Hey everyone here is chapter eight. I just got back from my trip and I am updating just like I promised. I hope that you like this chapter, it was a little difficult for me to write. Because it wasn't as exciting as my last chapters, but just as good I hope. Its not as depressing. Anyway I will have chapter nine up next Saturday (I am updating every Saturday from now on.) Keep reviewing and let me know what you think. Also if you can read my short fic that I just posted called Growing Young. It's a one shot so I want to get as many people to read it as possible. Because its my first songfic and short story. Well keep reading and I hope to hear from you soon!
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 Eight
Bang, Bang! I woke up the next day with a startlingly loud pounding sound coming from my bedroom door. "Dolly, you awake yet?" Racetrack hollered from the opposite side.
Moaning, I rolled over in my bed, pulling the covers up overtop of my head. For a few moments it was silent and then the pounding began again. I pulled the covers back down and then reluctantly climbed out of the confinements of my deep slumber. "I'm up Race, could you stop with that horrific pounding. Before you give me a migraine," I yelled loudly as I made my way over to the door. I opened it up and Race was standing there fully clothed, ready for a hard days work. "Why are you making such a racket?"
I rubbed the sleeplessness out of my eyes and then starred at him sternly. He smirked and then took a puff on his cigar. "Sorry Doll. But since, I ain't aloud ta come in. I needed ta wake ya up somehow." Race replied as he laughed at my ragged appearance. "Didn't get much sleep last night, did ya?"
"Not exactly," I commented as I fixed my nightgown and straightened my hair a little. I felt rather self-conscious as some of the other boys walked by. But they didn't even take notice of my appearance.
"Do ya have a jacket?" Race asked. "Because it's kinda chilly outside today."
"Yeah," I said as I turned around and walked to my dresser.
"Ok, well the boys are done getting changed so you are free to use da bathroom. Oh and if I were you, I wouldn't wear anything fancy. Just something comfortable, if ya got anything like dat," Race stated as he walked out of the room, shutting the door and leaving me in confusion.
I began to wonder where they were planning on taking me today. But I forgot all about it as I looked for the clothes that Race had specified. Deep in the bottom of my dresser I found an old black skirt that came down to my lower thigh and a plain white blouse. I put on a pair of knee high black socks and took out my oldest pair of boots, which were worn in at the bottom. I would have to have Race help me tie them later because it would be rather complicated to tie a shoe with only one hand.
Once I was dressed, I walked out of the bedroom, through the bunk room and into the bathroom. There was one small boy with brown hair still remaining and he smiled at me as I walked in. He finished washing off his face and then left quickly to go with the other boys that were downstairs in the sitting room adjacent to the main entryway.
As I made my way to my sink, I put a note in the back of my mind to recommend that the boys clean up a little, later on. For the whole place was as filthy as a pig sty. Dirty cloths were sprawled around everywhere. Mud was caked onto the floor and sinks. I didn't even want to look at the toilet stalls, because who knows what I might find in there.
I took out the towel that I had used the day before and washed off my face. The cold water woke me up fast. Even though I had tried not to think about my past, I soon began to miss the small privileges of being rich. For instance the benefit of warm water. I desperately needed a full bath to clean off all of the filth that I had collected over the last few days. But I was reluctant to use the metal bin that they called a bathtub. Let alone take off all of my clothes when there was still the chance of one of the boys walking in on me. So I would have to wait for another day.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and cringed slightly. The rats' nest that I called my hair was piled in a frizzy mess of curls on the top of my head. I decided not to risk brushing it, since it would most likely only make it frizzier. So I ran my fingers underneath the faucet and then gently through my hair. After a few minutes I finally tamed the beast and was mildly satisfied with the outcome.
I left and walked back into my bedroom. I picked up my coat and slung it over my good arm as I made my way down the stairs to meet the boys. By the time I got down there the boys were lounging around in the sitting room, basically doing nothing but waiting. A few of the younger boys were pretending to sword fight with wooden sticks.
When I entered the room, all of the boys looked up. "Girls sure do take a long time ta get ready!" Mush said.
