BIG THANKS to TRIGGER for checking over my story and correcting it. It
really means a lot to me! Thanks again and I love ya!~!~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ (A/N: everyone in the 1st, 2nd and possibly 3rd chapter will be younger than there age stated. In later chapters, years will go by and you'll be the age that you stated.)
It's April 24th, 1911, and for the first time in 22 years, the sun shown brightly all day, not a cloud in the sky, not even the slightest breeze was felt in the air. There was just something about this day that sent chills up anyone's spine and in some strange way, you felt a huge burden lifted off your shoulders. It was almost haunting. It was something that the people of Burlington, New Jersey never saw before, nor felt. No one knows the reason behind it except me, because I was there. I'm sure you're quite confused, and most people are. So let me explain it to you.
With the coming of spring, most people think of happiness, and the end of winter. For the most part, that is exactly what spring was like, except for on April 24th. That was a day that most people didn't plan to do anything. It started the exact same way and would end the exact same way every year. At the crack of dawn, the sun would rise and you could sense, feel, and smell the pleasant aroma of spring. Freshly cut grass, blossoming flowers, the warmth of the sun, the bunny rabbit in the backyard grazing, and the flutter of the butterflies. With the rising of the sun, not a cloud could be found within the sky. It seemed like the perfect day, until noon. Without warning the sky would suddenly fill with dark gray clouds and begin to pour with rain. It would continue for many hours until dusk, when the sky would clear up, clouds disappear, and a rainbow would appear above. It's just so hard to explain the feeling that you get that day unless you actually experience it. You wake up in a great mood, and then all of a sudden, your heart drops, and you become quite sad. Then with the ending of the storm, you get a spine chilling wind that runs across the back of your neck, and its over. Most people don't understand it, except for me. It used to never be like this, until the tragedy of April 24th, 1889.
As you go through life you create memories. Some of these memories may be good or bad, but there's one that you can never forget, the one that will haunt you for the rest of your life. Who knew that mine would not only haunt me forever but baffle many in return? This is how it all came about.
(A/N: This is going back in time to 1885 just to let you guys know.)
This is the beginning, but there really is no beginning to it; it just sort of all happened quite quickly. My family and I lived in a very small apartment, in the suburbs of Jersey City, New York. We weren't a well off family by far, but we weren't extremely poor. That's where I lived ever since I was born. Our apartment was shared by two families and the only barrier between us was a wall. The apartment was small but it worked. After all, it was home. We had a kitchen which was also the dining room. We had a very small living room with a single bathroom attached, and two bedrooms, one for my parents and one for my sister and me. Our school was located right down the street from us and we enjoyed the walk everyday. I very much enjoyed school and had big dreams of my own. As a 13 year old boy, I did quite a bit of dreaming. I had huge plans for myself. I wanted to attend Jersey City School for boys, graduate, have a good job and raise a family. I was very determined to make this happen. Well, you see I'm the kind of guy that once I have my mind set, I don't change it. That tends to get me into trouble every now and then, but for the most part, I'm a very persistent guy. Most boys my age were getting all into girls and frankly, I could care less. I really didn't have any friends that were girls and never was in a relationship with one. I didn't consider girls to be a problem and never intended on being with one until I was older. Boy was I wrong! It's amazing what life throws at you. Sometimes it's at the right time, but for the most part, it usually isn't. I believe that everything happens in life for a reason. You may not know it at the time, but in the near future, you'll understand. What God had planned for me was just around the corner, and it was literally. It was just a normal day. Woke up at my normal time of 8 o clock, ate breakfast and got ready for school. My younger sister was sick that day so she didn't go to school. I walked out my front door and began to walk down the street, that's when it hit me, I forgot my books. I ran back into the apartment grabbed my books and ran out of the door. Now, I hated to be late. I could have walked and still got there on time, but for some reason, I just kept running. As I turned the corner, that's when it hit me. BANG! I was thrown to the ground. When I looked up, I saw something that took my breath away. There she was. The girl that was about to change my life forever. Her big piercing brown eyes gazed at me. Her long flowing dirty blonde hair tickled the side of my cheek. She smiled showing her white teeth. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Her beauty astounded me and took my breath away. She was lying flat on top of me, almost like something you would see in a dirty movie. You could feel the warmth of her body and strangely, I wanted to stay like that. Slowly I began to hear someone speaking. It was like a voice of an angel. I couldn't make out where it was coming from.
"Are ya okay?" said the voice. I continued to stay put. "Are ya gonna get up?" Nothing. "Excuse me?" said the voice again. Suddenly I broke out of the trance that I was in only to find the girl that was once on top of me gazing down with quite a worried look. Realizing I was still on the ground I quickly jumped to my feet.
"I'm so sorry 'bout dat young goil. Are you okay?" I asked almost forcing the words out of my mouth.
"Of course I'm okay. You broke my fall. Thanks tah you I landed on somethin' soft instead'a dat hard ground. Da question is though are you okay? You didn't respond tah me right away and I was getting' kinda worried dat I hoit ya." She said softly.
