Disclaimer: Don't own em. Disney does....
AN: This is gonna be a long one folks cause I've been musing for quite some time. (not necessarily the chapter but my customary intro). You decide, has newsies infiltrated too much of my life?! First off there is a book titled The Red Bandana by Max Brand and when I saw this I was tempted to buy it. Now I'm not sure what it is about, I was searching for audio books online, but it just struck me as a wee bit creepy.
Second I was flipping through the channels and the movie One Fine Day was on TV. I've seen it before, awhile ago and it stars Michelle Pfeiffer and George Clooney. I spent at least twenty minutes watching some obscure part of it because Clooney's character's name is Jack and I thought for sure that I had heard a KELLY following it. Really it was Taylor and when I found that out I was so disappointed that I kept on flipping.
Finally, there's a boy who is in a class right after mine and always see him while I leave. Well, he looks freakishly like SPOT! Or the actor who played Spot. I almost walked into the wall upon first sighting and now I just refer to him as 'spot'. All my non-newsies friends (which is pretty much everyone outside of ff.net) are just like, huh? Weirdo.
This might be the worst one: Valentine's Day. I got asked to go on a date with a guy I eally wasn't to peachy about but being the yellow-belly that I am I couldn't say no. But we're sitting at the Jordan's IMAX theatre, watching the 3D previews when the movie on is about New York City at the turn of the century, or something like that. And all I can think about is Jack Kelly! I'm on a date, a very horrible first date, and to make it even worse for this guy I'm comparing him to Jack Kelly/Christian Bale. I found it rather funny, but also sadvery, very sad.
So yea, those were just a few things I needed to get out of my head. Enjoy the next chapter
Chapter 6
Mornings were always hard. The best sleep he got was right in the early morning, deep dreams filtering the twitch in his legs that reminded him he'd have to be getting up any moment. A routine had been established among the boys, the new kids always sticking out more as they stumbled around the cluttered washroom.
He'd been there for years. He'd invented the drill. But for some reason, that morning started with it's shoes on backwards and laces tied together. He'd knocked Kloppman in the head, accidentally, upon awakening, only to topple off the top bunk while apologizing. He'd cut himself shaving, drawing ridicule from all the other newsies. Slipped on the puddle Boots had never cleaned up. Ripped his shirt and lost the button. Stabbed himself while sewing on another button. And dropped the hand-out bread in the street. Arriving at the Distribution Center his nerves were starting to tear like rope. Worst of all, he snapped at Snipeshooter.
"Jesus, what's wit you Cowboy?" Asked Blink, coming to the kid's defense.
Jack shrugged, rubbing roughly at the back of his neck, right where the big knot sat. "Ah, I'se just had a bad mornin'. Give a guy a break, will ya."
"Oh," teased Mush, pretending to play a violin while two stepping around Jack. He dodged Jack's fist and kicked it to the front of the line. "Poor Cowboy"
Jack shook his head but in good humor, moving to his customary position up front. He got his papers like usual, settling against the wall outside, nose buried in a paper. As the rest of the newsies left, he caught Mush and Blink still teasing him, stage whispering that he was in a pissy mood and not to be bothered with. The paper remained covering his face and he didn't respond because it was true. He was pissed.
He couldn't see a great day ahead of him. Monday meant Eppie returned to school for the following week, her responsibilities there drawing most of her free time, time that he'd been hoping to share with her.
No one seemed to question him, certainly none of his closer pals who had seen just how deeply Eppie had burrowed underneath his skin. The bet was over, he'd won, but unexpectedly he'd held onto her so tight that night she still hadn't slipped away. And after almost a week of moods much like the one he was in that morning, he decided that there was no reason why she should ever leave. As of right now he enjoyed her company more than any other person. And what he wanted he got, he had that reputation among the newsies.
But what he ignored and pushed to the back of his mind was just exactly how much he enjoyed her company. That thought process made him uncomfortable.
Before he could sink again into his predicament with Eppie, a hand pushed down his paper. "Eh!" He cried, pulling the paper away to make sure it wasn't ripped and thus still able to be sold. "Watch it, will ya Race."
His friend smiled, a cigar already lit despite the early hours. He nodded to his left where a figure stood, similar height, dressed in baggy pants and a loose button down shirt. The hat on this newsie's head was much too big, slipping lower than necessary so that the face was covered while the kid fixed his stack of papers. "Newbie, Kelly. Told 'im you'd help. Ya know, show 'im da ropes."
