Me: sobs uncontrollabley
Skittery: Awe...come on Jockey...It ain't da end o' da woild...jist da end o' a story... looks at the other boys for help
Me: wails No, it's worse then the end of the world! No more wonderful reviews! No more giving away gifts to those who love my story! No more looking forward to updating the next chapter! begins blubbering like a baby and wailing
Newsies: look at each other helplessly notice the group of readers
Race: Oh, hi dere... Sorry bout da mess dat Jocks is in... She's jist sad bout dis bein' da last chappy o' her story. shrugs Not much we's ken do fer her iffen all she does is blubber.
Spot: Well, we could take care o' dis one fer her. Since she's...blubbering...
Jack: nods We'll do da acknowledgements and give out da prizes... What was da prize does anyone know?
Blink: holds up a piece of paper with all the information about the commentary on it Says dat each reviewer gets any newsie of choice fer as long as dey want. Da reviewer gets ta use dat newsie fer anytin' she wants, but da newsie is to be retoined in one piece and no harmed in any way... goes pale Wait a minute! She's givin' us away!
Newsies: What! She can't do dat!
Lawyer: walks in Actually, she can. points to small print on a legal document See, as long as she owns you in her own world, she can do anything with you. Give you away as a prize, make you act like a dog, turn you into blubbering girls... It's her right and your curse. walks out
Snitch: Dat ain't fair! When did we sign dat stupid contract?
Newsies: shrug
Specs: sighsWell, we should git busy wit her acknowledgements o' da reviewers... searches messy desk for list of reviewers
Skittery: I found it! clears throat and prepares to read the list Tanks ta... hobbit1400, Gryffindor's Newsie, mistymixwolf aka Perch, ElleestJenn, cheekymouse, Unexpected Dawn, madmbutterfly713.
Mush: grins at readers we tank youse all fer reviewin' on da last chappy and all da ones before. Jocks gotten more reviews on this story den any other. She has a note to tell you some bad news though... hands paper to Jack
Jack: clears his throat Dear all my lovely readers. Those of you who have been reading my story If Wishes Were Horses will be sad to hear that I'm taking it down. I'm having major writer's block on it, and I have several new ideas that I want to start writing. I'm planning to redo the chapters that I've written already and hopefully put it back up, but I can't promise anything. Please don't hurt me if you like this story a lot. I don't want to pull it down, but I don't have much of a choice. Please forgive me and stick around cause I have a new story brewing in my head... blame the Christmas music I've been listening to. :D That should give you a tiny clue... Ok, now I will end this rather stupid note.
Skittery: sniffs Dat was so sad. Da story all bout me is not gettin' finished! soon joins Jockey in wailing and blubbering
Race: gives Skitts a weird look before turning back to their audience Sorry bout dat folks. Dat's all we's got fer ya taday... well, da chappy's waitin' fer ya. grins widely I's in dis chappy! Jocks hopes you enjoy dis da last chappy of Dancing Strings...
Chapter Twenty-Four
The day dawned bright and beautiful. Only a few white, puffy clouds floated across the bright blue sky promising a clear and perfect day. The lodging house was a stir of hustle and bustle as the boys ran around jumping into showers and then rushing to find the suits made for them by Medda, Sarah, and Mrs. Jacobs. Today was a special day, and no one wanted to keep in waiting.
The girls' house was busier then the boys'. While Perch, Kitten, and Sweeps raced around the kitchen making breakfast with the help of Mrs. Jacobs and Sarah, the others were upstairs with Medda getting dressed.
"Hurry girls!" Medda ran down the hall to a separate room where it was a lot quieter and slower.
Aurora sat at the vanity table trying to pin white and pink roses in her cascade of auburn curls. From the look on her face, she was getting quite frustrated with the fact that they weren't staying in place.
"Darn these blasted flowers!" Her Irish accent was strong as she threw up her hands in disgust and glared angrily at her reflection.
Medda had to laugh at the young woman. Her temper and easy annoyance still flared up at a whim, even at the age of twenty-one. From the moment Rory had stepped into their world till now, she hadn't changed much at all. Over the years, she had grown a little taller, and her hair had returned to its longer length once again. The only thing that was ver different about her was the prominent scar on her chest. The bullet had miraculously missed her heart and lungs coming out clean on the other side. Thankfully, Skitts had his wits about him enough to put pressure on the wound and was able to stop most of the blood flow. This was what kept Rory alive so they could get her to the nearest doctor.
Medda looked at the girl who had become like her own with a soft glow of pride and love. She was very proud of the fact that Rory had not let the incident make her dry and bitter. She still couldn't use her left arm as well as before. This could not be explained by any of the best doctors that New York had to offer. But, Rory had accepted it and moved on. She was still the happy, charming girl she had been in the beginning. And today was the happiest day of her life.
