Finally the ship docked in Manhattan New York at approximately midday, and they made sure their entire luggage was accounted for. They grabbed their suitcases and lugged it off the ship. It was the first time Sarah and Maddie had ever stepped foot on the streets of New York.
Takoda had been to New York, 2 years ago, lived in it for a year and made a living as a Newsboy. Cassie grew up in New York, and when she was ten her family passed away in a fire while she was at a friend's house, and had to move to England. She lived in an orphanage till the age of 14, and then ran away and became a wanderer much like Takoda.
Cassie traveled from place to place, trying to forge a living. Each one of the companions had their own story to tell, but all were in New York for the same reason: to be free to opportunity, and to achieve their goals and dreams.
The bustling streets of New York were crowded with people gossiping about the weather and the latest news. The cobblestone streets were withered and cracked from many long years of use.
The scene in front of them was something like no other, the sky went as far as the eye could see but beneath the clear blue yonder were very large buildings, and structures.
They walked for what seemed forever, observing their surroundings.
They finally reached a place called Central Park.
They all decided to sit down on a bench placing their luggages beside them. They glanced around they noticed, all types of people, rich poor, and in-between.
The children ran around laughing, playing and putting their imaginations to use while their mother's and father's watched them proudly. The Newsboys called out headlines, and the lovers strolled romantically hand in hand, and the seniors sat peacefully on the benches enjoying the last days of their well-lived lives. It was like every stage of existence flashing before their very own eyes.
Sarah then realized that she had not eaten since breakfast at 8:00am, and all the walking they did so far made her very hungry "I'm so hungry, I could eat an elephant" she said sarcastically.
"Then why are we sitting here for, let's get sumtin ta eat.'' Cassie said with her typical New York accent, getting up from the aged, wooden bench, and grabbing her suitcase.
"We must have just sat down" Maddie replied not wanting to get up."
"Come on, I'm hungry too." Takoda said pulling Maddie to her feet, and grabbing the remaining luggages the two walked hand in hand, while Cassie and Sarah raced along the streets of New York, with their baggage.
There was suddenly a crash as Cassie had collided with a Newsie selling newspapers. Cassie looked up at a tall young man with light brown hair and kind hazel brown eyes. An old red bandana, and cowboy hat hung from his neck. The papers that were once in his hands were now scattered on the street.
Looking in his light brown eyes, Cassie said" Oh, I' m so sorry!"
" No problem it happens all da time.'' The Newsie said staring into Cassie's bright blue eyes, beginning to pick up the newspapers.
"Cowboy is that you!'' Takoda said breaking the silence.
"Tiger! What brings ya ta Manhattan'' The Newsie said in a stage of shock, and excitement.
They greeted each other with a spit shake. Sarah watched with amazement, while Maddie watched with disgust.
"I got bored in England, and I was missing my pals over here, so I decided to come back." Takoda said smiling at his friend.
Jack smirked an slightly shook his head chuckling, and replied "Well Takoda you know dat your welcome at da lodgin house anytime."
"Thanks Jack, tonight okay? We just got here and need a place to settle in."
"Course Tiger. Youse can stay as long as ya like, I'm sure da boys won't mind seein ya again." Jack replied.
"Who are you?'' Cassie asked.
"Da names Jack Kelly, but people call me Cowboy. And you are? "
" Da names Cassie, but people call me Blaze cause of me temper, so watch out!''
Jack laughed, and said "Well it's nice ta meet ya too.'' "And who are dese other beauties?" Jack said looking at Maddie and Sarah. '
"This is Sarah and this is my girl Maddie." Takoda said pulling Maddie towards him.
"It's a pleasure to meet you" Sarah said
"And it's a pleasure to meet ya too." Jack replied.
Suddenly a hint of interest overcame Cassie, when she saw Jack, she had an attraction to him. "What's a matter with me I just met this guy and I'm already fallin for him, he could be the biggest jerk in New York… he might be a nice guy… " Cassie thought to herself.
Sarah glanced at Cassie, and could tell that there was something wrong with her, from her baffled expression.
Sarah pulled Cassie aside. 'Is something wrong?'' Sarah asked considerately.
" No, dere's nuttin wrong."
