Chapter 11: Of Holidays
Author's Note: I was in a really fluffy mood when I wrote this chapter. So, if this is too sickly sweet for anyone, I apologize. But, there is a good reason! All chapters after this one are going to be rather heavy and dark. It's all part of the plot that's running around in my head. (Evil Plot Bunnies!)
Oh, don't expect another chapter for a long time. Really busy and writing is kinda outta the question. Sorry!
And on with the tale. saga. thingy!!!!! (
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The minute Alyssa woke up, she felt like dying. Staring up at the ceiling, tracing the cracks that ran along it, she wondered why. A week had passed since her kidnapping, so anxiety was not the culprit. Even the fact that Spot Conlon, infamous King of Brooklyn, had been sleeping in her bed for the past few nights did not faze her. Mentally counting back the days, she let out a huge groan when she finally came to a conclusion. "Damn. It's da fourteenth."
Valentine's Day.
Alyssa was sure that the world was playing a cruel and sadistic joke on her.
The day was perfect. Sunny and balmy, it seemed as though it had never been snowing a few days before. It was not the weather that irked Alyssa though; it was the tragedy that always overshadowed the day. Today, fourteen years ago, Laisi Alyssa Cambell, mother of Alyssa, had been viciously murdered right before her daughter's eyes.
A day of love turned to a day of death and sorrow.
Since then, Valentine's Day held no happy place in Alyssa's heart. Only cold, painful memories of life after her mother's death lingered there.
From the awaking Newsies, Alyssa could hear snatches of various love songs. I made her cringe knowing that they sang because of the happiness that the day gave them. But, Alyssa vowed to put on a brave face and not let the day bother her to much. Besides, she and Race were theoretically a couple, so that should mean she should be happy, right? In her own personal experience, love always ended in death, therefore causing Alyssa to shy away. Confessing her feelings had been one thing; acting on them was completely different.
For the sake of her "brothers" Alyssa felt as though she should honor the holiday, despite her own experiences. From the bottom of the basket that held her clothes she pulled out the maroon skirt.
"It needs somethin'," she muttered to herself.
From the bedside table which was one of the few pieces of furniture in her room, she withdrew black thread and a needle. Alyssa curled up on her bed and began to sew a pattern that was similar to the one that was on her green skirt. She sat that way for a long while, completely absorbed in what she was doing. She practically fell out of bed when someone knocked on the door.
"Alyssa? Yous awake yet?" Kloppman's voice slipped, revealing the accent that he once had when he was younger.
Opening the door, Alyssa had to chide him. "Don' do dat. Ya almost made me fall off me bed!"
"Jumpy?" Kloppman smiled at her. She was so much like a daughter to him that he had no qualms making fun of her. It was all out of complete love. Handing her a small bouquet of roses she said, "Happy Valentine's Day, hun."
Alyssa simply stared at him. For the first time in her life, someone was giving her a gift on Valentine's Day. "I.I."
Kloppman understood her inability to speak. "It's alright. Now hurry up or yer gonna be late for work."
"Work. right. Almost forgot 'bout dat." Alyssa closed her bedroom door and dressed in record time. Taking one of the pure red roses, she wove it into her hair which was flowing freely down her back.
She joined the stampeding crowd of Manhattan Newsies as they headed out of the Lodging House. As they headed toward the Distribution Office, Alyssa noticed Jack slip away - most likely to go find Sarah. Specs stayed with the crowd, but she was sure that he was going to double back later to see Mercy. He needed the money, so he had to sell before he saw her. Alyssa glimpsed Racetrack walking alongside Blink and Mush. Smiling at their backs, Alyssa turned down the street that led to Tibby's.
To her own surprise, Alyssa began to sing.
"Standing Stones of the Orkney Isles
Gazing out to sea
Standing Stones of the Orkney Isles
Bring my love to me." (Loreena McKennitt - "Standing Stones")
Like a young school girl, she let out a giggle. She ducked into O'Reiley's. There she bought the best and most expensive cigars that she could afford.
Alyssa practically skipped into Tibby's. Davis looked at her as though he had never seen her before. In truth, he hadn't. Never had he seen a flamboyantly happy Alyssa.
"Alyssa! What are you doing?"
She spun around with an innocent look across her face.
"Don't be coy with me young lady! Why are you, of all people, so happy?" Davis was befuddled at the change in her.
Alyssa smiled at him and said nothing. She worked with a vigor that she never knew she possessed. The couples that walked in all received warm smiles, friendly service and a complementary thick slice of chocolate fudge cake.
While she was washing down a table after the lunchtime rush, the bell above the door gave its metallic ring. Turning, Alyssa saw.
Alyssa did a double take. 'Wha' are dey doin' here?'
In a corner, slightly out of sight, sat David and Leila. Not wanting to embarrass them, Alyssa asked one of the other servers to get their table. More people came in, so Alyssa did not fee so bad about not serving them. After David and Leila left, Mercy and Specs came in, soon followed by Blink and Mush.
The latter two of them were so obvious, it was a small wonder that the bulls had not picked them up yet. Not that Alyssa minded; she thought it was sweet. Besides, she had known guys in Boston who were like that; some of them had been close friends of hers.
"Hey guys."
Mush looked up and grinned his dopey trademark smile. "Alys, how ya doin'?"
"Shouldn't yous be off somewheres wid some guy dat we's don' approve a?" Blink's comment was sarcastic, but said out of brotherly love.
Alyssa pulled up a chair. "Well, who said dat I's gotta guy in da foist place?"
Blink sat, silent, without any comment to sling back.
