to kiss a girl..

5. the story of us

☆ Ophelia ☆

I wasn't out for long. My eyes flutter open and I realize I'm on the ground. I look up and see Race, his wet eyes met mine.

"Ophelia." he sighed with relief. "I was so worried about you." 

"I'm sorry." I look down. I didn't want him to be worried about me.

"Hey," He lifts my chin, guiding my eyes towards his. "Look at me." He says sincerely. "Do not apologize, you did absolutely nothing wrong. I'm just so glad you're okay." His gaze softens but never leaves mine. I don't respond and before I know it tears start streaming down my face. Races expression shifts to panic, he sits me up a little and wipes my tears. He doesn't say anything, he just lets me cry. Some tears start welling up in his eyes, but he pushes them back hoping I won't notice. "Hey," He says softly, "Do you want to explain what's happening?" 

I take a deep breath. "I-I don't know." I start crying even harder. "I just can't seem to stop." I start to hyperventilate. My vision starts to go blurry again. "Race?" "Race!"

"I'm here, I'm here. Ophelia, I need you to stay calm. I know you're scared, but you can't freak yourself out more." He says. I can hear the reassurance in his voice, it's helping. "Do you want to go back to the lodging house?"

"Yeah," I say, my voice trembling. "I don't think I can walk." The thought makes me cry harder, my breath is rapid. 

"Hey, you're okay. I can carry you." He responds, calmly. I nod and he picks me up as he continues walking the short distance to the lodging house. As we arrive I finally calm down. He opens the door and avoids all the questions from the other newsies. He gently places me down on my bed and sits beside me. "Now, can we talk?" He whispers.

"Yeah, we can." I take a deep breath. "I'm going to assume your first question is why I faint-"

"How long has it been since you've eaten?" He interrupts.

"Umm, excuse me?" I say, startled.

"How long has it been since you've eaten anything, Ophelia?" He repeats. I stay silent, refusing to answer. "Ophelia I'm serious. How long?" He asks again. The tone in his voice surprises me, I've never heard him be so stern.

"Like a few days at least," I whisper. His face shifts and his eyes look confused and concerned.

"Is that why you fainted? You're hungry, aren't you?" He says quietly.

"I've gotten used to it, I guess." I sigh. He pulls me into a tight hug which I melt into almost immediately. I guess you never realize how much you need something until you get it. I try not to cry again. I've never been this emotional, but maybe I'm just tired. He hugs me for a long time, not saying a word. "Race?" I finally speak up.

"Yeah?" He muffled through my clothes. 

"Thank you. For everything," I feel his smile grow. He lets go and locks our eyes. 

"Nobody deserves what you've been through. Even if I don't know the full story, what I've seen and what I've heard, nobody deserves it. Especially you." He says. I smile, especially me?  "Now can I get you some food? Nothing too heavy but just something?"

"I'd like that," I respond softly. He helps me up as we walk towards the nearest (and cheapest) diner. It was small but cozy and smelled of fried food and smoke. We sat down at a corner table as a waiter greeted us. I ordered something small since I didn't want to upset my stomach too much. Race decided to strike up some conversation as we waited for our meals.

"So, how you liking Manhattan so far?" He starts. 

"Umm, yeah I guess it's nice." I play with my hands. Please don't ask any questions. I think to myself. "It's better when I have a place to stay."

"I'm just glad I found you, I couldn't imagine being out there by myself. You're very strong, Ophelia." His voice changes to be more sincere. 

"I try my best, I look stronger than I actually am. But thank you , Race." I smile at him. A few moments pass in a comfortable silence.

"Okay, this might be too personal and you might hate me but can I just ask you something?" He asks quickly. I nod. "How did you end up here? Based on the dress I found you in I can assume, you come from a nice home. What happened?" I don't respond, I can't think. I don't know what to tell him. "Ophelia? You okay?" He whispers

"Oh yeah, I'm fine. Um, I just don't know what to say. I'm sorry." I respond and look down. "What about this? You tell me your story, I tell you mine." I suggest.

"Okay, Let's do that. I guess I'll start." Race says. He tells me everything, about his childhood, about his mothers passing, and his drunk father. I listen to every bit. "And now I'm here, just trying to make some money to get a place of my own someday. But a guy can dream. Selling papers on the street won't get anyone anywhere." He turns to look out the window and I grab his hand.

"I am going to help you Race. I mean if you want me too." I smile. He chuckles and our food arrives. I take a deep breath.

"Take it slow, Ophelia. One bite at a time." He looks at me with confidence. I take a bite and feel instantly better. He smiles at me while we eat, not saying a word.

After we finish and Race pays I say, "Well, should we get back to the lodging house?"

"Yes, we definitely should, you need some rest, doll." I smile.