I dashed out of the grocer's with my pocket's bulging, the owner
chasing me with a broom. Hollering at Race to follow me, we charged down an
alleyway and came out near the Square. Chuckling in a satisfied manner I
immediately began rolling a cigarette and tossed Race a handful of cigars.
His eyes flew open and he got an ecstatic grin on his face.
"Oh my God I love you!" He grabbed me by the shoulders and kissed me square on the lips. I froze, much like with Spot, but unlike Spot's kiss Racetrack's was brief and hesitant and he pulled away quickly. Face red, he hastily began examining the cigars. I went back to rolling a cigarette and stuck it into my mouth slapping Race's shoulder and mimicking striking a match. He bit the end off of his cigar and lit my smoke for me.
"And we didn't even get caught," he mused wonderingly puffing away with a look of content on his face. Then he stopped and looked at me.
"How did you learn how to do that?" I glanced at him uncomprehendingly.
"Do what?"
"Not get caught. Most kids get caught their first time. That obviously wasn't your first. What exactly was it you did in Brooklyn?"
"Listen, Racetrack..."
"I'm listening."
I took a deep breath and squinted up at him. He wasn't much taller than I was but the sun was in my eyes. I studied him for a few moments silently. His eyes weren't as understanding as they had been earlier. Now they were slightly suspicious. I pretended to feign anger.
"What's your problem anyway? It's not like you or Jack or anyone else has never stolen anything. So I used to steal stuff in Brooklyn, big whoop." Turning away from him roughly I started to stride away. He caught me by the arm and pulled me back.
"Alright Mis," he said in a patient tone. I looked up at him again.
"I believe you," he said simply slinging an arm around my shoulders. I felt shame flood my insides and I looked away from him. I had to go and get that damn diary and end this. The longer I lied to these kids the more I would end up hurting them and hating myself. Sighing I remembered where I had left the stupid thing. I had been hiding it at Spot's dock when Knuckles found me. Cursing my stupidity I almost instantly felt elation as Bourbon ran up and asked us if we were going to Brooklyn to see Meesh perform.
"Perform?" I said dumbly.
"Meesh works at a theater in Brooklyn. The only reason you see her around us is because she's our friend and she takes care of the guys when they get roughed up. She's got a gentle touch."
"She stays at the lodging house. O'Malley lets her stay because he doesn't want to play nursemaid to those goons. They get hurt all the time. Understandably." I laughed at Racetrack. Bourbon slapped Racetrack on the back.
"Poor Race, he has no luck. He liked Meesh when she first started coming around but Spot got to her first." Racetrack looked like someone had goosed him as he gave Bourbon an incredulous look.
"Bourbon, what the hell?" Bourbon gave him a warning look at his tone.
"Oh Race, it's common knowledge. Besides I think she still likes you." Racetrack snorted bitterly.
"Yeah after Spot kicked her to the curb she likes me again. Wonderful." Bourbon slapped him upside the head.
"No you dolt I think she always liked you better. You know how persuasive Spot can be." Racetrack made a frustrated noise and I giggled. He pushed me playfully and shook a finger under my nose.
"Don't go blabbing that bit of info to anyone y'hear?" I nodded solemnly then took a deep breath as if to shout. His eyes widened and he clapped a dirty hand over my mouth. Bourbon shook her head at us. Jangling coins around in my pocket as we walked I saw that we were approaching a huge statue of a man where newsies were lounging. One little African American boy was lying across the man's lap rolling marbles around in his hand.
"Hey Boots what's shakin'?" The boy sat up and flashed us a smile.
"Not much, not much. Won some marbles off Snipe and he's pretty mad." Snipeshooter, the boy in question was moodily sitting at the base of the statue. Snorting he glowered up at Boots.
"I'll win 'em back, you wait." Boots rolled his eyes at us and leapt off of the statue. He and Racetrack got into an animated discussion about horses and I wandered off to where Jack was sitting on the curb smoking a cigarette. He flicked at the brim of my bowler hat as I sat down and I swatted at him.
"You guys finished?" I nodded and he exhaled a cloud of smoke. As I started to roll another cigarette he looked at me curiously.
