Newsies One Shots and Preferences

Thunderstorms

Word Count: 1084

I owe a lot to the bakery, not only does it help me put food on the table, it introduced me to Albert DaSilva. In the beginning, he was just the cocky newsboy on the street corner, always teasing me as I walked by. However, as time went on he became a part of my life that I cannot see myself living without. Against his protest, I would always bring him the stale pastries that we could not sell anymore. The look on his face every time I give him a fresh loaf of bread makes it worth the reprimand I will get afterward. 

Albert has introduced me to so many new people and genuinely makes my life interesting. Just because we do not have a lot of money to spend, does not mean our dates are any less fun. From a walk-in central park or sneaking into a picture show we always have a good time. Even though our date nights are pleasant I always prefer our daily traditions, like him always visiting me when he takes his lunch break. No matter how many times I tell him not to he will sit on the counter and talk to me like that, it is like Albert does not even know what a chair is. As much as I love talking to him, nothing compares to the looks we steal from each other through the large window at the front of the shop. He moved street corners just so we could look at each other throughout the day. That is my favorite thing about us, even though we are not talking, we can always silently communicate. 

Today is like every other beautiful day, except the sky is filled with dark clouds. Even such that does not shake the bright demeanor of Albert, he is enthusiastically selling his papers, as I watch him through the window. Business is slow today so I can devote my time to just watching Albert scream a made-up headline. He is swinging around a lamp post as I see the first raindrop hit the ginormous window. At first, I don't think much of it, but as more and more hit the window at a rapid rate I begin to think about Albert. He is going to catch a cold if he stays out there in this weather. 

Seeing that the street is rather empty I leave the store and venture across the street. Albert sees me approaching and I can already see his rebuttal in his eyes, but I still persist. The rain is only getting heavier and I can already tell that I am going to be drenched if I do not go back into the bakery soon. That being said, I have also decided I am not going back in unless Albert is to follow me. 

Once I make it to Albert I give him a quick peck on the cheek before talking, "Why don't you come inside until the rain slows down". I look up at him with a stern but hopefully eyes, but the look I receive back lets me know that I am up for a debate. 

He takes a deep breath and looks down at me, "I'll be okay, the quicker I sell my papers the quicker we get to go on our date," he gives me a grin before continuing, "go back inside before you catch a cold". 

I look down briefly and shake my head at my shoes. When I look up at Albert I can see a small frown on his face, he is also giving me puppy-dog eyes begging me to go back inside. However I resist his silent plea and begin to refute him again, "You'll get a cold too! I am not going back in until give in". The rain begins to hit harder as it becomes more violent, my hair is drenched, and I can start to feel my shoes fill up with water. Never the less, I am not going inside without Albert.

Albert opens his mouth to say something but a crack of thunder echos throughout the New York City streets. As soon as I hear the thunder I wrap my arms around his waist, burying my face in his shoulder. His arm wraps around me pulling me closer to his soaked body. I cannot tell if I am shaking because of the chills, or if my fear of thunderstorms is making me shake. Either way, I feel like I am going to cry, and I want to run away but at the same time, I am stagnant, afraid to move. 

Albert must have picked up on this as I suddenly feel my feet leave the ground and his arms under me, carrying me back to the bakery. In my ear, I hear him whisper, "You are going to be okay. I'll stay with you". My eyes are violently closed as I let out a silent cry. 

Not soon afterward I hear a familiar bell and the rain muffled. Albert carries me behind the counter before leaning me against it and sitting next to me. Another wave of thunder vibrates the floor, again causing me to jump a little. A few quiet sobs leave my mouth as Albert attempts to calm me down, combing his fingers through my hair, and leaving little kisses atop my head.

As I begin to calm down the loudest struck of thunder startles me causing me to sob into Albert's shoulder. My body is shaking with fear while Albert begins to hum an unknown tune. My eyes ease open as I look up at Albert who is grinning but his eyes scream concern. As I stare into his eyes I can feel my body let go of its pressure.

Another whip of thunder takes over the room as I shut my quickly and slouch down. I feel Albert lay down pulling me with him as he holds me close. My head resting on his chest as he combs my hair slowly calming me down.

When another crack of thunder occurs, before I can ever react, Albert is already shushing me. "You will be okay, just listen to my heartbeat and it will be over before you know it," Albert calms me down, his voice soothing me. I eventually find his heartbeat and it is moving faster but the steadiness calms me down. The next time it thunders it is less profound. Albert still cradles me until it stops raining.

Where would I be without him?