brooklyn nights

chapter two

The introduction;

Joan POV

It was like always, an overwhelming feeling to see everyone sitting on the edge of their seats to catch a glimpse of Medda. Blink just came back with a glass of whiskey for me which he placed in front of me on the table. "Thanks." I sent him a smile which he returned by sitting on the seat next to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. "Yous lot think she's gonna wear dat beautiful pink dress of hers?" Mush was nearly drooling over the thought of her in the pink silk dress. I laughed at his reaction and leaned back, noticing Blinks arm on the back of my chair. I took a sip of my drink, coughing a little but enjoying the burning sensation of the liquor in my throat. "Ya know.." I felt the hot breath of Blink on my neck. "I's was startin' ta wonder where me shirt went." I had a small smirk on my lips while taking another sip. After that I turned my face a little to look at the boy next to me. "Oh yeah? Tell me 'bout da thief." He started laughing and threw his head in his neck. With his left hand, he softly pulled on my hair which earned him a slap against his chest.

"Oy! Brooklyn's here."

The whole table; Jack, Mush, Blink, Crutchy, Race, Davey and myself turned towards the door. A dirty blond-haired boy walked in front of a huge group of boys. He had a smirk plastered across his face. A cone was hanging from his belt. On the other side was a slingshot. "How old's that kid, 9?" I leaned back to Blink, waiting for an answer. "Yous don't know who he is?" And with that, I turned around to face Blink. His eye was still focused on the group which just entered the building. "Should I?" Race gave me a laugh and clapped my back. "Dats Spot Conlon. He's the leader of da Brooklyn Newsies." I nodded and turned my attention back to the newcomers. Spot Conlon's eyes started scanning the whole room, till they landed on Race, whom waved him over to our table. My first reaction was to down my drink, which I did. The Brooklyn guy stopped in front of Race, who was already standing. Both of them spat into their hands, shaking them. I never understood that. Not that I find it disgusting, but why spit in your hands before shaking them. Race went to the table next to ours and took a chair for the new guest. With a nod, Spot thanked the smaller boy and sat down. Seconds later, a small blond boy came running with a bottle of beer in his hand, handing it to Conlon. He nodded again and started drinking. His focused laid on the stage, probably waiting for Medda to start her performance. "I's gettin' anotha drink. You need anythin'?" I stood up and leaned over the table to get everyone's attention. This was the first time, Spot Conlon looked at me. His eyes scanned over my body. I was expecting him to stop at my chest area, but he looked me straight into the eyes. I heard a couple of no's. Just Spot kept quiet. Not knowing what to do I turned around, leaving the group behind. What did just happen?

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I walked up to the bar and ordered another glass of whiskey. Placing a nickel on the counter. As soon as I had the glass in my hand, I turned around leaning against the counter. My focus was on the table with my friends and Spot at it. They were talking, Spot sitting and observing. As if he knew I was watching, his eyes went directly to me. I downed the drink, not breaking the eye contact. He still had the same, not interested expression on his face. It made me feel uncomfortable. I couldn't put an emotion behind his expression, which made me want to know more about him. But at the same time, I got annoyed by him.

"excuse me? 'notha one."

And I placed another nickel on the counter. This time I decided to go back. I pressed myself passed some chairs, said Hi to some of the newsies, till I reached the table. My walk was already a little wobbly. I sat down on my chair and not much later I felt it being pulled to the right side. "Heya." I heard a quiet, dark voice. I turned around and saw Blink smiling at me. "How may I help you?" I could smell the alcohol exiting his mouth. It hit me right in the face but then I realized that I won't smell much better. Blinks arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me from my chair onto his lap. I placed my right arm around his neck, whilst turning back around to listen to the conversation the boys were having. With his long fingers, Blink stroke over my hip whilst placing his head onto my shoulder. I could feel a pair of eyes burning into my skin but decided to completely ignore it. Suddenly, I heard the boys cheering. The lights went out and the one and only Medda started her show. After listening to some songs I finally recognized one I liked;