Disclaimer: I do not own Newsies, Disney obviously does(*tear* Lucky
Rats!), and I don't actually own this story, my talented friend, Kristina,
does(she, too, is a lucky rat!) and I am merely doing her a favor! But, I
actually DO own Tig and Annabelle, others as well, but you have to wait for
the sequal! So, for these reasons, don't sue me!
Summary: Marie 'Target' McCoy is a loveable tomboy who lives and sells with the Manhatten Newsies. She starts to date Spot Conlon, but what happens when her heart starts to belong to another newsie that she's known for years? NOT A MARY SUE!!! Skit/Target, Mush/Tig, Jack/OC
Rating: PG-13
June 11, 1900
When Target and Spot first met, Marie made it known that sparks were flying left and right while Skittery was drowning in depression and wouldn't talk to anyone for weeks after. The month passed and the sparks were soon beginning to die out between the two.
Many nights, Target would cry in her sleep while Skittery sat unnoticed in the doorway: watching and praying that she would one day love him as he loved her. Target knew it wasn't meant to be but she never spoke the words aloud. She wasn't able to find a hint of jealousy within Skittery. He would always try to be cheerful around her.
"When I'se kiss him, I'se just don't feel anythin' between us. I'se don't see firewoiks," she explained to Lily while they sat in Tibby's one July evening. Outside Tibby's, the streets were turning orange and pink from the sun setting behind the large buildings in the distance. "But ya see, if I'se looses Spot, I'se got nothin'," Target said, lighting her cigarette.
"What about Skitter..," started Lily, but stoping herself.
"Whachu say?" Marie was actually listening this time.
"Oh, I didn't say anything."
"Yes you'se did."
"Not me, not a word."
"Yes you'se did! You'se said, 'What 'bout Skittery?' Well, what 'bout him?" she asked, laying her stick in the ashtray on the table. Lily's eyes widened as Marie exhaled smoke.
"You still don't know, do you?" Lily said, resting her elbow on the table and placing her head in her hand.
"Know what?" Target said, shaking her head.
"I can't believe you don't know yet! Don't you pay attention to the obvious?" exclaimed Lily. Target looked around the room for something obvious. She placed her cigarette back in her mouth.
"You'se wanna fill me in here, Tig?" she requested.
Tig slapped Marie upside the head and said, "Skittery Jones is in love with you!"
"Get outta here," Target said aloud. "You're outta your mind," she continued and leaned her chair back so it was only on two legs. She placed her cigarette back in the ashtray.
"When you were with Spot, it was killing Jones inside and out. He was a wreck when you weren't around! But when you were, didn't you notice him always acting gentleman like: attending to your every whim. Remember the other day when everyone was here? When Mush walked me home, how Skit was always looking into your eyes? Now correct me if I'm wrong, but not many boys take the liberty to do that," she explained with great enthusiasm. Target put all four legs of the chair back on the floor.
"Do you'se really think he likes me?" Target asked, grinning.
"Like you? Sweetie, he's been in love with you ever since the first day you stepped through that front door of the Lodging House!" she yelled. Everyone in Tibby's at the time stopped what they were doing and stared at the two. "Sorry everyone! As you were," Lily apologized, turning back to her friend.
"What 'bout Spot?" Marie questioned.
"You just worry about Skittery Jones," said Tig, finishing her drink.
A giant smile crept across Target's face as she looked out the window. She watched as the shadows disappeared from the ground. A few hours later after two more cigarettes and a glass of water, the waiter decided it was closing time. All of the customers had gone except for Lily and Marie, who were lost in conversation.
"Okay ladies, time to go. We're closing," said a round man with a large mustache. Tig finished her dinner as the waiter wiped off the table. "Your total is one dollar and seventy-five cents," he said, looking at the receipt. Tig reached into her white handbag and pulled out the exact amount. Target placed her hat back on her head and extinguished her cigarette. The girls got off their wooden chairs and walked toward the exit. They opened the door and stepped out into the warm summer evening. Before Tig shut the door, the man said, "You ladies watch out for those weirdos," as he picked up his broom. Target popped her head back into the cozy restaurant.
"We are da weirdos, Mista," Target said, giggling and shut the large door. Target and Lily giggled the rest of the way home, talking about Mush this and Skit that.
