you know what-im just sooo excited to update again-you guys get 2 chapters right in a row! :) thank you reviewers-i never thought that simple little kind words about my random spur of the moment writing could make me feel so great! xmas chorus concert tonight, so i MAY post one more chpter after if u review! :)
Chapter 5: The...Proper Standard...
Gabrielle was talking to Claire when Mush finally caught up with her. He could hear she was telling her about the previous events that had just occurred with Henry, and he saw her friend become completely disgusted.
"Too bad there aren't any decent boys here tonight," Claire said.
"I wish Mush was here…" Gabrielle sighed.
Just then, Gabrielle turned around and walked right into Mush. He stopped her fall as she began to ramble, completely embarrassed.
"Oh dear! I'm dreadfully sorry…." She continued.
He just smiled, "Now why does dis seem familia'?" he asked.
She looked up and smiled as she stood up, "Mush! What…what are you doing here?" she asked, trying to contain her excitement.
"Well I heard dere was gonna be a party ta'night, and I also head there was this real goigeous goil with reddish hair and real pale skin. I think her name was…Maggie or somethin'…" he joked.
She slapped his arm playfully, but was surprised when he offered it up, "May I have this dance?" he asked with a smile.
Oh that smile, that gorgeous smile. Her heart melted as she turned to Claire, who just cocked an eyebrow as she looked Mush up and down. Gabrielle rolled her eyes, turned back to Mush, and took his arm.
He led her out to the middle of the dance floor (which was at the moment, empty,) as the whole room was whispering about 'the boy Gabrielle was with.' She didn't even notice the stares as the music began, and they curtsied/bowed to one another.
Soon, the dance floor was filled, and Mush remembered something he wanted to ask her.
"Hey Gabs?" he asked.
She smiled, "Yes?"
"Why didn't you tell me yer fadda' was da mayor?"
She was surprised, "Oh, I'm not sure, to be honest. I guess it just slipped my mind. I'm so sorry!"
"No, no, it's okay."
After a few minutes, the music stopped, and Mush led her off the floor.
"Follow me!" she whispered as they walked out into the garden…
"John, who is that boy Gabrielle just went outside with, dear? It doesn't look like Henry," her mother asked.
"I'm afraid I don't know, Marie, but at least she's showing interest in someone!" he answered.
Mush followed Gabrielle as she held her dress and ran through the garden. They sat down on a small bench by the pond, and Gabrielle began ripping off her gloves and shoes. She lifted her skirt as she went to the edge of the dock and hung her legs over the edge. Mush soon joined her.
"What's it like? Being a newsie I mean?" she asked.
"Well, it's a rough life, but it has it's ups too," Mush answered, "We have more freedom than any kid could eva ask for, but on da flip side we'se all orphans and runaways. No parents to turn too when things get tough. We are each odders family."
"Sounds better than what I got stuck with. Yes-high society's world can be great, but I'd rather live rough than be stuck with parents like mine, and I especially would love to get away from…Henry!" she shuddered.
"So who is dis Henry fella' anyways?" Mush asked.
"He's the governor's selfish son, who thinks everyone loves him, including me. My parents expect want me to marry him someday, but I'd rather have my fingernails pulled out," he laughed slightly, "And my head shaved..." he laughed hysterically.
"That bad huh?" she turned to him, giving him an "obviously" expression, "Well, I um…saw what he did ta ya's earlier. He seems like a pig," Mush said.
"Oh dear, you saw all that?" she laughed.
"Mm-hmm!" he smiled, "Just uhh…don't eva do dat ta me…Unless I pull something really stupid like Henry did!"
"I don't think I'd have a problem if you did what Henry did…"
Unfortunately, Henry had over-heard their conversation, and immediately went to inform her parents about the true identity of Gabrielle's "mystery boy."
"Good evening, Sir," Henry said.
"Why, good evening Henry. How are things?" John asked.
"Well, to be perfectly honest…I have a feeling that boy Gabrielle was just with isn't of the...proper standard…" he said arrogantly.
"How ever do you mean?" Marie questioned.
"Well, Madame, I have reason to believe he is a simple newsboy, a street rat! He managed to get a tux for the night to try and blend in…" he continued.
"WHAT!? My daughter…in love with…a piece of scum newsboy?!" John yelled.
Rosie overheard and ran outside to warn Gabrielle…
A/N: garrrr dont you hate Henry? I think of that jerk from "What A Girl Wants" you know-the one that looks like a duck? :-D anyway let's find out what happens neexxt....:)