Disclaimer: This is just an evil conspiracy, begun by the corporations to remind helpless romantics like myself that NO, there's no way I'll ever have Jack Kelly to meself.
Tuesday Morning
Chapter 3
The sound of her voice, the simplicity of her answer, the way she'd disappeared into the sunset after, had caused him to walk with goosebumps for the rest of the afternoon. He'd been dismissing them as a result of the bitter cold, but even warm in his bed they remained, heightening as he recalled the situation.
When sleep finally overcame Jack, and the busy routine of the next day filled his thoughts, it was easier to ignore the goosebumps. Pulling up a seat at Tibby's and shielding away every tease his friends threw at him he launched into an exaggerated recount of that afternoon. And as he had expected, they applauded at how he'd tricked her into coming to the party, snickered rude comments about her tree climbing ability and laughed holding their sides at her last remark.
Jack repeated, pulling his coat tighter around his head so that only his bare face showed, batting his eyelashes in an attempt to impersonate the innoncense in Eppie's eyes. As expected his audience broke into another round of laughter, repeating to each other a now deformed version of Eppie's final words.
Geez Jack, you sure got your work cut out fo ya? Joked Blink, before chugging his third glass of lager. From what I can see, this goil's a real stiff.
Jack kept the large smirk on his lips, leaning back into the warmth of the girl at his side. Nah, this'll be a piece. His smile faltered at the dull eyes that returned his gaze.
She smiled back at him, but Jack was now more aware of Spot's sudden move to the counter top seats. From the spinning stools, Spot glanced back catching his eye and nodding as if he knew: It was easier to deal with everything if Jack joked about everything.
Jack shifted in his seat, trying to lose himself in this new girl. With Eppie as his new pursuit Jack had to give up his ordinary dates, case Eppie caught wind. But as for these girls, girls that fell from a kind much different than Eppie, Jack felt confident he could handle everything.
But facing her head on only reminded him just how innocent those eyes of Eppie's were. How appealing that had suddenly become. And how out of the question the whole situation was.
He continued to sip his drink, drifting into the background as best he could as the rest of the group made up their own parodies of Eppie. Jack couldn't help but flinch at some of the comments, downing the alcohol in his glass to ignore the effect.
Guys, I'm heading out. Jack mumbled a hasty retreat when he noticed Spot leaving, slipping out from underneath the girl and ignoring the fact that they'd had plans for the evening. Spot, wait up!
Heya Kelly, sick of all the attention? Spot began his stride as soon as Jack met him, both figures bent against the cold.
Jack chuckled behind the cover of his collar. Nah, me? Ready to step out of de lime light. But the lines around his eyes spoke louder and Spot just smiled knowingly. It irked Jack, the silent understanding air that Spot had suddenly begun to carry with him.
Dat was a funny story you'se were telling in there. Spot nodded back towards Tibby's, that smile still stretched across his face. Better be sure Eppie don't hear about it. Or dat goil you had in your lap.
She won't. Jack growled. The two continued in silence for a moment longer, Jack knowing it was his turn to speak. He'd been the one to initiate the conversation after all. You neva told me how you knew her.
Specific nouns aside, Spot knew who he was talking about and he shrugged to appear indifferent. She's from the old neighborhood.
Den why'd you pick her?
Again, another shrug. I didn't recognize her right away. She's changed—sure as hell wasn't dat pretty da last time I'se saw her.
Jack shook his head; something inside him didn't like Spot saying Eppie was pretty. I don't get it though. Why didn't ya tell me you knew her.
Didja ask?
Well, why ain't ya still seein her. Continuing with his sudden tradition, Spot shrugged his shoulders. Come on, dere has ta be a reason. And don't fuck wit me, why'd ya
Spot stopped walking, digging his hands deeper within his pockets so that his clenched fists were unseen. Our moders were friends, dat's why. When me mom died, well, that sort a stopped da
visits.
Jack shrunk away from his friend, realizing that he'd pushed too far. Him and Spot were friends, they discussed everything that they lived through. But what they had done before becoming newsies, the small part of their lives that they were able to salvage and keep to themselves, that was heavily guarded.