"Ahhh. I's silenced Kid Blink," Alyssa said teasingly. "Do I's get a medal 'er somethin'?"
To save Blink anymore ridicule, Mush asked about Mercy and Specs. "How longs dat been goin' on?"
"Dem?" Alyssa asked innocently. "Fer quite a while now, actually. Dey's jus' been keepin' it a secret, unlike you two."
"Ya mean, people know?" Blink and Mush demanded together.
Alyssa laughed. "Don' worry. Only I know. Da rest a dem 'er too slow ta figure it out."
While Blink and Mush stuffed their faces, Alyssa went off to serve others. She talked with Mercy and Specs, and found out how things were going. They all knew that Jack and Sarah would not come to Tibby's. They hardly ever did; as a couple that is.
When Alyssa looked at Jack and Sarah, she was almost disgusted. Sometimes everything seemed so fake and forced. But the, they would go in the complete opposite direction and be all lovey-dovey.
Whenever she looked at Mercy and Specs or David and Leila, she saw something pure and simple. Alyssa wanted that something that would last; not some fleeting thing of the moment.
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Racetrack could not keep his mind on selling.
The day stayed on his mind and there was mo way that he could shake it. The races could not even work their magic on easing his mind. The idea of seeing Alyssa seemed almost impossible. What it someone saw them?
All day he had not seen Jack and Sarah. It figured though. Ever since the strike a few months ago, they were inseparable, despite the frequent fights that occurred. Both had different ideas of what they wanted.
Race turned a corner and stopped. Standing before him on the opposite side of the street was David with.
Leila?
Now there was a couple he thought he'd never see.
Well, he had his own things to figure out instead of acting like some stupid school girl wondering how those two got together. Race leaned against a street lamp to finish his selling.
He had somewhere to be.
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"David, wha' are yer parent's gonna say bout me?" Leila spoke softly as she leaned against David.
"Don't know, really. I mean, they like Jack well enough."
The two were walking down the street that went past Irving Hall. The paused as they heard a large crowd cheer for Medda.
"Da boys really love 'er, don't dey."
David looked incredulously at Leila. "Have you ever seen her perform?" He watched as she shook her head. "You've never seen her, despite the fact that you work for her? I can't believe it. Well then, we have to go see the show!"
They spent the afternoon there, David singing along with most of the songs. When they came out, Leila had to admit that Medda was really good.
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Mercy and Specs on the other hand, were spending a quieter afternoon.
They walked around New York listening to various street musicians. Conversation was light, but held deeper meaning behind it.
David and Leila were mentioned, but only out of admiration and approval.
"Wonder wha' Spot's doin' taday."
Mercy looked at Specs from beneath his bowler. "Yous really gotta ask dat question?"
"It's a fair one, considerin' all da tings dat he could be doin'."
"Good point." Mercy tilted her head to the side as she thought for a moment. "My guess is dat he's spendin' it wid beer an' a couple a goils."
"Ya paint such a lovely picture."
"I try."
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"Oh night thou was my guide
Oh night more loving than the rising sun
Oh night that joined the lover
To the beloved one
Transforming each of them into the other
I lost myself to him
And laid my face upon my lover's breast
And care and grief grew dim
As in the morning's mist became the light
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair." (Loreena McKennitt - "The Dark Night of the Moon")
The sound of the desk bell being rung cut Alyssa's song short. Without stopping her rhythmical washing of the table, she turned to see who was there.
Standing before her, was Racetrack, holding a single red rose.
Realizing that he had most likely heard her song, she blushed a deep red.
"Can yous get da rest a da day off?"
Before Alyssa could retreat into the back room, Davis came out. "Of course she can. Go on, enjoy the day. You've been working hard enough."
"But." Alyssa sputtered.
Davis shook his head. "You've been working all day. Go."
Alyssa scurried to the back room, pulling off her apron as she went. Gathering up the tin of cigars, she went out.
Race slipped his arm around her waist and guided her along the bustling streets. Everywhere they went they saw couples. They came to a small Irish pub and Race took her inside.
The waitress led them to a table in the corner lit by a candle.
"Race, how can we's afford."
"Don' worry 'bout it. I's been savin' fer a while." Race smiled at Alyssa. "Just sit back and enjoy it. It's da one ting dat I's get ta do fer ya aftah all da tings dat yous done fer me."
They stayed and ate, talking about everything. Both apologized for the distance that had grown between them, but both understood the circumstances. They laughed and simply enjoyed the fact that they could be alone together. Despite herself, Alyssa joined in on the singing and laughed as Race got a poker game started.
When they had finished at the pub, Race took Alyssa to Central Park. They sat on a knoll overlooking the pond with the sunset before them. It was Racetrack's turn to blush when Alyssa gave him the tin of cigars.
As the couple snuggled close, night became to overcome the light. Deep within her mind, Alyssa remembered a song that her mother once sang.
"When the moon on a cloud cast night
Hung above the tree top's height
You sang me of some distant past
That made my heart beat strong and fast
Now I know I'm home at last
You offered me an eagle's wing
That to the sun I might soar and sing
And if I heard the owl's cry
Into the forest I would fly
And in its darkness find you by
Here, Alyssa turned to look Race in the eyes.
And so our love's not a simple thing
Nor out truths unwavering
Like the moon's pull on the tide
Our fingers touch, our hearts collide
I'll be a moonsbreath by your side."
Behind them, the sound of a camera was heard as they leaned in for a kiss.
"I's gonna soak whoevah dat is," Race growled. He turned back and saw. "Denton! Wha' da hell do ya think yous don'?"
