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Post by Sand on Jul 12, 2016 15:14:19 GMT -5
Sand stood outside the gates of the distribution center wanting to get her papers. The boys were trickling in amongst the girls. The boys always seemed to be late. There were more of them but they couldn't keep time...more specifically her time. Sand always came in early and left to go home late after making sure everything was alright. She tapped on the fense looking over the heads of all the girls the best she could.
He was late and Sand was trying to calm herself down. They were always late, but it didn't make any sense why se always got antsy when people were on time. She was always given a hard time about being the way she was but its what got her to be leader. It didn't help that she had heard rumors that the Queens leader was preparing for something. Sand needed to try and get her thoughts together. If she didn't know the facts people would get worried.
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Post by Blondie on Jul 12, 2016 15:43:08 GMT -5
Blondie yawned as he headed toward the distribution center. He was running a bit late. That was what he got for staying up so late and falling asleep on the roof. He almost entirely missed the bell. The only good thing about running late was the fact that he had the restroom all to himself. He was able to clean up nicely.
He smugly noted that he wasn't the only one running late. It made it easy for slip among the other boys and act like he really wasn't running as late as he really was.
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Post by Sand on Jul 12, 2016 15:50:49 GMT -5
Sand was tapping on the gate as it swung open. She lead everyone up to get their papers and got her usual. She waited at the bottom of the stairs as people left to sell their papers. Where was Blondie? He knew she didn't like when people were late. That may be why the boys were always late. They did it to bother her. As the boys passed SE gave them a warning look not to be late again. Sand counted her papers quickly before looking back up at the crowd.
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Post by Blondie on Jul 12, 2016 16:35:24 GMT -5
Blondie was sneaking yawns the whole way in line. He really should have gone down to the bunks when he started feeling sleepy, but the night had been so nice and the stars so beautiful. He just had to stay up a bit longer. He knew he was going to regret sleeping out there and so late, but he didn't care. Though is stuffy nose was complaining already.
"Achoo!" he sneezed onto his sleeve after buying his papers.
He hoped he hadn't caught a cold. That would really put a damper on things.
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Post by Sand on Jul 12, 2016 16:47:24 GMT -5
Achoo!
Sand snapped her head hearing the sneeze. She shook her head a bit seeing Blondie was the one who sneezed. Catching up to Blondie, she poked his arm some. Sand had a slightly frustrated look on her face. He seemed more tired then usual. What had he done to get this tired? Was he sick? "What did you do? Are you sick?" She asked looking up at him. He couldn't get sick. Not if the rumors about Queens were true.
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Post by Blondie on Jul 12, 2016 16:54:32 GMT -5
"What did you do?"
Blondie felt someone poke and whirled around. He let out a relieved sigh as he saw it was just Sand. He gave her a sheepish smile. "Nothin'... maybe just stayed up a little late?"
"Are you sick?"
He sniffed some and shook his head. "I don't think so." He pursed his lips slightly. "Sorry about the boys being late..."
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Post by Sand on Jul 12, 2016 17:17:24 GMT -5
Nothin'... maybe just stayed up a little late?
Sand nodded her head. She understood that. "You need better sleep tonight." She stated fixing her papers some. "I hear bad things..." Sand said quietly.
I don't think so. Sorry about the boys being late...
She nodded a bit relieved. They couldn't afford to be sick. As he apologized for the boys being late she shrugged a bit. "They don't listen well...I can't seem to get over them being late..." Sand sighed a bit. "I can't have Bronx divided..." She looked up at Blondie. He could tell she was worried. They had know each other long enough for him to tell that. Others wouldn't pay much attention to her eyes where her emotions hid.
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Post by Blondie on Jul 12, 2016 17:46:35 GMT -5
"You need better sleep tonight."
Blondie nodded as he yawned and rested his stack of papers on his shoulder. "I'll try my best. I can't guarantee i through if the weather is good tonight."
"I hear bad things..."
He raised an eyebrow. "Bad things? What sort of bad things?"
"They don't listen well... I can't seem to get over them being late..."
He shrugged. "Can't really help you there, I'm afraid. They don't listen to me."
Not that he was complaining. He didn't really care to intermingle with the other boys unless they were his close friends.
"I can't have Bronx divided..."
Blondie barked out a short laugh. "Divided? Bronx? Naaaah. Not in a million years," he scoffed. "Bronx doesn't have spats like Manhattan or Harlem. We're fine..." He trailed off as he realized how serious she was.
He swallowed thickly. "Something happened... What happened?"
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Post by Sand on Jul 12, 2016 18:23:36 GMT -5
I'll try my best. I can't guarantee i through if the weather is good tonight.
Sand nodded a bit. "At least get in bed before it gets too late..." She nudged him a bit. "Best be on time tomorrow too." A small smile crossed her face.
Bad things? What sort of bad things?
She ignored his question as she saw one of the boys trying to listen in. Sand gave him a mean look and shooed off the newsie. She didn't like when her newsies tried to listen in on her. Bad feelings of what happens with Queens and Brooklyn.
Can't really help you there, I'm afraid. They don't listen to me.
"They'll listen to you more then me most times." Sand said with a small smile. As the newsie headed off feeling that there was nothing to hear, Sand relaxed a bit. Looking up at Blondie she shrugged a bit. "I'm worried is all."
Divided? Bronx? Naaaah. Not in a million years, Bronx doesn't have spats like Manhattan or Harlem. We're fine...
She could tell he was joking at first. Once he realized she was serious he trailed off. "Are you sure? That we're fine...? I feel like I'm strugglin...tryin ta have control..." Sand sighed a bit. "They are getting better though...."
"Something happened... What happened?
Sand pinched the bridge of her nose a bit. "Queens...Queens happened...I heard that something is gunna happen...something big." Fixing her papers she looked at her feet thinking over what would happen if anything happened with Queens. "Blondie...if Queens does something stupid...everything is gunna go bad. 'Hattan will go with Brooklyn. And then we'll have to take sides...and if the boys don't agree with me or I pick the wrong side...it could be civil war in Bronx..." Sand sighed heavily. Why was she picked for this? What made her different from the other people to be a leader. They boys didn't listen which what was causing all her stress.
