Hey everyone, it's me, Leila3. I changed my penname to BlackWiltedRose. I was getting bored with the last one. My next chapter will be posted next Saturday. This chapter is very long. I knew where I wanted to take the story line but I just couldn't seem to get there, other things just kept popping up in my head. I hope you enjoy it. I am so happy that you all like it. Yes, I know I have said that more than a hundred times before. But its true. Anyway, keep reviewing and I'll keep updating as soon as possible. This may very well be the first story that I actually finish. But that wont be for awhile. Anyway, I'll shut up and let you get on to reading. PS. I am so, so sorry if there are spelling mistakes. I had to post this today, so I didn't have a lot of time to go over it. Thanks!
Disclaimer: I do not own anyone or anything from the Newsies movie. I wish I did, but I sadly don't. So I will just have to stick with my character, Hanna. Who belongs entirely to me.
Chapter Seven
After I had finally finished unpacking. I sat myself down on the old wooden chair in the corner of my new room. I felt more at home after everything had been placed in its proper positions. I folded up my clothes and put them neatly into the dresser that Mush was kind enough to bring me. All of my expensive designer dresses would remain there for sometime because there would be no use for them now. I would not be attending anymore evening tea sessions or extravagant dinner parties. I was a commoner and I wouldn't have the heart to walk around dressed so elaborate when all my new friends were practically in rags.
There was a soft knock on the door and I opened it up to find Jack and the rest of the boys, standing there starring at me. "Here," he said as he held out a piece of bread. "Ya should be hungry by now."
"Thanks," I replied smiling as I took it out of his hands. I tried not to act famished as I bit off a small piece from the corner.
"We need da talk," Jack torpidly stated. It didn't really surprise me considering I knew it was coming. Really, I had hoped I could just seclude myself from the world like I wished. But in a building with around thirty young men, I think it was rather impossible.
"I know," I replied. Sighing deeply as I flopped down onto my bed.
Jack walked over and pulled up the chair to sit across from me. The rest of the boys including Spot, who decided to stay in Manhattan for a few days, filed in after him. They stood around the room starring receptively. I felt as if I was back in one of my father's court rooms, but this time I was the one being judged.
"So, what's going on? Ya stayin' here or what?" Jack asked. I looked around nervously and Race caught my eyes. He winked at me to say that everything was alright and I turned back to Jack feeling slightly less uneasy.
"Yeah I guess I will be staying." Jack nodded his head and then continued.
"Is this permanent or just until ya can find somewhere else ta stay?" At this question I looked down at my hands.
"I can't afford to live anywhere else," I heard a few of the boys murmur apprehensively to themselves.
"What do ya mean ya can't afford it? Ya parents are rich!" A brown haired boy spat out ruthlessly. I stood up and turned to him angrily.
"They were…My parents were rich! But there not here anymore if you haven't noticed by now." Jack walked up and put a hand on my shoulder. He led me back to sit down on the bed.
"Stay outta dis," he pointed to the brown haired boy, who shut up quickly. Then Jack turned his attention back to me. "But Flasher brings up a good point. How could ya parents of had so much money and yet they left ya with nothing?" I take it that Flasher was the arrogant young man standing beside Skittery.
I just sat there glaring at him for a few minutes before I came to the conclusion that it was best just to tell them and get it over with. As I started to talk, I found that it had become continuously harder not to look over at Spot, who remained motionless by the window.
"They didn't exactly leave me with nothing. But it just so happens that I have a half brother out there somewhere that my parents forgot to inform me about. Being the eldest son, he was given my house along with everything in it. Also since I am no longer the only child, our parents money was split evenly down the middle. But my parents decided that my share of the money would be placed into a savings bond that I won't wont be aloud to retain until my 21st birthday or unless I get married before then." Deciding that in order to prevent myself from looking over at Spot, I would just stare down at my hands. I jumped as I heard his voice above the silence.
"How much money?" He asked, I looked over and he stared at me continuously without blinking.
"What?" I asked, unable to believe that he would ask such a question.
"How much money?" Spot repeated the question.
"I don't see why it matters," I replied continuing to stare back at him.
"Just answer da question," he said blankly. I looked deep into his blue eyes and tried to find out what he was thinking at the moment, but he had somehow found away to put up a wall.
"As of now I have 24,000 dollars in the bank," Some of the boys gasped. I knew that most of them had never known that kind of money before. But Spot just continued starring at me.
The tension in the air was building as we continued to have our battle of wits. "So ya don't know this brotha of yours?" Jack asked, trying to keep me and Spot from having any more conflicts.
