Sugar's luggage was on the ground beside her, and her ticket was in her hand. She watched her train to Chicago go by, she had changed her mind after all. Thoughts of Star and Spot's conversation many nights ago atop the lodging house roof, that she had eavesdropped on, had been running through her head. She remembered Star saying they had run away from England, to start a new life.
"So if dey ran away den somebody's gonna come fer'em…and ta tink I was gonna give up dat easily… I gotta be here ta see her say g'bye, my work here aint done yet." Sugar thought smirking wickedly. With that she picked up her luggage, turned around, and headed back to the streets of New York…
Papes in hand Racetrack, Cassie and Jack were walking along the street, chatting about the recent good news. "Can ya really believe it? She's gone!" Cassie said happily.
"Now dats what I call a miracle." Racetrack replied in astonishment.
"I wonder what caused da goil ta leave." Jack asked.
" Da guilt, da shame…" Cassie answered. Race, and Jack nodded in agreement.
"Wit Sugar leavin and all, whata ya say we head ta da races and celebrate!" Racetrack suggested.
"Ye! Dats a great idea Race, but comin from you it's pretty much expected." Jack teased as Race proudly smirked.
"Once we go to da lodgin house I'll let Notebook and Star know." Cassie replied.
"A'right good, well fellas I'll see ya lata tonight, once I'm done sellin dese damn papes, den we'se gonna have some real fun." Race replied grinning, then trotting off to get his work done.
Cassie, and Jack stood awkwardly, not knowing what to say. "We'se back at dis again?" Cassie asked breaking the silence.
Suddenly a playful grin crossed Jack's handsome face. "Not for long." He finally said pulling, her into a huge bear hug. Cassie looked up at his dazzling hazel eyes. Still held snugly in his arms, she giggled as Jack pressed his forehead against her own. "Youse amazin ya know dat?"
Cassie smirked and said, "Of course I know dat."
Jack chuckled at her reply.
After a moment of gazing into each other's eyes, they parted and continued to sell their leftover papes as the image of each other remained imprinted in their minds.
Later on that night Spot had already arrived to the Manhattan Lodging house, Race, Jack Cassie, Spot, Star, Notebook, and Tiger had all agreed to go down to the races. Walking down the streets, the companions laughed uncontrollably as Jack, and Race retold stories of previous nights at the racetracks. "Hey fellas memba dat fight we got into wit da real hoity toities folks dat one night I coulda swear I saw da old fat one turnin red!" Jack replied causing everyone to laugh even harder if it were possible.
"We's showed dem whose boss" Spot added.
" I memba da big guy says ta us, you aint nuttin but slobs, who's got no education whatsoever, you have no right talking to me that way you disrespectful street rats! So before Spot soaked da hell outa him I say ta him, we may not be as high as you right now but some day we may be higher." Race replied.
"Right ta dat." Spot agreed.
"Afta dat da snooty mug was speechless." Jack said finishing the story.
After that was said there was a strange silence, and a frown crossed Stars face, she couldn't help but think of England, and their "hoity toity' parents. Star glanced at Notebook and noticed she had the same thought persistent in her mind. Star then quickly shrugged it off, and told Notebook to the same before anyone noticed.
"So how much longer till we get to da Races?" Cassie asked.
"We'se here." Race answered staring out at his heaven in the distance.
They quickened their pace and headed closer towards the large brick building in the distance. Across the structure it read 'Sheep Shed Bay' in red fluorescent lights.
"So this is Sheep Shed Bay…" Star replied in amazement.
"Da one and only." Racetrack replied grinning widely.
"I've never seen anything like it." Notebook said observing the building."
"Isn't it great?" Tiger said putting his arm around her leading them in. The rest followed and scrambled to find descent seats in the stadium. Spot wrapped an arm around Star protectively and tried to push through the many crowds. Jack tried to follow Race, the shortest of the group, as he pushed and shoved to get through. The others just tried to keep up with them. Some people glared disapprovingly and others just gave them strange looks. Race finally found seats in the middle, which gave them a clear view of the track.
They observed the horses deciding on which one to bet on "I betting on number five, her name is Gypsy Diamond." Maddie said.