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Post by Blondie on Jul 12, 2016 19:15:38 GMT -5
"At least get in bed before it gets too late..."
Blondie cracked a small smile. "Heh heh... I'll try to remember that, but the night was just perfect last night. I got a perfect view of the stars from the lodge roof."
His eyes sparkled some. Seeing the stars so clearly was rather rare in the city. He cherished every moment he got to see them, especially after not being able to them very often back at his old home.
"Best be on time tomorrow too."
He grinned a bit cockily and gave her a mock salute. "Yes, miss!"
"They'll listen to you more then me most times."
He shrugged and pulled out a newspaper from his stack. "Only when I'm not getting into trouble with Mr. Reed." He paused to sell a paper. "They aren't quite fond of me, you know. Say I'm snobby and stuck up like the rich folk."
He did his best to act like the other boys but old habits die hard. But still, his secret had managed to stay safe. Even Sand had no idea he wasn't an orphan or street kid.
"I'm worried is all."
Blondie furrowed his brow some. "Worried? About what?"
He felt a little nervous. Sand was never worried... Something must be up.
"Are you sure? That we're fine...? I feel like I'm strugglin...trying ta have control..."
He shifted his papers to his other shoulder. Despite having done this for several years, his muscles hadn't really developed much so he was always having to switch his papers from shoulder to shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm sure. The boys are crazy, but they really do respect you."
"They are getting better though..."
He smiled. "See? They just are a bit rough around the edges at times. They really do respect you."
"Queens...Queens happened..."
Blondie raised an eyebrow. "Queens? But they aren't anywhere close to us. How do they involve us?"
"I heard that something is gunna happen...something big."
He shifted under the weight of his papers. He frowned in concerned thought. "But we have no quarrel with Queens. Why would they want to mess with us?"
"Blondie... If Queens does something stupid...everything is gonna go bad."
His frown deepened. "Not necessarily. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. If something happens, only if, it will be awhile before Queens gets to us. We'll be plenty prepared before Queens ever crosses us." He looked over at his paper. "Besides, how do we know Queens is really that big and bad? Oh sure, they rough up more than us and are equal in strength or stronger than Brooklyn. But really, Sand, I met a few guys from Queens during the strike last year. I don't think they have the manpower to come over to Bronx. They have to pass Brooklyn, Harlem, and Manhattan before they get to us."
"'Hattan will go with Brooklyn. And then we'll have to take sides..."
Blondie shook his head. "We don't have to take sides. We have no allies set up, unless that's changed since I last spoke with you."
"And if the boys don't agree with me or I pick the wrong side... It could be civil war in Bronx..."
He gave her a friendly pat on the head before moving his papers to his other shoulder. "Like I said, don't count your chickens before they're hatched. The boys are loyal to you even if they can be thick skulled at times. Whatever you decide, they'll back you up. Besides, they've known you for much longer than I have." He gave her a small smile. "They know you'll make the best decision for our borough. You have to believe them so they'll believe in you."
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Post by Sand on Jul 12, 2016 20:06:02 GMT -5
Heh heh... I'll try to remember that, but the night was just perfect last night. I got a perfect view of the stars from the lodge roof.
Sand smiled seeing his eyes sparkle. He really loved the stars and seeing that always made Sand happy. "One of these days on a perfect night you'll have ta come and get me." She wanted to see what made him this happy.
Yes, miss!
She laughed at his salute. "No need ta be cocky, Blondie." Sand said giving him a nudge to get moving. Sand stopped to sell a paper and stuffed the change in her pocket.
Only when I'm not getting into trouble with Mr. Reed. They aren't quite fond of me, you know. Say I'm snobby and stuck up like the rich folk.
Sand shook her head and put as much sarcasm as she could in her words. "You? Snobby? Never." Laughing some she added. "You're not too bad. Besides they'd like you more if they knew ya a bit better." She nudged him a bit. "Just be sociable." She laughed a bit. "That's hard for both of us though."
See? They just are a bit rough around the edges at times. They really do respect you.
Sand smiled a bit. "Yeah I guess they do but still...it's hard at times..."
Not necessarily. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. If something happens, only if, it will be awhile before Queens gets to us. We'll be plenty prepared before Queens ever crosses us. Besides, how do we know Queens is really that big and bad? Oh sure, they rough up more than us and are equal in strength or stronger than Brooklyn. But really, Sand, I met a few guys from Queens during the strike last year. I don't think they have the manpower to come over to Bronx. They have to pass Brooklyn, Harlem, and Manhattan before they get to us.
Sand nodded knowing she was overreacting on this Queens deal. "It's just...I wanna be ready...I don't wanna be caught of guard with this...it can go bad fast if we aren't careful..." She explained as best she could.
We don't have to take sides. We have no allies set up, unless that's changed since I last spoke with you.
"You know I wouldn't make any decisions without talking to you. Besides we don't need allies right now." Sand said selling another paper. "They'll try to get us to side with them. 'Hattan will be easy to deal with...its Queens. I don't want them beating up my newsies..."
Like I said, don't count your chickens before they're hatched. The boys are loyal to you even if they can be thick skulled at times. Whatever you decide, they'll back you up. Besides, they've known you for much longer than I have. They know you'll make the best decision for our borough. You have to believe them so they'll believe in you.
Sand swatted at his hand with a small smile. She hated when he did that but it was always somehow comforting. "You think so?" She asked curiously. "I can trust them more but I'm just worried about what could happen...I don't want to disappoint them..." Sand said looking down and shifting her papers some.
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Post by Blondie on Jul 12, 2016 21:13:32 GMT -5
"One of these days on a perfect night you'll have ta come and get me."
Blondie hide his face from her view with his newspapers. "Ah well... if Mrs. Wood's doesn't mind me coming over to let you know?"
"No need ta be cocky, Blondie."
"Me, cocky?" he scoffed. "Never. I'm just aware of my abilities. That's all."
