“Dad how do I look?” The son said in his tuxedo.

The dad’s eyes started to fill up with tears. “I thought I never see the day you get married.”

The son laughed. “Not yet dad, in a week.”

The dad shook his head joyfully remembering the day he got married. The son looked down not knowing how to bring the subject up. “Dad can you tell me about Laura leaving granddad?” He said curiously. “You brought it up when I was 16 and you never brought it up again. I like to know what happened!”

The dad shook his head remembering. “Sit. It’s a long story.” The son smiled as he was ready to hear the long awaited story he been wanting to hear for a while.

****

“So Blue tell me, what does ‘seeing other people’ mean?” Laura said trying not to laugh. Blue shot her an evil glare.

“It’s means that Spot is an ass.” She said pulling the chair over to the table. “A big ass!”

Holly busted out laughing. “So honey tell us what happened? All was well in Blue and Spot land.”

“Yeah until he got tired with being with the same girl. He wanted to see other people and didn’t feel right cheating on me. What the gentlemen.” She mumbled.

“Aww don’t worry there are other fish in the ocean.”

“Holly it’s sea. Not Ocean.”

“Oh yeah. Oops.” Blue cracked a small smile. “So Queens is having this big card game. We haven’t been to one for a while how about it?” She said eagerly. “I’m single and want to explore my options.”

“Oo sounds like fun! I need some more money.” Laura said rubbing her hands together. “What about you Holly?”

“I don’t know! I always get bored to death when I’m there. Mush is busy concentrating on the game and I just end up sitting in the corner.”

“Aw come on it’s not the same with out you! We’ll give you your attention.” Blue said patting her friend on the back.

The girls we’re in a deep discussion when Jack walked through the door. Laura heard the bell ring but didn’t pay much attention to it knowing that newsies come in and out of Tibby’s all the time but sense something was wrong when she saw Jack coming towards her. “Jack what the hell happen to you?” She said getting up so he could have her seat.

“That’s a nice shiner Cowboy.” Race said from a distance.

“Your telling me.” He mumbled. Laura looked at it closely while Jack winced in pain.

“What happen?” She asked as she wet her napkin patting his cut lightly.

“Nothing.”

Laura gave him a glare. “Jack you have a black eye and a cut across your cheek something had to happen.”

Jack started to play with a straw not wanting to talk about the problem. He wrapped his arms around Laura’s waist and pulled her closer. “Don’t worry ok?”

Laura wanted to know what happened but knew the argument would just keep going around in circles and wouldn’t get anywhere. She kissed Jack lightly. “I told Medda I would help her out with something. I’ll be back in a few ok?”

Jack nodded his head still playing with the straw. Once Laura left Blue was up in Jack’s face wanting to know what happen. “So Jack, it’s not everyday you get a shiner. What happened?”

He gave Blue an evil glare. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Blue sighed. “What happen to us Kelly? We use to be close and now you hardly tell me anything anymore! This is Blue your talking to!”

He knew she was right and broke his silence. “I was over in Queens and some guy was asking for Laura said he owned her and has been looking for her for three years. I said that no one owns anyone around here and the guy started telling me how Laura was desperate for money and became his servent, you know did anything he wanted,” Jack gave Blue a certain look and Blue quickly caught on, “well she was there for a week and the next thing he knew she was gone with all of his money. He started to call Laura some names and we got in a fight.”

“Are you going to ask her about it?”

“Blue, it’s not important what she did in her past. She’s here right now that’s all that matters!”

Blue rolled her eyes. “It must matter if you soaked the guy. If you don’t ask her I will.”

“Oh no you don’t! You stay out of this!”

“Stay out of what?” Laura said wrapping her arms around Jack.

“That was quick.” He said smiling,

“Medda wasn’t there. I’ll go back later. So Blue what do you need to stay out of this time?”

Blue looked over at Jack and back at Laura. “Spot’s new love affair. He supposedly met a new girl.”

“Oh sweetie I’m sorry. Don’t worry you’ll fine a guy in no time. So Queens still on?”

Jack looked up at Laura in shock. “Queens? Why do you want to go to Queens?”

“Umm because there’s going to be a card game tonight. Are you ok?”

“Yeah, yeah of course.” He patted her arms which were still strung around him. “How’s your eye?”

“Hurts...”

“Poor baby do you need a kiss?”

Jack smiled. “Yes.”

Laura smiled and kissed his bruises. “Was it worth it? The fight that is.”

He stared at Laura and nodded. “Absolutely.”

Holly started coughing as she entered the old warehouse where the card game was being held. “Do people have to smoke in such a small area? I think I’m going to choke to death!”

