Chapter One
Sorry I never told you
All I wanted to say
And now it's too late to hold you
'Cause you've flown away
So far away
Tears came to my eyes as I thought of my past. I was trying not to think of it, because it hurt like hell. Of course there were plenty of good memories. Before I begin my story, I'll give you a little background on my life and myself.
First of all, my name's Athalia Lynn Snyder. I'm 15 years old and used to live in Michigan. Two years ago, I moved in with my Uncle Snyder in Manhattan. He is the biggest jackass I ever met in my life. When I was in Michigan in loved with my parents and my two older brothers, Connor and Corey. My brothers and I have always been really close, especially Connor and me. Connor was one year older than I was and we were more like best friends, than brother and sister. Corey and me were pretty close, but he was three years older, so we didn't have that same kind of bond. They were always there for me, and never failed to make me laugh. We spend almost all our time together until the fire. It was a summer afternoon in June, two days before my birthday. Mom and Dad were in the house and Corey was off at college in Brooklyn. Connor and me were down by the creek. I was walking along the shore picking Echo Blues, my favorite flower, while Connor was telling me about this girl he had liked since I can remember. I had gathered enough flowers for a crown and Connor put them together for me and then placed it on my head.
"Hey, look what I got Missy." Connor said pulling out a ring.
"Oh my goodness Connor, it's beautiful!" I exclaimed and placed it on my finger, examining it.
"Yeah I know, it took me forever to get enough money for it. I also made her a poem, to soften her up a little bit." He said with a smirk on his face.
I laughed. "I'm sure it will, can I read it?"
He looked a little hesitant.
"Oh come on! You show me everything!"
"Well okay, lemme run to the house and get it." He said as he got up and headed for the house. Ten minutes pasted by and he still wasnsn't back yet. I began to worry and went down to the house to see what was taking him so long. I reached the house, only to see red angry flames burning madly away. I started running towards the house. Right before I reached the door, strong hands pulled me back by my waist.
"Child are you crazy!?! You can't go in there in less you want to burn alive,said a manly voice.
"No you don't understand", I cried," I have to save them, they can't die!"
"Calm down Athalia, there's nothing you can do now." Said Ed Horner, our neighbor. That wasn't what I wanted to hear right then.
"Where the HELL do you get the idea that you can tell me what I can and can not do? Let me go you bastard!" I screamed in his face. I had always been a quiet and polite girl, so I believe he was startled when I said that, for he loosed his grip on me for a second. I took this chance to kick him in the crotch and run for my dear life. Behind me I heard him screaming and cussing like the devil himself. If I hadn't been in such a bad situation I would've been laughing my ass off.
I ran for quite a while. When my legs got tired I laid down on the side of the road and soon fell asleep. The next morning they found me, and took me down to the police station. They asked me questions about the fire for over and hour and I didn't answer one of them. After a while, they finally gave up. The whole thing hadn't totally sunk in yet. It seemed like one big nightmare and that I would wake up anytime now. I guess telling someone about it would make it all the more real. They tried calling Corey in Brooklyn but the college said they had no one enrolled there by that name. The only other living relative was my uncle Snyder who lived in New York City. After talking to him on the phone for a long time, they finally convinced him to let me stay with him. The next day I was on my way to the great and wonderful New York City.
Chapter Two
Never had I imagined
Living without your smile
Feeling your spirit here in me
It keeps me alive
The train ride there was long and stressful. I was extremely tired, but couldn't go to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, memories flooded my mind. But the worst was the screaming. I could hear them screaming in my mind, screaming for help, screaming for me. Finally the conductor announced that we would be arrving at the Manhattan train yards in five minutes. I gathered my things as the train came to an abrupt stop. I slowly stepped off the train and looked around me, trying to take in the large buildings and all the people. It was nothing like Michigan. I took in a deep breath and immediately started coughing. I guess the air was nothing like in Michigan either.
Looking around some more I saw a young boy approaching me.
"Excuse me ma'am, would you happen to be Miss Athalia Snyder?" The gentlemen asked.
"Yes, sir, that would be me indeed" I replied trying to sound polite and sophsticated. Ha, that's a laugh.
"I'm here to escort you to Mr. Snyder, please come this way. Your carriage awaits you." He grabbed my bags and started walking towards the carriage. He opened the door for me and held out his hand to help me out. Oh, if only Connor could see me now, I thought chuckling in amusement. I have to say, I was excited to meet this Uncle of mine. If I had only known what was ahead on me...
