Live, Love, Laugh

By: Fanci

onfirewriter@hotmail.com

Becca ran. She ran until she could no longer keep air in her lungs. She crouched in the darkness beside a building. The tiny bundle in her arms shook. She took out her pet hamster, Buster. She held him up close to her face and she smiled as his whiskers twitched at her. Then she began to laugh. It was not the laugh of a crazed person, or of a drunk. No. It was a laugh of pure happiness and relief. She was free. She began to dig in her pocket to find the tiny morsels of food she had brought for her pet when she heard footsteps coming from far away. They were coming quickly. She knew it would be useless to try and run any more, she would be worn out in two steps and he would hear her. So she huddled closer to the wall and pulled herself into a ball, holding Buster close and let her brown hair fall across her face, masking it from his view. The footsteps drew closer and closer. They stopped next to her. She cringed away from him and waited.

*****

Bridgett lay curled up on her bed, listening. Her parents were fighting again and this time it was about her. Father thought it time for her to get a job at the factory and Mother thought she was too young. She heard a thud and winced. He had just thrown her mother against the wall. Bridgett swallowed hard and got up. She moved quickly around the room, collecting clothes and the stocking full of coins she had, over the last few months, stolen away from her parents’ things while they were drunk, sleeping, or both. She bundled these into her pillowcase and took one more look around her room. Tears streamed down her face as she heard the muffled, sobbing voice of her mother who was still bravely trying to stand up to her husband for her daughter’s well-being. Bridgett let out a small sob and climbed out the window, picked a direction, and started walking. She never looked back.

*****

Becca cringed away from those shiny black shoes. Shoes that were worn by a very evil man. One shoe tapped impatiently and she knew he hadn’t seen her-yet. The tapping stopped and the shoes pivoted towards a scratching noise in another alley. He finally left. Only then did Becca allow herself to breathe. She looked down and noticed that Buster was asleep. ‘Sleep,’ she thought, ‘ I won’t get any of that tonight.’ She heard the distant roll of thunder and suddenly realized that there was nothing to protect her from the cold and wet of a spring thunderstorm. So she stood up and kept going, only this time, she walked. The rain had started to come down in sheets before she found a suitable overhang to huddle beneath. She put Buster back in his bundle and tied it snugly into a pouch for him. He curled into a ball and went back to sleep. Becca pulled the blanket that served as her cloak more tightly around her soaked shoulders and fell into a fitful but deep sleep.

*****

Bridgett was huddled under a fire escape, shivering with cold. Her heel hit a stone and her ankle twisted beneath her. She fell with a cry of pain. Above her, a door opened and someone gasped. She heard a faint cry for a mother and then it was dark. When Bridgett woke up, she wasn’t in the cold as she had expected, but tucked comfortably into a bed with clean sheets. She also had on someone else’s clothes. Pushing aside the blankets, she stood up, making a face as the pain in her ankle shot up her leg. She limped out of the room into a small, warm kitchen. A girl about her age, 17, was sitting in a rocking chair in the corner doing needlework and an older woman, probably her mother was cooking a pan full of sizzling bacon at the stove. The girl looked up and smiled.

“Oh, good, you’re awake. Here, sit down, that ankle was twisted pretty badly last night. I’m Sarah Jacobs and this is my mother, Esther.” The woman at the stove turned and smiled.

“I’m Bridgett Collingsworth. Whose nightshirt is this?” replied Bridgett.

Sarah laughed then looked slightly sad. “It belong to my ex-boyfriend, Jack. He broke up with me and never came and got it. He used to stay here some nights when he didn’t have enough money for the lodging house. I hope you don’t mind. Neither of us had an extra nightgown you could wear.”

Bridgett shook her head. “No, it’s fine. I’m sorry about you and your boyfriend.”

Sarah patted her hand. “Don’t worry about it. We’re still friends. Actually, I have to meet him and the other newsies for lunch at noon. Do you want to come?”

Bridgett smiled broadly. “I’d love to come.”

*****

A rough hand pulled Becca up by the arm. She had been dreaming about Ethan, the man her father had tried to make her marry the man she was running from. She struggled until her assailant released her. She brushed the hair out of her face and glared up at whoever had awakened her so rudely. She came face-to-face with a pair of eyes that were the most beautiful shade of blue she had ever seen. She looked down quickly, embarrassed and saw her lovely gold barrette next to her toe. She kicked it under her skirt in case this guy, this handsome guy, was a thief. Once she could drag her sight away from his eyes, which were shaped like a cat’s, she gave his face a quick once-over. He had brownish hair cut about to the halfway mark on his ears, those great eyes, a cute little nose that pointed slightly up, and a completely kissable mouth whose corners curled in a perpetual smirk. And from the way his chin was set, he wasn’t happy to find some strange girl sleeping on this doorstep.

*****

Bridgett felt like she was in a dream. This was what she had always wanted-a mother and father who loved each other, a sister to laugh with, and, from what Sarah had told her, this family also had two brothers who were selling papers. Esther finished making breakfast and set a plate of steaming bacon, eggs and pancakes in front of each of them. The food blurred as Bridgett’s eyes filled with tears of happiness and of anger. Anger that she hadn’t had this dream world all her life instead of a mother whom was always drunk and sore from beatings and a father who was always drunk and/or cheating on her mother. Sarah looked over and saw her tears and put an arm around Bridgett’s shoulders.

“Are you alright? Is it your ankle?” she asked.

Bridgett shook her head and wiped away the tears with the back of her hand. She forced a smile and changed the subject. “Boy! These pancakes sure look good! I really appreciate your taking me in like this. I’ll help out any way I can. Just point me in the direction, I’ll do any chore assigned,”

Esther looked at her quickly, her face stern but gentle. “No! I appreciate the offer but you still need to rest your ankle. You just take it easy until it is time for you and Sarah to go to lunch.”

Sarah came over from the stove. “Speaking of lunch,” she said, “we have to be there in a few hours and, I’m sorry, but your dress was in such awful condition that I threw it out. All my dresses and my mother’s would probably be too big for you. Why don’t you try on some of David’s old clothes?”

Bridgett nodded, even though the thought of having to wear boy’s clothes made her kind of uncomfortable. Breakfast was finished in relative silence. Bridgett followed Sarah back into the bedroom. Sarah dug into an old trunk and came up holding a pair of pants and a shirt. They looked old and worn but well made and seemed like they would hold up well.

“Here,” said Sarah, “you can wear these until I have time to alter one of my dresses for you.” She held out the clothes to Bridgett and left the room

Bridgett stared down at the wool trousers and cotton blouse. She noticed, with relief, that there was a belt, not suspenders. She began to dress.

*****

The boy let go of Becca and she stepped back. He was tall, with a slim build and he had gold topped cane hanging from his suspenders at his hip. She pushed the rest of her hair out of her face and his catlike eyes widened.

“Youse is a goil?” he asked, “Whaddaya doin’ sleepin’ on a doorstep? An’ on da doorstep a da newsboy’s lodgin’ house?”

Becca lifted her chin with all the pride of her family and station. “You dare to question my decision, street rat?” she asked.

The boy looked skeptical. “You look an awful lot like a street rat yerself in dose wet clothes.”

Becca managed to make her short stature a few inches taller and her dark eyes snapped. “Do you have any idea who I am? I am Rebecca Masters,” The boy looked at her blankly, “daughter of Stanley Masters?” she hinted.

“Oh,” he said sarcastically, “I’m so impressed.” Then his face softened and his smirk became a small smile. “Look, do ya got a place ta go tanight?”

Becca’s head snapped up. The boy looked at her imploringly. “Well, of course I have a place to go! My father has three mansions in Europe! And he has . . .. Um,” The boy crossed his arms and looked at her. “No. No, I don’t have anywhere to go tonight.”

*****

Sarah led Bridgett to a small restaurant near Greeley Square. The name ‘Tibby’s’ was printed on the door. Bridgett walked in with confidence. That confidence melted away before she was even fully in the door. A chorus of voices—male voices—greeted the two girls. Bridgett shrank behind Sarah. She looked around slowly. Her eyes roamed to a booth at her right and stopped. Her gaze was stopped by one of the three guys sitting there.

He had smooth skin that was a golden color and dark curly hair. His head was down so she couldn’t see his face very well. He seemed to sense her eyes on him and lifted his head. Bridgett found that it was suddenly hard to breathe. She scrutinized his face as though to memorize every inch. His eyes were a warm dark brown and seemed to stare straight into her soul. Her gaze traveled down his face and stopped at his mouth. His lips were full but not too big.

*****

Mush looked up and saw a girl staring at him. She seemed fascinated by him. At least, he found her interesting. Her long wavy hair framed her round face. Her eyes were light brown, kind of like honey. Race slapped him on the arm and pointed subtly toward the girl.

“Hey Mush,” he snickered, “dere’s a goil in New Yawk ya ain’t hit on yet!” Blink and Race thought this was quite funny and started cracking up. Mush ignored his friends and approached the girls. Sarah smiled and greeted him.

“Heya, Sarah,” he replied, “Who’s your friend?”

Sarah’s smile grew and she pulled a reluctant Bridgett forward “This is Bridgett Collingsworth. Bridgett, this is Mush.” Mush smiled at the stranger and held out his hand. The girl shyly poked her hand out and took Mush’s. Mush held her hand for longer than was probably necessary and Blink cleared his throat.

“Hey Sarah, ain’t ya gonna intraduce da rest of us ta da lady?” he asked. Sarah shook her head, as though to clear it and smiled around the room.

“Everyone, this is Bridgett. Bridgett, this is Race, Kid Blink, Jack, Skittery, Crutchy, Snipeshooter, Boots, Bumlets, Itey, and Jake. You’ve met Mush and the rest will introduce themselves eventually. And over there are my brothers, David and Les.”

Jack walked up to Sarah, looking awkward.

“Jack, I’m . . .” she began.

“Sarah,” he interrupted, holding up his hand, “not now, okay? We don’t need ta botha Bridgett wid our problems,” he turned to Bridgett, “So, what’s yer story? Ya new in town?” Bridgett pressed her lips together tightly and nodded. This was her chance to get a fresh start. Jack nodded his understanding and held out his hand. “I’m Jack Kelly.”

Bridgett shook his hand and said, “Oh! I’ve heard of you. You were the leader of that strike last summer, good job. It’s about time someone taught those tyrants a lesson.”

Jack blushed and smiled, looking down in embarrassment. Mush, for reasons he could not, for the life of him, seem to know, felt a hot rush of jealousy when he saw Jack bring Bridgett out of her shell. So he stepped in.

“So, Bridgett, where ya from?” Mush asked, stepping between her and Jack. Bridgett seemed to be taken aback by the suddenness of his move and stepped behind Sarah again. She thought fast,

“I’m from, um, New Jersey,” she answered.

*****

The boy uncrossed his arms and pursed his lips. “I thought so,” he said then he held out his hand for hers, “come on.” Becca started to take his hand, but then withdrew it.

“What? You want me to trust you? Hah! I don’t even know your name!” she told him. The boy laughed.

“Da name’s Spot, Spot Conlon. Now will you come wit me? Weah just goin inside.” He held out his hand again. Becca looked at him as though he was crazy. He sighed, took off his cap, and ran his hand through his hair; frustrated. “Listen, I ain’t gonna hoit ya. Dis is a place dat ya can go. And ya did tell me ya ain’t got anywhere ta go. Now come on.”