" Cassie I can tell when there's something wrong, you know you can tell me when there's something bugging you."
"Ah, what the heck, mine as well let it out!" Cassie said.
"Well…" Sarah said impatiently.
"That Cowboy… what do you think of him?" Cassie asked hesitantly
"You like him don't you?" Sarah said.
"Well… I guess… I dunno about like… but he's pretty hot… Just don't say anything, or I'll soak ya!'' Cassie said.
"My lips our sealed!" Sarah said giggling. Takoda noticed them laughing.
"What's so funny over there?" Takoda asked. But before Sarah could open her mouth, Cassie gave her a warning look.
They all laughed, and Sarah simply said " Nothing, nothing at all."
"What y'all say we get some food!'' Cassie said changing the subject.
"Great idea, I'm starving." Sarah replied, rubbing her stomach.
"Let's go ta Tibby's, dat's our hang-out place, you fellas can meet da rest of da Newsies. Jack suggested.
"Anywhere that there's food, I'm more then happy to go there!" Sarah said.
"But what are we gonna do with our suitcases?" Cassie asked.
"We'll bring em to da lodgin house before we head to Tibby's" Jack answered.
The whole way to the lodging house they joked, laughed, And Jack told Takoda and the three girls the story of the big strike that happened a year before. They reached the lodging house and Jack and Takoda insisted to take up the luggages while the girls waited outside. Once they were done, they made there way to Tibby's.
The door swung open, and the bell rang, when the 5 friends entered Tibby's.
The laughing and, joking around tuned into ooooh's, and, aaaah's and, whistles when they noticed 3 attractive young ladies walking in with their famous Manhattan leader, Jack Kelly, and an unfamiliar man.
"Alright, alright, take it easy fellas!" Jack grinned.
When the Newsies recognized who the man was, they were in shock surprise and overwhelmed with joy, their old pal was back.
"Tiger!" The Newsies chanted.
"Where have ya been ya bum!"? Racetrack shouted lightheartedly.
"Boy do we have sumtin ta tell you! Unless you already heard da story!" Crutchy called from a nearby booth.
"Well I've been places, and yes I did here the story, but I'll be more then willing to hear it again. After all it was a great accomplishment!" Takoda answered.
"If you stayed annuda year you could have helped us out." Mush said.
Then the Newsies attention fell upon the girls when they realized Takoda had his arm around an attractive girl.
"Jack why don't ya introduce us!" called one of the Newsies. The whole restaurant went quiet when Jack began to talk.
"These three beautiful ladies are Cassie, known as Blaze, cause of her temper," he said looking right at Cassie making her laugh, "the fascinating Sarah, and last but not least Maddie, as youse fellas can tell, she's got claims by Takoda so don't try anything stupid"
Some of the Newsies began to grumble. "One down, two ta go!" A Newsie shouted from across the room.
Maddie uncomfortably looked down, and thought. "Am I some sort of trophy?"
"Looks like dese guys don't see much a goils around here, either that, or dere jus da most horniest kids around." Cassie whispered dryly in Sarah's ear, causing the two to burst into a rage of laughter.
Confused, the Newsies glanced around, uncertain what all the hilarity was about.
They then sat down and ordered their food; while they were waiting Maddie took the opportunity to ask Takoda the question she had been trying to figure out since they bumped into Jack.
Maddie gently tapped Takoda on the shoulder and asked, "Why is everyone calling you Tiger?"
Takoda turned to face Maddie smiled and replied "Well, every Newsie has a nickname, so they don't feel out of place, and if worst comes to worst it would be harder to get caught. That necklace I gave you has a tiger tooth on it. So the name Tiger just grew on me, I guess."
"How on earth did you get a tiger tooth?" Maddie asked in shock-surprise at the fact she had a real tiger tooth around her neck.
"It's been in my family for generations, my father gave it to me." Takoda answered casually, having been asked that same question many times before.
"I can't accept this then, it's a big part of your family, then, now and generations to come." Maddie replied, befuddled, and motioning to take it off.
Suddenly Takoda placed his hands on hers and said looking deep into her eyes. "No, I gave it to you as a gift, keep it" The sincere way he looked at her sent warm chills down her spine, and made it hard for her to resist.