The street lamps were lit brightly like torches in a medieval castle. The moon shown brilliantly through the swaying trees in the park.
"Do you think that guy was telling the truth about the weirdos out at this time?" Tig asked, a quiver hidden somewhere in her voice.
"Ah, who knows," Target replied, kicking an old soup can down the street. They had reached the Lodging House first, lights still flickering in the second story windows. "Well, I guess I'll see you'se tomorrow," Target mumbled as they drew nearer to the Lodging House. "You'se gonna be okay walkin' home by yourself?" questioned Marie.
"I'll be fine. I only live a few blocks away! See you tomorrow," explained Tig. As Lily started, Target waited outside to see that she got home all right. Tig started to get frightened and began walking a bit quicker. She was almost home when a tall figure jumped out of a disserted alleyway. She screamed in fear.
"TIG!" Target yelled as a few more goons stepped out of the shadows. Target, like there was no tomorrow, ran to her friend's defence. Her heart racing, determination to help Lily filled her body. The air rushed passed her face as she sprinted down the street.
"TARGET!" screamed Lily. The man pinned her to the ground.
"I'm coming!" thought Target, her hat falling off her head and landing beside one of the houses. The hard cobble stones slapped underneath her boots as she ran. Tig continued screaming for someone to save her.
Target was only a few feet away. She could now hear the grim snicker of the man holding Tig. Marie did the first thing that came to her mind: she jumped on the back of the stranger and wrestled him off of Lily. He lay face down on the ground. Target brutally punched him repeatedly in the back of the neck. He lay motionless, but she continued to beat him.
"Target!' Lily yelled, but Marie didn't stop. No one messes with her friends and gets away with it. "Target!" she yelled once more. Marie stopped hitting the man and began to weep. Tig knelt beside her friend, placing an arm around her, trying to sooth her.
"Where are da rest of does guys," she sobbed. "I'll moider 'em just like dare buddy," she said, trying to get up.
"They left when they saw you coming," Lily said, rubbing Marie's shaking back. An old woman opened her door a crack to see what was going on.
Target looked at her red hands then at the blood flowing out of the mouth of the man beneath her.
"I'se killed him, Tig, I'se killed him," Target whispered into the air of the warm night. "What's going on here?" the old woman squealed. Target and Lily's head snapped to the elderly woman in the doorway. They lifted themselves off of the ground.
"Run!" Tig said quickly. They both dashed back down the street to the Lodging House.
"Get back here!" the woman shrieked. "Police," she yelled. "Police, come quick!" she continued.
The girls skidded to a halt and flung open the doors of the Lodging House. Their feet pounded as they flew up the stairs.
"Guess dat waita was right 'bout dem weirdos, huh?" Target said, laughing and sniffling at the same time, trying to make things better in a horrible situation. They had finally reached the top of the stairs. Tig came first, Target trailing not far behind. The Newsies stared at the pale faced girls in their mists.
"We have t hide Target...and fast! She just killed a scabber, no time to explain," said Tig. All eyes were on Target. There came a banging at the doors downstairs. Everyone's head snapped to the staircase.
"Okay," Jack said sarcastically and got up off his bed. The boys ran and grabbed Target by the arms. The banging continued.
"POLICE! OPEN UP!" they yelled from outside. The Newsies dragged Target across the room.
"Go let them in Specs," Tig said. "Act normal and don't look suspicious. Get the door and see what they want," she ordered, directing Specs down the steps.
"Already done," he said, saluting her and he ran down the stairs. The Newsies scattered to try and find a suitable hiding place for Target.
"Ova here!" someone called.
"Hide here!" another said. Most of the places were too small.
"Get in here," Jack called, picking her up and lowering her into the laundry basket. "Cover yourself wit da clothes," Jack continued and helped arrange the clothes heavily on top of her. Specs came sprinting back up the stairs. Jack closed the lid at the sound of the footsteps pounding closer. Everyone went about their business as the officers reached the top of the steps. Jack sat on the lid of the hamper and pretended to read to afternoon paper. The room became silent as the cold eyes of the police were cast upon the room.
"Hello offica, what can I'se do for you'se?" Jack asked as innocently as possible.
"We have good reason to believe that a murder is in this building," said a slender officer. Kloppman came slowly creeping up the stairs. "A moiderer! Ya don't say," he uttered.
