By: Sassafras Lei
The cold February wind blew, as an all to familiar face stepped off the train. She looked at the late afternoon sky, and smiled, she was finally back home again. Then she lifted her hat so her golden hair fell, and would cover the cut under her ear then walked on. She headed off for Manhattan, instead of Brooklyn where she'd been staying before she left with Spot. She didn't want Spot to know she was back, because she didn't want to listen to him yell at her half the night about leaving. As she walked past Tibbys, and the small store she grabbed a few of her originals (cigarettes). When she came out of the store again the night sky had taken over the city, and the Brooklyn Bridge was no longer in view. But she didn't pick up her speed, she knew the lodging house would still be noisy, and she didn't want everyone asking her questions about the last two months. 'Come on jus' one more day den ya get ta see Spot again. Isn't dat what I want?' she picked up her pace rounding the corner, and fell as she hit some one else. She sat up straight, and sighed grabbing her hat off the ground and putting it back on. She looked up too she who she had ran into. "Tootsie!" she turned around. "Sassy! It's about time ya got back, does Spot know?" she said, pulling her friend up. "No, an' he wont 'till mornin'," Sassy said coldly. "Wow, well I's 'ill see ya at da lodgin' house in a while," Tootsie said, running off the way Sassy had came from. 'Boy is it me or has it changed or what over da past two months' she thought. "Ok," she called out.
So Sassy walked a few more blocks, and ended up in front of the lodging house. She stood out there for a few minutes thinking about if she really wanted to go in or not. She did, and there was only one guy in the main room other than Kloopman. He looked up for a short second then looked back down at his book, he didn't seem very interested in anything else. "I'm only gonna be he'ah fer ta night Kloop," she said. "Ok, it's been awhile Sass," he said. "Yah, I's know," he smiled, and walked back to his room again.
She headed up the stairs, and stopped outside the door, she could see a dim light coming from inside. She waited a few minutes, and walked in, half the guys were asleep already though. But Racetrack was playing cards with Jack, and didn't notice her walk in, since his back was to the door. Jack looked up, and he gave a small smile, at the sight of an old friend, that hadn't been around for a long while. "Have ya seen Tootsie?" Race asked Jack. "Yah, she was head off towards Brooklyn," Sassy said, waiting for him to turn around. "Hey, thanks.........wait Sass, yer back!" he said, jumping up knocking over his chair. "Yah, an' glad ta be," she said, as he wrapped his arms around her. "Race! Yer gonna kill 'er, let 'er go," Jack said, standing up. "I's sahrry wese jus' missed ya a lot, ya should get some rest dough, yous probably been goin' all day," Racetrack said letting go. "How come ya came he'ah? Brooklyn's closer ta da train station," Jack questioned looking at her. "'Cause I's didn't wanna listen ta Spot yellin' at me fer leavin' ta begin wit' as soon as I walked throw da door. But I's figure Tootsie's headed dere ta tell 'im right now anyway. So, I don't know why I bother any more," Sassy said, catching an unfamiliar eye. "Even if dat is so, it sounds like yer gettin' a lil' tired of Spot, an' ya ain't even been he'ah fer two months," Jack said. "Lay off Jack! I ain't tired of Spot, jus' wanna get some rest," Sassy said, pointing her attention to someone else. "Yer new ain't cha?" she asked, directing her attention to the new guy sitting on a bunk. "Yah, da names Dangah," he said, spitting in his hand.
Sassy did the same, and introduced herself to him. She liked the new guy but his blue almost green eyes hide something that she couldn't pull to the surface. Almost as if he had no remorse, or didn't care about anything that might happen to him, he was the first she couldn't find something out about by looking in his eyes, which was surprising. Finally Sassy spoke up, but she was being what some would call rude. "What's yer deal? Ya don't give a damn 'bout nuthin', huh?" she asked. "Surprised! How'd ya know?" he asked. "Yer eyes said it," she said, walking to Spots bed, and jumping up on it. "Ya know, yous know to much," Danger said, laying back on his bed. "Yah most of da time, ya'd be right," he laughed, and gave up. "Tell me Sassy, if ya don't mind, but ya don't really seem too eager to be home...or see ta Spot again. So what's been up, these past two months?" Jack asked walking to the bunk. "Well Kelly its none of yer business, but it's like this, ever since I was old enough ta walk I've been on my own. Yah being Spots goil was nice but I like being able ta pack up, an' leave wit' out anyone worryin' 'bout me. Dats like when I lived in Queens, I'd jus' get up.." Jack cut her off. "I knew when you showed up he'ah ya looked familiar, so yer from Queens huh?" Jack asked, looking back. "No she ain't either Kelly. I's knew all da goils from dere like da back of me hand," Mush said, from across the room, who had heard the last few sentences. Sassy flashed a thank you smile, and Jack turned back to her slowly. "Anyways, I guess I've jus' always thought bein' by myself was best fer me, but I do love Spot to," she said. "It will all be fine in time again, Sass," he said giving up. "Don't hold yer breath," Danger said looking up at him. A few minutes later she had fallen to sleep on Spots bunk.
*********************
Tootsie ran most of the way to Brooklyn before she had to stop to catch her breath. She walked in the empty lodging house, and stood for a minute thinking. Then she made her way up one flight of stairs she knew it had to be getting late, but she knocked on Spots door anyways, like she always had done in the past. She heard him rustling around then opened the door. "Tootsie, come in," he said stepping aside half asleep. "What's up now?" he asked, falling into his couch. "Guess who's back?" she said. "Who now?" he asked to tired to think, about anything except sleep. "Hello! Sassy! Ya know yer goil," she said, rolling her eyes. "No! where is she den? When'd she get back, I's can't wait ta see 'er," he said getting excited for the first time, since Sassy had left. "Spot, cool it she's in Manhattan, she's fine, you'll see 'er tammorw, now can I's stay he'ah ta night?" Tootsie asked, grabbing her hat. "Yah of coarse, but wese gotta be in Manhattan tammorw early, Thank ya Tootsie...I mean fer tellin' me," he said.