He raised his hands in defense, exposing them to the cold an apology to his friend. Sorry, I asked. I'm just trying to get the best angle.
They continued their stroll, Jack just sort of following Spot as he meandered through the throng of people clogging the center of Manhattan. Eventually his friend came to a halt, right of the corner of two streets and it took Jack a minute to realize where they were. Standing to his full height, no longer shrinking against the biting wind, he noticed the looming presence of St. Mary's church.
Spot lit a cigarette, offering to Jack who silently refused. You having trouble?
She's just a little more sheltered than the type of goils I'm use to dealing wit.
Spot nodded, chin burying deep within the collar of his coat. Glad you'se realized dat.
Jack shuffled his feet, moving so that his back was facing St. Mary's and he was blocking Spot's view. Don't think this is gonna be any different. I'se still got tree weeks and you know dat's plenty of time for guys like us he trailed off, choosing to look behind his friend as opposed to at him.
If you say so. The quickly shrinking cigarette was discarded at their feet and Spot turned away from the square also. So what time you comin to Brooklyn?
The cool sensation of glass pressed flush on her skin caused Eppie to relax against the window pane and breathe deeply for the first time all day. But as quickly as it had enveloped her the serenity disappeared, thanks to the misleading voices below. Eppie returned to scanning the streets and tugging nervously at the new dress she wore.
Stop fidgeting! Anna commanded, steping away from the mirror to pull on Eppie's dress one last time. The material was a tighter fit than Eppie was used to and certainly accentuated areas of her body that her mother prayed young men knew nothing about.
Eppie turned, still fascinated by how the silky dress material billowed around her legs. As much as she hated to admit it, she loved the dress Anna had given her, certainly not as fancy as the one Anna wore but with enough subtle lace to suit Eppie's reserved girlish style. And the color. Glancing at her reflection in the full length mirrior she couldn't begin to ignore how the deep green made her face glow.
Despite all the excited energy caused by Anna's slight touch up', it all boiled down into nervousness. Wringing her hands and pacing slightly, Eppie watched the ticking hand of the clock above her bed. Well, it's seven, guess they're not showing.
Anna chuckled slightly to herself and caught the time by looking at the reflection in the mirror. Without breaking her delicate precision of eyeshadow application she responded to her friend. It's actually five of. She clicked her compact shut, bouncing off the pillow she'd been kneeling on and straightening her dress. That gives them another ten, fifteen mintues before I'll consider them late.
Before Eppie could respond the clutter from downstairs drew their attention. They descended quickly, entering the kitchen to find Mrs. Richards bent over a broke platter. Mama, what happened? Eppie cried, shooing her mother away so that she could clean up the mess.
What happened? She asks me what's happened, as if Mrs. Richards stood, resting a hand on her heart as Anna led her to a chair before beginning to fix a pot of tea. It's these nerves of mine! My poor nerves.
With all the larger pieces now placed in the trash, Eppie brushed off the front of her dress and reached for the broom. Oh Mama, I'll just be in Brooklyn. I've been safe enough for the past seventeen years. You're doing your health harm, fretting so much. Memere Richards shuffled into the room and catching sight of her granddaughter made a quick sign of the cross. Pointing with her broom Eppie addressed her grandmother. And you aren't much help!
Don't speak to Memere so! Shouted Mrs. Richards. Anna placed the steaming cup of tea on the table and shakily Mrs. Richards sipped the liquid. Already, disrespecting her elders. It's starting
Anna flouced into an open chair, leaning forward and grasping the lady's free hand. Both women watched Anna with an air of awe, the confidence and ease of such a beautiful girl shocking their traditional sense of proper female behavior. Trust me Mrs. Richards. There's nothing to worry about. We'll be just down the street.
At the Green Leprechaun, you know where it tis Mama. Continued Eppie, finishing a last sweep of the kitchen floor. She brushed up the last pieces and disposed of them into a separate bag.
Mrs. Richards huffed to herself, setting down the tea to address her daughter's retreating form. I certainly do know the establishment. Hasn't attracted your father's fancy. He says all the men go there to drink. Nasty habit if you ask me
Ask you what, dear?