"You? Snobby? Never."
A smile quirked at his lips. He was relieved that Sand didn't think he was stuck-up or anything like that. They weren't close friends, but they were decent friends. He would hate for her to think that way about him. He supposed it was partially his fault. He spoke too eloquently for a newsie and rarely used slang. Those were practically dead give away that he wasn't some street kid. He had been getting better though. He wasn't as naive as he was back when he first started.
"You're not too bad. Besides they'd like you more if they knew ya a bit better."
He shrugged, though he wore a small smile. "Ah well. Not all the guys care to know me better." He shrugged again, re-balancing his papers. "And well, I'm not extremely outgoing either."
"That's hard for both of us though."
Blondie cocked his head and looked her over in surprise and curiosity. "Hard for both of us? I think you got it down fine. I mean... you lead Bronx."
"Yeah I guess they do but still...it's hard at times..."
He nodded. "Yeah, understandable. But being leader, you have to expect it to be a little hard at times. Though, I wouldn't worry too much about it. The guys are just fine. They shape up when the time calls."
"It's just...I wanna be ready...I don't wanna be caught off guard with this...it can go bad fast if we aren't careful..."
He sighed, nodding slowly. "Yeah, I get it. Just don't get all worked up about it, okay? Take it one step at a time, and you'll be more than ready. Like I said, we don't know if Queens even wants to come over here." He cocked his head to the side. "Have you sent a bird over there to check on things? If it'll make you feel better, " he suggested somewhat hesitantly, "I could go over and check up on Queens' movements."
"You know I wouldn't make any decisions without talking to you. Besides we don't need allies right now."
A slight blush graced his cheeks. "Ah well, um..." he stuttered some. "Right. I knew that."
He knew she came to him for advice about the borough, but he never really thought she took it so seriously. It made him swell a little with pride, but only a little mind you. He knew better than to let it get to his head. Many a newsie had fallen from pride.
"They'll try to get us to side with them. 'Hattan will be easy to deal with...its Queens. I don't want them beating up my newsies..."
Blondie nodded once again. "Yeah, it's better to stay out of that business," he agreed. "I think that remaining neutral is probably the best for us. We have to real ties to Brooklyn or Manhattan so we don't really need allies. They don't see us as trouble, and we don't see them as trouble. We leave each other alone which makes sense that we haven't had any trouble with the other boroughs."
"You think so?"
He winced slightly at her swat. It didn't hurt that bad, but his hands were a little sensitive. "Yeah, I wouldn't say so if I didn't think so." He crossed his heart with a grin. "I don't lie. I just talk too much."
"I can trust them more but I'm just worried about what could happen...I don't want to disappoint them..."
He pursed his lips as he sold another paper. "Look, Sand. You can't trust them if you keep worrying. They'll be prepared when the time comes for it. Don't worry about what could go wrong. Think about what could go right and make that your goal. You do that, then I'm sure you don't disappoint us."
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Post by Sand on Jul 13, 2016 0:17:36 GMT -5
Ah well... if Mrs. Wood's doesn't mind me coming over to let you know?
Sand shrugged a bit. "She's asleep by nine most nights.." She smiled a bit. "We can figure something out though if you're scared of Woods."
Me, cocky? Never. I'm just aware of my abilities. That's all.
"That's why people don't like you much. You are too aware of you're abilities." Sand smiled some at him. "Try being less aware." She laughed some.
Ah well. Not all the guys care to know me better. And well, I'm not extremely outgoing either.
Sand smiled a bit. "Ya just gotta try. That's the hardest part gettin out there." She nudged him a bit. "You can do it..."
Hard for both of us? I think you got it down fine. I mean... you lead Bronx
Sand shrugged. "Don't got it down. I just know when ta put myself out there. I'm good at that." Sand said looking down and shifting her papers some before pulling one to sell. "You can do it too. It's not hard."
Yeah, understandable. But being leader, you have to expect it to be a little hard at times. Though, I wouldn't worry too much about it. The guys are just fine. They shape up when the time calls.
Sand nodded. "You're right...they can handle it. They can handle anything..." Sand straightened up. "We all can."
"Yeah, I get it. Just don't get all worked up about it, okay? Take it one step at a time, and you'll be more than ready. Like I said, we don't know if Queens even wants to come over here. Have you sent a bird over there to check on things? If it'll make you feel better, I could go over and check up on Queens' movements.
"I know...I know...ill try my to get as worked up..." Sand sighed. "One step at a time is harder when you wanna see the big picture..." She looked over at Blondie a bit shocked at his offer to go to Queens. "I haven't. And I won't send ya unless you want to go..." Her newsies stayed away from Queens as far as she knew. Yeah there was the occasional outing to the library but going to just check on things? She felt uneasy about it all. If he would be willing too...it could offer up some valuable information on what could happen.
Ah well, um...Right. I knew that. Sand was a bit surprised at his reaction. Did he not know she held his opinion so highly? He helped her through things like this. Made her see more sense then panic. He helped her more then he may ever know. Just seeing his reaction to something that seemed so obvious to her was surprising.
Yeah, it's better to stay out of that business, I think that remaining neutral is probably the best for us. We have to real ties to Brooklyn or Manhattan so we don't really need allies. They don't see us as trouble, and we don't see them as trouble. We leave each other alone which makes sense that we haven't had any trouble with the other boroughs.
Sand nodded some thinking over this option. It seemed the best for Bronx. "Neutral...neutral is good. We won't change much but adapt more." She looked up at him with a questioning glance. "Right?"
Yeah, I wouldn't say so if I didn't think so. I don't lie. I just talk too much.
She laughed a bit and nodded. "Ya do talk more then usual." Sand smiled at his actions and words.
Look, Sand. You can't trust them if you keep worrying. They'll be prepared when the time comes for it. Don't worry about what could go wrong. Think about what could go right and make that your goal. You do that, then I'm sure you don't disappoint us.
