From The Journals of Katherine Plumber

January 30th, 1900: Part II

(Am I making this chapters shorter for more suspense? Maybe. There will be one or two after this chapter then the next day... or a funeral. We don't really know yet.)

The next thing I knew, it was 8PM. One hour till the gala began. I haven't seen Jack all day, I'm am going to assume he was out selling. I do wish he was here right now. Ever since telling the girls, I am completely unsure about our engagement now. Yes, I feel comfortable accepting, but I dont feel comfortable about what Andrews may do if he finds out.

Tuesday, January 30th, 1900

Dear Journal,

Here I am. My 17th birthday. Where exactly is here? The basement of the Newsboy lodge, on me and Jack's bed, in my robe while my hair and makeup make me seem like a princess, and I'm surrounded by my closest friends. Except Jack. I know he's probably just out selling or hanging out with the fellas, but I cant help but worry about him. What if Andrews had found out our plan? What if he's hurt Jack? Or worse. I can't think of that, though. It's a distraction and when your life hangs in the balance, you have no time for distractions.

I do admit, the biggest distraction possible right now is the fact that I'm engaged. To Mr. Andrews...  And to Jack. He asked me this morning! I know neither of us are in our right minds since we're in panic of what may come tonight, but I do think Jack and I really want this. No. I know we do. We're in love and our love is what will help us out of this huge mess Andrews has put me in. Jack had said because we will be together, things will work out just like they have the past few months. I believe that.

I believe that things will be okay, that Jack and I can be together, that our lives will be everything we dream about. Things will get better, I know they will. They have to. I lost my grandfather, I lost my child, I can't lose the only man I can ever love.

The girls still think I'm crazy for accepting his proposal before getting rid of Andrews, but I don't care. My father will probably murder me if he knew, but once again, I don't care. I'm happy, that's what I care about.

"Jack, you're not aloud down here!"

Those words made my head shoot up from my Journal. All the giggling girls in their undergarments were struggling to get their gowns on, but the second Sarah saw Jack coming down and yelled at him, they were all struggling to get their robes on.

"It's my room!" Jack said.

"And it's full of girls." Sarah said.

"Dere is only one girl Ise care about." Jack smirked, limping over to me.

I smiled and blushed clawing across the bed so he didn't have to go far. I sat up on my knees as he leaned down and kissed me gently. The girls all made an annoyed or disgusted noise. I think at first, they thought me and Jack's relationship was cute, now they're just tired of it. Jack's hands found their way to my waist as he held me close and gently and slowly pulled away, "Hiya." I giggled softly.

"Hiya." He smirked, "Youse look like a princess."

"Thanks." I blushed.

"Jack, we're trying to get ready." Vanessa said.

"Can youse all give us a sec?" Jack asked, grabbing my hands.

"Jackson-"

"Brienna, girls. Please." I said.

They all sighed and tied their robes on before going upstairs. As soon as they were gone, Jack kissed me deeply once more, but it felt different. He was practically holding onto me for dear life. I slowly pulled away, but kept my face close to his, "Jack, are you okay?" I asked.