All females turned as Mr. Richards entered the room, peaking up from behind the tower of book bindings he carried in his arms. Eppie rushed to grab the top couple books, safely catching them before they hit the floor. She grabbed a few more so that she could now fully see her father's cheery grin, kissing his cheek before whisking away the rest of the books. While Eppie settled the new stack of books in the other room, Mrs. Richards appealed to her husband's level head. Mama, you're forgetting that the Conlon boy will be there. He patted his wife's shoulder with reasurrance. He'll watch over the girls.
he is coming! Anna whooped, jumping out of her seat just as Eppie returned. As Anna danced around the room, her parents watching, one face amused the other shocked and Memere began to frantically make the sign of the cross, Eppie caught a flash of someone coming up the front steps. She grabbed Anna mid cha cha, planting kisses on all her families faces before dashing out the front door, too fast for any more discussion.
Jack wasn't exactly expecting the door to fly open, mid knock, but he caught the idea of things when Eppie continued down front stoop. He followed, really with no other choice because of the killer grip she had on his wrist, and glanced back with enough time to wave at the three drastically different faces in the window: one jolly, one stone cold, the other making strange movements in front of her aging face.
Nice family you'se got dere. He mumbled under his breath, Eppie still charging full speed ahead. They halted suddenly at the corner of the street and Jack chuckled at the newly spread rose on Eppie's cheeks. If I'da known you'se were so eaga ta get to da dance, I'da been sure ta come eoiler.
Through catching her breath, Eppie flashed Jack a playful sneer. Blaming her sudden ability to tease Jack on the exercise, she peaked around the corner to see if they'd lost Spot and Anna.
But the seemingly happy couple was arm in arm, so wrapped in a conversation that they continued past Jack and Eppie as if they weren't even there. Eppie watched slightly surprised at Spot's behavior and the poised calm that had overcome Anna.
Jack kicked off from the wall he'd been leaning against and pretended to right Eppie's jaw to it's proper place. They shared the same thoughts but Jack said nothing, simply offering his arm for Eppie to slip hers through. And she did just that, the whole walk to the Green Leprechaun somewhat hazy in her mind.
Later that night it was evident that Anna's energy had returned and as she bounced around the Leprechaun's tiny restroom, Eppie couldn't help but laugh and agree. Tonight had been nothing but entertaining. Leaving now that Anna had refreshed her complexion, Eppie watched as her friend blended into the sea of people surrounding Spot, her seat next to him saved for her presence only. It amazed her, how comfortable they had fallen into each other. Although she'd overheard a rushed conversation between two girls earlier, one describing Spot's new treasure (Anna) and the other betting it'd last a week, Eppie noticed the old Conlon peaking through.
In actuality she hadn't see much of Anna that night, most of her time spent in Jack's company. She strained her neck to see where he was at the moment, no longer on the edge of the dance floor where she'd left him. Spotting Racetrack, one of Jack's more pleasant friends, she headed his beckoning arm and started towards his table. In the back of her mind she remembered Jack's whispered advice of avoiding any gambling as far as Race was concerned and giggled at how serious his face had seemed.
If she'd searched further, pushed past a couple more bodies, she would have found Jack at the bar where he'd been intent of getting them both another round of drinks. But sitting in the back corner with Race, her back towards the center of the room, she missed the way he eyed another, nodding with his head for her to come a little closer.
Quickly he whispered in her ear, inviting words that she welcomed openly, her body language speaking decibels in the noisy room. He pushed her the drink he'd intended Eppie to have and they finished those quickly, shameless flirting continuing through another glass. It was at the sound of Skittery's ear piercing whistle that his attention waned and he glanced at Race's regular table. Among the crowd he caught sight of Skittery, his arms around Eppie as he whistled again and raised a wad of cash above both their heads. From the looks of things, Race's shocked and defeated expression, Skittery had finally beaten Race at the all important poker game.