Blue ignoring her had a big smile on her face. “God isn’t this great? Drunken guys, so much smoke in the air that you can’t breath. I’m in heaven!”

Holly gave Blue a weird look and turn towards Laura. “Jack wasn’t that talkative on the way here. What’s wrong?”

Laura shrug trying to find a game she could go play. “He’s been like that since that fight earlier. He’s fine though.” She said as she finally found a game. “I’ll see you guys later.”

“I thought you guys were going to give me all the attention I wanted!”

Laura looked back at Blue and laughed. “Just one game. I’m dying to get my hands on some cards!”

“Yeah, one game.” She said following Laura leaving Holly standing in the middle of the room.

Laura sat at the table that had Shark and Richie, Queens newsies, Spot and Marbles, Brooklyn newsies of course, and Jeremy a Bronx newsie. She smiled as she pulled up a seat. “Heya fellas.”

Everyone mumbled when they saw her. “No girls.”

“Hey she can play here if she wants.” Spot said sticking up for her.

“Why thank you Spot.”

The guys looked at each other and rolled there eyes. “One game.”

“Fine, one game.” She said grabbing her cards.

Blue sat at the table next to Spot wanting to see if he said anything about whether or not he had a new girl. Jack pulled up a chair next to her and laughed. “Your so sad you know that?”

“Hey if it was Laura you would be doing the same thing!” She said trying to defend herself.

“No, no I wouldn’t.”

Blue rolled her eyes as she leaned her chair on its back legs. All of a sudden there was a big crash and Jack looked over to see Blue on the floor turning red. Laura looked over and started laughing. Spot looked down at Blue who was at his feet. “You ok doll face?”

Blue shot Laura, who was laughing harder and harder each minute, an evil glare. “Yeah, yeah the chair slipped, wet floor.”

Jack helped her up. He was also trying not to laugh. “Really Blue? I don’t think it’s that wet.”

“Well it is Kelly.” She said glaring at him.

“She should know Jack, she is on the floor.” Laura said still laughing.

Spot shook his head slowly. “You weren’t trying to over hear our conversation were you?”

“No. Why would I care to hear what you have to say?”

“Blue geez, I sat here for a reason ya know!” Laura said jokingly. “I was going to tell you everything he says!”

Blue was getting pissed off. “I don’t know what your talking about! I’m here to play a poker game.” She picked up her chair and slammed it on the floor.

“So Laura, how much do you cost?” Shark asked out of nowhere.

Laura looked up at her cards not understanding the question. “Excuse me?”

“How much do you cost?”

“Hey dumbass. What kind of question is that to ask a girl?” Spot said slapping him upside the head.

“More than you could afford.” Laura shot back but still not knowing what the point of the question was.

“So Jacky boy can afford you right?” Richie said now getting in the conversation.

Spot gave them an evil glare. “I’m here to play cards not talk. Can we move on?”

“Yeah sure Spot.” Richie said still looking over at Laura.

****

After about Laura’s fifth game she decided to leave. She had won three out of the five games and was very pleased. She went looking for Holly who knew she would be pissed off. “Hey girl I’m sorry!” She looked up not saying anything. “Holly, you know how I can get wrapped up in the games....did you see Blue fall on her ass?” She said trying to make Holly laugh.

Holly cracked a small smile. “Yes. I was trying to help Mush with the game but he kicked me out. So I couldn‘t go over there and make fun of her.”

Laura sat on the floor next to Holly. “How are you and Mush these days?”

“Laura, he’s the greatest guy ever! I love him more and more every day! He’s the reason why I wake up each morning.”

“And I thought it was me.” She said pretending me be disappointed.

“Of course you too!” Holly said giving her friend a hug.

Blue try to enjoy the rest of the night with what dignity she had left. She kept bugging Jack to tell Laura what he knew but he tried to ignore her as much as possible. She rolled her eyes and got up walking towards Laura. Jack suddenly shot up after her not wanting Blue to say anything. “Laura can-”

“Hey why don’t you come join my game?” He said lifting Laura up the floor.

Laura looked between Jack and Blue. “Are you two alright?”

“Yeah. I don’t want you and Blue to start talking or I’ll never get a chance to talk to you the rest of the night.”

“Umm ok?” She said still not certain what was going on. “Blue can you watch Holly?”

Blue looked down at Holly and nodded. “Sure.”

Laura smiled as she took Jack’s hand and went back over to the game. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah of course.”

“If something was wrong you would tell me right?”

Jack hesitated for a minute but nodded his head yes. “I’m just happy your here next to me.”

Blue glared at Jack as he took Laura away. “He needs to talk to her about this.”

Holly turned her head. “What’s the big point whether or not Jack talks to Laura about her past?”