"That's a nice one." Star said eyeing the horse. Race gave the girls a strange look, Spot chuckled and shook his head in disbelief, and Jack laughed that is until Cassie elbowed him hard in the ribs.
Just as Maddie was going to change her mind, Cassie butted in, "Da goil made her choice and she's stickin to it, so don't be trying to change her mind, cuz you fellas need a confidence boost!" Star and Notebook burst out laughing, as Cassie placed down her money.
"Well said Blaze!" Star exclaimed.
Jack motioned toward Race while saying " Accordin to my pal Race here, he says Annabelle numba eight ova dere neva lost a race. Dats who I'se bettin on, What about you fellas? Race are you bettin on Annabelle?"
"In a heartbeat." Race responded slamming down his money.
"Spot?"
Before Spot answered he observed the horse Annabelle, and finally agreed placing his bet on the mare.
"Takoda?"
"I'm just here for the show." Takoda answered simply.
"Well dat aint no fun." Race commented
"I don't got enough money ta lose, unlike you fellas. I'm savin it." Tiger answered.
"What for?" Notebook asked suspiciously.
"My sister." Takoda whispered.
Noticing Notebook's puzzled expression he whispered "I'll tell you everything later.".
"Ok." Notebook whispered back.
After a moment of thinking, Star made her decision, and said confidently "Well just because Annabelle has won every race doesn't mean she won't lose one, so I'm placing my bet on Gypsy Diamond too. "
"What about you Cassie?" Star asked
Cassie looked over Gypsy Diamond, and said "I'll give da little guy a chance."
"See we're not afraid to take risks." Star said taunting the boys.
"Betta safe den sorry." Race replied teasing back.
"So what do Jackey-boy and I get out of dis when we'se win." Spot asked smirking mischievously, as he gaped at Star, causing Jack to chuckle. As she looked at Spot's sparkling cyan eyes, shivers jolted down her spine, and butterflies whirled in her stomach. But she wasn't going to give in that easily.
Star quickly tore her gaze away. "The money." She casually replied, although she knew he was referring to something else.
"What's a matta boys? Da money aint good enough for ya?" Cassie questioned, daring them to retort. Spot's eyes shifted to Cassie, and he frowned at her for a moment before averting his gaze back to Star, waiting for a better answer.
Noticing this, Star said. "Oh I'm sure you'll think of something, but till then—"
"Keep your pants on." Racetrack interrupted., causing everyone to laugh except for Spot who glared daggers at Race, and Star who was in shock-surprise because she had no intentions on having sex with Spot anytime soon. The thought of sexual intercourse scared her because she didn't quite know what to expect during such intimacy. Spot was a professional though, and she knew it.
Spot noticed Star's expression and her awkwardness toward him at the moment and it made him angrier. "You betta watch wat ya sayin Race, and tink before ya speak, can't ya see she aint comfortable, when youse talk like dat!" Spot yelled, causing the boys jaws to drop, for they would never expect those words from Spot Conlon who once had no shame in having a different girl in his bed every week.
"Spot ya know I'm jus kiddin wit you and ya goil." Race replied lightheartedly, trying to tone down the tension.
Star could feel her face growing hotter. Spot put an arm around her for reassurance, and said "Ya know Race ya shouldn't be commenting about tings ya don't have."
Before Race could say something he would regret, Jack cut in "I'm sure deres plenty a women dat swoon ova dis Italian stallion, aint dere." Jack teased referring to Racetrack.
"Of course, da problem is jus stikin ta one." Racetrack replied smugly secretly referring to the old Spot as well.
The girls then swatted Race playfully with their hats, as he ducked and blocked with his arms. "See what I's mean." Racetrack good-humoredly said, causing the girls to stop there playful swatting.
"Hey if Conlon can do it, den you can too." Jack whispered to Race, not wanting to say it aloud in fear of pushing Spot's limits any further.
"The race is starting Star yelled, pointing to the track. Race leaped up, and started jumping up and down and cheering his Annabelle on.