"You don't mind if we took a look around, do you?" the second officer asked, pointing to himself and his partner.
"No, not at all!" Tig spoke. She motioned the boys to make room so the officers could look as they pleased. The two policemen made their way around the Newsies' sleeping quarters. The eye of the Newsies followed the two as they moved around the room.
"Young man, will you get up, please?" asked the slender officer. Jack crossed his arms over his chest and looked around to the rest of the Newsies. Then, turning back to the officers, he said,"Yeah.yeah sure," and lifted himself off the hamper lid.
"Thank you," replied the officer. Jack stepped aside as the man opened the lid. Jack lowered his head in fear that Target was caught, but all he saw were torn dirty clothes.
"Okay," the policeman said, "let's search the next house."
Jack lifted his head smiling. "Yes, well, glad to be of some soivice," he said and slapped the officer on the back. The two men made their way downstairs. The group heard the doors slam shut. Everyone let out a sigh of relief. Target slowly lifted the lid and looked around the room. She stood up inside the hamper. As she began to bring one of her legs out and over the brim, she lost her balance and landed with a thud on the floor. Skittery bent down to assist her to her feet.
"Thanks Jones," Target mumbled with a soft smile. Blink picked up the lost clothes on the floor. Mush held Tig close as they watched. Target wrapped her arms around Skittery's waist.
"Wow," Tig thought, "she doesn't waist any time," and squeezed Mush tighter. Target began to sob again and buried her face in Skittery's chest. The sight brought tears to Lily's hazel eyes.
"Great, now we'se got two goils cryin'!" Racetrack said aloud.
"Shud-up, Race!" Jack hissed, walking toward Tig. He grabbed her by the arm. "Go sit ova dare," he whispered and pointed to a bunk. "Target, you'se too! Sit down."
Target let go of Skittery, dried her eyes, and sat on the bunk beside Lily. The Newsies gathered around. Jack stood in front the murderer and her accomplice, his arms still across his chest. "Specs!" he called. Specs threw something to Jack. "He found your hat," Jack sounded, handing it to Target. "Now, what's all dis 'bout you'se killin' somebody?" Jack asked.
"It was in self-defense," Target explained softy and innocently. Jack rolled his eyes.
"So you'se killed da guy?!" Jack yelled.
"She was protecting me!" Tig said in defense. The Newsies gave an indecent grumble.
"What did he do? Did he forget to pay da rent? What, did he throw away a perfectly good ciggie? What da hell did he do to desoive ta die?" Jack yelled at the top of his lungs. "WELL, ARE YOU'SE GONNA ANSWER ME?" he yelled once more.
"HE TRIED TO RAPE HER!" Target shouted at the same volume. The whole room fell silent. The only sound was Target's heavy breathing and Lily's crying. "OKAY JACK? HE TRIED TA RAPE HER! IS DAT WHAT YOU'SE WANTED TA HEAR?" her voice quivered, her eyes and nose turning red from crying. She suddenly stopped her weeping, there were no more tears left to shed, only rage in her heart.
Mush's eyes went wide and he ran to Tig who was now lying on her side atop the bed. Mush knelt down and held her tight; tighter then he had ever before.
"I'se could have lost you'se tonight," he looked to Target behind him. He got up and gave her a loving hug. "Thank you'se. Thanks for what you'se did," he took a good look at Tig lying on the bed, half asleep. "I'd rather it be him, then her," Mush finished and gave Target a gentle kiss on her warm cheek.
"Anytime," she mumbled, jokingly.
"Jack," Mush called, "Lily's stayin' here and I don't wanna hear otherwise."
About two in the morning, everyone was still wide-awake.
"Skittery," called Tig, motioning him to come over to her. She pointed to Target by her window: she had been sitting there for three hours straight. "I think she needs a little cheering up. Why don't you go over and talk to her."
"I'se wanna show I'se care, I'se really do. But, she's Spot's goil and no one messes wit any of Spot's goils."
"Listen, I already told her how you feel," Tig began. "She told me she feels the same way but didn't think you were interested. That's why she went with Spot, it was a test to see if you were interested and just needed a little push," Lily whispered. Skittery smoothered his hair and straitened his suspender straps.
"You'se really tinks she likes me?" he asked, glancing over at Target.
