Chapter Thirteen
Kat didn't come out of her room for the rest of the day. She didn't answer the door when others knocked. She didn't even talk through the wood to others on the outside. The only sounds hear from behind her closed door were sobs and sniffles. The boys tried everything to get Kat to come out, but nothing worked. When Jesse or Frank tried to talk to her, all they got in response was smoldering silence or things thrown at the door.
When Zee and the Youngers returned from town later that afternoon, they were greeted by a group of bewildered boys, two frazzled brothers, and a very distraught girl. Zee immediately flew to Kat's side for comfort while Cole and Bob tried to calm the brothers, and Jim tried to get the newsies minds off of weeping Kat.
"Hush now, Kat." Zee's soft croons of love accompanied her comforting touch.
Zee sat on Kat's window seat holding and rocking the very upset girl. She had been able to convince Kat to unlock the door for Zee to come in. Once inside, Kat had flung herself into Zee's arms seeking comfort from the only other female in the area.
Zee was horribly upset at the news she had received from Kat. She knew of Frank and Jesse's plans to move back to Missouri, but they had never said anything about forcing Kat to go with them. Zee knew that if they forced Kat to leave all she knew; it would completely break Kat's heart and will.
The boys were told of the fact that Kat would not be returning with them. Everything happy and bright about the day suddenly turned dull and gray. The clouds opened up once more to allow steady drizzle to continue into the early evening.
Kat and Zee were still locked in Kat's room only now there was no sounds except for an occasional sniffle or sigh.
Crutchy hobbled dully around the bedroom he shared with several of the fellows slowly gathering his stuff together. They were soon leaving to catch the train back to New York. The bunkroom was quiet except for the rustle of clothes being stuffed into bags. They all felt terrible knowing they would never see Kat again.
As the boys filed out to the waiting wagon, Kat and Zee stepped from behind the closed door. Kat's eyes were watery and red from crying. Her clothes were rumpled and askew from being held and lying on her bed. But what hit the hearts of every guy was that her eyes held the deepest sadness they had ever seen.
Kat swallowed hard past the lump in her throat and tried to give her friends a brave smile.
"Couldn't let ya leave for the train without me. Now could I?" Her sad attempt at humor only brought deeper frowns to everyone's face. Zee's face looked like a thundercloud ready to burst. The boys knew she was upset about the situation even more then the kids were.
The troop trudged outside to find Jesse, Frank, and Jim waiting in the chilly rain with the wagon and horses for Kat and Zee. Kat didn't even look at her brothers as she took Peg's reins and swung aboard his back. Zee threw a dark glare at Frank and Jesse letting them know there would be many words before this was over. Jim clucked to the horses pulling the wagon holding the newsies and the procession started out on the miserable ride to town.
The newsies had climbed aboard the train and found their seats. Now came the time they all had been dreading. The adults stepped several feet away to give room to the parting friends. Kat looked around at her group of ragged friends who had quickly become her family. She remembered the time when she had first arrived three months ago and tried to wake the boys up. Every happy scene from those three months flashed before her mind's eye as she gazed at around at them.
Each boy held her close in a hard hug that never wanted to let go. When it was Jack's turn, Kat looked him in the face, "Jack, make sure to take care of Jimmy for me. And, give mah 'girly' things to Sarah. You guys feel free to use any of my things. I won't be needing them anymore."
A shrill whistle from the train cut off the last words. They all flinched at the painful ringing in their ears. As the others started to board the train, Kat and Crutchy stood looking at each other memorizing each other's features and holding off as long as possible to say good bye. Grief was written in their eyes and on their faces.
Crutchy pulled his girl close to his heart and breathed in her scent for the last time. Tears came unbidden to his eyes as he thought of how much he would miss her perky self on dreary mornings. He kissed the top of her head before pushing her back so he could look her in the face.
"I'se loves you, Rose. Don't ya eva forgets it, okay?"
Kat merely nodded and held back a sob.
"I love you too Crutchy. Don't forget me."
Tears shone in Kat's eyes as she searched Crutchy's face. She would miss his quiet smile most of all. She reached up and planted a soft kiss on his lips as another whistle split the air.
"All aboard!" came the cry as steam rushed from beneath the train. Crutchy quickly hobbled to the train and climbed aboard. Once at his seat, he stared out the window at the girl he loved.
She stood wet and alone on the platform; tears running down her pale cheeks. As the train slowly pulled out of the station, Crutchy blew a last kiss to the rose that he would never see again.
Hey there! I just wanted to thank my faithful reviewer Hawk and my new reviewer Brownie. Thanks so much! Hey everyone, there are only two chapters left. sniff but all good things must and will come to an end. Enjoy this chappy.
