A Need to Explain...

The next day Liliana woke up feelung somewhat tired due to her late night. Blink seemed as awake and cheerfulas ever. No one seemed to notice or care that the two had returned rather late. Everyone went about their daily routine as usual as they washed and dressed before heading out.

As Liliana stood in the long line at the Distribution Center, her mind began to process what had happened the night before. She knew that now she should tell Blink what exactly had happened in Brooklyn. He deserved that at the very least. She wasn't sure if she could do it without dissolving into tears but she would try to tell him.

When it was her turn, she bought her papers and looked around for Blink. He was over by the entrance, talking with Mush and Race. She quickly forced a smile on her face and joined the trio.

"Heya boys," she greeted.

"Hey Liliana," they replied before returning to the topic at hand, the bad headlines.

Liliana sighed as she tried to listen to their conversation. It seemed every newsie loved to talk about the headlines. The day wasn't complete without each newsie complaining about them at least once or twice. Then they would quote their 'fearless' leader by saying "Headlines don't see papes, newsies sell papes."

She was all too happy when it was time to head out and actually sell. She didn't know if she could've lasted another minute of listening to their complaints.

Blink led her to their usual spots and they split up to sell. Fortunately, they both managed to sell out before lunch. As they began their walk to Tibby's, Liliana sighed and said, "Instead of going off by myself tonight, I was wondering if you would come with me. I want to explain some things to you."

"Ya don't have ta explain, Liliana," said Blink quickly. "It ain't my business."

"No, you need to know," insisted Liliana. "Besides, I need to talk to someone about it."

Blink looked over to her, unsure at first but he could tell she was determined to tell him. Slowly he said, "Alright, we'll talk when we'se done selling."

Liliana nodded her head in agreement. They walked the rest of the way in a comfortable silence.

For the rest of the day, Liliana could barely concentrate on selling her papes. She was too busy trying to gather the courage to tell Blink while also trying to mentally rehearse what she would say.

She sighed as she sold her last pape before turning to where Blink sat waiting for her.

"Come, walk for me," she said to Blink when she stood by him.

Blink quickly got up and began to walk silently next to Liliana. He knew that it would take some time for her to finally say it so he waited patiently as they walked to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Liliana leaned against the Bridge as she took a deep breath. She continued to look over at Brooklyn.

"Luke and I lived in an apartment in Manhattan. He and a few of his friends owned a business in Brooklyn. Not everything they did was legal but it brought in the money. Things were going well. Luke and I were even talking about getting married. We wanted to have a family together.

"Well, Luke had a business meeting late one night. Something didn't feel right. I begged him not to go, but he was stubborn. He assured me it was alright. All I had to do was stay at home and wait for him. I promised I would stay," she continued softly as tears began to fill her eyes. "I broke my promise.

"I ran to Brooklyn where it was taking place. Luke's 'clients' were not happy to see me. They had wanted no intruders. The leader shouted a command and one of his guys pulled out a gun to shoot me." She turned to Blink. "I froze. I couldn't move at all because I was in shock. Luke jumped in frond of me right as the gun went off."

She closed her eyes and winced as she heard the shot again. "He was dead before he hit the ground. I snapped out of my daze with a scream and took off running. I didn't have a chance to hold him one last time.

"To this day, I still don't know how I got away from them. Somehow I made it home, even blinded by tears,:" she stated as she opened her eyes and looked at Brooklyn again. "He might still be alive if I hadn't broken my promise."

Blink wraopped his arms around her as the tears began to fall heavily. "Ya don't know dat Liliana. Don't blame yerself for his death. It ain't yer fault."

For once, the words of comfort actually seemed to help Liliana. The tears stopped and she was able to wipe away their remnants. Wrapping her arms around Blink's waist and pulling him closer, she said, "Thanks Kid Blink."

She pulled away after a few minutes with a small smile. "I think I needed to talk to someone about it. I'm glad it was you."

Blink smiled back as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and they began to walk back to the Lodging House. "I'se glad ya told me."

Neither one said another word as they walked back to the Lodging House.

Hey everyone!! I'm sorry for the wait. I've been trying to reconnect with my inner Newsie. (more like Newsie Obsession) by reading other fan fiction and watching Newsies. I actually watched the whole movie the other day. Usually I skip every Pulitzer scene and stick mainly to the singing and dancing. I haven't seen any of it in months now. Maybe that is why I wasn't feeling very inspired?? I will try not to let that happen again. By the way I am in need of a newsie name for Liliana....Any suggestions???

Sapphy I'm glad you always review. So loyal!!! I love it! Well now you know how he died and why Liliana blames herself. Blink and Liliana?....hmmmm....lol...your brilliant powers of persuasion???...but you aren't even in this story!! lol.....oh well You'll see what happens if I ever manage to finish this story. Hope you liked this chapter. Lots of Love.....

JustDuck I'm glad you enjoy my story. I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while but I haven't been feeling very inspired lately. I'm working on that though so don't worry. I try not to make the song the basis of the chapter if I can help it. I just thought that song really fit what I was trying to show about Liliana. I hope you liked this chapter as well.

It seems I am losing reviewers. It must be my lack of update over the last few months. Again I am really sorry about that. Please review (it helps inspire me!!!....hint hint)!

Molly