Denton squinted against the vibrancy of the sunset. "Racetrack? Alyssa? What are you two doing here?"
"Wha' does it look like, dumbass?" Alyssa snapped.
"Oh. Um. could I get a picture of you two?"
Race and Alyssa looked skeptical.
Denton continued. "I've got pictures of all the other Newsies. I just need you two."
"Den will yous leave?"
"Yup."
With the exchange finally over, Alyssa and Race settled back into each others arms for the picture. Behind them, the sunset created a majestic backdrop.
When Denton finally left; he had made a point of being slow to pack up, the lovers returned to what they were doing. Emotion flowed forth like a river that had burst its dam. Every time they touched, fireworks bust. They could barely keep their hands and mouths away from each other. To find two others who loved each other more than Alyssa and Race did would be impossible. Both knew that the moment that they got back to the Lodgings, everything would have to be secret again. But for now, the day was far from over and curfew was far away, allowing them their precious time.
Slowly, the meaning of love crept back into Alyssa's heart.
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Valentine's Day passed and everyone knew about Leila and David.
Things were said around the Lodging House and not all of it was kind. A favorite saying was "Now da Mouth's got somethin' else ta occupy his mouth wid." Leila did not really mind and David simply shoved the commentary aside.
Specs and Mercy's romance was not examined because it seemed so natural. Alyssa was supportive of all her friends while secretly maintaining her relationship with Race. It was difficult, considering that they lived in the same building.
As abruptly as it had left, the snow and miserable weather returned. It hit hard, almost as if it were signaling it's end. The unexpected downturn in the weather resulted in a rather sickly bunch of Newsies. For day at a time, almost half of them could not sell.
Mercy, Sarah and Leila became permanent fixtures in the Lodging House. They insisted that Alyssa work while they took care of the Newsies.
"Someone's gotta be able ta support dese boys while dere sick," Mercy said when Alyssa argued against the idea.
Resigned, Alyssa bundled up and went to Tibby's. She made a pit stop at the World Distribution Office. There she picked up a bunch of papes to sell in Tibby's. All the money that she made off the papes would go straight into the Newsies' pockets.
Walking into Tibby's, Alyssa was greeted by Davis. "How are your boys doing?"
"Not so great." Alyssa removed all of the layers that they insisted she wear. "Half a dem are sick beyond belief and da rest are slowly comin' down wid it."
"Half the city's like that. Factories are closing down left and right on account of the fact that they don't have workers."
"Do ya tink dat I could leave early?"
Davis gave Alyssa a disbelieving look.
"Mistah Davis. I's got a house full a sick Newsies an' barely anythin' ta feed dem wid. I's gotta take care a dem." Alyssa spoke violently because it was her family that she was trying to support. "Dere my family. Dere all I got. Aftah everythin' dat dey've done fer me, dis is da one ting dat I's can do fer dem."
"Alright, alright. No need to get upset."
Alyssa worked relentlessly, trying to bring in as much tip money that she could. When the time came for her to leave, she quickly gathered her things and hurried down to the market. There she bought what she could, hoping it would be enough.
When Alyssa was in sight of the Lodging House, Sarah came flying out.
"Alys, you gotta come quick."
"Wha's da matter?"
"You remember the few who were well enough to sell?"
Alyssa thought for a moment. She could only recall a very short list, and each day it got shorter. "Yeah, Blink, Race, Cowboy, Skittery, and. oh, Boots. Why?"
"Well, now there sick and sadly, Kloppman's come down with it bad."
"Shit." Alyssa ran into the Lodgings and straight to Kloppman's room.
Kloppman was lying in his bed, whiter than the sheets. Occasionally, he would cough up a bit of the liquid that was filling his lungs.
"Kloppman." Alyssa could barely move or speak. The man she considered her father, always full of life despite his age, was helpless. Finally, she came to her senses and began to look him over.
"Sarah, go get Mercy and Leila. I need ta talk to yous in me room."
Sarah gathered Mercy and Leila as Alyssa went up to see the Newsies. Pallid faces greeted her as she walked the rows of bunks. Gently, she greet each one of them before she went to her room.
"Here's wha' I know. Kloppman's very sick. Dere's a good possibility dat he may die from dis considerin' his age and current health." Alyssa kept her voice even, unwilling to show how scared he was. She did not want to lose another loved one. "No one can leave or come in. We's gotta keep dis contained."
From that point forward, Mercy, Leila, Sarah and Alyssa spent all their time taking care of the Newsies. Alyssa wrote a letter to Davis explaining why she could not work for a while. As it turned out, Tibby's closed for a while because there was no one there to run it.
Days dragged on to weeks. The sickness showed no signs of relenting. Kloppman's condition scared everyone because even the doctor who came at Denton's bidding felt that he may not live. As much as she loved her brothers, she put all her effort in Kloppman because he did not have the vitality that the boys had. Slowly, as the month of March began, both the awful weather and sickness left.
Taking care of the Newsies and Kloppman had been highly taxing on Alyssa. She was surprised that either she or the other girls did not get sick. For respite, Alyssa looked forward to her favorite holiday.
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Alyssa awoke and knew exactly what day it was.
March 17th - Saint Patrick's Day.
An Irish girl's favorite holiday.
The Newsies whom had been well for about a week now greeted the day with enthusiasm. The weather was perfect to sell in - sun shining and fresh air.
