Disclaimer: I do not own any of the original newsie characters. I'm not that creative. :P
Jack kicked a rock as he headed down the street. Nearly deserted, Jack felt kind of lonely. Even more lonely with thoughts about Sarah flying through his head. It had a been a week since their argument and Sarah still hadn't come back to stay sorry or confess her true feelings. Maybe she really didn't care as much as Jack thought she did. He let out a big sigh. Passing their apartment building, he looked up at their window. It was open and the lights were on. He wished he could go up and at least talk with David. But Sarah might be there and it would probably be awkward. Besides, what would he have to say to David? He leaned against their brick wall. As thoughts zoomed through his mind, he hardly noticed an approaching figure. But as the person drew closer, Jack gathered his wits and stood with his fists in front of him.
"Relax, Cowboy," Racetrack said, coming a bit into the moonlight. Jack put his hand down. He had probably just got back from the races.
"Oh. Hey, Race," Jack said quietly, leaning back against the wall.
"What ya doing out here?" Racetrack asked, lighting his cigar on a brick wall. Jack shrugged.
"Just thinking," Jack replied, taking out a cigarette and doing the same. Racetrack looked up at the Jacob's window.
"Why don't you go-" Racetrack stopped when Jack began to glare it him.
"Oh yeah, Race, I'll just go up and hang out with David, who's already mad at me, while Sarah is in the room," he said with a mocking voice.
"Hey, just an idea. Maybe she has something to say and she can't say because you're ignorin' her," Racetrack suggested. Jack raised an eyebrow. That idea wasn't half bad.
"Ya know, I have been ignorin' her," Jack stuck the cigarette in his mouth and looked up at the window. "But I'll just go to talk with David..." he added.
Racetrack nodded. "Good luck," he said and then turned and headed back to lodging house. Putting out his cigarette, Jack climbed the fire escape exit staircase. When he reached the platform, he looked through the window before entering. What he saw was disappointing. Nathan was visiting again. Jack let go of the window and took a step back so they won't see him. He watched the happy scene for a moment. The Jacobs were gathered around the table with Nathan. He appeared to be telling a story as the family listened intently. All of the sudden they laughed as Nathan had apparently made a joke. Jack looked closely at Sarah. She was laughing as well, her gaze fixed on Nathan as he told the story. Nathan caught her look and stared at her for moment while his lips kept moving. Jack, not bearing to watch anymore, walked down the platform slowly. Ideas swirled around his head, as well as anger. How come Sarah kept hanging out with this guy? And by the way Nathan looked at Sarah, Jack could tell that Sarah hadn't told Nathan about their relationship yet.
Jack, having had enough of seeing this jerk, decided to wait for Nathan to leave the apartment. He would have a nice talk with him before he went home for the night.
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It was probably an hour before he heard the Jacobs say goodnight and he saw Nathan exit the apartment building. You would have thought that Cowboy had had time to think about what he was going to do and realize it was stupid. Well, he did think, but those thoughts consisted of the dinner he had with the Jacobs and Nathan and all those hidden insults Nathan had said. So, for an hour, Jack's anger was boiling.
As Nathan hit the street to head home, Jack quickly blended into the night shadows as the boy walked right past him. Jack smiled maliciously as he silently followed the boy for a couple feet, not making a noise until they passed a empty alley. Nathan, hearing someone behind him, turned around instantly but Jack had slipped into an alley way. Nathan muttered something under his breath and then continued walking. Jack began to follow him again. But this time, he made his footsteps louder. Nathan, once again, spun around. Having the advantage of surprise, Jack grab the boy's collar and thrust him aside and against the alley's brick wall.
"What's your problem?" Nathan asked, struggling against Jack's hold. Jack was stronger. "
"My problem is you. Tell me whats going on between you and Sarah. Now," Jack demanded firmly.
"Jack? Are you serious?" Nathan asked in disbelief. Jack pushed him further against the wall. "Okay, okay, if it means that much to you," Nathan said.
Jack loosened his grip a bit, realizing he was being kind of dramatic about the whole thing.