“I think he’s afraid to find out the truth. He doesn’t want to lose her.”

“You think he’ll leave her if it’s true?” Holly said now concern.

“I don’t know.”

The girls came through the door laughing. “...So I told the guy I don’t care if your Roosevelt your not getting anywhere near this.” Blue said.

“Wow. You shot Jeremy down. I wonder why?”

“Yes Laura please tell us why you think Blue shot Jeremy down?” Holly asked.

“Well Hol let me tell you,” Laura put her arm around Holly, “she has fallen head over heels for a Spot Conlon and she would kiss the ground he walks on, like she did earlier.” Laura looked at the disgusted face Blue was making.

“He can take that cane and shove it up his arse.”

“Oh arse so harsh. She still likes him.” Holly said.

Blue rolled her eyes. “Right. I’ll start liking Spot when you go back to that guy.”

Laura stopped laughing not understanding Blue. “What guy?”

Blue gave Holly a scared look. “That guy....over there.” Blue said pointing to a drunk on the corner.

“Guys, I feel like I’m left out of something. You and Jack are always whispering to each other, Jack is always cutting you off. Is there something I need to know?”

“I’m not suppose to say anything Jack would kill me if I did.”

“Blue, that never stopped you before. Now tell me what’s wrong?”

“Jack got that black eye because of a fight about you.”

“About me? What happened?”

She still felt wrong for telling Laura but she knew it had to come out sooner or later. “Some guy was in Queens looking for you. Said he owned you....” Blue looked down not wanting to say anymore.

Laura shook her head slowly. “Does he believe him?”

“Should he?” Blue shot back.

Laura was quiet for a minute not knowing how to answer the question. “When has my past been of importance?” She asked.

“Shit Laura is it true or not?”

Jack suddenly came up behind Laura lifting her in the air. “Lets go home.”

Laura looked back at Blue and then at Jack. “Yeah I’m exhausted.”

****

Later that night Laura couldn’t sleep so she went in the washroom to splash some water on her face. ‘I can’t tell him’ she thought to herself.

“So are you going to not answer my question?” Blue said sneaking up on Laura.

Laura looked down still not wanting to answer her but knew she would nag her to death till the truth had came out. “I was young and dumb. I ran away from home with no money. One day I saw this guy who was going to pay me some good money to be his maid. I thought ‘sure why not?’. Well the first night there he said he would pay me a little extra if...” She looked down not wanting to finish the sentence. “It went on for about three weeks and I realized that I’m not going to do this anymore. I took all of his money and left during the day. I went to Jersey, sold there, then I came to Manhattan.”

Blue went over to Laura giving her a hug. “Why don’t you tell Jack this?”

“Blue, he won’t give me a second look if I did! I would be trash to him.”

“Laura, Jack would never think of you as trash.”

Laura shook her head trying not to cry. “My past stays in the past got it?” She more harshly.

“Your lying to him.”

“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Blue please.”

“Sure. Not like I want to see one of my best friends hurt.” She said pissed off walking out the room.

Laura sat on a crate putting her head into her hands. “God please don’t let this slip out.” She prayed out loud. She quietly walked to her bunk not before she stopped at Jack and kissed his forehead. His eyes fluttered open and smiled. “Hey are you ok?” He whispered.

“Yeah, go back to bed.”

****

The next morning Laura notice that Blue was talking to Jack in the corner. She was afraid that her worst fear would come true. “Hey guys what are you talking about?” She asked staring at Blue.

“The poker game last night.” Jack said kissing Laura. “How did you sleep.”

“I didn’t. Wasn’t a good night last night.” She said heading towards the washroom.

“Are you ok?” He asked following her.

“Of course.” She said brushing her hair. She turned around as Jack put his hands around her. “Jack someone’s past doesn’t affect the way you think about them does it?” She asked out of no where.

Jack turned his head towards Blue. “No. Why?”

Laura not believing his answer shrugged. “Just wanted to know. I need to get ready.”

Jack hunted Blue down in the hallway and grabbed her arm. “Did you ask her about her past?”

Blue hesitated not wanting to answer. “Wel...I...umm..se...no.” She said finally spitting it out.

Jack’s eyes turned cold. “Your an awful liar! Why did you ask her? I thought we had an understanding!” He asked getting louder.

Blue looked at him trying not to be intimidated. “I wanted to know!

” “Blue, if you just stop and think about other people’s feelings for once...”

Blue’s jaw dropped. “Kelly I’ve always thought about other peoples feelings! I don’t know what the big deal is about Laura and her past”

Laura came around the corner hearing everything between the two. “Because it’s my past. It’s no ones damn business but my own!” She said walking pass the two and heading downstairs.