"Me, oh no, I'm fine. I had a beautiful goil land on top a me. Dat's somethin' dat doesn't happen everyday." That once sweet smile soon turned into a strange look. "Wait, dat didn't come out right. Ah, um, what I meant was..." I continued to babble on making myself look like a total idiot.
"I understand what you're sayin'. It's okay. Ain't ya goin' tah be late for somethin'? You seemed like you was in such a hurry." The smile returned.
"Um, well I was just headed off tah da sch..quare."
"Da what?" she slowly began to giggle.
"Oh ya know da square. I was running because I was afraid dat I wasn't goin' tah get da pape for today. Yeah, I really need my pape for da day." I hope she was buying this.
"Oh. Well you dropped your books." She bent down, picked up my books and handed them to me. "Here ya go. I'm sorry. I didn't mean tah delay you from buying your pape. Have a good day Mr..."
"Little. James Little."
"Well, James Little, sorry again." And with that, she turned and slowly began to walk out of my life.
"Hey wait!" I yelled after her. She turned around and as she did, a gust of wind blew through her hair, gliding it across her face and revealing a sight that would be engraved in my mind forever. "Would you, I mean dat is if you're not busy, would ya like to join me. We could go and talk in da meadow. It's right down da street dere." I said pointing in the direction in which she came from. The meadow was a quiet place where most couples would go and do as they please. No, I didn't have anything planned to do with her other than talking. See, the meadow is filled with tall sunflowers, soft grass, and dozens of different flowers. It was a beautiful and romantic place to go when you needed time to yourself or with someone. Another great thing about the meadow was it was really the only area left in our town that wasn't being built on or torn up.
"Well, I guess I could spare ya the time. But, what 'bout your pape?" She said gazing at me.
"I guess I could give it up just for today." We began to walk in the direction of the meadow. It was about a 5 minute walk away from where we were. We didn't talk at all until we reached our destination.
"Wow!" She said in amazement.
"Yep dis is da meadow." It was truly a beautiful place to be. It was huge. It seemed to go on forever. We walked to what seemed like to be the middle of the meadow. She sat down in the grass and I followed. I watched her as she looked around. She was so beautiful. She looked around in amazement. You should have seen her. The baby blue sky, warm sun, the occasional breeze that would blow through her hair, the long flowing blue dress that made her look like a total princess, and something that I just couldn't stop looking at was the butterfly necklace that hung around her neck. There was just something about it that puzzled you. It was gorgeous. "So what do you think?" I said breaking the silence.
"I've never seen anythin' more fantastic den dis. It's absolutely amazin'! I feel like I could live heah all my life. I just don't want to leave."
"It really is fantastic. It's a great thinkin' spot. Dis is where I come when I want tah just day dream. It gets your mind off da world today. Oh I'm sorry I never even asked ya what your name was."
"It's Becca Carmady. But everyone calls me Blue Boxer. It's a nickname dat was given tah me by my cousin and some of 'er friends from 'Hattan."
"Well Becca, would ya like me to call ya by your real name or your nickname?" I asked.
"Either. It doesn't matter. You can call me Blue for short if ya like." She said with a giggle.
"At least you have better nickname den me. Everyone calls me Kid Blink."
"Because of your patch?"
I just had to laugh. "Yes, 'cause of my patch. I use tah get made fun of, but I just don't let it bother me anymore."
"Why would kids make fun of you? I don't see anythin' wrong with it. I mean no one is poifect."
"You have the greatest outlook on life, Blue. It amazes me."
"Yeah well, it's good to have a great outlook on life."
"So where were you headed off to Miss Blue?" I asked.
"Well I was heading to 'Hattan to live with my cousin. She is da same age as me. 'Hattan is like a second home tah me. I love it dere. 'Hattan is da only place where I actually have friends. I'm real excited tah go and see dem, especially my friend Skittery. I've known 'im since I was real little. He's like my best friend." She said with a smile.
"So is he like your boyfriend den?" I asked kind of worried.
"Who Skittery? No of course not. Skittery is more like a brother tah me. I love da guy tah death but I can't ever see myself datin' him. It would just be too weird I think. What about you, any special goil in your life?"
"You're jokin' right? Of course not. I actually nevah was wid a goil before. See I spend too much of my time either wid my family or by myself. Some of my friends at school have a goil and dat's dere entire life, and I don't want dat. I have huge plans for myself and I'm a very determined guy. I don't like things to get in my way. But den dere are occasions where I'll let dat slide." I said smiling. "Where are you from?"
"I'm from Hayes Park. It's not dat far from heah."
"Oh I see, and you was headin' to 'Hattan tonight?"
"Yeah, I was planning on gettin' dere sometime tomorrow. I usually just stop for a few hours and den continue on my way. It's a long walk when you have to walk it alone but for the most part, it's worth it. I think you would love 'Hattan. You would fit right in with the rest of the guys. They are just like you. All around the same age too."
"Oh really?"