"So what can go right from this?" Sand asked curious. "I trust the boys more and hope things with Queens don't go sour?" Sand sighed a bit. "Send in a bird and hope he comes back in one peice not black and blue. I just....I don't like guessing and hoping. I wasn't my newsies safe." She passed a paper to a customer. "Blondie...I want to be like that...its just...it's hard. I want to protect them but I can't it seems..."
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Post by Blondie on Jul 13, 2016 9:32:20 GMT -5
"She's asleep by nine most nights... We can figure something out though if you're scared of Woods."
Blondie made a face. "I'm not afraid of Mrs. Woods. Just trying to respectable that's all."
Despite not being there for him, his parents had taught him manners. Or rather, his governess had. Still, he did not want to come across as one of those boys who just sneaked into the girls' lodge.
"That's why people don't like you much. You are too aware of you're abilities. Try being less aware."
He gave her a small smile. Mr. Reed said the same thing. If he wasn't so dependent on his abilities, if he didn't use them so much, he would have more friends. "Yeah... I know. Mr. Reed says the same thing. Guess it's just a habit to break, huh?"
"Don't got it down. I just know when ta put myself out there. I'm good at that."
He nodded some. "See? You at least know when to go out and get things done. Shows that you're a great leader and outgoing."
"You can do it too. It's not hard."
He shrugged as he sold a few more papers. "I don't know about that. Some people just um aren't capable of coming out of their shell, you know?"
He wanted more friends, but he was worried about making more friends. That left more room for him to slip up and have them find out that he wasn't what they thought he was. So in the end, he just had to be content with what he had.
"You're right... they can handle it. They can handle anything... We all can."
He smiled and nodded in affirmation. "That's the spirit! Don't let anything get you down."
That's a motto he tried to live by. After all, none of them were promised tomorrow so why go out when you're down? Go out with a bang!
"I know... I know... I'll try my to get as worked up... One step at a time is harder when you wanna see the big picture..."
Blondie pursed his lips and shifted his papers. "Well, you can't ever really see the big picture until it's finished, Sand. That's why you have to focus on doing the one step at a time so the big picture will be better than what it was going to be."
"I haven't. And I won't send ya unless you want to go..."
He straightened himself. "I'll go," he said firmly. "You need the information, and I can go get it. No problem. I've been wanting to stretch my legs anyways. Queens is a good distance to do just that," he joked.
Queens did make him a little nervous. After all, they were well known as one of the toughest boroughs around. But, he wasn't scared. To be honest, he was more scared of Harlem for personal reasons.
"Neutral... neutral is good. We won't change much but adapt more. Right?"
He grinned and nodded. "Yep, that's it exactly. We'll be the best adapted borough of them all!"
"Ya do talk more then usual."
He hid his face with his papers again and cleared his throat some. "Ah well, they used to call me 'Chatterbox' when I was a kid," he lied smoothly.
It wasn't a total lie, but a lie all the same. His governess had called him that once, so he figured it would make sense that people might have called him that when he was a younger newsie before he ever came to Bronx.
"So what can go right from this?"
Blondie paused to count how many papers he had left before glancing at her, head tilted to the side. "What could go right? Well, lots of things. The other boroughs can see how Bronx can stand its own ground. They can see that we got a great leader too." He nudged her playfully. "The boys will have greater respect for you, and they'll finally be getting some action. You know they get bored of nothing really happening here. This could be good for all of us."
"I trust the boys more and hope things with Queens don't go sour?"
He sighed as well. "Come on, Sand. You know it's not like that. It's not good to think so negatively. It makes things worse."
"Send in a bird and hope he comes back in one peice not black and blue. I just....I don't like guessing and hoping. I wasn't my newsies safe."
He nodded. "You can't always keep us safe, and it won't be your fault if someone does get hurt. Some of us are stupid and ask for it. As for Queens..." He pursed his lips as he sold some more papers. "They might hurt the bird, but then again, they might not. The bird just has to be clever and slip in and out with them knowing. It takes smarts and skills. You send the right bird, and you won't have to worry."
"Blondie... I want to be like that... its just... it's hard. I want to protect them but I can't it seems...
He gave her a comforting pat to the head. "I know it's hard, but you need to stop worrying so much. That'll definitely help you out. No one can ever protect everyone. Look at the mayor or even the president. They definitely don't keep everyone safe, but you know what they do do? They watch and plan. They make rules and laws that can ensure safety. They set up people below them who can protect the people of the city. It's not all on the leader if someone gets hurt."
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Post by Sand on Jul 13, 2016 13:42:11 GMT -5
I'm not afraid of Mrs. Woods. Just trying to respectable that's all.
Sand smiled a bit. "I know you're respectable. I trust ya so I just wanna see the stars on a perfect night." She said adding a nudge as she said perfect. It had to be good if Blondoe was so fond of it.
Yeah... I know. Mr. Reed says the same thing. Guess it's just a habit to break, huh
Laughing some she poked his side. "Maybe you should listen ta one of us." She smiled bright up at him as she continued to mess with him. "It can't be me since you can't even come get papers on time like I ask."
See? You at least know when to go out and get things done. Shows that you're a great leader and outgoing.
Sand blushed a bit not used to complements. "You...you think I'm a great leader?" She asked a bit nervously.
I don't know about that. Some people just um aren't capable of coming out of their shell, you know?
"I get it." She said quietly. "I just think everyone should call you their friend. They'd be lucky ta have you..." Sand smiled a bit. "I know I am."
That's the spirit! Don't let anything get you down.
Sand smiled bright. "Thanks Blondie...ill keep in a better spirit hopefully." Though Sand knew that her nature would get the best of her and she would be worried about it probably as soon as he left her side.
Well, you can't ever really see the big picture until it's finished, Sand. That's why you have to focus on doing the one step at a time so the big picture will be better than what it was going to be.
