Turning towards the lad in front of her she offered a slight smile.
"How are you feeling today?"
The boy blinked his large brown eyes before a yawn escaped his lips, his expression becoming rather sheepish.
"I feel hot and I'm a little tired."
Ravenna nodded her head in understanding before walking towards the bed, leaning over and placing a cool hand upon his burning forehead. She grimaced as she realized that the lad's fever did not seem to have receded at all. Biting her bottom lip she debated as what to do. It was obvious the lad needed another bathe, only she knew that Jack wouldn't be here to give him one, nor would any of the other newsies because all of them had just gone out to sell newspapers. A smile came to her lips as an idea registered in her mind; she turned to Les.
"Do you know if the man who runs this lodging house would have an additional pair of…um…long underwear for you to use?"
Les merely gave her a look of utter confusion.
"Why I was wondering is because I can't be in the water closet with you if you are not dressed, and I can't have you bathe in the only set of long underwear you have because you would catch a cold staying in wet clothes. So my thought was you could use another pair and then switch back into yours once you are finished bathing."
Les nodded his head slowly, not fully grasping why he needed to wear his long johns, yet not willing to question any further.
"Kloppman should have some extra clothing in the cupboard in the restroom."
"Wonderful, do you think you are strong enough to walk up the stairs to the water closet?"
The boy who was lying down in bed carefully sat up and closed his eyes for a moment as if allowing his head to adjust to being up. He carefully pulled back the covers and placed his feet upon the floor before standing. The boy seemed to waver and Ravenna hurried beside him and placed an arm around his back for support.
"Lean on me and you should be fine."
Les nodded his head and half opened his eyes for the journey upstairs. They took the stairs one at a time at a snails pace, yet managed to actually get to the restroom. She sat Les upon a bunk and searched the cupboard for an extra pair of long underwear. To her surprise there were a few pairs to choose from, causing a slight blush to stain her cheeks; this was the closest she had ever been to a pair of man's undergarments. Grabbing a pair which she hoped was the right size she made her way back to Les, who was now lying down on the bunk. Tossing him the undergarment she told him to change while she was filling the tub. 10 minuets later Les was in the other pair of long underwear in a rather freezing tub.
"I'm sorry you have to go through this again, but it's the only way I know how to lower a fever."
Ravenna knew that the water would be colder to him than it was to her because his body temperature was higher than hers was. Deciding that the kid might as well wash his hair while he was sitting in the freezing water, Ravenna grabbed the nearest bar of soap. She dipped it into the water and lathered her hands with it.
"Why don't we wash your hair while you're in here?"
Les merely dunked his head under the water and lifted it back up before looking for the soap. He turned to face her when he saw that she had the item he was looking for. A puzzled expression crossed his face.
"What are you doing?"
"Oh…I thought that I might…that is if you don't mind…" Ravenna did not know quite why she was about to wash the lads hair. She knew that he was perfectly capable of doing it himself, but for some reason the motherly feelings that were creeping up on her where Les was concerned had decided that she would was his hair for him.
A smile lit Les's lips.
"My mother used to wash my hair when I was sick."
"She did?"
Les nodded his head in affirmation.
"Would you mind it then if I washed your hair?"
After he shook his head Ravenna began to gently scrub the soap into his scalp making sure that she removed all of the grease and dirt that had imbedded itself into his head. After a few minuets of silence Ravenna's curiosity got the best of her.
"Whatever happened to your mother Les? If you don't mind my asking that is."
A soft sigh escaped his lips causing him to sound older than his years.
"My family died of Consumption about a year ago. I'm the only one left. Mama sent me to live with Jack when she saw Davey getting the early signs of the sickness; Sarah and Papa had already passed away. Mama wasn't about to leave Davey and knew that she would get the sickness because she would be nursing him. So she sent me to Jack because she wanted at least one of her children to survive. Jack was really nice to me when I first got here. I didn't have any money to stay here 'cause Mama had been spending everything on trying to nurse Sarah, Papa, and Davey back to health so Jack paid for my lodging for the first few days. He was always nice to me because I was Davey's brother but ever since I've been here its like he's taken Davey's role."
Les' voice was soft through his entire tale and Ravenna could not help but feel compassion for the kid. She could relate to loosing a sibling as well as a mother and a father, and for some reason she felt compelled to let the lad know. Cupping water in her hands to wash the soap out she told a brief summary of her tale to the boy.
"I also am the only survivor of my family. I lost both of my parents and my baby sister in a fire when I was 3."
Les turned towards her, his brown eyes wide as if glad to find someone who would relate to him by sharing their own story.
"Do you still miss them?"
Ravenna nodded.
"Very much."
