Hey, Here is chapter eighteen. I actually have the rest of the story planned out. But the chapters are not written yet. Don't worry we still have awhile to go. There are thirty chapters all together. Sorry for all of the mistakes in this chapter. But I hope you enjoy it anyway. Please review!
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 Eighteen
I woke up the next day wrapped in Spot's arms as we laid on top of the covers. I knew that I must have fallen asleep the night before without realizing it. I was laying in a rather uncomfortable position and my injured shoulder was cramping up. But when I went to move I accidentally knocked Spot off the bed. I covered my mouth as he landed with a loud thump on the hard wood floor.
I sat there while trying not to laugh as he dusted himself off and stood up. "What was dat for?"
"I am so sorry!" I exclaimed at the puzzled look on his face. I tried to act serious but I could not keep a straight expression as I looked upon Spots disgruntled figure and I broke out into a fit of laughter.
"Well I'm glad dat ya find dis amusing," He said groggily but eventually my giddiness got to him and he smiled at me. I treasured that moment because it was something that didn't came along quite so often anymore. I marveled at the way his blue eye's turned almost gray when he laughed.
"You have nice eyes," I blurted out before I could stop myself. Then I found my own face burning with embarrassment as I looked at the ground.
This time is was Spots turn to laugh as he walked over and looked out the window. " It's actually about time for us ta get up anyway. I can't skip anotha day of sellin papes." I nodded my head as he turned around to stare at me. For some strange reason I felt a little let down by this announcement but I couldn't expect him to just give up living because of me. "Why are you so happy dis mornin anyway? When last night ya were cryin on my shoulder." He asked curiously.
I just smiled and shook my head. "I don't know. I guess I just love morning's that's all." I replied and Spot shrugged his shoulders.
"Why?"
"Because in the morning everything is ok. Nothing bad has happened yet to ruin, so why shouldn't I be happy . But I don't exactly expect it to last much longer." I said truthfully.
Spot walked over and opened a drawer in a small dresser that he had in the left corner of the room. He pulled out two extra sheets and a small wool blanket. "I know dat tonight was an accident and I suspect that ya won't exactly feel comfortable sleepin in da same bed as me. So I will sleep on da floor from now on." He replied.
But I couldn't possibly live with that so I stopped him before he could continue. "I will not allow you to sleep on the floor. This is your room. You sleep in the bed and I will take the floor." Spot was about to argue with me when there was a knock on the bedroom door.
He walked over and opened it up quickly. Booker was standing there with a rather quizzical look on his face. "I'm not interrupting anything am I?"
We both shook our heads. "No we were just discussing something. It wasn't very important." I replied as I walked over to my clothes bag and began searching for something to wear. Spot watched me for a moment before he turned back to his friend.
" So what do ya wan't," He asked.
Booker just smirked casually. "I was just wonderin whether or no you were gunna sell today. Because ya mention yesterday about need some money."
I found a simple blue dress hidden in the bottom of the bag and pulled it out. I tried to pretend as if I didn't notice the slightly embarrassed look on Spots face. I could tell that he wasn't used to borrowing money off of anybody. I didn't care, of course but to him it had everything to do with pride.
I continued to look through my bag even though I already found my outfit just to hide the smile that had appeared on my face. Spot gave me a sideways glance and then huffed. "Yeah, I'll be sellin papes today." Booker nodded his head and then held out his hand. There were two silver coins in his palm.
Spot took the money quickly and then shoved it into the pocket of his trousers. Even though I was acting like I was busy I still felt a slight tension lingering in the air. That all to familiar feeling of guilt began to grow inside me because I knew that Booker liked me. I told him I would give him a chance but that was before anything with Spot really began. So in order not to stir up any suspicion I completely ignored the fact that he was even there. I knew it was a little bit cruel but there was nothing else I could do.
Soon Booker left and Spot turned to me. "So what's goin on?" He asked and the breath caught in my lungs. There was no way that he could have possibly known.
"Wh...what?" I stammered apprehensively. I decided it was best to act as if I had no idea what he was talking about.