"Medda, ye're gonna have to help me. I can't get these stupid flowers to stay in me hair!" She grinned wryly in the mirror at the older lady.
Medda laughed and hurried to her charge's aid. "That's because you give up to easily my dear…" Her slender fingers soon had the flowers arranged just the way Aurora wanted. "Did you and Jeremy decide where you're going for your honeymoon?"
Aurora's face turned a pretty shade of pink as she thought about their wedding night, something they had been waiting for in eager anticipation. "Aye, we've decided to take me earnings and stay in one o' those fancy hotels for a week. But, please, don't tell me brudder or any o' the other boys. Snipes, Race, and Blink have been scheming for months with plans to embarrass us tonight. I don't want them to succeed."
Medda laughed as various thoughts of things the boys could have been scheming up danced through her head, "Those boys are as crazy and mischievous as when they were younger. I don't know if they'll ever grow up! It's bad to have them working so close together all the time. It only leads to problems and pranks!"
Rory laughed and stood. "Yes, Race and Blink have complained to me many times about Snipes playing some trick on them. But, they call it down upon themselves with their own pranks and tricks. They are far from innocent, which is why I don't feel sorry for them at all."
At that moment, the bedroom door burst open as a line of excited chatting girls streamed into the room. Each one was dressed in a light pink dress made of satin. The sleeves were long and bell-like with fancy lace on the edges. The girls had white roses pinned in their hair.
"Oh, Trippah darlin', youse looks like a golden-haired angel!" Shooter smiled at her friend.
Aurora stood there in a white gown that fit her figure perfectly. Light pink ribbons and tiny cloth rosebuds weaved along the edges and through her sheer lace veil. With her bright auburn curls pinned up on top of her head with white and pink roses, she looked like she had just stepped out of a magazine. She made such a pretty bride with her shining eyes and flushed cheeks.
Twitch walked over and handed Rory her bouquet and grinned. "Are you ready to become Mrs. Jeremy Lawrence?"
Rory blushed bright red, but the grin on her face thoroughly answered Twitch's question. Laughter filled the room as the girls joined in with Twitch. Their merriment was interrupted when Kloppman knocked and entered the room. His wrinkled face broke out into a huge smile at the sight of all the girls dressed as angels. His fatherly gaze moved from one face to another before resting on the glowing Aurora.
"My goil, you is breathtaking. Skittery will either be struck dumb or drool through out the whole ceremony."
"Oh, I truly hope not, Kloppman! I would hate to get his drool on me wedding dress!" Everyone laughed at the thought of Skittery doing nothing but standing there, staring like an idiot at Rory.
Kloppman wiped tears of laughter from his eyes before turning back to Rory. "The carriages are waitin' for ya, ladies. Are you ready?" His look was pointed directly at the bride to be.
Rory's smile went soft as she thought about what she was going to do in little less then an hour. After a short pause, she nodded and lifted tear filled eyes to the man who had become like a father to her.
"Aye, I'm ready."
Kloppman offered her his arm and slowly led her from the room where she had become a boy several years ago. They led the others out of the house and to where several white carriages pulled by two white horses were waiting to take them to the church.
Skittery paced the small room designated for the groom and his men. He could barely think coherently. He was so nervous. His hands were stuffed deep in his pockets in an attempt to keep from rubbing them together anxiously. Tumbler had come in with a huge grin on his young face. All Skitts had been able to ring out of the boy was that Rory looked 'brilliant'.
The boys sat in various positions around the room grinning at the groom. Skitts was never nervous or anxious about anything, so this was a new side that they had never seen. And, it was hilarious! No matter how many times they told him to relax, he would hear none of it. He had thoughts in his head about Rory changing her mind or something happening to keep her from marrying him today.
Race chewed on the cigar that he had been forbidden to light till after the wedding by his girlfriend. Skittery's pacing and the endless waiting were starting to make him crazy and nervous. All he wanted to do was smoke his cigar and get the show on the road, but no, they had to wait on the bride.
All of the boys turned to face the room's only door as it opened allowing Kloppman to enter. Every male breathed a sigh of relief when Kloppman smiled and nodded.
"Boys, it is time. Let's get you all to your places."
"You're beautiful, Rory." Snipeshooter grinned down at his sister as they waited for their cue. At fifteen, the curly haired youth was tall enough that Rory ad to look up to look into his eyes. He had grown up to be even fuller of tricks and pranks then he had been when he was younger. But, in all his fun and games, there were times when he could be very serious and intelligent then most boys his age. Rory had new respect for her brother that only made her love for him stronger.
"Tanks, Petey. Ye don't look so bad yeself." She giggled as the teen blushed a dark red. "Are ye gonna miss having me around?"
Snipes nodded and blinked away tears. He hadn't realized till just then how much he would miss her. The last three years had been full of fun, fights, and memories made around them being together. Now, he was losing her in a way. He would see her a lot, but it would no longer be the same.