"Yep, but the only thing about 'Hattan is the boys dey are crazy. Dey tend to get intah a lot of fights, not dat it's a bad thing but they can be vicious, not to mention goil crazy. A lot of dem have goilfriends and will basically date any goil just tah get laid. Don't get me wrong, not all of dem are like dat, but for da most part dey are."
"Dat kind of sounds like every guy. Aren't most guys gonna date a goil just to get laid? I know I would." I said beginning to laugh.
"Ugh! Blink!"
"I'm just kidding ya. I ain't like dat." We spent the rest of the afternoon talking. We talked about everything from my family, to future plans, to Manhattan, and just guy and girl junk. The sun began to set and I knew it was getting late. My parents were going to start to worry.
"Well Blink, it has been a great day and I very much enjoyed talkin' tah ya but you probably should get home and I need to head to 'Hattan." We both stood up. Far off in the distance we heard the crack of thunder and we knew a storm was approaching.
"It looks like a storm is coming. Do you have a place to stay for the night, just so you don't have tah travel in dis weather?"
"Actually no, but I've traveled in weather like dis before."
"You can't be serious. You can't go tah 'Hattan in dis weather. Maybe you can just wade da night out at my house, until the storm passes that is. You can rest up and den be back on your way."
"Oh I don't know about dat Blink. I'll be fine, don't worry 'bout it. Plus I don't think your parents will approve of me spending the night. It's ok, I'll be fine." It finally started to rain and I needed to get home.
"I'll talk to my parents really, it will be fine. Dey aren't going tah care, really. You'll get sick if you travel in dis." It began to rain harder now.
"Honestly Blink I don't think dat's a good idea. I had a great time wid you today and hopefully you can visit me in 'Hattan sometime but I really need to get going." We both began to run out of the meadow with the pouring down rain. We continued to run until we reached the spot where we met.
"Listen Blue, I'm going tah run intah my apartment and ask. You can't be out in dis weather."
"But Blink," It was too late. I already run into the house to talk to my parents. About 5 minutes later I returned.
"They said dat you can spend da night and leave tomorrow if da storm has cleared up. You can sleep in my bed. Da only problem is you'll have tah share a room wid my sister." I led her towards the door. We both stepped inside. "Mom, Dad, dis is Becca. I kind of ran intah her on my way tah school." She gave them a smile and a wave.
"Hello Becca." They both said in unison.
"Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Little. I really appreciate da fact dat you're sharing your home wid me tonight. It really means a lot tah me." Blue said smiling at them.
"Have a seat Becca. This is James sister, Kane. James may we speak to you really quick please." My mother said.
"Sure mother. Becca, you can talk tah my sister. I'll be right back." And with that, I followed them back to my room.
"Hi." Blue said to my sister. Kane just sat there with a not so happy look on her face. Kane and I are very close. She was a year younger than me. She was pretty tall for her age, a lot taller than most of the girls. She had blonde hair and blue eyes just like me. Many people claimed that we looked like twins but we aren't. Even though she had a slender frame, she was pretty muscular. You wouldn't want to fight her. Poor Blue. Kane was giving her the cold shoulder and that's not like her. She is usually very outgoing and is always trying to make people laugh. Just like me, she likes to be alone at times just to think about things in life. She has quite a bit of friends, especially guys, which mother doesn't know about. I'm not surprised at all that she has many guy friends. Kane is very beautiful for her age, and a lot more popular than me. She was the only girl in my life up until this point and I kind of had a feeling that she wouldn't like another girl coming onto her turf. "So how old are you?" My sister just sat there. "My name's Becca and I'm 13 years old, just like your brother." Still Kane gave her the evil eye. "So you're not much of a talker." Nothing. "Do you talk at all? Are you even listening to me?"
"Are you talking?" She finally said.
"I guess not." Blue said turning around. "Hi." My mother, father and I were standing there watching them trying to make conversation. It was about the funniest thing ever. We all sat down at the dinner table and ate the hotdogs that my mother had made for dinner. After dinner, Blue and I helped clear the table and wash the dishes.
"Come on, I'll show you tah your room." I said. She followed me back the hallway to a small room.
"Dis is a very nice house you have here. You don't have dat bad of a room either." She sat down on my sister's bed.
"Dis will be your bed right here." I said patting my bed which was right beside my sister's. Blue stayed put.
"Kind of ran into her on the way tah da school huh? Is that what you're calling the square nowadays?"
"No, I'm sorry. I was actually going tah school but I wanted tah spend da day wid you so I ditched school." I said with a laugh.
"What? Blink you shouldn't have ditched school. You should have told me dat you had school."
"I know I'm sorry but I really wanted tah spend the day with you."
"Well we could have hung out after school. That wouldn't have been a problem. You're more like those 'Hattan boys than you think."
"Am I really?"
"Yep, you would fit right on in. Those boys don't even go tah school. Well the ones that I know at least. See my cousin, Trigger, lives in the News Workers Lodging House. She is a newsie. I don't know if you know what a newsie is but she goes around selling papes. Da lodging house where she stays at is a co-ed one. The boys are found in one room and the girls are in da other one, except for during the day when all the guys and girls mix together. Dey get up real early, sell their papes and have da whole rest of da day tah themselves."
