“I heard whatcha said, an’ saw that look on yer face.”
“What look?”
“A look that I ain’t nevah seen on ya.” He leaned forward. “Yer thinkin’ of askin’ Indigo t’ be Sweetie’s mommy, ain’tcha?”
“She jus’ seems t’ have this emotional attachment t’ Sweetie.”
“An’ yer in love wit ‘er.”
His head shot up. “I never said that.”
“Ya don’t hafta. It’s-”
“-All over my face. Yeah, I know. Ya know me too well.”
“That I do. Wanna know my opinion?”
“Sure, why not.”
“I think ya oughta go for it.”
An expression of shock surfaced. “Ya do? I thought you was gonna say ya thought it stunk.”
“What? No! Looks like you don’t know me as well as I know you.”
“I never was good at figurin’ people out. Even after years. I never figured my mama out.”
“That’s yer problem. Ya try too hard on women. Us guys ‘r’ harder targets since most of us don’t show what we’re really feelin’.”
“Won’t argue there.”
“So what’s yer plan on Indigo? Ya gonna ask ‘er t’ be Sweetie’s mommy?”
He grinned and nodded. “Yeah. I feel confident about it.”
“When ya gonna do it?”
“Afta th’ wedding. She’ll be in a good mood by then.”
“Good mood? Whaddaya mean by that?”
“I mean…actually, I dunno. At weddin’s, ladies seem t’ be in real romantic moods afterward.”
“Is that all?”
“Not exactly. Jus’ somethin’ in my gut…tells me t’ wait till afta th’ wedding. Dunno why, but I think that’ll be th’ best time.”
* * *
Quicker than Mush had ever expected, the wedding day finally arrived. This particular morning, Bumlets, Dutchy and Pie Eater made sure Specs bought his newspapers and went to sell them before Seven, Palomino and Firecracker brought Twilight to buy hers as well. Lady Luck had mentioned the night before that it was bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding took place.
This was a Friday, a day for Mush to sell newspapers. He was thankful, for if he had been scheduled to work that day, he would miss the wedding. He gathered Samantha and fifty pennies, then joined the newsies on the way to the distribution yard.
He caught fleeting glances at Indigo, seeing that she was mingling with the newsgirls. Lately, he had heard, she had been more sociable and had been selling newspapers with other newsies. Today she was set to be selling with Jack and Mix. Mush smiled, glad to see that she was happy.
Mimic was waiting at the gates once they arrived, and next to her was Spot. As expected, Blink and Lightning sped up to meet their loved ones and greet them good morning. Jack was next in welcoming Spot, for it was rare that he came to Manhattan so early. They spit-shook once he reached him.
“So, what’s th’ scoop?” he wondered.
“Jus’ wonderin’ what time th’ weddin’ was gonna be.” Spot requested. “One ‘f my goons misplaced th’ invitation.”
“It’s at three, th’ Baptist church three blocks from ‘ere.”
“Alright. I also wanted t’ see th’ bride since ‘er groom’s been ‘ere already.”
Harlaquinne shoved Twilight forward. She blushed slightly; it added to the rosy glow that had shone in her face since she had announced her engagement.
“Hey Spot.” She said. “What’s up?”
“Jus’ wantcha t’ know that I think Specs is a real lucky man.” he took her hand and kissed it. “You make that man ‘f yours happy.”
She pressed her lips together. “Thanks. But why did you want to tell me now? You could’ve told me at the wedding.”
“I know, but everybody’d be around ya tellin’ ya stuff. I wanted t’ tell ya now.”
“Alright. Thanks again.”
She was then ushered to the front of the line to buy her papers first. As Mush followed, he heard Jack speaking with Spot before he left.
“Yer completely over ya crush on ‘er, right?” he interrogated with hints of sarcasm and seriousness.
Spot laughed aloud. “‘Course I am! It was way over right when I met Lightning.”