"Stole 'em", was all I said in explanation. He raised his eyebrows but only nodded at me. The rest of the afternoon was spent selling the afternoon edition of the paper and smoking a lot of cigarettes. By the time we made our way back to the lodging house the sun had set.
Rags and Ladybug met Racetrack and I at the door bouncing on their heels. Racetrack swung a squealing Rags over his shoulder and Ladybug shyly held on to my sleeve. I guess being her bunkmate helped her get over her shyness with me. Rags was jabbering excitedly about wanting to go see Meesh, but Racetrack had to tell him that the little ones weren't allowed to go.
"Ya gotta stay here and look after Kloppman. He gets scared when there's nobody here." Rags pouted and gave Race a doubtful look. Racetrack nodded at him his face solemn.
"Okay, we'll protect him." I hid a smile at the pair as they darted off to bother Kloppman. Pounding up the stairs we parted to change our clothes. I stopped when I realized that the clothes I had on were all I had. I saw Bourbon pause in buttoning a clean if rather worn blue blouse.
"I bet Pistol will share something if you want to change." Pistol looked up from where she was shimmying into a dress and nodded. I made a face at the fact that they were changing into skirts and dresses. Looking down at my own clothes I shrugged and took a pale green dress that Pistol held out to me along with a thin shift. 'When in Rome' I thought to myself. Bourbon clapped her hands as I finished.
"Oh Misery you clean up so nice!" It had been a long time since I wore dresses or skirts. Easier to keep my brother's goons minds in check if I dressed as they did. Pistol threw my motley assortment of hand-me-downs onto my bunk and set about combing out my hair. It had plenty of snarls from all the running I had done today. Gritting my teeth and cursing I was thankful when she finished. Even Nell agreed that I was quite a sight as Pistol threaded a ribbon around part of my hair letting the rest hang down. Slightly cross with all the attention I flounced out of the room and down the stairway to smoke a cigarette. Mush and Kid Blink were outside talking to Jack and their jaws dropped as I joined them.
"Misery you look..like a girl!" Blink swatted at Mush for his statement and winked at me with his good eye. Jack gave me a look-over and whistled lowly. Shaking his head he gave me a match when I irritably asked for one.
"Tonight is definitely going to be interesting," was all he said. Rolling my eyes I turned to see Racetrack standing in the doorway his eyes large and looking me up and down. I pointed at him with my cigarette.
"Not you too Race, don't start." Quickly he changed the look on his face to a smirk and raised his hands in defeat. Leaning close to me he whispered in my ear before sticking his ever-present cigar back into his mouth; "You look really nice." I wasn't used to this sort of attention and I turned pink with embarrassment. The rest of the kids who were going to see Meesh perform piled out of the lodging house and we started off after stern warnings from Kloppman that if we got into any trouble or were too late that he was locking the door and ignoring us. Jack snorted at him and waved a hand, and we were off.
The walk was a little tedious after being on our feet all day selling papers, but it was nice. I was in a highly nervous state as we crossed the bridge and entered Brooklyn. I knew that Spot's territory was further south from Green Point so I was fairly certain we wouldn't run in to my brother's. But if they had gotten wind that most of the Brooklyn newsies would be at this show then they might come if they were bored. Jack informed me that we would be going to a party at the Brooklyn lodging house after the show. Apparently their manager, O'Malley was away and they were taking the opportunity to throw a party.
We reached a large brick building that didn't have any sort of signs out front. Jack and the others went down a side alley and knocked on a door. A huge man appeared, looking irritated. He had a nose that had been broken more than once and his neck was as thick as his arms which looked like hams. When he saw Jack smiling cockily at him he managed a brief grimace which I suppose was meant to be a smile.
"Well, well, well if isn't the Cowboy. Spot's waiting for you guys." Racetrack took my arm like he had done the night at Medda's and I smiled up at him. He really was such a sweet guy.
"There's something I want to talk to you about later," he said into my ear as we walked down a hallway and entered a large room with a stage and many small tables. It looked a lot like Medda's.
