The next few weeks went slow, very slow. The weather was getting much colder and everyone was buying and selling less papes. Some days, I was even below thirty per day. I can see how the winter is very hard on the Newsies. Without our papers being sold, we can't make any money. Even Old Man John's bakery seemed to make more money then we did. Never the less, we all supported each other and our energy level was not decreased well, not by much.
Crutchie and I continued selling together and became closer everyday. Sometimes if we finished early we would head over to Jacobi's and Mr. J would give us a discount since he knew that we couldn't make as much money as we did before. It was very rare when Crutchie and I finish before most of the others did but, I told myself the next time we did I would take Crutchie back to the Lodging House and show him my bows. I've been meaning to ever since that afternoon after our first... well, "date." Sometimes I would search through my bag and debate whether or not I should also put on an actual dress. I mean, I haven't worn one for months, and the closest thing to it would be my nightgown and it's really not that glamorous.
As usual, the selling picked up around noon today and I could tell most of the papes between Crutchie and I would be gone before long. I felt that same feeling of excited nervousness that I felt the first time I told Specs who I really was. How my heart started beating faster and faster as I handed off more and more papes, only this time it was a different kind of excitement. My heart didn't really jump, it flew. It flew with exhilaration. I've never felt that feeling before and it's so specific, I'm not sure I could put it into words.
Hours seemed to pass like minutes, and minutes passed as seconds and soon enough Crutchie and I were both out of papers and I turned to him to see what could escape from my mouth.
"So, I was thinking maybe we could just hang out at the Lodging House today? Sorta cool down?" He smiled that timid, adorable smile I've gotten accustomed to seeing and answered warmly.
"Sure, I'm really up for anyting taday."
"Well I guess that's good," I muttered under my breath as I hoped I could pull off this revelation. We made our way slowly down the snowy road just listening to the lose rocks crunch and roll under our feet. Sometimes I think our relationship is said in silence. When we walk together, there is no discomfort. Without disturbing the silence, there is no disturbing the harmony and we both have an unsaid understanding of this relationship.
We came up to the door of the house and I could feel my heart flutter once more. I opened the door for both of us and we stepped inside. Not many boys were back at the house yet but, some were still there. They continued to casually talk amongst themselves as Crutchie followed me upstairs. I gave off a sigh of relief in my head. No one was in the bunk room. The floor creaked below the two of us but I ignored their complaining.
"Whadaya wanna do B?" Crutchie asked sitting down on a bunk and setting his crutch up against the wooden supports.
"Well," I started nervously, climbing up to my bunk. "I think there's something I've been meaning to show you for quite a while now." I jumped back down to the floor with my bag in my hand and examined Crutchie's expression. It appeared blank at first glance but, once you pick it apart you could see the trepidation and inquisition hiding in his face. I spun around to the bathroom and tried to quiet my heart but I was sure even the boys downstairs could hear it.
I didn't even know why I was this nervous. I was just dressing up like a normal girl again, with normal clothes. Why was it so nerve-racking? I tried to push the temerity out of my mind and emptied my bag on the compact counter next to the sink. My hands sifted through the clothes trying to find the perfect dress. Although I didn't have many options, it did seem fairly difficult until it hit me. My hand pulled out a pale blue gown from the middle of the pile. I held gingerly onto the seams on the shoulders and pulled it out in front of me. It was absolutely perfect.
The neckline ran through the center of my collar bone and dipped in just a tad with a small bow tied in the middle. Tiny flowers were sprinkled around the short sleeves and began again at the skirt around the waist. The fabric was pulled in slightly around the bust but flowed out freely below. The main skirt fell around my knees with a lacy sort of trim. Underneath was more blue cloth that pulled the rest of the dress together.
I held it out in front of me for a little longer before rapidly removing my dirty newsboy clothes. My hair fell around my face as I stepped into the dainty dress. I awkwardly reached behind my back to pull up the small zipper. With deep breaths, I stood in front of my small mirror and adjusted the skirt to fall naturally in front of me. I tried not to focus on my appearance yet and grabbed my broken hair brush to work through the knots in my hair until it was silky and shiny. I split it into three pieces and had two of those three lie in front of my shoulders without any stray hairs in between.
I searched through the bows just as I did for the dresses and soon enough I found the one I was looking for. It was a lace bow; elegant, white, and I fit perfectly with my dress. The intricate flower patterns matched the embroidery on my dress and I smiled holding the small article in my hands. Quickly I slipped the clip of the bow under my hair and let go to set it in place. Finally I looked back up to my reflection.
For a moment, I completely understood my Newsie name. Blue. My eyes were breathtaking now. I thought they were fine before, but now they seemed infinite. Forever bright. I took yet another deep breath and turned towards the door. Slowly my bare feet began forward to that door and now out into the bunk room. I kept my eyes on the floor but as soon as I was in his sight I could literally feel his awe.
"I wanted to show you how you make me feel," I said nervously. My eyes were still at my feet, but ablaze none the less.
"When I'm with you, I don't notice the trousers I wear, or that my hair is completely hidden. I only feel... beautiful. You give me something no one else has ever found in me and, I wanted to show you that." I could feel the tears behind my eyes but I vowed not to let them fall. Crutchie would never cause me pain and he needed to know that as well as how I felt.
Finally I looked back up to the boy sitting in front of me. His eyes were glossy as well but there was a mixture of wonder, elation, and care in his expression. I stepped closer to him and sat on my knees at his feet. I carefully set my hands on his knees.
"Penny," he began with zeal, eyes still shiny. "You have always been the most beautiful person I's ever met. Inside and out and, when I'm wit you... I feel... invincible. My crutch doesn't exist. I feel wanted and loved." He was choked up and overflowing with gratitude. I smiled up towards him and he smiled back that enchanting smile I've always adored. My heart began flying once more but this time, I didn't worry or try to suppress it. Cautiously, I raised myself up on my knees and our eyes locked, blue flames combined with a forest of hazel and everything in that moment was perfect. Crutchie swallowed his fear and slowly leaned down towards me. I craned my neck up to him and unconsciously closed my eyes. Our lips met and I leaned in closer, not noticing my greed. He was warm and welcoming. I felt his hand reach up to my cheek, cupping my face. His lips were soft and inviting but we both pulled back. My forehead was on his and I opened my eyes to see nothing but love lying in his.
A/N Hey guys! I'm sooooo soorry this one was pretty late but I hope the content makes up for the lateness! THEY KISSSEDEDEDEDEDEHGAL;RIKGUA'PEIRH I was gonna save it for later but it just seemed right so ya! Okay so another important thing: If you are interested in updates on my writing and stuff please if you have a twitter follow me at hannahheil. I post a lot about the Newsies and my fics, for example: There is a picture of Penny's blue dress that I will post and possibly other things about what I find that gives me inspiration so please check that out!
That's about all for now!
LOVE YOU ALL! PLEASE REVIEW!
~GTHN