to kiss a girl..

2: and then we meet, who knows why

☆ Ophelia ☆

I don't know how long it's been. I've stopped trying to count the days. All I know is the sun rises and the sun sets. It feels like it's been years. I haven't stopped thinking about that dinner. The memory of Henry flashes in my brain no matter where I sleep, and believe me it's been all around. My wrists have permanent scars, and so does my mind. I've gotten threatened and hit on more than I ever could've imagined since I left. It's hard to avoid it when I'm walking from city to city every day.

As I continue walking, I end up in Manhattan on the darkest night. The moon was hiding behind the tall buildings and the stars were sad and dull. Taking in my surroundings, I see no one else. it must be very late, I think to myself. That is until I suddenly come to a stop.

"Hey!" He puts his hand up, signaling me to stop, "What's a girl like you doing out this late?" A boy, who didn't look older than 16, stood in front of me. His blond, curly hair stuck out of a titled hat. His bright blue eyes met mine. When he spoke, his voice was rough, but kind. He sounded concerned, but I didn't respond. I'm really trying to not get killed tonight.

"Cat got your tongue?" He laughs.

"Please go, I'm not in the habit of speaking to strangers," I reply softly. He has this look in his eye, I can tell he's thinking.

"Hmm well, what is your name?" He finally says.

"Ophelia. Ophelia Fox." I reply dryly.

"Well, I'm Race! See, now we're not strangers." He smiles. His smile is like seeing a rainbow after a rough storm or seeing flowers bloom after a long winter.

"Race?" I asked.

"I'm a newsie, that's what they call me around here." He clarifies. "Say Ophelia, what are you doing out here?" he says continuing the conversation.

"Just walking." I sigh.

"Anywhere in particular?"

"Nope, just walking." I shrug.

"Oh." He goes silent, and we stand there for what feels like forever. "Hey, um, how about I get you home?" My eyes immediately filled with tears. "I don't want you being out here all by your-"

"I can't. "I mumble, cutting him off.

"You can't" He shakes his head and faces me with a confused expression. "Look, it's late. We should really get you home."

☆ Race ☆

"I can't," She cried. Her quiet, soft voice turned loud. Her green eyes glistened with tears. I'm taken aback, flashbacks run through my mind in a blink. I push down the tears I feel welling up. She puts her head down, her strawberry blond hair still flowing in the wind.

"Woah doll, It's quite alright. No need to raise your voice. I just don't want anything to happen to you. Now is there anywhere you can go?" I ask, gently. She shakes her head and I see tears fall on her cheek. "Hey, hey it's okay." It takes everything in me to hold back my tears. She turns to walk away. Out of instinct, I grab her shoulder lightly. She flinches. "Sorry, um, I'm just really worried about you. Please just stay with me and the fellas. We won't hurt you, I promise."

She turns back around, smiles slightly, and says, "As long as I get a bed."

"Anything for you, M'lady." I laugh. I put out my hand and she took it. We walk through the streets of Manhattan in comfortable silence. I lead her to the lodging house. She looks down the whole time. I start to notice all the dirt and marks covering her body, the tears in her blue dress, and the knots and tangles in her hair. I start wondering how long she's been "Just walking" for. It could've been days, weeks, or even months. "So how did you end up here, in Manhattan I mean?"

"I don't know, I guess it's where the trail took me." She looks up. Her tired eyes meet mine.

"Oh. Well, I know this place like the back of my hand so if you ever need a little tour guide, I'm your guy!" I laugh. A small smile appears on her lips. we walk slower, our eyes still connected, not saying a word.

"Thank you." She says, suddenly breaking the silence. "For all of this."

"It's no problem, I'm sure anyone would be willing to help you," I answer.

"You would think that, but everyone I've passed by doesn't bat an eye." She says. "No matter what condition I'm in," she points out her dress.

"Well, I'm glad I stepped in then. You've probably been through hell." I say, completely serious.

"Ah, it's fine. Nobody wants to hear my little sob story." She ends the conversation just as we get to the steps of the lodging house. I open the door to newsies playing cards, sleeping, and fighting. Nothing too unusual.

"Woah," Albert says as I shut the door. "Um, Race.. Who is this?"

"This is Ophelia, Ophelia this is Albert. I found her by herself on the street and thought it would be okay if she stayed here. You know, until she can get back on her feet." I responded.

"Well, welcome Ophelia!" He quickly introduces everyone to her.

I turn to her, "Are you tired?" I say softly. She nods. "Let's get you some new clothes and a shower."

"That sounds great." She says. She gets herself all cleaned up. I found her some basic newsie clothes.

"Are these okay? I know it's not very 'girl in 1899' but it's all we got." I ask.

"They're perfect. Thank you, again." She says softly.

"Here, you can take my bed for the night. Let me fix it up for you." She nods in response. I straighten out the pillows and the blankets. I grab the pack of unopened cigars from under the bed. "All yours," I say as I lead her to the bed.

"Goodnight Race." She whispers. Her eyes flutter shut as I share her response.

I turn to go back to the newsies. "Make sure to try and be a little more quiet tonight, fellas. She looks like she needs rest." They all nod in response. The night drags on until everyone heads to bed. I sleep on an open bed close to the window. My nightmares are the same, I wake up in tears and have to stop myself from screaming. My breathing gets heavy as I scan the room. A look of fear plastered on my face. 

"Race, you okay?" Albert asks sleepily. He always knows when I have a rough night.

"Yeah, I just need to breathe," I whisper back, out of breath.

"Try to get some sleep, okay?" His voice starts to fade as he drifts back to sleep.