Becca made an exaggerated bow and flourish, motioning for him to go before her and while he wasn’t looking, she stooped down and picked up her barrette.

*****

Sarah was quite pleased with herself. Mush had been heartbroken over his last breakup, a girl named Brenda. She had gone off to school, promising to write, and visit during school holidays. Well, her second letter let him know that she had found her ‘soulmate’ and that he probably shouldn’t expect any more letters. Now he was the happiest she’d seen him in a while. He was laughing and flirting with Bridgett and Bridgett seemed to be returning the favor, more shyly, of course.

Mush had never been this wrapped up in a girl before. They had all been silly and couldn’t think for themselves. This Bridgett girl was different. They were actually talking; and not about just one of them. They were actually comparing what they had in common. After one particularly humorous comment, Mush reached out to touch her hand and she recoiled. ‘Dere’s dat scared look again!’ he thought, seeing her wary eyes. Suddenly she got up and went over to Sarah. She whispered something and Sarah nodded and looked at him. She signaled for him to get up and he went to the two girls. Sarah put her hand on Bridgett’s and the girl looked much more secure.

“Hey Mush, why don’t you walk Bridgett back to my house. I need to stay and speak with Jack. Bridgett spun around and stared at her in alarm. Sarah chuckled, “Don’t worry, Bridgett. Mush is very trustworthy. Now shoo!” Sarah made motions with her hands to wave them out the door and Mush took Bridgett’s hand. She tried to pull it away, but he held it fast. And they started walking.

The pair walked around New York, neither really needing to be anywhere. Bridgett knew that Sarah wouldn’t be home for a while and Esther thought the girls were together. Mush just didn’t want to stop holding her hand. As they walked by a large church, she stopped. Mush stopped too and listened. He heard organ music. Her face suddenly had a huge smile on it. She looked at him excitedly.

“This is my favorite hymn!” she cried, and rushed forward, closer to the doors of the church. Bridgett’s eyes closed and she began to sway slowly and hum. Then her voice broke out and she was singing the words to a song completely alien to Mush. He let go of her hand and staggered back, slightly dazed. Her voice was like bells and chimes and everything beautiful he had ever heard in his whole life. He forced his head to clear and stepped back up beside her. She was still singing. Her eyes were closed and she seemed to radiate a glow of happiness. That happiness seized Mush, and without thinking, he leaned in and their lips met.

*****

Spot was amazed and confused. Here was this girl, a (supposedly) rich girl, no less, sleeping on the doorstep of the lodging house. He shook his head and called for Kloppman. The old man shuffled out of his office and squinted around to see who had come in. Spot laughed, leaned over the counter, and pulled the spectacles perched on his bald crown down in front of his eyes. Kloppy saw him and laughed. Spot smiled and said,

“Heya, Kloppy. Wheah’s all da boys?”

“Oh! Well, they’re asleep!” was the reply.

“Slackas” Spot muttered, shaking his head. Kloppy craned his neck and peeked behind Spot.

Becca was attempting to make her hair look slightly presentable and make sure nobody could steal her barrette at the same time. The grandfatherly old man behind the counter gave her a friendly grin, which she returned as she walked up to the counter next to the boy who had called himself Spot.

*****

Bridgett’s eyes flew open and she pulled out of Mush’s arms and away from the first man she had almost trusted. Mush looked at her with his wide dark eyes. The look on his face was one of confusion and hurt.

“Whatsamatta, Bridgett?” he asked, attempting to come closer to her. However, for each step he took forward, she took a step back, managing to stay out of his reach.

“What are you, stupid?” she asked, harshly, “what do you think is the matter? You kissed me!”

Mush grinned, “Most goils would be thankin’ me right now.”

Bridgett continued to back away from him, even though he wasn’t moving anymore. “I didn’t want you to kiss me! Now, you just stay away from me. I can find my own way home.” And so she started walking

away from him.

*****

Becca stuck out her hand, “I’m Rebecca Masters, and you are?”

“You can call me Kloppman; or Kloppy if you—” he stopped short, “You don’t mean . . . are you Stanley Masters’ daughter?” she nodded and Kloppy began to babble then he looked at her suspiciously, “does your father know where you are?”

Becca looked down, “no, he doesn’t,” Kloppy began to reach for the telephone, “and I don’t wish for him to know! I ran away last night.” She pleaded with him with her eyes and he sighed and put the phone down and pulled a pair of pants and a shirt from under the counter instead. She looked down at the clothes and then back up at Kloppy, confused. The old man chuckled and explained.

“That dress is in pretty bad shape, so I thought you might want something else to put on. That’s the best I can do, though, because usually it’s just boys coming in here needing food, a change of clothes, and a place to sleep for at least the night. Besides, you’ll be harder to recognize in these.”

Spot smiled, reached behind her and touched her barrette saying, “You’ll hafta get rid a dis, too. I mean, who eva saw a newsy wid big hunk a gold in dere hair?”

She smacked his hand away and glared at him fiercely. He just laughed and pointed to a flight of stairs.

*****

No matter how much Bridgett wiped her face, the tears kept coming. By some miracle, she managed to get back to the Jacobs apartment without getting lost. When Esther answered her knock and saw her tearstained face, Bridgett was immediately enveloped in a warm hug. That only made the tears fall more. The older woman pulled back and asked the if she needed to talk. The girl shook her head and said she just wanted to be alone. She pushed past Esther and into the apartment. She ran back into the bedroom and buried her face in her hands. Then she curled up on the bed and cried herself to sleep.

It must have been hours since she had gotten back when Bridgett was awoken by a small boy’s voice. She pretended she hadn’t heard him.

“Davey, why is that girl from the restaurant in our house?” then she heard the voice of a much older guy and held her breath.

“Les, she’s Sarah’s friend and she’s got nowhere to go. Come on, let’s let her sleep.” She heard their footsteps go out of the room and let out her breath. A little while later, she heard someone come in and sit down on the bed. She flipped over, prepared for the worst, and relaxed when she saw it was Sarah. The other girl held out her arm and Bridgett sat up and leaned on her shoulder and let the entire story spill out.

*****

There was only one bathroom in the house and the only way to get there was through the bunkroom. Spot took her hand and pulled her up the stairs and through the throng of snoring guys. He opened the washroom door and she began to sweep past him but he stopped her.

“Wait, um,” he picked the suspenders off of the top of the pile of clothing, searched around and put a piece of rope in their place, instructing her to fashion a belt out of it. She looked at him with curiosity. He smiled, “Just trust me, I learned a few things from me goilfriends. Now get in dere bafore da guys get up.” She went in and closed the door and Spot waited.

After a little while the door opened and Becca came out completely changed. She had pulled her hair into two braids and had pinned each of those into a loop behind her head with her barrette holding the ends to together at the back of her head. She held out her arms, “How do I look?” she asked, spinning. Spot shifted and cleared his throat.

“Well, ya look betta den when I found ya. Ya looked like a drowned cat then.”

Becca put her hands on her hips and set her chin. “Well! I never!” she exclaimed and started to storm from the room. He caught her arm. She shook him off but turned and waited her eyes shooting sparks at him.

“If you’re gonna insist on wearin dat thing, at least put dis on over it,” he handed her his hat, “nobody’s gonna buy a pape from ya seein sumtin like dat on yer head.” Becca snatched the piece of gray wool from his hands and carefully fitted it over her hair, not disturbing a strand. Then she flounced out the door.

*****

“Bridgett, I had no idea!” said Sarah, “If I had known why you had run away, I never would have had Mush take you home—”

Sarah and Bridgett looked up as Esther poked her head in the room. “I’m sorry to interrupt you girls, but can I talk to Bridgett alone for a while?” Sarah nodded and left and Bridgett tried to compose herself. Esther sat down next to her. “Bridgett,” she began, “I hate to bring this up now, but, I fear that we may want to keep you if we wait longer. As you know, my husband hasn’t gotten his job back at the factory and we are still relying on the income that our children bring in. I’m afraid we just don’t have the means to support another family member. Now, we will find you a place to go if you don’t have one, but, do you?” Bridgett smiled gently at the kind woman and nodded. Esther seemed to be extremely relieved.

“Yeah, I have a great aunt Beatrice who lives nearby. She’s my mother’s aunt. Her family came over from Ireland when she and my grandmother were children. She loves me more than both my parents put together. When my mother married my father Beanie,” Esther looked at her curiously, “that’s my nickname for her, she basically disowned Mama and she even tried to take me from them when I was five years old, but Papa wouldn’t let her. She would take me in without a second thought. If you give me a few minutes to get my things together, I can be on my way today.” Esther sighed and nodded as she left the room.

Bridgett got her few belongings together and went out into the living room.

*****

Spot ran after Becca, not really knowing why. He finally caught up with her outside and took hold of her by the collar of her shirt.

“Now hang on a second!” he cried, “Whatsamatta wit you?”

Becca whirled around and this time, she did slap him. “How dare you?” she exclaimed, “If I wanted to, I could call a policeman over and have him arrest you here and now simply because I say so. And if you lay another hand on me, God help me, I will!”

Spot stepped back as though her words had actually pushed him. He held up his hands as if in surrender. “What brought dat on?” he cried, “I’m just tryin ta make shoah dat you don’t get hoit when I coulda done sumtin about it! Sawry! I’s jist tryin ta be a nice guy. Though, from what I’m seein heah, ain’t nobody gonna appreciate it. So, if you wanna fend fer yaself, be my guest.”

He had expected her to leave after that, but she didn’t. To his surprise, she began to cry—hard. Suddenly, her knees buckled and she lost her balance. He had no choice but to catch her. Now she did another thing that he never would have expected. Instead of pushing away, she buried her face in his chest and continued to weep. He felt her tears leak through his shirt as her sobs grew louder and began to rack her small body.

*****

Standing by the open front door of the Jacobs apartment, Bridgett bid goodbye to her newfound friends. Les walked over to her and held up a folded newspaper.

“Here. I made this today. You can have it. It’s a hat.”

She knelt down and hugged the little boy warmly. “Thank you, Les. I will never like another hat as much as this one.” Les grinned and went back to his mother. David stepped forward and held out his hand. She took it and he smiled softly at her.

“It was nice to have met you. Good luck, and don’t be a stranger.”

She hugged Sarah and began to leave. Sarah called her back, though. “Hey, why don’t we have lunch at the park tomorrow? You can tell me all about how you like living with your great aunt. Okay? How about 2:00?”

Bridgett agreed and left.

*****

Spot began to feel uncomfortable but he was afraid of what would happen if he tried to get away, so he pulled his arms around her gently and tried to calm her down. Becca seemed to turn to jelly and he was forced to tighten his grip. She suddenly pulled away and hurriedly wiped her face off and looked at him. Spot’s breath caught. He hadn’t realized how extremely large and expressive her eyes were. The impression was even more shocking now that they were shining with tears. He cleared his throat and began to cross his arms but thought better of it when he felt how wet his shirt had become. Becca saw the splotch where her tears had fallen. She blushed a deep crimson and began to apologize.

“Oh! I’m so sorry! I don’t know what came over me I—”

Spot interrupted her. “Hey, it’s fine, awright? De only thing I wanna know is why dat happened.”

Becca put her head in her hands. “I really don’t know. I’m probably just exhausted from when I left home last night. It was really terrible getting past the servants and out of that house. Then Ethan chased me and I had to run, wow, it must have been at least fifteen blocks—”

Spot interrupted her again, “Wait, wait, whose dis Ethan guy? Can ya go stay wit him?”