"What do dey do for fun?"
"Oh trust me, dey do anythin' tah have fun. Those boys are crazy. Dey play all sorts of games, like spin-the-bottle, poker, well more like strip poker, truth or dare, cards, dey talk, dey pick fights, dey make out with girls, dey do basically whatever dey want to. Dey are free tah do as dey please. Dey could run around naked if dey wanted to, which has been done before."
"Are you serious? Dat sounds like it would be an awesome life. I would love tah do as I please."
"Yeah, us newsies have our fair share of fun." We talked like that for quite awhile until my mother came in and told us it was time for bed. So we got ready for bed. She hoped into my bed, pulled the covers up over her, and closed her eyes.
"Good night." I said poking my head in.
"Good night Blink." She said smiling. I came in and went over to Kane.
"Good night Kane."
"Good night Blink." Kane said. I leaned over and kissed my sister on the forehead.
"You two sleep well. Especially you, you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow." I said pointing at Blue.
"I will, don't worry. Good night." And with that I closed the door and went to bed.
The next morning came too soon. I woke to find my whole family sitting at the dinner table. The storm had passed and the sun was shinning brightly. It was a beautiful day. I didn't want to see Blue go but I knew she had too.
"Good morning sunshine." My mother said to me. I'm not much of a morning person. I sat up for a few minutes and slowly began to stretch.
"Where's Becca?" I asked.
"She is back in your room just getting ready to leave." Kane said eating some bread. I got up off the couch and headed back to my room, completely forgetting that I only had long underwear on.
"Did you sleep good last night?" I asked. Blue turned around and started busting up laughing.
"You're not a morning person are ya? Nice hair and yes I did sleep well." She said getting a few things ready. I looked over into my mirror. My hair was sticking up every which way. I had an impression of the couch on the side of my face and I was still wearing my white long underwear.
"Oh um, can you just throw me that blanket over dere please?" I asked. Blue threw me the blanket and I wrapped it around my waist.
"How did ya sleep?" She asked.
"Need I explain?" I asked laughing.
"Nope, point made. Thanks again Blink for lettin' me spend da night and rest up. Dat was very sweet of ya and your family."
"Let me get dressed real quick and I'll walk ya out." I ran over to my pile of clothes, grabbed a shirt and a pair of pants and headed towards the bathroom. When I finally returned she was sitting patiently on my bed. "Are ya ready?"
"Yep." She picked up her stuff and walked out of my room. "Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Little. It was very nice of ya tah do dat for me. Thanks again! Good bye Kane." Blue said heading for the door.
"I'll be right in mother." Blue and I headed for the door. As we both stepped outside we saw how nice of a day it was.
"Wow, couldn't have picked a better day tah leave for 'Hattan. Thanks so much for everything Blink. If your ever in 'Hattan, or just feel like visiting, feel free to stop and see me. I would like tah hang out with you again."
"I'll definitely consider dat. Have a safe trip Blue." And with that, she turned and walked away. I stood outside until I couldn't see her anymore. There was just something about this girl that was unique. I wanted to know more about her and I wanted to see what life was really like in 'Hattan. Days soon passed and those days became weeks. There was not a minute of my life that I didn't think about her. She was always on my mind and even in my dreams. I wondered if she made it there alright. What was she doing? How was she living her life? These questions and many more just filled my head day in and day out. Would I ever be able to see this girl again?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
(A/N This is now in 'Hattan.)
"Double down boys!" yelled Race from the common room.
"Dis is ridiculous! I'm losing all my money. I don't even have any money!" Mush yelled getting up.
"What are ya? A poor sport?" Race yelled back in return.
"No!"
"Den sit back down." Race yelled at Mush. Mush threw himself down on the floor. He hated playing anything with Race. The girls were all in the corner talking to one another. The couples were scattered around the room. Blue was sitting on Skittery's bed talking to him. Suddenly you heard all the girls say under their breaths "Ooh." Blue looked over that the girls confused.
"Hottie at 10 o clock." Said Eire. Every girl in the room looked over. Blue gazed over only to see the back of some strange guy. He looked so familiar to her. Since she couldn't see his face, she had no idea where she saw him before, but there was something about him at puzzled her. She turned away and went back to talking to Skittery.
"Blue?" said the voice. Blue looked over once again only to realize who it was.
"Blink."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Well that is the end of the first chapter. Reviews welcomed!~ Hope you guys enjoyed it. Yes I know parts were boring but you have to read the first chapter to actually understand the rest of the story and especially the last chapter. This chapter has so many symbolic ideas that will help you piece together the story. For those of you that don't know, my story is based on the song by Evanescence called My Immortal. You'll understand later.
Things in the next chapter: Blink take it away,
BLINK: Find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real! The Real World, in 'Hattan.
Thanks Blink.
BLINK: No prob!
~~~ Blink realizes what life really is like in 'Hattan. He meets everyone.
~~~ Finds out that Blue has a "secret."
~~~ The group plays a game which causes Blink to lose his cool.