Jack shook his head, stuffing the paper under his arm before picking up the rest of his stack. He began down the street, Race and the new kid following behind. "Ah, I dunno Race
"Jack, it's his foist time." Race reminded him of his duty as leader. Every since he'd held the position he'd offered to help a newbie on their first day. It was tradition and an easier way to introducing a new member to the harsh world of the streets.
But it seemed enough to push Jack too far and he picked up his pace, the tone of his voice giving away his anger if Race couldn't take the hint from his stride. "Not today, Race. I'se got a lot to do."
"Ah, come on. Wit Eppie in school you'se got plenty of free time. Don't go ditching us Kelly, just for some goil"
He was about to turn around and deck Race in the face, that's how aggravated he was at everyone butting in on his day. And his arm was raised, fist clenched and papers secured in his free arm when he realized that Race hadn't been the smart mouth badgering him. Race was leaning against the nearest building, smiling at him with the look of someone who knew much more than was expected.
Jack turned to the new kid, suspicious all of a sudden why the kid kept looking at his shoes. Even more important, he needed to teach this one a lesson in respect. "What'd you say?"
"I said," Eppie raised her head, jutting out her chin and puffing up her chest like she'd seen many of the boys do before. "You're full of crap, Kelly."
Jack dropped first his papers and then his jaw at the sight of her all decked out in clothes he assumed she'd borrowed from some of the younger boys. The hat, now in her hands and releasing all of her gorgeous hair, was definitely her father's. She punched him lightly in his arm, handing him some of the papers he'd dropped. "Is that a good silence" She laughed, slipping her hand briefly into his, as brief as the kiss she placed on his cheek. "Or a bad silence. 'Cause you didn't seem very happy at the prospect of a tag-a-long earlier when"
"No, no, no." He countered, scooping her into a hug, awkwardly now that Race had shoved some of the scattered papers back into his hands. "I was justsurprised," he bent to retrieve the last of that days paper. Upon returning to his full height he wiped at the hair in his face, smudging newsprint on his forehead. "That's all." The smudge, his shaky sigh and boyish grin tickled Eppie to giggles. She reached up as discreetly as possible and cleaned the mark, Jack blushing slightly and grabbing her hand, pulling her in for a belated greeting.
Although the scene was nothing beyond precious, Race saw it as his duty as Jack's sidekick to make some teasing comment. And he did just that, a couple of the other boys who were late selling joining in. Jack glared at them playfully, nodding a goodbye as he led Eppie down the street. She reached for a share of his papers, tucking them under her arm after watching him do the same. "So, really" His first sale of the day was to an elderly man on his way to the bakery. "Should we head ova to St. Mary's now, or do ya have ta pick up some clothes befo?"
Turning back to Eppie after selling two more papers he watched her chat easily with a mother and son, handing over a paper of her own as if she'd been born as a newgirl. She waved goodbye and called out another headline. 'Eppie," he called, pulling her to the side after another quick sale.
"What Jack?' She bounced from side to side as if they were in a boxing match. "Can't stand a little competition. Huh, huh"
He chuckled at her enthusiasm, swiping at her head and laughing harder when she ducked, faked on the left side and finished with a light upper cut. "Alright, you'se been spending too much time wit Spot. Fightin already" He shook his head and turned back to the crowded street. "Your mudda and I gotta have a talk."
That caught her attention and she scuttled in front of him, crying in distaste. "Jack Kelly, you wouldn't!"
"Oh, I would!" He stuck his nose close to hers, loving the flush on her cheeks. They challenged each other for a moment, Jack giving in and rubbing his nose against hers before slipping a kiss and selling another paper. Their display, some youthfully carefree bickering, seemed to attract and appeal to that morning's customers. "Now why aren't you in school? And why isn't your mother ringing my neck?"
She huffed to the closest curb, settling her papers next to her as she sat. Jack followed her, remaining standing to sell to any who walked by. "Mama and Memere are visiting family in upstate." She tugged on his pant leg, her upturned face greeting his with a broad smile. "And I wanted to see what you did all day while I was stuck inside."
"But missing school just"
He began to argue but she jumped to her feet and silenced him with a hand on his mouth. "It's much too beautiful to be stuck inside that stuffy church all day. I'll go back tomorrow, Sister Catherine won't know the difference." She assured him with her eyes. "I know what I'm doing, Kelly."