"Annabelle is in the lead with Gypsy Diamond fallowing closely behind! The announcer said, "Gypsy's taking speed!" The announcer's next answer sound as if he was surprised: "Gypsy Diamond's now in the lead! Could this be the end of Annabelle's winning streak?"
"Shit! Come on Annabelle don't do dis ta me!" Racetrack yelled begging the horse to win.
"And Gypsy Diamond wins! She may be small but she sure is fast!" the announcer cried, as many of the people in the seats cheered.
The three girls jumped up and down gleefully, as they cheered for their horse.
Racetrack was on the floor mentally kicking himself, while Spot and Jack stared wide-eyed at the winning horse in disbelief.
"Pass ova da money fellas" Cassie taunted, as the three girls held out their hands.
Shamefaced, the boys handed over their coins and bills. The girls snatched it out of their hands and divided it equally among the three of them. They decided to give some of there winnings back to the guys, but they wanted to torment them first.
"And to think you doubted us." Star mocked.
Spot's arms were crossed over his chest, and he stubbornly rolled his eyes "Ya jus got lucky, dats all." He muttered.
The girls ignored his comment. "Hey guys, a drinks on me." Star said flipping a coin in the boy's direction.
The girls laughed watching the scene play before them. Spot made no effort to catch the coin, for his pride was more important. Race and Jack rushed to catch it, but failed when Takoda simply raised his long arm, and flicked his wrist to catch the coin in midair.
When Takoda caught the coin, Jack immediately began straightening his collar and bandanna as if nothing had ever happened. Racetrack glared at Takoda who just seemed to shrug it off. The girls began walking out talking amongst themselves, while the guys trailed behind in fuming silence.
They got outside and the night air was cool on their faces as the breeze picked up. "Wow, it's beautiful tonight, isn't it?" Maddie said as they walked down the street.
"It is, Hey what's that for?" Star asked as she walked toward a poster on a nearby brick wall.
"It's for the city fair tomorrow." Notebook said reading the details.
"Hey guys there's a fair in Manhattan tomorrow." Star said calling over the boys
"Too bad we's can't go, I gotta earn me money back." Jack said. Race and Spot nodded in agreement.
"Don't be silly, we're obviously gonna share our winnings, we're not that cold-hearted." Star said lightheartedly, handing over some of her money to Spot.
"I knew ya couldn't resist me." Spot said smirking, as he reached over to grab his share.
Star pulled it out of his reach and said "Hey, I could easily change my mind."
"To bad ya love me so much." Spot said licking his lips and leaning in for a kiss. Star immediately returned the kiss, while placing the share in his pocket.
Cassie handed some of hers over to Jack, who was more then grateful. He playfully ruffled Cassie's hair.
Maddie handed some over to Race. "Tanks, but ya coulda told us you were gonna be dis generous." Race said while counting his share.
"So we can all go ta da fair den?" Cassie exclaimed.
"Damn right we's can." Spot replied when Star and him finally unlocked their lips. They continued walking back to the lodging house just talking and laughing.
"Now we gotta story to tell about the races, don't we girls." Star said giggling.
"Ya, goils conquer boys in war at da races!" Cassie exclaimed, causing the girls to laugh hysterically
"Dey jus don't stop do dey?" Race replied incredulously.
Grinning impishly, the girls slowly shook their heads in unison.
As usual, Tiger and Notebook began trailing behind. "That was a good thing you did back there." Takoda whispered.
Notebook nodded, "We all agreed to it anyway." Notebook replied, flustered. "So what were you going to explain to me earlier?" she asked.
"I was planning on sending the money to my sister, so she could buy a ticket for New York and make a new life here." Takoda answered.
Notebook smiled, "That's sweet."
Takoda just grinned, "She deserves it." "Come on, we're lagging behind."
"As usual." Notebook laughed.
Tiger and Notebook caught up to Star and Spot who were talking quietly amongst them. "The stars are shining especially bright tonight." Star said gazing up at the late night sky.
Spot held her around her waist affectionately. He smirked, as he looked up to see the luminary. They walked in silence for a moment enjoying the scenery, before Star spoke "I don't feel like going back to the lodging house just yet."