~~~ FIRST KISS!
~~~ Blink reveals the truth about this stay.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ (A/N: everyone in the 1st, 2nd and possibly 3rd chapter will be younger than there age stated. In later chapters, years will go by and you'll be the age that you stated.)
It's April 24th, 1911, and for the first time in 22 years, the sun shown brightly all day, not a cloud in the sky, not even the slightest breeze was felt in the air. There was just something about this day that sent chills up anyone's spine and in some strange way, you felt a huge burden lifted off your shoulders. It was almost haunting. It was something that the people of Burlington, New Jersey never saw before, nor felt. No one knows the reason behind it except me, because I was there. I'm sure you're quite confused, and most people are. So let me explain it to you.
With the coming of spring, most people think of happiness, and the end of winter. For the most part, that is exactly what spring was like, except for on April 24th. That was a day that most people didn't plan to do anything. It started the exact same way and would end the exact same way every year. At the crack of dawn, the sun would rise and you could sense, feel, and smell the pleasant aroma of spring. Freshly cut grass, blossoming flowers, the warmth of the sun, the bunny rabbit in the backyard grazing, and the flutter of the butterflies. With the rising of the sun, not a cloud could be found within the sky. It seemed like the perfect day, until noon. Without warning the sky would suddenly fill with dark gray clouds and begin to pour with rain. It would continue for many hours until dusk, when the sky would clear up, clouds disappear, and a rainbow would appear above. It's just so hard to explain the feeling that you get that day unless you actually experience it. You wake up in a great mood, and then all of a sudden, your heart drops, and you become quite sad. Then with the ending of the storm, you get a spine chilling wind that runs across the back of your neck, and its over. Most people don't understand it, except for me. It used to never be like this, until the tragedy of April 24th, 1889.
As you go through life you create memories. Some of these memories may be good or bad, but there's one that you can never forget, the one that will haunt you for the rest of your life. Who knew that mine would not only haunt me forever but baffle many in return? This is how it all came about.
(A/N: This is going back in time to 1885 just to let you guys know.)
This is the beginning, but there really is no beginning to it; it just sort of all happened quite quickly. My family and I lived in a very small apartment, in the suburbs of Jersey City, New York. We weren't a well off family by far, but we weren't extremely poor. That's where I lived ever since I was born. Our apartment was shared by two families and the only barrier between us was a wall. The apartment was small but it worked. After all, it was home. We had a kitchen which was also the dining room. We had a very small living room with a single bathroom attached, and two bedrooms, one for my parents and one for my sister and me. Our school was located right down the street from us and we enjoyed the walk everyday. I very much enjoyed school and had big dreams of my own. As a 13 year old boy, I did quite a bit of dreaming. I had huge plans for myself. I wanted to attend Jersey City School for boys, graduate, have a good job and raise a family. I was very determined to make this happen. Well, you see I'm the kind of guy that once I have my mind set, I don't change it. That tends to get me into trouble every now and then, but for the most part, I'm a very persistent guy. Most boys my age were getting all into girls and frankly, I could care less. I really didn't have any friends that were girls and never was in a relationship with one. I didn't consider girls to be a problem and never intended on being with one until I was older. Boy was I wrong! It's amazing what life throws at you. Sometimes it's at the right time, but for the most part, it usually isn't. I believe that everything happens in life for a reason. You may not know it at the time, but in the near future, you'll understand. What God had planned for me was just around the corner, and it was literally. It was just a normal day. Woke up at my normal time of 8 o clock, ate breakfast and got ready for school. My younger sister was sick that day so she didn't go to school. I walked out my front door and began to walk down the street, that's when it hit me, I forgot my books. I ran back into the apartment grabbed my books and ran out of the door. Now, I hated to be late. I could have walked and still got there on time, but for some reason, I just kept running. As I turned the corner, that's when it hit me. BANG! I was thrown to the ground. When I looked up, I saw something that took my breath away. There she was. The girl that was about to change my life forever. Her big piercing brown eyes gazed at me. Her long flowing dirty blonde hair tickled the side of my cheek. She smiled showing her white teeth. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Her beauty astounded me and took my breath away. She was lying flat on top of me, almost like something you would see in a dirty movie. You could feel the warmth of her body and strangely, I wanted to stay like that. Slowly I began to hear someone speaking. It was like a voice of an angel. I couldn't make out where it was coming from.
"Are ya okay?" said the voice. I continued to stay put. "Are ya gonna get up?" Nothing. "Excuse me?" said the voice again. Suddenly I broke out of the trance that I was in only to find the girl that was once on top of me gazing down with quite a worried look. Realizing I was still on the ground I quickly jumped to my feet.
"I'm so sorry 'bout dat young goil. Are you okay?" I asked almost forcing the words out of my mouth.
"Of course I'm okay. You broke my fall. Thanks tah you I landed on somethin' soft instead'a dat hard ground. Da question is though are you okay? You didn't respond tah me right away and I was getting' kinda worried dat I hoit ya." She said softly.
