'd react like this! Yelled Miracle, jumping up from behind Spot and waving a finger in her brother's direction. Forgetting for a moment the tense situation unfolding, Tess noticed with amusement that Miracle had the exact same vein bulging that Jack did.

Well, good fo you. Now get ova hea, we're going home, he reached for Miracle and grabbed her arm, roughly tugging her to his side. She squirmed in protest, swinging at his stomach with her free fist but not visibly making a dent in Jack's glare he focused on Spot. You stay away from her, Conlon.

Tess was surprised at how rough Jack was acting. In a quick second he'd reverted back to the arrogant, chauvinistic sonofabitch she'd known as a child. Stepping forward she pried off the fingers digging into Miracle's wrist and stood between her and Jack. Why don't you listen to the two, Kelly. She placed a hand on his chest and caught his eye.

You knew about this didn't you.

Don't point that thing at me. She grabbed the pointer finger in her face with her whole hand and pushed it to his side. And yes, I did.

I can't belive this— He threw up his hands in disbelief.

Well, get used to it, cause these two aren't gonna stop seeing each otha just because you said so, mister. Jesus, you sound like your father. She knew the words were harsh, but it needed to be said if Jack was going to calm down and listen to her.

He stopped then, hurt slightly, and turned back to where Miracle and Spot were huddled together. You're such a hypocrite Kelly. Again he spun to where Leif was watching the situation and taking advantage of a short cigarette break. He blew smoke out from his nose and shook his head.

You don't understand Leif. This guys got a rep as wide as Wiesel's waist. He ain't screwing ova my sister!

He's not screwing anything, Kelly! Snapped Miracle.

Jack shushed her with a wave of his hand as Leif laughed out a mouthful of smoke. I don't understand, huh? You're right. Why would I understand what it's like to have a guy date your sister. Hmmm Leif pretended to ponder the situation as Jack flushed with understanding.

Spot jumped at the chance, now that Jack's blood pressure had seemed to drop back to normal. I know what you're thinking Jack. I don't have a very good record as far as goils go. But me and your sister have been togetha for almost six months now



The group flinched at Jack's renewed anger as Miracle mumbled, Not the best thing to say. She faced her brother, the only match it seemed to his anger and stubbornness. she poked him hard in the chest and surprisingly he stepped back and rubbed the spot. Don't come pushing your nose into tings dat don't worry you. You think that you have to be all protective, just cause your da big brotha and dat our parent's aren't here. Well don't worry about it. He tried to interrupt but she spoke over him. I'm not a child and I can take care of meself. You should be glad dat I picked Spot. He's one of your best friends so if he's good enough for you then you shouldn't worry. I've liked plenty of guys before him but he's different

She was standing right in front of Jack now, looking tiny next to his looming form and letting her hands hang limply at her sides as her pleading eyes did most of the talking. Anger had drained from both siblings and Tess moved closer slowly. I'm with him and I'm different, a different Miracle, one that I like better.

Sounds familiar, huh Kelly? Tess whispered, making her presence known by slipping her arm inbetween the space of his body and arm. Her finger rested on the bare skin of his bicep, burrowing under the rolled up portion of his shirt.

He glanced at her then, taking in the sight of her curls all in disarray and the comforting curve of her lips. Then he looked back to Miracle who was watching him with questioning eyes. As much as she would deny it, she seemed to be asking for his blessing. Then finally to Spot, who seemed to be ignoring everyone except for Miracle. He was watching her, a goofy smile on his lips as he continued to stare.

That's how you look at me. Tess whispered the advice into his ear, kissing him on the temple before relieving him of his papers and heading back to selling, Leif in tow. That seemed to be the end of it and Jack, cuffing Miracle lightly on the side of her head, left after a quick nod in Spot's direction.

Tess let her free hand hang at her side, and Jack knew she was waiting for him to catch it in his own. They moved down the street, Spot and Miracle's excited celebration blending in with the other sounds of the city until they couldn't be heard any more.

You two, Leif shook his head and drew one last puff of his cigarette before looking at it momentarily and flicking it to the side. As he exhaled, he stuffed his hands deep within the pockets of his pants, returning to the carefree front he presented to the world. Already acting like two old marrieds... Jesus.


AN: So that's it. Good ending, yes...no? Bueller...
But anyway. I'm kicking around two more stories and they're starting to get a little hostile. So I'm going to post the beginning of each (sometime, hopefully before Christmas) and whichever one the reading and reviewing audience enjoys the most will be the one I expand further. They'll be a CC, obviously, cause I love involving new characters not from my own mind.
Keep your eye out!