"Sarah and I are just friends...to her...but I've always had a thing for her..." Nathan said slowly.
"A thing?" Jack asked, pressuring further explanation. He saw Nathan was having a hard time spitting it out.
"You're in love with her, aren't you?" Jack said, his tone going up one level. Nathan didn't say anything.
"Aren't you?!" Jack asked even louder, pushing him harder against the wall. Nathan barely nodded.
"Yes, yes! Okay? What's it to you?" Nathan asked, having a hard time breathing.
"What's it-" Jack laughed. "Sarah and I have been together for almost a year now!"
"Well she never told me! Goodness!" Nathan exclaimed, getting angry. He pushed Jack away, surprising the cowboy.
Jack quickly reacted, grabbing his sleeve quickly. He jerked him back in front of him. Now it was Nathan's turn to be surprised.
"You stay away from Sarah, ya hear? You hang out with the Jacobs, tell your funny stories, be friends with Davey, but NEVER, EVER touch my girl or even look at her with those goggling eyes of yours," Jack brought him closer in a threateningly manner, "If I catch you doing anything like that, I'll give you a soaking you'll never forget," Jack said in a harsh whisper. He let go of the Nathan, throwing him to the side. Jack could see his eyes big with fear. Nathan took off like a scared rabbit, running straight out of the alley. Jack shook his head in disgust and spat on the ground.
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Walking back to the lodging house, Jack mulled over the events. And by the time he opened the door to the room, he had realized what he had done was wrong and completely foolish. The newsies were still up, playing poker and just messing around. It must not have been that late. Many of the newsies greeted him as he made his way to his bunk.
"Race, what time is it?" Jack asked gruffly as he took off his shoes and sat on his bunk.
"Almost 10," Racetrack replied after having taken a look at his watch. He observed Jack carefully from the bunk across from his. Jack threw his head into his hands as his elbows rested on his knees.
"Boys, get to bed!" Jack shouted across the room, though not in a angry manner. He was more disappointed with himself then angry at Sarah or even Nathan.
Everyone rushed to their beds in respect for Jack's authority. The lights went out quickly and soon everyone grew quiet.
Jack lay down in his bunk, thoughts of regret and fear running through his head. He was awake for a long while before actually falling asleep, pondering what he should do. The main thought rolling through his head, however, was, 'What will Nathan tell Sarah?'
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The next day, Racetrack woke up early again. He really didn't want to miss this morning race. His favorite horse was suppose to be racing and Racetrack had a feeling the horse would win this one.
Preparing for the day in the washroom, he was disappointed that Jack didn't wake up early as well. He had really wanted to talk to him about what had happened with Sarah last night.
Deciding bring it up later at Tibby's, Racetrack started his long journey to Sheepshead Bay.
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At the entrance, Danny met him with a big grin on his face. "Race! I've been waiting for you!" he said eagerly, beckoning with his hand for Racetrack to follow. Raising a brow, Racetrack followed the kid, though he didn't have that much time to spare(having looked at the race times on the chalkboard).
In the stable, Danny stopped at number 4's stall.
"This one is gonna win, I just know it!" Danny exclaimed, rubbing the horse's face. Racetrack chewed on his lip as he looked over the horse. She was built well and looked strong, but then again, most horses that raced did.
"What makes ya say so?" Racetrack asked, putting out his cigar. He always forgot when in the stables. Danny gave him a dull look.
"Can't ya see it in her eyes?" he asked, looking at the horse. Racetrack looked at the horse's eyes and frowned.
"No, she looks beat," he muttered to himself and then shrugged. "Sure, kid," Racetrack replied to Danny. Danny rolled his eyes and turned back to the horse. Wandering over to another stall, Racetrack reached out to pet the horse.
"Hold it," he heard a gruff voice behind him say. Race froze and turned around. One of the stable workers was looking at him with an angered face.
"You kids can watch the race, but you ain't allowed in here messin' wid the horses," he said, pointing to the exit. Racetrack scowled but exited the stables.
Danny followed after him silently.