Becca laughed harshly. “I would rather die,” she retorted.

*****

Bridgett knew the way to her great aunt’s house by heart. She couldn’t count how many times she had snuck out of the house to visit the kind old woman. She really didn’t even have to think about where she was going so her mind began to wander. Specifically, back to that afternoon. Despite her trying to fight it, the feeling of Mush kissing her rose in her mind. She shook her head and kept walking. She tried to think of how happy Beanie would be to see her. Then she thought of how guilty she felt for yelling at him so harshly.

“Stop it, Bridgett!” she told herself, “He’s just a guy! You can’t trust him and you know it! Just forget about him!”

Bridgett came out of her thoughts and realized that she was at her great aunt’s house. She went in the door and was greeted by the butler who was polishing the woodwork of the entryway. She motioned for him to be quiet and crept down the hall to the large parlor. She peeked in inside the room and her aunt didn’t seem to be there, but the clicking of knitting needles told her otherwise. She tiptoed into the room and found the old woman sitting in her favorite chair with lavender yarn flowing down her legs to the floor from her needles. Bridgett silently walked up behind the chair and covered her aunt’s eyes.

“Guess who!” she cried. Beanie flew out of her chair and engulfed her grandniece in a huge hug.

*****

Spot’s eyebrows shot up. “What?” Becca looked at him crossly.

“You heard me,” she spat, “Look, to make a long story short, my father wants me to marry this old rich guy whom I hate. So I ran away and when I tried to get out of the house—I swear all the servants have become his spies—he chased me. I managed to lose him but when it started to rain, I had to find a place to hide that would shield me from it. So that’s how I came to be sleeping on this doorstep when you found me.”

Spot chuckled, “Well, that’s quite a story.” Becca looked at him sharply and he stepped back, lest she slap him again.

“You think I’m a joke, don’t you? ‘Poor little rich girl,’ right? Well, guess again, buddy. I’m not as pitiful

as you think I am.”

“Well, ain’t dat yer story? Rich daddy gave ya ev’ryting ya eva asked foah. Then one day, ya find out dat he did it all fer a reason—so dat he could get on ya good side so dat you’d do anything he told ya to. Save it. I hoid it all befoah. Now, if youse done beatin’ up on me,” he rubbed the red welt on his cheek where she’d slapped him, “we can go inside and tawlk about wheah youse is gonna sleep tanight.”

Becca nodded hesitantly and they went back inside, where they found a storm.

*****

“Bridgett, dear!” cried Beatrice O’Shannon, “What brings you here?”

Bridgett pulled away from her aunt and swallowed hard. “I’ve run away from home. I couldn’t stand living with my father any more. He was going to make me work in the factory. I’ve talked to girls who work there. It’s so dangerous! They cough all night long and their bosses do terrible things to them if they don’t do their work properly,” she was now weeping in her aunt’s arms, “Don’t make me go back to them! Please! He’ll kill me!”

Beanie pulled Bridgett close again and shushed her. “Now, you know I would never make you go back to that hateful place,” she said with her slight Irish accent, “I never wanted you to have to grow up there in the first place. Now, you go get yourself presentable again and we’ll go get you some clothes and things to decorate your room.” Bridgett nodded and went upstairs.

About ten minutes later Bridgett came back down. You never would have known she’d just cried her eyes out. She had pulled her hair back into a bun and had changed into an old set of clothes she had always stashed here for when she spent the night. Beanie was in a hurry to get to the clothing shops because, despite the fact that she loved her grandniece dearly, she was extremely old fashioned and hated to see a girl show her ankles in public. And Bridgett was quickly growing out of this particular skirt.

*****

There was a huge crowd of boys in the small lobby of the house. They were greeting each other and Kloppman loudly and with much enthusiasm. The conversation stopped abruptly as the companions entered. The guys stared wide-eyed at the pair. Becca stepped forward.

“Well, what are you all staring at?” she demanded. They all simply continued to stare. Spot came up next to her.

“Da lady asked you a question,” he pointed out. Becca swung around to face him. He shrugged. One of the guys toward the front of the crowd stepped up and held out his hand.

“I’m Pete. Pleased ta meet ya. Weah starin cause Spot don’t usually bring his goils heah.” Startled by this, Becca started to laugh hysterically. Pete looked confused. “Ya mean youse ain’t his new goilfriend?” In trying to reply, Becca laughed even harder, fighting to stay on her feet. Spot was rather insulted. A girl had never laughed at the idea of being with him. He cleared his throat loudly and everyone looked at him. Becca’s eyes were watering by now and she was still giggling.

“No, Becca ain’t me goil,” he told the group of young newsies, then to her he said, “But I don’ think it’s really dat funny,” then he turned back to the group, “So, um, wheah’s Cowboy?”

Pete stepped up again, “Jack an’ most a da rest a da olda guys went ta Tibby's fer lunch. We came back ta get some sleep bafore da evening edition came out. Dere prob’ly still theah.” Spot thanked the kid and started to leave when he realized Becca wasn’t behind him. He turned and saw her kneeling next to the smallest boy. She was giving him something white. He went over and saw that the white thing was some kind of rodent. The little boy seemed absolutely ecstatic so Spot didn’t say anything.

(Author’s note: I know it’s kinda corny, but I had to find some way to get rid of the stupid hamster!)

*****

Bridgett and Beanie were walking down the street after their shopping trip. They had gone to several different clothing shops and were loaded down with packages. The old skirt and shirt had been thrown out and she was now wearing a beautiful silk dress in pale blue. They had also visited the hair salon and Bridgett had her hair up in a cascading upsweep with a silver necklace with a single diamond completing the ensemble. Bridgett’s shoe suddenly hit a bump in the sidewalk and she pitched forward and the packages she had been carrying flew out of her arms. She stood up and brushed off her skirt then knelt down again trying to pick up the boxes.

Mush was walking back to the restaurant when he saw a girl carrying a large pile of shopping packages fall, dropping them all. He shook his head and went over to help her. He held out a few boxes to her as she stood up and she took them from him, lifting her face to thank him. The parcels suddenly fell between them, totally forgotten. Bridgett could not believe it! The polite guy who had helped her was Mush! She stared at him with wide eyes and he stared right back. But he was smiling. Meanwhile, Aunt Beanie was glancing back and forth between them.

“Bridgett, do you know this young man?” she inquired of her grandniece. Bridgett came out of her trance.

“What? No, no I don’t. He just looks like someone I knew. I thought he was someone else.” She thanked him curtly and reached into her purse for something to reward him with but he held up his hands and refused. As she watched his retreating back, a single tear ran down her cheek. In order to hide it from her great aunt, she bent to pick up the fallen parcels at her feet. When everything was finally back in order, the women headed home.

*****

Becca and Spot entered Tibby's and were greeted by much deeper voices than they had heard at the lodging house. Spot immediately went into the corner and started talking to one of the taller guys in the room. Becca cleared her throat and poked Spot in the back. He glared at her then introduced her to his friend. “Jack Kelly, dis is Rebecca Masters,”

Becca stepped forward and held out her hand, “You can call me Becca.”

Jack gave her an extremely charming smile and brushed his lips against the backs of her fingers. “Pleased ta meet ya, Becca.”

Becca grinned smugly at Spot, “Well, at least there’s one guy with some manners in this city.”

Spot gave her a forced smile and turned back to Jack. “So, uh, Cowboy, I came by taday and I found Becca heah sleepin on ya doorstep. Did you know about dat?”

Jack started to reply but another guy came in and dropped into a seat looking completely dazed. Someone handed him a glass of water that he drank gratefully. Jack told Spot and Becca to wait there and went over to break up the small crowd that had gathered around the newcomer. Becca, being as stubborn as she was, ignored what she had been told to do and went to see what all the fuss was about. When she reached the table, she knelt down beside the guy. He was eating a hotdog now but he still looked rather spacey. She put her hand gently on his arm and he seemed to come out of his trance.

“Who’re you?” he asked, almost groggily.

That was when Jack stepped forward, “Mush, dis is Becca Masters. Becca, dis is Mush and I told ya ta stay ova dere wid Spot.”

Becca shrugged and smirked at him, “I guess I’m just not one to do what I’m told. So what happened to him?”

Jack pursed his lips and looked at her, “I was about to ask ‘im when you interrupted us. Now, eitha be quiet or o back ova dere.” Becca nodded and motioned for him to continue, “Hey, Mush, did ya take dat

Bridgett goil home?”

Mush nodded as he finished his hotdog, “Well, we got about halfway dere and she started singin and I kissed ‘er. I dunno what came ova me, I wasn’t thinkin. She got real upset an’ ran away. I was walkin around fer a while thinkin an I saw dis real pretty goil in blue drop all da stuff she was carryin and I went over ta help ‘er and it was her!”

Jack interrupted him; “It was who?”

Mush swallowed the rest of his water and replied, “It was Bridgett! She was walkin wit dis rich-lookin old lady and she acted like she didn’ even know me. Not dat I can blame ‘er. I musta come off as a real jerk. Den I came back heah. Sarah caught me on the way and told me ta go ta da park tamorrow at 2:00 fer lunch.”

Jack gave a low whistle, “Well, dat’s quite a story. Ya gonna go tamorrow?” Mush nodded.

Becca decided she was bored and went back over to Spot. “So, whatsamatta wit Mush?” he asked.

Becca shrugged and told him what Mush had said.

Spot had the same reaction as Jack. Then he went back to their own problem of where she was to go. “Do ya wanna stay heah in Manhattan?” he asked.

She shook her head fervently, “I don’t know anything about anyone here except two names and that one of these guys might get some ideas.”

Spot chuckled, “Nah, Mush’s harmless. So ya don’ wanna stay in Manhattan?” Becca shook her head again. “Well, da only otha option is ta go back ta Brooklyn wid me. Are ya sure ya wanna risk dat? I mean, judgin by da way we been getting along fer da past few hours, we’d kill each otha in a week!”

Becca laughed and replied, “well, you don’t expect me to go to some orphanage or work in a dingy old factory, do you?” she replied, “So, really, the only viable option is for me to go back to Brooklyn with you. And as soon as I learn to sell papers on my own, I’ll be out of your hair except for mealtimes and an occasional conversation. Does that sound like a plan?”

Spot was impressed. It seemed like this girl knew him inside and out. He nodded and she seemed extremely pleased with herself.

**The next day**

Mush woke up and went to buy his papers like normal and as he sold them all day, he wondered why Sarah had invited him to lunch in the park. He hoped she hadn’t developed feelings for him. He just didn’t like her that way. Mush walked to Central Park at 2:00 and saw a brunette sitting on a bench with a picnic basket next to her. He went up behind her and tapped her shoulder lightly. She turned around and her smile immediately turned to a frightened look of recognition. It was Bridgett! Mush didn’t have the slightest idea what was going on and neither, it seemed, did she.

“You?!” she exclaimed, standing up and backing away from him, “what, are you stalking me or something?”

Mush’s mouth fell open. “Listen,” he told her viciously, “I don’ know what’s goin on any more den you do! So don’ jump down my throat!” a voice to the side interrupted them.

“What?” they both yelled. It was Sarah. She walked over to them, looking sheepish and said, “I can explain the whole thing.”

They both looked at her expectantly.