Alyssa readied herself, looking like the complete picture of a young Irish woman. The green skirt, coupled with an Irish blouse and the black bodice made it work. Her long hair was put into bun for work. Race's necklace hung around her neck, like it always did. Skipping down the stairs, she joined the boys in the lobby. She continually hummed fiddle music; if anyone had questioned her nationality, their question was now silenced.
Jack looked up. "Wha's gotten inta gat goil?"
Blink looked at Jack. "Do yous tink dat I's got da answer?"
"Hey, don' look at me," Race said. "I may be close ta 'er, but I's don' know everythin'."
Leila shook her head in disbelief. "Are yous really dat thick? She's Irish fer God's sake! Taday is da one holiday dat's truly Irish."
Boots looked skeptical. "Dere's a holiday taday?"
Alyssa pulled her head out of the clouds at that point. "Yeah, Saint Patrick's Day. Beautiful holiday."
Mercy glanced over Alyssa's outfit. "Well, yous sure look Irish. Guess yous got really strong connections wid yer roots."
Alyssa simply shrugged and walked out on to the street. Today was going to be a good day. She would get tipped well if the right people came in. Besides, there was going to be a festival that night in Central Park.
For the rest of the day, Alyssa spent the time at Tibby's, working exceptionally hard. Race came by and had a bite to eat. The two laughed and fun like they always did when they were together. It had been frustrating when Race had been sick because all Alyssa wanted to do was stay by his side, but she had to take care of the others as well.
When her time was finished at Tibby's, Alyssa raced home to get ready. She let all of her hair down and removed the blouse so she could only wear the bodice. Sluttish...perhaps. She changed her shoes to sandals and was almost out the door before she was stopped.
"Where do yous tink yer goin'?" Jack demanded.
"Da Irish festival."
"Da wha'?"
Alyssa sighed. "Da Irish festival. Its dis huge festival ta celebrate St. Patrick's Day an' da Irish culture. Dere's food, music, dancin'; a whole lot a stuff."
Blink spoke up. "Did yous say food?"
"Yeah."
"Den count me in!" Blink gave a miniature celebratory dance.
Race took a long drag on his cigar before speaking. "Sounds kinda interestin'. Can we's come?"
"'Course yous can. It'd be a lot more fun." Alyssa was secretly pleased that they wanted to come. It would give her a chance to show them what her life had been like before it took its downward spiral.
With that said and done, everyone trooped to Central Park.
And did they ever have a good time.
While they were there, they immersed themselves in the on goings of the festival. They gorged themselves on more food than they ever thought that they would see in ten lifetimes. While the Newsies ate and sampled the many varieties of beer, Alyssa joined one of the dancing contests. The other girls were good, but most of them lacked the poise that the dances required. Contestants fell left and right, unsure of how to place their feet. By almost a landslide, Alyssa won.
From the sidelines, three faces watched in interest.
Also from the sidelines, almost invisible, was Spot. Why he was there was entirely unknown, but he had his reasons. Only Alyssa saw him, which saved him the ridicule that the Manhattan Newsies would have poured on him.
"Alyssa, yous comin' er wha'?" Jack called when it was over.
"Yeah, I's comin'"
The three faces held a quick meeting.
"Dats who we's want, right?" One of them said.
"Yup."
As Alyssa and the Newsies headed home, the three faces followed behind. They waited outside for a few moments, allowing the occupants of the Lodging House to get in their nightly routine.
These three figures entered and immediately encountered Kloppman at the desk.
"'Scuse us; could ya spare t'ree beds?"
Kloppman thought on it for a moment. He turned to Dutchy beside him. "You got three empty bunks up there?"
"Yeah."
Kloppman turned back to the disheveled people before him. "Could I have your names? First names will be enough."
"Trey, Gabe and Dom."
Kloppman wrote them in and said, "Total of. 15 cents." The money was handed over, somewhat begrudgingly, and then Kloppman continued, "Just follow Dutchy. Dutchy, show dem the beds."
"Yup. C'mon den." Dutchy went up the rickety old stairs humming "High Tines, Hard Times," almost out of nostalgia.
Jack walked out of the 'sitting room' and ran into Dutchy's followers. "Who're dese guys?"
"New boarders."
Jack shrugged and walked up. Dutchy followed and they all filed into the bunk room. The newcomers looked around, mentally counting how many Newsies there were. Dutchy pointed out a few before Gabe interrupted.
"Who's da goil?"
He was pointing at Alyssa who sat on Race's bunk, hopelessly trying to win a hand of poker. She had changed into the Newsie style clothes that she had, so she looked like one of the guys.
"Oh, her. Dat's our sistah, Alyssa. Sweetest ting in da woild." Without any further comment, Dutchy brought them to the bunks.
Trey, Gabe, and Dom never had an easier job. They figured that she slept in the small room across from the washroom. Most likely the man at the desk's decision, they thought. Actually, Kloppman did not care where Alyssa slept; just as long as she 'stayed out of trouble.' The separate room only served as a ploy for when the city officials came by. Then, Alyssa would test her acting skills by pretending to be Kloppman's granddaughter. IT worked, and no one questioned it. For now, all Trey, Gabe, and Dom would have to do is act uninterested in her and wait until everyone was asleep.
The Newsies were slow to go to bed. Mostly they were skeptical about the new boarders. Something about them did not seem right about them. They knew there was nothing they could do about it except make sure that Alyssa went off to bed sooner than they did.
Thankfully, her game of poker, general riotous fun with Race and the festival had worn Alyssa out. She went to bed early without question and never once did she glimpse the newcomers. If she had, there would have been a massacre. Her real brothers were some of the last people that she wanted to see.
Alyssa went to bed, happy and unaware of any evil intentions toward her.
