The Boy Who Smelt Like Cigars

Chapter 5- A Keeper

POV Jack

Tonight before Medda's show, me and Race decide it would be nice of us to invite da new Newsie Bridge to come with us. Ya know, like you're one of us now type of thing. 

I's also figured it would be good because Spot is makin' an appearance tonight. I's figured I's should introduce da two of 'em.

I walk into da theater and head straight towards him. Da guys got eyes like a hawk so of course, he quickly realizes there is a newcomer.

Now, I've known Spot for a long time. It's not dat he don't like newcomers- he does. It's dat he likes to be da foirst ta know when somethin is new. Make sense?

Since he's gotta keep up his reputation, he's gotta be aware as much as he can.

"What's goin' on Spot?" I say reachin' out my hand. 

He shakes it and we pat each other on da back.

Spot whispers, "Who's dis goirl, Jackie boy?"

I's look over at Bridge who's standin with Mush and Skittery. And she's holdin' Races hand. 

I smirk. So she likes him back.

"Dat's Bridge. Our newest Newsie. She's pretty cool. I's say we saved her. Blink bringed 'er ta da lodge today not in da best condition. Guessin' she had a hard time before comin' ta Manhattan." I explain.

"Listen Jack, I'm sure yous all like her because yous think she's hot and all, but she's a goirl!" Spot protests. 

So dats what dis is gonna be about. I roll me eyes.

"Spot, just go and talk ta 'er. She has da poisenality ta be one of da guys. I's sure if ya talked ta 'er ya would get over da fact dat she's a goirl. It won't hurt business... In fact, I's think it might help it." 

I's really want Spot's approval of dis. Even though he ain't a Manhattan newsie, his opinion still matters ta me.

"Easy there Cowboy, let's not get too ahead of ourselves here. I'll talk ta 'er. But next time yous take someone in, especially a goirl- I's wanna know." Spot instructs. 

His face ain't as scrunched and serious anymore. It looks like we are gonna keep er. I smile.

"So... a... be honest with me. Are yous tryin' to tap dat?" Spot asks half joking half serious.

I laugh. 

"Is dat all ya think about Spot? No, course not. It seems like Race's really into 'er anyway." I say lookin back in their direction.

Race looks really happy. I's ain't seen him look at goirl like dat in a while. 

Yeah, we alls look at pretty goirls but dats not what Race is only lookin' at. Yous can tell he feels a connection or somethin sappy like dat.

Spot nods. He respects Race a lot. 

He's known him almost as long as me. He thinks he's a smart kid and a great gambler which I agree with. I's think theys even snuck into a Sheepshead race together.

And with me tellin Spot dat last bit about Race bein into her, I think it's safe to say dat we's keepin er.