Jack glared back at Blue. “See. Are you happy now?”

Blue looked hurt as she followed Laura out the door but went the opposite way towards Brooklyn.

“Come running back to Spot begging him to take you back?” Marbles asked as he threw his cigarette to the ground.

Blue quickly turned around from looking down at the water. “No. Brooklyn is just my home away from home that’s all.”

“Right. He’s down at the docks if you want to talk to him.” Blue wanted to talk to him but didn’t want to give Marbles the satisfaction of being right.

“That’s ok. I like the view from here.”

“Suit yourself.” He said walking away with his papers in his hands.

Blue waited a good 10 minutes before going down at the docks to see Spot. When she was heading towards him the sun was shinning and it made him look like he was glowing. She laughed to herself as she reached him sitting on a mountain of crates . “Do I have a big mouth?”

Spot jumped down and laughed. “You came all the way to Brooklyn to ask me if you have a big mouth?”

“Yes. Now do I have a big mouth?”

Spot smiled a little. “Tremendously big mouth!”

Blue rolled her eyes and she fell on top of one of the crates. “That’s what I was afraid of.”

“What did you do this time?” He said sitting next to her.

“Might have ruin Jack and Laura’s relationship.”

“Wow how can you do a thing like that? There Manhattan’s own super couple.”

Blue laughed as she leaned against Spot not realizing what she was doing. “You think I broke them up?”

Spot put his arm around Blue trying to comfort her. “Naw it takes more than a big mouth to break those two up.”

Blue laughed to herself knowing that Spot had no idea what she exactly said.

****

Laura grabbed her papers quickly not wanting to see anyone. She passed Jack as she was walking out and he quickly stopped her. “We need to talk.”

“What about Jack? My past? Do you want to know more about my past?” She said snapping at him. “Jack I’m sorry I never told you but it’s really none of your business.”

“How can you tell me it’s none of my business? We’ve been together for god knows how long and your telling me that this is none of my business! Is it true?”

Laura looked down the street not wanting to tell him. “If it is?”

Jack put his hand on her chin turning her head towards him. “If it is then I still love you the same.”

She wrapped her arms around him not wanting to let go. “I need to go sell.”

“Want me to sell with you?”

“No your just going to distract me.” She smiled a little kissing him good bye and walked away afraid to look back. Once she turned the corner she broke down in tears. She knew Jack would never look at her the same way again. She quickly wiped the tears away knowing what she had to do.

****

The day was almost over when Blue walked down the street terrified to go back. She had spent the whole day with Spot. For a minute there she thought that she could just spend the night but Spot quickly reminded her that they weren’t together anymore by saying he had a date that night. She went into Medda’s surprise to see Laura joking around with her. “Look who came to see me. I feel so loved!”

Blue looked at her strangely. “Your not mad at me?”

Laura took a deep breath and wrapped her arms around Blue. “We need to talk.” She pulled Blue away from Medda into the corner out of hearing distance. “Jack and I talked about everything and he says he still loves me.”

“See I told you...wait you don’t look excited what’s wrong?”

Laura tried hard not to cry knowing this was going to be hard. “I’m leaving the day after tomorrow.”

“What? Where? Why?”

“I love Jack with all my heart! You know that more than I do I think but Medda offered me a job to go to California. She wants to open a Irving Hall out there. I’ll be back in 6 months but I just need time...”

“Time for what?”

“To get my shit together. I’m really starting to like Jack, Blue! I don’t want anything getting in the way of our relationship. On the way to California we make some stops where I need to tie up some lose ends of mine.”

Blue still not liking the idea shook her head. “Are you going to tell him?

“Yes! Of course.”

“He won’t like it.”

“Yeah I know but I’m only going to be gone but 6 months.” Suddenly Laura covered her mouth and ran to the bathroom.

Blue started laughing as she followed her. “Do you have a hangover?”

Laura shook her head. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me! I haven’t been feeling that great for awhile.”

Blue quickly lost her smile. “You aren’t pregnant are ya?”

Laura got a shock look on her face. “No. Never! Come on lets get to Tibby’s I’m starving.”

****

Laura had been holding back telling Jack that she was leaving for 6 months. She knew he would not be happy. She put her arms around him whispering something in his ear. He looked up at her with a concern look and dropped his fries and walked out side. “What’s wrong?”

“Jack I don’t know how to tell you this,” he took her hands still with a concern look on his face, “Medda wants me to help her out in California for 6 months....” She waited to see Jack’s reaction.

Jack took a deep breath taking the information in. “Are you breaking up with me?”

