Hey everyone, I am so sorry that I didn't have this chapter posted yesterday. I was forced to go over my aunts house and paint a shed. I got paid for it though so that's a plus. Anyway here is the next chapter it's late at night and I haven't had the chance to go over it, so I know there will be a lot of mistakes. But I hope you enjoy it anyway lol. If you read my story this far you have probably already got used to looking past them. Well keep reviewing 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 Nine
I tried to pretend as if I didn't hear Racetrack continuously yelling my name and pounding on my door the next morning. Today was Spots party and I regretted ever offering to go in the first place. If only I had the stamina to push my pride aside and keep my mouth shut for once in my life. If I did I knew that I wouldn't be in half as much of the situations that I was in. Trouble seemed to swarm around me like bee's to honey. If I only had enough strength then I could easily tell Racetrack that I was sick and didn't feel up to the task of attending this party. But I just couldn't give Spot one more reason to ridicule me. I wanted to prove to him that I would be a part of their world whether he wanted me there or not.
Even with my new burst of self confidence I still felt weak and pathetic, as if my entire existence had been for nothing. I knew Spot was probably looking forward to my arrival just so he could find some way to humiliate me. Which made me even less enthusiastic to attend. But I just couldn't let him get the better of me no matter the cost. So I yawned with exhaustion and reluctantly rolled over. Pushing myself up into a sitting position and throwing the covers off of me, I got out of bed. Walking over by my window I looked outside to see what the day was like.
I t was still dark but I could just see the sun rising in the distance over the towering buildings beyond. A warm gust of air blew the hair back from my face and I breathed in the fresh sent of the sun flowers that a neighbor was growing on her rooftop. I knew that it was going to be a beautiful day. Too bad I would have to spend it in the company of someone with such an ugly heart.
"Are ya commin' or what?" Racetrack yelled exasperated through the wood. I walked over and opened the door.
"Yeah Race, I'm coming." I smiled at him as he walked inside the room. "What should I wear?"
"If ya really want my opinion. Just something nice. But nuthin' too fancy like ya probably used to wearing. Because ya wanna blend in, not stick out," Racetrack responded.
"Well considering the fact that the majority of the people at this party will be guys, I don't know exactly how well I will be able to fit in," I said laughing. But Racetrack didn't look at all amused. He just shook his head and ran a hand through his dark black hair.
"I have a bad feelin' that this party isn't such a good idea, Doll. Maybe ya shouldn't go," he said.
"It's alright Race. I'm sure everything will be fine. I'll just make sure to keep my mouth shut and find a chair in the corner somewhere so I'll be out of the way," he looked at me apprehensively but finally gave in.
"Just stay by my side, alright? Ya don't know some of the stuff dat happens at Spots parties," I nodded my head obediently. I had never been to a party such as this, but I still had a slight idea of the stuff that goes on.
I rummaged through my dresser and finally found a few dresses that might be suitable for the occasion. "I'm going to try them on, tell me what you think. Go on, turn around," I said twirling my finger in the air. Race looked at me slightly shocked.
"Don't ya want me to leave the room?" he asked.
"It's too complicated. Besides all of the boys are still out there and they would think it strange if you kept walking in and out. So just turn around and don't peak," I stated sternly.
When he turned around I removed my nightgown. I pulled out one of my corsets from the dresser and put it on overtop of my undergarments. Although I had done it many times before I was having trouble connecting the buckles in the back. My mother had just bought this one for me a few months ago. It was a new design sent straight from Paris. In order to make it easier the corset tied in the front and then had six metal buckles in the back so that you wouldn't have to re-lace it every time you put it on. Normally I would have had my maid help me get dressed in the morning but I didn't have that luxury any more.
"Race, I know this is strange but could you help me buckle this corset?" I asked quietly. I didn't exactly feel comfortable with him being in the room while I was changing, let alone seeing me in my undergarments. But what other choice did I have.
I crossed my arms over my chest and felt the heat flush to my face as he turned around. My neckline dipped slightly lower than I felt was appropriate and even though Race was like a brother, he was still a guy. I could tell that he was just as nervous as I for his face I think was even redder than my own.
