Two hours later, my fingers were numb and my ears sore from the cold. I'd
sent one street kid to the lodgin' house and found two others that flat
refused to go. Said they could take care of themselves. I hoped so. The
wind had died down some and kids were starting to come out into the street
to have snowball fights. I chased down one snotty kid who chucked an
iceball at me. Left him a black eye as a parting gift. Hey, he gave me a
knot on the head. He deserved it.
My feet seemed to have minds of their own, 'cause the next thing I know I hear a familiar voice among the kids yelling and playing in front of the next building. It was Les. He was all bundled up with coat, mittens, wool cap and scarf. About all I could see was his nose and eyes. Dave was standing at the top of the front steps, leaning against the doorframe. I stopped in my tracks and watched them for a few minutes, trying to make up my mind.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out with a sigh, I shoved my hands deeper into my pockets and decided to try to make things up with Dave. He was a newsie. Maybe not like me and the fellas, but he was a newsie just the same. I didn't like having a quarrel with another Manhattan kid.
Dave saw me coming and stood up straight. He crossed his arms and frowned at me. I knew then that it wasn't going to be easy to make things up to him. I shuffled up the steps, careful not to slip, and leaned against the railing. "Heya, Dave."
"Race. What're you doing here?"
I looked over at Les, who was so busy lobbing snowballs at his friends that he hadn't noticed me yet. "Just out lookin' for kids who're plannin' to sleep out on the streets tonight."
"Tonight? They'll freeze to death."
I bit back a sarcastic retort and shrugged. "That's why we're all out lookin'. Offerin' kids a place to sleep tonight. Don't wanna walk to the World in the mornin', stepping over their corpses."
I could tell by the horrified look on his face, that he'd never seen a kid lyin' in an alley...frozen stiff and deader'n a doornail. I'd seen more than a few since becomin' a street kid myself, and didn't care to see another. Not if I could help it, anyways.
"Are Jack and the others out looking, too?"
"Yeah, we split up to cover more ground. I'm runnin' out of time, though. It's startin' to get dark."
A serious look came over Dave's face and he seemed to make up his mind about something. "Wait here a minute, will you?"
"Sure."
He slipped inside and shut the door behind him, leaving me standing on the stoop and wondering what he was up to. I stomped my feet and blew warm air into my hands to try to warm up a little as I waited. Just as the door opened again, Les ran up the steps, slipping and sliding in the snow.
Dave stepped aside to let his sister through the door, then shut it behind her. He held up a hand to hold off Les' questions. "I'm going out to help Race with something. Sarah's going to keep an eye on you kids and make sure you don't try to follow us. You do what she tells you, or you'll catch it from our father."
"But I wanna go."
"I don't care. It's too cold and I don't know how long we'll be gone. You just do as you're told."
I could tell the kid was about ready to hit somethin', he was so mad, but I was glad Dave had taken care of that. Last thing I wanted to worry about was a 9-year-old kid trying to keep up with us.
"Let's go, Race."
I waved to Les and Sarah, then led the way to an area I knew some kids usually used to take shelter. We didn't talk much. I was too cold, too tired and too worried. Dave seemed to be doing some heavy thinking about something. We trudged through the snow in silence, me lookin' one way and him another.
We bumped into three kids over the next hour or so, but none of them would listen to reason. I though for sure David was gonna' punch the last kid out and just carry 'im to the lodgin' house. He just couldn't understand why the kids would be so damn stubborn. I did. Didn't make me any less angry at them, though.
We'd finally given up and headed back, but didn't get far when Dave suddenly stopped and held out his arm to stop me. "Hold on a minute, Racetrack. I think I hear something."
The wind had picked up by then, slinging the snow at us in waves, making us squint against the tiny stinging bits of ice. I tucked my numb chin deeper into my collar and strained to hear anything beyond the driving snow and my own chattering teeth. I was about to give up and make Dave start walking, when I finally heard it. Crying.
It was coming from the alley to my right. We both took a few steps between the two old buildings, but didn't see anyone. There were a few wooden crates up against the worn brick of one of the buildings, and I suddenly knew where it was coming from. Sure enough, as I stepped closer to the crates the crying got louder.