But Spot just raised an eyebrow and tilted his head slightly to the side in a silent judgment of my precarious actions. "Are ya coming wit me to sell papes today? I don't exactly want ya hangin around here all alone, just yet." I let the breath out of my lungs and sighed. I didn't understand why I had become so defensive all of a sudden. I had nothing to worry about.
"Yes, well I guess I will. I mean there really isn't anything better for me to do." Spot just nodded his head in relief. I could tell that he really didn't want to leave me alone just yet.
There were to many dangers for me to get into around here, if I were to stay. A few of the boys began to warm up to me but most of them still had apprehensions. Plus with Blade slithering around I didn't exactly feel safe, even in the company of Spot.
It didn't take me long to get ready after I kicked Spot out of the room. I decided to leave out the whole corset because I wasn't as comfortable with Spot as I was with Race. I mean I knew that Race had a crush on me at first but now it was just a brother/sister type of relationship. With Spot it was a completely different story. So for me to ask him to buckle my corset would be rather odd for the both of us.
The moment I thought about Race, my mood started to change once more. But I quickly put that in the back of my mind as I walked out of Spots room and down to the main floor. A bunch of boys were sitting around doing basically nothing. I was happy to notice that few of them even acknowledged my existence. Soon I located Spot sitting at a table with two boys I had not met yet. I walked over and he stood up to greet me.
After he introduced me to the two twin boys named Brass and Bark, we left for the local distribution center. The day was slightly rainy but by the time we reached our destination the sun had come out.
It was strange to me that after all that has happened between Spot and I, we seemed to be so comfortable in each others presence. There was no awkward tension between us, just welcomed silence. To many people who strolling by we seemed just like good friends, walking down the street side by side. We did nothing special that would signify that we were a couple. I mean we would occasionally hold hands and once in awhile give each other soft smiles, secret smiles as if saying that only we know what was really going on.
I felt slightly awkward when Spot went up to get his newspapers. I could feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up when I got the sinister notion that I was being watched. When I looked up I saw a large group of female newsies staring at me from across the news yard. Obviously there were more girl newsies in Brooklyn than there had been in Manhattan. But these girls were much larger in build and acted more like men than whores. So from what Race had told me, Spot didn't lack his share of female admirers and by the looks they were giving me, I had become there new threat.
Besides the fact that I knew Rose spent a lot of time on this side of the bridge and I couldn't imagine what story's she had been feeding to any willing listener. But I really became fidgety when I started getting rather unnerving glances from some of the boys that hung around. A few of them even decided to approach me.
"Hey there sweetheart," a young man with light dusty blonde hair said to me as he took off his hat and bowed.
I was going to say some smart remark to get him to leave me alone but then I remembered Racetracks advice on keeping my mouth shut. So I smiled softly but cautiously and said "Hi."
"I haven't seen ya around here before," said the boy who decided to take a step closer. "Me names Picket and what, may I ask is your name."
I quickly took as step back and said staunchly. "It's Dollface." The boy just smirked at my nickname as he looked me up and down.
A few of his buddy's were standing by the fence grinning at there friend who was apparently picking up some beautiful girl. "Dat name suits ya real well," said Picket as he stepped forward once more and reached out a hand to brush my cheek. I backed up quickly and ran into large boy who had been standing behind me.
He turned around angrily, "Watch where ya goin goil," he said sternly and then moved over to the side.
I felt like I was being lead into a trap and quickly looked over my shoulder, Spot was up at the window now, paying for his papers. "Look just leave me alone," I said while trying to walk around him.
"Ya obviously don't know how thing go around here Dollface," Said Picket as he backed me up against the wall. I prayed that Spot would come soon. "But I wouldn't mind showin ya," he said as he ran his hand down my shoulder.
I became as stiff as a wooden plank as I felt his rough hand on my skin. But the next thing I knew Picket was being thrown back onto the ground. When I looked over I felt relief wash through me when I saw Spot standing there. His eyes were blazing and I hadn't seen him look so angry. "If ya touch er' again. I'll break your hand. GOT IT!" Spot yelled. The boy on the ground got up and looked at Spot in shock.