Lying back on the couch thinking about this information he'd just heard from a close friend. Spot had about twenty different trains of thoughts going through his head at once, but one really stood out. 'Spot ya dumb ass, what are ya gonna do 'bout Stormy? I's gonna have ta let 'er go 'cause I's love Sassy more den anything. Are ya sure about Sass, or do ya wanna be wit' Stormy? It's Sassy she's me one, an' only. Yah, but yer not her one an' only...yah I's am too' he thought fighting with himself, about it, but he came to the conclusion he had to tell Stormy about his decision. After he had fought with himself about what he was going to do he finally fell asleep. A few hours later Spot woke up, and looked out his window to see darkness still. "Hey Toots, get up, Tootsie wake up," Spot said, shaking her shoulder. "Leave me alone, I's sleepin' he'ah," she said turning over. "Come on, yous worse den Sassy ta get up, an' dats sayin' somethin' 'cause she ain't easy ta get up either," he said, playfully hitting her a few times. "Yah, she gets dat from me," Tootsie said smiling. "Really, would ya get up already?" he called, from the bathroom down the hall. "I's comin', jus' cool it 'iight, I'm tired," he laughed, and came back into the room. "I's surprised ya finally got up, it's about time," he said, looking for his hat. "Well, ya ready ta go den?" she asked, as she looked down the hall for any sign of life. "Yah, I's wanna see me goil, I's been missin' her, dese last two months," he said egotisctcal.
They walked out of the lodging house with out waking anyone else up, and made there way down the streets. Before long they had reached the bridge. They didn't fell like yelling Spot was to egger to see his former/current girlfriend again. They got to Manhattan, and Spot ran all the way to the Lodging House. He busted through the door, with Tootsie close behind him. He stopped just before he went up the stairs. He didn't want everyone to think he had missed Sassy that much (although it wasn't hard ta tell he was going crazy without her). He caught his breath, and sauntered into the bunkroom. He walked over to where Sassy was sleeping. He began to shake her slightly, trying to wake her. "Wake up Sass, come on, wake up!" Sassy groaned. "Go away Race, I ain't getting' up today!" Sassy growled. "Dat's great Sass, but I ain't Race, now get up!" Sassy lifted up her hand, and smacked Spot across the head. "I don't give a fuck who ya are taday! Go away, an' leave me alone!" Sassy yelled. 'I missed dis? What's wrong wit' me?' Spot thought but shook it off.
Spot walked into the washroom, and got some ice-cold water from under the sink where Kloopman keeps the ice. He poured the water from the faucet into a can, and got some ice. He put the ice in the water, and waited for it too cool down too where he could barely keep his hand in it. Tootsie knew what Spot was going to do, so she just watched from Race's bed, ready to kiss him the minute he shot up from Sassy's shout. Tootsie knew Sassy would be sore with Spot, but she deserved what she was about to get. Spot quietly walked over to Sassy's bed. Sassy had thought that whoever it was had given up trying to wake her so she got a little closer to the edge of the bed. Spot got in position, and Tootsie as well. Spot poured ever last drop of that water onto Sassy with a loud SPLASH, and a high-pitched scream.
"AHHHHH-" Sassy's scream was cut short when she hit the floor with a THUD! Sassy stared up at Spot. "Mornin' baby, miss me much?" Spot asked.
Tootsie tried to kiss Race when he shot up, but was laughing to hard to bother with it. Spot was laughing so hard he was getting cramps. Sassy just lay on the floor sputtering, and trying to breath, for all the wind was knocked out of her. Every newsie, and Kloopman was awake and, realizing what happened, were all looking at Sassy and laughing. Tootsie tried to help Sassy, but Sassy was highly pissed, and shoved her away. Tootsie laughed some more, but walked to the middle of the room, and started yelling at every one. "Awright everybody, let her get herself together, and yous all go ta bed!" she yelled. No one listened to Tootsie though because Danger was getting wet and pissing, and moaning about it.
"EH! ANYONE LISTENIN' TA ME? GO TO BED RIGHT NOW!"
Everyone turned to her, and could see she wasn't joking. Everyone went to bed abruptly, leaving Sassy to deal with her problems. Tootsie walked back over to Race, and Laid beside him, than fell asleep. As far as Sassy she stayed on the floor for a few more minutes. When she finally got back up Spot was standing at the corner of his bed smiling. "So didja miss me sweet heart?" she throw, him a look, and stood their for a moment. "I's hate you Spot Conlon! I want ya ta fuckin' die!" she said slowly, but harshly. He gave a weak laugh and said "I's sahrry, I was jus' anxious ta see ya again, if it makes ya feel bettah I's missed ya a lot"
"Oh yah, well I miss a thing called sleep a lot!" Sassy said, being a total bitch to him. "Aww.. Come he'ah," he said standing straight.
She walked over to him, and he wrapped his arms around her. They sat in the corner by the window, Sassy didn't have much to say, she just let Spot hold her; he seemed to miss her more then expected. A few minutes later she looked up at him, and said "I missed ya to, it's good ta be home," he leaned in, and kissed her softly but it had passion. They sat there waiting for anything to happen, Sassy just prayed that Spot wouldn't ask her what happened or where she was when she was gone. "Sass where were ya really? Don't lie ta me," Spot asked. She turned her head away from him, what was she suppose to tell him, she didn't want to lie, but in the same breath she didn't want to tell him the truth either. "Down south," was her short, and quick answer. "Ya know, it don't really mattah ta me, I's jus' glad ta have ya back again. Oh, an' right he'ah, an' know yer gonna promise me you ain't ever gonna up, an' leave me like dat again," he said stubbornly but it got his point across. She looked up to see him staring at her; he gave her that look that said I'm dead serious. "I promise I's ain't evah gonna take off like dat on yous again, I missed ya too much, an' I know ya missed me jus' as much," she said, letting a tear slide down her cheek for the first time in months. Spot looked at her smiling, as much as he hated to admit it he did miss her just as much. No one had to get up early to sell papes that day because of what happened earlier. Everyone woke up at his or her own time. If they didn't have enough money to eat, then, it was Sunday, all they had to do was wait until church got out, and they could start selling then. Besides, Weasel, Oscar, and Morris go to church (surprising huh?), the papes weren't given out until after twelve. Race, and Spot woke up before anyone else, so they moved the girls to the bed, and covered them up. They walked up to the roof together to talk. "So, Spot, how's it goin' wit yous, and Sassy?" Race asked. "It's fine. I think even if she was mad at me from before, she still missed me. But, even if she did go Down South, I's still really glad to have her home. So, what about you, and Tootsie?" Spot answered. "Ah, wese good right now, so far wese had no fights, so, overall, I hope dat I will marry 'er one day!" Race said. "Aww, dat's sweet Race. I's sure ya'll get married one day. Why not now?" Spot asked. Race stared at him like he was stupid, but maybe that's because he was sometimes.