Mush could feel a wide smile spreading across his face. So many couples, each of them so happy together. One of them would be making a commitment to last forever this afternoon. Although it was jovial, Mush felt a little excluded. He had a girl, but a baby girl. He not only wanted, but needed one his age to help him love and raise little Samantha.
The line moved swiftly, and though Mush was near the back of the line, he was near the front in no time at all. He ordered his usual hundred papers, then walked down the platform. His arms were full with his newspapers and Samantha, so he recruited Race and Bunny to read the headlines for him.
“Listen t’ this.” Race addressed. “‘Second honeymoon begins tragically.’”
“Sounds like a good headline.” Mush shifted Samantha. “What’s th’ scoop?”
“Says this guy Cleet Rochester an’ ‘is wife Janette, a hoity-toity couple married for a year, was on their way to their second honeymoon when their carriage caught on th’ railroad tracks while they’s sleepin’, an’ th’ driver was so preoccupied wit freein’ th’ horses by th’ time th’ train came, it was too late. It hit th’ carriage an’ they was both killed.”
“Man. Talk about yer bad luck.”
“That’s a terrible headline, Race.” Bunny protested. “Couldn’t we use a different one? I don’t wanna use that one.”
“Alright, alright.” Race muttered. “How ‘bout th’ two brothers killed in a bar fight?”
“No headlines about killing! Especially not for today.”
“She’s got a point, Race.” Mush supported. “It’s a weddin’ day, you guys shouldn’t be shoutin’ headlines like that.”
Race shrugged. “Fine. I’ll fine some sweet, romantic one for ya, Bunny.”
“Thank you, Race.” She said pleasantly and kissed his cheek.
Mush chuckled to himself and sought out Indigo. He found her, but something about her had changed. The festive glow to her face had now turned pale and devastated. What was wrong with her?
“Indigo?” Mush wondered. “You okay?”
“No, not really.” She replied quickly.
“Wanna talk ‘bout it?”
She shook her head vigorously. “No, no I can’t. Look, just leave me alone.”
He raised a confused eyebrow. “Indigo, please-”
“No!”
She fled from the yard, and a few newsies called after her. She did not stop nor slowed, but rather sped up and disappeared. Mush frowned, perplexed at her sudden outburst. He exchanged baffled glanced with Blink before joining him and Mimic.
“What got into her?” Mimic questioned.
“Don’t got a clue. I hope she’s okay.”
* * *
It was nearly twelve thirty when Mush had not only finished selling his papers, but eating lunch as well. He left for the lodging house afterward to clean up and change into nicer clothing. Once he arrived, he went to the girls’ bunkroom first to see if Indigo was there. Instead, he found Luna and Rio.
“Have any of ya guys seen Indigo?” he wondered.
“No.” Rio replied. “No one’s seen her since she took off this morning.”
“I was afraid ‘f that.”
“I’m sure she’ll be by to change for the wedding.” Luna offered. “I don’t think she’d want to miss that.”
“Alright. Well thanks anyway.”
He returned to the boys’ bunkroom and set Samantha in her crib and went to take a quick bath. Afterward, he dried his hair and clothed himself in the nicest clothes he had. Although these clothes were the same fashion as his regular clothes, they were in fine condition, almost as though they had just been bought.
He shrugged on the flesh-colored shirt and buttoned it over his clean undershirt. He then pulled on long, dark brown corduroys and snapped his suspenders over his shoulders. Then he slipped his arms through the dark brown vest that matched his corduroys. He then viewed his reflection in the mirror and posed superiorly.
He was quite pleased with how his outfit had turned out, then went to attend to Samantha. He brought her into the washroom and filled a tiny tub with water to clean her in. Before he began, he found a towel and wrapped it around his body to prevent water from touching his suit. Then he worked on Samantha by removing her diaper, then followed with her clothing and set her into the tub.
Once her feet had touched the water, she began to garble with a worried tone apparent from the coldness of the water. By the time Mush had set her in completely, she began to whine and shiver.