"Me, oh no, I'm fine. I had a beautiful goil land on top a me. Dat's somethin' dat doesn't happen everyday." That once sweet smile soon turned into a strange look. "Wait, dat didn't come out right. Ah, um, what I meant was..." I continued to babble on making myself look like a total idiot.
"I understand what you're sayin'. It's okay. Ain't ya goin' tah be late for somethin'? You seemed like you was in such a hurry." The smile returned.
"Um, well I was just headed off tah da sch..quare."
"Da what?" she slowly began to giggle.
"Oh ya know da square. I was running because I was afraid dat I wasn't goin' tah get da pape for today. Yeah, I really need my pape for da day." I hope she was buying this.
"Oh. Well you dropped your books." She bent down, picked up my books and handed them to me. "Here ya go. I'm sorry. I didn't mean tah delay you from buying your pape. Have a good day Mr..."
"Little. James Little."
"Well, James Little, sorry again." And with that, she turned and slowly began to walk out of my life.
"Hey wait!" I yelled after her. She turned around and as she did, a gust of wind blew through her hair, gliding it across her face and revealing a sight that would be engraved in my mind forever. "Would you, I mean dat is if you're not busy, would ya like to join me. We could go and talk in da meadow. It's right down da street dere." I said pointing in the direction in which she came from. The meadow was a quiet place where most couples would go and do as they please. No, I didn't have anything planned to do with her other than talking. See, the meadow is filled with tall sunflowers, soft grass, and dozens of different flowers. It was a beautiful and romantic place to go when you needed time to yourself or with someone. Another great thing about the meadow was it was really the only area left in our town that wasn't being built on or torn up.
"Well, I guess I could spare ya the time. But, what 'bout your pape?" She said gazing at me.
"I guess I could give it up just for today." We began to walk in the direction of the meadow. It was about a 5 minute walk away from where we were. We didn't talk at all until we reached our destination.
"Wow!" She said in amazement.
"Yep dis is da meadow." It was truly a beautiful place to be. It was huge. It seemed to go on forever. We walked to what seemed like to be the middle of the meadow. She sat down in the grass and I followed. I watched her as she looked around. She was so beautiful. She looked around in amazement. You should have seen her. The baby blue sky, warm sun, the occasional breeze that would blow through her hair, the long flowing blue dress that made her look like a total princess, and something that I just couldn't stop looking at was the butterfly necklace that hung around her neck. There was just something about it that puzzled you. It was gorgeous. "So what do you think?" I said breaking the silence.
"I've never seen anythin' more fantastic den dis. It's absolutely amazin'! I feel like I could live heah all my life. I just don't want to leave."
"It really is fantastic. It's a great thinkin' spot. Dis is where I come when I want tah just day dream. It gets your mind off da world today. Oh I'm sorry I never even asked ya what your name was."
"It's Becca Carmady. But everyone calls me Blue Boxer. It's a nickname dat was given tah me by my cousin and some of 'er friends from 'Hattan."
"Well Becca, would ya like me to call ya by your real name or your nickname?" I asked.
"Either. It doesn't matter. You can call me Blue for short if ya like." She said with a giggle.
"At least you have better nickname den me. Everyone calls me Kid Blink."
"Because of your patch?"
I just had to laugh. "Yes, 'cause of my patch. I use tah get made fun of, but I just don't let it bother me anymore."
"Why would kids make fun of you? I don't see anythin' wrong with it. I mean no one is poifect."
"You have the greatest outlook on life, Blue. It amazes me."
"Yeah well, it's good to have a great outlook on life."
"So where were you headed off to Miss Blue?" I asked.
"Well I was heading to 'Hattan to live with my cousin. She is da same age as me. 'Hattan is like a second home tah me. I love it dere. 'Hattan is da only place where I actually have friends. I'm real excited tah go and see dem, especially my friend Skittery. I've known 'im since I was real little. He's like my best friend." She said with a smile.
"So is he like your boyfriend den?" I asked kind of worried.
"Who Skittery? No of course not. Skittery is more like a brother tah me. I love da guy tah death but I can't ever see myself datin' him. It would just be too weird I think. What about you, any special goil in your life?"
"You're jokin' right? Of course not. I actually nevah was wid a goil before. See I spend too much of my time either wid my family or by myself. Some of my friends at school have a goil and dat's dere entire life, and I don't want dat. I have huge plans for myself and I'm a very determined guy. I don't like things to get in my way. But den dere are occasions where I'll let dat slide." I said smiling. "Where are you from?"
"I'm from Hayes Park. It's not dat far from heah."
"Oh I see, and you was headin' to 'Hattan tonight?"
"Yeah, I was planning on gettin' dere sometime tomorrow. I usually just stop for a few hours and den continue on my way. It's a long walk when you have to walk it alone but for the most part, it's worth it. I think you would love 'Hattan. You would fit right in with the rest of the guys. They are just like you. All around the same age too."
"Oh really?"
"Yep, but the only thing about 'Hattan is the boys dey are crazy. Dey tend to get intah a lot of fights, not dat it's a bad thing but they can be vicious, not to mention goil crazy. A lot of dem have goilfriends and will basically date any goil just tah get laid. Don't get me wrong, not all of dem are like dat, but for da most part dey are."