"One step at a time..." Sand sighed a bit. "I think it's easier to peice it together and get an idea ready..." She shook her head and smiled at te oncoming buyers selling a few more. "I just need ta think of it different. Make the steps seem like the big picture...somethin like that anyway.." Sand said rubbing her head some. It was really difficult for her to slow down like this. She needed to be slowed down though. If she got too ahead of herself or thought too much...she could be a mess. Blondie made it easier to check herself. He calmed her down somehow. It was a skill not even her mother could do as well as him. Just seeing him she could feel herself wind down even before talking to him. Except when he was late. That's one thing she still had trouble with. People not being on time. Sand was learning to get a better handle of that on her own though.
I'll go, You need the information, and I can go get it. No problem. I've been wanting to stretch my legs anyways. Queens is a good distance to do just that
Sand looked at him once again shocked but this time there was worry in her face. "W-what?" She sold a paper quickly then looked back at him. "You're serious? You want to go to Queens?" She asked again clarifying. He better not get hurt. She'd yell at him then go and find who did it. Sand wouldn't be a very easy person to deal with if Blondie got hurt. Mostly because she's feel it was her fault.
Yep, that's it exactly. We'll be the best adapted borough of them all!
"They won't know what hit 'em." Sand laughed some.
Ah well, they used to call me 'Chatterbox' when I was a kid,
Sand smiled some. "I can see why." She nudged him. "You are chatty but I think it is alright." She looked up at him happily. Sand liked when he talked about his past. Made it less stressful and less business like. Which they both probably needed.
What could go right? Well, lots of things. The other boroughs can see how Bronx can stand its own ground. They can see that we got a great leader too. The boys will have greater respect for you, and they'll finally be getting some action. You know they get bored of nothing really happening here. This could be good for all of us. Come on, Sand. You know it's not like that. It's not good to think so negatively. It makes things worse.
Sand nodded a bit. All were good. Very good actually. There was still an aching worried feeling coiled in her stomach. "I'm trying not to be negative...just prepared is all..." She said quietly knowing it wasn't a real excuse.
You can't always keep us safe, and it won't be your fault if someone does get hurt. Some of us are stupid and ask for it. As for Queens...They might hurt the bird, but then again, they might not. The bird just has to be clever and slip in and out with them knowing. It takes smarts and skills. You send the right bird, and you won't have to worry.
She sold another paper before continuing. "Are ya smart and skilled not to get caught and soaked?" She asked looking worriedly at him.
I know it's hard, but you need to stop worrying so much. That'll definitely help you out. No one can ever protect everyone. Look at the mayor or even the president. They definitely don't keep everyone safe, but you know what they do do? They watch and plan. They make rules and laws that can ensure safety. They set up people below them who can protect the people of the city. It's not all on the leader if someone gets hurt.
Sand pursed her lips. "What if I don't make the right choice...? What if more then a few people get hurt. How can I not worry about everyone? It's not easy trying to be a leader and make choices like this..." She said with a sigh. "I'm not sure I can do it so easily..."
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Post by Blondie on Jul 13, 2016 14:06:41 GMT -5
"I know you're respectable. I trust ya so I just wanna see the stars on a perfect night."
Blondie nodded slightly. "I'll see what I can do then."
"Maybe you should listen ta one of us. It can't be me since you can't even come get papers on time like I ask."
He rolled his eyes some. "Well it can't be Mr. Reed in that case," he said in jest right back at her. "He's always saying how I'm getting into trouble at the lodge."
"You...you think I'm a great leader?"
He looked at her in surprise. He thought it was obvious. The boys might not voice it, but they all thought she was a great leader. To be honest, the boys were proud of their female leader. "Of course I do. We all do. You shouldn't doubt yourself."
"I get it. I just think everyone should call you their friend. They'd be lucky ta have you... I know I am."
He gave her a small smile as he sold a few more papers. It looked like he was almost done.
"Thanks Blondie...ill keep in a better spirit hopefully."
He nodded. "No problem. The leader has to always be looking on the bright side. You'll scare people if they see you're worried."
"One step at a time... I think it's easier to peice it together and get an idea ready... I just need ta think of it different. Make the steps seem like the big picture...somethin like that anyway.."
Blondie shrugged and moved his papers to his other shoulder. "Whatever works for you. Just try not to be in too much of a hurry? Something about 'haste makes waste' you know."
"W-what?"
He had to bite back a chuckle at the look of shock on her face. It was priceless. He cleared his throat to keep from laughing. "Surprise is a new look for you," he teased, barely keeping his chuckles in check.
"You're serious? You want to go to Queens?"
He nodded firmly. "Yes, I wouldn't have said otherwise. Queens isn't bad, and I don't mind going at all."
"They won't know what hit 'em."
His grin widened. "Exactly. We'll be the best borough of them all."
"I can see why. You are chatty but I think it is alright."
He grinned a bit bashfully. "Ah well, I don't think I'm that chatty anymore or else my name would be 'Chatterbox' again." He chuckled. "I don't think that name suits me anymore. Plain old Blondie is much better."
"I'm trying not to be negative...just prepared is all..."
Blondie raised an eyebrow. "You can be prepared if you think more positively..."
But who was he to say anything? He wasn't exactly the best prepared himself whether it be with positive or negative thinking. But, he had found things usually turned out better when his spirits were high than when he was down in the dumps.
"Are ya smart and skilled not to get caught and soaked?"
He waved her off some. "Oh come on, you know me better than that. I'm pretty wily around here, aren't I?" He winked at her. "I'll be fine. They won't know that I even slipped in."
"What if I don't make the right choice...? What if more then a few people get hurt. How can I not worry about everyone? It's not easy trying to be a leader and make choices like this..."
He frowned at her. "Then quit. If you keep thinking like this, you can't be a good leader." He sighed some. "Look, Sand, if you feel so stressed about being leader... you should step down." He stared at his small stack of papers. "We would rather not lose you as leader... so, instead of putting all of this stress on just you. Why don't you have an assistant? Jack Kelly in Manhattan has one. Think his name is Davey? Well, Jack can't always be looking over Manhattan so he splits the work between him and Davey. Splitting the work would help you not be so worried about everything. And well, that way it won't be all your fault is something goes wrong."