Laura got closer to Jack shaking her head no. “Sweetie the pay is good and I need to tie up some lose ends before I got any further in this relationship.”

Jack still didn’t like the idea but knew she was still going whether he liked it or not. “You promise to be back in 6 months?”

“Not a moment to late.”

“I want you to write everyday.”

“I’ll try.”

“You’ll be back in 6 months?”

Laura laughed wrapping her arms around him. “If your still here then I’ll be back in 6 months.” She gave him a small peck on the lips. “Thank you for understanding.”

He pulled her hair out her face smiling. “Tying up lose ends is a good thing.” Laura nodded her head not saying anything. “You look pale. Are you ok?”

“Yeah I didn’t get much sleep last night worrying about you and me. I think I’m going to head to bed though.” Jack grabbed her hand tightly. “Let me walk you back.” Laura smiled knowing that everything was going to be ok.

Everyone got ready quietly not wanting to wake Laura up. Jack had told everyone that it was her last day there and he wanted her to get as much sleep as she can get. It was about two hours later when she woke up noticing no one was there. She turned over to see a flower right next to her. She smiled to herself and quickly got ready. Since she got up later there was no use buying papers since there wouldn’t be any so she quickly went to find Jack. “Have I ever told you that I’m dating the best guy ever?” She said jumping into his arms making him drop all of his papers.

“No. How great is this guy though?”

“Don’t start getting an ego Jack Kelly. The world does not need another Spot Conlon.”

Jack laughed and kissed Laura. “I thought I let you sleep in late.”

“That was very thoughtful of you. Let me help you sell. The least I can do.” Laura was still in Jack’s arms not wanting to let go.

“Well it’s going to be hard to sell with you in my arms.”

Laura jumped down and grabbed a couple of papers. “So how’s the headline Cowboy?” She said flicking his hat like she did the first day they met.

Jack laughed. “This isn’t your selling spot.”

“Oh does it have your name on it?” She said getting closer.

“No, but I guess I can share.” He said giving her another kiss. “Come on.” He put his arm around her pulling her down the street.

****

Blue walked again towards Brooklyn. She had been spending more time in Brooklyn now that she wasn’t going out with Spot. When she spotted him he was yelling out a headline trying to impress a nearby girl. She grabbed the paper out of no where. “Conlon this is talking about different kinds of birds nest not a love nest of naked bodies found.” She said throwing the paper back.

“Someone’s gotta make the headlines good.”

Blue rolled her eyes. “Laura is leaving tomorrow.”

“Yeah heard she was pregnant and didn’t want her kid growing up around us poor folk.” He said with a southern accent.

Blue looked at him weirdly. “Really?”

“No, but it’s a much more interesting reason why she’s leaving.”

Blue smacked him upside the head. “Jack is taking it really hard. He’s trying to be supportive. He just doesn’t understand why she is going. To tie up lose ends? Why does she need to do that?”

Spot shrugged taking someone’s money. “Maybe she thinks her and Jack are getting serious and doesn’t want anything or anyone to get in the middle of there relationship.”

“Maybe. You think she’ll be back? I mean if you remember she’s not one to stay at a place very long.”

Spot stopped selling and saw the concern on Blue’s face. “She has family here. She’ll be back. Don’t worry.”

Blue sighed knowing he was right. “I wish I had a relationship like that.”

“You will some day.” He said glancing at the paper trying to make up another headline.

“You think...maybe with a certain Brooklyn newsie?”

“Your pathetic you know that?”

“Spot come on! We were so happy together!”

“Blue we fought all the time!”

“But the making up part was the best.” She said getting closer.

Spot put his hands on her waist but still keeping his distance. “It won’t work out.”

“You have a control problem. Let me decide whether or not this will work out.” She said getting closer.

“I might cheat on you.”

“I’ll kick anyone’s ass who touches you.”

“I’m stuck with you aren’t I?”

“You have no idea.” She went up to kiss him but he backed away.

“I need to sell. Shouldn’t mix business with pleasure.”

Blue sighed. “Are you going to be at Medda’s tonight? It’s a good bye party for Laura."

Spot smiled. “Are you going to be there?”

“Of course.”

“Then I’ll be there.” He was about to kiss her but she backed up.

“Don’t mix business with pleasure.” She winked at him and walked away smiling to herself. She had gotten her man back.

****

Laura had heard she had a message at the lodging house waiting for her so she left Jack’s side for a couple of minutes to go see who it was. She was shocked to see Billy standing in front of her. “Long time no see.”

“Not long enough. What are you doing here?” She asked coldly.

“Wow you’ve changed so much. Look at you, you look like street trash.”

“I kind of like this look. Look at you, you look like an old fat drunk bastard. Haven’t changed a bit have ya?”