"Come here," Tig said so he would slouch down to her eyelevel on the bed. "You two were so meant for each other, it's not funny," she whispered and slapped him on the side of the head. "She's in love with you, not Spot! Good God man!" she scolded as Skittery rubbed the side of his head. "Now go!" she whispered loudly.
Skittery turned around. Tig shook her hand, trying to relieve the pain from the slap. "I hate playing matchmaker!" she said, looking to her red hand. Mush walked back to the bed with a glass of water for his girl.
"What's wrong?" asked Meyers.
"Watch," Tig pointed to Skittery.
"Target?" Skit questioned in a sweet voice. Target jumped a little. "You'se okay?" he asked.
"Why you'se askin' me? I'se ain't da one who almost got rapped tonight," Target asked, looking over her shoulder at Tig, who wasn't jumpy at all.
"Cause I'se don't care 'bout Tig right now, I'se cares 'bout you'se," Skittery said. A smile crept upon Target's face and the color was retuning to her cheeks.
"Sorry I'se snapped at you'se. Have a seat," she answered. Skit sat on the bench beside Target and looked out the window.
"So what have you'se been lookin' at for so long?" he asked.
"I'se haven't really been lookin', just.thinkin' I'se guess," Target began. "I'se still can see the fear in his eyes, but I'se didn't stop! I'se just kept thinkin' 'I'se cant let him hoit Tig!' I'se neva thought I'se could kill anybody! His laugh was so evil...I'se couldn't stand it," she whispered, turning from the window into Skittery's gray eyes. His eyes weren't like Spot's. They weren't stone-like and cold, full of hatred; they were soft and gentle and full of life and love.
"Mush, look! Their gonna kiss!" Tig whispered.
"No dey ain't," he replied.
"No, I'm sure of it! I know that look, you do it all the time," Tig said, looking at Mush, who had that look.
Skittery put his finger under Target's chin and leaned in to kiss her. She closed her eyes and did the same. They were two seconds away from the perfect kiss when a voice squeaked.
"Lily! Lily dear!" a blond woman came climbing the stairs with high stiletto heels. It was Miss Julie Walker. She was Kloppman's niece and was like a mother figure to Lily. Miss Walker was wearing a long, red dress with white lace and her hair pulled back into a curly bun.
Skittery and Target jumped at the sound of her voice. Target got up and walked quickly to her room. Skittery dropped his head to the floor in disappointment.
"Damn it, Walker!" he thought to himself. He scratched his forehead and looked up at Tig as if it were her fault. He extended his arms to his side as if to say, 'What da hell she have ta show up for?'
"Sorry!" Tig mouthed to him.
"I'se need a cigarette," he said, getting up. "Hey Race, come here!" he yelled, walking across the room.
"Lily dear, I can't believe you're still up at this retched hour! How are you?" she looked toward Mush, not giving Lily a chance to answer. "How is this? I don't believe we've met! How are you?" she looked to her right. "Crutchy, where have you been?" she called and walked away, not getting an answerer out of either of them.
"Kind of a chatter box isn't she?" Mush asked Tig. Kid Blink had been standing close by, listening.
"Guess no one told her da news yet," Blink said, pointing his thumb at Miss Walker.
"Is that good?" Mush questioned.
"Very good! If she found out, she'd probably throw everything way out of proportion," Tig explained.
"Ah Tig? I'se think we'se already accomplished dat," Blink whispered, pointing to Jack. "Well, it's gettin' late. See ya tomorrow," Blink said, 'shoving off', and getting ready for bed.
"Yeah, I should get some rest. I'll go see if Target's got an extra bunk," Tig uttered, getting up off of Mush's bed.
"Why don't you'se stay wit me tonight?" Mush asked, grabbing her arm.
"Maybe next time Tiger. I love you," she whispered and gave him a good night kiss. He watched her dream-like as she walked away until she disappeared behind Target's door.
"Alright fellas," Mush sounded, "cheese it! Time ta get some sleep," he called. Everyone finally settled down a few minutes later. The Lodging House grew dark as everyone drifted into slumber.
****** JustDuck: Hey(again)! I talked to Kris some nights ago to see what she meant so I could answer your question. She said that Target only said that because she didn't think she could get the bird, but knew that she could get the sign. But, it worked anyway with her plan and now Skit has to deal with the guilt of not saying anything, which brings us to this chapter! Don't worry, when I first read it, I didn't understand why she did that either, but decided to just go with it anyway! Hope everything is well in sunny California!
splashey: Yeah, everyone is getting hurt! LOL Thanks for reviewing!