"Dey never said anything to me like that before," Racetrack mused aloud as he went to the rail. "Must be a new worker," he concluded. Racetrack had always visited the stables and talked with jockeys before the race, and nothing would stop him from keep on doing it, unless that worker returned.
"Race, did you make a bet yet?" Danny suddenly asked. Racetrack nodded. The kid looked disappointed but didn't say anything.
The race began with a shot. The two watched from the rail, shouting and cheering for their horse.
At the end, Racetrack was shocked that Danny's horse had came in first, winning the race. Danny didn't bet anything on the horse, so he didn't get any winnings, but Racetrack could tell the kid was exceedingly proud of himself. Racetrack gave him a pat of the back and congratulations, though somewhat surprised that the horse had won.
"Hey, Race, I wanna make a bet with you," Danny said after the race was over and Racetrack had to go sell papers.
"A bet with me? Just between us?" Racetrack asked, not that interested. Danny nodded.
"5 dollars," Danny stated firmly. Racetrack looked sharply at the kid.
"That's a lot of money, Danny," Racetrack said with a frown. He didn't even have that much, but he sure could use it.
"I got 5 bucks. I've been saving for a couple months," Danny said, running a finger along his suspender. Racetrack stood silent for a moment. Danny had been betting on horses for a week or so now, and he was pretty good. Racetrack thought he could still bet on a better horse and win against Danny if 5 dollars was at stake. Danny was just an amateur with some beginner's luck.
"I don't have 5 bucks, but I could pay you back in a month or so if I lost," Racetrack said, trying to get Danny to forget about it.
"I don't care," Danny replied with a small smile. "You think about it, Racetrack. Come back tonight if you're game."
Racetrack nodded uncertainly. "Sure, I'll think about."
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Jack held a hundred papers in his hand as he met Racetrack at the big gates.
"Hey Race, how'd it go?" Jack asked.
"Not so good. But I didn't lose much," Racetrack replied, chewing on his cigar. "Jack, what do you think-" Racetrack was just about to ask for advice when Jack looked past Racetrack, his face contorting into fear. His expression was replaced by a blank face in a second. Racetrack turned around to see what he was staring at. Jack didn't move as David, Les, AND Sarah came marching up to him. They said nothing at first, just staring at Jack with expressions of anger, shock, and disbelief.
"What?" Jack asked innocently, looking at them as if they were crazy.
"Jack- how could you?" David asked, his face red with anger. Jack still played dumb. He looked at Sarah. She seemed more upset than anyone.
"Sarah, whatchya doing here?" Jack asked, looking back at the group of newsies who had stopped talking in line and had turned to watch the scene. It was unusual that Sarah was here.
Sarah took a step forward, her fists clenched.
"I came to talk to you about last night!" she exclaimed, acting as it if were obvious. Jack didn't say anything, figuring she knew about what happened. He looked away.
"Nathan came to us this morning with a black eye and bruises on his arm," she said through gritted teeth. Jack's mouth dropped open, looking back at Sarah quickly.
"I never touched the kid!" he exclaimed in his own defense.
"Oh really?" she cried, shaking her head in disbelief.
"He says you beat him up in the alley after he left our place," David said with a grim look.
"Beat him up? Heck, I just had a talk with the boy!" Jack said, throwing down his papers in an angry manner.
"Ya, he told us what you said," David replied, crossing his arms. Sarah stared at Jack, now looking more hurt than anything.
Sarah grabbed Jack's arm and pulled him aside from the others. The distribution center was deathly silent.
"You just can't do stuff like this, Jack! It's not civil!" she said to him, letting go of his arm once they were a fair distance from the group.
"Are you saying I'm not civil?" Jack replied. The feelings Nathan had evoked in him the night he had dinner with the Jacobs returned. He gave an offended look.
"No Jack-" she started to say with a loud sigh, obviously frustrated at his misunderstanding.
"Ya know, Sarah, I may not go to school or nothing, but that doesn't mean I'm just some street scum!" She tried to stop him but Jack continued, his voice loud enough for others to hear.