"What is it?" I was afraid that he was going to bring up my brother's or my past but he just smiled mysteriously and winked at me. I felt a new sort of fear creep into my stomach. What did he want? Was it something about us? Before I could think about it anymore we were standing near a bunch of tables that had been pushed together and a crew of battered, dangerous looking boys. I saw Spot sitting with Pokey and Flame on either side of him. Knuckles leered at me and I noticed a few other boys casually raking us girls with their eyes smirks on their faces. There were a few girls at the Brooklyn tables, all wore boy's clothes even to this event and they flicked their eyes over us females in indifference. I saw one wink suggestively at Mush who winked back.
Spot's eyes lingered on me then widened in recognition. He almost spat out the sip of ale he had taken and he looked at me in shock.
"Misery?!" Uncomfortably I nodded and raised my eyebrows at him.
"You look great dollface," he said as we all seated ourselves. I was sitting across from him and next to Racetrack and Bourbon. Bourbon was exchanging greetings with a tall, broad-shouldered boy as muscular as Knuckles that I heard her call 'Riddle'. I glowered at Spot as he looked me over a slightly pleased look on his narrow face.
"Now that's a look you should try to keep," Spot said. I rolled my eyes at him and paid attention to Racetrack who was trying to tell me who everyone was.
"Ah don't bother Race, she won't remember everyone." Pokey gave me a small smile and turned her head to address Jack who was trying to tell her a joke. I grinned knowingly. She tried hard not to show her feelings for Jack but it was rather obvious. I was certain he had some idea. Then the curtain swung open and music started up and we all watched the show. The dancing was great, Meesh shown in her burlesque costume as the girls did an intricate dance number.
I tapped my feet to the music and started drinking. Part-way through the evening I looked over to see Spot studying me intently. He had a gleam in his eyes that made me fidget and almost drop my drink. He winked slowly at me and mouthed a word I made out to be as 'Later'. I hastily swung my gaze back to the stage and tried to ignore my racing heart. This wasn't happening. I had no desire to hurt Racetrack but I felt Spot pulling me in.
At the end of the show the newsies all stood and Meesh and the rest of the girls received thunderous applause. We all rose, me draining my pint glass and putting down. Meesh and a few other girls met up with us outside in the alley and we all headed to Brooklyn's lodging house.
The Brooklyn newsies resided in a converted warehouse that was down by the docks. I almost did a jig at how convenient this night was getting. Walking in to the ramshackle building I tried hard not to show my distaste. Their O'Malley was no Kloppman. The main room had a desk that was propped up with of all things a Bible so that it didn't teeter and there was a ledger with a pot of ink and a pen sitting next to it. There were a few barrel seats and small table with a half-played game of checkers on it. The next room had a larger table with more seats, a wood stove in the corner and a huge keg of what Pokey informed me was alcohol. Riddle was busy attempting to tap into the thick wood. There were a set of stairs that led up to a large bunkroom and Spot's private room. I marveled at the fact that Jack didn't have his own room yet Spot did. But then again Jack was no Spot Conlon.
Racetrack pulled out his harmonica and a few other boys produced homemade instruments and we soon had music. Some of the kids paired off and began dancing. I saw Bourbon being whirled around by Riddle and Pistol doing a jig with Kid Blink. Pokey was in a corner talking to Jack who was nodding at whatever she was saying with an earnest look on his face. I leaned up against the wall with a drink in my hand thinking of a way to get out of the house without being noticed.
"Having fun yet?" The voice in my ear was warm as was the body that was pressed against my side. I could smell beer on Spot's breath as he joined me. I gave a small shrug of my shoulder and casually kept my eyes on the crowd.
"It's alright I suppose," I pretended to yawn and saw Spot bristle before taking a deep breath.
"I could make things more interesting for ya," he said his voice husky. I made the mistake of turning my head to look into his eyes and I was caught. His face was close to mine and his beautiful blue eyes were gazing at me raptly. Taking a finger he trailed down one side of my cheek down my neck and kept it resting in the hollow right below my throat. I shivered and he smiled at my response. Handing him my drink, I put my lips close to his ear.
"I don't think so Conlon," was all I said before I swept away. I couldn't help but look back and saw him draining the rest of my drink and watching me with a predatory gleam in his eyes. This could be a rather large problem. Hurrying out of the room I muttered something to Jack and Pokey who were in the corner near the door that I was going outside for fresh air. They barely heard me but I thought I saw Jack nod absently his attention fixated on Pokey. The air outside smelled strongly of the river but it was cool and dark.