Summary: Marie 'Target' McCoy is a loveable tomboy who lives and sells with the Manhatten Newsies. She starts to date Spot Conlon, but what happens when her heart starts to belong to another newsie that she's known for years? NOT A MARY SUE!!! Skit/Target, Mush/Tig, Jack/OC
Rating: PG-13
June 11, 1900
When Target and Spot first met, Marie made it known that sparks were flying left and right while Skittery was drowning in depression and wouldn't talk to anyone for weeks after. The month passed and the sparks were soon beginning to die out between the two.
Many nights, Target would cry in her sleep while Skittery sat unnoticed in the doorway: watching and praying that she would one day love him as he loved her. Target knew it wasn't meant to be but she never spoke the words aloud. She wasn't able to find a hint of jealousy within Skittery. He would always try to be cheerful around her.
"When I'se kiss him, I'se just don't feel anythin' between us. I'se don't see firewoiks," she explained to Lily while they sat in Tibby's one July evening. Outside Tibby's, the streets were turning orange and pink from the sun setting behind the large buildings in the distance. "But ya see, if I'se looses Spot, I'se got nothin'," Target said, lighting her cigarette.
"What about Skitter..," started Lily, but stoping herself.
"Whachu say?" Marie was actually listening this time.
"Oh, I didn't say anything."
"Yes you'se did."
"Not me, not a word."
"Yes you'se did! You'se said, 'What 'bout Skittery?' Well, what 'bout him?" she asked, laying her stick in the ashtray on the table. Lily's eyes widened as Marie exhaled smoke.
"You still don't know, do you?" Lily said, resting her elbow on the table and placing her head in her hand.
"Know what?" Target said, shaking her head.
"I can't believe you don't know yet! Don't you pay attention to the obvious?" exclaimed Lily. Target looked around the room for something obvious. She placed her cigarette back in her mouth.
"You'se wanna fill me in here, Tig?" she requested.
Tig slapped Marie upside the head and said, "Skittery Jones is in love with you!"
"Get outta here," Target said aloud. "You're outta your mind," she continued and leaned her chair back so it was only on two legs. She placed her cigarette back in the ashtray.
"When you were with Spot, it was killing Jones inside and out. He was a wreck when you weren't around! But when you were, didn't you notice him always acting gentleman like: attending to your every whim. Remember the other day when everyone was here? When Mush walked me home, how Skit was always looking into your eyes? Now correct me if I'm wrong, but not many boys take the liberty to do that," she explained with great enthusiasm. Target put all four legs of the chair back on the floor.
"Do you'se really think he likes me?" Target asked, grinning.
"Like you? Sweetie, he's been in love with you ever since the first day you stepped through that front door of the Lodging House!" she yelled. Everyone in Tibby's at the time stopped what they were doing and stared at the two. "Sorry everyone! As you were," Lily apologized, turning back to her friend.
"What 'bout Spot?" Marie questioned.
"You just worry about Skittery Jones," said Tig, finishing her drink.
A giant smile crept across Target's face as she looked out the window. She watched as the shadows disappeared from the ground. A few hours later after two more cigarettes and a glass of water, the waiter decided it was closing time. All of the customers had gone except for Lily and Marie, who were lost in conversation.
"Okay ladies, time to go. We're closing," said a round man with a large mustache. Tig finished her dinner as the waiter wiped off the table. "Your total is one dollar and seventy-five cents," he said, looking at the receipt. Tig reached into her white handbag and pulled out the exact amount. Target placed her hat back on her head and extinguished her cigarette. The girls got off their wooden chairs and walked toward the exit. They opened the door and stepped out into the warm summer evening. Before Tig shut the door, the man said, "You ladies watch out for those weirdos," as he picked up his broom. Target popped her head back into the cozy restaurant.
"We are da weirdos, Mista," Target said, giggling and shut the large door. Target and Lily giggled the rest of the way home, talking about Mush this and Skit that.
The street lamps were lit brightly like torches in a medieval castle. The moon shown brilliantly through the swaying trees in the park.
"Do you think that guy was telling the truth about the weirdos out at this time?" Tig asked, a quiver hidden somewhere in her voice.
