No own Newsies.
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The newsies had crowded into Tibby's, a special treat that Friday. Denton had dropped by, being back in New York for a few weeks on furlough. Davie and Les were there, Sarah was holding hands with Jack in a booth across from Denton, and even Spot Conlon had joined the party. Some people were listening to Denton, a few were talking about the day's pickings, and Race had already started a game of poker. Dirty dishes were scattered about the tables. But Skittery wasn't paying attention to any of it.
Skittery grinned, a dreamy look on his face. Red clapped his cheek, bringing him back to reality. He shook his head and groaned. Red grinned at him.
"Whatcha dreamin' bout, Skits?"
A whimsical half-smile graced his face. "I hoid an angel last night."
The other newsies, listening with half an ear to every conversation, added their two bits. "Yeah, I've hoid the boid meself." "Ya mean dat voice warblin' in da winda?" "Purty as nuttin' ya hoid before." Specs added his thoughts. "Singin' even Apollo would cry for."
The other newsies looked at him. "Who's Apollo?"
Specs tried to explain, which led into another conversation and most of the guys were drawn off Red.
Red shrugged. "I've neva hoid it."
Jack snorted. "You sleep like a log anyways. I rememba once we was raisin' hell right below yer room, fightin' n' all dat. You didn't e'en crack an eye."
Red rolled her eyes. "Ya getin' off da subject. How would ya know? And don't use dat word dat way. Anywho, what's dis voice?"
Jack leaned in a bit, unfazed by her rapid chatter. "Well, dere's dis spooky voice dat comes in da winda a few times a week when it's nice out. We been callin' it our Angelboid. Sings purtier dan anytin' I'd hoid b'fore. 'Cept Medda, mebe."
Red chuckled. "Seems yo' little Angelboid is sumptin' off yo heads. 'As anyone eva seen dis mysterious voice? Or mor'n one person hoid it at a time?" Jack shook his head on all counts. Red leaned back, crossing her arms, as if she had made her point. "It's jist off yer heads. Stories comin' ta life in ya dreams er sumptin."
Jack looked at her with doubt in his eyes. "Bu'…it's been so real."
Red rolled her eyes. "Dat line was right outta da books, Jacky. You been readin' Specs' stash lately?" As she spoke, she slid out of the booth and gained the doorway, the bell tinkling as it silently shut behind her.
Jack looked after her, a confused expression on his face. Sarah put a hand on his cheek. "Red is just that way, you know?" He nodded. It had been established long ago that even though he held an admiration for Red, Sarah had his heart. This had never been a thorn between the two girls, who were best of friends since they had first met. Considering they both lived in houses full of boys, this was nothing exceptional. Jack looked back to Sarah, his heart in his eyes.
"Ya busy tanight?"
She nodded her head, grinning. "I have to stay home and soap my shoelaces."
He played along, turning to Red's vacated spot and smacking his head against the green vinyl seating. "Man. An' I was gonna bring ya ta th' new park an' all."
She smiled at him, and quickly pecked his cheek. "Maybe I can squeeze you in."
Outside, a different mood was taking place, out of everyone's sight.
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If you're a newcomer to the Red series, read Redand Red 2: An Awakening first. Thanks! --rj