Swearing I gathered my skirt up in one hand and ran down a small incline to where I saw the pile of crates and barrels that was the entrance to Spot's dock. I had placed my diary underneath one of the boards of the dock on a ledge that was created by one of the poles that supported the dock's weight. Hanging over the side behind a barrel, I felt around hastily and finally breathed a sigh of relief as my fingers closed over the familiar small leather-bound book. I stuck it into my boot top and almost shouted as I heard someone behind me ask me what I thought I was doing.
Spot stood behind me his arms crossed, a cigarette dangling out of his mouth. My hazel eyes met his blue ones and he raised an eyebrow expectantly.
"Throwing up already? The night's just started." I shrugged and forced out a jittery laugh. In two large strides Spot had me in his arms and I did in fact almost throw up right then and there. I have no tact; my stomach always chooses to disobey me at the most inopportune times.
"What're you doing," I whispered as he tightened his grip and looked down at me.
"What does it look like," he laughed before he bent down and kissed me. I tried to push him away but the truth was I really honestly didn't want to. My arms went around his neck as if they had minds of their own and I returned his kiss with ardor. As we finally broke apart for air, I looked over Spot's shoulder and my heart tore in two. Racetrack stood near the entrance of the dock his face clouded with pain. I shoved Spot away and called his name, but he had already disappeared.
"SHIT! Look at what you made me do," I screamed at Spot who was watching me with no expression on his face. Suddenly he gripped my arm and pulled me to him again.
"Don't tell me you didn't want that, or haven't wanted that since yesterday when I kissed you in the alley. It takes two to tango sweetheart. Race is a tough kid he'll get over it."
"Yeah like he got over Meesh? Are you just doing this because he liked me?"
Spot snorted mirthlessly and wiped a hand over his face. He suddenly looked old; in the moonlight I could see lines on his face. Taking off his cap he raked his hands through his hair and then threw them up into the air.
"What do you want from me, I like you goddamnit!" Pointing a finger in my direction he looked at me unblinkingly.
"Don't deny that you don't like me back, I know it's true." Despite his arrogance I knew that what he said was in fact the truth. I knew it and my heart sank down into my toes as I realized that sooner or later Spot would find out who I was and then I wouldn't have him anymore. No Racetrack, No Spot, none of my new friends.
"Spot, you shouldn't like me. It's not going to work, you barely know me." Spot put his forehead against mine and we stood like that silently for a few moments.
"I've been trying to tell myself that for the past two days," he breathed. Desperately I hoped that Racetrack hadn't been that in to me. I had only just met him as well. I swore again softly as Spot and I made our way back up to the lodging house. Things had just gone from bad to worse.
Maybe I Don't Wanna Go - Hehe..yes Spot is one of my all-time favorites as well. Racetrack was already supposed to know but I hadn't added it in to the beginning so I went back and added that in. I hope it makes more sense now.
Chronicles Bailey - Thanks for your review! Yeah I could use some help with the accents, I'm sure but I don't put them in on purpose. It's easier for me to type and hopefully people can over-look that and just assume that they have the accents since they're in New York. *Scratches head* What's an OC? I'm fanfic illiterate.
JustDuck - So close and now it's happened! Meesh is Spot's ex, she's not a bad person just over-protective. Irish pubs rock the atmosphere is awesome.
Chelsea - Good lord I'm glad she's not a mary-sue. I'm always unsure as to what constitutes a character as being like that, but I try to make my original character's as close to real people as I possibly can. Race is ADORABLE!! Don't hate me because I hurt him in this chapter..*sniff* He'll end up happy I swear. Don't worry I don't think you're obsessive ; )
Cabby1 - I hope you don't mind I made Meesh Spot's ex. *hides* Thanks for your reviews and once again thanks for the use of your character!!
