By: Nightingale
Rating: PG13
Part 8Gin was nearly exhausted after another full day of trying to out do Sage. She was last in the lead and actually finished selling her papes at the same time he did.
It had been almost a week since she had left home on a wing and a prayer. She began to learn the newsies one by one, which ones to talk to and which to avoid.
They entered the lodging house together with Sage being somewhat the gentleman by opening the door for her to walk through first. Gin walked in keeping her head held high being the victor of the day.
"You beat him again didn't you Gin" joked Doc from his seat across the room
"Was there any doubt" returned Gin with a playful swat at Sage as he walked in
There was a general laughter about the room but once things cooled a little Gin happened to notice Graft giving out yet another speech.
"He never rests does he" Gin commented to Sage
"Who"
Gin nodded in the direction of Graft careful not to show she was indicating him. Though she frequently undermined his authority he certainly gave her an earful for it later. Though she knew him to be intimidating something about him seemed so soft after her time with Heptson.
"Oh yeah. Well what do you expect." Answered Sage
"True"
"But look who he's got today"
Gin took another look and what do you know that boy wasn't a boy but it was a longhaired girl. Gin began to make her way over to the two.
"I wouldn't do that." warned Sage
"I know you wouldn't." she teased as she continued walking
It was more of a weaving job than anything to make her way to the other side of the room where the two were standing. Gin was somewhat surprised to actually see a girl in the lodging house. Spot didn't like girl newsies, which still surprised her given that she was there though she had heard full well why. Gin pushed the thought aside at the possibility of talking with another girl. However after getting close enough to the conversation she soon found who the girl was and became slightly worried.
Sneaks was getting yet another lecture from her brother on the fact that she was going to get fired if she kept this up. Gin interrupted the conversation pulling Sneaks aside completely ignoring Graft, which she knew she'd pay for later.
"It's about time you got back" she stated"I was starting to worry"
"How are things going" Gin asked
"Well your mother is throwing a fit, as usual. Mr. Heptson.well he's sent out the watch dogs, but as far as I know they are staying in Manhattan."
"You're sure"
"Not really but as far as I can tell."
"It's better than nothing I guess"
"How are you doing here"
"Very well. Spot is taking good care of me.on your orders I hear."
Sneaks didn't say anything but shrugged her shoulders.
"I guess if you got connections you should use them" Gin laughed
"I should really be getting back"
"Thanks.for everything"
"What have I done"
"Well you haven't told anybody.and that's plenty."
"That's sweet of you to say"
"I say only what I mean. If you tell any of them."
"I wont" Sneaks vowed
"I know you wont. That's why I trust this so much."
"Well I better get back before your mother throws another fit."
"Be sure to have the smelling salts" laughed Gin
A pang hit her at the way she was treating her mother, but what about all the years of mistreatment her mother had given her. With Sneaks leaving Spot made for the door for a quick goodbye, as did her brother. Gin sat in a chair after waving.
"Don't look so down" Gin looked up to see Wildcard who then took the seat next to her.
"You regretting anything."
"A little, but not enough to go back"
"Then you should be celebrating"
"You go on without me"
"I've got some stories to cheer you up"
Gin couldn't help but noticed the few smaller boys nearby perk up at the prospect of a story of one of Wildcard's far off adventures.
"I guess I can live with that." Gin smiled as Wildcard settled to tell another one of his tales as did the five other smaller boys.