"Ah, who knows," Target replied, kicking an old soup can down the street. They had reached the Lodging House first, lights still flickering in the second story windows. "Well, I guess I'll see you'se tomorrow," Target mumbled as they drew nearer to the Lodging House. "You'se gonna be okay walkin' home by yourself?" questioned Marie.
"I'll be fine. I only live a few blocks away! See you tomorrow," explained Tig. As Lily started, Target waited outside to see that she got home all right. Tig started to get frightened and began walking a bit quicker. She was almost home when a tall figure jumped out of a disserted alleyway. She screamed in fear.
"TIG!" Target yelled as a few more goons stepped out of the shadows. Target, like there was no tomorrow, ran to her friend's defence. Her heart racing, determination to help Lily filled her body. The air rushed passed her face as she sprinted down the street.
"TARGET!" screamed Lily. The man pinned her to the ground.
"I'm coming!" thought Target, her hat falling off her head and landing beside one of the houses. The hard cobble stones slapped underneath her boots as she ran. Tig continued screaming for someone to save her.
Target was only a few feet away. She could now hear the grim snicker of the man holding Tig. Marie did the first thing that came to her mind: she jumped on the back of the stranger and wrestled him off of Lily. He lay face down on the ground. Target brutally punched him repeatedly in the back of the neck. He lay motionless, but she continued to beat him.
"Target!' Lily yelled, but Marie didn't stop. No one messes with her friends and gets away with it. "Target!" she yelled once more. Marie stopped hitting the man and began to weep. Tig knelt beside her friend, placing an arm around her, trying to sooth her.
"Where are da rest of does guys," she sobbed. "I'll moider 'em just like dare buddy," she said, trying to get up.
"They left when they saw you coming," Lily said, rubbing Marie's shaking back. An old woman opened her door a crack to see what was going on.
Target looked at her red hands then at the blood flowing out of the mouth of the man beneath her.
"I'se killed him, Tig, I'se killed him," Target whispered into the air of the warm night. "What's going on here?" the old woman squealed. Target and Lily's head snapped to the elderly woman in the doorway. They lifted themselves off of the ground.
"Run!" Tig said quickly. They both dashed back down the street to the Lodging House.
"Get back here!" the woman shrieked. "Police," she yelled. "Police, come quick!" she continued.
The girls skidded to a halt and flung open the doors of the Lodging House. Their feet pounded as they flew up the stairs.
"Guess dat waita was right 'bout dem weirdos, huh?" Target said, laughing and sniffling at the same time, trying to make things better in a horrible situation. They had finally reached the top of the stairs. Tig came first, Target trailing not far behind. The Newsies stared at the pale faced girls in their mists.
"We have t hide Target...and fast! She just killed a scabber, no time to explain," said Tig. All eyes were on Target. There came a banging at the doors downstairs. Everyone's head snapped to the staircase.
"Okay," Jack said sarcastically and got up off his bed. The boys ran and grabbed Target by the arms. The banging continued.
"POLICE! OPEN UP!" they yelled from outside. The Newsies dragged Target across the room.
"Go let them in Specs," Tig said. "Act normal and don't look suspicious. Get the door and see what they want," she ordered, directing Specs down the steps.
"Already done," he said, saluting her and he ran down the stairs. The Newsies scattered to try and find a suitable hiding place for Target.
"Ova here!" someone called.
"Hide here!" another said. Most of the places were too small.
"Get in here," Jack called, picking her up and lowering her into the laundry basket. "Cover yourself wit da clothes," Jack continued and helped arrange the clothes heavily on top of her. Specs came sprinting back up the stairs. Jack closed the lid at the sound of the footsteps pounding closer. Everyone went about their business as the officers reached the top of the steps. Jack sat on the lid of the hamper and pretended to read to afternoon paper. The room became silent as the cold eyes of the police were cast upon the room.
"Hello offica, what can I'se do for you'se?" Jack asked as innocently as possible.
"We have good reason to believe that a murder is in this building," said a slender officer. Kloppman came slowly creeping up the stairs. "A moiderer! Ya don't say," he uttered.
"You don't mind if we took a look around, do you?" the second officer asked, pointing to himself and his partner.
"No, not at all!" Tig spoke. She motioned the boys to make room so the officers could look as they pleased. The two policemen made their way around the Newsies' sleeping quarters. The eye of the Newsies followed the two as they moved around the room.