She offered a paper to the man before Jack himself could react, the scent of her lotion still making him dizzy and wanting more. He eyed her cautiously as she sold a few more papers, getting caught up in the moment or trying to change the subject. "What does your father think?" He called, their backs turned to each other to meet the public's paper demand.
Her laugh floated over the other sounds and he turned to face her. "He's frantically searching through the shelves in the store." She explained. "Trying to find out which book inspired such a plan as this one."
He grasped the hand she held out to his, pulling her closer to smell the freshness of her hair. "He thinks it's fabulous." She paused for a moment. "So please, tell me you're excited and actually pretend to mean it this time."
"I am," he faltered, reassuring her with a quick squeeze.
She pulled away first, squinting into his eyes playfully, attempting to read his mind. "This isn't what I expected from you, Kelly. "
He shrugged, "I just can't help feeling dat I'm corrupting you. I meanyou use to love school."
"Ah! I love learning." She interjected, walking ahead of him and balancing on the street curb. "School is just the thorn in my side while learning." He remained silent for a moment longer, handing out another few papers, contemplating her energy. It seemed as if they'd switched roles. She noticed also, waiting until he met up with her, just watching the look on his face as he scanned ahead of them. Always looking forward, trying to find his next break, the next customer. Each newsie had this quality about them; it was essential for survival. And each had their own way of covering it up. Humor. Anger. It was something Eppie had noticed about Jack and his friends over the past couple weeks.
They were the best characters she'd written about.
"Jack," she took his hand, pulling him ahead with her as they moved through the crowd, his state of confusion making her realize how vulnerable he was.
She'd been able to ignore most of the rumors floating around St. Mary's until just recently. Jack Kelly, settling down with a St. Mary's girl. Everyone wanted to know who it was and for a reason Eppie hadn't been able to unearth, Louisa had kept her lips shut. Each girl had some sort of explanation: She was paying him. It was a lie. He had his way with her. All attempts to explain the relationship only made Eppie's that much stronger in her mind.
They didn't think he could change.
She'd wanted it more than anything.
And it had happened.
It sounded horrible to say she'd changed him. Instead, as Anna had euphemistically phrased it, she'd allowed him to grow in a new direction. But now, if this was how she affected him, by making him weaker, she needed to fix it. "It you want I can go back. Did I screw everything up?"
He smiled and fell back into teasing. "Me, give up a day wit you" He trailed off, sighting Skittery and Blink on the next street corner. "Now put dis hat back on, stuff all dese beautiful curls up in dere" He settled the hat on her head, her nose wrinkling slightly as it tipped to the side, preparing to trick his friends just as she'd tricked him. "We've got some newsies to fool."
They spent the whole day together, just as she'd been expecting and how Jack had been hoping. And he realized, slowly at first, as the sun warmed the February air, that his resentment towards the day was gone. Meeting up with some of the other boys they too noticed his earlier mood dissipate among Eppie's laughter and playfulness. They stayed out late, just like every other night, running in their very own cement playground. Gradually they wandered back to the lodging house and it was only then, the ache in Jack's back reminding him that inside lay the closest thing to comfort, that he remembered Eppie would have to go home. Never had he considered otherwise.
"Eppie," He called, searching among the heads, not knowing for certain if she'd restored the cabby hat to her head thus making herself blend better. "Hey, where'd Eppie go?" He asked Race, still straining his neck to spot her among the crowd.
"How should I know, Cowboy."
"Check inside" giggled Mush, thus attracting Jack's suspicions.
He was up the stoop and inside easily, a cloud of voices welcoming him home for the night. His acknowledge was quick as he turned to the front desk just in time to see Blink, smiling impishly to one side, introduce Kloppman to the newest newsie.
"Is it okay if I stay here, mister?" Eppie asked, obviously enjoying this fun as much as Blink was. She flashed an innocent smile and dropped the required amount on the countertop.
Kloppman counted the change, eyeing this woman costumed as a young boy and saying nothing. "All dis on you'se foist day a sellin." He slipped the money into his pocket. "Must've had Cowboy selling which ya."
Eppie nodded, turning to smile at Jack when he dropped his own payment on the table. He shook his head, showing Blink and Eppie that his disapproved, "Yea, dis ones gonna be hard to keep up wit," He faced Kloppman, "ya know what I mean?"