"Are ya kiddin' me!? I ain't got da money fer one a dem fancy rings!"
Race shouted. "She wouldn't need a fancy ring Race! She loves ya, an' just one a dem fake ones dat da goils down in Harlem have would satisfy her," Race sat in silence trying to take in all of this in. Spot was right, he should ask Tootsie to marry him.
"What about Sass, don' t cha wanna marry her? I know ya do," Race asked out of the clear blue sky, startling the hell out of Spot. "What! I don't know Race, I will one day, but not today or Tamara! I love 'er, fer da first time I's found some one I cain't live wit' out" Spot snapped.
Race backed off then because Spot had that look in his eyes that meant, SHUT UP! A few hours later, Tootsie and Sassy woke to find out that the guys were gone. Not just Spot and Race, but everyone! "Where did they go?" Tootsie asked. "Hell if I know Toots!" Sassy said.
She jumped down from Spots bunk, and looked for her hat. Tootsie got up, and went to change into something clean. Sassy pulled her hair up, and waited for Tootsie to come out so they could talk.
"What didja do?" Tootsie asked seeing the cut.
"What are ya talkin' about?" Sassy yelled back at her.
She took her finger, and ran it down her jaw line. Sassy realized she was talking about the cut, and quickly took her hair down.
"What ya do?" she asked again.
"I sort got in a small fight when I's was down south," she said, she wasn't planning on telling anyone.
"Has Spot seen dat yet?" Tootsie asked.
"No, an' he ain't gonna find out either, is he," Sassy said, giving her a look that said 'your not gonna tell anyone'. "I ain't gonna tell no one jus' wonderin'," she said, seeing the look Sassy had directed at her.
"Good, thanks," she said, walking out of the room. 'Yah, no problem, I's wont tell Spot yer lyin' to him' Tootsie said to herself, and walked down the stairs.
The girls made their way to Tibbys so they could wait for the guys to get back from where ever they were. "Where ya think dere at Toots?" Sassy asked finishing a coke. "Don't know, dey should have been he'ah by now," she said, looking towards the window. "Well, I'm wrong he'ah comes Spot, an' Race now." she added quickly. "Where ya been?" Sassy asked, as Spot sat beside her. "Walkin' around, why?" Racetrack asked. "Jus' wonderin', figured ya were up ta somethin'," she replied. "What's up wit' ya Sass? Ya ain't da same, I's miss me goil," Spot said putting his arm around her.
"Sahrry, maybe ya should jus' go out wit' yer oddah goil den," she said pushing.
"Sassy, chill." Race said.
"Yous changed, what happened? I's want my old Sassy back." Spot said, leaning towards her shoulder.
"I know I's changed, I'll be fine in a few days, Jus' lay off," he sighed, as she rolled her eyes.
"Ya know he's right, yer attitude is worse den when ya left. Yous bein' a really big bitch," Tootsie said, being straight up.
Sassy sat straight up, and looked at the floor waiting for the perfect moment to let it all come out. She looked popped a few fingers, and debated weather to leave or just tell them, and leave. "Yah, maybe I am bein' a bitch. I know I's deserver dat but not from you, ya suppose ta be me best friend. Fuck yall, I'm out of he'ah, I don't even know why I's decided ta came back again anyways," she said, getting up and walking out the door. "If only looks could kill!" Tootsie said, watching her. "Tootsie I's gonna go get 'er," Race said standing up. "Naw, sit down Race, I'll get 'er she's my goil, she'll talk ta me," Spot said, heading towards the door. "You wish," Tootsie said under her breath. "Hey Spot, ya sure?" he asked. "Yah, almost positive," Race sighed, and put his arm around Tootsie. "I's didn't mean ta make her mad, but I's was jus' bein' truthful, what should I's do Race?" Tootsie asked. "I's don't know, wese might nevah see 'er again," he looked concerned. "She'll be back, I give 'er a week at da most if dat. She wont jus' pack up, an' leave again, she couldn't not now anyways, she loves Spot to much," Race looked surprised.
"I's wouldn't doubt Sassy much, with or with out love she'd walk out da door if she wanted ta." Racetrack said.
"Two days tops," he said as they walked out of Tibbys.
Sassy couldn't take it anymore she knew she was being a bitch, but to be told that by some one she thought was a friend. She walked down a few roads, the pressure of being back was starting to bug her, and she sighed out loud. "Dis sucks, I cain't believe what alls happened in da last twenty four hours. Dis day really cain't get much worse..." she trailed off.
Not far behind Sassy, Spot was figuring that his girl was going to be fine. She's just under a lot of stress Spot told him self, but he wasn't to sure of himself. "Well, look who's back," came a voice from around the corner. "Spoke to fuckin' soon," Sassy muttered, to herself. "Burn Central," she said, leaning against a light pole. "Come on, don't ya like me no more?" "I's nevah liked ya ta begin wit'." she said flat out. "Ya know dat ain't true, is it Alley? Now you wouldn't want Spot ta find out 'bout dat past, now would ya?" Central asked, grabbing her shoulder. "Go ta Hell!" Sassy said, slamming her fist into his jaw. "Bitch," he gasped. "Damn Straight," Spot watched, from a corner as they fought.