"Afta we get our food, what do ya say we give dese fine young ladies a tour around New Yawk!" Jack shouted interrupting Maddie and Takoda's conversation.
"Well we've already seen Manhattan but I guess it's impossible to get enough of New York." Takoda replied.
"I'll take 'em to da races!" Racetrack yelled jumping up from his seat and pretending to lead the way. The Newsies broke into a rage of laughter, Racetrack was always the one who never missed the opportunity to tell a witty joke, and be the center of attention.
"Why don't we take them to Medda's?" David suggested. The Newsies began to cheer at the sound of her name.
"Who's Medda?'' asked Cassie curiously.
"The Swedish Medda Larkson, she's a show girl, and she'll be performing at our annual strike anniversary." Jack said.
"We'll introduce you to her, if you want." Mush said from the table of rampaging Newsies.
Once they finished eating, Race, Mush, Jack and David then took them around the city of action, and explored the busy streets of Manhattan, for the second time that day, although this tour was much more exciting, because the Newsies definitely made it memorable.
As they neared Irving Hall, David replied dreamily, "There's Medda's place"
Jack playfully smacked David on the back of his head. "Shut ya mouth ya bum, ya got no chance wit her!" Racetrack teased.
"He can dream." Mush replied chuckling. David glared daggers at his friends, which caused them to laugh even more, as they light-heartedly swatted him with there hats.
"Ya know we're jus pullin your leg" Jack replied good-naturally.
Sarah watched in amusement. "I think I'm really gonna like it here." She thought.
As they entered Irving Hall, a women wearing a show girl dress in bright shades of pink, came down the stairs greeting the Newsies."Welcome boys, it's great to see you again, who are these 3 beautiful young ladies?''
Maddie blushed, Cassie said "Gee tanks" and Sarah was about to introduce herself but Jack spoke up and said " Dis here is me old pal Tiger…"
"Ahh Tiger, where ya been kid?" Medda replied recognizing him, and embracing him with a hug.
"Just out and about, trying to find my place in the world." Takoda replied.
Jack continued "…and dese 3 goigious goils are Cassie Maddie and Sarah.
"Very nice to meet you. " Medda said curtsying and vigorously swaying her feather.
Medda then noticed Takoda's arm around Maddie and the necklace he always used to wear around his neck was now on hers.
"Tiger… is that your girl?" Medda cooed, smiling at the pair.
"She sure is" Takoda grinned, kissing her head causing Maddie to slightly blush.
"Well Tiger, I guess all that searching finally came in handy" Medda replied, smiling, and giving Maddie a quick wink.
Maddie averted her eyes to the floor and felt her cheeks begin to redden even more, she could tell, because of the silence, that everyone's eyes were on her.
The Newsies good-humouredly chuckled and reassuringly patted Maddie on the small of her back.
"So how's it goin Medda?" Jack asked. Medda's usual elated expression disappeared to be replaced by one of worry.
"Ooh, it's terrible! I don't have enough dancers in my show for the strike anniversary, I need 1 more person who can sing, dance, and act. But where will I find one in the little time I have!''
Takoda, Maddie, and Cassie immediately turned their heads in Sarah's direction.
"What is there something wrong?" Sarah said wondering.
"Don't you under stand?" "You can sing, dance and act great, and with practice you'll be excellent!" Takoda said encouragingly.
Sarah bit her lower lip and an apprehensive expression crossed her face.
"Ya, I's seen ya dance, I'se tink you can do it" Cassie added
" Come on it's your chance to shine, and besides, we're finally in New York! Maddie replied.
"C'mon show us what you'se got! Race flaunted.
Being the risk-taker Sarah was, she replied with " I'll do it!" They all cheered and Medda, had a very relieved look on her face, and said, "Thank you very much you saved the show!"
"No problem I'm looking forward to it." Sarah replied as a large smile crossed her face.
"Well I have a show to do in 2 minutes, you are more then welcome to stay if you'd like"
Medda said.
They all glanced at each other, shrugging their shoulders, as Maddie yawned exasperated. Jack finally spoke up. "Tanx, Medda but we gotta beat it, dese guys look pretty tired, and dey had a long day."