The guy laughed and moved closer to Laura. “We had a deal.”

“The deal ended the day you raped me.”

“Sweetheart I never raped you! We were just having a little fun.”

Laura looked disgusted. “Get out!”

“Your mine!”

“When hell freezes over.”

Jack was getting bored standing outside so he went in to see what was taking Laura so long. When he open the door he saw the guy in Queens he had a fight with a couple of days ago. Laura quickly turned around and saw Jack pissed off. “He was just leaving Jack.”

“Not without you!”

“You need to leave mister!” Jack said walking towards him but Laura stopped him before he could go anywhere.

“He’s not worth it Jack!”

Jack saw the fear in Laura’s eyes and knew that it wouldn’t be good to fight this guy in front of her. “She wants nothing to do with you.”

Billy grabbed Laura’s arm tightly. “You know she’s nothing but a whore don’t ya?”

Jack was quickly pushed the guy back against the wall. Laura grabbed Jack not wanting him to do anything. “If you hurt him he’ll have your ass in the slammer.”

Jack knew Laura was right and backed up. Billy knew he wasn’t going to take Laura home so he walked towards the door. “There are other women out there. I just thought I give you one last chance.”

“Go.” She said leaning against the counter. “I don’t want to see you EVER again.” The guy smiled and walked out letting the door slam shut.

“Are you ok?” Jack asked her concern.

“Yeah just dizzy.” She said trying to calm him down more than anything. “I heard there was a going away party for me tonight. How sweet.”

Jack still not convince that she was ok nodded. “Yeah real sweet maybe we should get someone to check you out. You haven’t been feeling well for a while.”

“Jack, I’m fine! The heat and everything is getting to me. Don’t worry.”

“Maybe I should go with you.”

“Jack you worry waaay to much. Now lets go to Medda’s, get drunk, and have fun.”

“I love you.”

Laura tried not to cry because she knew she would be doing way to much of it later. “I love you too!” Jack wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionately.

“Do you really want to go to this thing tonight.” He said smiling.

“No....well Blue is making a big deal about it so I should go.”

“Come on then. Oh and Laura?”

“Yeah Kelly?” She said turning around quickly.

“If you want to leave early just tell me.”

Laura shook her head in disbelieve. “I know what’s on your mind.”

Jack laugh. “I mean if you get tired. Your leaving really early tomorrow.”

“Oh of course.” Laura grabbed his hand and pulled him out the door towards Irving Hall.

Laura sat the her assign table with all of her closest friends around her. All through the night Holly cried and cried talking about how much she would miss Laura and couldn’t wait for her to come back. Blue was very stone face not saying a lot except to Spot. They never officially announced they were going back out but the way they were hanging all over each other it was obvious. Laura told Jack she needed some fresh air and went outside to pull a cigarette out of her pocket.

“I don’t think going outside for some fresh air consist of pulling a cigarette out.” Blue said pushing the door open. She took her seat right next to Laura and grabbed her cigarette taking a drag out of it.

“Eh, I needed something to relax me.” Blue just nodded her head as she gave the cigarette back to Laura. “You’ve been quiet. What’s going on in that head of yours.”

“Your not coming back are you?”

Laura rolled her eyes. “How can I get it through your thick skull that I’ll be back in 6 months?” She said now frustrated.

“The whole purpose of the trip doesn’t make sense. Your going to tie up some lose ends. You’ve been here for over a year what lose ends do you have outside of New York?”

“I don’t need to justify myself to you.”

“If your a friend you do.”

Laura looked over at Blue who was obviously getting pissed off. “I’m sorry Blue but I hate to burst your bubble of yours I am allowed to come and go and do what I damn well please.”

“I don’t get you Laura! You have everything that you need here. A perfect boyfriend, good friends, people to watch your back there is no need for you to leave!”

Laura sighed getting annoyed with this conversation. It was just going in circles and knew Blue wouldn’t understand. “It’s my last night here I want to spend it with the people I care about. Blue, you and Holly have been there for me for so many things. Just be here for me and trust me when I say I’ll be back.”

Blue looked down the street behind Laura not saying anything. “Laura you know I would trust you with my life but this, this I can’t trust you.” She walked back inside looking for Spot.

Laura sat down at the table quietly not saying anything. After a moment Jack realized this and shook her lightly. “What’s wrong? Tired?”

“No. It’s Blue,” She looked over at her standing against the bar ordering one drink after another, “she’s pissed off at me. She doesn’t believe I’m going to come back.”

“Well that’s stupid. I should go knock some sense into her!”

“No. She just doesn’t want me to hurt you.”