Then after Sassy made her comment to Central, Spot walked over to them. Central took one look at Spot, and started walking away. Sassy shook her head, and watched as he walked off into the sun. "So now ya gonna tell me what's wrong?" Spot asked, putting his arm around her shoulder. "I guess, if I's half ta," Sassy said, leaning against him. "Well den, What's been goin' on?" he asked, as they sat under a tree. "I jus' feel like comin' back he'ah was a big mistake, I's knew I shouldn't of come back," she said. "Don't say dat, nuthin's been da same since ya left fer me. Yer friends missed ya, I missed ya, I's glad yer back," he said, hugging her. "So who were ya wit' when I was gone?" she asked, knowing he'd play her from friends advice.
Spot looked over her shoulder debating on what he was going to tell her. He prayed that she wouldn't ask him but she did, he knew he couldn't lie to her about it though, but he had to try something.
"No, one," he said.
"Don't fuckin' lie ta my face Spot!" Sassy said coldly.
"Dere was one, her names Stormy," she shook her head, she knew it.
"Dey, were right, I's figured," she sighed to herself.
"It was only fer two weeks dough, 'cause Tootsie got mad, an' made a visit ta Brooklyn soon after," Spot said, knowing Tootsie made him do the right thing.
"How long ago? No don't tell me I's don't wanna know," Sassy asked, trying to understand.
"It was right aftah ya left. But it killed me ta think about the pain I'd cause ya, so I had ta break up wit' 'er." he said.
"Yah, ok," Sassy said looking down.
"Sassy?" she looked up at him. "Ya know I's love ya, don't cha?" she shook her head. "I's don't know what I'd do if lost ya fer good," he said taking her hand.
"Oh by da way Sass, he'ah." Spot said handing her the choker he'd got her before.
"Its really nice." She said looking at it.
"It's fer ya," he said taking it.
"It's really nice, but I's really don't think I can wear it," Sassy said looking at him.
"Sure ya can, I did by it fer ya after all," he said moving her hair, and fastening the it for her.
"What happened?" he asked, running a finger down the cut.
"It's jus' a cut..." she trailed off.
"Yah, how'd ya get it?" Spot asked, with a look that said don't lie. Sassy got up, and walked a few feet before Spot caught up with her again.
"I cain't tell ya," she said looking at Spot ready to cry.
"Come on," he said taking her hand. They made their way back to the Manhattan lodging house, where instead of going in they climbed up the fire escape.
"Now tell me, what happened? You can trust me, by now," Spot said sitting behind her.
"Ok, when I was gone I got in a fight. He got ta his knife before me, an' dats how I got da cut, satisfied?" she said letting a tear slide down her cheek.
"Who was he?" Spot asked.
"One of me x -boyfriends, you don't know 'im dough," she said, as Spot brushed away a few more tears that had slid down her cheek.
"Sassy chill, I's understand. So are ya gonna come back ta Brooklyn wit' me?" Spot said, cradling her as she cried softly.
"Yah, when ya leavin' ta go back again?" she asked looking up.
"Tammorw mornin' when evah yer ready ta go since yer comin' wit' me," he answered.
They went back down stairs Sassy sat on Spots bed, and he sat right beside her. Before either of them knew it they were both asleep, and they both needed the rest so it was a good thing. Morning didn't come for a while, and everyone got up at different times it was Monday, and no one was really up for selling. But there was a few guys that need the money so some were out selling they couldn't afford to loss the money that was on the streets. Spot woke a little while later, and pushed Sassy lightly, so she would wake up. She turned over, and looked up at Spot smiling, and sat up straight. Spot laughed, and kissed her lightly with out any thought of anything. Sassy jumped down from his bed waking up Danger as she hit the floor harder then usually. Danger looked up sighed, and threw his head into his pillow madly, he'd been woken up again by her. Spot grabbed Sassy's hand, and pulled her out the door, and down the stairs. They walked out the door, and down a few streets before they came along some of their friends, Tootsie and Racetrack.
"Tootsie, I'm gone I's goin' back ta Brooklyn wit' Spot" Sassy said, walking up to her.
"Really, well I guess I see ya when we come up fer da poker game dis week den" she said, hugging her friend.
"Okay" she said walking off.
Spot stood behind, and looked at Racetrack, and gave a weak smile, they both seemed to know she was in the right place once again. Spot caught up with Sassy, and took her right hand. She was glad to be going back to her home, after being gone for so long she couldn't wait to tell every one she was back for good. They walked over the bridge, and the rest of the way to the Brooklyn lodging house silent. The only thing either of them said was, they were almost there, or yah. When they walked into the lodging house no one looked up, they just kept to themselves. Sassy had to do something to get everyone's attention they all knew her she had to say something.
"Hey everyone, guess who's back" she called out getting every ones attention. They all looked up a few smiled, and a few called out greetings, most of them were happy to have her back.
"Yer back, it's about time!" Violet said hugging her, she had missed her.
"Yup, an' glad ta be" she said.
Spot grabbed her hand, and pulled her up the stairs away from every one. She smiled at every one, and walked away with him, they were both glad she was back, but no one was as happy as Violet. She'd been needing some one to talk to because ButterCup was driving her crazy as ever. Nothing had been going right since she had left.
"Glad to be back?" Spot asked looking out the window.
"Yah, I guess so, I jus' can't believe I'm back, again" Sassy said falling into his couch.
"I's glad yer back, again" he said walking over to her.
"I love ya Spot" she said falling asleep shortly after on the couch.
The next month or so went by just fine, everything was going great for everyone, and I mean everyone. Racetrack, and Tootsie were getting along fine, and had almost no fights lately. The girls in Brooklyn were all good, and Violet got her problems figured out, with a little help from a few friends. Sassy and Spot were still together surprising huh? Sassy was good, she was glad her life got back together(well most of it). But on the other hand Spot was just sort of out of it, he wasn't being himself at all, something was bothering him, but he wouldn't spill. Even Racetrack couldn't get Spot to tell him what was wrong, he sort of just started blowing a lot of people off. As spring came into play Spot got more edgy about everything, he pretty much stopped talking to everyone except Sassy. The more Sassy tired to help him, and find out what was wrong the more depressed he seemed to get with time. She couldn't take it any more he was driving her crazy, she had to talk to some one.