Race was staring at the wall behind my head and was fidgeting with his hands. I shifted my weight uncomfortably from one foot to another until finally I realized how stupid we were acting. "This is pathetic! We are acting as if I have no clothes on at all," I said and started laughing.
Race began laughing to, "Yeah I guess ya're right."
"Here," I replied as I turned around in order for him to buckle the corset. With my right collar bone still broken I was feeling rather helpless at the moment. I wished there was just one thing I could do on my own.
Once he was finished with the last buckle I turned around and pulled the first dress on overtop of my head. "How could ya breathe in dat thing?" he asked referring to the corset.
"With a lot of practice it becomes quite easy," I replied.
The first dress was rather simple. It had quarter length sleeves that frilled out at the end and was made out of blue and yellow silk. The neck line was squared off and laced up in the front. The skirt of the dress flowed down and brushed the floor.
"Dat one is nice," Race replied. "I think it's perfect," I nodded my head and decided with a look in the mirror that there would be no need for me to try on the others. It fit me perfectly and I looked very nice. But there was nothing about it that would attract any unwanted attention. Well at least not as much as I would have, had I dressed as I would for one of the parties that I was used to attending.
"Yes, I think you are right," I said happily and then I sighed, "It feels good to look like a lady again," I exclaimed.
"Ya always looked like a lady to us," Racetrack replied and I smiled at him.
"Thanks Race," I said walking over and hugging him. I then walked over to the chair and sat down. "But it's just not the same. I am trying to get used to this life…I really am. It's just so hard for me."
"Nobody ever said it was gonna be easy," Race replied as I put on my slippers.
"I know, but you just don't understand what I'm going through. You were raised on the streets Race so you know how to survive. You are used to people treating you like you don't exist. But I grew up in a home were anything I wanted, I got. Every second there were people showering me with compliments and telling me that I was the best. Every girl envied me because of my wealth. I actually believe that the only person in the world who didn't love me, was myself," I replied solemnly as I tried to fix my hair in the mirror.
"I neva thought I would be sayin' this ta someone like you. But I actually feel sorry for ya," Race said sitting down on my bed.
"Please don't. The last thing I need is the pity of another person," I replied. "I'm trying Race; I really am. It's just hard going from having everything in life to having nothing. I know that the boys probably think that I'm just some pathetic, spoiled, little rich girl."
"Nah, we know you's tryin'. Besides I don't think its ya're helplessness that we need ta worry about. Its dat mouth of yours," I laughed slightly and nodded my head.
"Yes, well maybe if certain people would learn some manners. Then there would be no need for me to cause any problems," Even though I said "certain people" Race knew that I was referring to Spot Conlon.
"Yeah well I doubt dat's ever gonna happen," Race replied staunchly as I followed him out the bedroom door. As we reached the stairs Jack came walking out of the washroom drying his hair with a towel.
"Are ya sure ya wanna go, Dollface? 'Cause no one would blame ya if ya backed out. We know you and Spot ain't exactly on speakin' terms," I glared at him as if he had just insulted me.
"I have never backed out of anything in my life, Jack Kelly. Nor will I start now. I said I was going to this party and I am sticking by my word. No matter how excruciating this experience will be," Jack knew that my decision was unable to be swayed and so he did not speak one more word of protest. "Besides Spot Conlon is the least of my worries," When I spoke these words I felt the strength in my heart, but it came out weak and feeble.
"Well, we gots ta get going," Racetrack said as we walked down the stairs and out the front door into the bath of warm sunlight.
The streets were packed with people going about there daily lives. All around us was the soft hum of the common society. On our way through the market buyer's yelled out bids trying to get a good bargain while the merchants sold their products for more than half its worth. They talked back and forth, as if in a country auction, until finally the price was beaten down into something that made both sides happy.
smiled softly at a little boy jumping into a mud puddle on the street that was left over from the previous rainy days. I watched the joy in his eyes that came from such a simple sense of happiness and I laughed at the stricken look on his mothers face when she pulled him away as the mud covered the legs of his britches.