Spot looked down eyeing her suspiciously, and asked, "What else do ya have in mind?"
"Ya up for a late night swim." Star asked boldly.
Spot raised his eyebrows in interest, and smirked. "I'se ready if you are." He said.
"Alright then lets go!" Star exclaimed, taking spot's hand and leading him in the direction of the East River.
"Aright fellas see ya lata, seems like Star and me aint gonna be back for a while." Spot said grinning.
Star and Spot headed off in the difference, and Notebook shouted, " I'll keep the door, or window open just in case!" Notebook said trying to shout her loudest, but was unsuccessful, when she noticed Star hadn't heard.
The group chuckled at Notebook's attempt, and continued walking back to the Manhattan lodging house.
Almost reaching the docks, they walked hand in hand until Spot abruptly stopped.
"What's wrong?" Star asked.
"I jus keep gettin dis feelin dat we's bein watched." He answered after a moment of searching for the figure. He saw no one.
The two continued walking cautiously. From the corner of his eye he saw the figure of what seemed like a teenage boy in an old worn in hat and suit, running through the alleyway. Spot held Star close, and went to see what had been following them.
The boy glanced back and hurriedly tried to lose them in the shadows. "Shit! We lost him!" Spot shouted frustrated.
"It's alright, atleast he finally left us alone, now let's go swim." Star said softly caressing his arm for comfort. Her touch seemed to vanish his troubles, and calm him somewhat,
"Aright, let's go." He replied, voice emotionless.
They headed back in the direction of the docks. The walk there was silent, and once they reached their destination Star took off her outer garments leaving her undergarments on.
Before she was about to jump in Spot stopped her by grabbing her arm, and with a sly grin he asked. "Is dat all you's takin off?"
"Absolutely!" Star exclaimed, "Your just lucky I took this much off." She said.
With that she jumped in pulling away from his grasp, and left him chuckling with amusement.
Star then popped out of the water and said, "Well aren't you coming in?"
Spot smirked then, took of his suspenders, shirt, and pants, leaving only his long johns on. Star's eyes widened, and she quickly turned her face away. He laughed at her incorruptibility, and finally jumped in. He began to swim towards her, with a devious smirk on his face, causing her to laugh uncontrollably and swim away.
Spot quickly caught up and pulled her toward him. "Where do ya tink your goin?" He asked, his voice deep and seductive, pulling her right into him.
Laughing she turned away, "Away from you!" She teased
"Aw come on don't be dat way, ya dragged me butt here ta come swimming wit ya! da least ya can do is spare Brooklyn a kiss." Spot said.
"You wanted to come here too! But I wouldn't mind Sparing Brooklyn a kiss." Starlight said her voice softer, and calmer then before. The two lovers gazed into each other's eyes, and their lips locked passionately underneath the velvet blanket of a star filled sky.
Back at the lodging house, the newsies were chatting about their night. Cassie bragged about their winnings and what had happened at the races. Notebook searched for her notebook and found it under her pillow. "Now where's my pencil?" Notebook looked under the bed and found it. Perching herself on the bed, she opened to a page and began writing about the days events and quickly shut it with a snap and stuffed it back under her pillow.
She stood and took her winnings and put them in a small box before putting it back with her luggage. Turning around she grinned, and bowed her head blushing as Tiger took her hands and kissed her cheek, "Those the winnings?"
Notebook nodded, "Don't you go and steal them now, we won fair and square."
Tiger chuckled, "I wasn't going to, and you know that."
Notebook laughed lightly, "Don't tease."
Tiger grinned, and studied her hands. "I remembered my mother had skin like yours."
"She did?" Notebook asked, surprised.
He nodded, "She was white. So is her sister, my aunt Kimimela…" Then he smiled, "Let's go for a walk."
Tiger and Notebook slipped outside and walked hand in hand down the street. "I think this is turning into a habit for us."
"What? The walking?" Notebook asked.
Tiger nodded as Notebook chuckled, "Let's go to Central Park. The moon is beautiful tonight."
Tiger then grinned, "Close your eyes."
"Why?"