I laughed to myself. "Yeah, well it's not our fault that we actually care about what we look like."
I walked over and sat down on an old red sofa that was torn in multiple spots on the surface. I asked Race and he agreed to help me with my shoe laces. Once I was completely dressed, everyone got ready to go. "Why should we care about what we look like when nobody takes da time to stare at us?" Flasher retorted and most of the boys agreed.
"Why should you only have to look nice for others? Here's a little advice for you. The reason nobody pays attention to you is because most people only show respect to those who respect themselves," Flasher looked at me apprehensively but didn't say a word. "If you don't have any regard for your own well being, then what makes you think that others should? The only reason that I try to look as nice as possible is because it makes me feel better, not because I care what others think." I put my arm in one of my sleeves and then threw the other one over my right shoulder.
"I'm sorry ta break up this little dispute but we gots ta get goin'. The circulation bell should be ringin' any second now." Jack said and he ushered the boys out the door.
I followed the group reluctantly as they made there way over to the distribution center. The sun was faintly visible behind the dark gray clouds and I pulled my coat tighter as a gust of wind blew dry leaves into the street. It didn't take long before we arrived right as the gates opened. There was a large group of more than a hundred kids, standing around, waiting to collect their papers.
The crowd was made up entirely out of young men, but I did notice two rather rough looking teenage girls standing beside a pile of old crates over to my left. I wanted to walk over and ask them how they did it. What some of there tricks were for being a female newsie. But as I studied their behavior I began to think otherwise.
One of the girls had a rather large head of flaming red hair and wore a skirt far to short to be modestly cut. Her companion who had dark blonde hair, dressed a little more conservatively but still remained nothing less than trashy as she let some guy kiss all over her neck.
Watching the disgustingly perverse display in front of me, I decided that it would be best not to disturb them. Yet as I watched the young man slip a few quarters into the blonde's bodice, I knew right away how they survived. The girls used there bodies as an advantage. If they didn't make good money that day selling papers, they would make it somewhere else.
Right then I knew in the back of my mind, that no matter how hard I work I will have little success in the Newsie world. For I could not use my body as a mere object to make money. I'm different than those girls; I have a larger set of values for myself. So I knew that if I did try to pursue this occupation I would just have to create my own way of doing things.
"Hey Doll, dis way," Jack said as he led me up a ramp and to an open window. We had to walk past those girls on the way and the red head glared questioningly at me. I knew that to them it was as if I was invading there territory. This was there world and I didn't belong.
Behind the large window there stood a tall thin old man, with a bowler hat on and a stripped dark blue vest. "How many?" he asked.
Jack slapped a few coins down onto the counter in front of us, "a hundred and twenty papes." he said.
A young boy from the back room came out and handed Jack the papers. Then from behind us came a harsh female voice. "So Kelly, When did ya start payin' for all da new comers' round here?"
We turned around and standing there was the tall red head. She looked me over with resentment and then glared back at Jack. "I don't see where it's really any of your business, Rose." Jack replied with annoyance.
"Of course it's my business," She said briskly. "Now ya gonna introduce me or what?"
Jack turned to me. "Dollface, dis is Rose. Rose dis is Dollface. There now we all knows eachotha. I gots business ta tend to, so if you'd excuse us." Jack grabbed my hand and went to leave but Rose wasn't going anywhere.
"Oh so ya name is Dollface is it?" She said as she circled around me. "Hmm, I don't think da name suits ya." Rose commented as she looked at me pathetically.
"Her name suit's 'er just fine." Racetrack came to my defense. He was getting frustrated I could tell.
"She won't last a day out on da streets. She may have a nice face, but dats all she's got." The dim witted blonde, who was now standing by her side laughed maniacally.
"She's got more than you's got," Said a cocky voice from the center of the crowd. When it parted, I felt as if I was about to faint. Walking towards us was Spot Conlon. His face was neutral and passive. Most of the boys went quiet and we could hear the soft clunk of his cane every now and then. Even though I knew he was in the neighborhood I somehow didn't expect him to show up here.