He finished up selling his last few papers and glanced over at Sand. "I can go to Queens today... but think about that, okay? Bronx doesn't want to lose you, and you shouldn't be so worried and stressed about these things.
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Post by Sand on Jul 13, 2016 20:58:47 GMT -5
I'll see what I can do then.
Sand smiled happily. "Good. I can't wait ta see it."
Well it can't be Mr. Reed in that case, He's always saying how I'm getting into trouble at the lodge.
"Well then ya have ta be on time from now on." She said with a quick poke. "Guess that means you're gunna be listening ta me."
Of course I do. We all do. You shouldn't doubt yourself.
She gave a small smile and looked down at her papers. "So I'm not messing things up?" Sand asked softly. That was her worst fear. That her newsies wouldn't want her. Something would go wrong and they would force her out. Hearing him say that made it all seem more real that she wasn't doing a bad job. That she wasn't a mistake. That she could do this and they would follow her.
No problem. The leader has to always be looking on the bright side. You'll scare people if they see you're worried.
Sand looked up at him with a laugh. "Well ya do talk me away from the dark side." It was meant to sound funny but it was more true then not. He helped far more then she could have ever believed when she first ran into him and they had started this odd relationship.
Whatever works for you. Just try not to be in too much of a hurry? Something about 'haste makes waste' you know.
She laughed a bit hearing him say 'haste not waste'. It was always odd little things that made him sound out of place with the newsies. Sand didn't really care about the past of her newsies. The past didn't matter. There was here and now and they were her newsies. Hearing their stories though made her happy. That part of the their lives was a mystery and hearing it made her respect them and made her happy that she was their leader. "I'll get ta thinkin about 'haste not waste'." Sand smiled up at him.
Surprise is a new look for you.
"Blondie! This is serious." She said a bit harsher then she wanted. "I want you to take this seriously..." Sand said selling a few more papers leaving her with only a couple left.
Yes, I wouldn't have said otherwise. Queens isn't bad, and I don't mind going at all.
Sand looked at her feet for a few minutes thinking over Blondie going to Queens. "So you're goin'...but we need ta make a plan if ya get caught somewhere or somethin' ya know?" She said quietly. Sand didn't like this at all. She wanted to be prepared for this. Blondie may think that it wasn't a big deal but she did.
Exactly. We'll be the best borough of them all.
She looked up at him and smiled brightly. They would be fine. Bronx wouldn't fall as easily as she had thought.
Ah well, I don't think I'm that chatty anymore or else my name would be 'Chatterbox' again. I don't think that name suits me anymore. Plain old Blondie is much better
"Just plain ol' Blondie Chatterbox." Sand smiled and poked him again. "I think I'll call ya Chatterbox." She said laughing a bit.
You can be prepared if you think more positively...
"Alright. I'll think more positively. Might just need some help ya know?" Sand said a little embarrassed as she sold her last few papers. She wasn't much on getting help but she always accepted it when she knew she needed it.
Oh come on, you know me better than that. I'm pretty wily around here, aren't I? I'll be fine. They won't know that I even slipped in.
Sand laughed a bit nervously. "I know...I know..." she smiled at him and gave him a nudge. "You're wily." Sand couldn't even say it with a straight face.
Then quit. If you keep thinking like this, you can't be a good leader. Look, Sand, if you feel so stressed about being leader... you should step down.
Her face went hard hearing his words. After all he said...why would he say something like that? Was everything they had just talked about a lie? No...it didn't seem like him. It still confused her. Sand's face was very blank and was a tale-tell sign that she was hiding how she was feeling. Honestly she didn't care at this point. Sand was hurt and didn't understand what he was trying to say. Quit...she wouldn't do that...
We would rather not lose you as leader... so, instead of putting all of this stress on just you. Why don't you have an assistant? Jack Kelly in Manhattan has one. Think his name is Davey? Well, Jack can't always be looking over Manhattan so he splits the work between him and Davey. Splitting the work would help you not be so worried about everything. And well, that way it won't be all your fault is something goes wrong.
Sand nodded a bit. Splitting the work...She wasn't sure about that. She would rather have things go wrong and blame herself not someone else...
I can go to Queens today... but think about that, okay? Bronx doesn't want to lose you, and you shouldn't be so worried and stressed about these things.
"Alright...if you want to go today..." Sand said still a bit off from what he had said earlier. "Bronx ain't loosin' me yet..."
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Post by Blondie on Jul 13, 2016 21:28:44 GMT -5
"Good. I can't wait ta see it."
Blondie was feeling rather bashful and pretended to be rather interested in a poster for the circus. "Mhmmm... the autumn nights will be nice to see the stars."
"Well then ya have ta be on time from now on. Guess that means you're gunna be listening ta me."
He sighed. "Yeah... looks like it." He gave her a quick poke back. "I'll try. Like I said, I can't make any promises."
"So I'm not messing things up?"
He nodded. "You're not messing things up one bit. Bronx couldn't be running smoother."
To be honest, her leadership had probably been exactly what the borough had needed. The last leader had been a bit too laid back. Sand brought stability to the little borough. It was something they desperately needed. Sand had made the borough a new place.
"Well ya do talk me away from the dark side."
He cocked his head to the side. "Huh..."
He had no idea that he did that for her. He was just giving her his opinion and thoughts. The old leader had done the same, but Blondie had never really thought anything of it. He just thought leaders liked hearing the opinions of their newsies and birds.
"I'll get ta thinkin about 'haste not waste'."
He grinned. "It'd be a good idea. If you rush, you're more likely to make mistakes and get into trouble."
"Blondie! This is serious. I want you to take this seriously..."
His eyes went immediately downcast and all the laughter in his face and eyes disappeared as well. "Sorry, Sand..."
It just had been a funny moment to see her so surprised. He knew Queens was serious business, but that expression! It had been rather funny. She would have understood if she could have seen herself. Though, he knew he deserved her scolding despite being the older of the two. She was the leader, after all. He had to respect and obey his authority even if the authority was younger than him.
"So you're goin'...but we need ta make a plan if ya get caught somewhere or somethin' ya know?"