"How do you deal with it?"
A sigh escaped into the air from Ravenna's lips.
"Some days are better than others. But time has really helped. I know that is rather cliché to say, but it's true. I managed to be adopted by a very nice couple who have treated me in every sense as their true daughter. I was too young to remember many things about my family, but you seem old enough to have plenty of happy memories. I suggest that you dwell on those instead of their death."
Les gave a silent nod which ended any further conversation. 20 minuets later Les was dressed in his own pair of long underwear and laying down in the bed taking a nap while Ravenna was rummaging in the kitchen looking for something to cook for the both of them.
The rest of the day went on with out many exciting events, the two ate lunch and dinner together, and in-between meals Les usually slept. Some times he would be awake and the two would talk about their lives or anything else that was on their minds. When darkness had spread over the city and Les was sleeping, Jack popped his head in the door.
"Mush is here so he can take over looking after Les. I'll walk you to Elena's."
Startled by his voice Ravenna merely nodded. Normally she would make a rude snappy comment, but for some reason she didn't. Perhaps it was because Les had painted Jack in a whole new light this afternoon, or because she had had a relaxing day, but she was rather civil to Jack that night.
"That's fine, when are we leaving?"
Jack blinked in surprise; obviously he had been expecting her to make some snide comment in return. He ran a hand through his light brown hair in an attempt to remember what they had been talking about.
"Now…is that ok with you?"
It was Ravenna's turn to blink in surprise. Jack was actually asking for her opinion, perhaps being civil to him had its advantages. Nodding in approval she gathered the book and cross stitching project she had brought to pass the time away before heading out the door as Mush walked in. Their shoulders brushed each other lightly, but it was enough to cause shivers to run up and down Ravenna's spine. Startled by her reaction she walked quicker to put as much distance as possible between herself and the gypsy. Jack gave her an odd look but did not mention anything as they walked together towards the Dancing Bear.
Upon arrival he opened the door for Ravenna, allowing her to walk in before him. The inn had the same amount of patrons as it did the night before, and to Ravenna it appeared that the patrons were the same people she had seen the evening before. Elena spotted the two from the same place behind the bar and again whispered to her brother to take over while she greeted her significant other and new friend.
She welcomed Jack with a chaste kiss and Ravenna with a smile.
"Your cat is in the kitchen curled up next to the side of the oven. It appears the mice have worn her out."
Ravenna smiled at the thought; she couldn't say she was disappointed that the mice had not been caught by Ferocious. She simply didn't want to think of her precious kitty as a murderer; when she focused back on the two before her Jack had turned his full attention to Elena.
"So are things all set for next Friday?"
Elena nodded in affirmation causing Ravenna to raise a perfectly sculpted brow.
"What is going on next Friday?"
"Oh nothing you'd be too interested in Nettle," was the answer that Jack quickly tried to pacify Ravenna with. Elena slapped Jack upon the arm.
"Now don't go pulling that. Ravenna has every right to be here next Friday, after all she is taking care of Les everyday for you guys."
"But Mush saved her life, she owed him."
"I don't want to hear any of that. She has every right to be here next Friday evening as well as the right to decide if she should want to come or not."
Jack remained silent as boy would when his mother was making him do something he didn't want to do.
"If you won't invite her I will, and there is nothing you can do to stop that from happening."
Elena's words caused Jack to sigh in defeat.
"Every 2nd Friday of the month Elena here allows the Manhattan newsies, and sometimes Spot plus his choice in Brooklyn boys, to have a poker night." He paused as if not wanting to go further but Elena gave him a jab in the ribs with her elbow. He winced and proceeded. "Since you are taking care of Les and all you can come if you want to. But if you don't, I understand, after all there will be alcohol, and gambling, as well as cigar smoking and…"
"I'd love to come" Ravenna interrupted him causing Jack's brown hues to grow wider.
"You would?"
Ravenna offered a calculating smile to Elena who in turn gave one to her.
"Yes, I would. It sounds marvelous. I should not have to return to my home until Saturday next weekend seeing that today is Sunday and I told my Butler last night that I would be gone for a week." She gave a winsome smile. "So it appears that I will be staying here that night anyway."
Elena could barely contain her laughter as Jack took in all of the information that Ravenna had presented.
"Well then, I guess we'll see you here next Friday."
"I guess you will."
Jack shuffled his feet for a moment seeming rather out of his element.
"Well, I think I better head back over towards the lodging house."
"Alright" Ravenna replied her smile still on her lips.
Jack then leaned over and whispered something into Elena's ear which caused her to smile and nod her head in agreement; he then gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and a curt nod of his head to Ravenna and headed outside.
Elena turned towards Ravenna and smiled.
