Out of Town: A Spot Conlon Story

XXVII

Obviously I am sad to leave Spot but I am also worried about what Medda is going to do. Of course I couldn't predict the weather, but I still feel bad for making her worry. Also the whole way back Jack is just going on and on about how Aunt Medda is going to be mad at me. Can he just shut up, for a second. The point is she isn't mad at me now, and I would like to enjoy that while I can. I can't even imagine Aunt Medda mad, she is always so proper and sweet. But something tells be she had a wicked side and I am about to get front row tickets to see it. Also I probably doesn't help that I adopted a cat without her knowing.
Walking though the front doors of the theater I see Aunt Medda and Haley practicing, but when she sees me relief washes over her, but is then replaced by a rage. This isn't going to be good.
"Where the hell were you, (Y/N) (Y/L/N)! I was worried sick, I'm going to have to put a leash on you" she sighs and then looks down slightly to see Stormy, "At least you brought back another roommate, who hopefully won't cause as much trouble as you." She picks up Stormy and starts to pet it.
"Its name is stormy. And I'm sorry for not coming back, it's just the rain" I say trying to explain myself.
She takes a sigh, "It didn't start raining until midday, you could of been back by then" she hollers at me. "You aren't allowed out of the house unless Jack accompanies you." This causes protest from bother me and Jack but she was not hearing it. Does that mean Jack is going to have to go on dates with me Spot. Gross.
"How long until I am off probation" I say looking at the ground not wanting to face her.
She thinks for a second, "until this Friday." Oh, that isn't that bad I still have some of the weekend to myself. "But no more staying in Brooklyn, youse hear me" Aunt Medda says sternly, "that Spot boy is a bad infuence, and he isn't welcome here either." This is awful.
"No, it isn't his fault. Can you give him another shot please" I am practically begging at this. Point.
"I said what I said, deary," he sighs then looks at Jack, "make sure every newsie knows to keep her in Manhattan, and out of Queens." This is going to be dreadful. What am I going to tell Spot, I can't just leave him. Even though we only getting to know each other now. I am not willing to give that up. Racetrack! He needs money, I could pay him off.
I go downstairs to meet Claire. She seems to already be in the know from all the yelling upstairs. "I need your help" I say to her. She gives me the look of, 'I know you do'. "How much money does Race need to pay those guys back"
She gives me a puzzling expression, "I haven't been talkin' ta Race" she lies. Even if I didn't see them making out in the alley I would of been able to tell she was lying anyway.
"I saw you in the alleyway the other day, you can tell me" I say. She lets out a sigh of relief.
"He owes them about ten dollars. I've been helping him out a little, bit but all of my wages go to helping my family." I have about twenty-five saved up somewhere, 10 is about a week's worth of wages for us so it isn't the hardest to pay off.
"I'll pay it, I just need him to let me into Brooklyn" I say. Her face is instantly filled with joy.
"I'll bring him down here so you'se can tell him the news." Claire immediately bolts out of the theater to go find Racetrack. After a bit they both come into my room.
"Claire says youse got a deal I can't deny" Race says sauntering over to me.
I take in a gulp, "I'll pay off the people you made mad. All of it" I say to him but his eyes simply squint at me.
"What's I'se got ta do for it"
"Jack is going to tell all the newsies tonight to not let me out of Manhattan ever. I need you to help me get over to Brooklyn from time to time."
He thinks for a second, "You're offer is temptin' but I am not sure if I'se can go against Kelly" but then he looks over at Claire, "but I'se gotta do it" he attempts a spit shake but I don't take it. Instead I just give him the ten dollars and he is off.
The next day rolls around and I am miserable, I have practice today with Freddy, he is starting to teach me a new routine. He likes choreographing my routines because they are more dance oriented because of my lack of audience skills. He gets a little carried away with all the tricks sometimes. But my ankle is feeling leads and bounds better than it was the last time I was learning choreography so it is going a lot smoother, even though the dance is more demanding. He is also basing the dance around the costume I already made, even though it isn't the flashiest of costumes. Right as I am about to do my backhand spring I notice the front door open, and I just knew it was Spot. Aunt Medda turns her hear around immediately screams at him to get out. He gives me this weird look, asking why he is being kicked out with his eyes. I want to go over and hug him so bad but I know Aunt Medda will have my head if I even think about going over there. But I do mouth to him I'll explain later, go though the back door. Before he leaves the theater. Luckily for him practice is almost over so he won't wait long.
After I get some final criticism for the first day I immediately walk down stairs into my room and lock the door. I see Stormy on Spot's lap sitting on my bed. Before I get changed into more casual clothing, I quickly explain to Spot the situation. He is obviously angry, like he is turning red.
"No one tells Spot what to do" he says to me, and he stands up. "I'm going to tell this Medda she needs to calm down." He is not going to do that, that will only make everything worse.
"Or we can wait until she realizes her mistake, she cannot hate you forever," I say, hoping to get though to him. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work.
"I do not like being told what to do. Expecially, if it is to stay away from you" and with that he marches up the stairs. This is going to end badly. I follow him up the stairs and watch what is going to unfold from afar.
"You'se can't stop me from seein' (Y/N), Medda. You can't do dar to us" Spot says. This appear to make Medda extremely angry.
"You're a bad influence on her. If I do not protect her I am not a good guardian" she says trying to maintain her cool. But based on how she is clenching her fist I can tell she is going to burst.
Spot sighs for a second, "I understand youse are mad at 'er, but ya can't stop her from growin' up" he says this seems to soften Medda's expression before returning to her previous state.
"I'se can stop her from makin' mistakes," she practically spits in his face. What has gotten into her, she is usually so sweet.
"You'se can't stop er', it's only goin' ta make do more mistakes, by stopin' her" Spot rebuttals to no avail.
"If you learned manner youse might be allowed to see her. Now scram" she says, pushing Spot out the door.
I don't think that could of gone any worse.