*****

Becca woke up feeling extremely stiff from sleeping in the bunk below Spot’s. She was used to a soft feather mattress and mounds of pillows. She got up and looked to see if anyone else was awake yet. Her eyes came to rest on Spot, sleeping in his bunk just a few feet from her. She gazed at him for a few moments and again noticed how terribly handsome he was. He looked so different asleep—almost innocent. She shook her head and went to do up her hair. When she got back, Spot was gone and on his pillow was a note addressed to her. She picked it up and read,

Becca,
There was a big problam with some teratoree and I had to leev. Stay at the hows and keep okyupyd.
Spot.
P.S. I told the guys to kall you Fanci. I thot you mite be harder to rekonize if we gave you a niknaym.

Becca giggled slightly at Spot’s bad spelling and then turned the paper over and wrote,

Spot,
I went to get some breakfast. I’ll be at the restaurant by the docks. I like my new nickname.
Becca.
P.S. you spelled ‘Fancy’ wrong, but I like it. It’s charming.

She left feeling very confident that this would be a good day.

*****

Sarah spread the blanket on the ground and had the pair sit down. They did so, but they continued to shoot each other withering looks. She gave them each a share of food and they took it without looking away from each other.

“Now,” she began, “you’re probably both wondering what the other is doing here-“

Bridgett cut her off, “I don’t have to wonder. He’s stalking me!”

“Oh, right.” Retorted Mush, “the foist goil I like since Brenda, I lose my mind fer a minute, kiss ya, and ya act like I’m a leper a sumtin!”

Bridgett struggled to think of a stinging reply but all she could do was open and close her mouth like a fish. ‘He likes me?’ she thought. Mush was blushing as he realized what he had just said. Sarah smiled and got up saying, “Well, my work here is done.”

*****

Spot had forgotten his slingshot and came back to the old tenement that served as the Brooklyn lodging house. While he was there went to find Fanci to see how bored she had gotten. He went into the bunkroom where he expected her to be, but found it was empty. He went over to his bunk and found a note addressed to him. He read it and rushed off.

Fanci was walking toward the docks when she heard footsteps approaching her quickly. Her first instinct was to run, but then she remembered that Ethan and her father had no idea where she was. She made herself wait calmly until the newcomer reached her. Then she turned around to see who it was. To her surprise, Spot was standing there. His eyes again startled her. She started to comment but went silent when she saw his expression of worry and anger.

“What’s wrong?” she asked him.

“What’s wrong? What’s wrong? Whaddaya think’s wrong?” he yelled, “Do ya have any idea how dangerous da city can be fer a goil on ‘er own? Dere’s all kinds a jerks out dere. I told ya ta stay at da house fer a reason. From now on, don’t leave durin da day unless youse is wid me or one a me newsies. Do ya undastand?”

Fanci sighed and nodded, I’m sorry. I don’t have a lot of experience being in this part of the city.”

“Well, just be more careful from now on. Now I’m starved, so let’s go inside,” he replied.

*****

As soon as Sarah left, a heavy silence settled over the pair on the blanket. Neither of them seemed to want to make eye contact. Bridgett picked nervously at her plate of food but every bite she took tasted like sawdust. Finally Mush looked up. His cheeks were pink with embarrassment. Seeing how uncomfortable she was, he got up and busied himself with picking up the rest of the picnic stuff. He reached for her plate, but as he did, she reached for it at the same time. They each held a side and stood up together.

Bridgett tugged the plate towards her, “Here, you cleaned up the rest, the least I can do is take care of my own plate.”

Mush pulled the plate back to him, “Nah, I did dis much, I might as well finish.”

The two had a mach of tug-of-war for a few minutes; then they both agreed to let the other take care of it. They both let go at the same time and the plate fell between them and shattered.

“Now look what you did!” yelled Bridgett, gesturing to the broken porcelain, “You broke it, you klutz! And with my luck, it’s probably her mother’s best china.”

Mush’s mouth fell open, “Me? You dropped it, too!”

The bickering went on for five minutes until they both ran out of breath. They glared at each other for a moment longer and then Bridgett began to insult Mush again. To stop her, he did the first thing that came to his mind to shut her up. He kissed her. At first she tried to pull away, but then she relaxed into him.

He pulled away and said, “I’m sorry! I shouldn’ta done dat! Ya prob’ly gonna run away again!” he looked

down, “I’m sorry,” he repeated more quietly.

Bridgett swallowed hard. “Don’t be sorry, Mush. It’s partly my fault. I-I-I have to go. I have to think. I’ll

see you. Good-bye.” She pushed out of his arms and ran down the street towards her aunt’s house.

*****

Fanci and Spot walked into the little diner and headed toward a booth by the wall. Fanci blushed at the leers of the burly men at the tables. Spot noticed the looks she was getting as well and put his arm around her shoulders to make it look like she was his girlfriend and under his protection. They reached the booth and Fanci shrugged his arm away and they sat down across from each other. The pair ordered quickly and began to eat as soon as the plates were set in front of them.

Fanci studied Spot. “So, Spot,” she began, “you know my story already, but what about you?”

Spot’s smirk vanished. “I don’ tawlk about my past wit nobody,” he answered shortly, “It’s bahind me an’ I want it ta stay dat way. You done wit yer food?” Fanci nodded, “Okay, den I’ll take ya back ta da house and den I’ll go an’ see what’s goin on where I was dis mornin.” They walked silently back to the old apartment. When they got there, Spot sat her down in a chair and said, “An’ dis time, stay at da house. You’re lucky I came back when I did. If I hadn’ta come ta find ya, dere’s no tellin what coulda happened ta you.”

Fanci stood back up, smiling. “Were you worried about me?” Spot smiled shyly and turned away, the back of his neck turning red, “Spot Conlon! Are you blushing?” He spun back around to look at her with wide eyes and began to rub the back of his neck vigorously. “I didn’t really see you as the type of guy who would blush.”

Spot just shook his head and left with a final reminder not to go anywhere alone.

*****

By the time Bridgett reached the house and got inside, the tears were flowing freely and she wasn’t trying to hide it in the slightest. She pushed past the butler and went straight to the parlor to see her great aunt. When she got in the room, she looked in every piece of furniture in the room and found nothing but Beanie’s sewing basket. She ran back out into the entryway in a panic. “Henry,” she addressed the old butler, “Where is Beanie? She’s always in the parlor at this time of day.”

Henry took her hands and slowly replied, “Your Aunt fell ill this afternoon while you were at your picnic. She’s up in her bedroom. I’m sure she’ll see you, but if she’s sleeping, don’t wake her. The doctor said she’d been straining herself too much.”

Bridgett nodded and raced up the staircase. She knocked softly and opened the door as quietly as possible when she got to her aunt’s room. She looked at the large four-poster bed and was pleased to see the old woman wide-awake and sitting propped up with pillows. Bridgett pulled the small straight-backed chair over to the bedside and sat. Beanie tried to put on a big smile for her grandniece, but Bridgett could see the tiredness in her face. Bridgett spoke softly, trying not to be too disruptive.

Beanie interrupted her, “Speak up, sweetheart! Stop acting like I’m on my deathbed here! I’m just a little tired and I’ll be back terrorizing—Well, dearest, what’s wrong? You look like you just lost your best friend! Did your picnic go alright?”

Suddenly, Bridgett couldn’t hold it in any longer. “Oh, Beanie! Why can’t I just trust him! I know I can. I just can’t seem to let myself! What am I supposed to do? I’ve been thinking about him since yesterday and I still don’t know what to do!”

She threw herself onto the bedspread and began to sob. Beanie stroked the girl’s hair and tried to calm her down.

*****

Fanci was going stir-crazy! There wasn’t a single thing for her to do! There wasn’t a book or piece of paper to be seen in the entire three-floor apartment building. Even the paper she and Spot had written the notes on this morning had apparently been thrown away. She paced the room and counted each time she turned around, but she lost count after about 250. After pacing for a while, she decided to go upstairs and see if there was anything to do up there such as making a bed or organizing someone’s things. However, she was no more than halfway up the wooden steps when she heard several people walk in the front door. She ran back down the steps and into the lobby. There were three boys standing there and they practically stood at attention when they saw her. They couldn’t have been more than twelve. Fanci smiled softly at them and told them to relax. They didn’t seem to know how.

“Ain’t you Spot’s new goil?” The oldest one asked.

Fanci chuckled and shook her head. “Come on. I’ve been dying for someone to talk to!” the three little boys finally relaxed and followed her into the bunkroom.

When Spot returned after his ‘peace talks’ the group of four was deep in a conversation about poker. The boys were apparently teaching Fanci how to play. Spot sneaked up behind her and began to tickle furiously at her sides. She shrieked and rolled backwards off the bunk, toppling him on her way down. The boys continued to sit on the bed and laughed at the antics of the two older people. Fanci finally managed to push herself free of Spot’s arms and stood up, brushing her curls out of her eyes. Spot was out of breath and lay back, pretending to have died. Fanci winked at the younger kids and then stepped hard on Spot’s stomach as she walked towards the washroom to get her hair back in order.

When she came back, she was surprised to see that the boys were gone and Spot was sitting on the bed. She grinned at him as he pretended to nurse a horrible stomach injury.

She walked over to the bed and sat down next to him. “Now I know it doesn’t hurt that much!” she said as she poked his arm.

Spot’s smirk returned to his face and he pushed her hand away. “Naw, it don’t hoirt, but I’m gonna have a bruise dere fer a couple a days.”

Fanci hadn’t put her hat back on and Spot could see some of her hair was mussed. Her braids had been pulled partially loose when she had fallen off the bed. He unpinned her barrette and examined it. Her hair cascaded down her back as her braids came undone and she reached for her hair decoration. He smiled and waved her hands away and continued to examine the fragment of gold.

“So, why’s dis thing so important ta you? You don’t seem ta be da type a person ta keep sumtin fer no reason. Dis has to have some kind of value to ya.”

Fanci allowed herself a small smile and gently pried it from his hands. Turning it over and over, she explained, “Until I was twelve, I had a nanny. My mother isn’t and never was very, well, motherly. She spends her days in her sitting room pretending to faint every ten minutes just so that she can keep the servants on their toes. It was quite a surprise when it was discovered that she was to have a baby. My nanny raised me literally from birth. If there had been a way, Mother would have hired someone to carry me and give birth to me for her, but she had to settle for handing me over to Mary the moment I took my first breath. Mary died when I was twelve. Otherwise I would probably be at home today. She would never have allowed daddy to try and make me marry Ethan. She gave this to me for my tenth birthday. She said, ‘Becca, you are almost a young lady. You’ll not need me for much longer and you will be going to all sorts of elegant parties and dinners. I just thought you might want to have something to remind you of your old nanny.’” Fanci stopped turning the barrette and looked at Spot with misty eyes. One tear ran down each cheek, making tracks through the dust that had collected on her face from the old building. Spot reached up and wiped the off her face and she laughed through her tears.

Spot suddenly began to fidget and stood up. “Listen, um, I gotta go downstairs and, uh, check on . . . “ He

stopped and thought frantically for an excuse.

“What?” she prompted.

“Just, sumtin. I gotta go.” He walked out of the room, rubbing his hands together vigorously as though he was scrubbing them clean of some invisible substance.

*****

Bridgett’s tears soaked deeply into the satin of the blanket. Beanie continued to stroke her head. Finally

Bridgett sat up and looked at her great aunt.

Beanie asked, “Why don’t you tell me what this is all about?”

Bridgett took a deep breath. “Do you remember that young man who helped me yesterday?"