"Young man, will you get up, please?" asked the slender officer. Jack crossed his arms over his chest and looked around to the rest of the Newsies. Then, turning back to the officers, he said,"Yeah.yeah sure," and lifted himself off the hamper lid.
"Thank you," replied the officer. Jack stepped aside as the man opened the lid. Jack lowered his head in fear that Target was caught, but all he saw were torn dirty clothes.
"Okay," the policeman said, "let's search the next house."
Jack lifted his head smiling. "Yes, well, glad to be of some soivice," he said and slapped the officer on the back. The two men made their way downstairs. The group heard the doors slam shut. Everyone let out a sigh of relief. Target slowly lifted the lid and looked around the room. She stood up inside the hamper. As she began to bring one of her legs out and over the brim, she lost her balance and landed with a thud on the floor. Skittery bent down to assist her to her feet.
"Thanks Jones," Target mumbled with a soft smile. Blink picked up the lost clothes on the floor. Mush held Tig close as they watched. Target wrapped her arms around Skittery's waist.
"Wow," Tig thought, "she doesn't waist any time," and squeezed Mush tighter. Target began to sob again and buried her face in Skittery's chest. The sight brought tears to Lily's hazel eyes.
"Great, now we'se got two goils cryin'!" Racetrack said aloud.
"Shud-up, Race!" Jack hissed, walking toward Tig. He grabbed her by the arm. "Go sit ova dare," he whispered and pointed to a bunk. "Target, you'se too! Sit down."
Target let go of Skittery, dried her eyes, and sat on the bunk beside Lily. The Newsies gathered around. Jack stood in front the murderer and her accomplice, his arms still across his chest. "Specs!" he called. Specs threw something to Jack. "He found your hat," Jack sounded, handing it to Target. "Now, what's all dis 'bout you'se killin' somebody?" Jack asked.
"It was in self-defense," Target explained softy and innocently. Jack rolled his eyes.
"So you'se killed da guy?!" Jack yelled.
"She was protecting me!" Tig said in defense. The Newsies gave an indecent grumble.
"What did he do? Did he forget to pay da rent? What, did he throw away a perfectly good ciggie? What da hell did he do to desoive ta die?" Jack yelled at the top of his lungs. "WELL, ARE YOU'SE GONNA ANSWER ME?" he yelled once more.
"HE TRIED TO RAPE HER!" Target shouted at the same volume. The whole room fell silent. The only sound was Target's heavy breathing and Lily's crying. "OKAY JACK? HE TRIED TA RAPE HER! IS DAT WHAT YOU'SE WANTED TA HEAR?" her voice quivered, her eyes and nose turning red from crying. She suddenly stopped her weeping, there were no more tears left to shed, only rage in her heart.
Mush's eyes went wide and he ran to Tig who was now lying on her side atop the bed. Mush knelt down and held her tight; tighter then he had ever before.
"I'se could have lost you'se tonight," he looked to Target behind him. He got up and gave her a loving hug. "Thank you'se. Thanks for what you'se did," he took a good look at Tig lying on the bed, half asleep. "I'd rather it be him, then her," Mush finished and gave Target a gentle kiss on her warm cheek.
"Anytime," she mumbled, jokingly.
"Jack," Mush called, "Lily's stayin' here and I don't wanna hear otherwise."
About two in the morning, everyone was still wide-awake.
"Skittery," called Tig, motioning him to come over to her. She pointed to Target by her window: she had been sitting there for three hours straight. "I think she needs a little cheering up. Why don't you go over and talk to her."
"I'se wanna show I'se care, I'se really do. But, she's Spot's goil and no one messes wit any of Spot's goils."
"Listen, I already told her how you feel," Tig began. "She told me she feels the same way but didn't think you were interested. That's why she went with Spot, it was a test to see if you were interested and just needed a little push," Lily whispered. Skittery smoothered his hair and straitened his suspender straps.
"You'se really tinks she likes me?" he asked, glancing over at Target.
"Come here," Tig said so he would slouch down to her eyelevel on the bed. "You two were so meant for each other, it's not funny," she whispered and slapped him on the side of the head. "She's in love with you, not Spot! Good God man!" she scolded as Skittery rubbed the side of his head. "Now go!" she whispered loudly.