My Dog Ate My Penname - ahaha..awesome name. Thank you so much!! I like Misery too, I actually based a lot of her characteristics from my own personality. Hmm..Does this mean I rock too? Why yes it must. ; )
Pokey7 - Yes Race and Misery had a 'cute' moment and I agree that she would be good with Spot too. I'm glad it's not creepy that I update so fast. ; ) I have a life I swear *looks around*
"Oh my God I love you!" He grabbed me by the shoulders and kissed me square on the lips. I froze, much like with Spot, but unlike Spot's kiss Racetrack's was brief and hesitant and he pulled away quickly. Face red, he hastily began examining the cigars. I went back to rolling a cigarette and stuck it into my mouth slapping Race's shoulder and mimicking striking a match. He bit the end off of his cigar and lit my smoke for me.
"And we didn't even get caught," he mused wonderingly puffing away with a look of content on his face. Then he stopped and looked at me.
"How did you learn how to do that?" I glanced at him uncomprehendingly.
"Do what?"
"Not get caught. Most kids get caught their first time. That obviously wasn't your first. What exactly was it you did in Brooklyn?"
"Listen, Racetrack..."
"I'm listening."
I took a deep breath and squinted up at him. He wasn't much taller than I was but the sun was in my eyes. I studied him for a few moments silently. His eyes weren't as understanding as they had been earlier. Now they were slightly suspicious. I pretended to feign anger.
"What's your problem anyway? It's not like you or Jack or anyone else has never stolen anything. So I used to steal stuff in Brooklyn, big whoop." Turning away from him roughly I started to stride away. He caught me by the arm and pulled me back.
"Alright Mis," he said in a patient tone. I looked up at him again.
"I believe you," he said simply slinging an arm around my shoulders. I felt shame flood my insides and I looked away from him. I had to go and get that damn diary and end this. The longer I lied to these kids the more I would end up hurting them and hating myself. Sighing I remembered where I had left the stupid thing. I had been hiding it at Spot's dock when Knuckles found me. Cursing my stupidity I almost instantly felt elation as Bourbon ran up and asked us if we were going to Brooklyn to see Meesh perform.
"Perform?" I said dumbly.
"Meesh works at a theater in Brooklyn. The only reason you see her around us is because she's our friend and she takes care of the guys when they get roughed up. She's got a gentle touch."
"She stays at the lodging house. O'Malley lets her stay because he doesn't want to play nursemaid to those goons. They get hurt all the time. Understandably." I laughed at Racetrack. Bourbon slapped Racetrack on the back.
"Poor Race, he has no luck. He liked Meesh when she first started coming around but Spot got to her first." Racetrack looked like someone had goosed him as he gave Bourbon an incredulous look.
"Bourbon, what the hell?" Bourbon gave him a warning look at his tone.
"Oh Race, it's common knowledge. Besides I think she still likes you." Racetrack snorted bitterly.
"Yeah after Spot kicked her to the curb she likes me again. Wonderful." Bourbon slapped him upside the head.
"No you dolt I think she always liked you better. You know how persuasive Spot can be." Racetrack made a frustrated noise and I giggled. He pushed me playfully and shook a finger under my nose.
"Don't go blabbing that bit of info to anyone y'hear?" I nodded solemnly then took a deep breath as if to shout. His eyes widened and he clapped a dirty hand over my mouth. Bourbon shook her head at us. Jangling coins around in my pocket as we walked I saw that we were approaching a huge statue of a man where newsies were lounging. One little African American boy was lying across the man's lap rolling marbles around in his hand.
"Hey Boots what's shakin'?" The boy sat up and flashed us a smile.
"Not much, not much. Won some marbles off Snipe and he's pretty mad." Snipeshooter, the boy in question was moodily sitting at the base of the statue. Snorting he glowered up at Boots.
"I'll win 'em back, you wait." Boots rolled his eyes at us and leapt off of the statue. He and Racetrack got into an animated discussion about horses and I wandered off to where Jack was sitting on the curb smoking a cigarette. He flicked at the brim of my bowler hat as I sat down and I swatted at him.
"You guys finished?" I nodded and he exhaled a cloud of smoke. As I started to roll another cigarette he looked at me curiously.
"Stole 'em", was all I said in explanation. He raised his eyebrows but only nodded at me. The rest of the afternoon was spent selling the afternoon edition of the paper and smoking a lot of cigarettes. By the time we made our way back to the lodging house the sun had set.