Beanie nodded. “Well, I lied when I said I didn’t know him. His name is Mush. I met him the other day when I ran away. The girl whose family took me in took me to lunch and I met him at the restaurant. Sarah had him take me home and I didn’t think she’d send me off alone with someone who wasn’t trustworthy.

“Before, when my parents would fight, I would usually come here. But sometimes I couldn’t get here or you had gone out. When that happened, I would go to church. The choir director heard my singing and he said I should sing for the congregation sometime. He gave me a hymnal and told me to keep my voice clear. Now when I couldn’t get out of the house I would just sing from that book in my room. When Mush took me home, we passed a church. They were playing my favorite hymn. I suppose I got caught up in the thrill of hearing it sung by more people than myself and hearing it on an organ so I started to sing along and I forgot he was there—until he kissed me. I feel bad now when I think of it, but when it happened, I yelled some pretty cruel things at him and ran away. Today I went to that picnic expecting to see Sarah and have a nice chat with her about how much better my life is now that I’m with you. Instead, when I turned around to see who had tapped my shoulder, it was Mush. I yelled, he yelled and then Sarah came out and told us she had planned the whole thing and she didn’t expect us to fight the way we did.

“I told Sarah that I thought Mush was stalking me and he said he liked me. It’s all kind of fuzzy after that. We ate our lunch and he started to clean up and I tried to help him and we started arguing again. I think that we just needed something to distract ourselves from each other. We finally both agreed to let the other one have a plate we had both picked up and we dropped it and it broke. I started to yell at him and he kissed me. Then I came home.”

*****

Fanci put her hand up to her cheek where Spot had wiped away her tears. The area tingled slightly-as though she had received an electrical shock. She knew what that feeling meant and it confused her. Sure he was attractive, but she hated his arrogance and the way he thought he was always right. Didn’t she? But just moments ago, he had been warm and fun—nothing like the man she had thought she’d had figured out. She decided to find out what all this inner turmoil meant. And in her right-to-the-point mind there was just one way of doing that. Fanci sped out of the bunkroom and down into the first floor lobby. She first checked around the room for any inconveniences such as other people. There were none.

Spot was sitting in one of the old rickety chairs; his attention still focused on his hands, which tingled, where he had touched Fanci’s cheeks. His head snapped up when he heard her light footsteps come close to him. He stood, suddenly too uncomfortable to sit. Fanci moved closer to him and he tried to move back. He couldn’t get this way about a girl! He was Spot Conlon! He had a reputation to uphold. Although he didn’t like going constantly from one girl to the next and seeing their heartbroken faces, he had to because of how he was seen in the eyes of society. Fanci moved towards him relentlessly until he was against the wall. He couldn’t get away. She turned her small face up to his and her large brown eyes gazed deeply into his. She seemed to be searching him for something. Then she took a deep breath and leaned in. Once her soft lips connected with his, everything else was a blur. Her arms snaked up around his neck and he pulled her close. Neither of them knew how long they were kissing before they heard a voice from the door.

“Hey! I thought you said she wadn’t ya goil, Spot!” it was Jack Kelly. Fanci pulled away reluctantly. He entire body was tingling now and her mind was reeling with a revelation she had just had—she was in love! Jack was still at the door waiting for an answer. “I almost got run ova by da biggest black horse I eva seen and da goil chasin’ it ta get heah and what do I find? My friend makin out wid a goil he ain’t even supposed ta like. Would ya mind tellin me what’s goin on heah?”

Fanci stepped forward blushing and answered him quietly. “Actually, Jack, I started it. I kissed him first. He just . . . kissed me back.”

Jack shook his head and turned to leave. “Why don’t you two woirk it out an Spot, when youse is done come ova ta Manhattan.” He left, still shaking his head.

*****

Aunt Beanie gave a low whistle as Bridgett finished her story. “It sounds like you’ve had an eventful two days. The only advice I can give you is to listen to your heart, not your brain. Your mind tells you that you can’t trust this Mush fellow, but you know that you can in your heart. If you choose to trust him, I wish you all the happiness in the world and if you decide you can’t, well, that decision is up to you and I hope you make the right one.”

Beanie had just opened her mouth to say more but Henry poked his head into the room.

“Madam, the young lady’s father is here and he seems quite upset. Shall I send him up now or shall I—“ he smirked, “—wait a few moments?”

Beanie smiled back at him and nodded. “Send him to me in five minutes’ time.” Henry bowed and left. Beanie turned to Bridgett who was beginning to breathe faster and a nervous sweat had broken out on her forehead. “Dearest, you know that secret stairway that the servants use?” Bridgett nodded. “Use them and go out of the house through the back. Go as fast as you can to the one place that you know he’ll never find you. I believe you are going to have to make your decision about Mush sooner than you thought.”

Bridgett nodded, kissed Beanie’s wrinkled cheek, and ran for the door. She turned the corner in the hallway just in time to see her livid father follow Henry into Beanie’s bedroom. She waited long enough to hear a few things said.

“Where is she, woman?” her father roared, there was a muttered interruption. “I don’t care if she has pneumonia, old man! I want to know where she’s hiding my daughter!”

Bridgett held her breath and waited for Beanie’s reply. Her commanding alto floated to Bridgett’s ears. “You are too late. She came and went last night. Now, if you would, remove yourself from my home!”

Bridgett allowed herself to breathe and then she marched down the stairs and out the back of the house.

*****

Spot stuck his hands in his pockets and began to pace the room. Fanci walked up behind him and turned him around.

“You can’t pretend nothing just happened here, Spot. I know you felt that too.”

Spot looked down and ran his hands through his hair. “I know, but I can’t really handle dat eitha. Not right now, anyway. I think we need ta keep apart fer a little while and sort dis out.”

“I don’t need to sort anything out. I love you!” she said, “Don’t ask me how I know, but I do, in every fiber of my being. And I know that you know it too. Don’t deny it, Spot. You felt it too. I know it.”

Spot sighed and backed away from her. He knew she was right. Slowly, a smirk crept across his face and he raised his eyes to hers again. “So, I guess I’m a one-woman man now, huh?”

*****

Bridgett walked down the street. She didn’t even realize which direction she was walking in until she saw a sign over a building up ahead that said ‘Manhattan Newsboys Lodging House’

*****

“Whadda ya mean Boston?” asked Jack.

Sarah sighed and took his hand. “I’m the oldest and it is getting too hard for David and Les to support all of us. Father still hasn’t been able to find another job and Les is growing fast. There is a wealthy family in Boston who I have been writing to. They have offered to give me a job as their governess for their children. I have written them that I accept their offer. I will be leaving in two days. I’ll write you when I write David. Goodbye, Jack.” Sarah walked out of the lodging house leaving Jack to stare blankly at her retreating back.

Mush came down from the bunkroom rubbing his eyes. He saw Jack staring at the still-open door.

“Whatsamatta, Jack?” he asked his friend.

Jack shook his head and sat down hard in a chair next to him. “Sarah was just heah. She told me dat she was gonna go ta Boston ta be a nanny fer dese rich people. She’s takin a train in two days.”

Mush sat down next to Jack. “Wow,” he said quietly. The two boys sat together in silence for a few moments, still absorbing the information. They looked up when a shadow obscured the sunlight from the doorway. It was Bridgett. She was out of breath and wringing her hands. Her eyes were wide with fear. They jumped out of their seats as one and Mush barely stopped himself from running up and taking her in his arms.

Jack beckoned her inside and darted behind her to close the door. “What’s goin on, Bridgett? Ya runnin from da bulls?” asked Jack.

Bridgett shook her head and replied, “I need to talk to Mush.” Jack nodded and went upstairs. Mush motioned for her to sit in Jack’s chair as he sat down next to her. After she had caught her breath, she looked up at him. “In answer to Jack’s question, I am running from my father.”

Mush’s brow’s knotted. “Yer fadda? I thought you said ya was from New Joisey! How could yer fadda be chasin ya heah?”

“I’m not from New Jersey. I know I said I was but that was before. I thought I was going to be safe from him forever. But he found me! I have a wealthy great aunt who I was going to stay with but he knew I would go there. He was there today when I got back from our—our picnic. I escaped out the back of the house and ran to the one place I know he will never think to look for me—here.”

Mush looked down and noticed her hands in her lap. She had her fingers knotted together so tightly that her knuckles were white. He had an urge to reach out and take her hands in his but he stopped himself. “Bridgett, I promise dat you will be safe heah. I’ll protect ya myself.” She bowed her head lower as she began to cry softly. Mush put his hand under her chin and gently raised her head so that he could see her face. “I promise, you can trust me,” he told her quietly.

Bridgett pressed her lips together and looked down again. “I know that in my heart, Mush but my head keeps screaming the opposite at me!” Mush looked confused. “My father beat my mother my whole life. He never beat me. She wouldn’t let him. He hated me but he wanted the feeling of power he got from keeping me afraid so he kept me around. When I ran away the other night, the last sound I heard from my home was my mother pleading with my father for her life and mine.”

Mush’s eyes had grown larger with each word she had said. He looked at her, seeing her now in a new light. He had a sudden admiration of the strength this girl had. “Bridgett, I am so sorry! I didn’t know nuthin about yer fadda and mudda. I wouldn’ta tried ta kiss ya dose times if I’da known. Will ya fergive me?”

As an answer, Bridgett leaned over and kissed his cheek lightly and then took his hand.”

*****

Fanci and Spot walked out of the Brooklyn lodging house hand in hand. Fanci had replaced his hat but had not bothered to put her hair up again. Spot removed his hand from hers and twirled a strand around his finger. They walked together to Manhattan to talk to Jack as he had asked. They got to the lodging house and went in. A rather surprising scene met them. Mush and Bridgett had moved to the ratty sofa and were talking and laughing together. Perhaps the most shocking of all was that Bridgett was lounging against Mush’s chest and was acting entirely trusting of him.

Spot approached the couple slowly. “So, Mush, ya sure got ova dat Bridgett goil from da otha day pretty quick!” he observed with a grin.

Mush smiled back and embraced Bridgett. “Spot, dis is Bridgett.”

Spot’s eyes widened and his jaw opened slightly and he stepped back to take Fanci’s hand once more. “I thought she was mad at ya.”

Bridgett smiled and replied, “I was never really mad at him, but we worked out our differences. Who is your friend, by the way?”

“Oh! Sawry! Uh, Mush, ya met Fanci already, right? Well, her name is really Becca. She tawlked to ya at Tibby’s yestaday. Rememba?”

Mush thought for a moment and then nodded. “Alright. Uh, Bridgett, dis is um . . . Fanci? And da guy is Spot.”

Bridgett got up off of the couch and approached Spot and Fanci. She held out her hand and they each shook it in turn. Fanci pulled Bridgett off to a corner and asked her, “You must have a good reason for getting mad and running away after that guy kissed you!”

Bridgett laughed and nodded. “All my life, men have had . . . dishonorable intentions. I have never really trusted them. Mush has proven me wrong—about him and his friends, anyway.” Fanci nodded her agreement. “My father was trying to force me into a marriage to an utterly detestable man. So I ran away. If Spot hadn’t come to the Manhattan lodging house the other day and found me, I don’t know what would have happened to me.”

**One Month Later**

Fanci had settled into a routine. She would always wake up before Spot and go and get dressed. Then she would put on Spot’s old cap over her hair as she woke him up. But this morning was different. She got up as usual but Spot wasn’t in his bunk. She ran and got dressed as quickly as possible. She came back from the washroom into the morning rush of half-asleep newsies. She quickly began to search under her bed for her barrette to do up her hair. She found it and stood, twirling her brown curls into a messy twist. She caught a young newsie as he was passing her on his way out. “Do you know where Spot is?”