Maddie sighed in relief. They said their good-byes and headed back to the lodging house, except for Race who headed for the racetracks to bet on a horse, play a little poker, and win some money.
They finally entered the lobby of the Manhattan Lodging house, Sarah, Maddie, and Cassie observed their surroundings: The walls were covered with torn wallpaper, and in certain spots exposed the older previous paper underneath, some pictures adorned the walls there were a few small tables scattered in the small space and surrounding them were Newsies gambling and playing poker, while on the old wooden stairs some of the younger Newsies were trading marbles, and making hats and swords out of pieces of wood and leftover papes. It wasn't in anyway extravagant or cozy, but at least they had a place to stay.
They then paid Kloppman for the night. "You just missed dinner." Kloppman replied with his aged, and somewhat shaky voice.
"Don't worry about it, Kloppman, we'll divvie up da leftovers." Jack said as the boys and him headed for the kitchen.
"I think I need a nice hot bath!' Sarah said after signing in at the front, remembering the long walk she took around Manhattan not only once but twice during the day. Sarah then headed up the crowded staircase, Maddie and Cassie following. The children stared curiously up at the newcomers.
"Well, I think you're forgetting somthin' Sarah' Maddie said, trying to catch up to Sarah.
"What's there to forget?' Sarah questioned entering the room and collapsing on the nearest bunk.
"Uhh, the fact is that we're in a Newsboys lodging house, they don't have any porcelain tubs with boilin' water here!' Cassie reminded her, as they entered the bunkroom.
"Well, then I guess a freezing cold bath in a little bucket would have to do!' Sarah retorted quite sarcastically, making her friends giggle at the thought of it.
Posters hung from the wooden walls, there were bunks set in rows cluttered with various possessions and papes. The windows looked as if they hadn't been washed in a while, and two tables sat in opposite sides of the room each with a lantern offering its scant light.
Sarah then went on her way across the room to the 'bathtub and noticed a large open space, much like a large doorway, that separated the bunks from the stalls. Instead of hard wall connected to the sides of the open space there was glass that looked like large windows, the small squares of the window resembled the squares on a chessboard, and the corners on them were edged with dirt, that also looked like it hadn't been cleaned in weeks.
She noticed a large rectangular stand in the center of the washroom, used for washing up. Wet towels, razors, shaving cream and soap lay untidily on the washstand. Against the walls perpendicular to the washstand were four bathroom stalls on each side.
There in front of the stand stood a large basin with a pump nearby. She stared at the bucket in utter confusion, and attempted to pump it using the water from the washstand before she dragged it to the stall, where she could be in private.
The water didn't come out as she expected. She forcefully tried to press it again but it was stuck, and when she tried a third time the water blasted out of the pump, soaking both the floor and Sarah. She gave a small shriek as the ice-cold water ran down her dress.
Hearing Sarah's shriek Maddie and Cassie jumped off their bunks and ran into the room where Sarah stood drenched in water.
"Is everthin' okay in here?' Cassie asked.
"Not quite, I need a little help. Sarah replied clenching her jaw, and fighting the feeling of the shivers jolting down her spine. Maddie and Cassie burst into a fit of giggles and managed to walk themselves over to the 'bathtub' resisting the hilarity.
They all continued to laugh, including Sarah at the unforgettable hectic night they so far experienced. . They finally finished laughing and Sarah pressed the pump (lighter this time) and was surprisingly successful.
They helped her heave it over to the nearest stall, shut the stall door and left to go downstairs, leaving Sarah to wash.
Then she quickly got undressed leaving her white petticoat and undergarments on in fear of being frostbitten. She finished in 5-10 minutes. Sarah got out and realized she forgot a towel.
She opened the stall door, to make sure no one was there. 'The coast is clear' she thought to herself, she then rushed out and started searching for a clean towel, while water slowly dripped on the floor with every step she took. In the corner of the wall stood an oak shelf, and on it was one clean towel left.
As she reached for it, she heard footsteps and turned to see a rather hansom-looking Newsie, one she had never seen before, walking in. Strangely he carried a cane and wore red suspenders.
He looked up to see a beautiful girl soaking wet and screaming her heart out. "Get out now!'' Sarah yelled. "How dare you walk in here like that! Didn't you ever here of the word privacy!" She continued, and impulsively threw the towel she had grabbed, aiming for his head.