Poor Alyssa.
Author's Note: I was in a really fluffy mood when I wrote this chapter. So, if this is too sickly sweet for anyone, I apologize. But, there is a good reason! All chapters after this one are going to be rather heavy and dark. It's all part of the plot that's running around in my head. (Evil Plot Bunnies!)
Oh, don't expect another chapter for a long time. Really busy and writing is kinda outta the question. Sorry!
And on with the tale. saga. thingy!!!!! (
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The minute Alyssa woke up, she felt like dying. Staring up at the ceiling, tracing the cracks that ran along it, she wondered why. A week had passed since her kidnapping, so anxiety was not the culprit. Even the fact that Spot Conlon, infamous King of Brooklyn, had been sleeping in her bed for the past few nights did not faze her. Mentally counting back the days, she let out a huge groan when she finally came to a conclusion. "Damn. It's da fourteenth."
Valentine's Day.
Alyssa was sure that the world was playing a cruel and sadistic joke on her.
The day was perfect. Sunny and balmy, it seemed as though it had never been snowing a few days before. It was not the weather that irked Alyssa though; it was the tragedy that always overshadowed the day. Today, fourteen years ago, Laisi Alyssa Cambell, mother of Alyssa, had been viciously murdered right before her daughter's eyes.
A day of love turned to a day of death and sorrow.
Since then, Valentine's Day held no happy place in Alyssa's heart. Only cold, painful memories of life after her mother's death lingered there.
From the awaking Newsies, Alyssa could hear snatches of various love songs. I made her cringe knowing that they sang because of the happiness that the day gave them. But, Alyssa vowed to put on a brave face and not let the day bother her to much. Besides, she and Race were theoretically a couple, so that should mean she should be happy, right? In her own personal experience, love always ended in death, therefore causing Alyssa to shy away. Confessing her feelings had been one thing; acting on them was completely different.
For the sake of her "brothers" Alyssa felt as though she should honor the holiday, despite her own experiences. From the bottom of the basket that held her clothes she pulled out the maroon skirt.
"It needs somethin'," she muttered to herself.
From the bedside table which was one of the few pieces of furniture in her room, she withdrew black thread and a needle. Alyssa curled up on her bed and began to sew a pattern that was similar to the one that was on her green skirt. She sat that way for a long while, completely absorbed in what she was doing. She practically fell out of bed when someone knocked on the door.
"Alyssa? Yous awake yet?" Kloppman's voice slipped, revealing the accent that he once had when he was younger.
Opening the door, Alyssa had to chide him. "Don' do dat. Ya almost made me fall off me bed!"
"Jumpy?" Kloppman smiled at her. She was so much like a daughter to him that he had no qualms making fun of her. It was all out of complete love. Handing her a small bouquet of roses she said, "Happy Valentine's Day, hun."
Alyssa simply stared at him. For the first time in her life, someone was giving her a gift on Valentine's Day. "I.I."
Kloppman understood her inability to speak. "It's alright. Now hurry up or yer gonna be late for work."
"Work. right. Almost forgot 'bout dat." Alyssa closed her bedroom door and dressed in record time. Taking one of the pure red roses, she wove it into her hair which was flowing freely down her back.
She joined the stampeding crowd of Manhattan Newsies as they headed out of the Lodging House. As they headed toward the Distribution Office, Alyssa noticed Jack slip away - most likely to go find Sarah. Specs stayed with the crowd, but she was sure that he was going to double back later to see Mercy. He needed the money, so he had to sell before he saw her. Alyssa glimpsed Racetrack walking alongside Blink and Mush. Smiling at their backs, Alyssa turned down the street that led to Tibby's.
To her own surprise, Alyssa began to sing.
"Standing Stones of the Orkney Isles
Gazing out to sea
Standing Stones of the Orkney Isles
Bring my love to me." (Loreena McKennitt - "Standing Stones")
Like a young school girl, she let out a giggle. She ducked into O'Reiley's. There she bought the best and most expensive cigars that she could afford.
Alyssa practically skipped into Tibby's. Davis looked at her as though he had never seen her before. In truth, he hadn't. Never had he seen a flamboyantly happy Alyssa.
"Alyssa! What are you doing?"
She spun around with an innocent look across her face.
"Don't be coy with me young lady! Why are you, of all people, so happy?" Davis was befuddled at the change in her.
Alyssa smiled at him and said nothing. She worked with a vigor that she never knew she possessed. The couples that walked in all received warm smiles, friendly service and a complementary thick slice of chocolate fudge cake.
While she was washing down a table after the lunchtime rush, the bell above the door gave its metallic ring. Turning, Alyssa saw.
Alyssa did a double take. 'Wha' are dey doin' here?'
In a corner, slightly out of sight, sat David and Leila. Not wanting to embarrass them, Alyssa asked one of the other servers to get their table. More people came in, so Alyssa did not fee so bad about not serving them. After David and Leila left, Mercy and Specs came in, soon followed by Blink and Mush.
The latter two of them were so obvious, it was a small wonder that the bulls had not picked them up yet. Not that Alyssa minded; she thought it was sweet. Besides, she had known guys in Boston who were like that; some of them had been close friends of hers.
"Hey guys."
Mush looked up and grinned his dopey trademark smile. "Alys, how ya doin'?"
"Shouldn't yous be off somewheres wid some guy dat we's don' approve a?" Blink's comment was sarcastic, but said out of brotherly love.
Alyssa pulled up a chair. "Well, who said dat I's gotta guy in da foist place?"
Blink sat, silent, without any comment to sling back.