It was the way Skittery dipped Eppie, her head falling back as she laughed easily, an ample amount of auburn curls just brushing the floor, that pulled Jack back to reality. He downed the last of his glass and ordered two more while still watching the way Eppie gripped Skittery's shoulder, punching him playfully, her face inches away from his, when he wouldn't return her to standing position right away. When he did, picking her up so that she flew up slightly before settling on her feet, she noticed Jack among the crowd. He could tell by the way her smile grew and he panicked slightly. But apparently, by her welcoming wave, the angle of where she stood and the crowd around the bar, prevented her from spotting the brunette to his left. He raised the two glasses and she nodded, motioning that she was thirsty, before turning back to Skittery and Race's quick-fire conversation.
Hastily he arranged to meet the new girl at Fiel St. later that night, figuring he'd have time after dropping Eppie at her house. With that settled he returned to the crowd, drinks held high so that they avoided spilling.
But he didn't get far before her voice, and more importantly her arm, looped around him. Where ya heading so fast there Jacky-boy.
He snapped his head around, glaring at the smooth thin fingers on his bicep before following the arm up to Louisa's sinister smile. Let go.
Aw, now that's no way to treat your girl, now is it?
He ripped his own arm away and took a couple steps back, bumping into the edge of the bar unexpectedly. You ain't my goil, as you can see. He nodded towards Race's table, where Eppie was in plain view. Now if you'll excuse me, me date is expecting her drink.
But again she snaked her arm around him, their faces so close that he could smell only her scent, even in the sea of bodies surrounding them. Not so fast. She pushed him backwards, taking the drinks out of his hands and setting them on the open bar. She pressed herself close to him so that he couldn't move, pinned on the stool. I'll admit, I had no idea what you were trying to pull before tonight. Spending time with that charity case. Her lip sneered in disgust as she referred to Eppie. Thought you were trying to tell me something.
He turned his head to the side so that her kiss landed awkwardly underneath his ear. Fuck you, Louisa. We're ova. You'se Daddy made dat poifectly clear.
She pulled away and cursed herself, swallowing the alcohol in front of her. That man's an ass, always will be.
Ya, well he gave you some pointers den. Jack stated, fixing the shirt she'd rumpled.
Slamming the now empty glass on the counter she turned on him again. Like I was saying, Jacky-boy, I know what you're up to. Eppie might not have seen your little cuddling by the bar, but I did. Jack's eyebrows knitted in anger as he began to understand. Good show, really, I like a nasty bet every now and then.
I don't know what you'se talking about. He managed to elbow her away and holding her side she returned to leaning on the bar counter.
she twirled the empty glass, watching indifferently as it crashed on the floor between them. You need to harden those newsies of yours. Offer em a nice piece of ass and they just spill everything. Her smile reached a new low that night, sending a very different kind of chill down his spine. And for some reason I'm sure you'll break just as easy.
Blackmail, neva thought you'd sink dat low. He snapped, stepping to move away. He got a few feet before she slipped in front of him again, hands resting on his chest.
She picked at the buttons of his shirt, unbuttoning them slowly. she whispered into his ear,
if you had stuck around longer, you coulda learned a lot more.
Disgusted, Jack made his final move to escape Louisa's grasp and she let him go when she realized Eppie had caught the last part of their conversation. She knew how suggestive their body posture had been, making her smile that much more mischievous when the two turned back to glance at her.
Jack led Eppie away from the bar, her head twisted as she checked to make sure she had really seen Louisa talking to Jack. That smile confirmed it and she stopped suddenly, the anger in her eyes explaining immediately why. What's she doing here?
Jack handed Eppie the drink he'd bought her, unable to explain that he'd forgotten her preference for non-alcoholic drinks before she'd finished more than half. He stopped her from drowning the rest, aware that her anger was the reason for her actions. Don't let her get to you. He insisted, handing the glass to someone passing, their eyes lighting at the free alcohol. That's only what she'll want you to do.
Eppie, anger chilling slightly thanks to Jack's genuine advice, held onto his hand as they weaved through the crowd towards the back table. When they reached, scooting into the only open seats left, a new group of newsies had arrived, ready to battle Race's poker abilities.
Eppie, dis heas Nary and he wants me to whoop his ass at poka. Race joked, already dealing out the cards.