“Hey, don’t worry, Sweetie!” he coaxed. “This won’t take long. Jus’ gonna wash ya down real quick, then get ya lookin’ all pretty for th’ weddin’.”
She didn’t take the experience too well and splashed continually and refused to cooperate as Mush tried to clean her. Because she had been so fidgety, it took longer to clean her than he had anticipated. After nearly ten minutes, he removed her from the tub and dried her.
First and foremost, he pinned on a clean diaper. Then he followed with a tiny pink dress that he had found at goodwill. The dress was plain for the most part, with the exception of the lace encircling the hem, sleeves and collar of the dress. He then rolled tiny white socks onto her feet, and finished with black shoes that buckled across her feet.
“There ya go!” he announced happily. “Ya look all pretty now!”
Samantha appeared to understand and clapped her hands together. Mush laughed at her, then lifted her and took her to his bunk so he could don his own shoes. Yet once he pulled on his left shoe, the front part, from where his toes were cramped, split the seam completely.
Groaning, he removed the shoe and examined it. There was a large gash all across the front, and it could grow with the even the faintest of jabs. He sighed heavily, then slipped it back on again. He tied the shoelaces, and the lace of the right shoe snapped from being pulled too tightly. Mush swore softly and improvised the rest of the tying.
Now that he was ready, he gathered Samantha and headed for the church. Although the wedding would not begin for another hour and forty-five minutes, there would still be a need of hands to prepare the church. For the next two hours, he would aid in setting up for the wedding.
Bumlets was the first to notice him and offered to take Samantha to Seven and Twilight in the bride’s room. He accepted passed her off to Bumlets. He excused himself, then returned shortly and brought him to the minister for instructions on how to prepare the church.
The process began with Mush gathering the hymnals and stacking them into a back room since they would not be needed. Afterward, he helped to sweep out the sanctuary. By that time, the rest of the newsies were arriving, and the work moved along quicker.
As three o’clock was nearly fifteen minutes away, they began seating themselves in a disorderly fashion all over the pews. Each newsboy sat with his girl, and those without a significant other separated themselves. However, one newsie was absent: Indigo. Mush hoped she would be in soon and he and Samantha sat with Blink and Mimic.
The ceremony began with a seven minute delay from the minister misplacing his notes. Then the organ player played a tune, and the minister stepped out, followed by Specs and Bumlets. The notes continued on another minute, then switched to a more familiar tune. The back doors to the foyer opened, and Seven strode out.
For once in her life, she was wearing a skirt, and held a daisy in her hands as she walked down the aisle. And once she reached her spot, the music changed to the traditional wedding song, and everyone rose to their feet. Jack appeared, and leaning on his arm was Twilight.
Slowly, he escorted her down the aisle to her groom, allowing everyone to see the joyousness that shone in her eyes. She was so beautiful. Her lovely blonde hair was curled slightly and tumbled around her shoulders. Her dress was very plain, but beautiful nonetheless. And instead of a veil, a tiara of daisies graced her head.
They reached the altar, and Jack released Twilight to take Specs’ hand and took a seat. The minister then asked if he were the one to give her to Specs, and he said yes. The wedding took place.
Samantha, as Mush had noticed, had fallen asleep once the ceremony had begun, and was still sleeping as it continued. He smiled, content that she would not be disturbing the service. Yet as he watched the bride and groom, he began to realize the longing in his heart that had never been there before.
Ever since he had become a newsie, he had recognized the fascination with girls that many of the other boys had. Mush too had been enthralled by girls, but had never once committed to one. The week before he had found Samantha, he seriously begun thinking of girls for the first time and considered finding one of his own. He had never guessed in a million years he would find a baby girl.
He began to realize the need for a girl as well. Samantha needed a mother, as he and Blink had discussed a few days prior. He also knew that babies needed lots of love to grow on. That’s why there were two parents instead of one. If the child was angry with one parent, they could turn to the other. He hoped to find a suitable mother for Samantha soon.