"Ahhh. I's silenced Kid Blink," Alyssa said teasingly. "Do I's get a medal 'er somethin'?"
To save Blink anymore ridicule, Mush asked about Mercy and Specs. "How longs dat been goin' on?"
"Dem?" Alyssa asked innocently. "Fer quite a while now, actually. Dey's jus' been keepin' it a secret, unlike you two."
"Ya mean, people know?" Blink and Mush demanded together.
Alyssa laughed. "Don' worry. Only I know. Da rest a dem 'er too slow ta figure it out."
While Blink and Mush stuffed their faces, Alyssa went off to serve others. She talked with Mercy and Specs, and found out how things were going. They all knew that Jack and Sarah would not come to Tibby's. They hardly ever did; as a couple that is.
When Alyssa looked at Jack and Sarah, she was almost disgusted. Sometimes everything seemed so fake and forced. But the, they would go in the complete opposite direction and be all lovey-dovey.
Whenever she looked at Mercy and Specs or David and Leila, she saw something pure and simple. Alyssa wanted that something that would last; not some fleeting thing of the moment.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Racetrack could not keep his mind on selling.
The day stayed on his mind and there was mo way that he could shake it. The races could not even work their magic on easing his mind. The idea of seeing Alyssa seemed almost impossible. What it someone saw them?
All day he had not seen Jack and Sarah. It figured though. Ever since the strike a few months ago, they were inseparable, despite the frequent fights that occurred. Both had different ideas of what they wanted.
Race turned a corner and stopped. Standing before him on the opposite side of the street was David with.
Leila?
Now there was a couple he thought he'd never see.
Well, he had his own things to figure out instead of acting like some stupid school girl wondering how those two got together. Race leaned against a street lamp to finish his selling.
He had somewhere to be.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"David, wha' are yer parent's gonna say bout me?" Leila spoke softly as she leaned against David.
"Don't know, really. I mean, they like Jack well enough."
The two were walking down the street that went past Irving Hall. The paused as they heard a large crowd cheer for Medda.
"Da boys really love 'er, don't dey."
David looked incredulously at Leila. "Have you ever seen her perform?" He watched as she shook her head. "You've never seen her, despite the fact that you work for her? I can't believe it. Well then, we have to go see the show!"
They spent the afternoon there, David singing along with most of the songs. When they came out, Leila had to admit that Medda was really good.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Mercy and Specs on the other hand, were spending a quieter afternoon.
They walked around New York listening to various street musicians. Conversation was light, but held deeper meaning behind it.
David and Leila were mentioned, but only out of admiration and approval.
"Wonder wha' Spot's doin' taday."
Mercy looked at Specs from beneath his bowler. "Yous really gotta ask dat question?"
"It's a fair one, considerin' all da tings dat he could be doin'."
"Good point." Mercy tilted her head to the side as she thought for a moment. "My guess is dat he's spendin' it wid beer an' a couple a goils."
"Ya paint such a lovely picture."
"I try."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Oh night thou was my guide
Oh night more loving than the rising sun
Oh night that joined the lover
To the beloved one
Transforming each of them into the other
I lost myself to him
And laid my face upon my lover's breast
And care and grief grew dim
As in the morning's mist became the light
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair." (Loreena McKennitt - "The Dark Night of the Moon")
The sound of the desk bell being rung cut Alyssa's song short. Without stopping her rhythmical washing of the table, she turned to see who was there.
Standing before her, was Racetrack, holding a single red rose.
Realizing that he had most likely heard her song, she blushed a deep red.
"Can yous get da rest a da day off?"
Before Alyssa could retreat into the back room, Davis came out. "Of course she can. Go on, enjoy the day. You've been working hard enough."
"But." Alyssa sputtered.
Davis shook his head. "You've been working all day. Go."
Alyssa scurried to the back room, pulling off her apron as she went. Gathering up the tin of cigars, she went out.
Race slipped his arm around her waist and guided her along the bustling streets. Everywhere they went they saw couples. They came to a small Irish pub and Race took her inside.
The waitress led them to a table in the corner lit by a candle.
"Race, how can we's afford."
"Don' worry 'bout it. I's been savin' fer a while." Race smiled at Alyssa. "Just sit back and enjoy it. It's da one ting dat I's get ta do fer ya aftah all da tings dat yous done fer me."
They stayed and ate, talking about everything. Both apologized for the distance that had grown between them, but both understood the circumstances. They laughed and simply enjoyed the fact that they could be alone together. Despite herself, Alyssa joined in on the singing and laughed as Race got a poker game started.
When they had finished at the pub, Race took Alyssa to Central Park. They sat on a knoll overlooking the pond with the sunset before them. It was Racetrack's turn to blush when Alyssa gave him the tin of cigars.
As the couple snuggled close, night became to overcome the light. Deep within her mind, Alyssa remembered a song that her mother once sang.
"When the moon on a cloud cast night
Hung above the tree top's height
You sang me of some distant past
That made my heart beat strong and fast
Now I know I'm home at last
You offered me an eagle's wing
That to the sun I might soar and sing
And if I heard the owl's cry
Into the forest I would fly
And in its darkness find you by
Here, Alyssa turned to look Race in the eyes.
And so our love's not a simple thing
Nor out truths unwavering
Like the moon's pull on the tide
Our fingers touch, our hearts collide
I'll be a moonsbreath by your side."
Behind them, the sound of a camera was heard as they leaned in for a kiss.
"I's gonna soak whoevah dat is," Race growled. He turned back and saw. "Denton! Wha' da hell do ya think yous don'?"