Nary's face was dominated mostly by his heavy brows and piercing black eyes. When he smiled, not at anything in particular, she realized his teeth were filed into points. Despite this frightening image, Eppie offered her hand, her manners always in tact.
But Nary ignore the delicate hand, choosing instead to continue his glare towards Jack. It was only after Jack nodded in recognition that the boy turned to Eppie's hand. He laughed, turning back to his boys and still refusing to shake. Instead, he picked up his cards and began to scrutinize them.
Since when do ya allow bitches at da card table, eh Race.
His goons hooted with laughter and Eppie narrowed her gaze. Say dat again, and you'se ain't gonna be at dis table eitha. Jack warned.
Race looked between the two enemies and saw his poker game coming to an unnaturally early end. Now now, he mediated. Let's just play some cards. And mind da lady, will ya Nary. It's her foist time and we'se want ta make a good impression. Race focused back on his cards, pulling out one to trade in. Don't want her believing dose rumors of us being a bunch of no good bums.
Oh but we are. Sneered Nary, addressing Eppie as he leaned forward on one elbow. And why should I care what a priss like her thinks. He'd lit a cigarette in the meantime and taking a deep breath, he blew a large cloud of smoke in her face, laughing when her eyes began to water from the stinging.
Before Jack or Race or Skittery could step in, Eppie tucked her feet beneath her dress and reached across the table herself. She grabbed Nary by the collar of his shirt, surprising and prohibiting him from sitting back in his seat as he'd intended. With her other hand she snatched the cigarette from his lips and brought it to hers, inhaling fully.
She was glad that she didn't cough or choke, that would have made the whole scene more embarrassing than it was. But the anger within her, her grandmother's temper, had been sparked first by Louisa's presence and then ignited to bonfire status at this little shit's behavior. Letting go of Nary's collar she tossed the rest of the cigarette in the glass he'd been drinking from.
If possible, his eyes grew darker and he held her gaze while saying, See what you've done Kelly. Bringing dese snotty school goils as if dey can boss us around. He narrowed his brows. Well I got news for you missy. This ain't your daddy's house and we cointainly ain't playin by your daddy's money lovin rules.
Well thank the Lord for that. She snapped, moving to her feet. Shit ain't allowed in my house, no exceptions for a cocky son of a bitch like yourself.
Every male presence lurched at how sharp Eppie's tongue had become. Jack jumped in just before Nary could lunge at her, landing a solid punch of his own. With more than a few dents in his pride, Nary stood and wiped at his nose. Jack stood in front of Eppie and noticed the cold stare she presented to one of the most feared newsies in New York.
Don't think that just cause you'se a goil, I ain't gonna hoit ya. Pointing at Jack, Nary issued a silent challenge before kicking his chair into the table and stalking off into the crowd.
Race, still sitting at the table shuffling the cards, looked at Eppie with a smirk on his face. You need something inside dat head of yours checked, ya know dat. He looked at the mess behind him, chairs thrown all over the place, drinks tipped over and glass shattered, thanks to Nary and his crew.
Eppie noticed also and she began to pick up, Skittery helping also. I'm sorry, she apologized, resting her arm on Jack's limp one as she tried to tie the large pieces of glass into a bundle of napkins. He had been standing at the front of the table, still watching to crowd as if Nary were going to charge him any moment. He just, we'll he was so rude! Jack chuckled slightly at how, when angry, Eppie's nose scrunched. And he didn't give me a chance, going on about how my daddy was so rich. She threw a napkin onto the table and stamped her feet impishly. Well, my daddy ain't rich, never was, never will, and I worked damn hard to stay at that school. I get enough shit from those girls, let alone from someone.someone like She hiccupped abruptly, causing all three men to laugh hysterically.
Jack wrapped his arms around Eppie, pulling her to him in a hug that seemed to do the trick. She rested her head against his chest and tugged at the back of his shirt, still fuming nonsense under her breath. You're something, ya know dat. Probably just got me a death sentence, but dat's okay. Eppie pulled away so that she could see Jack's grinning face. Never had a better foist date.