Finally we reached the Brooklyn Bridge and I gazed at it in wonder. I had only been to Brooklyn twice when I was but a small child and I had little remembrance of its brilliant structure. I looked over the side once as we were crossing and it only served to ignite my rather large fear of heights. I just grabbed Racetracks arm tightly until we safely reached the opposite side of the bridge.
The moment we stepped onto Brooklyn soil it was as if a barrier was automatically placed up around me. I walked the streets in between Jack and Racetrack, making sure to look calm and controlled. Even though my heart was pounding hard in my chest and sweat glistened on my forehead, I held my chin high. I found out that the Brooklyn Lodging House was only a street away from the bridge and was located on the shores of the river.
"Rememba to stay wit me," Racetrack said as we stepped onto the dock. I nodded my head but didn't say a word. I would never admit it but I was terrified of the night that lay before me.
There were a few boys hanging around outside the lodging house on the dock smoking cigarettes and talking. They yelled comments to Jack who replied coolly in an authoritative voice. It was the tone that he used when he wanted to prove to everyone that he was in charge.
When we opened the door and walked inside there was a large spacious room with old fishing nets hanging on the walls. Tables were spread out around and sitting at them were multiple boys gambling and fooling around. Like I had thought, the majority of the crowd was men. But I noticed a small group of raunchy looking females prowling around. Not to my surprise Rose was among them.
She caught my eyes and smirked maliciously as Racetracks earlier comment entered my mind. I think they broke up because they were just too much alike. Rose's eyes flashed dangerously in my direction and I shivered slightly as Spots face appeared in my mind.
I was sticking so close to Racetrack that I knew some of the boys must have thought that we were a couple. But at the moment I really didn't care. I knew Race didn't care either because it was a way to keep me safe. If the boys thought that I was his girl that meant that I wasn't free game and they wouldn't mess with me as much.
We followed Jack over to a table in the corner where to my dismay sat Spot and a few of his cronies. He had on those same red suspenders and held on tightly to that gold tipped cane. Everything about Spot irritated me for some unknown reason. I held hatred towards him so deep that you would have thought that it had built up over many long years. When really I had only known him for a week and a half.
I did seem to notice that when he was angry his eyes were like ice that could freeze your insides. But when he seemed to be happy they burned with a hidden flame. He acts as if he hates the world and yet he thrives on being a leader over others. As if it gives him something worth living for. He isn't a leader like Jack who truly cares about the boys he looks after. Spot takes care of Brooklyn because that makes him the best at something. He merely does it so that he can be labeled a somebody, rather than nobody.
"Hey, Jack…Race, glad ya could make it," Spot said as he took the cigar out of his mouth and dealt his two new companions into the game. "So Doll, ya made it," he said casually to me.
"Yeah I guess I did," I replied as Race pulled up a chair beside him at the table and I sat down.
The game seemed to take go on forever. Eventually I decided to get up and stretch a little. As I walked around I noticed a boy in the far corner of the room sitting alone at a table. In his tan hands he held a small brown book. His face was deep in concentration and his dark blonde hair fell into his face slightly as he craned his neck to read. I decided that he looked the least hostile out of all the kids so I walked over to introduce myself.
The boy didn't look up until a soft shadow fell upon the words he was reading. When our eyes met I smiled sweetly. "Do you mind if I join you?" I asked.
He stared at me for a few minutes looking me over and then smiled in return. "Not at all," he replied.
"I'm sorry to bother you it's just that I came here with my friends Race and Jack but their in the middle of a game and I haven't had the chance to talk to anyone for hours," when I said this the boy just shrugged his shoulders.
"It ain't no problem," He replied moving his chair over and pulling up another one so I could sit down. "Now what's ya're name anyway?" He asked.
"It's Hanna, but the boys call me Dollface or Doll for short," I said and the boy smirked.
"Me names John West or Booker," he said, "But pardon me Doll, ya don't exactly seem to be the type to be hangin' out wit dis type a crowd."
"Well your right Mr. West. But that's a rather long story," I replied.