The cold February wind blew, as an all to familiar face stepped off the train. She looked at the late afternoon sky, and smiled, she was finally back home again. Then she lifted her hat so her golden hair fell, and would cover the cut under her ear then walked on. She headed off for Manhattan, instead of Brooklyn where she'd been staying before she left with Spot. She didn't want Spot to know she was back, because she didn't want to listen to him yell at her half the night about leaving. As she walked past Tibbys, and the small store she grabbed a few of her originals (cigarettes). When she came out of the store again the night sky had taken over the city, and the Brooklyn Bridge was no longer in view. But she didn't pick up her speed, she knew the lodging house would still be noisy, and she didn't want everyone asking her questions about the last two months. 'Come on jus' one more day den ya get ta see Spot again. Isn't dat what I want?' she picked up her pace rounding the corner, and fell as she hit some one else. She sat up straight, and sighed grabbing her hat off the ground and putting it back on. She looked up too she who she had ran into. "Tootsie!" she turned around. "Sassy! It's about time ya got back, does Spot know?" she said, pulling her friend up. "No, an' he wont 'till mornin'," Sassy said coldly. "Wow, well I's 'ill see ya at da lodgin' house in a while," Tootsie said, running off the way Sassy had came from. 'Boy is it me or has it changed or what over da past two months' she thought. "Ok," she called out.
So Sassy walked a few more blocks, and ended up in front of the lodging house. She stood out there for a few minutes thinking about if she really wanted to go in or not. She did, and there was only one guy in the main room other than Kloopman. He looked up for a short second then looked back down at his book, he didn't seem very interested in anything else. "I'm only gonna be he'ah fer ta night Kloop," she said. "Ok, it's been awhile Sass," he said. "Yah, I's know," he smiled, and walked back to his room again.
She headed up the stairs, and stopped outside the door, she could see a dim light coming from inside. She waited a few minutes, and walked in, half the guys were asleep already though. But Racetrack was playing cards with Jack, and didn't notice her walk in, since his back was to the door. Jack looked up, and he gave a small smile, at the sight of an old friend, that hadn't been around for a long while. "Have ya seen Tootsie?" Race asked Jack. "Yah, she was head off towards Brooklyn," Sassy said, waiting for him to turn around. "Hey, thanks.........wait Sass, yer back!" he said, jumping up knocking over his chair. "Yah, an' glad ta be," she said, as he wrapped his arms around her. "Race! Yer gonna kill 'er, let 'er go," Jack said, standing up. "I's sahrry wese jus' missed ya a lot, ya should get some rest dough, yous probably been goin' all day," Racetrack said letting go. "How come ya came he'ah? Brooklyn's closer ta da train station," Jack questioned looking at her. "'Cause I's didn't wanna listen ta Spot yellin' at me fer leavin' ta begin wit' as soon as I walked throw da door. But I's figure Tootsie's headed dere ta tell 'im right now anyway. So, I don't know why I bother any more," Sassy said, catching an unfamiliar eye. "Even if dat is so, it sounds like yer gettin' a lil' tired of Spot, an' ya ain't even been he'ah fer two months," Jack said. "Lay off Jack! I ain't tired of Spot, jus' wanna get some rest," Sassy said, pointing her attention to someone else. "Yer new ain't cha?" she asked, directing her attention to the new guy sitting on a bunk. "Yah, da names Dangah," he said, spitting in his hand.
Sassy did the same, and introduced herself to him. She liked the new guy but his blue almost green eyes hide something that she couldn't pull to the surface. Almost as if he had no remorse, or didn't care about anything that might happen to him, he was the first she couldn't find something out about by looking in his eyes, which was surprising. Finally Sassy spoke up, but she was being what some would call rude. "What's yer deal? Ya don't give a damn 'bout nuthin', huh?" she asked. "Surprised! How'd ya know?" he asked. "Yer eyes said it," she said, walking to Spots bed, and jumping up on it. "Ya know, yous know to much," Danger said, laying back on his bed. "Yah most of da time, ya'd be right," he laughed, and gave up. "Tell me Sassy, if ya don't mind, but ya don't really seem too eager to be home...or see ta Spot again. So what's been up, these past two months?" Jack asked walking to the bunk. "Well Kelly its none of yer business, but it's like this, ever since I was old enough ta walk I've been on my own. Yah being Spots goil was nice but I like being able ta pack up, an' leave wit' out anyone worryin' 'bout me. Dats like when I lived in Queens, I'd jus' get up.." Jack cut her off. "I knew when you showed up he'ah ya looked familiar, so yer from Queens huh?" Jack asked, looking back. "No she ain't either Kelly. I's knew all da goils from dere like da back of me hand," Mush said, from across the room, who had heard the last few sentences. Sassy flashed a thank you smile, and Jack turned back to her slowly. "Anyways, I guess I've jus' always thought bein' by myself was best fer me, but I do love Spot to," she said. "It will all be fine in time again, Sass," he said giving up. "Don't hold yer breath," Danger said looking up at him. A few minutes later she had fallen to sleep on Spots bunk.
*********************
Tootsie ran most of the way to Brooklyn before she had to stop to catch her breath. She walked in the empty lodging house, and stood for a minute thinking. Then she made her way up one flight of stairs she knew it had to be getting late, but she knocked on Spots door anyways, like she always had done in the past. She heard him rustling around then opened the door. "Tootsie, come in," he said stepping aside half asleep. "What's up now?" he asked, falling into his couch. "Guess who's back?" she said. "Who now?" he asked to tired to think, about anything except sleep. "Hello! Sassy! Ya know yer goil," she said, rolling her eyes. "No! where is she den? When'd she get back, I's can't wait ta see 'er," he said getting excited for the first time, since Sassy had left. "Spot, cool it she's in Manhattan, she's fine, you'll see 'er tammorw, now can I's stay he'ah ta night?" Tootsie asked, grabbing her hat. "Yah of coarse, but wese gotta be in Manhattan tammorw early, Thank ya Tootsie...I mean fer tellin' me," he said.