"I cannot wait until next Friday."
"Neither can I."
"Would you like something to drink?"
Ravenna nodded her head.
"That would be lovely."
The two then headed towards the bar and chatted between Elena's serving of customers.
A/N: Ok, please don't hate me for what I did to the Jacobs. It just fit the story better to have them dead. I know I know! I'm mean…but it fit. *nods* And you got a very sweet Rav and Les scene out of it. Really, I'm not a horrible person! Oh, and I know my chapters always have mistakes, so if anyone is willing to be my beta simply let me know. I'm sure my readers would appreciate it hehe. Oh and I'm sorry about the lack of updating when I said I would. My Muses were too exhausted from all of the updates that I had done so close together that they were sleeping. But now they are bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to whisper ideas into my head hehe. Lucky you guys.
Raeghann: Even though you didn't review, I'm still giving you an SO because you helped me figure out what I wanted to do with this chapter. Thank you so much. I luff ya! *huggles*
JP: Ok, here are 2 chapters for you! Aren't you proud of me? Two whole chapters for you to read now that you are back. *gently huggles her* Oh, and if you haven't read the new and improved Disclaimer you should *nods* That says it all. Hehe I'm glad you like Mush tucking Jack in, I thought it was a very Elena thing to do hehe. Oh, loved your rambling hehe thanks for gifting me with some of it. I must admit you are worse than me, something I never thought I'd say :o)
Mondie: Glad you liked you liked Elena, I'm not too fond of Sarah myself. I just couldn't write about someone who uses a doily to cover herself in an attempt to be modest; especially when she's sitting in bed with a sheet handy. *shakes head* Oh you asked Aaron Lohr to prom? You must tell me what he says. You can't give me that tidbit of info and not follow through with further info. That's simply not allowed. Hehe. Sounds like you had an interesting night. Hehe. I must say I don't think I would ever have the guts to go around town asking random guys to be my date for prom. Hehe. *shakes head* Too much of a chicken. Hope you liked the chapter and thank you for your faithful updating.
Clem: I'm glad you like my story; it's always nice to be told that as well as the fact that my plot is great. I always end up doubting my work so a little bit of encouragement every now and then is wonderful. :o)
Hottie5Star: Hehe, I'm glad you liked the Mush and Jack tucking in thing. I was quite tickled when the Muses whispered that tidbit into my ear. I thought it added to who Elena was. Yeah, sweet little Mush would stay up with Les all night, just the guy he is *sighs* I hope I'm not having him fall back into the sweet sappy Mush though, that wouldn't be good…not after I worked so hard to have him be different…ah well. I'm also happy about the bit about the Masquerade. I have to give credit to Raeghann for that. When I asked if she wanted in my story she helped me create a character and suggested a Masquerade in celebration of Carnival, so how could I resist?
AaronLohrLover24: Don't worry about not reviewing for chapter 7, that's ok. You gave me 2 reviews for chapter 9 hehe. Kinda :o) I'm glad you like Elena; it's always nice to hear something like that when you introduce a new character. I'm also glad you love this story; I don't think I can ever hear enough of that hehe, one of the things that keeps this story going. :o)
Serina: I'm so glad that you enjoy my story, it's something that I don't think I could ever tire of hearing. I'm glad you like the cat, and as for her butting in on all the right moments all I can say is she truly has a mind of her own and throws herself into the story whenever she wants to. I have no control hehe. As for Ravenna letting her guard down and falling fast, well, I could tell you yes but that would be giving away part of the story now wouldn't it? Hehe Thank you so much for telling me that the Italian was fine, I was a bit worried. One can never fully rely on what the online translators say. As for offering me your services in helping with the Italian, I will probably take you up on that offer sometime, thank you so much for offering. :o) I hope you continue to enjoy my story.
Ali: *huggles her* You updated! *dances* Ok, I'm through, really :o) I'm glad when Rav and Mush fight it makes you laugh. I must say that it is rather entertaining when Rav whispers in my ear what she wants to say. The girl has a sharp tongue. Don't worry though, I am a complete and utter hopeless romantic and would not dare write a story that doesn't have my two characters falling in love, however how far down the road that will happen I have no clue. So you must continue to read to find out hehe *gives evil laugh* is that a ploy to keep readers? Not at all :o) You lived in Italy for a year? How stinking cool! I know I know I just said stinking. Sorry hehe. I've never been outside the US except for baja Cali and Canada for a few days when I was learning how to walk. *le sigh* I think that Italian is one of the prettiest languages, but perhaps that's because I sing Italian Arias and Ariettas…nah hehe. I'm glad you are enjoying my story, I know I'm enjoying yours :o).