I know it's taken me forever and a day to update but I have been sooooo freakin' busy. So I hope this chapter will make up for lost time. I know this is a change in tense, but I was getting tired of writing it from Liz's specific point of view. R&R and let me know which way you like better please so I'll know which way is best! Thanks and enjoy!
Chapter 6: Two Letters
Spot awoke to the gentle touch of a cool rag on his forehead. He didn't open his eyes but just listened. He could hear the sound of the wind blowing through the open window and the sound of his fellow Brooklyn brothers selling their papers out on the corner. He slowly opened his eyes, and they were met with one of the most beautiful sights he'd ever seen.
Elizabeth was sitting at his side, the sunlight dancing across her fair skin, rubbing a cool rag across his throbbing forehead. She was wearing one of his white button down shirts and her favorite blue jeans, the necklace in its usual place as well.
Change in tense"Hello goahgeous." Spot said in a groggy voice.
II smiled and said, "Ok Sparky. Let's get you well before you start making passes alright?"
"Sorry, it's habit. But ya do look amazing this morning. How do ya feel?" he asked sincerely, sitting up slightly and leaning against his pillows (A/N: He has his own room, bc he's the almighty Spot Conlon).
"How do I feel? You're the one that got the crap beat out of you. I just got some cuts and bruises. I'm fine though. Thank you for asking." I said, giving him a smile of gratitude.
"Ya welcome. But I'm not the one who got attacked by Bloods. I got some other fag from his crew. I would hate to fight him. I could, but I'd hate it."
I smiled at his cockiness and confidence in his fighting, but was glad that he was back to normal. As I looked at him, trying to cover up my worries, he responded with a look of sadness.
"Ya wanta know about Jack." He said quietly.
I could only nod, for I couldn't find the words to speak.
"Ok. I'll tell ya. But ya gotta promise not to freak on me. I'm suah da udda guys as well as Kloppman have him taken ca'ah of." He said, watching my facial expressions closely.
I nodded once more, managing an, 'I promise', that was barely loud enough to hear.
"Bloods drew a knife on him and da rest of his gang pulled out thei'ah chains and brass knuckles. It was awful. They all stahted beatin' da crap outta each udda. Bloods got a stab in on Jack, but I'm not su'ah whe'ah. Da udda guys were pretty beat up too. I promise I'll take you to him when the time is right, but promise me ya won't go inta Manhattan widout me or my boys aright?" he said, worry lacing his tone.
"Can I at least write him a letter to let him know I'm alright?"
"Suah." He said. "I'll get one'a my messenga boys to take it to him directly." He said with a smirk.
I nodded and smiled, but my worry was still evident. 'What if he's not all right? This is all my fault. If I'd been paying attention I could've at least gotten Bloods away from all of them. I never should've come here in the first place. I should have stayed back home with my brother where I belong. I was crazy to think I could make it work here. I'm an Alabama gal who has no idea how to defend herself and needs others to protect her. That's not who I want to be. Not at all.' I thought to myself.
Spot left and came back with some paper and something to write with. He then left me to myself and went to gather up his messenger to stand-by.
My first letter was to Jack.
Dear Jack,
Spot just told me of your injuries. I hope you're not too hurt. I feel like this is all my fault. This never should have happened. It was my brother's battle and mine, not yours. I feel responsible and am considering another alternative to prevent this from happening again. I don't know what it will take however. It may have to go so far as to take me leaving to go home back to my brother and father. I don't want that but if that's what it will take to keep you and the other boys from this, I'll do it. I feel like I should tell you about my past now. But I don't wish to do it through this letter. Spot says we should lay low for a while until the tension dies down in Manhattan and I can only come if he or a group of his boys are present. I miss you so much and wish I could be there to help you get better or at least be there for you. I hate that I have to hide out. It just feels so wrong. I should be in Manhattan with you and the others. Instead I'm stuck here with Spot Conlon. But you know, he's not so bad once he knows you're not going to sleep with him. Haha only kidding. But I suppose I'm fine here so no need to worry. I hope I can come home soon. Tell the others I miss them too.
Most affectionately yours,
Liz
I folded that paper and put it in an envelope and started on the next letter, which was to my brother.
Dear Michael,
I know I haven't written and I'm sure you're worried about me. I'm doing fine here. I've made many new friends who've taken me in. They're newsboys and they all live together in a lodging house. I sleep in my own bunk and will soon start work to pay my way. I hope father hasn't treated you too horribly. I know it's bad but don't worry. One day everything will be right again, like when Mom was alive. I miss her so much. Being here has made me realize it the most. I met him. That Harlem gang leader you told me to watch out for. I will spare the details until a later time but I am now hiding out in Brooklyn for a bit. He said you'd been in the gang as well but left to come back to me. He tried to beat me up, but the Newsboys who've taken such good care of me helped me get away. Why didn't you tell me you were in the gang? I wouldn't have thought any less of you. You know that. But I also have some news to tell you. I have met a boy here. His name is Jack Kelly and he is the leader of the Manhattan newsboys. He has asked me to be his girlfriend and I like him quite a lot. I wish ya'll could meet. You'd get along so well. I miss you so much. I am considering coming back home if it will keep Bloods away from my friends. They don't deserve what they've been thrown with me around. Please respond as soon as possible. I love you so much and I wish to see you soon.
Love always,
Your baby sister
I then folded that letter up as well and walked out into the doorway.
Spot was leaning on the wall next to where I was now standing, and I handed the two letters to him.
He saw that one was sent for home and gave me a puzzled look.
I just gave him a gentle smile and said, "That one needs to be mailed instead of delivered," pointing at my brother's letter.
He nodded and handed it off to Jay, his messenger, who then left to deliver them to their proper locations.
"Thank you." I said to Spot.
"You'ah welcome."
I hope ya'll liked this chapter. I really need your reviews to let me know where you want this story to go or any tips to make something better. R&R please!