The old man nodded, returning to his books, a signal for the boys that they were all set for the night. Blink saluted quickly before joining Mush and the others. Eppie turned also, eager to follow, when Jack stopped her by the tail of her shirt. "You gotta see da view, kid. Customary newcomer routine." Kloppman grumbled in agreement as Jack and Eppie headed for the side ladder. Letting Eppie duck out the window first, Jack caught Kloppman's eye, surprised to see the old man wink.
"Jack," came Eppie's whispered voice, finally drawing him away from the only father figure he'd known. She giggled into one hand, the other holding firmly onto the ladder. "I didn't think it'd work."
Before he could lecture her she started up the ladder, his larger slower steps following behind her. This time she hopped onto the ledge herself, observing the city from each new angle. "Yea, well you just lost tree cents."
"What do ya mean?" She asked, her back still facing him.
"C'mon Eppie. You can't stay here." He explained, kicking uncomfortably at the roof below his feet.
"Why not?" She leaned her hands on the ledge, the angle of her head tilting just slightly to the left. So innocent. So unaware of how much she was tempting Jack at that moment.
He rolled his shoulders, counting on his fingers to distract his hands. "One, Kloppman would kill me." He took a step towards her as she mimicked him, "Two, your father would kill me." Another step closer he continued, "And three, after dying twice, your mother would torture me." He rested his forhead against hers. "You don't want that, do you?"
"Oh no." She pouted slightly, explaining quickly that all three of those adults were clueless to the their predicament. "I'm clean, in the door.." She motioned quickly, sliding her hands, palm to palm across each other and stepping away from him. Her hands fell to her side for a moment as she tried to read what was really bothering him. With impatience she bounced in place.
"Okay then, where do you plan on sleeping." He splayed open his arms, motioning as if they were in the bunkroom right then. "All da bunks are full."
"Blink said there was a room I could stay in." It seemed she had thought of this already. "On the upper floor. Other girls have stayed there before" At that moment Jack cursed his friend, watching again the innocence in Eppie's interest. Blink had the right intentions, if she'd been any other girl of Jack's. "Right?"
He rubbed at his neck again, grateful the darkness shielded any view of his obvious blushing. "Yea, well,"
"I'm getting the feeling that you don't want me around Kelly. If that's the case." Her teasing again made him break into any easy laughter. He could admit that he'd wondered about a situation similar to this.
"No, no." He just hadn't expected the occasion to come so quickly. It required a sort of delicacy, one he hadn't worried about for previous girls. "I'm sorry but I was fully expecting a day for me to mope around and not see you." He came to stand next to her, taking the cap from her hands and fumbling it with his own fingers. His eyes were lowered but she still concentrated on his face. "If you can imagine, I still haven't adjusted to the" Quick flash of chocolate brown, "privilege" now it was her turn to laugh, his own chuckle joining in a moment later "of having you in my company."
Her laughter allowed her to hold her sides, resting against him once more. "Again, twice in one day, you're full of crap Kelly." She punched his arm quickly before hopping towards the stairway that led to the floors below, wondering why they hadn't taken this route the first time. "Now, where will I be staying?"
He jumped to attention, opening the door for her. "Right this way" He rested a hand on her lower back, helping her descend in the darkness. They reached another door, which he opened gallantly. This led to the top floor, windows allowing the moonlight to leak through and reveal a room to the left. Below she could hear the murmurings of the other newsies. Kloppman's voice rose above them all, calling for quite.
"This way," Jack directed her away from the stair way she'd been standing at the top of, her neck twisting too see if Kloppman would climb those stairs too. Quickly she twisted back around the face Jack, his jaw clenched with a feeling she couldn't read. He pushed open the door, a simply made bed, dresser at one end and a mirror on top of this simple piece of furniture greeting them. It seemed to click then, something triggering in her head from all the stories she'd overheard. All those girls Sister Catherine had said left only for that year, returning to find their place filled and their friends no more. She remained in the doorway, blocking out the voice of her mother. She was intelligent enough to know what type of a situation she was putting herself into. And watching Jack scurry about the room, opening the window shade to let in more light and lighting whatever candles were about, she knew he wouldn't take it too far.
What she couldn't see from Jack's hunched position, his fingers shaking with the match next to the wick, was the terror in his eyes. Months earlier he'd been bragging at the skill he mastered, entering this very room the most out of any newsie. This was where he brought his girls. So why did he tremble at the thought of Eppie, figure draped in trousers, suspenders and undershirt, standing right behind him.