"Excuse me Mr. Snyder, your niece Miss Athalia has arrived." Benjamin, the gentlemen who I had met at the train yards, said knocking softly on the door.
"Bring her in." Boomed a voice from inside. I slowly opened the door and walked in.
"Hello Uncle Snyder, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." I greeted him trying to sound cheery but it came out scared and timid.
"Yes, well too bad I can't say the same thing. First of all, you will never address to me as Uncle, only Mr. Snyder. Second, do not come in here expecting to be shown respect. I am the only one whom respect will be shown to here. You will be treated like the rest of the street trash here. Now Benjamin will escort you to your room. Be ready to work tomorrow at the crack of dawn." He said all of this without once looking up from his desk. I was about to say some sassy remark back to him, but Ben quickly pulled me out into the hall.
What the hell was that for? I asked.
Because I know your type. Listen, you don't want to talk to him like that. He can do some awful things considering how much power he has. Just trust me.
I still can't believe he talked to me like that. Is he always that big of pain in the ass? I asked.
Yeah I'm afraid so, said a voice from behind me,The name's Jack Kelly, some people refer to me as Cowboy.He said sticking out his hand.
Hi, I'm Athalia, or as some people call me, Tali. So what is this place anyway?
This is the refuge. It's where œcriminals as some people say, come when they break the law and are too young to go to jail. Snyder owns the place. I pressure you are his niece?
Unfortunately yes. So what are you doing here? You didn't like kill someone or anything right?
Jack laughed. Nah, I was hungry and didn't have any money so I did the only logical thing, I stole some food. He replied smiling. Well at least some people are friendly here.
Well it was nice meeting you Jack, but I better get some sleep. Talk to you tomorrow? I asked.
Sounds good. I'll introduce you to the rest of the bums around here. Smiling I turned around and followed Ben back to my room.
Here you are Miss Athalia. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning.
Thanks Benjamin. And by the way, call me Tali, I'm not really for all that fancy crap.
He smiled at me. You know, before you came, everyone thought you were gonna be a rich snob, I guess we were wrong. Night. I laughed at that thought.
I guess you were, Night Ben. I sat on my bed for a while twirling Connor's ring that he was planning to give to Missy on my finger. I never got a chance to give it back to him. I was glad in way; it was the only thing besides the memories that I had left of him.
Chapter Three
The next few months were a living hell I hope I never have to go through again. Waking up at dawn and working till dust was the worst kind of torture. I hardly ever ate because all they fed us was a stale piece of bread and sour milk three times a day. Not exactly what I would call appealing. A couple times we managed to steal something food off of Snyder's plate, but it still wasn't much to eat. I've made tons of friends while I've been here. Kids come and go but I always loved to hear their stories about living on the streets, and the things they had to do. Jack stayed for about a month and we became best friends. He was like a brother to me although he could never replace Connor or Corey. It's lonely here now without him though. We would always stay up late and talk. I told him about my past and he told me everything about himself, his real name and how his family wasn't really out in Santa Fe. Besides Jack, I met two girls that have also become my best friends, Holly and Laura, who we call Cowgirl. Holly stayed in for about 3 weeks, while Cowgirl stayed for a month. She just got out two days ago. I'm pretty sure her and Jack have something going on in between them, but they'd never admit it. Those are the only people that know I'm Snyder's niece; I didn't really want that title.
It was a Sunday night when someone came knocking on my door. I had been lucky enough to have my own room. I was afraid the bed would break every time I sat down.
What the heck do you want? I yelled, not being in a good mood at all. I had been thinking about my family a lot lately and been very depressed.
Come to the bunkroom, someone's there for you. Confused I got up and started towards the bunkroom.
Over there, by the window. Said Luck, a little boy about nine. I slowly walked over to the window and looked outside. Suddenly a figure swung out in front of me and I nearly screamed.
Holy shit! Dammit Jack! What the hell are you doing here? I yelled at him.
Glad to see you too Tal. He was the only one allowed to call me that. It had been Connor's nickname for me.
Well Holly told me she talked to you yesterday and you weren't doing too well. He said with a concerned look on his face. I was worried bout you so I thought I'd come by and maybe cheer you up a bit. Just then Two-Bit walked by.
Yeah good luck doing that Cowboy, she's been a real bitch. Two-bit said smirking. I just hit him and told him to shut up.
Yeah, I can imagine. Well I decided to save everyone from your bitching and get you outta this joint.
Whoa whoa, you're gonna get me out of here?