" Oh, come on! I was just havin a little fun wit er' dat's all," Said Picket with a cool smirk. But Spot wasn't at all amused with the kids response. I gasped when he turned around and punched the boy in the nose.
"Dat's what will happen ta any guy dat thinks dey can lay a hand on my goil." Spot yelled venomously so that everyone around him heard.
I was standing there staring down at Picket who had a broken nose, when Spot took my hand and lead me out of the crowd. At the time I didn't know whether to be happy or scared at his uncontrollable rage. But after the initial shock wore off I turned to him and I held his hand in my own.
He looked over at me and I smiled. "…my girl…" I said softly.
Spot grinned and put his arm around my shoulders, "Well dats what ya are."
I didn't take Spot long to sell his papers and soon we were heading back to the Lodging House. It was around noon when we arrived. Not many boys were done yet but I did see Booker sitting down playing cards with Brass. Then I noticed Blade who was talking to some kid that I had never seen before. Spot followed my gaze, then he turned to me and said. "Look Doll, I got sum things ta take care of. Would it be alright ta leave ya alone?" he asked.
I nodded my head and then watched as he walked over to join the two boys. But when Blade saw Spot walking over he quickly said goodbye and then left. I couldn't say that I wasn't curious at to what they were discussing as Spot and the visitor went upstairs into his bedroom, which turned into an office during the day. I decided that my best bet was just to go join Booker.
When I walked over he looked up at me curiously. Then I saw as he looked around for Spot. I knew that things were going to be strange between us now, considering the fact that I am dating Spot Conlon. But I still hoped that he would at least want to be friends. Even though at the moment, I looked at friendship as something that was easily breakable. I didn't want to lose him like I had lost so many others.
"Hi," I said as I walked up to the boys. They greeted me in much the same manor. Brass was a nice boy, around three years younger than myself. But he never seemed to take judgment on me at first site which was something that I was grateful for. "May I join you?" I asked.
"Sure," Booker said and I smiled gratefully at him. They were playing poker and dealt me in.
"Do ya know how ta play?" Brass asked. I knew because of my background, he thought that they would have to teach me. But they looked shocked when I nodded my head.
We played for a few hours and I had somehow managed to win more than half of the time. I began to wonder why Spot hadn't come out of his room yet. Especially when on occasion we would hear yelling from upstairs. After I had taken both of the boys money, Brass finally quit. "Where did ya learn ta play like dat?" He asked.
"Oh, Racetrack taught me." Booker noticed the sorrow flash in my eyes at the mention of my old friend. But it was gone as quickly as it had come. Brass just nodded his head and then went to leave.
As I looked down at the pile of money in my hands I realized that there was no way that I could take this off of him. So I grabbed his arm before he could leave. "Take this Brass. I can't keep it." I said. At first the boy looked at me in shock.
"But ya won," He said and tried to hand it back to me but I refused to take it.
"I told you I don't wont it," I said.
"But…" Brass stuttered incoherently.
"TAKE IT!" I yelled forcefully as I pushed him away. "And I'm not going to tell you again." I said laughing at his bewildered expression. He just nodded, but as he turned around I could see the smile on his face. Yet when I turned around myself I was not so happy, because I didn't see Booker but my red headed nemesis. None other than Rose, herself. I cursed at her impeccable timing.
"Oh so now you're tryin ta be charitable." Rose spat out. "Givin money to da needy."
I glared at her. "Well, if that's what I'm doing. Then I should go get the money back and give it to you. Because you're the only needy person I see around here." I retorted and a few of the boys who had gathered around, laughed in response.
I wasn't normally as brave as I was now. I think my smart remarks were due to all of the pent up emotions inside me that she was tempting to let out. But it wouldn't be until her next comment that I snapped.
Rose stepped closer and got in my face. But I just smirked and turned around to walk away. I didn't want to give her the satisfaction of seeing me upset. Yet behind me I heard her voice. "Yeah…just like your mother was before she died."
I could hear what she said in my mind and I watched the boys as there mouth's dropped open in shock. I stopped walking and in an automatic reflex I reached up and pulled off the sling on my arm. Before she knew what I was doing, I whirled around and I felt my knuckles crack as my fist connected with the side of her face.