I pulled the two crates apart and revealed a boy curled up inside, wrapped in old flour sacks he'd probably stolen from the local grocer, cryin' his eyes out. He couldn't have been older than eight, with dark hair and brown eyes. I glanced back at Dave and he had the strangest look on his face. With a shrug, I turned back to the kid and pulled him up to stand in front of me.
"You got a better place to sleep, kid?"
Wiping his running nose with his sleeve, the kid shook his head and tried to quit blubbering.
"Got any folks? Brother or sisters?"
He sniffled and shook his head again. "No. Nobody, mister."
I smiled at him and tried to act like things weren't as bad as they seemed. "C'mon. I gotta place for you to sleep. Tomorrow, you can come sell papes with me. You'll be okay."
Next thing I know, two skinny little arms are wrapped around my waist so tight I thought the kid was gonna squish me. I patted him on the back and pried him loose. "Name's Racetrack. This here's Dave. What's your name, kid?"
"Cunningham McClory Cox."
"Good grief. We gotta think of a new name for you. That one's way too long."
The wind picked up yet again and I decided we could think of a name as we walked. It was time to head back to a warm room. "We better get goin', Dave."
He didn't need any encouragement. We walked as fast the kid was able. When that wasn't fast enough, I got the kid to climb up on my back for a piggyback ride. We could go faster that way. I glanced back at him and yelled slightly, trying to be heard over the wind and snow.
"You're one lucky kid, you know. You probably woulda frozen to death tonight in that lousy crate."
Hmm. Lucky. "That's your new name, kid. Lucky. Sure is easier to say."
I could hear him murmuring the name in my ear, testing it out. He seemed to like it. After a few blocks, my feet felt like blocks of ice and were about as easy to move. Lucky had become heavier than anything I'd ever carried before. I staggered a little, nearly falling, and felt Dave grab me by the arm.
"Let me carry him for a while, Race."
Gladly. I let him take over the burden for me and felt much lighter when Lucky slid down my back to stand on his feet. I also felt colder without the kid's body warmth against my back. Shivering, I made a quick decision.
"Dave, I'll never make it back to the lodgin' house with the kid. You think he can stay at your place tonight?"
"Of course. Why don't you stay, too?"
Not in a million years. It would be too painful. And too wonderful.
"Nah, Jack and the others would worry if I didn't come home tonight. I don't want them out in this mess lookin' for me."
He seemed to understand and didn't press me to stay. We made the rest of the journey to his building in silence. When we finally made it, the steps were deserted. Sarah, Les and his friends had obviously bowed to good sense and gone inside. I helped Dave get Lucky up the stairs to the front door. He looked me in the eye for a moment, not saying anything. I could see a new understanding in his expression.
He spit into his palm and held out his hand. Smiling, I did the same and shook his hand. Maybe we're not so different, Dave and I.
I watched them disappear inside then stood on the stoop for a moment. The temptation was too much. I told myself I was just checking up on the kid. Making sure it was okay that he stayed. I wasn't fooled. But I turned and headed around the corner, just the same. I stepped up onto the familiar barrel and pulled myself up onto the ladder then climbed the fire escape until I came to the Jacobs' window.
Dave must've carried the kid all the way up the stairs, 'cause I beat him. I sat on the cold metal of the fire escape and watched as the door opened and Dave stepped inside. I couldn't hear what was said, but when Dave let Lucky slide down to stand on the floor, Mrs. Jacobs walked over and pulled the kid into a hug. I watched him wrap those skinny arms around her waist just as he'd done with me. Mrs. Jacobs turned to say something to Sarah and I could see the tears glistening in her eyes.
I watched as Dave explained what we'd done, how we'd found the kid, gesturing wildly with his arms in his anger that things like that happen. I couldn't hear the anger, but I could see it in his face. I watched as Mrs. Jacobs wrapped Lucky in a blanket and sat at the table, pulling him into her lap. I watched as they all sat down to a hot supper, smiling, talking and sharing the news of the day.
I watched as Les showed his new friend his toys, and showed Lucky how to spin the new top. Dave brought out a clean nightshirt that was probably one of Les' and helped Lucky change into it. I watched as Mrs. Jacobs once again wrapped him in the blanket, sat with him in the rocking chair and began to rock. I couldn't hear her, but I could see her lips move. Could see the gentle smile on her face and the wistful one on Lucky's. She was singing him a lullaby.
