Across the Times
By: Nightingale
Rating: PG13
The night grew dark and late and Gin lay in a bunk surrounded by other girls. The bed was nothing like her bed at home but she tried not to think about it. Even there she had problems sleeping some nights, but this time she knew why she couldn't sleep.
Gin slid from her lower bunk and slipped out the door. She closed it as quietly as she could but it still squeaked when it closed. She padded her way barefooted down the hall to the stairs. Then she slipped into the sick room again.
Timid was asleep thankfully. Gin sat in the chair next to his bed and took his small hand in hers. She really did hope that she was doing the right thing by helping the boy. Arthur would have a fit but he'll never have to know.
Gin laid her forehead on top of their hands and began to pray gently rubbing the fingers of her free hand against the gold cross that hung around her neck. Gin didn't sleep at all the whole night but Jack did thankfully. She was fixing the light blanket on small boy's bed when a voice behind her startled her.
"Here you are in the early light of day. Here you are and the quiet words you've prayed. We've been blessed by the simple happiness of the perfect love you've shown."
"I just did what I could" she stated as Gin turned to Jack who stood in the door. "Did you get any sleep" she asked him
"Yes thank you. Apparently you didn't" he said with a little concern
"She was here all night" Timid spoke from the bed Gin turned to look at him.
"How did you know" she asked him
"Every time I turn around. I've been lost and I've been found but like an angel standing guard there you are. Every time I take a breath and when I forget to breathe you're watching over me. When I'm looking for the light in the middle of the night searching for the brightest star there you are."
Gin smiled the little boy was so sweet. She couldn't think of anything to do.
"It seems your throat's doing better." She commented
The boy nodded excitedly.
"I'll go make some more tea to make sure it'll stay that way" she stated turning to leave.
"No" whined the boy"That's the worst stuff ever."
Gin laughed"I agree I've never liked it but it works."
Gin was in the small kitchen when Jack found her.
"You going to sell today" he asked
"I wasn't planning to. I wanted to stay here and watch the boy so you could. I can tell you haven't been out in a few days and I'm sure your money is dwindling." Jack nodded.
"I didn't trust anyone to watch him…until you. I've never seen someone become such a mother in such a short time."
Gin laughed, she remembered summer days watching her two younger sisters and two of her cousins. They were a handful indeed especially around lunchtime. Gin wouldn't even get the chance to eat until they were all done cause one would have a problem with her sandwich and then cousin Brandon, the only boy on that side of the family, would want more.
Gin smiled thinking back on those times.
"What are you smiling about" Jack asked
"Nothing" she smiled
"Well I'm gonna get going. I'll bring you some food from Tibby's for lunch later."
"Oh I'll get some money quick."
"Nonsense I'll pay for it."
"You're sure"
"Yeah"
The sound of the newsies leaving broke their conversation.
"You better get going." She stated
"Take good care of him"
"Of course I will."
"I'll be back with lunch later" he promise
Gin laughed as she pushed him out the door and he laughed as he ran after the newsies.