Princess of Brooklyn

Chapter 3

*Ace's POV

Cricket and Nikki look great. Especially Nikki. I've always had feelins' for her and have tried many lame attempts to get her to be my girl. Either she doesn't feel the same way or I'm not being clear enough. If only I knew how she felt...

*Nikki's POV

Ace, Cricket, and me made over way towards Butchy's, silently. Nobody talked so far. I decided to break the silence.

"So, ya guys think ya gonna win tonight?" I asked.

Cricket told me that she was just watchin' and Ace shrugged.

"I'm feelin' lucky, Princess." He winked.

I smiled and realized that we had finally made it to Butchy's. We knocked on the door and Butchy answered.
"Hiya guys! Come on in!" He opened the door wider so we could enter.

Ace nodded and immediately sat down at the table. Cricket and I sat down in the sofa next to some of the other girls. We all greeted each other and Cricket began to talk to me about Ace.

"So, do ya think he likes ya?" She elbowed me.

"Honestly, I got no clue. And I'm not gonna say nothin' until he says somethin'.'' I sat up.

"Oh... well, actually, I think he likes ya." She continued, "For example, when he gave you that rose on Valentine's day few years ago."

I laughed,"He stole it from Mrs. Finch's garden and he gave one to you, too."

"Yeah, but at least yours was alive!" We both giggled.

Then, I heard someone call my name. I looked over and saw Ace, motioning for me to come over. I smiled at Cricket and sat next to him.

"Hey." I said quietly.

"Hi!" Some of the newsboys replied.

We began to play poker, and I was winning! Everyone was cheering me on. Finally, we finished the game and I won! I got 2 cents and a cigarette!

After we hung around for a bit, Cricket and I decided to go home.

"I'll walk ya home." Ace offered.

Once Cricket got home, Ace and I continued to walk. I decided to have my cigarette. Luckily, Ace had a match handy with him. I shivered and puffed a cloud of smoke. Ace put his arm 'round my shoulder and rubbed my arm, trying to keep me warm.

Was he flirting with me or just bein' nice? No way he flirtin'! He just trying to keep me warm! I thought.

I puffed again and offered him the cigarette. He gladly took it and inhaled it.

"So, uh, did ya have fun?" He asked.

I nodded,"Yeah. You?"

He smiled, "Mm hm."

We walked up the first floor, then the second, and finally the third. We were right in front of my door. Ace tried to give my cigarette back, but I told him to keep it.

I leaned up against the brick wall and Ace leaned in towards me. I didn't move, I was so scared. After all, I was only 13! I didn't know how to kiss someone! I didn't even think Ace would try to kiss me. It was surprisin'.

Just then, papa opened the door. Ace and I jumped.

"Nikki, come on inside." He snapped.

"Yes, papa." I discretely waved bye to Ace.

"Goodnight, sir." Ace said nervously. Papa nodded and closed the door.

"Hi mama." I smiled. She was folding clothes.

"Hey baby. How was poker?" She asked.

"Great! I won, got 2 cents!" I beamed.

"Yeah, and almost got kissed." Papa crossed his arms.

"I didn't to anything... It was all him." I shoved my hands in my jacket pockets.

"Was it Ace? He's such a sweet boy!" Mama smiled at me. I nodded.

Papa cleared his throat. We both looked at him.

"Nikki- I think you're too young to be kissin' boys." Papa sat next to mama.

"Spot! It's her first crush! Take it easy, okay?" Mama glared into his eyes.

"Papa! I'm almost 14! That means, in 2 years, I'll be able to get married. Come on! Please? I think I really like 'em." I pleaded.

He looked at me, then mama, and then me again.
"Fine! But if he hurts ya, I'll soak 'em! Are we clear?" He grunted.

"Yes papa! Thanks!" I hugged papa tightly, then mama. "Night, love ya!"

I went into my room, changed, and went straight to bed.