He turned at the sound of the moaning bed springs, watching in surprise as she situated herself on the blankets. Pulling off her shoes, one at a time, she seemed to possess the assurance he'd once had. Next to settle in her boots were he suspenders, the clip from her hair and then the cap topping the pile. And with that, sliding under the thin blanket that covered the equally thin mattress she turned to look at him. "This window is perfect," she whispered, drawing him closer as she tilted to look outside. "right where the moon is."
He smiled, settling on the end and watching the shadow cast on her. "Most people complain. Say that they can't sleep."
She propped her elbows behind her, some of her hair reaching the pillow and white sheets. His eyes traced the curls they made, following each strand back to her face. "Well, they're crazy." She laughed. "After a day of selling," her yawn emphasized her point, "I'm exhausted."
That was enough of a hint for him, he'd certainly heard much bolder. Taking off his own shoes, suspenders and button up shirt he slipped into the bed next to her, not really sure where he could touch. But before he had time to decide, she turned towards him, supporting her head on her hand and elbow. "Jack," she asked, drawing his name out softly as he mirrored her position. "I think I know why you didn't want me to stay here."
He swallowed, the silence in the room making it sound louder in his ears. Taking a deep breath he brushed back some of her hair, letting his hand rest against the heat of her cheek. "Nothing slips past you, huh, kid." She nodded, closing her eyes as he placed a kiss on her forehead. "That's what I like about you."
There kisses over the past few days had been knew and exciting, Eppie entering a world she'd only read about in books. And kissing Jack then she worried it wasn't as fascinating for him as it was for her. She pulled back slightly the look on her face telling him that she was thinking again. "You were the first boy I kissed." He enjoyed the honesty of her words, their conversations never halting because of her embarrassment. She spoke of things many girls would try and glance over. "Is that strange?"
"No." He answered simply, although he questioned the honesty of his words. Was it strange? Different, he imagined. Weeks earlier this information would have been perfect for early morning washroom gossip. Young men bragged of such things for it was no catch bedding a woman as loose as you were. The thoughts few through his mind and his terror returned. He did not plan on using Eppie this way.
When she reached for his again, twirling her fingers in the hair above his ears, reminding him that he needed a trip before quickly making him forget everything else. This, a simple kiss, was somehow so new that it satisfied him, enough to make him relax dreamily next to her as if he were young and inexperienced again. She curled towards him, tucking the covers childlike underneath her chin. As sleep claimed her, her head dropped forward, resting lightly on the area of his chest where his ribs lied. And although he wished to stay awake and observe the rise and fall of her shoulders, he too was overwhelmed by the day's activity.
AN: I know, another one and in the middle of the chapter no doubt. Don't worry, an explanation is coming:
I wanted to include both of these scenes in this chapter but the mood and tone is so different from in each. So I needed something to separate them, let you as the reader run and grab so cookies before settling in.
Also, I'll take the opportunity to describe the scene you've just read. As a writer I have in my mind how I intend each scene to be read and although there is always room for new ideas on a situation, I wanted to make it clear that NO, Eppie is not a hoar! Hehe.
At this point in the story she feels physically attached to Jack but respects herself enough to know that any 'dirty business' would certainly compromise her situation. Instead, she seeks simply the physical comfort of his body next to hers and Jack realizes how innocent her perception is.
Does that make sense? Am I a total goober? Been watching to many romantic comedies, huh? Rats.
What about Jack? Is he too much out of character? I don't want him to be too sentimental, certainly some of his appeal (okay most) comes from his smart aleckyness (yea, I just made up that word).
Basically, this is a great chapter to send me some feedback. I want to make sure that the characters are true to themselves. So don't do it for me, do it for Eppie! And Jack! And eventually (as long as you keep reading) Spot!
Resume chapterdo you have those cookies?
"You got some noive," the harsh shove from behind cracked his head back uncomfortably and before he could jump around and defend himself his knees buckled from another blow.
He rolled to his back, one forearm protecting his face as he scrambled to his feet. From this angle, a couple inches above his attacker, he was able to grab Spot's approaching cane with both hands. Their eyes locked over the weapon, the smaller man's anger shimmering in his eyes. "What's wit you Conlon?"