It took a great deal of effort but eventually I pried my eyes from Spots and looked over at Jack. "No, I have never met him before. I don't even know his name." I replied. After I finished my sentence there was a short pause. Finally Jack spoke.
"Well, ya can stay as long as ya like." he replied nodding his head as he came to a conclusion. Then he stood up to leave.
"Wait! Jack, how can ya let her stay? She ain't no newsie!" Flasher stated angrily before Mush smacked him up beside the back of the head.
"Because what I say goes, got dat Flasha and ya best learn it too. Because if ya don't ya may just find yaself livin' out on da streets like before. She ain't no newsies, not yet at least and she may have a lot of money in da bank, but as of now she ain't got nothin'. I'll trust Doll here, just like I trusted you. So until she proves me utterwise she's stayin." Flasher glared daggers at Jack and then shoved his way out the door, knowing not to challenge his authority.
"Look Jack, I don't want to cause any problems. I'll just stay in the orphana…" But I didn't get a chance to finish because he put up a hand to stop me.
" Other than Flasha, do any of you boys have a problem wit her stayin here?" Jack turned and asked the rest of the newsies. To my surprise they all shook there heads and said no. Jack turned back to me. "See there aint no problem. Just rememba to stick by da rules and you'll be fine."
"Alright," I said giving in. I knew that there was no use in arguing with Jack. Once he made up his mind, it was set in stone.
"The headline was good yesterday, so me and da boys are going to Tibby's to celebrate lata, you should join us." Jack offered with surprising politeness. I took up his offer and they told me to be ready in an hour.
Satisfied that they had been given an answer the boys departed from my room. But the last to leave was Spot who decided to take his time. On the way past me he stopped.
"Ya know, your lucky dat Jack had taken such a likin' to ya. Because not everyone would be so kind." His voice was harsh but there was a sense of calmness in the air about him that made me uneasy. I knew now what he was thinking, for Spot understood that he had me right were he wanted me. Because now I didn't know whether I was actually afraid of Spot or more so afraid of what might happen if I chose to give in to my curiosity.
"And your lucky Spot, that I'm in such a good mood or else I might consider embarrassing you in front of all of your friends again." His red lips curved into that malicious grin of his, that I had come to despise. I knew that Spot Conlon was the most devious, cunning, leader of a brutal pack of miscreants and to cross him would mean big trouble. But somehow I couldn't stop myself from testing his patients any chance that I could.
I hated Spot with passion so deep it could be cut with a knife and yet I still felt somehow connected to him. For he was not the only one who hid behind a mask. Maybe it was sympathy I felt, or maybe something more. But I don't think it was the sun shining brightly through the open window that was making my body feel so warm.
I knew he felt the heat too, because Spot took a step closer and then another, until he was starring directly into my blazing green eyes. It was a challenge, he wanted me to break. I could see it hidden in those pools of blue. He wanted me to feel as vulnerable and as weak as I had made him feel this morning.
Spot remained so close that I could actually see the tiny specks of yellow and green that lay hidden in his eyes. My brain was telling me to push him away, to step back and regain control. But I think there was something else that held me firmly to the ground. I couldn't feel myself moving forward, but somehow we continued to get closer and closer. I had to make him stop; I wasn't ready for what he would bring into my life.
Spots face was only centimeters away from my own, when I realized what he was doing. I closed my eyes tightly and whispered, "Please leave."
I continued to tell myself that this was just another one of Spots pathetic mind games, a mischievous plot to prove that I was just like any other girl. But the shock and confusion that gleamed in his eyes for a fleeting moment made me question my decision. "Smart choice," he whispered in my ear. Then walked around me and out the door.
I didn't move from my location, as I starred solemnly at the floor for a few moments trying to gather my broken emotions. How could it be that every time he walks into a room, I feel as if I loose complete control of my life?
"Ya like him, don't ya?" came a familiar voice from behind me. I whipped around quickly and saw Race leaning against the door frame smirking.
"What! Of course I don't." I said offensively.
"Come on Doll, I'd like ta think dat we are friends. Ya can tell me if ya do, wouldn't be a surprise though. Most girls fall for Spot, always have. Dunno why though." Race walked over to the bed and took a seat.
"You are my friend Race and you would be the first one I would inform if the situation ever occurred. But I'll tell you this now, that what I feel for Spot Conlon is the farthest thing from like, rather loath. For I detest that boy more than anyone I have ever known. I would think that my actions towards him would prove likewise. But obviously I have been giving the wrong impression." Racetrack continued to stare at me as though he was judging on whether or not to believe me. Finally he came to a decision and nodded his head understandingly.