The kid nodded. “He’s probly wid Amber. He goes ta see ‘er most ev’ry night. He’s usually back by mornin’, though.” Fanci slowly lowered her arms, allowing her hair to fall down her back. She waved the boy away and slipped her barrette into her pocket. She turned around and walked out the back door of the lodging house leaving Spot’s cap lying on her mattress. Fanci practically ran through the streets of Brooklyn. She rested at the bridge and then continued to Manhattan.

*****

Bridgett often walked with Mush while he sold his papers. Les had come up with a nickname for her—Timi. He said it was because she was so timid. Everyone had now all but forgotten her real name. She never sold because she—in keeping with her new name—was too shy to yell out the headlines. It actually seemed to work out better for Mush. People tended to buy his papers because they assumed she was someone he had to support.

A rich-looking man had just given Mush and extra quarter for his paper when Fanci walked up to them and grabbed Timi’s arm. “Sorry, Mush. I need to borrow her for a while,” she said. Mush stared at her, lines of worry etching into his forehead. “Are you awright, Fanci?” She nodded quickly and dragged Timi off.

The girls walked until they found a secluded bench where they could talk. As soon as they sat down Fanci began sobbing uncontrollably. Timi put an arm around her friend’s shoulders and let her cry. When her body finally stopped shaking Fanci lifted her tearstained face.

Timi was thoroughly confused and quite concerned. Fanci never acted like this. “Fanci,” she began, “what happened? Where’s Spot?”

Fanci’s distressed expression suddenly turned hard and angry. “I don’t know,” she spat, her voice trembling slightly, “maybe you should ask Amber!”

“Who?” asked Timi, “What’s going on?”

Fanci looked down and her voice softened to a whisper. “He’s been cheating on me.” Timi gasped. “One of his newsies told me this morning. He’s been going to see her every night. I just hope that he can be happy with just one girl because this one’s leaving him.”

*****

Timi found Mush back at the lodging house. When she walked in, she fell almost immediately into his arms and started weeping about Fanci. Mush motioned to the other guys to go get Spot.

When Spot arrived Timi whirled on him. “How could you?” she screamed tearfully. “How could you do that to Fanci?” she brought her hand up to slap him but Mush caught her wrist and pulled her back into his arms where she continued to glare venomously at the Brooklyn leader. Spot, on the other hand, was totally in the dark as to why Timi would yell at him so fiercely. Mush pushed his girlfriend behind him where she clutched his shoulder to keep her temper in check. Mush crossed his arms and looked at Spot.

“Dat was a pretty sleazy thing ya did.”

Spot looked at Mush like he was crazy. “Whaddaya mean?” he yelled. “I didn’t do nuthin ta Fanci! I was halfway heah lookin fer her when da guys told me ta hurry up.

Timi came forward again, her eyes blazing. “Fanci came here to find me and bawled for an hour about you and this Amber girl! So how long have you been with her Spot?” she continued bitterly. “Did you get bored and decide to make Fanci your new plaything or were you sick of Fanci and wanted some variety?”

Spot’s mouth had dropped in disbelief and he was staring at Timi as though she had grown another head.

“You got it all wrong! Amber ain’t me goil!” Timi snorted derisively. “No, really! Amber and me grew up tagetha! Weah as close ta family as eitha of us is gonna get. She’s like a sista ta me! She works in a factory ta earn her keep at an orphanage. I’m da only friend she’s got!” His eyes pleaded with them to believe what he was saying.

Timi looked at him skeptically for a moment but then a look of realization crossed her face. “Mush!” she cried. “He’s telling the truth! I’m so sorry! She went back to her father’s house. I don’t think you should go right away, though.”

Spot didn’t plan on going to her right away. He had to figure out a way to approach the situation—and Stanley Masters’ house.

*****

He went back to Brooklyn and stalked into the lodging house. All the newsies stopped their activities and looked at him nervously. “Who told Fanci where I was dis mornin?” he asked, his voice dangerously quiet. He looked around the room and a small boy to his left slowly put his hand up. He was trembling. Spot beckoned him forward. The kid swallowed hard and walked to Spot. He crouched down so that he was eye level with the boy. “How’s about you tell me exactly what happened dis mornin?”

The little boy gulped loudly and took a deep breath. “Well, Fanci was real worried and asked where ya was an’ I said you was wit Amber an’ dat ya went ta see ‘er ev’ry night. She got a funny look on her face and tol’ me I could go.”

Spot sighed and nodded to the boy to go back to what he had been doing. He stood up and his hands clenched into fists. He went to Fanci’s bunk and his jaw clenched when he saw his hat lying on top of the mussed blanket. He picked it up and twisted the fabric in his hands. Then, still holding the hat, he stormed outside, leaving the others to stare at the open door.

*****

Fanci walked slowly back to her father’s house. She was finally standing in the shadow of the massive building. She gulped as she stared at the double oak doors that had once imprisoned her. She took a deep breath, worked up her courage, and tried not to think about how nauseous it made her to think about being Ethan’s wife. She suddenly realized with a jolt that it made her sick to imagine being with anybody except Spot. She shook her head and tried to clear her mind of her memories of him as she knocked boldly. The butler answered. His tiny watery eyes grew larger at the sight of her. He turned and ran into the house, calling for her father.

Stanley Masters came to the door and walked outside and closed the door to talk to his daughter away from the prying eyes and listening ears of the help. “So,” he began smugly. “Decided to come to your senses, have you?” Fanci nodded. “Well, I’m warning you, it may be too little too late.” Fanci nodded again and her father led her into the house. Ethan was waiting there with the usual leer on his jowled face. She curtsied politely to him as best she could in her shirt and trousers. He continued to smile that horrible smile. Mr. Masters dismissed his daughter to go change in her room and she gratefully left the presence of the two men.

*****

The next day Spot decided to forego even buying papers. He dressed in his least ratty clothes and practiced his dignified walk. He wandered through the streets of New York until he reached Stanley Masters’ mansion. He stepped onto the stoop, fisted his shaking hand, and knocked on the door. A short old man answered.

Spot grabbed the butler’s collar and pulled him closer, whispering menacingly. “I am heah ta see Fa—Miss Mastas. Bring her down heah and I won’t hafta hoit ya.” The little butler nodded so quick his jowls flapped. Spot let him go and he bustled inside. A few moments later Fanci came out looking confused. Then she saw Spot and her features hardened. She started to go back in the house but Spot grabbed her hand. “Fanci, wait! I can explain ev’ryting. Please just listen ta me.”

Fanci wrenched her hand from his grip and closed the door behind her. She crossed her arms and stood out of his reach. “All right. I’ll listen, but not for very long. Talk fast.”

“Look, Fanci, I sweah I wasn’t cheatin on ya! Amber is like a little sista ta me. We grew up tagetha. She woulda been a newsie but da lady who runs da orphanage said she’d be kicked out. She had ta start workin in a factory. She gets real sick. She needs somebody ta help her at night. I’m dat somebody. She needed me ta stay dat mornin. I wanted ta get back so ya wouldn’t worry. I even argued wid her. I came back an’ you was gone so I went lookin for ya. I got ta Manhattan and Timi attacked me, barkin about me cheatin on ya. We talked and she told me ya came back heah. Please balieve me. I neva wanted ta hoit ya. I was just tryin ta help my friend. Will ya forgive me?”

“No! You hurt me! Even if you didn’t mean to. Why couldn’t you tell me about Amber if the two of you had nothing to hide?”

“I neva thought you would find out! Fanci—”

“Stop calling me that! That is not my name! I am Rebecca Masters and you are a street rat. Now remove

yourself from my sight!”

Spot’s face became a mask of pain. He dropped his cap on the stoop by his feet. Tears even began to well up in his eyes. Then he clenched his jaw and turned away. He didn’t look back.

Fanci’s composure fell away almost as soon as Spot walked off. She uncrossed her arms and reached down with trembling hands to retrieve the abandoned cap. She clutched it to her and went back inside, pushing rudely past the butler, tears streaming down her face.

*****

Spot walked stiffly to the Manhattan lodging house. He didn’t find any of his friends there so he continued on to Tibby’s. There he found Jack, Mush, and Timi. Timi saw immediately that something was bothering Spot. She nudged Mush who in turn tapped Jack on the shoulder. The trio went to Spot and then followed him outside. Spot walked to the statue of Horace Greeley and leaned his forehead against the cool stone base. The guys thought he was just tired until they heard him let out a quiet sob. Mush and Jack looked at one another, shocked. Neither one of them had thought they would ever see the invincible Spot Conlon weep—especially over a girl. Timi was more sensitive, however. She was instantly at his side allowing him to cry against her shoulder. She looked up at Mush. “Say something!” she mouthed at him and gestured with her head to Spot.

Mush thought fast. “So, uh, I guess things didn’t go too good with Fanci.”

Spot looked up, wiping his eyes quickly. “She said I was a street rat and tol me ta get away from her.”

“Well, did you explain everything to her? Did you tell her about Amber and the factory?” asked Timi.

Spot nodded impatiently, “Yeah, I tol her ev’ryting I tol you two. I don’t know if she balieved me or not but dat don’t matta. She didn’t wanna heah anything I hadda say.

Timi stroked the back of his head as he lowered it to her shoulder once more. “Spot,” she began softly, “you are obviously upset. I want you to go to the Manhattan lodging house and you are going to stay there for a few days. Mush and Jack and I will try to help you find another way to get through to Fanci. She told you that she would rather die than to be with that man her father engaged her to. I can’t believe that her mind would be changed as a result of anything that anyone did. The only thing you did wrong was to not tell anyone about Amber. Admittedly, you should have, but Fanci might be overreacting just a bit. The point is that you hurt her. You need to find a way to make it right.”

Spot ended up staying in Manhattan for two weeks. He found it too painful to return to Brooklyn knowing he wasn’t going to find Fanci there. He put a friend of his in charge until he returned.

*****

Fanci couldn’t seem to break her habit of waking up extra early. She had begun to help the kitchen staff with cooking breakfast every morning. Plans for her marriage to Ethan were underway and the house was in a constant state of chaos. Her mother in the past couple weeks had taken more interest in Fanci than she ever had before. Fanci suspected that it was because she was relieved that the child she never really wanted was finally leaving. Unbeknownst to her daughter, Mrs. Masters was entirely in her element when planning a complicated wedding feast. This was what her parents had sent her to charm school for.

One morning at breakfast Ethan surprised Fanci. He spoke to her. “Rebecca, I think you and I should take a walk today. You must be wanting to get out of this house.”

Fanci looked up at him, shocked. She quickly masked it with a demure smile. “I’m flattered that you were thinking of me. Shall we go after lunch?” Ethan nodded absently and buried his face in his newspaper again. Fanci swallowed a lump in her throat at the sight of the paper. She looked down and began to pick at her eggs again.

*****

Fanci didn’t know if she wanted the rest of the morning to go slower or faster. ‘I should have told him I had a headache,’ she thought. Finally Ethan finished his lunch and stood, offering his arm to her. She stood and took it and they walked to the front door of the mansion. They were about to leave when she put a hand to her forehead. “Oh! I have forgotten my hat and gloves! I can’t go out into that sun without a hat!”