Rose flew sideways into a table and laid crumpled on the floor. "Don't you ever say anything about my parents!" I said dangerously as I took slow steps towards her.
She sprang up and knocked me down by wrapping her arms around my waist. I felt my back connect with a table leg as I hit the floor but I didn't even acknowledge the pain. At first Rose was on top of me and she slapped me hard across the face. "What are you gunna do ta stop me." She said as she laughed in my face.
This made me even more furious and I kicked her off of me. But she somehow managed to get on top of me again. This time Rose purposely pressed down on my right shoulder and I cried out in pain. Yet somehow I had managed to get my left arm free and I grabbed the object closest to me, which just happened to be Spots cane. I knew Rose was trying to break my should again, so I pulled it up with all my strength and smacked her hard across the head.
Rose rolled off me in pain and I seen blood dripping down the side of her face. But as I rubbed my forehead I had blood on my hands as well. Suddenly I felt two arms grip me up and pull me to my feet. I looked over and found myself staring at Spot. "What's going on!" He yelled. I could tell by the look in his eyes that the meeting he had with that boy didn't end very well.
Before either Rose or I could speak Booker stood up. "Rose insulted her parents and so Doll attacked her." He said honestly. Spot looked around and most of the boys agreed. Except the ones who Rose has wrapped around her finger.
"Is dat true?" Spot asked looking at her.
The red head quickly got to her feet and stumbled a little. I hope I gave her a concussion. "But I…she…" Rose began but he stopped her.
"I thought I told ya a hundred times before…I don't wan't ya comin around here if you're gunna start trouble." Spot said as stood at my side. I put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down. I didn't want to add to his frustrations. Rose saw me do this and suddenly realization hit her. She looked like a raging bull and I was waiting for her to try and attack me again. I had known for a long time that she still loved Spot even though she pretended to cover it up by hanging on every guy that walked in the room.
"Ya really don't want me ta leave, do ya Spot?" Rose asked with a soft flirty voice. But this seemed to aggravate him even more. I was happy to see that he wanted nothing to do with her anymore.
"Get out!" He said and my gripped tightened on his shoulder for comfort.
"But…" Rose began.
"I said GET OUT!" He screamed and I thought I saw a few people back up. Rose looked taken aback but then turned around and walked out the door.
I could see the mood that he was in and I let go of his shoulder. Spot was very dangerous to mess with when he was angry and I tended to upset him a lot. I didn't want to be his next target. So I thought it best if I just didn't say anything at all. I turned around and walked up the stairs to his room. I wasn't surprised when he didn't follow me. I knew that he had some things to get off his shoulders before he came back up. So I just pulled out the covers Spot had gotten out that morning and fell asleep on the floor at the bottom of his bed.
Thank you:
C.M. Higgins- Hey, I am sorry that I made you cry again. That sucks that you got braces, I had them two years ago and I know how they hurt at first. But it should get better over time. I am so happy that you liked the last chapter. As you can see there was another fight in this one. Hope you liked it!
NadaZimri- I am glad that you liked the last chapter. It was a lot of fun to write. So was this one. I hoped you liked it also.
Estrellalily- Hey, I'm just so happy that you like my story. I know that the whole love triangle is sort of confusing but you'll see what it has to do with later on. I absolutely love your story so much! But I am sorry that I haven't review recently. I have been really busy with some stuff.
Spunkz- I am so happy to know that I am another reader. Its alright that you didn't review. I am just glad to know that you have been reading it and you like it. Thanks so much!
Clover- Thank you so much! Your reviews always make me really happy. Yes, you were right and it does have something to do with Blade. I already have most of the next chapter written as well. But I always wait till the weekend to update. So next Friday you will have the next chapter. The next few chapters won't be as exciting (but I hope still good) because it will be leading up to the big stuff. I hope you liked this chapter. Let me know what you think.
Bess3- HEY! Welcome back! Lol I know how you feel about your computer breaking. Mine did the same thing last year. I am just happy to see that you are reading my story again. I am glad that you liked what I have done with it. I hope to hear from you soon!
Luv ya all,
BlackWiltedRose