He returned his attention to the minister as Twilight and Specs exchanged vows. Then Specs slid a silver band around Twilight’s finger, and she did the same. And then, the part everyone had been waiting for, came. The minister announced that Specs could kiss his bride.
A wide grin spread across Specs’ face as he cupped Twilight’s face. Then he stared deeply into her eyes, making the most of this moment that he could. If he could halt one moment in time, this would be it. He savored the moment but a few seconds, although it had seemed like an eternity for both he and the bride. Then, he leaned toward her, and they kissed.
A great cheer arose, and their enchantment still lasted throughout the praise. When they finally drew apart, Twilight linked her arm through Specs’, and they rushed down the aisle to the horse-drawn carriage lent to them. They were driven away, and the newsies filed to Irving Hall for the reception.
Samantha was still sleeping, even as Mush carried her to the Hall. Once they arrived, he found a seat and set her on his lap so she could nap a little while longer. He chatted with Blink and Mimic as everyone awaited the arrival of the newlyweds, when Mix interrupted them.
“Excuse me,” she offered timidly, “Mush, would you like me to take Sweetie off your hands?”
He thought, then nodded. “Sure. M’ legs ‘r’ fallin’ asleep.”
“Okay. I’ll take good care of her.”
She lifted Samantha from his lap and took her to her own table, where Luna, Harlaquinne and Palomino were waiting. Mush’s gaze followed the baby as she was suddenly awakened by the girls cooing at her and playing with her hands. When she appeared to be enjoying it, he returned his attention to Mimic.
“I can tell you this,” she said, “Spot says that Indigo is hiding something that’s destroying her. He can’t even find out what it is.”
“Huh, what’s this about Indigo?” Mush asked.
“We was talkin’ ‘bout why she missed th’ wedding.” Blink clarified.
“Oh.”
“Anyway,” Mimic continued, “Spot was saying that whatever it is she is hiding, she’s doing a very good job of hiding it. He thinks that she’s planning on leaving the newsies in about two months.”
Mush’s heart sank. “Why for?”
“I don’t know. But he found out that she’s planning on leaving in about two months or so. Something about getting to know the working world, then trying for a real job.”
He sighed. “I hope she don’t go. Samantha’d be heartbroken.”
“She won’t be th’ only one.” Blink muttered.
“Cut it out, Blink.”
Mimic shushed the both of them before either could say another word, then gestured at Jack, who was standing on a chair to make an announcement. Mush was confused; it was too soon for Twilight and Specs to return.
“Attention, newsies!” He cupped his hands. “C’mon, you guys cin stop yer talkin’ for just a few minutes!”
The newsies began to quiet down, yet very slowly. Once everyone was silent, Jack continued.
“Alright. Now we gots ourselves someone real special ‘ere t’day, an’ he did somethin’ earlier this year that took a lotta guts an’ drove some ‘f us crazy.”
“Who’s he talkin’ about?” Mush whispered to Blink.
“Shh!” Mimic hissed.
“But whad ‘e did was real honorable, cuz ‘e gave up money ‘e needed real bad for this cause. An’ things ‘ave worked out great for ‘im! So we jus’ wanna call ‘im up ‘ere right now. Ya all know who I’m talkin’ about…Mush!”
There was applause, and Mush had no clue of what was going on. He turned to Blink for an explanation, but he pushed him to his feet and urged him to go on. Still clueless, Mush shrugged and walked to Jack. David appeared behind him with a box in his hands.
“‘Ey Mush.” Jack said. “Blink told us ‘bout yer shoe money an’ how ya gave it up for Sweetie. So ‘e got all us newsies t’ chip in t’ buy ya these.”
David handed the box to Jack, who presented them to Mush. He was still speechless and could not find words to say.
“Thanks, I guess.” He murmured.
“Why don’t you open them?” David hinted.