For a second Rose's face went pale, but then she recovered quickly. "An' what's dat, Spot?"
He walked up to me and I glared at him relentlessly. I think he could see the fear fill my green eyes. For I was terrified to think of what he was going to say. "Well she's got a brain, dat's for sure. An' when she's angry she got's a mouth dat can beat da best of 'em. But she's got one thing that you ain't neva had." Spot paused for a few moments. "A soul," the large group of boys that had gathered around us now began to laugh hysterically as Rose huffed furiously and stormed away.
"Hey Jacky boy!" Spot spoke to Jack once more as they spit and shook hands. Then he turned to me and tipped his hat. "Dollface."
I just couldn't understand this kid. First he is whispering seductive words in my ear, and then he starts insulting me. After that he saves my life, then we were fighting again and now he just stuck up for me when I was being ridiculed. I wish Spot would just make up his mind. It would be a lot easier if I wasn't being torn in two. Trying to decipher whether or not I should hate him.
"Alright well I'd luv ta stay around an' chat, but der are papes ta sell," Race commented. He was now standing beside me and Jack with a large stack of papers under his arm.
"Yeah, ya're right Race. Here Doll, I'm only given ya twenty papes ta sell for now. Since ya don't exactly know what ya doin'," Jack handed me twenty papers and I held them tightly under my left arm.
"I normally sell alone, but I agreed ta take ya unda my wing for now. Till ya get the hang of it. But your neva ta sell alone, got dat. Always stick wit me or Jack." Race said as we began to walk out of the distribution center and into the streets of town.
"I'll keep that in mind." I replied. When Jack and Spot parted ways with us, I turned to Race again. "What just happened with that girl back there? Rose or whatever her name was."
"Oh nuttin', don't worry about her Dollface." Race responded casually, as if it was no big deal.
"Spot must really not like her if he decided to stick up for me, over her," I said laughing.
"Yeah, Spot and Rose used ta be a couple back in the day. But now dey can't stand eachotha. Nobody really knows why. It just happened. I think its cuz dey were too much alike. Ya see. Spot, he don't like having anyone coming and challenging his authority and dats exactly what Rose did," I took in everything Race said with consideration.
"Yet now Rose has her eyes set on Jack. But she ain't never gonna get da chance wit him. Cuz Jack and Sara ain't gonna be breakin' up anytime soon."
I shook my head, "I don't know why they named her Rose. I think that Thorn would have been more suitable," Racetrack shook his head and laughed.
As the day went on the weather only grew colder and with the amazing help of Racetrack I had managed to sell all of my twenty papers. We were walking down the sidewalk past a vaudeville theater when Racetrack stopped me.
"Come wit me," he said as he grabbed my hand and pulled me inside the theater.
"What are we doing?" I asked confused as he drug me up to the ticket booth.
"Ta see a show of course," Race replied staunchly.
"Ok, but why?" He bought the tickets and then pulled me inside.
"Cuz ya need a little fun in ya're life." He stated as we sat down at a table in the front, by the stage.
Race and I talked a little before the lights went slightly dim and the announcer turned on the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the star of the Vaudeville stage: Ms. Medda Larkson." From behind the curtains came a beautiful lady with bright red hair wearing a pink dress. She had an amazing voice and seemed to keep all of the young men in the audience entranced as she sang.
After the show was over Race got up and I followed him towards the stage. After the crowed cleared Medda came out from the back. "Racetrack!" She exclaimed as she hugged him like an aunt would her nephew. "It's wonderful to see you again! Where have you and the boys been?"
"Business hasn't been too good lately," was all he needed to say and Medda understood perfectly.
"So who may I ask, is this pretty young lady," she replied smiling brightly at me. I couldn't help but smile in return.
"Oh yeah, Medda dis is Hanna, Hanna dis is Medda Larkson," We both nodded our heads in greeting.
"So are you two dating?" She asked. Racetrack and I looked at each other before breaking out into a fit of laughter.
