My Sweetheart -Newsies Racetrack Higgins-

[19]

A/N: I am so sorry for the lack of updates. I would like to take the time to remind everyone that mental/emotional health is just as important as physical. Remember to take a break, take a deep breath and relax. Thank you :)

Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough for Ruth. She spent most of her time laying in bed, staring at the ceiling in anticipation. Her head raced in her chest as she thought about the events to come.

Sometime during the night she must of passed out, because as the sun rose, she opened her eyes. She rushed around her room, gathering her dress and hurriedly put it on. She ran a brush through her hair, before pulling it up in a bun.

Her shoes clacked on the stairs as she hurried down the stairs, not even bothering to say goodbye to her parents.

Ruth scanned the crowd outside, finally finding her striped socked boy. "Race!" She waved, and he stood up from leaning on the building next to her apartment complex. He placed his arms on her waist and hugged her closely. Ruth could still smell the soap from the bath he must of took that morning.

"Hey," he whispered in her ear, snuggling his face in her hair. "You ready for today?"

Ruth stepped back, a gigantic smile spread across her face. "Of course!" She grabbed his hand and they headed towards their destination.

Coney Island was better than Ruth could ever of imagined. Hundreds of people milled about, the sounds of laughter and excitement filled her ears. The beach was filled with families and couples relaxing in the sand and splashing in the water. Screams were heard as the small wooden rollercoaster.

"Let's go check out the coaster," Race pulled Ruth toward the large wooden rollercoaster that was drawing in a large crowd.

Race and Ruth got in the queue, before quickly making it to the front of the line. "I've never been on a rollercoaster before.." Ruth stuttered, holding Race's hand tightly in hers.

He clutched her hand tightly back, nudging her slightly. "I'll be there for ya, Ruthie. It'll be fun." Ruth nodded as she breathed shakily. She stared ahead at the track, her body seeming to shake uncontrollably.

Suddenly, the operator motioned for them to step forward and get into the small wooden carts. Ruth got in first and Race slid in next to her. They buckled themselves in tightly, and waited for everyone else to do so as well.

After only a few moments, the ride lurched forward, and the small carts sped down the track. The clicking of the wheels and the smell of the salty air sent Ruth into overdrive. She clutched Race's left arm with her hands, burying her face into his shoulder so only her eyes peaked out.

"Nervous?" He asked, pretending he wasn't just as terrified as he saw the large slope up ahead.

She nodded, holding on tighter.

He small train curved over the loop and barreled down the track.

Ruth and Race screamed at first, but as soon as their adrenaline started to run, it slowly turned into laughter. The carts bounced up and down as they maneuvered their way down the track.

The ride went by quickly. Almost too quickly for both of them. Race helped Ruth out of the cart, holding her hand as she shakily walked away from the ride.

"That was amazing!" Ruth gushed, immediately growing fond of roller coasters. Race loved when she smiled like that. In his mind, she could make anything better by just smiling.

Race stuck his hand in his pocket and pulled out a few cents. "Wanna go get something to eat?" Race asked, pulling her towards a hot dog cart.

The pair bought a hot dog to share and sat on a bench overlooking the beach and ocean.

"Thank you, Race." Ruth smiled, putting her head on his shoulder. They watched the sun slowly set behind the ocean.

It was that moment, that Coney Island became a special spot for the both of them for years to come.

A/N: please read the note before the chapter! Thanks!