Mush was a little embarrassed to open such a large box in front of everyone, but did so anyway. He lifted the lid, and his jaw nearly hit the floor. Inside the box was the pair of shoes that Mush had dragged Blink to see the night they found Samantha.
“Th-…they’re th’ shoes!” he shrieked as he yanked them out. “Oh, thank ya! Thank ya all!”
There was applauding again, and Mush rushed back to his table to hug Blink. He never would have guessed he would do such a thing for him.
“When I saw ya takin’ yer money out,” Blink explained, “I knew ya was givin’ in t’ Sweetie. An’ then I saw yer shoes, an’ I knew ya needed those too so I got all th’ newsies t’gether t’ pitch in t’ help buy ‘em for ya. Th’ clerk even helped out!”
“Wow.” Mush breathed. “I don’t know how I’ll ever make this up t’ ya.”
“Ya don’t hafta. That’s what friends ‘r’ for.”
* * *
With Twilight and Specs on their honeymoon, the newsies were happy for them, but the happiness was short-lived. Indigo still hadn’t been found. By morning, Jack gathered the newsies and told them to keep an eye out for her while they sold their papers.
Mush was selling that day, for he had traded a shift with another worker so he would work tomorrow afternoon. After Jack’s announcement, he knew that he needed to be the one to find her. He hoped he could, and that she was all right.
He bought his usual hundred papers, and declined to sell with anyone that day. He gathered Samantha from Rio, then went on his way. His papers were sold before lunchtime, and he used that time to search for Indigo.
Although he had no idea where she could be, he prayed that he would be able to find her. Manhattan was a large place, and one girl could find millions of places to be where she would not be found. He hoped that she was all right too, for there were men who preyed upon women in certain areas.
He took to searching the streets from where he found Samantha, then found himself walking in a completely different direction. Deep inside him, he knew that he would be able to find Indigo. His feet led him down the streets and through alleys until he found himself where he least expected.
This was a cleared out section of Manhattan with old shacks all around. This place was where homeless people would stay, sometimes housing with up to a dozen others. Homeless people were not the only ones living here, but also thieves and prostitutes. Why would Indigo be in a place like this?
At first, he was frightened, then his gaze drifted to another shack that appeared abandoned. His insides were urging him to see to that shack. Wary of the few people who were eyeing him oddly, he walked to the shack and opened the door.
This shack was rather large inside; it was unusual that it was still abandoned. In the corner there was a large bed with a destroyed mattress and filthy rags covering it, and a small rocking chair in the corner. Indigo was seated in the rocking chair, rocking back and forth, listening to the creaking of the wood as it rocked. She lifted her head slowly when Mush entered.
“What are you doing here?” she wondered, her voice soft and low.
“Jack’s been worried about you.” He replied, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. “Why are you in a place like this?”
Her head lowered again. “No reason.”
“There’s gotta be. Newsies don’t come here. Ya shouldn’t be here. Ya got yerself a job an’ a home. Ya got a family.”
“No I don’t.”
“Yeah ya do. Now come on, let’s go home.”
“I can’t.” her voice was failing, choking tears.
For the first time, Mush completely examined her. Her face was dusty with white streaks from tears. Her eyes were red and raw, and her hair a tangled mass around her shoulders. Her arms were wrapped tightly around herself in a rather odd way. Something was seriously troubling her.
“Indigo, are you okay?” he asked.
“No.” came the near silent reply.
“Why not? Can ya talk about it?”
“I don’t know if I can.” she brushed a tear away.
“If ya can or if ya won’t?”
“If I can. I want to tell you, Mush. But…I can’t find the right words to say.”
She began to sob, then propped her feet on the seat, crossed her arms on her knees and wept into her sleeves. Mush shouldered Samantha and went to Indigo and touched her arm.
“Indigo, you cin talk t’ me. I promise I’ll listen, an’ I won’t think of ya as a lesser person for what’s wrong.”
“I can’t do this.” She cried. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Ya never know until ya try.” He touched her hair tenderly. “I’m yer friend, Indigo, remember? I want t’ help ya. I don’t like t’ see ya hurt.”