"Alright Doll, whateva ya say. But I'm warnin' ya now, its risky business getting' involved wit someone like him. I've known 'em for years and his reputation with women ain't exactly da best." I walked over and sat down in the chair facing Race.
"Well I'll keep that in mind if ever the opportunity arises. But as for now there is nothing going on between me and Spot Conlon and if I have anything to say about it, there never will be." I fixed my long brown skirt and slouched back slightly in my chair.
"Just be careful, dats all I'm sayin," Race retorted in a brotherly manner, as he stood up to leave.
"I will," Standing up myself; I patted him on the back. "No need to worry, Race. I've got a good head on my shoulders. I know bad news when I see it." He smiled and then walked out the door, shutting it behind him.
"Get dressed, we'll meet ya downstairs. The boys said dat they would stay out so ya could use da bathroom and clean up sum." Race yelled as I heard his footsteps retreating down the old wooden staircase in the other room.
I took off my brown dress and hung it over the arm of the chair. I was wearing nothing but my undergarments as of cold chill blew in from the open window and I shivered slightly. I rummaged through my dresser and found a casual skirt and blouse to wear. Once I had changed into my clothes I walked out of the bedroom door and into the bunkroom. It was temporarily empty, as I made my way across the floor and into the somewhat open bathroom area. There were multiple sinks lining the walls with small mirrors that hung above them. The room was disgustingly filthy, with dirty rags and half empty bottles of shaving cream lying around.
Yet there was something that seemed out of place. At the very end of the row of sinks lining the left wall closest to the stalls. There was one sink in particular that stood out from the rest. It was sparkling clean and sitting on a small shelf below the mirror was a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
I smiled to myself, as I picked up the bouquet of daisies. It just made me feel so wonderful to know that the boys were trying hard to make me feel as comfortable as possible. I laid the flowers back down and picked up a wash cloth that was hanging over the side. Wetting it, I quickly washed off my face and arms. It felt as if there had been a layer of filth that collected on my skin over the last week. When I looked back into the mirror, I once again saw the girl that I used to be. Except I had lost the shine in my eyes.
Once I finished cleaning up a bit, washing off and fixing my hair into a simple braid on the back of my head, I used the bathroom and then made my way downstairs. I felt better than I had in many days and my joy must have shown on my face. When the rest of the boys saw me they smiled and Race walked up patting me on the back.
"Now there's the girl we know! Welcome back Dollface!" He said and I shoved his arm playfully with my good hand. "Come on, were suppose to be meetin' Spot and some of his boys at Tibby's in ten minutes. If we don't hurry we'll be late and it aint good ta keep em' waitin."
"Well he could use a little bit a patience," I grumbled.
"What did ya say back der Dollface?" Jack asked as we walked out of the Lodging House.
"Oh nothing, just that I can hardly contain my excitement," I replied with blatant sarcasm in my voice. Racetrack grinned widely beside me and most of the boys laughed. But some of them looked over at me apprehensively, worried that I may become the cause of a future war with Brooklyn.
It didn't take us long to get to Tibby's and I had begun to feel as if I had made a bad decision upon agreeing to join them. I needed to get out, to breath some fresh air. But the mere thought of being surrounded by a group of young men who didn't know the first thing about the word courtesy, made my stomach churn. Let alone being forced to befriend Spot, whom I would have rather seen jump off the Brooklyn Bridge.
The boys in Spots gang were just as rough and as fierce as I had predicted them to be. All wielding the same sense of rash hostility towards the world, as there leader. Even as I stood in-between Mush and Jack, the degrading stares that I received from our new arrivals made me want to cower under one of the tables.
I fidgeted uncomfortably and looked backwards longingly towards the door. I think Racetrack saw me because he pulled me off to the side. "Just stay wit us," he retorted and I nodded my head obediently.
I grabbed Race's hand and he pulled me through the large crowed. I pretended as if I couldn't hear the boys saying, "Is dat da girl?" or "So she's da one?" I didn't even want to think of the horrific things Spot had said to his boys about me when he left.
We reached a large booth in the far corner of the restaurant were Jack, Spot and some blonde haired boy that I didn't know, were sitting. Jack moved over and I took a seat in-between him and Race. Spot averted eye contact with me and just mumbled a soft hello, in greeting. I was shocked not to hear some smart remark coming from his mouth. I came to the conclusion that he too, just wanted to make it out of this rather uncomfortable situation with as little confrontation as possible
I sat there starring out the window, as I looked across the street at the school were I had once attended. After a few moments passed I had successfully blocked out any outside conversations. It wasn't until I heard my name called that I came back to reality.