"Dat kind of sounds like every guy. Aren't most guys gonna date a goil just to get laid? I know I would." I said beginning to laugh.
"Ugh! Blink!"
"I'm just kidding ya. I ain't like dat." We spent the rest of the afternoon talking. We talked about everything from my family, to future plans, to Manhattan, and just guy and girl junk. The sun began to set and I knew it was getting late. My parents were going to start to worry.
"Well Blink, it has been a great day and I very much enjoyed talkin' tah ya but you probably should get home and I need to head to 'Hattan." We both stood up. Far off in the distance we heard the crack of thunder and we knew a storm was approaching.
"It looks like a storm is coming. Do you have a place to stay for the night, just so you don't have tah travel in dis weather?"
"Actually no, but I've traveled in weather like dis before."
"You can't be serious. You can't go tah 'Hattan in dis weather. Maybe you can just wade da night out at my house, until the storm passes that is. You can rest up and den be back on your way."
"Oh I don't know about dat Blink. I'll be fine, don't worry 'bout it. Plus I don't think your parents will approve of me spending the night. It's ok, I'll be fine." It finally started to rain and I needed to get home.
"I'll talk to my parents really, it will be fine. Dey aren't going tah care, really. You'll get sick if you travel in dis." It began to rain harder now.
"Honestly Blink I don't think dat's a good idea. I had a great time wid you today and hopefully you can visit me in 'Hattan sometime but I really need to get going." We both began to run out of the meadow with the pouring down rain. We continued to run until we reached the spot where we met.
"Listen Blue, I'm going tah run intah my apartment and ask. You can't be out in dis weather."
"But Blink," It was too late. I already run into the house to talk to my parents. About 5 minutes later I returned.
"They said dat you can spend da night and leave tomorrow if da storm has cleared up. You can sleep in my bed. Da only problem is you'll have tah share a room wid my sister." I led her towards the door. We both stepped inside. "Mom, Dad, dis is Becca. I kind of ran intah her on my way tah school." She gave them a smile and a wave.
"Hello Becca." They both said in unison.
"Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Little. I really appreciate da fact dat you're sharing your home wid me tonight. It really means a lot tah me." Blue said smiling at them.
"Have a seat Becca. This is James sister, Kane. James may we speak to you really quick please." My mother said.
"Sure mother. Becca, you can talk tah my sister. I'll be right back." And with that, I followed them back to my room.
"Hi." Blue said to my sister. Kane just sat there with a not so happy look on her face. Kane and I are very close. She was a year younger than me. She was pretty tall for her age, a lot taller than most of the girls. She had blonde hair and blue eyes just like me. Many people claimed that we looked like twins but we aren't. Even though she had a slender frame, she was pretty muscular. You wouldn't want to fight her. Poor Blue. Kane was giving her the cold shoulder and that's not like her. She is usually very outgoing and is always trying to make people laugh. Just like me, she likes to be alone at times just to think about things in life. She has quite a bit of friends, especially guys, which mother doesn't know about. I'm not surprised at all that she has many guy friends. Kane is very beautiful for her age, and a lot more popular than me. She was the only girl in my life up until this point and I kind of had a feeling that she wouldn't like another girl coming onto her turf. "So how old are you?" My sister just sat there. "My name's Becca and I'm 13 years old, just like your brother." Still Kane gave her the evil eye. "So you're not much of a talker." Nothing. "Do you talk at all? Are you even listening to me?"
"Are you talking?" She finally said.
"I guess not." Blue said turning around. "Hi." My mother, father and I were standing there watching them trying to make conversation. It was about the funniest thing ever. We all sat down at the dinner table and ate the hotdogs that my mother had made for dinner. After dinner, Blue and I helped clear the table and wash the dishes.
"Come on, I'll show you tah your room." I said. She followed me back the hallway to a small room.
"Dis is a very nice house you have here. You don't have dat bad of a room either." She sat down on my sister's bed.
"Dis will be your bed right here." I said patting my bed which was right beside my sister's. Blue stayed put.
"Kind of ran into her on the way tah da school huh? Is that what you're calling the square nowadays?"
"No, I'm sorry. I was actually going tah school but I wanted tah spend da day wid you so I ditched school." I said with a laugh.
"What? Blink you shouldn't have ditched school. You should have told me dat you had school."
"I know I'm sorry but I really wanted tah spend the day with you."
"Well we could have hung out after school. That wouldn't have been a problem. You're more like those 'Hattan boys than you think."
"Am I really?"
"Yep, you would fit right on in. Those boys don't even go tah school. Well the ones that I know at least. See my cousin, Trigger, lives in the News Workers Lodging House. She is a newsie. I don't know if you know what a newsie is but she goes around selling papes. Da lodging house where she stays at is a co-ed one. The boys are found in one room and the girls are in da other one, except for during the day when all the guys and girls mix together. Dey get up real early, sell their papes and have da whole rest of da day tah themselves."