“But you’ll be hurt once you find out.”
Samantha began to wail loudly. As Mush cradled her, he sighed and frowned. Indigo lifted her head to see what was wrong.
“She’s hungry.” Mush clarified. “Look, I gotta get her some milk. Will ya come with me t’ Tibby’s?”
A thoughtful look crossed Indigo’s face. She dried her remaining tears with her sleeve and rose to her feet.
“No.” she said. “I’m staying here. And so are you.”
His eyebrows raised. “Why?”
“Because there’s something that you need to know about. It’s very important.”
Her hands raised to the collar of her shirt. Then, she carefully touched a button and slipped it through the hole. Her fingers lowered to the second and slipped it through the hole as well. Once she reached the third button, Mush began to panic.
He backed up to the wall, holding Samantha’s head to his chest. His eyes were full of shock and fear.
“Yer…yer a soiled dove?!” he shrieked.
“No Mush, I’m not.”
Her arms dropped to her sides. With three buttons undone, Mush could see the camisole underneath her shirt and grimaced. He turned his head so he could not see her.
“Mush, do you trust me?”
“I usually do, but I don’t know if I do this time.”
“If I need you trust to me ever, it’s now.”
He peered at Indigo. Her face was white and drawn, but her eyes were pleading for him to believe her. He didn’t know what to do, he had never been around a girl who was ready to remove her clothing. Then he stared deeper into her eyes, and he knew he needed to trust her. Although he was still cautious, he agreed.
“Alright. I trust ya.”
She fingered another button. “Good. Now give Samantha to me.”
She had crossed the line. “Aw no. I gotta get ‘er some lunch! She’ll be whinin’ the whole time!”
“Please Mush, you said you trusted me.”
She extended her arms, her shirt falling open a little. Mush kept his head turned, and held Samantha closer. Yet her crying began to subside, and he looked at her face. There was something in her eyes that was so similar to Indigo’s. She placed his hand on her heart, a symbol of telling him she loved him. Now, she seemed to be telling him to listen to Indigo.
He shrugged, then glanced at Indigo again. Her arms were still held out, and she mouthed one word. Please. He hugged Samantha once more, then gave her to Indigo. She shouldered her and placed one hand behind her head.
“Thank you.” She said. “Now turn around.”
He turned, thankful for that command. He listened, and could hear the rocking chair creak as Indigo took a seat. He heard other sounds, ones that he could only assume were right. All the while, he could hear Samantha’s voice, garbling most of the time. Then, her garbling came to an end.
Everything seemed silent until the chair began to rock back and forth. Along with the creaking was another sound, an inexplicable sound. Mush had never heard anything like this sound before. He waited for Indigo to tell him to turn around, and yet she said nothing. Curiosity was overwhelming him. He gave in to his questions and slowly turned around.
The first thing his gaze set upon for Indigo’s face. She was pale, and her head was bowed. Then she leaned her head back. Her eyes were shut tight, and her lips were moving in a silent prayer. Whatever the reason was for her prayer, she was definitely afraid of something. But what?
His gaze followed down the slender column of her neck to her body. Her shirt was completely unbuttoned, as was the camisole underneath. Thankfully, the left side of her upper torso was completely covered.
The right side, however, was not. Her sleeve and the strap of the camisole had been pushed over her shoulder and were hanging on her forearm. Mush’s heart began to pound as he was ready to turn away before he saw anything more. Then that little voice spoke to him, telling him this was important.
He reluctantly looked on, afraid of what he would see. But it was not what he had thought to see at all. Held at Indigo’s bosom was Samantha. As he examined closer, he noticed how closely she was being held. Her hand was pressed to Indigo’s heart. She was so close that…Indigo’s eyes opened. She was breast-feeding Samantha, and her face was now filled with bravery and confidence.
“Her name is Samantha Grace Hoskins.” She said. “I’m her mother.”