I'd given the kid the right name...
So, here I am. Sitting on this damn uncomfortable fire escape, freezing to death in the snow. I hear someone climbing up the fire escape, but I'm pretty sure I know who it is so I don't take my eyes off the scene inside the brightly lit room.
"You know you've got Blink and Mush worried half to death."
"Hey, Jack." I still don't look away from the window. "How'd you know I was here?"
"I didn't. I came to get Dave to help me look for you."
I frown a little, and finally look at Jack. "Why didn't you just use the door?"
He settles down against the opposite railing and smiles self-consciously. "Habit, I guess. Glad I did."
He looks inside and sees what I've been staring at. "You find the kid?"
Returning my gaze to Lucky, I nod. "Me and Dave. I ran into Dave here and he went with me. The kid couldn't have made it back to the lodgin' house, and I wouldn't have been able to carry him all that way."
"So he's stayin' her for the night?"
"Yeah."
"What's his name?"
"Lucky."
"Yeah, he is."
I glance at Jack in surprise then look away again. "Yeah."
But I'd heard the wistfulness in Jack's voice. I'd heard the longing. I reach out and touch Jack on the sleeve to get his attention. When he looks at me, eyebrows raised in question, I smile.
"Go on, Jack. Sarah will be happy to see you."
He glances inside again then back at me. "Why don't you come inside, too? At least long enough to warm up."
I give him a crooked grin and shake my head. Spot was right. There's no use longing for the past. No use longing for something that wasn't yours, either. "No, that's okay. You go on. I better get back to Mush and Blink before they send out a search party."
"What d'ya think I am?"
I laugh and, as he reaches down to open the window, I stop him. Looking at him, poker face gone so he can see how serious I am, I take a deep breath. "Jack, don't let go. You got something here. Hold on to it and keep it close to you. Fight for it and don't ever let it go."
He looks a little surprised, but then he smiles at me in relief and gratitude. He knows I understand. He knows I want him to find a life that makes him happy. Why shouldn't a newsie make good with his life, anyway? I want only the best for my leader. My brother. My friend. And, as Boots said, what are friends for?
END
My feet seemed to have minds of their own, 'cause the next thing I know I hear a familiar voice among the kids yelling and playing in front of the next building. It was Les. He was all bundled up with coat, mittens, wool cap and scarf. About all I could see was his nose and eyes. Dave was standing at the top of the front steps, leaning against the doorframe. I stopped in my tracks and watched them for a few minutes, trying to make up my mind.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out with a sigh, I shoved my hands deeper into my pockets and decided to try to make things up with Dave. He was a newsie. Maybe not like me and the fellas, but he was a newsie just the same. I didn't like having a quarrel with another Manhattan kid.
Dave saw me coming and stood up straight. He crossed his arms and frowned at me. I knew then that it wasn't going to be easy to make things up to him. I shuffled up the steps, careful not to slip, and leaned against the railing. "Heya, Dave."
"Race. What're you doing here?"
I looked over at Les, who was so busy lobbing snowballs at his friends that he hadn't noticed me yet. "Just out lookin' for kids who're plannin' to sleep out on the streets tonight."
"Tonight? They'll freeze to death."
I bit back a sarcastic retort and shrugged. "That's why we're all out lookin'. Offerin' kids a place to sleep tonight. Don't wanna walk to the World in the mornin', stepping over their corpses."
I could tell by the horrified look on his face, that he'd never seen a kid lyin' in an alley...frozen stiff and deader'n a doornail. I'd seen more than a few since becomin' a street kid myself, and didn't care to see another. Not if I could help it, anyways.
"Are Jack and the others out looking, too?"
"Yeah, we split up to cover more ground. I'm runnin' out of time, though. It's startin' to get dark."
A serious look came over Dave's face and he seemed to make up his mind about something. "Wait here a minute, will you?"
"Sure."
He slipped inside and shut the door behind him, leaving me standing on the stoop and wondering what he was up to. I stomped my feet and blew warm air into my hands to try to warm up a little as I waited. Just as the door opened again, Les ran up the steps, slipping and sliding in the snow.