"What do dey do for fun?"
"Oh trust me, dey do anythin' tah have fun. Those boys are crazy. Dey play all sorts of games, like spin-the-bottle, poker, well more like strip poker, truth or dare, cards, dey talk, dey pick fights, dey make out with girls, dey do basically whatever dey want to. Dey are free tah do as dey please. Dey could run around naked if dey wanted to, which has been done before."
"Are you serious? Dat sounds like it would be an awesome life. I would love tah do as I please."
"Yeah, us newsies have our fair share of fun." We talked like that for quite awhile until my mother came in and told us it was time for bed. So we got ready for bed. She hoped into my bed, pulled the covers up over her, and closed her eyes.
"Good night." I said poking my head in.
"Good night Blink." She said smiling. I came in and went over to Kane.
"Good night Kane."
"Good night Blink." Kane said. I leaned over and kissed my sister on the forehead.
"You two sleep well. Especially you, you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow." I said pointing at Blue.
"I will, don't worry. Good night." And with that I closed the door and went to bed.
The next morning came too soon. I woke to find my whole family sitting at the dinner table. The storm had passed and the sun was shinning brightly. It was a beautiful day. I didn't want to see Blue go but I knew she had too.
"Good morning sunshine." My mother said to me. I'm not much of a morning person. I sat up for a few minutes and slowly began to stretch.
"Where's Becca?" I asked.
"She is back in your room just getting ready to leave." Kane said eating some bread. I got up off the couch and headed back to my room, completely forgetting that I only had long underwear on.
"Did you sleep good last night?" I asked. Blue turned around and started busting up laughing.
"You're not a morning person are ya? Nice hair and yes I did sleep well." She said getting a few things ready. I looked over into my mirror. My hair was sticking up every which way. I had an impression of the couch on the side of my face and I was still wearing my white long underwear.
"Oh um, can you just throw me that blanket over dere please?" I asked. Blue threw me the blanket and I wrapped it around my waist.
"How did ya sleep?" She asked.
"Need I explain?" I asked laughing.
"Nope, point made. Thanks again Blink for lettin' me spend da night and rest up. Dat was very sweet of ya and your family."
"Let me get dressed real quick and I'll walk ya out." I ran over to my pile of clothes, grabbed a shirt and a pair of pants and headed towards the bathroom. When I finally returned she was sitting patiently on my bed. "Are ya ready?"
"Yep." She picked up her stuff and walked out of my room. "Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Little. It was very nice of ya tah do dat for me. Thanks again! Good bye Kane." Blue said heading for the door.
"I'll be right in mother." Blue and I headed for the door. As we both stepped outside we saw how nice of a day it was.
"Wow, couldn't have picked a better day tah leave for 'Hattan. Thanks so much for everything Blink. If your ever in 'Hattan, or just feel like visiting, feel free to stop and see me. I would like tah hang out with you again."
"I'll definitely consider dat. Have a safe trip Blue." And with that, she turned and walked away. I stood outside until I couldn't see her anymore. There was just something about this girl that was unique. I wanted to know more about her and I wanted to see what life was really like in 'Hattan. Days soon passed and those days became weeks. There was not a minute of my life that I didn't think about her. She was always on my mind and even in my dreams. I wondered if she made it there alright. What was she doing? How was she living her life? These questions and many more just filled my head day in and day out. Would I ever be able to see this girl again?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
(A/N This is now in 'Hattan.)
"Double down boys!" yelled Race from the common room.
"Dis is ridiculous! I'm losing all my money. I don't even have any money!" Mush yelled getting up.
"What are ya? A poor sport?" Race yelled back in return.
"No!"
"Den sit back down." Race yelled at Mush. Mush threw himself down on the floor. He hated playing anything with Race. The girls were all in the corner talking to one another. The couples were scattered around the room. Blue was sitting on Skittery's bed talking to him. Suddenly you heard all the girls say under their breaths "Ooh." Blue looked over that the girls confused.
"Hottie at 10 o clock." Said Eire. Every girl in the room looked over. Blue gazed over only to see the back of some strange guy. He looked so familiar to her. Since she couldn't see his face, she had no idea where she saw him before, but there was something about him at puzzled her. She turned away and went back to talking to Skittery.
"Blue?" said the voice. Blue looked over once again only to realize who it was.
"Blink."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Well that is the end of the first chapter. Reviews welcomed!~ Hope you guys enjoyed it. Yes I know parts were boring but you have to read the first chapter to actually understand the rest of the story and especially the last chapter. This chapter has so many symbolic ideas that will help you piece together the story. For those of you that don't know, my story is based on the song by Evanescence called My Immortal. You'll understand later.
Things in the next chapter: Blink take it away,
BLINK: Find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real! The Real World, in 'Hattan.
Thanks Blink.
BLINK: No prob!
~~~ Blink realizes what life really is like in 'Hattan. He meets everyone.
~~~ Finds out that Blue has a "secret."
~~~ The group plays a game which causes Blink to lose his cool.
~~~ FIRST KISS!
~~~ Blink reveals the truth about this stay.