You heard me, take your bags and get your scrawny ass out here!
Oh Jack thank you!! I love you!! I exclaimed walking away.
By the way, I happen to have a very nice ass thank you very much!I could hear Jack laughing to himself as I walked out of the room.
In about ten minutes later we got out of there without security seeing us. I'm not sure how we managed that. Soon Jack, his friend Mush, and I were running down the street laughing.
I can't believe I'm finally out of that hell hole! I exclaimed.
It's a wonderful feeling ain't it? Jack said slinging his arm around my shoulders.
Sure is!
Chapter Four
We burst into the lodging house and ran up the stairs. The bunkroom was filled with noise and laughter. I don't remember the last time I've felt so good and alive.
TALIA LYNN! I heard Cowgirl.
Cowgirl! I missed you so much! I said laughing considering it had only been about a day or two since I'd last seen her.
Is Holly here too? I asked.
Yup, she's over there with her man. She said pointing to where Holly was sitting next to the guy that had helped Jack get me out of the refuge. He sure was ugly I mean a real hottie!
Oh, so that's Mush the one she was always talking about nonstop.
Cowgirl laughed. Yeah, that's him. We walked over to one of the bunks and sat down.
So when are you and Jack gonna get together? I asked smiling.
She groaned. Maybe once him and that bitch Sarah break up. She said bitterly. I laughed at that. Sarah and Jack had been going out for a while. From what I've heard she's a real pain in the ass. They told me she's way too over controlling and have Jack doing whatever she wants him to do. In other words, she's a bitch.
Hmm, do I sense some resentment there? I asked.
Oh no, none at all! Cowgirl replied with sarcasm. Just then Jack called over to me.
Hey Tal, come here. I want to introduce ya to everyone. I walked over to where he was sitting, playing poker. He introduced me to a bunch of guys, whose names I couldn't remember for the life of me. After that, I played a little poker and won every game. I think the guys were quite surprised at that, and not really happy. Connor and Corey had taught me to play, and would play almost every night.
Corey was the best player around. I beat him twice before he went off to college. For the rest of the night Holly, Cowgirl, and I stayed up talking and catching me up on all the things that had been going on in the lodging house.
Tal! Get your lazy ass up, it's time to sell! Jack screamed in my face.
Nooo! I don't wanna! I whined.
Well that's just too darn bad for you. Now either you get up now or I spill a big bucket of water on you, got it? He threatened.
Mhhmm, sure Jack, goodnight. I mumbled and rolled over on my side.
Okay, well don't say I didn't warn you. Jack walked into the washroom and filled a big bucket with water. A couple minutes later he was back and poured it all on my head and back.
AHHHHHHHH!!!!!! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?? I'M GONNA KILL YOU COWBOY! I screamed and started running after him.
Whoa Tali, what happened to you? Race asked as I passed him.
I fell in the sink I said sarcastically. Race just got a very confused look on his face while everyone laughed. Finally I caught up with Jack and gave him a BIG wet hug! And then I started to ATTEMPT to beat him up. It didn't work too well.
Hey guys, I think we need to send Tali to Brooklyn so Spot can teach her how to actually HIT her target. He said laughing extremely hard.
Yeah, yeah shut up. Anyway, who is Spot and why the hell does he have a dog's name? I asked. At that everyone started cracking up.
What? I asked confused, which happens very easily sometimes.
Well you see Spot Conlon is the most famous and respected newsie in all of New York and well people don't usually make fun of him, especially his name, in less they wanna get a good soaking. Kid Blink explained.
Oh okay, I'll remember that if I ever meet up with him. Will I ever get to meet him? I asked.
Most likely, him and me are pretty good friends and he comes by here every once in a while. Sometimes just to talk business, and sometimes to play poker. He replied.
Poker? I asked becoming interested.
Yeah, in fact there's a game tonight in Brooklyn, you in? Snoddy asked.
Of course! I exclaimed. After that we went off to get our papes.
Selling that day went pretty good. I was okay at improving the truth but not that great. Jack and me had tons of fun anyway. When we were done we headed over to Tibby's.
Hey everyone I greeting as we walked through the door.
Hey Tali, how'd your first day of selling go? Race asked.
It was okay I guess. I was about to go sit over by Holly, but her and Mush didn't look they wanted to be disturbed, so I sat down in a booth by Cowgirl, who was sitting across from Jack.
So Jack, where's Sarah? I asked with a hint of amusement in my voice. I don't think he caught on.
Oh, she's at the factory right now. Later tonight we're gonna go out to Medda's. He replied casually.