Denton squinted against the vibrancy of the sunset. "Racetrack? Alyssa? What are you two doing here?"
"Wha' does it look like, dumbass?" Alyssa snapped.
"Oh. Um. could I get a picture of you two?"
Race and Alyssa looked skeptical.
Denton continued. "I've got pictures of all the other Newsies. I just need you two."
"Den will yous leave?"
"Yup."
With the exchange finally over, Alyssa and Race settled back into each others arms for the picture. Behind them, the sunset created a majestic backdrop.
When Denton finally left; he had made a point of being slow to pack up, the lovers returned to what they were doing. Emotion flowed forth like a river that had burst its dam. Every time they touched, fireworks bust. They could barely keep their hands and mouths away from each other. To find two others who loved each other more than Alyssa and Race did would be impossible. Both knew that the moment that they got back to the Lodgings, everything would have to be secret again. But for now, the day was far from over and curfew was far away, allowing them their precious time.
Slowly, the meaning of love crept back into Alyssa's heart.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Valentine's Day passed and everyone knew about Leila and David.
Things were said around the Lodging House and not all of it was kind. A favorite saying was "Now da Mouth's got somethin' else ta occupy his mouth wid." Leila did not really mind and David simply shoved the commentary aside.
Specs and Mercy's romance was not examined because it seemed so natural. Alyssa was supportive of all her friends while secretly maintaining her relationship with Race. It was difficult, considering that they lived in the same building.
As abruptly as it had left, the snow and miserable weather returned. It hit hard, almost as if it were signaling it's end. The unexpected downturn in the weather resulted in a rather sickly bunch of Newsies. For day at a time, almost half of them could not sell.
Mercy, Sarah and Leila became permanent fixtures in the Lodging House. They insisted that Alyssa work while they took care of the Newsies.
"Someone's gotta be able ta support dese boys while dere sick," Mercy said when Alyssa argued against the idea.
Resigned, Alyssa bundled up and went to Tibby's. She made a pit stop at the World Distribution Office. There she picked up a bunch of papes to sell in Tibby's. All the money that she made off the papes would go straight into the Newsies' pockets.
Walking into Tibby's, Alyssa was greeted by Davis. "How are your boys doing?"
"Not so great." Alyssa removed all of the layers that they insisted she wear. "Half a dem are sick beyond belief and da rest are slowly comin' down wid it."
"Half the city's like that. Factories are closing down left and right on account of the fact that they don't have workers."
"Do ya tink dat I could leave early?"
Davis gave Alyssa a disbelieving look.
"Mistah Davis. I's got a house full a sick Newsies an' barely anythin' ta feed dem wid. I's gotta take care a dem." Alyssa spoke violently because it was her family that she was trying to support. "Dere my family. Dere all I got. Aftah everythin' dat dey've done fer me, dis is da one ting dat I's can do fer dem."
"Alright, alright. No need to get upset."
Alyssa worked relentlessly, trying to bring in as much tip money that she could. When the time came for her to leave, she quickly gathered her things and hurried down to the market. There she bought what she could, hoping it would be enough.
When Alyssa was in sight of the Lodging House, Sarah came flying out.
"Alys, you gotta come quick."
"Wha's da matter?"
"You remember the few who were well enough to sell?"
Alyssa thought for a moment. She could only recall a very short list, and each day it got shorter. "Yeah, Blink, Race, Cowboy, Skittery, and. oh, Boots. Why?"
"Well, now there sick and sadly, Kloppman's come down with it bad."
"Shit." Alyssa ran into the Lodgings and straight to Kloppman's room.
Kloppman was lying in his bed, whiter than the sheets. Occasionally, he would cough up a bit of the liquid that was filling his lungs.
"Kloppman." Alyssa could barely move or speak. The man she considered her father, always full of life despite his age, was helpless. Finally, she came to her senses and began to look him over.
"Sarah, go get Mercy and Leila. I need ta talk to yous in me room."
Sarah gathered Mercy and Leila as Alyssa went up to see the Newsies. Pallid faces greeted her as she walked the rows of bunks. Gently, she greet each one of them before she went to her room.
"Here's wha' I know. Kloppman's very sick. Dere's a good possibility dat he may die from dis considerin' his age and current health." Alyssa kept her voice even, unwilling to show how scared he was. She did not want to lose another loved one. "No one can leave or come in. We's gotta keep dis contained."
From that point forward, Mercy, Leila, Sarah and Alyssa spent all their time taking care of the Newsies. Alyssa wrote a letter to Davis explaining why she could not work for a while. As it turned out, Tibby's closed for a while because there was no one there to run it.
Days dragged on to weeks. The sickness showed no signs of relenting. Kloppman's condition scared everyone because even the doctor who came at Denton's bidding felt that he may not live. As much as she loved her brothers, she put all her effort in Kloppman because he did not have the vitality that the boys had. Slowly, as the month of March began, both the awful weather and sickness left.
Taking care of the Newsies and Kloppman had been highly taxing on Alyssa. She was surprised that either she or the other girls did not get sick. For respite, Alyssa looked forward to her favorite holiday.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Alyssa awoke and knew exactly what day it was.
March 17th - Saint Patrick's Day.
An Irish girl's favorite holiday.
The Newsies whom had been well for about a week now greeted the day with enthusiasm. The weather was perfect to sell in - sun shining and fresh air.
Alyssa readied herself, looking like the complete picture of a young Irish woman. The green skirt, coupled with an Irish blouse and the black bodice made it work. Her long hair was put into bun for work. Race's necklace hung around her neck, like it always did. Skipping down the stairs, she joined the boys in the lobby. She continually hummed fiddle music; if anyone had questioned her nationality, their question was now silenced.