He glanced at her from the corner of his eye and nodded. "Yeah, I'm going." He fought back a sigh. "I know, I know. I'll have a plan sorted before I leave. But you don't need to get so worried. I've been to Queens before and didn't get a scratch."
It was true. He had been to Queens in the past, but he had visited before he had become a newsie. Of course, Queens wouldn't have touched him. Sand, on the other hand, didn't need to worry about that. Besides, Blondie was sure he could handle it. As long as he laid low and was careful, he would be just fine. Queens would never even see him come and go.
"Just plain ol' Blondie Chatterbox. I think I'll call ya Chatterbox."
He gave her a look of mock horror. "Oh come on! You can't be calling me by that old nickname." He placed his hand on his chest, continuing his acting. "It'll be so embarrassing!"
"Alright. I'll think more positively. Might just need some help ya know?"
He nodded. "You can always count on me, if you need help."
"I know... I know... You're wily."
He chuckled and nudged her back. "Very very wily and sneaky. Don't forget sneaky. After all, I've been able to sneak out cookies from-" He quickly caught himself from slipping out his housekeeper's name. "Mr. Reed's cookie jar dozens of times." He gave her a crooked grin, hoping she didn't notice his almost slip up.
"Alright...if you want to go today..."
Blondie bit his lip, nodding slightly. He could tell by the hardness of her voice that she hadn't taken what he said to well. He felt bad, but he had to tell her exactly what he thought. He wasn't a liar after all. He might twist words, but he never ever lied. He didn't like how she was always worried about making a mistake or how she always seemed stressed. He thought of her as a great leader, but if being a leader was causing her problems, he would rather have her step down from the position of leadership.
"Bronx ain't loosin' me yet..."
He felt relieved at her words. He really didn't want her to quit leading Bronx, but if it was for the best... he would accept it.
"That's good," he said quietly before selling the last of his papers and stuffing his hands in his pockets.
He hoped Sand wouldn't stay mad at him. It would be terrible if she was. She might stop liking him... and he might just lose one of the only friends he had.
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Post by Sand on Jul 13, 2016 22:14:58 GMT -5
Mhmmm... the autumn nights will be nice to see the stars.
"Autumn it is then." Sand said with a smile. "I'll make sure not ta forget."
Yeah... looks like it. I'll try. Like I said, I can't make any promises.
Sand gave a soft Yelp at his poke back. "Well at least you'll listen ta me sometimes." She smiled brightly at the taller boy.
You're not messing things up one bit. Bronx couldn't be running smoother.
Smiling proudly, Sand continued walking feeling better about all this then she had before. It was nice. She felt more relaxed. "Couldn't be smoother eh?" Sand said with a big smile.
Huh...
Her eyes widened a bit wondering if she had said too much. She didn't want him to think differently of her. Sand looked around some as they walked pretending she didn't hear him.
It'd be a good idea. If you rush, you're more likely to make mistakes and get into trouble.
Sand nodded. "It makes sense..." She said softly. In her mind though it wasn't always that simple. Her mind tended to work at a faster pace then others.
Sorry, Sand...
Seeing the dramatic change in Blondie snapped her out of whatever worrisome fit she was feeling. Rubbing her face some she took a few deep breathes. "I'm sorry...I just...this is...it's dangerous. I'm scared is all...I shouldn'ta snapped like that..." Sand said liking down a bit. Blondie was only teasing her and she knew that but all she could think about was him getting hurt and everything that could get him killed in Queens. "I'm sorry..." She said softer covering her eyes for a bit. Sand hating snapping at the newsies like that when it wasn't necessary. This was definitely not necessary.
Yeah, I'm going. I know, I know. I'll have a plan sorted before I leave. But you don't need to get so worried. I've been to Queens before and didn't get a scratch.
"Then you were lucky..." Sand said quietly. Changing the subject quickly she told him, "Just let me now the plan is all I ask." She said looking at her shoes.
Oh come on! You can't be calling me by that old nickname. It'll be so embarrassing
Sand laughed harder then she had in a long time. Even letting out a snort as she tried to catch her breathe. Her sentence was broken by bits of laughter. "Poor...little Chatterbox." Tears welled in her eyes some from the laughing.
You can always count on me, if you need help.
Smiling a bit she nodded. "I know...thanks for that by the way." She said nudging him again. "I'm sure Bronx would be long gone of ya weren't here for the leaders."
Very very wily and sneaky. Don't forget sneaky. After all, I've been able to sneak out cookies from-Mr. Reed's cookie jar dozens of times.
"Very very sneaky ta steal cookies from Reed. I'm surprised ya still have a hand." She laughed softly.
That's good,
Sand nodded a bit. Still a blank slate of emotion. He seemed even more confusing now. Should she stay? Should she go? What was best for Bronx? Was it just him being quite brutally honest telling her to quit? Sand wasn't sure. All she knew was right now she wasn't happy.
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Post by Blondie on Jul 14, 2016 8:55:11 GMT -5
"Autumn it is then. I'll make sure not ta forget."
Blondie nodded, keeping his focus on the circus poster. "Yeah... I'll do my best not forget either."
He had never invited anyone to watch the stars with him before so he felt a little awkward about it. It was strange... He didn't like being alone, but when someone joined him it was always so weird. He supposed it was because he had been alone for far too long.
"Well at least you'll listen ta me sometimes."
He smiled slightly. "I guess sometimes is better than not at all, huh?"
"Couldn't be smoother eh?"
He nodded. "Yes, it really couldn't be smoother. You really should talk to the guys sometimes. They rea think the change is good and that things couldn't be better."
"It makes sense..."
He smiled again. "Doesn't it? You can't get things done right if you're in a hurry, after all."
"I'm sorry... I just... this... it's dangerous. I'm scared is all... I shouldn'ta snapped like that... I'm sorry..."
Blondie shrugged, remaining silent. He didn't want to upset her further, even though he had a few words to say. His tongue was sharp, and he was doing his best to keep in check when around Sand. He had learned the hard way in the past not to be so snarky and witty around his authority.