Rags and Ladybug met Racetrack and I at the door bouncing on their heels. Racetrack swung a squealing Rags over his shoulder and Ladybug shyly held on to my sleeve. I guess being her bunkmate helped her get over her shyness with me. Rags was jabbering excitedly about wanting to go see Meesh, but Racetrack had to tell him that the little ones weren't allowed to go.
"Ya gotta stay here and look after Kloppman. He gets scared when there's nobody here." Rags pouted and gave Race a doubtful look. Racetrack nodded at him his face solemn.
"Okay, we'll protect him." I hid a smile at the pair as they darted off to bother Kloppman. Pounding up the stairs we parted to change our clothes. I stopped when I realized that the clothes I had on were all I had. I saw Bourbon pause in buttoning a clean if rather worn blue blouse.
"I bet Pistol will share something if you want to change." Pistol looked up from where she was shimmying into a dress and nodded. I made a face at the fact that they were changing into skirts and dresses. Looking down at my own clothes I shrugged and took a pale green dress that Pistol held out to me along with a thin shift. 'When in Rome' I thought to myself. Bourbon clapped her hands as I finished.
"Oh Misery you clean up so nice!" It had been a long time since I wore dresses or skirts. Easier to keep my brother's goons minds in check if I dressed as they did. Pistol threw my motley assortment of hand-me-downs onto my bunk and set about combing out my hair. It had plenty of snarls from all the running I had done today. Gritting my teeth and cursing I was thankful when she finished. Even Nell agreed that I was quite a sight as Pistol threaded a ribbon around part of my hair letting the rest hang down. Slightly cross with all the attention I flounced out of the room and down the stairway to smoke a cigarette. Mush and Kid Blink were outside talking to Jack and their jaws dropped as I joined them.
"Misery you look..like a girl!" Blink swatted at Mush for his statement and winked at me with his good eye. Jack gave me a look-over and whistled lowly. Shaking his head he gave me a match when I irritably asked for one.
"Tonight is definitely going to be interesting," was all he said. Rolling my eyes I turned to see Racetrack standing in the doorway his eyes large and looking me up and down. I pointed at him with my cigarette.
"Not you too Race, don't start." Quickly he changed the look on his face to a smirk and raised his hands in defeat. Leaning close to me he whispered in my ear before sticking his ever-present cigar back into his mouth; "You look really nice." I wasn't used to this sort of attention and I turned pink with embarrassment. The rest of the kids who were going to see Meesh perform piled out of the lodging house and we started off after stern warnings from Kloppman that if we got into any trouble or were too late that he was locking the door and ignoring us. Jack snorted at him and waved a hand, and we were off.
The walk was a little tedious after being on our feet all day selling papers, but it was nice. I was in a highly nervous state as we crossed the bridge and entered Brooklyn. I knew that Spot's territory was further south from Green Point so I was fairly certain we wouldn't run in to my brother's. But if they had gotten wind that most of the Brooklyn newsies would be at this show then they might come if they were bored. Jack informed me that we would be going to a party at the Brooklyn lodging house after the show. Apparently their manager, O'Malley was away and they were taking the opportunity to throw a party.
We reached a large brick building that didn't have any sort of signs out front. Jack and the others went down a side alley and knocked on a door. A huge man appeared, looking irritated. He had a nose that had been broken more than once and his neck was as thick as his arms which looked like hams. When he saw Jack smiling cockily at him he managed a brief grimace which I suppose was meant to be a smile.
"Well, well, well if isn't the Cowboy. Spot's waiting for you guys." Racetrack took my arm like he had done the night at Medda's and I smiled up at him. He really was such a sweet guy.
"There's something I want to talk to you about later," he said into my ear as we walked down a hallway and entered a large room with a stage and many small tables. It looked a lot like Medda's.
"What is it?" I was afraid that he was going to bring up my brother's or my past but he just smiled mysteriously and winked at me. I felt a new sort of fear creep into my stomach. What did he want? Was it something about us? Before I could think about it anymore we were standing near a bunch of tables that had been pushed together and a crew of battered, dangerous looking boys. I saw Spot sitting with Pokey and Flame on either side of him. Knuckles leered at me and I noticed a few other boys casually raking us girls with their eyes smirks on their faces. There were a few girls at the Brooklyn tables, all wore boy's clothes even to this event and they flicked their eyes over us females in indifference. I saw one wink suggestively at Mush who winked back.