"Yay, I's gonna miss ya, Sis." He pulled her close against his chest, enveloping her in his long arms.
"Oh Pete. This is harder then I thought it would be." Tears filled her eyes as she held her brother close.
The first few notes of the wedding march broke into their moment, warning them it was time to head down the aisle. Snipes carefully wiped away the tears that had spilled over and run down Rory's cheeks. He then took her arm and tucked it securely in his as the ushers opened the doors to the sanctuary. Friends from all walks of life stood to their feet at the sight of the happy bride. At the front, all the girls and newsies stood grinning as the siblings slowly made their way down the aisle.
Skittery left his breath leave him the instant his gaze came to rest on his bride. She was gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous! He could do nothing but stare dumbly as she floated towards him. She looked like an angel without the wings. Her eyes glowed with love and happiness as her gaze caught and held his. The message that spoke out through her eyes made Skittery's heart soar and any doubts were sent into hiding.
The music died slowly as Snipes came to a stop below the steps. With a huge grin on his freckled face, he stepped forward and handed Skittery his sister's hand.
"Youse take care o' her Skitts, or I's comin' aftah youse wit a really big stick." Skitts grinned at his soon to be brother-in law before turning back to the minister.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here…"
He was pacing again. Was life going to have him pacing all the time? It seemed like just yesterday when he had been pacing in that tiny room off to the side in the church. He had been nervous then, and he was beyond nervous now.
"Relax Skitts. Everytin' undah control. Da goils - -" Blink was interrupted by the bedroom door flinging open as Perch and Kitten flew past. They grabbed several towels and one of the many basins of hot water before rushing back into the bedroom.
The boys who had jumped to their feet at the girls' entry went back to slouching around the room or pacing the room as in Skittery's case. It was nearly two years since their wedding day and neither one ever regretted the decision they made that day. Their love only grew stronger and more passionate with each passing day.
A squeal came from behind the door making every male head came up and all motion to cease. Into the silence, a thin, frail wail rang throughout the still room. A delighted grin came over Skittery's worn features. Relief and joy replaced all stress and anxiety. The other men good-naturedly slapped Skittery on the back and congratulated him. Every head turned again as the door opened with Perch standing in the doorway grinning.
"Mr. Lawrence, youse got a beautiful baby boy." She carried a tiny blue bundle over to the father.
Skittery gulped as Perch placed the bundle in his arms. His eyes widened as he carefully moved the bundle to rest in the crook of his arm and gently pushed the soft fabric aside to get a better look at the tiny sleeping form of his son.
"Look at him, guys. Ain't he jist poifect?"
The guys gathered close around to see the miracle before them. Most of them had never seen a baby up close and personal before. Skitts was the first to actually get married and have any kids.
"Skitts? Yer wife is askin' fer ya." Accent smiled at the beaming father. "She'd be much obliged iffen youse brought yer new son with you."
Skittery nodded and quickly entered the room where his wife lay pale against the pillows with her hair fanned out around her head. Her eyes were closed when he first walked into the room, but they opened when the door closed behind him with a soft click.
"Isn't he beautiful, Skitts?" She motioned weakly for him to come over to the bed. She wore a tired smiled as her eyes fell upon her child.
"Yay, he sometin' alright." Skitts sat on the bed beside the girl of his dreams and laid the baby down between them.
"And he's all ours, Skitts. Our own flesh and blood."
Skitts could only nod. His joy was so great that he couldn't speak. He leaned down and softly kissed his wife's soft lips before leaning down to brush his son's downy head with his lips. Skitts softly slipped around his wife so that he was cuddling her close against his chest as she held their child. He gave a deep sigh as sleep slowly covered them both as they looked down at the babe.
"I can't wait to see what his life's gonna be like. Maybe you'll teach him ta make da strings on a violin dance." He kissed the top of Rory's head before snuggling down to sleep with his two most precious possessions.
Hey everyone! Yes, I've had my cry fest. :D I feel much better now since I know that my next story is going to be awesome! Ok, you are probably wondering about this note at the end because I don't usually do this. Well, I'm doing another CC for my new story! Yay:D Ok... here's what I need if you are interested:
Full Name:
Nickname:
Looks:
Age:
Three Boyos of Choice (it's first come first serve...except for Skittery, but you knew that already. :P)):
Basic History:
Personality:
Hobbies:
Status with boy? (already going out, need a push, need a slap in the face, need to check in with reality :P):
Elf or Human? (I need some human girls...all boys are human... don't ask why, just tell me what you want to be :O) ):
Real name for the three boys of your choice: (ex. Skittery Jeremy Lawrence)
Anything else that is important for me to know about your character:
Ok, that's it for now lovelies. When you review, set a special place aside for your CC. I must warn you, I won't be using the CC girls right away. So, if you wonder where you are, you will just have to be patient cause I have a plan to my insanity. :P Ok, now get out there and review:D