Before any amount of awkwardness could settle among the pair, Spot and Anna burst through the crowd. What happened? Spot asked, Anna rushing to Eppie's side and asking the same thing, but in a hushed more maternal way. The two girls bent to finish cleaning the mess Eppie felt responsible for and Spot watched them momentarily. He turned back to Jack, catching him also watching the girls, and moved to his side.
Aw, just Nary, Jack ran a hand thought his hair, You know how he loves to give me a hard time.
Spot nodded, assessing the damage silently. Well, maybe this is our cue. He's been looking to get you for awhile. Jack nodded in agreement and as soon as Eppie felt the area sufficiently cleaned they slipped out the back door.
Skittery, Race and Anna charged ahead, cursing the cold and determined the speed walk to their final destinations. But Eppie had bundled accordingly, the scarf covering her exposed neck, hair now tied up in a ribbon. She turned, hands across her chest and tucked beneath her arms, expecting to find Jack. Instead, Spot smiled sheepishly and blew on his hands.
she fished into the pocket of her coat and pulled out a pair of gloves.
Oh no, Spot shook his head, You take em. I'm fine.
I insist, she finished, and he realized that she already had on mittens. I always bring an extra pair.
He chuckled, pulling on the gloves and welcoming the warmth as they continued walking. Silence fell between them and he didn't know what to say. Too much was in his brain. He wanted to ask her how she'd been the past couple years, how her parents faired, and that crazy grandmother. He wanted to ask her about St. Mary's, about what she was learning, if she still loved writing better than math (his favorite). He envied the fact she'd had the opportunity to achieve a higher education.
More importantly he wanted to tell her to be careful, to guard herself, to apologize for involving her in such a spiteful bet. He'd been pissed that day, the image of Jack with his ex still fresh in his mind, and he'd acted irrationally. He wanted to tell her to be ware of Jack Kelly.
Mama's always asking about you. She whispered, You should stop by, if you're ever in the neighborhood. He began to come up with excuses, the night making it impossible for her to clearly see his face so she interrupted. Anna's there often, usually stops by before heading to her place for the weekend.
That seemed alluring and Spot mumbled a response, overpowered by Skittery, Race and Anna's shouts ahead. The trio had stopped at the corner of the block, anyone returning to the lodging house having to turn right while those headed to Brooklyn continuing straight. But the two boys, still giddy from a successful night of gambling, were threatening to kidnap Anna and take her with them unless Spot relinquished his title as head Brooklyn newsie and forked over his suspenders.
Better go save er.' He joked, jogging ahead.
Can't lose those suspenders! Stopping and waiting for Jack, who had been lagging behind on account of his star gazing, Eppie watched him candidly from the shadows.
He stopped a moment later, now aware that she was no longer in front of him. Searching around him he found her a moment later and held out his hand. Thinking you could slip away, huh?
She shrugged, coming out from against the bricks and looking at the stars herself. It was easy to see why he watched them so intently. Somehow the cold clear air of January had made them burn brighter, each one a sharper twinkle.
Come on, He pulled her closer to him, the warmth of her body helping him fight against the cold. let's get you home. Night don't suit a goil like you.
She had begun to lean into him, certainly allowing the arm resting on her shoulder to remain there, but his last sentence seemed to strike a nerve. She pulled away, laughing to herself. You are greatly mistaken, my dear friend. In the moonlight her profile seemed to glow, and he watched her arch her neck back to gaze at the stars above. After taking a deep breath, filling her lungs with the crisp winter air, she nudged him playfully and began to skip ahead to where Spot and Anna were waiting under a street lamp, calling behind her a simple with a flash of an inviting smile, Night's the only time of day.
AN: Oo, I loved writing this chapter, just made me bounce in my seat. Hopefully you'll enjoy reading it just as much!
Although, now I'm faced with the disappointing reality that comes at the end of every chapter, even the ones that I love to read over and over...what's next!
I'm gonna mull over that for the next couple of days (gotta love five day weekends! shout outs to bitter New England weather, Martin Luther King Jr and teacher inservice days) and you go read this chapter again...or drop a review...or write your own...or make up your own schedule, why listen to me.