Ethan smiled approvingly. She was acting just as a young woman should—weak and entirely dependent upon men. He sent her off to her room to get what she had “forgotten”.

She walked into her room and began to grab the hat that matched her forest green velvet dress. She turned to look in the mirror and Spot’s hat caught her eye. She darted over and locked the door before putting the hat on underneath her gaudy wide-brimmed headpiece. She grabbed her old barrette and slipped it into her purse. She took a deep breath and walked out the door again. Ethan was waiting impatiently at the door. She floated down the stairs and placed her now-gloved hand in the crook of his elbow.

They walked in silence until they reached the outskirts of Central Park. He found a shady bench and motioned for her to sit first. She placed herself gracefully on the seat and folded her hands in her lap.

Ethan sat down next to her and stretched his arm across the back of the bench behind her. She straightened her back and looked down. He still didn’t say anything and she began to feel uncomfortable. She could feel his gaze on her as they sat in tense silence. “I thought we were taking a walk,” she commented softly as she nervously chanced a look at him.

She swallowed hard to keep from retching when she saw the leer on his face. “We took a walk, didn’t we? We walked here, right?” he replied.

“Well, yes. You’re right. You usually are. As a matter of fact I was about to ask for a rest when you stopped.”

“Have you sufficiently rested?” he asked her. She was about to ask him what he meant when he reached over and stroked her cheek. The color drained from her face and she struggled to keep her breathing calm. His hand moved down to cup the back of her neck. Before she could react he jerked her toward him and mashed his disgusting mouth against hers. She pushed him away. She stood to run away but stopped when her stomach turned over. She doubled over and vomited into the grass. He stood up and turned her roughly by her arm to face him again. She wiped her mouth with her glove and then removed it. She raised her bare hand to hit him but he caught her wrist and pulled her closer by her arm. His meaty hands held her in place closing like vices on her upper arms. “I don’t know why you are acting so insulted. You were living with that street boy for over a month. You must have done this plenty of times. You weren’t even planning on marrying him, were you? I am your fiancé. I own you!”

She managed to twist herself from his grip and as she backed away, she retorted, “Ethan, even if we had already married and I was living the nightmare of being your wife, you would never own me!” With that she turned and began to run from him. He lunged forward and grabbed the back of her skirt. She screamed and turned to pull her dress out of his hands. His own momentum carried him forward and he fell, planting his face into the grass. She continued to run.

She didn’t know where she was running. She only knew that she was going away from him. She didn’t know how long she was running. At long last she saw a young man from the back. He was wearing a vest and she knew who he was. She finally stopped behind him and he turned when he heard her. She could barely speak and she reached out to hold herself up by his shoulders. She finally got enough breath to speak. “Racetrack! You have to help me! Please, hide me!”

Race looked at her, confused. Then her hat fell back, revealing the gray wool newsie cap. “Fanci? Is dat you?” he asked her. She nodded and he jumped into action. He took her hands from his shoulders and pulled her behind him as he rushed in the direction of Tibby’s. He knew that was where all his friends would be at this hour. They reached the restaurant in record time and he threw the door open. Every head in the room snapped up as the pair entered. Spot was at a table in the corner with Jack. When he saw who Race had with him, he shot out of his chair so fast it fell over behind him. Jack followed suit. One of the guys by the door offered his seat to Fanci. She gratefully sank into it. Spot rushed over to where she was sitting. He reached her and almost reached out to take her in his arms. Then he remembered what she had said to him the last time they had seen each other. It took nearly all his willpower, but he managed to keep from touching her. It broke his heart into pieces to see how terrified she was. Her face was white as a sheet and her hands trembled. She wrapped her arms around her middle and began to rock back and forth. The severity of her situation finally caught up with her and she crumpled into a heap on her chair. Jack came over and picked up her limp body. She had fainted and was now passed out cold. Her arm flopped over and hung down. Her purse slipped off her wrist and fell to the floor as Jack carried her out the door. Spot followed him and picked up the small satin bag.

The lodging house was only a few blocks away and they soon arrived. Jack continued upstairs. Race stopped at the desk and grabbed a set of clothes from underneath. Mush and Timi had come back for a rest earlier that day. They jumped up when Jack burst into the room carrying Fanci. Mush cleared off a bunk for her and Jack put her down. Race handed the clothes to Timi. She ushered the guys out and shut the door.

Once out in the hall, Spot realized that he still had Fanci’s bag. He opened it and pulled out her gold barrette. He thought she should have it with her and almost went back in to give it to her but Jack stopped him. The four of them went down to the lobby and sat down. Spot hunched over and buried his head in his hands. Then he lifted his face again. He turned to Mush and his face split into a grin. “Did ya see what she had on ‘er head? She was wearin me hat! She don’t really hate me!”

Mush clapped his friend on the shoulder and smiled back. “Dat’s great, Spot! Timi’s s’posed ta tell us when she gets Fanci changed an’ decent. She should be down heah any minute. Den ya can go up an’ wait fer her ta wake up.”

Spot’s smile vanished. “Wait! I don’t wanna wait alone! I dunno what she’ll do if I’m da foist thing she sees! Race—will ya wait wit me?” Race nodded. A short time later Timi came down and reported that Fanci was changed and sleeping safely. Spot climbed the stairs slowly, fiddling with the barrette. He opened the door as quietly as possible. Race followed close on his heels. He started when he heard her sigh and roll over, curling into a ball under her blanket. When he saw that she still slept he relaxed and walked the rest of the way into the room. He knelt down on one knee next to her bed and gazed at her face. Timi had taken her hair down and it fanned out behind her head on the bed. A wavy lock fell across her forehead and he brushed it away. Her hand was lying palm up next to her head on the pillow. He put her barrette gently into it and stood up. Race came in and put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. Spot turned and sat on the next bunk over from hers. Race sat down next to him and they settled in to wait.

Hours passed. Spot and Race in turn each fell asleep sitting up. Race woke up with a sudden urge to use the restroom. He silently left the two sleepers and headed to the washroom. Fanci’s eyelids fluttered and her eyes slowly opened. She felt the metal of her barrette in her hand. She propped herself up on her elbows and tried to get a grip on her surroundings. She was wearing a shirt and trousers. She sensed someone else in the room and looked to see who it was. Spot was slumped over his knees, snoring softly. Before she could think, she was overcome with joy. All thoughts of their argument and her wounded pride were driven from her mind. She cried out his name, threw her blanket off, and jumped out of her bed. She dropped to her knees and threw her arms around him.

Spot jerked awake when he heard Fanci call out to him. Before he knew what was happening she was hugging him and covering his face with kisses. He decided not to remind her that she was angry with him. He wrapped his arms around her and simply held her for several moments. Suddenly she remembered why she hadn’t seen him for over two weeks. She pushed out of his arms and sat on her bunk, blushing, not looking at him. “Fa—Becca, Race tol us dat you came runnin up ta him screamin fer him ta hide ya! What was ya runnin from?”

She still refused to look at him but answered softly. “It was Ethan. He attacked me. He thought that you and I had . . . um . . . you know. So he thought that I wouldn’t object to his advances. I ran away from him and Racetrack was the first person I saw that I knew would help me. How am I going to escape him now? He knows where I was! He must have seen you and me that day on the front steps and recognized you.”

“About dat day, I know I was pretty dumb ta think dat just cuz I tol ya somethin dat you’d balieve me right away. I shoulda tol ya about Amber from da start. Ya can ask Timi an’ Mush, ya can ask me newsies—Amber ain’t me goilfriend. Eva since I met ya I ain’t even thought about seein anudda goil dat way.”

Fanci finally looked up at him again. “I should apologize, too. I wasn’t thinking. But when I found out you just took on such a heartless image in my mind that I wouldn’t listen to a word you had to say. I know now that there was really nothing between you and Amber—in fact, I’d like to meet her sometime.”

She moved over onto his bed and he pulled her close to his side, kissing the top of her head. “Ya know, I am heartless,” he remarked. She straightened up and looked at him, puzzled. “I ain’t got a heart no more—it’s yours.”

Race poked his head out of the washroom door. “Can I come out now?” Fanci laughed and beckoned him inside. He walked over and sat down on the bunk Fanci had been sleeping on. “I s’pose you two is all made up again?”

In reply, Fanci snuggled closer to Spot and nodded. A soft knock at the bunkroom door got the attention of all three. Timi, Mush, and Jack were crowding into the doorway, the boys grinning like idiots. The whole group headed downstairs behind Jack. However, Jack suddenly stopped at the bottom of the flight. Standing in the doorway of the house was a winded, rich-looking man. Sweat ran down his temples, his vest had popped a button across his ample middle, and his jacket hung haphazardly off one shoulder. Fanci laced her fingers with Spot’s and squeezed his hand tightly. She straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath. Then she curled her lip in an expression of utter revulsion. “Ethan!” she said, her voice dripping with disdain. Mush’s eyes flew wide and his head snapped around to look at her. All of them except Spot were surprised at how proud and commanding her voice had suddenly become. She lifted her chin defiantly and continued. “How dare you show your repulsive face here?”

Spot held up ah hand. “Wait a minute. Dis is yer disgustin fiancé?” he took his hand from hers and pushed her behind im. “Lemme at him!” he started forward, balling his fists. Jack and Mush blocked him from the front and Fanci grabbed his arm from behind Spot restrained himself with great effort and shifted restlessly.

Ethan sneered at the group. “Let him go, Rebecca. Let him try to defend you—as though you’re even worth fighting for, you little whore!”

This time Jack lost it. He leaped over the three remaining steps, stomped over to Ethan and punched him—hard. Ethan reeled back and held his jaw. Jack pulled back for another punch. But before he could hit him again, Ethan wrapped his meaty paws around the young man’s throat. Jack clawed at Ethan’s hands but the older man didn’t give an inch. He smiled maliciously as Jack’s eyes began to roll up in his head. Suddenly there was another voice from the doorway.

“What’s going on here? Who are you?” cried Kloppman as he entered the lobby. Ethan dropped his hands from Jack’s neck. Jack doubled over, coughing and rubbing his throat. Kloppman bustled over to the counter and pulled out the telephone. He dialed the operator as he watched Ethan. “Get me the police,” he said. After a moment, “Yes, hello, this is Mr. Kloppman at the Newsboys lodging house. I need you to send an officer over here. I just found someone trying to kill one of my boys. Thank you.”

The people waited nervously for about fifteen minutes until a police officer appeared at the door. Kloppy pointed to Ethan. The policeman grabbed Ethan by his arm and turned him around. His eyes widened when he saw Ethan and the rich man grinned triumphantly. “Oh my! Mr. Axxon! I am so sorry! I had no idea!”

Ethan winked at Jack and then plastered a terrified expression across his features. “Officer! I am so glad you’ve come. This hooligan attacked me. I was only acting in self-defense. He also has kidnapped my beloved Rebecca and dressed her in vulgar street clothes!”

The officer suddenly glared at the young people. “I’m gonna let you off with a warning this time. If I hear anything about you bothering Mr. Axxon ever again, I will personally make sure you are all put in jail for the rest of your miserable little lives.”

Ethan came over to the group on the stairs and grabbed Fanci by her wrist, dragging her toward the door. Fanci called out to Spot and reached for him. Spot began to go after her but Race, Mush, and Timi stopped him. He looked on helplessly as the first girl he’d ever really loved was taken out of his life for the second time. After the door had slammed shut behind the officer, Spot and Jack whirled on their friends.