Jack looked up. "Wha's gotten inta gat goil?"
Blink looked at Jack. "Do yous tink dat I's got da answer?"
"Hey, don' look at me," Race said. "I may be close ta 'er, but I's don' know everythin'."
Leila shook her head in disbelief. "Are yous really dat thick? She's Irish fer God's sake! Taday is da one holiday dat's truly Irish."
Boots looked skeptical. "Dere's a holiday taday?"
Alyssa pulled her head out of the clouds at that point. "Yeah, Saint Patrick's Day. Beautiful holiday."
Mercy glanced over Alyssa's outfit. "Well, yous sure look Irish. Guess yous got really strong connections wid yer roots."
Alyssa simply shrugged and walked out on to the street. Today was going to be a good day. She would get tipped well if the right people came in. Besides, there was going to be a festival that night in Central Park.
For the rest of the day, Alyssa spent the time at Tibby's, working exceptionally hard. Race came by and had a bite to eat. The two laughed and fun like they always did when they were together. It had been frustrating when Race had been sick because all Alyssa wanted to do was stay by his side, but she had to take care of the others as well.
When her time was finished at Tibby's, Alyssa raced home to get ready. She let all of her hair down and removed the blouse so she could only wear the bodice. Sluttish...perhaps. She changed her shoes to sandals and was almost out the door before she was stopped.
"Where do yous tink yer goin'?" Jack demanded.
"Da Irish festival."
"Da wha'?"
Alyssa sighed. "Da Irish festival. Its dis huge festival ta celebrate St. Patrick's Day an' da Irish culture. Dere's food, music, dancin'; a whole lot a stuff."
Blink spoke up. "Did yous say food?"
"Yeah."
"Den count me in!" Blink gave a miniature celebratory dance.
Race took a long drag on his cigar before speaking. "Sounds kinda interestin'. Can we's come?"
"'Course yous can. It'd be a lot more fun." Alyssa was secretly pleased that they wanted to come. It would give her a chance to show them what her life had been like before it took its downward spiral.
With that said and done, everyone trooped to Central Park.
And did they ever have a good time.
While they were there, they immersed themselves in the on goings of the festival. They gorged themselves on more food than they ever thought that they would see in ten lifetimes. While the Newsies ate and sampled the many varieties of beer, Alyssa joined one of the dancing contests. The other girls were good, but most of them lacked the poise that the dances required. Contestants fell left and right, unsure of how to place their feet. By almost a landslide, Alyssa won.
From the sidelines, three faces watched in interest.
Also from the sidelines, almost invisible, was Spot. Why he was there was entirely unknown, but he had his reasons. Only Alyssa saw him, which saved him the ridicule that the Manhattan Newsies would have poured on him.
"Alyssa, yous comin' er wha'?" Jack called when it was over.
"Yeah, I's comin'"
The three faces held a quick meeting.
"Dats who we's want, right?" One of them said.
"Yup."
As Alyssa and the Newsies headed home, the three faces followed behind. They waited outside for a few moments, allowing the occupants of the Lodging House to get in their nightly routine.
These three figures entered and immediately encountered Kloppman at the desk.
"'Scuse us; could ya spare t'ree beds?"
Kloppman thought on it for a moment. He turned to Dutchy beside him. "You got three empty bunks up there?"
"Yeah."
Kloppman turned back to the disheveled people before him. "Could I have your names? First names will be enough."
"Trey, Gabe and Dom."
Kloppman wrote them in and said, "Total of. 15 cents." The money was handed over, somewhat begrudgingly, and then Kloppman continued, "Just follow Dutchy. Dutchy, show dem the beds."
"Yup. C'mon den." Dutchy went up the rickety old stairs humming "High Tines, Hard Times," almost out of nostalgia.
Jack walked out of the 'sitting room' and ran into Dutchy's followers. "Who're dese guys?"
"New boarders."
Jack shrugged and walked up. Dutchy followed and they all filed into the bunk room. The newcomers looked around, mentally counting how many Newsies there were. Dutchy pointed out a few before Gabe interrupted.
"Who's da goil?"
He was pointing at Alyssa who sat on Race's bunk, hopelessly trying to win a hand of poker. She had changed into the Newsie style clothes that she had, so she looked like one of the guys.
"Oh, her. Dat's our sistah, Alyssa. Sweetest ting in da woild." Without any further comment, Dutchy brought them to the bunks.
Trey, Gabe, and Dom never had an easier job. They figured that she slept in the small room across from the washroom. Most likely the man at the desk's decision, they thought. Actually, Kloppman did not care where Alyssa slept; just as long as she 'stayed out of trouble.' The separate room only served as a ploy for when the city officials came by. Then, Alyssa would test her acting skills by pretending to be Kloppman's granddaughter. IT worked, and no one questioned it. For now, all Trey, Gabe, and Dom would have to do is act uninterested in her and wait until everyone was asleep.
The Newsies were slow to go to bed. Mostly they were skeptical about the new boarders. Something about them did not seem right about them. They knew there was nothing they could do about it except make sure that Alyssa went off to bed sooner than they did.
Thankfully, her game of poker, general riotous fun with Race and the festival had worn Alyssa out. She went to bed early without question and never once did she glimpse the newcomers. If she had, there would have been a massacre. Her real brothers were some of the last people that she wanted to see.
Alyssa went to bed, happy and unaware of any evil intentions toward her.
Poor Alyssa.