"Just close them. I have a surprise." He replied as she closed her eyes and he took her hand.
A while later, Notebook couldn't stand it. "Are we there yet?" she asked.
"You can open your eyes now." He chuckled.
Notebook turned to give Tiger a look when her eyebrows widened, the moon was in its fullest and larger then she'd seen it from the lodging house window, she felt like she could reach up and almost touch it.
Tiger wrapped his arms around her as she leaned into him, "This is a night I'll certainly remember."
"What's to forget with us?" Notebook asked, laughing.
"Nothing, nothing at all." Tiger answered.
"Come on, let's sit down." Notebook walked to a willow that looked inviting. Tiger followed her as she sat.
As they sat beneath the willow, Notebook noticed Tiger had been acting strange by the way he kept glancing back at the sky to her face and back again. She ignored this and figured he was just looking into the distance. After a moment, she turned to him and asked, "What are you—"
But before she could finish the question, she felt Tiger's lips on her own, and her breath caught in her throat as her cheeks reddened and her heartbeat quickened. She felt the sweet heat again, pounding through her veins and freezing her on the spot. Words choked themselves in her throat as she left herself become lost in the moment, vulnerable to the sparks of passion-fire as she wrapped her arms around Tiger's neck. She felt numb as he trailed kisses down her neck and collarbone and suddenly, in a rush of emotion, she realized what could happen if she and Tiger got too far, and when it sunk in, she suddenly broke the kiss and slightly pushed Tiger away.
She bowed her head and turned away, "I—I can't." she whispered, "Not—not until I've secured a home, a living…" She buried her head in her hands in as much in shame as much in embarrassment, "I just…I'm sorry I'm acting like this…" she trailed off and wiped her tearing eyes.
She felt an arm around her shoulders, and looked up. "It's alright. I understand." Tiger wiped the tears from her cheeks with his hand and stood, holding out a hand. She took it and they walked back to the lodging house, in comfortable silence. Once there, they quickly readied for bed and quickly fell asleep.
Sometime later in life, they'd wonder about this night and what would have happened and changed if they had gone too far…
But for now, Notebook and Tiger were comfortable just to steer clear of that stage until the time came.
Spot and Star had been swimming for a couple of hours and they finally decided to get out and dry off. "Well that was a nice swim, I'm glad we came here tonight." Star said, wringing out her hair.
"Ye me too. "Spot said dazedly as his eyes traveled over her slender figure. Her white long underwear was sticking to her skin making every curve visible. Star hadn't noticed this till she stopped wringing the water out from her hair, and once she did she ran towards her clothes. Shaking her head she laughed, and grabbed her shirt, picked it up and held it in front of her nearly exposed breasts.
She then noticed Spot's soaking wet long underwear sticking to every part of him, and picked up his pants, with a free hand, and playfully threw them at him. Spot caught them instantly and chuckled. Pants still in his hands he began to walk toward Star who still held her shirt protectively over her. Spot smirked and grabbed the shirt out of her hands, throwing it along with his pants on the dock.
Star's heart began to beat faster as he edged closer. "Are you trying to seduce me?" Star said stepping back, and smiling apprehensively
"Is it woikin?" Spot joked.
Star slowly shook her head grinning; her heart began to beat faster.
"Jus relax, I aint gonna make ya do anytin ya don't wanna do." Spot said smiling, as he gently caressed her cheek, which immediately calmed her on the spot.
"I know it's just that I'm not used to this kind of stuff." Star said motioning towards her nearly exposed body and his own.
Spot chuckled boyishly and said "It aint like it's da foist time I'se seen ya dis way."
This caused Star to laugh uncontrollably remembering their first encounter in the Manhattan lodging house.
"That's true, so then there's really no point in feeling all nervous." Star replied more confident, as she laid herself down on the docks, Spot did the same, and placed his arm under her back, pulling her close.
"Ye no worries, I jus love bein near ya like dis…jus knowin ya safe in me arms." Spot said recalling everything they'd been through.
"Me too." Star contentedly smiled to herself and snuggled closer to Spot, burying her head between his chin and shoulder. The two quietly dozed off under the full moons' watchful eye.