The following afternoon Mr. Blade dropped by and delivered my new chair. We all came down to the main room and appraised the new furniture. I was so happy with the etching on the back piece. Jim did a wonderful job on recreating my bow. That night we all sat down together at the prolonged table and received a special meal from the orphanage. Specs explained to me that every time a new newsie joined the Lodging House, the women at the orphanage insisted on cooking a homemade meal for the whole crew. It was delicious but, let me tell you, dinner at the Lodging House is loud and chaotic. Boys standing and running around the table to fetch another dish (if they don't reach over you), and a couple spit takes occurred from unexpected laughter and jokes. I was having the most fun I've had in a while. It got my mind off of things.
The next couple days were very similar to each of the previous ones. The morning routine was the same but, I would try to burrow down in my covers and hide my hair from Mr. K. So far he hasn't noticed or suspected a thing. I'm sure his age has something to do with it all. For the most part I kept to selling with Crutchie and Specs. On a few occasions I would sell with Davey or Buttons or some of the other boys to widen my friendships. I kept my paper count to around 50 or 60 papes a day depending on the weather and business.
A couple days ago I caught a glimpse of that Snyder man. In the busy crowd, I tried to stay hidden. I observed his behavior from a far and saw how cruel he seemed, even in his everyday actions. He would snap at people and even young children. Just yesterday, I saw him sneak out a small flask and take a swig of liquor. I cringed and stood clear of him as often as I could. I knew how alcohol could distort a man and make him all the more dangerous.
Summer had been slowly coming to an end and I became one of Crutchie's main selling partners for when the ice would form on the streets. Les had told me on one occasion, that one winter, Crutchie had slipped on the black ice and broke his wrist. It healed rather quickly but, he couldn't sell for a while. Ever since, Crutchie was given at least one selling partner in the winter. I was very glad to be his partner as the cold crept nearer and nearer still. We would spend a lot of time together.
I can't help but feel a tenderness when I was with the boy. He was the most kind-hearted and doting person I've ever met. I've tried to act natural around him but, honestly, what is natural? The butterflies forming in my stomach must be natural or they wouldn't happen, would they? I knew the hot blush in my cheeks was typical but, did he think that? I tired to be myself around him and from what I could tell, he enjoyed my company almost as much as I did his. Almost every night, I would fall asleep with a smile on my face knowing how much I was cared for here.
I woke up one morning and could feel, from my bed, the chill of the cool fall air, and in New York, sometimes it feels like we just skip autumn and jump right into the numbing days of winter. That day I took out one of the thin coats some of the older boys had lent me. It was undoubtably chilly in the mornings but, as the sun slowly came up the air soaked in the warmth, I did too.
This morning was fast but, certainly cold. I bought quite a small amount of papers and they went rather slowly. Crutchie joined me after I about three-fourths of my papes were sold. We almost had the same number of papers and sold together for the rest of the afternoon. As soon as we were done Crutchie came over to me and smiled his sweet half-smile.
"Hey, I was thinking I could show ya Jacobi's place" He said almost shyly. I smiled and felt those butterflies again. "That would be great!" I said and adjusted the strap of my news-bag on my shoulder.
"Ya, I mean yous already been here for more than a month and, I 'aven't even shown ya my favorite place to spend money!" I laughed almost a little to much but, he laughed with me and spared the awkwardness. We made our way down the block to the cute little soda shop and Crutchie opened the door for the both of us. I smiled and stepped into the compact diner. It was very colorful and there was a little bell on the door to signal a customer's entrance.
"Hey Crutch!" The man behind the counter was wiping down the bar and smiled as the two of us entered.
"Hey Mr. J!" Crutchie made his way to the tiled counter and followed hesitantly. I was still in my newsboy get-up so I didn't want to seem very clingy. Well, I guess I wouldn't want to seem clingy at all.
"Who would dis be?" The older man asked, observing me as I hopped up onto the stool next to Crutchie's. I smiled sort of a half smile and held my hand out. "I'm Ryan, but these guys call me Little Blue or B" He took my hand and shook it firmly.
"So, the usual Crutch?" We both turned out attention to Crutchie and he nodded his head and said, "Yup! But make it a double!" I smiled again to myself and Mr. Jacobi headed to the soda fountain. I observed the little shop. There were a couple skinny tables scattered around the room with a couple skinny chairs to match. Mr. J came back fairly quickly and placed the medium drinks on the counter, one for each of us. I stuck the straw in my mouth and took a sip of the sugary drink.
Mr. Jacobi headed to the back of his store and took a bucket of dirty dishes with him. Crutchie swiveled his chair over a little to face mine. He held his cool glass and took a sip. "So, you used to wear bows in yer hair?" He smiled and I could tell he was trying to imagine how they looked.
"Ya, everyday," I said looking at the counter, remembering the days when my mother would clip them into my hair. I could feel his gaze on my face. There was a small smile on it. The kind that are caused by blissful memories. My smile slowly faded and I tried to feel the happiness that the memories brought. I let it draw out until I had to face the present again.
"Do you still have those bows?" He asked quietly, now watching his drink as he stirred it with the straw. I looked up towards him. He seemed timid and almost nervous.
"Yes," I said hesitantly.
He kept his eyes on the gyrating drink. "Maybe.. um...maybe..."
"I could show you them... If you'd like," I kept my gaze on him. I didn't want him to feel uncomfortable. I would never want him to feel uncomfortable, especially around me.
He smiled and took another sip of his soda. I did the same and we continued the evening as two newsboys. Nothing else. Just friends.
We walked back to the Lodging House on the cold icy streets. I kept an eye on Crutchie, I knew it was hard for him to use his crutch on the ice.
"Thanks." I looked over to they boy on my right in confusion. Thanks?
"I should be thanking you. You were the one who brought me to the shop." I could see his adorable smile but, I could still feel the puzzlement on my face.
"True, but you... you make me feel so.. normal." I stopped walking and turned to him. He stopped too. He turned to face me and his crutch slid across the slick road. I saw the panic flash through his eyes and acted fast. I lunged toward his falling figure and held under his arms before he could hit the rough pavement. I held onto him as tightly as I could. His crutch hit the ground with a muffled crack. I felt his arms grab around my back. He struggled to find his footing and I lifted him up. His innocent face whirled around to face mine.
I smiled and whispered, "I gotcha." The cool air highlighted my breath but the love in his eyes kept me warm.
A/N Hey! I'm sooo sorry for the extreme lateness of this chapter I haven't been able to access a computer in a while! Ugh! I hope you like where this story is going and just a reminder, I will get into the strike very soon I just need to get through the rest of the winter and the spring. Please review and favorite and follow! That stuff really is what keeps me writing and I hope you all like this chapter. Did they kiss? What happened? Did they not kiss? Does anyone know whats going on? Does Mr. Jacobi think Crutchie's gay? (Don't worry he doesn't think that! :PPPPPPPP) All your questions will soon be answered! Hopefully!
*sigh* KEEP ME GOING!
~GTHN