Skittery turned around. Tig shook her hand, trying to relieve the pain from the slap. "I hate playing matchmaker!" she said, looking to her red hand. Mush walked back to the bed with a glass of water for his girl.
"What's wrong?" asked Meyers.
"Watch," Tig pointed to Skittery.
"Target?" Skit questioned in a sweet voice. Target jumped a little. "You'se okay?" he asked.
"Why you'se askin' me? I'se ain't da one who almost got rapped tonight," Target asked, looking over her shoulder at Tig, who wasn't jumpy at all.
"Cause I'se don't care 'bout Tig right now, I'se cares 'bout you'se," Skittery said. A smile crept upon Target's face and the color was retuning to her cheeks.
"Sorry I'se snapped at you'se. Have a seat," she answered. Skit sat on the bench beside Target and looked out the window.
"So what have you'se been lookin' at for so long?" he asked.
"I'se haven't really been lookin', just.thinkin' I'se guess," Target began. "I'se still can see the fear in his eyes, but I'se didn't stop! I'se just kept thinkin' 'I'se cant let him hoit Tig!' I'se neva thought I'se could kill anybody! His laugh was so evil...I'se couldn't stand it," she whispered, turning from the window into Skittery's gray eyes. His eyes weren't like Spot's. They weren't stone-like and cold, full of hatred; they were soft and gentle and full of life and love.
"Mush, look! Their gonna kiss!" Tig whispered.
"No dey ain't," he replied.
"No, I'm sure of it! I know that look, you do it all the time," Tig said, looking at Mush, who had that look.
Skittery put his finger under Target's chin and leaned in to kiss her. She closed her eyes and did the same. They were two seconds away from the perfect kiss when a voice squeaked.
"Lily! Lily dear!" a blond woman came climbing the stairs with high stiletto heels. It was Miss Julie Walker. She was Kloppman's niece and was like a mother figure to Lily. Miss Walker was wearing a long, red dress with white lace and her hair pulled back into a curly bun.
Skittery and Target jumped at the sound of her voice. Target got up and walked quickly to her room. Skittery dropped his head to the floor in disappointment.
"Damn it, Walker!" he thought to himself. He scratched his forehead and looked up at Tig as if it were her fault. He extended his arms to his side as if to say, 'What da hell she have ta show up for?'
"Sorry!" Tig mouthed to him.
"I'se need a cigarette," he said, getting up. "Hey Race, come here!" he yelled, walking across the room.
"Lily dear, I can't believe you're still up at this retched hour! How are you?" she looked toward Mush, not giving Lily a chance to answer. "How is this? I don't believe we've met! How are you?" she looked to her right. "Crutchy, where have you been?" she called and walked away, not getting an answerer out of either of them.
"Kind of a chatter box isn't she?" Mush asked Tig. Kid Blink had been standing close by, listening.
"Guess no one told her da news yet," Blink said, pointing his thumb at Miss Walker.
"Is that good?" Mush questioned.
"Very good! If she found out, she'd probably throw everything way out of proportion," Tig explained.
"Ah Tig? I'se think we'se already accomplished dat," Blink whispered, pointing to Jack. "Well, it's gettin' late. See ya tomorrow," Blink said, 'shoving off', and getting ready for bed.
"Yeah, I should get some rest. I'll go see if Target's got an extra bunk," Tig uttered, getting up off of Mush's bed.
"Why don't you'se stay wit me tonight?" Mush asked, grabbing her arm.
"Maybe next time Tiger. I love you," she whispered and gave him a good night kiss. He watched her dream-like as she walked away until she disappeared behind Target's door.
"Alright fellas," Mush sounded, "cheese it! Time ta get some sleep," he called. Everyone finally settled down a few minutes later. The Lodging House grew dark as everyone drifted into slumber.
****** JustDuck: Hey(again)! I talked to Kris some nights ago to see what she meant so I could answer your question. She said that Target only said that because she didn't think she could get the bird, but knew that she could get the sign. But, it worked anyway with her plan and now Skit has to deal with the guilt of not saying anything, which brings us to this chapter! Don't worry, when I first read it, I didn't understand why she did that either, but decided to just go with it anyway! Hope everything is well in sunny California!
splashey: Yeah, everyone is getting hurt! LOL Thanks for reviewing!