"I won't take his snitty little comments about me not going to school or being a newsie! These boys here," he pointed to his boys in line, "respect me and I'll always have them. I'm der leader and that's something more than that bum will ever have!" Jack took a breath for a moment and then lowered his voice. "Ya know, Sarah, he said he loves you. Always has." Jack searched her eyes. Sarah took a step back.
"Jack, you know- you know that-" She was frustrated. But she finally spat it out. "I don't have any feelings for him! Okay? He's just a friend! But if you can't take that in a mature manner, then...then-"
"Then what?" Jack asked in a tempting manner, though really fearing what she would say.
"Then I don't think we should see each other anymore!" she cried, a tear of anger and hurt sliding down her cheek.
She walked away from him with one last look and a shake of her head. "I can't believe you, Jack," she muttered.
"I can take anything in a mature manner!" Jack yelled as she began to leave the area, refusing to act sad or sorry in front of his boys. No one spoke after she left, the area still locked in silence.
Jack ran a hand through his hair and then picked up his papers from his grounds.
"What are ya staring at? Get to work!" Jack shouted, annoyed that his boys had witnessed the whole thing. Not looking at David, he walked out of the gates.
None of the newsies followed him. No one wanted to be with Jack when he was in a bad mood.
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"What was that all about?" Mush asked.
"I dunno," Specs said.
"Did Jack really beat up some kid?" Skittery asked.
"Nah, he's got better manners dan dat," Boots said.
"Dat's not what Sarah said," Swifty said.
"Sarah's a girl," Snipeshooter said with a shrug.
"Goils happen to know a lot!" Mush said, whacking Snipeshooter upside the head with his hand.
"Sh's, Davey's comin'," Specs hissed. The boys instantly quieted as David got in line with Les behind him.
"What happened, Dave?" Racetrack asked, venturing to be nosy.
"Nothing," David said in low tones, still angry over the matter. Racetrack frowned.
Looks like he would just have to ask Jacky-boy himself.
Race quickly bought his papers and ran after Jack. He searched the streets for a good twenty minutes before finding the cowboy.
"Jack!" he called, catching up to him. Jack turned from collecting a coin from a customer, but didn't say anything.
"Jack, come on, ya gotta tell me what happened!" Racetrack said, panting for breath. Jack pushed his hair to the side.
"I did something stupid, that's what happened," Jack muttered, sitting down on a box nearby.
"You really didn't beat up that guy, did ya?" Racetrack asked. Jack glared at him.
"Of course not. That would have been really stupid," Jack replied. Racetrack waited for him to continue.
"I just pulled him aside in a alley and asked him what he thought about Sarah..." Jack said. Racetrack looked at him with a raised brow.
"Okay, so maybe in a threatening way. But I didn't punch him or anything," Jack said with a shrug, looking down the street. Racetrack let a sigh of relief.
"But Sarah doesn't know that. The bum probably put on some gunk to make it look like he was bruised," Jack spat. Racetrack nodded in agreement.
"What ya gonna do?" Racetrack asked.
"I don't know. She doesn't want to see me," Jack said with a huff. "I swear, the next time I see that lying fool I'll-"
"Jack, that'll just get you in more trouble with Sarah," Race stopped him by saying. Jack gave a look that said "Oh-yeah-darn'.
Race laughed.
"Ya know what I think you should to do, Jack?" Racetrack asked with a small smile.
"What?" Jack asked, annoyed.
"Apologize," Racetrack said. Jack stood up.
"I can't apologize!" Jack exclaimed. Racetrack just shrugged, knowing he would of objected. "Heck, it's half her fault! She was the one flirtin' with da guy!
"Just think 'bout it. Not sayin' you have to," Racetrack said casually. He then looked down at the papers under his arm. "I'se gotta sell dese."
Jack frowned and looked away. Racetrack smiled sympathetically and then wandered off to his own selling spot. If Racetrack knew Jack like he thought he did, then Jack would fix this and fix it the right way.
Or will he? Mwhaha.
Thanks for reading, thanks for the reviews, and thanks for adding this story to your story alert!
I'd love to hear your thoughts about how the plot is going and the story in general. :D