Oh, so you're not going to the poker game tonight? I asked. Nah, Sarah's been mad at cause I haven't gone out with her lately. I don't mind so much though. I started laughing and he gave me a strange look. They were right; that Sarah had him tied around her finger. Cowgirl had told me that the couple had just gone out two nights ago.
Anyway, Jack started, changing the subject, I think it would be a good idea to net a nickname so Snyder will have a harder time finding you. Just then some guy with a cane walked in and started walking towards our table.
Umm how about Echo Blue I said, remembering my favorite flower, and how Connor and me would go and pick them.
Hey Jack, what's rollin? said the boy, sitting down next to Jack.
Hey Spot, pretty good here, how are things going in Brooklyn. Oh so this was the infamous Spot Conlon I thought to myself.
It's doing fine. We just got over a little rumble with Harlem, they've been pretty touchy the past few weeks. Spot said.
Yeah I know what you mean. Anyway Spot, this is Echo Blue, our newest newsie that I was telling you about. Spot shot me a smile and I almost melted. He had the most beautiful smile and blue eyes.
Hey Echo Blue, nice to meet you. He said politely.
Hi Spot, same here. I said smiling back.
So Jack, I heard that Snyder's cousin was in town, and she disappeared yesterday. He said, giving me a suspicious look. I choked on my drink when I heard that. Jack almost started laughing, and shot him a glare.
Um, I'm not feeling too good, I think I'm gonna go back to the lodging house now. Nice meeting you Spot. I said getting up and pulling Holly out with me.
What was that about? She asked once we got outside.
Spot's here.
Well, duh, I know that, what about him?
I think he knows I'm Snyder's niece!
What? How could he know?
I don't know! He was telling Jack about how he heard Snyder's niece was in town and had disappeared and he was giving me suspicious looks! Holly laughed.
Blue, Spot Conlon gives everyone suspicious looks. Don't worry about it.
Yeah, I just think that he knows somehow. After all Spot Conlon does know all. I said smirking.
Well I wouldn't say all, but pretty close, said a voice from behind me. I spun around and saw Spot standing there.
Uhhh hi Spot!
Yeah, hey. So I was right? Your Snyder's niece? He asked staring me down. I sighed knowing there was no way out of this but to tell the truth.
Yeah I am, but could you please not tell the others? I pleaded.
Nah, I wouldn't do that, but why don't you want them to know?
Well it's not exactly the title I want, they don't really look up to Snyder or anything.
You got that right.
I'm just scared they'd think less of me, or judge me before they even knew me. What's it to you anyway? Why do you care? I asked, starting to get curious. Spot slouched back and looked at his cane.
I don't care, but I'm sure Corey does. He turned up his head and looked into my eyes. My heart froze, and I went pale.
H-how, do you know about Corey? Did Jack tell you? I asked, anger growing inside me. How could Jack betray me like that? Spot looked at Holly.
Yeah, I can take a hint. Blue, if you need me I'll be at Tibby's all right? I nodded.
Corey used to be one of my newsies. Spot said.
No. No, you don't understand Corey's dead, just like the rest of them. I said. I had thought that if I convinced myself that Corey was dead too then it wouldn't hurt so much. Seeing Corey and knowing he was alive would make the memories come back, and it'd hurt even more.
Blue, you know that Corey is not dead, just as well as I do, don't pretend you don't.
Who do you think you are to tell me about my past and my family when you don't even know me? Please just keep away from me! With that I started running back to the lodging house, tears streaming down my face.
Chapter Five
When I got back to the lodging house I went up the fire escape, onto the roof. It seems that the roof is always where people would go when they were having problems. It was a nice where you could get away from everything and just sit and think without anyone disturbing you. The sun had just started to go down and it was beautiful. A few seconds later I started to hear the newsies coming up the stairs after their long and hard selling day. I relaxed a bit; it would still be a while before anyone noticed that I was gone. Just then I heard someone walking up behind me and then sitting down. I looked to see who it was.
God! Can't you just leave me alone! I yelled frustrated, seeing that the person was Spot.
Nope he said simply with the famous smirk on his face.
Ugh! Fine then I'm leaving. I said getting up and starting to walk towards the fire escape.
Okay. He said. Surprised at his answer I turned back around and walked up to him.
Wait no, I shouldn't have to leave. I live here, and you don't! I said.
I never told you that you had to leave, that was your own choice. Defeated I sat down and sighed.
Okay, so what did you want? I asked annoyed, hoping he'd go away.