Jack took Laura’s hand and secretly had the same fear Blue had. “I know your coming back and that’s all that matters.”

At the bar Spot was trying to stop Blue from drinking every ounce of alcohol in the place but she kept putting down her money asking for more. “You getting drunk won’t solve anything!”

“Yes it will. It will solve all the problems in the world.”

“Your already drunk aren’t you?”

Blue turned around tipsy as she fell into Spot’s arms. “I’m drunk with love!” She said smiling. “Look at all the happy people here. Mush and Holly, Laura and Jack, and us Spot!” She said leaning into to kiss him but he backed up.

“I should take you home.” “Home? Spot being in your arms is home for me.”

“How very sweet. Now I know your drunk.”

Blue leaned back up against the bar again about to order another one but Spot stopped. “Spooot. One more.” She held up two fingers showing how many more she wanted.

“Lets go.” He said pulling her arm over to the table. “Now say goodbye to Laura cause god knows you won’t be up when she leaves.” He whisper in her ear.

Laura looked up from the conversation she was having with Jack and Race and saw a drunken Blue leaning against Spot. “She should be heading back.” He said not having to explain why.

“Laura. Pal, buddy, my amigo bon voyage. Like how I added different languages?” she said smiling, “it’s been nice knowing you! Your an idiot for leaving Jack when every girl in the tri-state area wants him.”

“Thanks Blue.” She said quietly.

“Ok Blue lets go.”

“No Spot! I’m not done.” She said yelling. “You and I both know that your not coming back. Your probably knocked up and you want to fix the problem right? Or maybe your married and want to live with your husband now. Or your going back to be a whore! Whatever the reason is your a dumbass.”

“Ok come on.” Spot said pulling her away.

Laura looked down trying not to cry. “Hey don’t worry. She doesn’t mean any of that stuff she’s just drunk!” Jack said trying to reassure her.

Laura laughed a little shaking her head. “The sad thing is Jack, she does mean it.” Laura got up and headed outside to find Blue. Holly had seen Laura abruptly get up and followed her. “Blue we need to talk.”

“Laura she is drunk-”

“No, Spot. I refuse to leave having things end like this.”

“I’ll be over there.”

Laura nodded and walked closer to Blue. “Look at you! Your a complete drunk! What has gotten into you? Why do you think I’m not going to come back?” Laura asked all at once.

Blue found a step and slowly leaned back to sit down. “You haven’t told any of us a good enough reason why your leaving.”

“I thought we already went through this! I don’t need to justify myself to you.”

“See that’s the thing Laura. You’ve been here for over a year and besides Holly your one of my best friends. I thought we told everything to each other.” She said looking up hurt.

Laura sat down next to Blue looking down at the ground. “I need to finish up what I started with Billy.”

Blue’s headshot up not liking the sound of that. “When you finish up? what exactly are you going to do that you can’t do here?”

“I don’t want you to get involve. Please Blue just take my word I’ll be back. Medda understands my plans and she’s the only one that needs to know.”

“Is this going to hurt Jack?”

“Now that my friend I can’t believe you would ask me.” Laura got up the same time Blue did and smiled. “You won’t be up when I leave. I’ll be back by the time you sell over 100 papers.”

Blue smiled a little and wrapped her arms around her friend. “Thank you for telling me.” All of a sudden Holly came around the corner to get involved with the hug.

“This is going to be the last time we’re like this for a while.”

“Ok Blue you smell like alcohol let me go.” She said pulling away from Holly and Blue. “You guys are so great! Don’t do anything big until I get back!” Both of them shook there head simultaneously knowing that they couldn’t do anything without Laura. “I should tell Jack that I need to get some sleep.” She walked back in almost in tears as she saw Jack in the corner waiting for her.

“Hey what’s wrong?” He asked whipping the tears off her face. “I’m so happy.” She said kissing Jack. “I don’t know if I want to leave or not.”

“You don’t have to you know.”

Laura took a deep breath trying to stop herself from crying. “Yes I do.”

****

The next morning Laura got up before dawn not wanting to wake anyone up. She had written letters to Blue, Holly, and Jack and one to all of the fellas that she spent her time with. She felt arms wrap around her and she smiled to herself. She turned around and saw a bare chested Jack with his pants on. “You weren’t going to say bye?” He whispered.

“First off it’s not bye, it’s see ya later. Secondly it would be to hard!” She said trying not to cry. “God I’ve turned into a damn sap.” She said laughing.

“Want me to walk you to the train station?”

“No. We’re meeting at Medda’s first.” She put her arms around Jack not wanting to let go. She stood there with him for a few minutes and let go. She picked up her bags and Jack walked her to the door. “I want you to have this.”