Dave stepped aside to let his sister through the door, then shut it behind her. He held up a hand to hold off Les' questions. "I'm going out to help Race with something. Sarah's going to keep an eye on you kids and make sure you don't try to follow us. You do what she tells you, or you'll catch it from our father."
"But I wanna go."
"I don't care. It's too cold and I don't know how long we'll be gone. You just do as you're told."
I could tell the kid was about ready to hit somethin', he was so mad, but I was glad Dave had taken care of that. Last thing I wanted to worry about was a 9-year-old kid trying to keep up with us.
"Let's go, Race."
I waved to Les and Sarah, then led the way to an area I knew some kids usually used to take shelter. We didn't talk much. I was too cold, too tired and too worried. Dave seemed to be doing some heavy thinking about something. We trudged through the snow in silence, me lookin' one way and him another.
We bumped into three kids over the next hour or so, but none of them would listen to reason. I though for sure David was gonna' punch the last kid out and just carry 'im to the lodgin' house. He just couldn't understand why the kids would be so damn stubborn. I did. Didn't make me any less angry at them, though.
We'd finally given up and headed back, but didn't get far when Dave suddenly stopped and held out his arm to stop me. "Hold on a minute, Racetrack. I think I hear something."
The wind had picked up by then, slinging the snow at us in waves, making us squint against the tiny stinging bits of ice. I tucked my numb chin deeper into my collar and strained to hear anything beyond the driving snow and my own chattering teeth. I was about to give up and make Dave start walking, when I finally heard it. Crying.
It was coming from the alley to my right. We both took a few steps between the two old buildings, but didn't see anyone. There were a few wooden crates up against the worn brick of one of the buildings, and I suddenly knew where it was coming from. Sure enough, as I stepped closer to the crates the crying got louder.
I pulled the two crates apart and revealed a boy curled up inside, wrapped in old flour sacks he'd probably stolen from the local grocer, cryin' his eyes out. He couldn't have been older than eight, with dark hair and brown eyes. I glanced back at Dave and he had the strangest look on his face. With a shrug, I turned back to the kid and pulled him up to stand in front of me.
"You got a better place to sleep, kid?"
Wiping his running nose with his sleeve, the kid shook his head and tried to quit blubbering.
"Got any folks? Brother or sisters?"
He sniffled and shook his head again. "No. Nobody, mister."
I smiled at him and tried to act like things weren't as bad as they seemed. "C'mon. I gotta place for you to sleep. Tomorrow, you can come sell papes with me. You'll be okay."
Next thing I know, two skinny little arms are wrapped around my waist so tight I thought the kid was gonna squish me. I patted him on the back and pried him loose. "Name's Racetrack. This here's Dave. What's your name, kid?"
"Cunningham McClory Cox."
"Good grief. We gotta think of a new name for you. That one's way too long."
The wind picked up yet again and I decided we could think of a name as we walked. It was time to head back to a warm room. "We better get goin', Dave."
He didn't need any encouragement. We walked as fast the kid was able. When that wasn't fast enough, I got the kid to climb up on my back for a piggyback ride. We could go faster that way. I glanced back at him and yelled slightly, trying to be heard over the wind and snow.
"You're one lucky kid, you know. You probably woulda frozen to death tonight in that lousy crate."
Hmm. Lucky. "That's your new name, kid. Lucky. Sure is easier to say."
I could hear him murmuring the name in my ear, testing it out. He seemed to like it. After a few blocks, my feet felt like blocks of ice and were about as easy to move. Lucky had become heavier than anything I'd ever carried before. I staggered a little, nearly falling, and felt Dave grab me by the arm.
"Let me carry him for a while, Race."
Gladly. I let him take over the burden for me and felt much lighter when Lucky slid down my back to stand on his feet. I also felt colder without the kid's body warmth against my back. Shivering, I made a quick decision.
"Dave, I'll never make it back to the lodgin' house with the kid. You think he can stay at your place tonight?"
"Of course. Why don't you stay, too?"
Not in a million years. It would be too painful. And too wonderful.