Oh, I just came up here to watch the sunset. He said casually with a hint of amusement in his voice. I just sat there and stared at him.
I can't stand you.
Sure you can or else you'd be down there with the rest of them. Now stop trying to argue with me, case you're not gonna win, and I wanna watch the sunset in peace. I just laughed and glued my eyes to the sky.
You should feel very lucky, you just were arguing with Spot Conlon, and didn't get soaked. He said smiling.
I laughed. Oh yes, I feel oh so lucky Mr. Conlon. He smiled and then looked back at the sky. We just sat there for a few moments without saying anything. Finally I spoke up.
It's beautiful isn't it? I remarked in a quiet whisper. I looked over at him. For the first time he looked almost peaceful. Sure the pain, heartbreak, and coldness were still present, but just not as much. I wondered to myself what could have happened to make someone that cold. I guessed it was something I would never find out.
I can take you to him if you want. He said after a few moments, brushing a strand of hair out of his face. He looked over at me. I thought for a moment.
Okay. I said in a hushed voice. Just then Race came up.
Hey guys, ready for the poker game? He said breaking the silence.
Yeah yeah, I'm coming Race. Spot replied.
He looked at me. You coming Blue?
I thought about it for a while. Nah, maybe next time.
All right, I'll be back here in two days to get you and bring you to Brooklyn okay?
Yeah, all right cya. I replied.
Chapter Six
It had been two days since I found out about Corey, and Spot was coming today to take me to Brooklyn. Jack wasn't too happy about it, but he knew he couldn't stop me from going.
Hey Blue, get up Spot's here. Jack yelled, lifting my mattress up, causing me to fall on the floor.
Ow! That was totally unnecessary Jack Kelly! I yelled, knowing that if he hadn't done that I would've never gotten up.
Yeah sure, hurry up and get dressed. Spot's downstairs. Mumbling to myself I got up and walked into the washroom and got ready. Ten minutes later I was downstairs and we were off to Brooklyn.
So how long am I gonna be in Brooklyn? I asked.
About 2 or 3 weeks maybe. Today's Monday so you'll meet Corey on Sunday, and then the next two weeks I’ll be teaching you how to fight. He replied.
I thought Corey was one of your newsies?
Well yeah he was, but him and some other Brooklyn newsies didn't get along to well, so he went over to Harlem. I nodded.
The next few days I grew to love Brooklyn and everyone in it. They might be a little more cold and heartless than Manhattan, but they're great guys and tons of fun to hang out with. Spot and me have become close, something I thought would never happen, and spend almost all our time together. When I wasn't with him I was usually with Joker. He was a newie I had met the first night I came, and was the friendliest. We hit it off great from the start. By his name you should be able to guess his personality. We were always playing jokes on everyone and laughing. Most of the guys pretended to be annoyed, but you could tell it was a relief from their stressful lives. I was having tons of fun here, hardly even thinking about my friends back in Manhattan. Time flew by so quickly I didn't notice when Sunday came.
Oh God Spot, I don't think I can do this! I said pacing around his room nervously.
Come one Blue, it will fine!
But what if it's not? What if he's changed? What if he hates me? What if he doesn't show up? What if...
Oh shut up already, you're driving me crazy. Don't think about the what ifs all right? He put his hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes.
Everything will be fine, trust me. And if it's not, you'll still have me and the rest of the Brooklyn guys, including Manhattan okay? He said calmly now.
Yeah I know. Thanks Spot, I don't know what I would do without you. I said smiling. Please Blue, don't say that to him. He has a big enough ego already! Joker shouted from the other room. I laughed and Spot shot Joker a glare.
Hey! I don't have THAT big of an ego! He yelled, trying to defend himself.
Ha! Yeah, Spot you just keep telling yourself that. I said laughing. He just rolled his eyes.
Yeah, yeah come on or we'll be late. He said dragging me out of the room. Joker and me exchanged looks and started laughing. Spot looked at us weird, which just made us laugh even harder.
God, I can't believe you're gonna be here for another two whole weeks. Spot complained.
Oh you know you couldn't live without me either! We started walking down to the docks and I got a sick feeling in my stomach. When we got down there I had to convince Spot to go sell his papes and that I didn't need him here with me. He didn't want me being down there by myself and since we're both too damn stubborn, we sat there arguing for at least ten minutes. After a while he finally gave up and walked away to get his papes. I sat there for hours waiting. Finally I saw a figure walking toward me. Anxious I held my breath