Lying back on the couch thinking about this information he'd just heard from a close friend. Spot had about twenty different trains of thoughts going through his head at once, but one really stood out. 'Spot ya dumb ass, what are ya gonna do 'bout Stormy? I's gonna have ta let 'er go 'cause I's love Sassy more den anything. Are ya sure about Sass, or do ya wanna be wit' Stormy? It's Sassy she's me one, an' only. Yah, but yer not her one an' only...yah I's am too' he thought fighting with himself, about it, but he came to the conclusion he had to tell Stormy about his decision. After he had fought with himself about what he was going to do he finally fell asleep. A few hours later Spot woke up, and looked out his window to see darkness still. "Hey Toots, get up, Tootsie wake up," Spot said, shaking her shoulder. "Leave me alone, I's sleepin' he'ah," she said turning over. "Come on, yous worse den Sassy ta get up, an' dats sayin' somethin' 'cause she ain't easy ta get up either," he said, playfully hitting her a few times. "Yah, she gets dat from me," Tootsie said smiling. "Really, would ya get up already?" he called, from the bathroom down the hall. "I's comin', jus' cool it 'iight, I'm tired," he laughed, and came back into the room. "I's surprised ya finally got up, it's about time," he said, looking for his hat. "Well, ya ready ta go den?" she asked, as she looked down the hall for any sign of life. "Yah, I's wanna see me goil, I's been missin' her, dese last two months," he said egotisctcal.
They walked out of the lodging house with out waking anyone else up, and made there way down the streets. Before long they had reached the bridge. They didn't fell like yelling Spot was to egger to see his former/current girlfriend again. They got to Manhattan, and Spot ran all the way to the Lodging House. He busted through the door, with Tootsie close behind him. He stopped just before he went up the stairs. He didn't want everyone to think he had missed Sassy that much (although it wasn't hard ta tell he was going crazy without her). He caught his breath, and sauntered into the bunkroom. He walked over to where Sassy was sleeping. He began to shake her slightly, trying to wake her. "Wake up Sass, come on, wake up!" Sassy groaned. "Go away Race, I ain't getting' up today!" Sassy growled. "Dat's great Sass, but I ain't Race, now get up!" Sassy lifted up her hand, and smacked Spot across the head. "I don't give a fuck who ya are taday! Go away, an' leave me alone!" Sassy yelled. 'I missed dis? What's wrong wit' me?' Spot thought but shook it off.
Spot walked into the washroom, and got some ice-cold water from under the sink where Kloopman keeps the ice. He poured the water from the faucet into a can, and got some ice. He put the ice in the water, and waited for it too cool down too where he could barely keep his hand in it. Tootsie knew what Spot was going to do, so she just watched from Race's bed, ready to kiss him the minute he shot up from Sassy's shout. Tootsie knew Sassy would be sore with Spot, but she deserved what she was about to get. Spot quietly walked over to Sassy's bed. Sassy had thought that whoever it was had given up trying to wake her so she got a little closer to the edge of the bed. Spot got in position, and Tootsie as well. Spot poured ever last drop of that water onto Sassy with a loud SPLASH, and a high-pitched scream.
"AHHHHH-" Sassy's scream was cut short when she hit the floor with a THUD! Sassy stared up at Spot. "Mornin' baby, miss me much?" Spot asked.
Tootsie tried to kiss Race when he shot up, but was laughing to hard to bother with it. Spot was laughing so hard he was getting cramps. Sassy just lay on the floor sputtering, and trying to breath, for all the wind was knocked out of her. Every newsie, and Kloopman was awake and, realizing what happened, were all looking at Sassy and laughing. Tootsie tried to help Sassy, but Sassy was highly pissed, and shoved her away. Tootsie laughed some more, but walked to the middle of the room, and started yelling at every one. "Awright everybody, let her get herself together, and yous all go ta bed!" she yelled. No one listened to Tootsie though because Danger was getting wet and pissing, and moaning about it.
"EH! ANYONE LISTENIN' TA ME? GO TO BED RIGHT NOW!"
Everyone turned to her, and could see she wasn't joking. Everyone went to bed abruptly, leaving Sassy to deal with her problems. Tootsie walked back over to Race, and Laid beside him, than fell asleep. As far as Sassy she stayed on the floor for a few more minutes. When she finally got back up Spot was standing at the corner of his bed smiling. "So didja miss me sweet heart?" she throw, him a look, and stood their for a moment. "I's hate you Spot Conlon! I want ya ta fuckin' die!" she said slowly, but harshly. He gave a weak laugh and said "I's sahrry, I was jus' anxious ta see ya again, if it makes ya feel bettah I's missed ya a lot"
"Oh yah, well I miss a thing called sleep a lot!" Sassy said, being a total bitch to him. "Aww.. Come he'ah," he said standing straight.
She walked over to him, and he wrapped his arms around her. They sat in the corner by the window, Sassy didn't have much to say, she just let Spot hold her; he seemed to miss her more then expected. A few minutes later she looked up at him, and said "I missed ya to, it's good ta be home," he leaned in, and kissed her softly but it had passion. They sat there waiting for anything to happen, Sassy just prayed that Spot wouldn't ask her what happened or where she was when she was gone. "Sass where were ya really? Don't lie ta me," Spot asked. She turned her head away from him, what was she suppose to tell him, she didn't want to lie, but in the same breath she didn't want to tell him the truth either. "Down south," was her short, and quick answer. "Ya know, it don't really mattah ta me, I's jus' glad ta have ya back again. Oh, an' right he'ah, an' know yer gonna promise me you ain't ever gonna up, an' leave me like dat again," he said stubbornly but it got his point across. She looked up to see him staring at her; he gave her that look that said I'm dead serious. "I promise I's ain't evah gonna take off like dat on yous again, I missed ya too much, an' I know ya missed me jus' as much," she said, letting a tear slide down her cheek for the first time in months. Spot looked at her smiling, as much as he hated to admit it he did miss her just as much. No one had to get up early to sell papes that day because of what happened earlier. Everyone woke up at his or her own time. If they didn't have enough money to eat, then, it was Sunday, all they had to do was wait until church got out, and they could start selling then. Besides, Weasel, Oscar, and Morris go to church (surprising huh?), the papes weren't given out until after twelve. Race, and Spot woke up before anyone else, so they moved the girls to the bed, and covered them up. They walked up to the roof together to talk. "So, Spot, how's it goin' wit yous, and Sassy?" Race asked. "It's fine. I think even if she was mad at me from before, she still missed me. But, even if she did go Down South, I's still really glad to have her home. So, what about you, and Tootsie?" Spot answered. "Ah, wese good right now, so far wese had no fights, so, overall, I hope dat I will marry 'er one day!" Race said. "Aww, dat's sweet Race. I's sure ya'll get married one day. Why not now?" Spot asked. Race stared at him like he was stupid, but maybe that's because he was sometimes.