Spot's eyes lingered on me then widened in recognition. He almost spat out the sip of ale he had taken and he looked at me in shock.
"Misery?!" Uncomfortably I nodded and raised my eyebrows at him.
"You look great dollface," he said as we all seated ourselves. I was sitting across from him and next to Racetrack and Bourbon. Bourbon was exchanging greetings with a tall, broad-shouldered boy as muscular as Knuckles that I heard her call 'Riddle'. I glowered at Spot as he looked me over a slightly pleased look on his narrow face.
"Now that's a look you should try to keep," Spot said. I rolled my eyes at him and paid attention to Racetrack who was trying to tell me who everyone was.
"Ah don't bother Race, she won't remember everyone." Pokey gave me a small smile and turned her head to address Jack who was trying to tell her a joke. I grinned knowingly. She tried hard not to show her feelings for Jack but it was rather obvious. I was certain he had some idea. Then the curtain swung open and music started up and we all watched the show. The dancing was great, Meesh shown in her burlesque costume as the girls did an intricate dance number.
I tapped my feet to the music and started drinking. Part-way through the evening I looked over to see Spot studying me intently. He had a gleam in his eyes that made me fidget and almost drop my drink. He winked slowly at me and mouthed a word I made out to be as 'Later'. I hastily swung my gaze back to the stage and tried to ignore my racing heart. This wasn't happening. I had no desire to hurt Racetrack but I felt Spot pulling me in.
At the end of the show the newsies all stood and Meesh and the rest of the girls received thunderous applause. We all rose, me draining my pint glass and putting down. Meesh and a few other girls met up with us outside in the alley and we all headed to Brooklyn's lodging house.
The Brooklyn newsies resided in a converted warehouse that was down by the docks. I almost did a jig at how convenient this night was getting. Walking in to the ramshackle building I tried hard not to show my distaste. Their O'Malley was no Kloppman. The main room had a desk that was propped up with of all things a Bible so that it didn't teeter and there was a ledger with a pot of ink and a pen sitting next to it. There were a few barrel seats and small table with a half-played game of checkers on it. The next room had a larger table with more seats, a wood stove in the corner and a huge keg of what Pokey informed me was alcohol. Riddle was busy attempting to tap into the thick wood. There were a set of stairs that led up to a large bunkroom and Spot's private room. I marveled at the fact that Jack didn't have his own room yet Spot did. But then again Jack was no Spot Conlon.
Racetrack pulled out his harmonica and a few other boys produced homemade instruments and we soon had music. Some of the kids paired off and began dancing. I saw Bourbon being whirled around by Riddle and Pistol doing a jig with Kid Blink. Pokey was in a corner talking to Jack who was nodding at whatever she was saying with an earnest look on his face. I leaned up against the wall with a drink in my hand thinking of a way to get out of the house without being noticed.
"Having fun yet?" The voice in my ear was warm as was the body that was pressed against my side. I could smell beer on Spot's breath as he joined me. I gave a small shrug of my shoulder and casually kept my eyes on the crowd.
"It's alright I suppose," I pretended to yawn and saw Spot bristle before taking a deep breath.
"I could make things more interesting for ya," he said his voice husky. I made the mistake of turning my head to look into his eyes and I was caught. His face was close to mine and his beautiful blue eyes were gazing at me raptly. Taking a finger he trailed down one side of my cheek down my neck and kept it resting in the hollow right below my throat. I shivered and he smiled at my response. Handing him my drink, I put my lips close to his ear.
"I don't think so Conlon," was all I said before I swept away. I couldn't help but look back and saw him draining the rest of my drink and watching me with a predatory gleam in his eyes. This could be a rather large problem. Hurrying out of the room I muttered something to Jack and Pokey who were in the corner near the door that I was going outside for fresh air. They barely heard me but I thought I saw Jack nod absently his attention fixated on Pokey. The air outside smelled strongly of the river but it was cool and dark.