"Dolly ya payin' attention?" Race asked. I looked around the table and everyone was starring at me. Other than Spot who was fiddling with his suspenders.
"Oh, yeah sorry," I replied.
"So ya commin' to the party or what?" Jack asked.
"What party?" I asked confused.
"Spot is having a party for da newsies at the Brooklyn Lodging House two days from now. They said ya could come if ya want." Race replied rather hesitantly. I could tell by the tone of his voice that he didn't really recommend me going. I looked over at Spot, who looked at me for a brief moment and then started fixing his slingshot.
I don't know why but the fact that Spot Conlon was practically ignoring my presence, infuriate me to no end. What right did he have to be upset at me? I didn't want this any more than he did. I knew just by the hostile glares that I was receiving from his boys that Spot didn't want me at this party. Because I would be nothing but a further hindrance to his overly large ego which had been slightly damaged after our unnecessary little argument that morning.
After taking into complete consideration of that fact that I would be an unwelcome guest, there was nothing else that I could do but…"Of course I'll come."
Spot looked up quickly and I could see the intense glare of annoyance blazing in his eyes. I didn't retaliate with harsh words, but rather a soft smile. It scared me slightly to know that when I crossed the Brooklyn Bridge I would no longer be in the safe confinements of Manhattan. I would be in his territory, alone and vulnerable to anything that he would throw my way. Of course I wouldn't literally be alone, for I'd be in the company of the Jack, Racetrack and the rest of Manhattan Newsboys. But even they were no match for the full force of Brooklyn.
We sat there for another hour and the boys talked about all the new developments in the Newsie world. The played in a ruthless game of poker, which Racetrack won and talked nonchalantly about there latest conquests in the complicated world of romance. Watching this, I was reminded of a small group of school girls gossiping about there recent heartaches and secret crushes.
After our small get together had come to a conclusion, Mush offered to take me on a tour of the city. It was funny how little you could know about a place, when you live there your entire life. Even though I felt exhausted, I didn't want to go back to being stuck in the tiny room that was my new home.
We had begun walking down a narrow street, which was lined with jewelry booths and fruit carts. The road was made of gray cobblestone, which was much easier to accommodate than most of the dirt roads around town. Horse drawn carriage cars made there way through the crowded pathways, as people parted to make way.
I looked around in a slight stupor, amazed at how little I had experience in my seventeen years of life. I felt like a new born child when it first makes its way into the world. Completely oblivious and ignorant to anything and everyone around me.
"Ya really are enjoyin' this aren't ya?" Mush asked laughing at the dazed expression of joy that was apparent on my face. To him it was nothing more than people going on with there everyday lives, but to me it was something spectacular.
My mother had never approved of me walking around town, at least not this part of town. I had been told that I was to only go specifically were I needed to be. Also I had been taught that I was to only associate with those of my social class. Other civilians were not worth my time or patience. I wonder what my mother would say, had she been here to see me now.
After we walked around for a few hours I looked up at the sky as the sun began to set. "Come on, I think its best if we start making our way back to the Lodging House. It's getting dark."
Mush agreed and we picked up something to eat for dinner. On the way back we had to go past the school. Sitting outside of its black iron gates was a large brown carriage. Inside there sat a very proper looking couple. The woman had wheat blonde hair and a shallow, thin face. She was dressed very elegantly in a long flowing, white and blue gown. The man sitting beside her looked twice her age and very prudent. He had gray hair that he was unable to conceal from beneath his dark black top hat.
Suddenly the gates to the school opened wide and out walked a very familiar looking young women. When she had gotten close enough for me to see her face. I could hardly contain my excitement. "Julia!" I said loudly. She must have heard because she turned around quickly. Upon seeing me, she ran over to my side.
"Hanna, Oh! I've heard what has happened! What a dreadful state of affairs! Are you alright? You gave me quite a fright. I woke up one morning and they told me you had gone." She wrapped her arms tightly around me. But when I squirmed uncomfortably, she noticed my injured shoulder. Julia cried out. "What has happened?"
"I am fine. No need to fret. I just had an unfortunate accident with a horse. But I was well taken care of." I turned and smiled at Mush. With a quick motion of my hand I beckoned him to come forward. "I do not know if you remember Mush, from our little outing at the restaurant." I said this very low. For I did not wish for her parents to hear.
"Of course! It is a pleasure to see you again!" Julia said rather enthusiastically. But then she covered it up quickly. I smiled softly as I watched both of my friends blush furiously.
"I have been staying in the company of Mush here and the rest of the newsies. All of whom are so very kind to me." I replied.