The Newsie quickly ducked and was too shocked to even answer. He turned and stormed out of the room and down the stairs. His face was scarlet red from both anger, and embarrassment.
Sarah heard a wail of laughter coming from downstairs. She felt bad for yelling at him, but it was a first reaction sort of thing. But it was still rude of him to barge in the room like that, as if he was the king of the place. She then shook off the thought of the embarrassing moment, she had just experienced.
As Spot walked downstairs the Newsies tried to hold in their laughter. "Whadda y'all lookin' at?' Any of you'se brings dis up again I'll soak ya!' ya hear dat! And keep dat goil away from me, who eva she is! She's jus lucky I didn't soak her den and dere!" With that he stormed out of the lodging house, slamming the door behind him, leaving everyone silent.
"What's up his butt?'' Cassie said breaking the silence causing everyone to burst into a rage of laughter.
Back upstairs Sarah had heard everything and was on the floor and she too was doubling over in an up most fit of laughter. The lodging house seemed to shake as the laughter of everyone chorused through the walls.
Sarah then got up, grabbed the towel she had aimlessly thrown at the quite arrogant newsboy, brushed out her damp hair and braided it. Then got dressed in a simple lilac dress.
As she began to walk down to the main floor the Newsies began to laugh and whistle at her appearance.
"What's all this for?' Sarah asked
"You sure told him!" Crutchy yelled.
"Who was he anyway? The King of New York?" Sarah said sarcastically, making the newsies laugh.
"Ya could say dat" Jack remarked.
Sarah looked confused which made Jack chuckle as he explained, "He's actually da leader of da Brooklyn Newsies. Big part of da strike""Spot ain't a bad person, But ya jis gotta watch ya self now, ya don't want ta get in his way".
"What's he going to do to her?" Maddie asked
"Jis don't worry about it, he can't do nuttin if we's got ya back!'' Race assured.
"Just be sure not ta mess wit' im again, and everyting will be ok.'' Mush said
"So that was Spot, he doesn't't look very dangerous to me." Sarah replied
"Trust me doll dere's lot's about him ya don't know. '' Jack said guaranteeing her.
" Hey ya fellas's how 'bout a game a poker!'' Race said trying to change the subject. All the Newsies agreed to the game of poker, and the laughing and chatter continued.
"How was da tracks?" Cassie asked.
"Didn't go to swell, wasn't so lucky tonight." Racetrack replied.
Deep down in Sarah's mind she couldn't't get this Spot Conlon out of her head. Even though he seemed arrogant and self-righteous, there was something about him that Sarah found interesting, She didn't't know what it was, but she knew she would find out soon.
While the poker game and chatter continued Maddie and Takoda slipped out the lodging house door into the cool crisp air and began walking down the street. It's a beautiful night out here isn't it?' asked Takoda sighing softly.
They passed a horse and carriage, "Now someday I'm going to write a book on my adventure in New York' Maddie whispered.
"You can put your mind to anything, that is… if you really want too' Takoda replied.
They walked some more admiring the Brooklyn Bridge as the night sky blanketed over the now- peaceful New York.
They stood in silence for a moment, staring at the stars, Takoda then leaned in and kissed her. Takoda's hands tight around her waist, Maddie could hear the slow beating of his heart as she leaned her head against his chest, Takoda kissed the top of her head "She has this unique smell, the smell of rich fresh ocean air and rose' Takoda thought.
Maddie felt giddy, and foolish but she didn't't care. There and then Maddie remembered the thrilling feeling of love's first kiss.
Then Takoda whispered, "I think… I love you…'
"Only time can tell…' Maddie replied, her voice thick with weariness.
They walked back in romance, hand in hand. They reached the lodging house at around midnight to find everyone fast asleep.
The next morningThe Newsies and the 5 companions awoke to the sound of Kloppman's mumbled aged voice. " Get up! Get up! Sell the papes! Sell the papes!" There were yawns moans, groans, and mumbles coming from every part of the room. The Newsies stumbled out of bed, and Race searched for his cigar.
Takoda walked over to Maddie's bunk, and gently kissed her on the forehead
"Rise and shine, Sunshine' Takoda said smiling. Maddie slowly got out of her bunk, stretched and smiled back at him.