"Nah, Jack and the others would worry if I didn't come home tonight. I don't want them out in this mess lookin' for me."
He seemed to understand and didn't press me to stay. We made the rest of the journey to his building in silence. When we finally made it, the steps were deserted. Sarah, Les and his friends had obviously bowed to good sense and gone inside. I helped Dave get Lucky up the stairs to the front door. He looked me in the eye for a moment, not saying anything. I could see a new understanding in his expression.
He spit into his palm and held out his hand. Smiling, I did the same and shook his hand. Maybe we're not so different, Dave and I.
I watched them disappear inside then stood on the stoop for a moment. The temptation was too much. I told myself I was just checking up on the kid. Making sure it was okay that he stayed. I wasn't fooled. But I turned and headed around the corner, just the same. I stepped up onto the familiar barrel and pulled myself up onto the ladder then climbed the fire escape until I came to the Jacobs' window.
Dave must've carried the kid all the way up the stairs, 'cause I beat him. I sat on the cold metal of the fire escape and watched as the door opened and Dave stepped inside. I couldn't hear what was said, but when Dave let Lucky slide down to stand on the floor, Mrs. Jacobs walked over and pulled the kid into a hug. I watched him wrap those skinny arms around her waist just as he'd done with me. Mrs. Jacobs turned to say something to Sarah and I could see the tears glistening in her eyes.
I watched as Dave explained what we'd done, how we'd found the kid, gesturing wildly with his arms in his anger that things like that happen. I couldn't hear the anger, but I could see it in his face. I watched as Mrs. Jacobs wrapped Lucky in a blanket and sat at the table, pulling him into her lap. I watched as they all sat down to a hot supper, smiling, talking and sharing the news of the day.
I watched as Les showed his new friend his toys, and showed Lucky how to spin the new top. Dave brought out a clean nightshirt that was probably one of Les' and helped Lucky change into it. I watched as Mrs. Jacobs once again wrapped him in the blanket, sat with him in the rocking chair and began to rock. I couldn't hear her, but I could see her lips move. Could see the gentle smile on her face and the wistful one on Lucky's. She was singing him a lullaby.
I'd given the kid the right name...
So, here I am. Sitting on this damn uncomfortable fire escape, freezing to death in the snow. I hear someone climbing up the fire escape, but I'm pretty sure I know who it is so I don't take my eyes off the scene inside the brightly lit room.
"You know you've got Blink and Mush worried half to death."
"Hey, Jack." I still don't look away from the window. "How'd you know I was here?"
"I didn't. I came to get Dave to help me look for you."
I frown a little, and finally look at Jack. "Why didn't you just use the door?"
He settles down against the opposite railing and smiles self-consciously. "Habit, I guess. Glad I did."
He looks inside and sees what I've been staring at. "You find the kid?"
Returning my gaze to Lucky, I nod. "Me and Dave. I ran into Dave here and he went with me. The kid couldn't have made it back to the lodgin' house, and I wouldn't have been able to carry him all that way."
"So he's stayin' her for the night?"
"Yeah."
"What's his name?"
"Lucky."
"Yeah, he is."
I glance at Jack in surprise then look away again. "Yeah."
But I'd heard the wistfulness in Jack's voice. I'd heard the longing. I reach out and touch Jack on the sleeve to get his attention. When he looks at me, eyebrows raised in question, I smile.
"Go on, Jack. Sarah will be happy to see you."
He glances inside again then back at me. "Why don't you come inside, too? At least long enough to warm up."
I give him a crooked grin and shake my head. Spot was right. There's no use longing for the past. No use longing for something that wasn't yours, either. "No, that's okay. You go on. I better get back to Mush and Blink before they send out a search party."
"What d'ya think I am?"
I laugh and, as he reaches down to open the window, I stop him. Looking at him, poker face gone so he can see how serious I am, I take a deep breath. "Jack, don't let go. You got something here. Hold on to it and keep it close to you. Fight for it and don't ever let it go."
He looks a little surprised, but then he smiles at me in relief and gratitude. He knows I understand. He knows I want him to find a life that makes him happy. Why shouldn't a newsie make good with his life, anyway? I want only the best for my leader. My brother. My friend. And, as Boots said, what are friends for?
END