"Yes, you must tell me all about it. When shall you be returning to school? It's not the same without you." Julia commented.
"I'm sorry to say, but I will no longer be attending St. Brutus's, or any school for that matter. I am living with the Newsies now. There was a complication with my parents Will, and I was left with nothing." Julia looked shocked beyond recall.
"Oh Hanna, how offal!" She said looking at me with pity. Unable to bear the humiliation that I was once again receiving, I averted my eyes to the ground. Julia began to speak again but she was interrupted.
"Julia dear, we don't have much time." It was her mother who spoke, as she climbed gracefully out of the carriage and made her way over.
"Mamma, this is Hanna Grimmuald." Julia replied, pointing to me. I felt a knot in my stomach as her mother looked upon me with nothing more than discussed.
I knew that it was due to the fact that I was the child of the one man who had kept her husband from becoming the top judge at the courthouse. As long as my father was around, Julia's dad would always remain second best. But now that my father was permanently out of the picture, I was no longer a threat to her family.
"Yes, well we have to go. It was a pleasure meeting you, I'm sure." Her mother replied ruthlessly as she took Julia's hand and pulled her back to the carriage.
"Goodbye," she whispered looking at me apologetically.
Mush took my arm and made me start walking once more. But I could still hear Julia's mother scolding her from behind. "I do not understand why you feel the need to converse with such people. Have I taught you nothing?"
"But Mamma, her parents just…" Julia said.
"Yes, I know. Such a tragic thing. But that does not mean that you must lower yourself to her level. I do not want you to see that girl ever again, Julia. Do I make myself clear?" Her mother had her hands on her hips and was looking down at her, as if she was an untrained puppy.
"Yes, Ma'am!" Julia snapped. She turned around quickly and then climbed up into the carriage, taking a seat beside her father.
I continued walking and Mush looked over at me as I quickly wiped a tear from my cheek. Neither one of us spoke until we reached the front door of the Lodging House. Before he could walk inside I put a hand on his arm. Mush stopped and looked at me.
"I'm sorry," I whispered sorrowfully.
"For what?" He asked confused.
"I'm sorry that I used to be like that. I'm sorry for how I had treated you." I don't know why but I needed to apologies. I needed to know that he would forgive me.
"Look Doll, you never treated any of us like dat. You are different than them." Mush said redundantly.
"Yeah, that's what everyone keeps telling me. But I just don't see it." I said exasperated.
"That's because ya need ta look a little closer," Mush said as he pulled me into a hug. "Now lets get ya inside. You have a big day ahead of ya tomorrow."
Thank you to:
Padfootismyhero-Nope Spot isn't her brother. Her brother hasn't come into the story yet. Yeah it was fun to write the part where Hanna and Spot were fighting. His character is just a blast to make stuff up about. Its like at times you just want to choke him, but you can't exactly hate him either because he is just so cute! Lol Anyway write back and let me know what ya think.
Coin- Hey thanks so much for offering to be my beta reader. It means a lot to me. I sure could use the help. Email me soon, let me know what you think of this chapter. I know that there are so many mistakes…but I had to post in today. Because I am going on vacation tomorrow.
LenaJade- Yeah this story is filled with a lot of angst and there will probably be more. Not as much though. Anyway, sorry but I can't exactly tell you who the love triangle will be with. Because I like to keep people wondering. But I can say that Spot will definitely be part of it. Well let me know what you thought of this chapter.
Ershey- YEAH!! I have a new reviewer. Well if your reading this let me know what you thought of the rest of the story. I hope that you liked it as much as you liked the prologue. That's ok if you're a late reviewer I am just happy that someone else likes my story.
NadaZimri- Of course I had to make her tell off Spot. It wouldn't be any fun if she didn't. I know exactly what you mean. I do secretly love him lol. I did change my name as you can see and the stories are still here. I was going to put my name as Crimson, but I decided on BlackWiltedRose instead. Hanna's older brother will be coming into the story soon. We will just have to wait and see how that turns out. Thanks and I hope to hear from you soon.
Splashey- lol That's funny, I used to take Spanish. But now I take Italian. Your reviews make me very happy to read. I am so glad that you liked that chapter. Yeah I know, Spot confuses me sometimes too when I'm writing him. I think its just because no matter how angry he makes you, you can't stay mad at him for long. So I make him mean and then show his nice side.
Emotions- Yeah I felt really depressed when I was writing that chapter. Well as you can see, she is ok. I hope that you enjoyed these last few chapters and I'll be waiting to hear what you think.
Luv ya lots,
Leila3