While Sarah was still snug in her bed, Cassie threw a pillow at her and she sat bolt upright sleepily "Huh?' She said groggily.
"C'mon wake up, sleepyhead! Time to sell the papes!" Cassie said full of energy.
"How can you wake up this early?" Sarah questioned stumbling out of bed.
"Easy, I'se use ta dis, I use at have to do it all da time at dat damn orphanage!" Cassie responded.
Sarah and Maddie went into the bathroom stalls and got dressed in simple pastel colored dresses, washed their faces, braided their hair, and were ready to go.
"You look beautiful!" Takoda said.
" Ya but dere's only one problem, da foist ting a'bout bein a newsie is ya gotta dress like one, or else ya won't see anyone buyen your papes.' Jack assured them.
" So what do we wear then?'' Maddie asked.
" Here I got something for you." Takoda said handing Maddie a pile of clothes.
"Thanks!" Maddie said gratefully. Jack hesitantly grabbed a pair of brown trousers, and an old deep blue button up shirt, from the neatly made bed no one ever slept in except for Spot when he would come to Manhattan.
" Here Sarah, put dis on for now, jis make sure Spot doesn't't catch you in dem!'' Jack said with a smirk on his face tossing Sarah the clothes.
"Good luck wit dat!" one of the Newsies called from the crowd. Sarah and Maddie got dressed once again
"So we'll all split take different roads… Mush, Crutchy, Blink…' Jack explained, splitting the Newsies into small groups.
"Tiger, Maddie, Sarah, Cassie… er…Blaze yous all with me' Jack replied rather awkwardly.
"Yupp" Cassie answered.
As they began to sell, Sarah couldn't't help but overhear a conversation with, two girls nearby.
"He's so handsome!" One girl replied
"And charming!" The other added with a dreamy sigh.
"I hear he's the leader of the Brooklyn Newsies." The girl replied.
Sarah's eyes widened in shock when they had mentioned the 'handsome' 'charming' Brooklyn leader, she continued to listen while beginning to tie her shoe.
"Spot Conlon…handsome, charming, and a Brooklyn leader!" The girl exclaimed as they broke into a fit of high-pitched giggles."
"What is so special about this Spot Conlon? I want to meet him… well I already have, but this time in with a better introduction...then I can figure it out. He sounds like quite the ladies man"
"Sarah, c'mon youse leggin behind!" Boots called passing by. She snapped out of her thoughts and continued on selling.
Once they had sold most of their papes, and the money tucked in their front pockets they spread out taking different roads.
Jack Cassie and Sarah walked side by side; there was a strange silence between them.
"Sarah said sumtin' about this Spot Conlon…'' Cassie questioned.
"What's he like?' Sarah asked.
"Well if your dat curious ta know why don we go visit him in Brooklyn and you can see for yourself!" Jack suggested sarcastically.
"Sure I don have a problem with that!" Sarah replied smart mouthing back.
" I was kidden, plus afta da incident from last night, I don tink it's a good idea." Jack said assuring her.
" I know you were joking, but I don't think he'll recognize me any way, trust me, theres a huge difference from the way I looked then to the way I look now!" Sarah said giggling remembering the incident.
"You jus don jus don give up do ya!" Jack said laughing.
" Nope!" Sarah said shaking her head and smiling mischievously.
" All right if its dat important to ya den you can come ta Brooklyn wit us lata, but don say I didn't warn ya" Jack said cautiously.
Sarah's beautiful big brown eyes lit up with joy, her insides swirled, and her stomach felt as if it were in a knot.
"Thanks so much, see ya!'' Sarah said racing away, purposely leaving Jack and Cassie alone…
"So… now what?" Cassie asked.
" I donno you tell me" Jack said with a sly smirk.
"Okaay settle down der buddy!" Cassie said giving him a nudge in the ribs.
"So that's the way its gotta be eh, well two can play at dis game!" Jack said chasing after Cassie.
As Sarah and Maddie watched from a distance, they burst into a fit of laughter. "They're perfect for each other!" Sarah said.
"I agree" Maddie replied chuckling
The Newsies continued on selling the papes and living the Newsie life.