"We gots time and by the looks of dat game; da night is still young," John replied motioning over to Spot and his buddies.
"Yes, I do not doubt that. But my past is something that I do not wish to venture into at the moment if you don't mind," I said coolly, crossing my arms over my chest and leaning back in the chair.
"Don't go getting all agitated I was only wonderin'," John laughed.
"Yes, well if I do say so you don't exactly fit in yourself, sitting over here all alone. I don't think that I've seen you talk to one other person the entire night," He laughed at my observations.
"Yeah da boys know not ta disturb me when I'm readin'. Dat is how I got my nickname. But ya're right, I don't exactly enjoy these get tagethers that Spot holds annually. The same thing happens every time. All da newsies meet here where they smoke and gamble all night. Then they bring out da beer and deys don't go home until all da moneys gone or somebody passes out."
Of course John had been correct and we ended up talking long into the night. He told me all about the novels he had read and then he listened intently as I spoke of the library I had been to as a child that held over 1000 books. When I was in the middle of a heated discussion trying to persuade John that there was significance to romance stories, I got an uneasiness that someone was watching me. When I looked up I saw Spot staring at me from across the room.
As I sat there staring at him in return it was like everything else seemed to fade away. I could hear John's voice as if in the distance but that was fading to. My skin was becoming warm and my mouth dry. Once again that same feeling was rising in my stomach. But I neither welcomed these feelings nor did I wish to feel them anymore. But as I went to tear my eyes away I found it rather difficult. Eventually John brought me out of my daze.
"Doll, are ya listening?" he asked.
I turned my head quickly and starred at the boy sitting next to me. Hoping that he didn't notice who I had been staring at. "I'm sorry John it's just that I'm so tired. I feel as if I am unable to keep my eyes open any longer."
To my surprise he just laughed. "Don't worry I know how ya feel."
"Thanks," I said then I stood up, "I'm going to go look for something to drink, then I'm going to try and convince Racetrack to leave. It was nice meeting you," I replied.
"Same here," John said and I turned to leave. But he grabbed my good arm to stop me. "Do ya think we could meet again sometime?" he asked.
"Of course we can. You should stop by Manhattan one day. Because I really doubt I will be returning to Brooklyn any time soon," He nodded his head and then picked up his book to continue reading.
I carefully made my way around the room trying to find anything to drink. But all I located was half empty bottles of beer. I decided that it would just be best to go find Race and head home. I turned around and ended up running straight into somebody's chest. When I realized who it was I jumped backwards in surprise.
"So Doll how'd ya like me party?" Spot said as he leaned one arm on an empty table.
"It was very umm…interesting," I replied nonchalantly. Then I went to walk around him but he stood up straight and blocked my way.
"Ya know, you're kinda cute," Spot said as he reached up a hand to brush my cheek and staggered a little bit forward. He was close enough that I could smell the sent of cheep booze and tobacco on his breath.
"You're drunk," I replied as I backed up a little. A cold chill went throughout my entire body as I became slightly afraid. Over the years I have had many bad experiences with men and alcohol. I quickly looked over at the table where Race and Jack were both sitting but there backs were to me.
"I'm only a little drunk," Spot said smirking.
"I'm leaving," I stated and then went to walk around him but he blocked my way once more.
"Ya know, your one of da few goils who have ever turned me down," he said as his words slurred slightly. Then he began walking closer to me. I continued to back up until I ran into the wall and Spot didn't stop until his mouth was next to my ear. "And I don't like being turned down," he whispered dangerously.
I quickly went to slide to my right but he slammed his hand against the wall preventing me from moving. I tried again on the left but he did the same thing. I looked around the room trying to see if anyone would help me but we were now in an alcove that was slightly secluded from the rest of the room. "Spot, you're drunk you don't know what you're doing," I said my voice quivering.
"I know exactly what I'm doing," He replied and the next thing I knew his mouth was on my own. I could taste the alcohol as Spot pressed me hard against the wall. A single tear slid down my pale cheek as I metal object jabbed into my back. I tried to get away but he wouldn't let me go but eventually I managed to push him back slightly. Before I knew what I was doing I backhanded him hard across the face. Even though it was with my left hand Spot staggered backwards into the table. My knuckles were stinging as small welts appeared on my skin.