They pushed away from each other, Spot's cane going with him, and faced off in the quickly formed circle. Behind Spot's shoulder Jack saw Manhattan newsies and other working boys filling up the crowd. "What's wit me, he says." Spot's laughter rang at an evil octave. "What's wit you is more like it." He darted forward, storming at Jack's waist and knocking him to the ground. He was able to get in a strong right hook before Mush and Skittery dragged the two apart.
Jack stood, wiping at the blood that began to ran from his nose. On the opposite end of the circle, Spot fought against his restraints. "I don't know what you're talking about." Jack lied, cracking his neck and nodding for Skittery and Mush to let go. He had a pretty good idea that the issue revolving around Eppie but as for what particular crime Spot intended to punish Jack for, he was clueless. "Whatever it is, did you really need to knock me like dat." His joke echoed off the closest building but was no joined by any of the other boys. He knew that his friends, Mush, Skittery and Blink coming to his mind first, were ready and waiting to assist him but they knew the unspoken rules of a quarrel. For it to be fair, it had to be man on man and that afternoon Spot had ventured alone.
But Spot ignored his friend's attempt to change the subject and continued to ramble. "You said it was over." He shuffled closer, crossing the radius of the circle but Jack moved also, noticing the white knuckles on his right hand, the hand that still held firmly to the cane. "The parade" his voice sparked, "and that was it, no more bet." A hush came over the crowd as the two continued to circle each other. What broke the silence was his laugh, the same wild sound from before, shaking his head in sick disbelief afterwards. "I knew she'd be hoit right afta you told her but I figured she'd get over it. She's strong enough."
Jack made an effort to jump in, the words jumbling in his own mind. He had no idea how he'd explain the past week to Spot, in front of all these people, but he was willing to try. Before he could, the initial anger he'd seen in Spot's face became ignited again. "But den, here I am getting up eoily to come see my buddy cause we ain't been on the best of terms lately, and I see her leave the lodging house. In the morning!" He gripped the cane like a baseball bat, swinging at Jack fiercly as he continued to rant. "What the fuck was she doing wit you so eioly Jack, huh?"
Jumping away from the edge of the cane, he stumbled backwards over the feet of boys in the crowd. "Look Spot," one of his hands was held in front of him, the other behind him as if trying to feel for an escape. If only all these other people weren't around he might be able to explain. Knowing now what had happened to upset Spot so much he understood slightly how to go about the current situation. Remebering that morning, sun from the window making her curls burns with a shade of red he'd never seen before in nature. The comfort of a body next to his, no shame attached when he woke the next morning and couldn't remember a name. What it had felt like to wake with her hand in his. Her eyes fluttering open. A morning kiss.
Spot had assumed the worst, Jack now understood. "Fucker, you're words don't woik wit me. Leave her alone Kelly. Dat's it. No negotiations. I mean, I don't even understand why you're still stringing her along. It's over!" The scuffle began again, the limbs of both boys twisting around the other until they tumbled to the ground.
Jack felt someone grip his shoulders, tugging him off of Spot as he blocked one fist after the other, refusing to throw one of his own. But before he let go he caught Spot's wrists, pinning them to his side and bent so that only the two of them would hear. "Nothing happened."
He threw off the hands of whoever had helped him to his feet, brushing off the dust from his shirt, the energy from the fight causing him to anxiously roll his sleeves to right below his elbow. All the while his eyes remained on Spot. "Do you really want to do this Spot? Right here, right now?" He growled, risking another black and blue by leaning so closely towards the boy. It was bold of Spot to confront him in such an affluent area of the city. St, Mary's loomed over them, casting a strong shadow into the front square.
Spot glanced around at the crowd quickly, searching for Anna's fair head. Jack knew that she'd be meeting him soon, like she always did after St. Mary's let out. And that was one thing Spot and Jack could agree on: neither of the girls should find out about the bet.
"Leave her alone, Jack." Spot breathed, his voice lower now. "She don't desoive dis." He stood erect, his shoulders heaving as he tried to catch his breath. "You know it, so let her move on. She's better dan you, better dan we'll eva be." He finished, pointing with his cane but in a less threatening way. It was over, he knew Spot had said his piece, the distress in Brooklyn's leader stretching to his shaky hands.
And before Jack could try and explain Spot darted into the crowd, breaking into a run without a second glance.
AN: Okay, so does everyone/everything make sense? Let me know with a lofty review! Does that sound right? 'Lofty'no not really, it means haughty but for some reason it fits. So review!