"Are ya kiddin' me!? I ain't got da money fer one a dem fancy rings!"
Race shouted. "She wouldn't need a fancy ring Race! She loves ya, an' just one a dem fake ones dat da goils down in Harlem have would satisfy her," Race sat in silence trying to take in all of this in. Spot was right, he should ask Tootsie to marry him.
"What about Sass, don' t cha wanna marry her? I know ya do," Race asked out of the clear blue sky, startling the hell out of Spot. "What! I don't know Race, I will one day, but not today or Tamara! I love 'er, fer da first time I's found some one I cain't live wit' out" Spot snapped.
Race backed off then because Spot had that look in his eyes that meant, SHUT UP! A few hours later, Tootsie and Sassy woke to find out that the guys were gone. Not just Spot and Race, but everyone! "Where did they go?" Tootsie asked. "Hell if I know Toots!" Sassy said.
She jumped down from Spots bunk, and looked for her hat. Tootsie got up, and went to change into something clean. Sassy pulled her hair up, and waited for Tootsie to come out so they could talk.
"What didja do?" Tootsie asked seeing the cut.
"What are ya talkin' about?" Sassy yelled back at her.
She took her finger, and ran it down her jaw line. Sassy realized she was talking about the cut, and quickly took her hair down.
"What ya do?" she asked again.
"I sort got in a small fight when I's was down south," she said, she wasn't planning on telling anyone.
"Has Spot seen dat yet?" Tootsie asked.
"No, an' he ain't gonna find out either, is he," Sassy said, giving her a look that said 'your not gonna tell anyone'. "I ain't gonna tell no one jus' wonderin'," she said, seeing the look Sassy had directed at her.
"Good, thanks," she said, walking out of the room. 'Yah, no problem, I's wont tell Spot yer lyin' to him' Tootsie said to herself, and walked down the stairs.
The girls made their way to Tibbys so they could wait for the guys to get back from where ever they were. "Where ya think dere at Toots?" Sassy asked finishing a coke. "Don't know, dey should have been he'ah by now," she said, looking towards the window. "Well, I'm wrong he'ah comes Spot, an' Race now." she added quickly. "Where ya been?" Sassy asked, as Spot sat beside her. "Walkin' around, why?" Racetrack asked. "Jus' wonderin', figured ya were up ta somethin'," she replied. "What's up wit' ya Sass? Ya ain't da same, I's miss me goil," Spot said putting his arm around her.
"Sahrry, maybe ya should jus' go out wit' yer oddah goil den," she said pushing.
"Sassy, chill." Race said.
"Yous changed, what happened? I's want my old Sassy back." Spot said, leaning towards her shoulder.
"I know I's changed, I'll be fine in a few days, Jus' lay off," he sighed, as she rolled her eyes.
"Ya know he's right, yer attitude is worse den when ya left. Yous bein' a really big bitch," Tootsie said, being straight up.
Sassy sat straight up, and looked at the floor waiting for the perfect moment to let it all come out. She looked popped a few fingers, and debated weather to leave or just tell them, and leave. "Yah, maybe I am bein' a bitch. I know I's deserver dat but not from you, ya suppose ta be me best friend. Fuck yall, I'm out of he'ah, I don't even know why I's decided ta came back again anyways," she said, getting up and walking out the door. "If only looks could kill!" Tootsie said, watching her. "Tootsie I's gonna go get 'er," Race said standing up. "Naw, sit down Race, I'll get 'er she's my goil, she'll talk ta me," Spot said, heading towards the door. "You wish," Tootsie said under her breath. "Hey Spot, ya sure?" he asked. "Yah, almost positive," Race sighed, and put his arm around Tootsie. "I's didn't mean ta make her mad, but I's was jus' bein' truthful, what should I's do Race?" Tootsie asked. "I's don't know, wese might nevah see 'er again," he looked concerned. "She'll be back, I give 'er a week at da most if dat. She wont jus' pack up, an' leave again, she couldn't not now anyways, she loves Spot to much," Race looked surprised.
"I's wouldn't doubt Sassy much, with or with out love she'd walk out da door if she wanted ta." Racetrack said.
"Two days tops," he said as they walked out of Tibbys.
Sassy couldn't take it anymore she knew she was being a bitch, but to be told that by some one she thought was a friend. She walked down a few roads, the pressure of being back was starting to bug her, and she sighed out loud. "Dis sucks, I cain't believe what alls happened in da last twenty four hours. Dis day really cain't get much worse..." she trailed off.
Not far behind Sassy, Spot was figuring that his girl was going to be fine. She's just under a lot of stress Spot told him self, but he wasn't to sure of himself. "Well, look who's back," came a voice from around the corner. "Spoke to fuckin' soon," Sassy muttered, to herself. "Burn Central," she said, leaning against a light pole. "Come on, don't ya like me no more?" "I's nevah liked ya ta begin wit'." she said flat out. "Ya know dat ain't true, is it Alley? Now you wouldn't want Spot ta find out 'bout dat past, now would ya?" Central asked, grabbing her shoulder. "Go ta Hell!" Sassy said, slamming her fist into his jaw. "Bitch," he gasped. "Damn Straight," Spot watched, from a corner as they fought.