It didn't take long before Spot regained his composure. Then he grabbed my left wrist and pinned me hard against the wall. But he didn't try and kiss me this time. "Please, just leave me alone," I said as more tears slid down my cheeks.
"Your lucky dat you's a goil or else I woulda soaked ya by now," He said as his blue eyes bore holes into me. I could feel the brusies forming on my wrists as his grip only tightened. "Ya don't belong here," Spot said venomously as he shoved me back against the wall and let my wrist go.
Without saying a word I quickly pushed my way past him. I could see Rose in the corner of the room and if I wasn't mistaken she had a smile on her face. I practically ran up to the Race and Jack. "I want leave," I said forcefully.
"Doll, what happened?" Race asked. To my relief I could tell that he hadn't been drinking.
"I want to leave now," I said again. Race stood up and nodded his head.
He turned to Jack who was looking at me concerned. "I'm taking Doll back to da Lodging House."
"Alright Race," Jack said sitting his cards down. "But I think I'll be stayin' here tonight, I'm in no condition ta be goin' anywhere," Jack replied.
Race said goodbye to a few of the other boys before he put his hand gently on my back and led me out the door. To my relief he didn't speak to me the entire way home. Even if he would have I don't think I was in any mood to talk. That's why Race was such a good friend because he knows when to just leave things be.
In my heart I knew that tomorrow Spot would regret what he had done and possibly even apologize if that was within his limits. Because that is how he works. He makes you furious at him and then he does something to make up for it the next day. But I just kept repeating the scene over and over in my mind and yet I still couldn't believe what had just happened. I don't know if I would ever be able to look at him the same way again. My hands were shaking and the tears on my face had dried when we finally reached the doors to the Lodging House.
Thank you to:
Reaghann- I am so happy to hear from you again. Don't worry I understand about being busy. I have been so busy lately too that I am surprised that I had this chapter written this early. I somehow squeezed in time. I know what you mean about the whole thing with her wearing a skirt that comes down to her knees. But when I looked up a bunch of pictures from that time period, in one of the pictures with two girl newsies they were both wearing skirts that came down to there knees. So that's where I got that outfit from. I don't know if its correct or not I'm just going by the picture. Well I hope you enjoyed this chapter, review whenever you can and let me know what you think.
Padfootismyhero-Hey! I think you are a great writer to! Well I answered your question about Rose. She was in this chapter but not a lot. You will be seeing her a lot more throughout the story. Yes, I love Spot so much. But I felt bad because I had to make him a little evil in this chapter. But things will get better. I wasn't as happy with this chapter. I have been feeling like I've been slacking off, I don't know. But I hope you enjoyed it. Hope to hear from you soon!
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.
NadaZimri- Yes I do love your story! You shouldn't have self esteem issues because you are a good writer. But I do know what you mean. Personally I think I suck at writing, especially with all of my spelling and grammar mistakes. That's why I'm so happy that there are people like you who like my story. Nope, sorry you can't trade wall's with me. It took me forever to get all of those pictures of Spot. But if I could copy it I would send you one, lol. Yet somehow I don't think its possible. Review and let me know what you thought.
Splashey- I just love your reviews! They are always so positive and make me happy. But yeah Rose is a hoe, she will be in the story a lot more. Yeah I know Spot was so sweet when he stuck up for her, that's why I felt bad about making him mean in this chapter. But you know how he is, one second he's nice the next he's not. Who knows! Anyway I hope you liked this chapter. I had more planned for it but I couldn't make it that long. Well review when you can.
Coin- Yes, I like Medda too. But I don't know how well I will be able to write her character because I don't know much about her. So I hope that I do a good job. Thanks a bunch for beta'ing my chapters. I am so busy that I haven't had a chance to post them yet, but I will. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Let me know if you can beta this one too. I will have to start sending them to you before I post them. Its just that I have been getting a little behind in writing.
Luv ya lots,
BlackWiltedRose