Brooklyn Baby | Spot Conlon ¹

Chp. 28: Leaving

I woke up the next morning, oblivious to my life at the moment. Then, realization hit me like a train. I was no longer with Spot. I cheated on him, and he hated me now. My pillow was still damp from tear stains, and I was the only one in the bunks.

Jackie tried to figure out what was wrong with me last night, but I never said anything. I haven't talked to anyone yet, and didn't really plan on it. I only wanted to stay in bed and just cry. I knew I wouldn't be allowed to.

"Kenny, talk to me," Race pleaded while we ate lunch. I just stared at the table we had all sat at when we saw ourselves in the pape so long ago. I remembered talking to Spot, drinking root beer. I glanced at the root beer Race was currently drinking.

"I.."

"You what?"

"I cheated.." I whispered.

"What?"

"I cheated on Spot, okay?"

Race just looked at me with wide eyes.

"Ya cheated on him? Wit who?"

"Skiddy kissed me....and I kissed back," I said, the tears starting to come back. "Hack saw us, and t-told Spot,"

Race was silent. I wiped my eyes, and just stared at the table.

"Have ya talked to Skiddy?"

"No.."

"You should,"

Later that day, I went to Harlem to see Skiddy.

"About what happened," He said. "I still have feelings for ya,"

"I love Spot," I say.

"No ya don't, or ya wouldn't have kissed me,"

"I just.."

"Ya just what?"

I left Skiddy without answering him. I need time to think. I need to be alone, without people questioning me. Jack doesn't even know yet, and he won't stop until he does. So, I've decided to take a break.

I sat on the rooftop of Tibby's. It overlooked the harbor, and the moonlit water. I hugged my knees to my chest, thinking of everything that happened over the course of two days.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" I heard.

"What are you doing here?" I turn.

"Tryin' ta find you. Jack told me you'd be up here,"

"Why's ya tryin' ta find me, Bucky?"

"I don't hate you, ya know." He says, sitting down next to me. "The otha newsies might, but I don't,"

"Why?"

"Ya made a mistake, I can't blame ya for that."

"Thanks, I guess," I say, running a hand through my hair.

"I just need ta get out of here,"

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