“Why’d ya hold me back? I thought ya liked Fanci! How could ya let her be taken by dat jerk?” raged Spot. He was running his hand through his hair over and over again with the other hand clenching and unclenching. Jack just paced, holding his bruised neck and nodding his agreement.

Mush held up his hands. “Spot, if we’d a let ya go you woulda been in da refuge bafore ya could say Snyder! Can ya tell me how ya coulda gotten Fanci back from in dere?”

Spot nodded his assent to his friend’s logic. Then his hands dropped limp to his sides and his shoulders slumped in a defeated manner. He sat down in a chair and put his head in his hands. “Well, now dat I ain’t got nuthin in my way, how’m I s’posed ta get her back?” asked Spot.

Timi smirked around at the guys. “I have a feeling that Fanci won’t need you to rescue her. Once she tells her father what Ethan tried to do, I doubt that he’d even think about allowing the wedding to continue.”

Mush grinned at her. “How did such a smart goil fall fer me?” he asked her, pulling her close.

She smiled back as she put her arms around his neck. “I guess it was a momentary lapse of judgement.” He began to lean in to kiss her but she pulled away. “Honey, as much as I would love to do that right now, our friend is in trouble and I think we need to be prepared for whatever is coming our way.”

*****

Fanci was forced to stop struggling as Ethan and his pet policeman marched her back to her father’s mansion. They reached the great front doors in record time. Ethan didn’t even bother knocking. He barged straight into the foyer without warning. Stanley Masters came rushing out of the parlor. He stopped short when he saw his daughter being held in place next to the man whom he had arranged for her to marry.

“What has happened? The pair of you went out after lunch and it is nearly dark. Rebecca, what are you

wearing?”

Fanci began to reply but Ethan twisted her wrist painfully. “My friend, we were resting in the park and a group of hoodlums attacked us and abducted her. It took me hours to finally find her. They had taken her new dress and hat and put her into these horrid rags. One of them attacked me,” he turned his face to show the bruise already beginning to appear on his cheek. “The police were contacted and this fine man has escorted us safely here.”

The officer removed his hat and nodded to Fanci’s father who dismissed him with a wave. “Rebecca, go upstairs and change into some appropriate clothes. Then come and see me in my study.” Stanley told his daughter.

Ethan stepped forward. “Stanley, I’m sure she is tired from her ordeal today. Why not let her rest for the evening and tell you tomorrow.”

This time, Fanci ignored the pain in her wrist. “No, father. I’m perfectly all right to talk to you tonight. I will be down in a few minutes to talk with you.”

She snatched her arm from Ethan’s grip, rubbing her wrist and walked calmly up the stairs to her room. Once she arrived, she picked out the most flattering dress that made her look as young as possible. She quickly put it on over her trousers and shirt. Then she went to her mirror to fix her hair. It was falling down her back in soft brown waves. She carefully pulled part of it over her shoulders to surround her face. A knock sounded at the door and she opened it, expecting her maid. Ethan grinned evilly as she gasped and tried to shut the door again. He put his foot in the doorframe, keeping it open. She let go and backed up into her room. Ethan slowly advanced toward her. He grabbed her by the back of her hair, twisting the locks around his fingers and pulling it painfully. He pulled her face close to his and began to whisper menacingly. “It doesn’t matter what you say to that man tonight. First of all, you are only a woman; and who believes the word of a woman? Second, your father needs me and he needs my money. So say what you want. Either way, I own you and your whole pitiful, sniveling family.”

Fanci reached up and dug her fingernails into Ethan’s fleshy wrist until he let go of her head. Then she drew on years of charm school for the purpose of intimidating servants. She was not a tall girl, she was actually rather short. However, the sudden self-assuredness of her mannerisms made her real stature quite meaningless. She seemed to tower over him. She slowly walked towards him, making him back up. “You have no idea how much power a woman can have over a man—especially her father. The woman is the real head of the household. You say you own my family? I have held my father in the palm of my hand since I knew how to make a request. You think you have won this game before it has started? You have no idea what it means to play chess with me.” His back suddenly slammed into the door. He gave her a curious look to cover up that she had actually frightened him. She gave him a sweet smile and went back to fixing her hair in the mirror. He looked at her again, still puzzled and then quickly exited her room.

Shortly she calmly and cheerfully headed to her father’s study. The door was cracked and she let herself in. Stanley looked up from his desk and motioned for her to sit as he came around the desk. “Ethan explained the whole thing to me while you were changing. I promise I will have those boys put away for a very long time.”

Fanci jumped out of her seat. “Father, no!” she cried.

He held up a hand to calm her. “I realize that you want to be merciful to them, you always were a kind girl but they don’t deserve it—not after what they did to you.”

“Daddy, Ethan’s lying to you,” she told him. Her voice was so calm and adult that it didn’t even occur to him to question or correct her. He sat down on his desk and nodded for her to continue. “Today he and I went for a walk after lunch. We sat down on a bench in the park and he attacked me. He tried to—to force me. I ran from him and I found one of the newsies with whom I had become a friend. He took me to a restaurant and I passed out. They took me to the lodging house and one of their girlfriends changed my clothes for me. I woke up and reconciled with Spot. We came downstairs and found Ethan. He called me a whore and Jack punched him. He tried to kill Jack but the owner of the house came in and called the police. Then he and the police officer took me away from my friends and brought me back here.”

“Who is Spot?” asked her father.

“Spot Conlon is a good, kind man who loves me and I love him—more than life itself. If you try to make me marry Ethan at this point I will run away to a place where I guarantee that you will never find me. I will leave New York and never return.”

“I believe you. I will contact the police immediately and have Ethan arrested. He’s already turned most of his assets over to me so I can pay off our debts. I will also sell the houses in Europe and perhaps we will move to a smaller place. Bring this Spot here tomorrow and I will see if I find him acceptable for my princess.”

Fanci smiled at him and kissed his cheek as she left the room. She passed her former fiancé on the stairs. “Checkmate, Ethan. I win,” she whispered just before Stanley Masters bellowed for him.

*****

Spot had just convinced his friends to come with him to take Fanci from her father’s house. The day was draining the last dregs of light from the setting sun as they exited the house and collided with Fanci. She looked to see who it was and then threw her arms around Spot. He wrapped his arms around her waist and squeezed her tightly. He closed his eyes and stroked her soft hair.

Race and Jack headed back inside were Race slapped his old deck of cards on the counter. Jack grinned and cut the deck. Mush and Timi continued to walk outside, holding hands. Spot and Fanci lost minimal contact to have enough mobility to walk inside where they sat down on the couch to simply hold each other and enjoy each other’s presence.

*****

Mush and Timi walked in happy silence, their love and joy draping over them like a velvet cloak. It seemed that all their friends were safe and sound and their life was finally beginning to make sense again after several weeks of confusion and sadness. As they passed a bench the lump of rags on it moved. A small face peeked out of them surrounded by scraggly red hair. It was a girl a few years younger than the pair.

She pointed at Mush as she sat up. “Hey, ain’t you a newsie?” at his nod she continued. “So, ya know Spot Conlon?” Mush nodded again. “Can ya take me to him? My name’s Amber.”

Timi came forward. “You’re Amber? Why aren’t you at the orphanage at this hour?”

She coughed for a few minutes before answering. “I was too sick ta get up dis mornin so I couldn’t get paid. Since I didn’t get paid I couldn’t pay fer me room tanight. She kicked me out.”

“How much is it for a night’s stay?” asked Timi.

“Fifty cents, why?” answered the orphan.

“Mush, give me your money from selling today. I have some money at the house. You can have some of that to buy tomorrow.” Mush handed over the pennies from his pocket and they found a new home in Timi’s. “Go back to the house and tell Spot Amber is very sick. I’m going to take her back to the orphanage for the night. She’s going back to Brooklyn with Spot tomorrow. Understand?” As a reply, Mush took off the way they had come. Timi helped Amber to get off the bench and supported the younger girl as they walked in the direction Amber indicated.

*****

Spot led the way to the orphanage near the Brooklyn Bridge. They got there and found Amber huddled on

the front stoop with Mush’s money lying next to her. Fanci had refused to leave Spot’s side so she helped him to carry his friend inside. They paid the cantankerous old owner for the night’s stay and left her there, promising to return for her the next day.

As they came out the door they met with a chaotic scene. Timi was cowering behind Mush as an older man with a knife. Fanci darted over and took her by the hand to be protected by herself and Spot. Mush found an opening and punched the man, causing him to drop his knife. Mush twisted the attacker’s arm behind him. “Awright, who are ya and why’d ya attack me goil?” he asked.

“I’m her father,” came the reply.

Mush pulled his captive’s arm higher behind his back, causing him to wince. “I really hope yer lying,” he whispered in the man’s ear.

Suddenly Mr. Collingsworth twisted out of Mush’s grip and lunged for his knife. Spot was quicker and grabbed the weapon first. Out of options, the desperate man lurched forward onto his knees. He crumpled into a heap as he realized that his daughter had found strength in her friends and the love they gave her. She was no longer a weak, mousy child. She was a capable young woman with pride and an open mind.

Timi walked to him, her face twisted into a mask of hate and disgust. “You are pathetic. I almost pity you.” She pulled her leg back to kick him in the ribs but he reached out and grabbed her other ankle while she was balanced on one foot. She wobbled and fell back onto her backside. He pushed himself to his feet and towered over her. Suddenly her friends were driven from her mind. She was back in their tiny hovel in her bedroom. She could almost hear her mother from behind him, begging him to leave Bridgett be.

“Mama isn’t here to stop me this time,” he told her triumphantly. He pulled her up by her hair and slapped her across her face, leaving a red handprint on her cheek. She screamed as he struck her. He pulled back for another blow but the whole group heard a shrill, metallic whistle. A policeman was running toward them blowing his whistle like a madman.

Mr. Collingsworth let his daughter go and started to stutter an explanatory lie but the officer held up a hand. “Don’t bother, sir. I saw the whole thing. You’re coming with me. Young lady, you and your family can go home. I can take it from here.”

‘My family,’ thought Timi as she rushed into Mush’s arms. ‘He’s right. This is my family.’

**EPILOGUE**

LIFE WENT ON AS NORMAL FOR THE NEWSIES OF NEW YORK CITY. AMBER WENT TO BROOKLYN TO LIVE WITH SPOT AND HIS GANG. SHE AND FANCI BECAME GOOD FRIENDS. AMBER MARRIED A FEW YEARS LATER AND HAD SEVERAL CHILDREN. FANCI AND SPOT WENT BACK TO THEIR OLD ROUTINE AFTER STANLEY MASTERS DEEMED HIM WORTHY OF HIS DAUGHER AND GAVE HIS BLESSING TO THEIR RELATIONSHIP. TIMI AND MUSH GREW TO LOVE AND TRUST ONE ANOTHER MORE IF THAT WAS POSSIBLE. TIMI’S GREAT AUNT DIED A FEW WEEKS LATER AND HER WILL DECLARED TIMI AS HEIRESS TO ALL ASSETS. TIMI TURNED HER GREAT AUNT’S HOUSE OVER TO HER NOW “WIDOWED” MOTHER AND CONTINUED TO LIVE IN THE MANHATTAN LODGING HOUSE WITH MUSH. SHE PUT ALL HER INHERITED MONEY IN THE BANK FOR FUTURE NEEDS—SUCH AS WEDDINGS. LIFE WAS GOOD.