Swearing I gathered my skirt up in one hand and ran down a small incline to where I saw the pile of crates and barrels that was the entrance to Spot's dock. I had placed my diary underneath one of the boards of the dock on a ledge that was created by one of the poles that supported the dock's weight. Hanging over the side behind a barrel, I felt around hastily and finally breathed a sigh of relief as my fingers closed over the familiar small leather-bound book. I stuck it into my boot top and almost shouted as I heard someone behind me ask me what I thought I was doing.
Spot stood behind me his arms crossed, a cigarette dangling out of his mouth. My hazel eyes met his blue ones and he raised an eyebrow expectantly.
"Throwing up already? The night's just started." I shrugged and forced out a jittery laugh. In two large strides Spot had me in his arms and I did in fact almost throw up right then and there. I have no tact; my stomach always chooses to disobey me at the most inopportune times.
"What're you doing," I whispered as he tightened his grip and looked down at me.
"What does it look like," he laughed before he bent down and kissed me. I tried to push him away but the truth was I really honestly didn't want to. My arms went around his neck as if they had minds of their own and I returned his kiss with ardor. As we finally broke apart for air, I looked over Spot's shoulder and my heart tore in two. Racetrack stood near the entrance of the dock his face clouded with pain. I shoved Spot away and called his name, but he had already disappeared.
"SHIT! Look at what you made me do," I screamed at Spot who was watching me with no expression on his face. Suddenly he gripped my arm and pulled me to him again.
"Don't tell me you didn't want that, or haven't wanted that since yesterday when I kissed you in the alley. It takes two to tango sweetheart. Race is a tough kid he'll get over it."
"Yeah like he got over Meesh? Are you just doing this because he liked me?"
Spot snorted mirthlessly and wiped a hand over his face. He suddenly looked old; in the moonlight I could see lines on his face. Taking off his cap he raked his hands through his hair and then threw them up into the air.
"What do you want from me, I like you goddamnit!" Pointing a finger in my direction he looked at me unblinkingly.
"Don't deny that you don't like me back, I know it's true." Despite his arrogance I knew that what he said was in fact the truth. I knew it and my heart sank down into my toes as I realized that sooner or later Spot would find out who I was and then I wouldn't have him anymore. No Racetrack, No Spot, none of my new friends.
"Spot, you shouldn't like me. It's not going to work, you barely know me." Spot put his forehead against mine and we stood like that silently for a few moments.
"I've been trying to tell myself that for the past two days," he breathed. Desperately I hoped that Racetrack hadn't been that in to me. I had only just met him as well. I swore again softly as Spot and I made our way back up to the lodging house. Things had just gone from bad to worse.
Maybe I Don't Wanna Go - Hehe..yes Spot is one of my all-time favorites as well. Racetrack was already supposed to know but I hadn't added it in to the beginning so I went back and added that in. I hope it makes more sense now.
Chronicles Bailey - Thanks for your review! Yeah I could use some help with the accents, I'm sure but I don't put them in on purpose. It's easier for me to type and hopefully people can over-look that and just assume that they have the accents since they're in New York. *Scratches head* What's an OC? I'm fanfic illiterate.
JustDuck - So close and now it's happened! Meesh is Spot's ex, she's not a bad person just over-protective. Irish pubs rock the atmosphere is awesome.
Chelsea - Good lord I'm glad she's not a mary-sue. I'm always unsure as to what constitutes a character as being like that, but I try to make my original character's as close to real people as I possibly can. Race is ADORABLE!! Don't hate me because I hurt him in this chapter..*sniff* He'll end up happy I swear. Don't worry I don't think you're obsessive ; )
Cabby1 - I hope you don't mind I made Meesh Spot's ex. *hides* Thanks for your reviews and once again thanks for the use of your character!!
My Dog Ate My Penname - ahaha..awesome name. Thank you so much!! I like Misery too, I actually based a lot of her characteristics from my own personality. Hmm..Does this mean I rock too? Why yes it must. ; )
Pokey7 - Yes Race and Misery had a 'cute' moment and I agree that she would be good with Spot too. I'm glad it's not creepy that I update so fast. ; ) I have a life I swear *looks around*