Then after Sassy made her comment to Central, Spot walked over to them. Central took one look at Spot, and started walking away. Sassy shook her head, and watched as he walked off into the sun. "So now ya gonna tell me what's wrong?" Spot asked, putting his arm around her shoulder. "I guess, if I's half ta," Sassy said, leaning against him. "Well den, What's been goin' on?" he asked, as they sat under a tree. "I jus' feel like comin' back he'ah was a big mistake, I's knew I shouldn't of come back," she said. "Don't say dat, nuthin's been da same since ya left fer me. Yer friends missed ya, I missed ya, I's glad yer back," he said, hugging her. "So who were ya wit' when I was gone?" she asked, knowing he'd play her from friends advice.
Spot looked over her shoulder debating on what he was going to tell her. He prayed that she wouldn't ask him but she did, he knew he couldn't lie to her about it though, but he had to try something.
"No, one," he said.
"Don't fuckin' lie ta my face Spot!" Sassy said coldly.
"Dere was one, her names Stormy," she shook her head, she knew it.
"Dey, were right, I's figured," she sighed to herself.
"It was only fer two weeks dough, 'cause Tootsie got mad, an' made a visit ta Brooklyn soon after," Spot said, knowing Tootsie made him do the right thing.
"How long ago? No don't tell me I's don't wanna know," Sassy asked, trying to understand.
"It was right aftah ya left. But it killed me ta think about the pain I'd cause ya, so I had ta break up wit' 'er." he said.
"Yah, ok," Sassy said looking down.
"Sassy?" she looked up at him. "Ya know I's love ya, don't cha?" she shook her head. "I's don't know what I'd do if lost ya fer good," he said taking her hand.
"Oh by da way Sass, he'ah." Spot said handing her the choker he'd got her before.
"Its really nice." She said looking at it.
"It's fer ya," he said taking it.
"It's really nice, but I's really don't think I can wear it," Sassy said looking at him.
"Sure ya can, I did by it fer ya after all," he said moving her hair, and fastening the it for her.
"What happened?" he asked, running a finger down the cut.
"It's jus' a cut..." she trailed off.
"Yah, how'd ya get it?" Spot asked, with a look that said don't lie. Sassy got up, and walked a few feet before Spot caught up with her again.
"I cain't tell ya," she said looking at Spot ready to cry.
"Come on," he said taking her hand. They made their way back to the Manhattan lodging house, where instead of going in they climbed up the fire escape.
"Now tell me, what happened? You can trust me, by now," Spot said sitting behind her.
"Ok, when I was gone I got in a fight. He got ta his knife before me, an' dats how I got da cut, satisfied?" she said letting a tear slide down her cheek.
"Who was he?" Spot asked.
"One of me x -boyfriends, you don't know 'im dough," she said, as Spot brushed away a few more tears that had slid down her cheek.
"Sassy chill, I's understand. So are ya gonna come back ta Brooklyn wit' me?" Spot said, cradling her as she cried softly.
"Yah, when ya leavin' ta go back again?" she asked looking up.
"Tammorw mornin' when evah yer ready ta go since yer comin' wit' me," he answered.
They went back down stairs Sassy sat on Spots bed, and he sat right beside her. Before either of them knew it they were both asleep, and they both needed the rest so it was a good thing. Morning didn't come for a while, and everyone got up at different times it was Monday, and no one was really up for selling. But there was a few guys that need the money so some were out selling they couldn't afford to loss the money that was on the streets. Spot woke a little while later, and pushed Sassy lightly, so she would wake up. She turned over, and looked up at Spot smiling, and sat up straight. Spot laughed, and kissed her lightly with out any thought of anything. Sassy jumped down from his bed waking up Danger as she hit the floor harder then usually. Danger looked up sighed, and threw his head into his pillow madly, he'd been woken up again by her. Spot grabbed Sassy's hand, and pulled her out the door, and down the stairs. They walked out the door, and down a few streets before they came along some of their friends, Tootsie and Racetrack.
"Tootsie, I'm gone I's goin' back ta Brooklyn wit' Spot" Sassy said, walking up to her.
"Really, well I guess I see ya when we come up fer da poker game dis week den" she said, hugging her friend.
"Okay" she said walking off.
Spot stood behind, and looked at Racetrack, and gave a weak smile, they both seemed to know she was in the right place once again. Spot caught up with Sassy, and took her right hand. She was glad to be going back to her home, after being gone for so long she couldn't wait to tell every one she was back for good. They walked over the bridge, and the rest of the way to the Brooklyn lodging house silent. The only thing either of them said was, they were almost there, or yah. When they walked into the lodging house no one looked up, they just kept to themselves. Sassy had to do something to get everyone's attention they all knew her she had to say something.
"Hey everyone, guess who's back" she called out getting every ones attention. They all looked up a few smiled, and a few called out greetings, most of them were happy to have her back.
"Yer back, it's about time!" Violet said hugging her, she had missed her.
"Yup, an' glad ta be" she said.
Spot grabbed her hand, and pulled her up the stairs away from every one. She smiled at every one, and walked away with him, they were both glad she was back, but no one was as happy as Violet. She'd been needing some one to talk to because ButterCup was driving her crazy as ever. Nothing had been going right since she had left.
"Glad to be back?" Spot asked looking out the window.
"Yah, I guess so, I jus' can't believe I'm back, again" Sassy said falling into his couch.
"I's glad yer back, again" he said walking over to her.
"I love ya Spot" she said falling asleep shortly after on the couch.
The next month or so went by just fine, everything was going great for everyone, and I mean everyone. Racetrack, and Tootsie were getting along fine, and had almost no fights lately. The girls in Brooklyn were all good, and Violet got her problems figured out, with a little help from a few friends. Sassy and Spot were still together surprising huh? Sassy was good, she was glad her life got back together(well most of it). But on the other hand Spot was just sort of out of it, he wasn't being himself at all, something was bothering him, but he wouldn't spill. Even Racetrack couldn't get Spot to tell him what was wrong, he sort of just started blowing a lot of people off. As spring came into play Spot got more edgy about everything, he pretty much stopped talking to everyone except Sassy. The more Sassy tired to help him, and find out what was wrong the more depressed he seemed to get with time. She couldn't take it any more he was driving her crazy, she had to talk to some one.