“How romantic. Your red bandana. I can carry your sweat with me.”

Jack laughed and gave her one more passionate kiss and backed up slowly. “You better go kid.” He said trying not to show his emotions.

“See ya later Cowboy.” Laura grabbed the bandana tightly as she slowly walked to Irving Hall.

****

“She never came back?” The son asked looking at his dad.

“Nope. Granddad never heard from her again. He loved her so much. Not to say he didn’t love grandma! He did. He would do anything for her! When it came to Laura though he would always have a piece of his hart dedicated for her. He told me before he died that he thought he saw her one day a few years after she left he was about to go over and say something to her but Sarah came over with dad and she disappeared.”

“Dad I’ll get it!” The son yelled as he ran downstairs. He had been packing up all of his stuff getting ready for the big day that would be coming up. He open the door and saw an elderly lady in front of him. “Can I help you?” He asked not recognizing her face.

“My name is Jackie Frye. I believe this belongs to you.” She pulled out a red bandana. Frank stepped back a little in shock. “I think you should come in.” He said still in disbelieve. “Let me get my dad.” He ran upstairs quickly telling his dad who is downstairs in the living room. The dad wiped his hands up and went downstairs.

“Hi I’m Jack Kelly.” He said smiling sticking his hand out. “What can I do for you today?”

“Like I told your son, my name is Jackie Frye and I believe I was your grandfather’s daughter.”

Jack shook his head. “My grandfather had all boys.”

“Let me rephrase this for you, My mother is Laura Rivers.”

Jack fell back into the chair in disbelieve. “Laura Rivers? I don’t understand.”

“I was born in 1904-”

“That would make you....76?”

Jackie smiled bashfully. “Well I don’t want to brag but yes. I’m becoming very ill and was going through some belongings that were my mothers and thought you should have this.” As with the bandana she pulled a box out filled with letters and pictures. “She never had the heart to send them.”

“I’m sorry Mrs. Frye but I’m still confused. I knew she left but I thought she never came back.”

“Oh she came back...two years later.” She looked down at her old hands that started to shake. “Do you know why she left?”

“I thought I did but I’m guessing I don’t.”

“She loved my father Mr. Kelly. She found out she was pregnant with me and didn’t want her child growing up in the...well slums. She was only going to be gone until she had the baby and would give it to her cousins in Kansas. Well what started out to be 6 months ended up being two years. When she finally had the heart to go back no one she knew was in New York. She did fine a few people. Race was working at the tracks cleaning out horse stalls and they kept in touch. He said Jack married Sarah. Blue moved to Brooklyn and never forgave my mother for not coming back. She eventually married Spot but there relationship was always rocky. Holly married Mush but there son died during the war and ruin both of them.”

“I thought my grandfather kept in touch with Race. Wouldn’t Race tell him about Laura and you?”

“Once she found out Jack married Sarah she didn’t want to make his life more complicated. As you can see she had hundreds of letters she wanted to give Jack but never had the heart to send them. I’m guessing he isn’t around?”

“Oh no he died 20 years ago.”

Jackie stood up knowing what she came for had been accomplish. “I didn’t mean to ruin your family life Mr. Kelly I just thought that your family would want this more than my family.”

“Thank you Mrs. Frye. If you don’t mind me asking, what happen to Laura?”

Jackie smiled. “My mother moved back to New York, Queens to be exact, with me and married a man by the name Shea Frye. She eventually saved up enough money to open an orphanage for kids. Help them get off the street, much like a longing house. After 10 years it closed down and my mother raised me and my brother. She died about 25 years ago.”

“Thank you again Mrs. Frye.”

“She would want this. She always wanted to be with Jack.”

After Jackie left Jack sat on the couch and open up the journal that was buried deep under the letters and pictures.

April 12, 1906

I’m now back in New York with my daughter. I have no idea why I’m here. Maybe in hopes to find my true love Jack Kelly, or maybe to try to put the pieces of my life back together. Race, my old dear sweet friend, told me Jack was working at a newsstand. For two hours I sat across the street looking over at him. I pulled myself together and headed towards the stand then did a complete 180 when I saw his wife and child walk up to him. I realize then that Jack and I were over that day I left two years ago. I walked pass the stand prayed that he would see me and run after me but who was I kidding? I have no right to destroy this man life. As I walked around New York late into the night I wanted to talk to Blue and Holly and tell them how much I was hurting but Blue would never talk to me and Holly I heard had left New York a while ago. I came home and saw Jackie sitting on the floor playing with what little toys she had. She looks so much like Jack. Maybe one day I will have the courage to tell Jack the truth. For now I will just have to dream being with him from a distance.