"I'm sorry too." Red pushed herself up from her chair to stand near Blink. They both gazed into the fireplace. The silence between them was not uncomfortable, but soothing.
"Your birthday's comin' up."
"Yup." A pause. Red spoke again.
"You plannin' anything?"
"Nope."
"Ya hoid da Angelboid lately?"Blink glanced at her. "I thought ya didn't believe in dat."
She shrugged.
"Yeah, I hoid 'er. Sang da prettiest song."
"What was it like?"
"Er, sumptin' real nice. Oh yeah, some of it was sumtin' like Maybe someday. Dat's awl I kin recall. Neva hoid 'er read anytin' like it."
Red sighed. Blink looked at her. "What's up?""I dunno. I can't keep this up. I mean, I love sellin'. But…it ain't enough ta make a livin' outta. Everyday this city seems smaller."
Blink put an arm around her shoulder. "I know what you mean."
- - - - - - - -
A few weeks later"G'job, Red. That was one nice sellin' spot."
Jack sat nearby. Red strolled over and sat near him. "Jist cuz ya got done 'fore I did, doesn't mean ya gotta rub it in, ya wuss."
Jack rolled his eyes and hit her in the arm. "C'mon, walk wit me."
"Lodgin' House?"
"Shoah."
They began walking the few blocks to the House. When they got there, Kloppman was nowhere in sight. Red looked at the counter. A white slip of paper rested there.
"Must've gone out."
Jack picked up the note. "Open envelope above newsies boxes." He looked up. "Kloppman signed it. Should be okay."
Red walked around to the back of the counter. Everything was neat and orderly. She reached above the boxes, standing on her toes, and grabbed a small corner with her middle finger. She caught it as it fell.
"To th' Newsies." She weighed it in her hands and carried it over to the counter. "It's heavy." She ripped the end open.
Out came several five-dollar bills and a note. Jack grabbed the piece of paper and read haltingly.
"To the Manhattan Newsies. Have fun at Tibby's and Medda's tonight. There's a special show just for you."
Red glanced over his shoulder. "It's not signed."
Jack gave her a wry look. "No duh." He turned it and the envelope over and over in his hands. "Who would do this?"
Red shrugged. "Hey, it's money. Let's make a night of it, eh?"
A smile broke across both faces.
- - - - - - - -
Another newsie crowd had gathered in Tibby's. Some had wondered where the money came from, but no one cared as long as there was food and a dance. It was around four. The dance would be at eight at Irving Hall. That would leave enough time to get 'spruced up', as Kloppman called it.
Sarah excitedly talked to Red. "I can't believe it! Who would do this for us? We don't really have any rich benefactors, do we?"
A knowing smile lingered on Red's face. "Who knows. I don't think I'll go tonight."
Sarah glared at her. "Come on, it'll be fun! You never go to these things!"
Red glared right back. "I have good reason."
Sarah pleaded. "Please come! Mother and I will help you!"
Red paused. "Okay." She regretted it the moment Sarah started exclaiming how fun it would be to dress her up, as if she were a doll. Red interrupted. "Hey. No fancyin' me up. Jist a nice outfit 'er sumptin."
"We'll see." Red shook her head. This will be…interesting.
Meanwhile, Sarah was over by Jack, telling him what Red had agreed upon.
Jack interrupted. "Y'have all dis talk 'bout Red. What 'bout you?"
Sarah quickly smiled, and just as swiftly kissed his cheek. "I'll be there. Is seven alright?" He nodded, smiling.