"No," Racetrack replied after he finally got control of himself. "We are just friends, Medda."
"Yeah, Race and the boys are helping me to become a newsie," I said.
Medda looked down at me surprised, "Surely you are kidding. For a newsie is not exactly the choice profession for a lady such as yourself. Have you not seen the sort of girls that sell on the streets?"
"They're not dat bad," Racetrack said but could barely defend his antics.
"Well I have no choice in the matter. For I need to make money somehow or I will no longer have a place to stay," I replied solemnly.
"I see, but have you not looked other places? Such as the cotton mills or sowing factories?" Medda asked.
"No, I have not. I was going to, but Jack refuses to allow me to live in those conditions." She just nodded her head.
"Jack always was a stubborn boy, but he's smart so I would listen to him." Medda said. "How did you enjoy the show?"
"Oh, yes! It was wonderful. The theater is beautiful." I exclaimed, looking around. When I was younger my mother would only allow me to attend private theaters for the wealthy upper class. So this was my first time attending a show such as this.
"How would you like to work here?" Medda asked. I stared at her shocked. Then I turned to look at Racetrack, who looked just as bewildered as me.
"I…I would love to." I said unable to believe my ears.
"As I had said before, the street is no place for a girl such as yourself. Shame on you Racetrack, you should have known better. But I will start you out at thirty cents an hour, passing out drinks to the customers. Once you show me that you can work hard, we will see about raising your pay." Medda laughed at the joy on my face. "How does that sound dear?" she asked.
I couldn't find the words to say so I just jumped up and hugged her. "Thank you so much!" She patted me on the head.
I left the vaudeville theater happier than I had been in many, many days. I talked to Racetrack and he convinced me that Jack would be ok with the fact that I would still be living in the Lodging house if I paid my rent, even though I wouldn't be a newsie. He said that it was a stroke of luck that led me to that job. We stopped and got a small ice cream to celebrate on the way home. I was so happy about my new employment that Spots party completely slipped my mind. It wouldn't be until tomorrow that things really began to get interesting.
Thank you to:
Padfootismyhero-Of course I was going to review your story, it is so good! Here's this chapter, its not one of my favorites but it's just leading up to next chapter which is the party! I can't wait to post that. Well I didn't write it yet, but when I do. I hope that you review. hugs
LenaJade- Sorry for the spelling mistakes. I give up trying to detect them all, lol. So I am going to apologies for future spelling mistakes that will be in every chapter from now until the end. Well I am glad that you enjoyed it at least and I look forward to your reviews.
Coin- Hey, I am still waiting for the beta'd chapters. But that's ok, just email me whenever you can. I hope you liked this chapter, there are a lot of things I want to fix. But I needed to post it. Well review when you can. Hope to hear from you soon.
NadaZimri- Yes I am glad I made you feel lazy, lol. Because I really love your story and you need to update soon!!!! I am just kidding about being glad that I made you feel lazy, but you still need to put up a new chapter. Because I want to know what happens next. Anyway, now that I'm done yelling at you. Pie eater is a cool character. But Spot covers my wall so I can't exactly get over him just yet. I am glad you liked the chapter and review soon.
Splashey- Yeah, I could imagine just how hard it would be to deny him in real life. Lol The chapter about the party is next. I hope you read and find out. Its going to be fun to write. I cant wait to see how everything turns out. But right now I know as much as you do. Because I don't know what's going to happen until I start writing it. Like I said before this story kinda writes itself. Well I hope to hear from you next chapter.
Emotions- Here is chapter eight. Thanks a bunch for your reviews they are always so nice. This chapter wasn't sad, at least I hope not. I don't think it was one of my best chapters but I needed to write it so that It leads of to the next chapter. Which is Spots party. I can't wait to write that, its going to be a lot of fun! Yeah I am trying not to rush into anything, because I need to build up the characters first. If I made Spot and Hanna get together right at the beginning then there really wouldn't be a point to the story. Thanks again. Also I really like your stories, I just haven't had time to review them.
Luv ya lots,
Leila3