"Then you were lucky... Just let me now the plan is all I ask."
He nodded, finally leaving the circus poster behind him. "I'll tell you as soon as I got a plan formulated," he promised.
"Poor... little Chatterbox."
He choked back a laugh. "That really sounds ridiculous, you know. I'm not really little anymore."
"I know... thanks for that by the way. I'm sure Bronx would be long gone of ya weren't here for the leaders."
He cocked his head to the side, amused and surprised at her comment. "Ah well, I don't really know about that. Bronx has had pretty good leaders who didn't need me..." he trailed off. He wasn't sure if Sand knew that he wasn't originally from Bronx or not. Most of the boys knew, but they wouldn't blab about that. It was something in the past, and they certainly didn't care about it now.
"Very very sneaky ta steal cookies from Reed. I'm surprised ya still have a hand."
He grinned mischievously. "What can I say? Mr. Reed buys the best cookies! It shows how sneaky I am."
Blondie sighed softly as he noticed Sand was still upset with him. It was all thanks to his big mouth.
"Hey, Sand..." he said quietly before turning towards the boys' lodge. "I said alot, and I'm sorry for being too forward with my opinions and thoughts. I just don't like you getting so worried and stressed every time something pops up like this. If it's going to be like this every time, I don't think it's good for you." He turned so he couldn't see her, and she couldn't see him. "I think you're the best leader Bronx has ever had, but if you keep getting stressed... it's going to hurt you. As much as I don't want a new leader, I would rather you step down for your health and mental state than keep you as leader and see you struggle like this."
He knew he said too much once again, but it had to be said. She needed to know his thoughts clearly.
He gave her a wave of goodbye as he started heading towards the lodge to plan his trip to Queens. "Later, Sand."
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Post by Sand on Jul 14, 2016 10:33:46 GMT -5
Yeah... I'll do my best not forget either.
Sand looked over at him looking as he looked at the circus poster. "Or if ya don't want me ta be there it's ok." She didn't want him to feel like he had to have her there. If he would rather not have her there she would understand though she'd be a little hurt she would understand.
I guess sometimes is better than not at all, huh?
She nodded. "Course it's better then not at all. Ya see what happened this mornin'."
Yes, it really couldn't be smoother. You really should talk to the guys sometimes. They rea think the change is good and that things couldn't be better.
"I might talk ta them sometime...you think they'd like talkin ta me?" Sand asked a bit sheepishly.
Doesn't it? You can't get things done right if you're in a hurry, after all.
She nodded. "I'll do better...or at least try ta do better."
As Blodie stayed quiet after her apology for her reaction, she looked over at him. He wasn't saying what he wanted. She could see that. That's a problem with being leader. Your friends didn't say what they wanted sometimes and that bothered her. Sand started to speak but looked down and stayed quiet. If he didn't want to talk to her that would be fine...no matter how much she hated it. Sand wouldn't do more to upset him and make him feel like he couldn't speak his mind. Sand was just worried...and he didn't seem to be taking it as serious as she thought it should be. Because of that she hurt her friend.
I'll tell you as soon as I got a plan formulated,
Sand nodded a bit. "Thank you..." She said softly.
That really sounds ridiculous, you know. I'm not really little anymore.
"All ya gotta do is get on your knees and you'll be little again." She said with a poke. "Then you'll be a little chatterbox again." Sand smiled happily.
"Ah well, I don't really know about that. Bronx has had pretty good leaders who didn't need me...
Sand smiled some. "Ok so maybe I'm the only one who needs help."
What can I say? Mr. Reed buys the best cookies! It shows how sneaky I am.
"You're so sneaky. One day he's gunna catch ya and then what are ya gunna do ta get cookies?" Sand asked playfully.
Hey, Sand... I said alot, and I'm sorry for being too forward with my opinions and thoughts. I just don't like you getting so worried and stressed every time something pops up like this. If it's going to be like this every time, I don't think it's good for you.
She looked up at Blondie. He was apologizing? He said she should quit but that no one wanted her too. She was confused and a little hurt that he'd say that but it was his opinion. Sand couldn't be mad at that...for too long anyway. He didn't like her worrying so much. Honestly she didn't like it either but she couldn't help it. Sand had always worried and tried to plan, but being leader was a whole new level of worry.
I think you're the best leader Bronx has ever had, but if you keep getting stressed... it's going to hurt you. As much as I don't want a new leader, I would rather you step down for your health and mental state than keep you as leader and see you struggle like this.
Sand didn't understand why he had turned away from her. Her face scrunched some as he talked. She was the best leader but if it continued to hurt her he wanted her to step down. She thought over it for a bit. As stressed as she was Sand loved where she was. Sand wanted to say something but she had no idea what to say. Sand moved around so she could see him. Her mouth open and closed it still not sure that she could say to make it better. After a moment she hugged him. It was all she could think of to do or say that would make it better. After a minute she found her voice. "I'll be ok..."
Later, Sand
She waved back some. "Bye Blondie..." Sand said softly.
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Post by Blondie on Jul 14, 2016 11:11:35 GMT -5
"Or if ya don't want me ta be there it's ok."
Blondie shrugged. "You being there is fine... I just have never watched the stars with someone before, that's all."
"Course it's better then not at all. Ya see what happened this mornin'."
He gave her a crooked smile. "Ah well... I'll really try harder not to let this happen again."
"I might talk ta them sometime... you think they'd like talkin ta me?"
He laughed softly. "Like? Oh come on, Sand. They'd be flattered, honored." He looked over at her with a slight smirk on his lips. "You know why Jack Kelly is such a great leader? He talks to his kids. He makes them feel united."
He wasn't saying that she had to be exactly like Jack, but it wouldn't hurt to follow his example. He wasn't a great leader for no reason. The boys respected him, but at the same time, they knew they could walk up to him and talk as if he was one of them.
"I'll do better... or at least try ta do better."
He gave her a small smile. "That's all we ask. If you don't try, well then that's not right."
"Thank you..."
His face turned a bit pink as he coughed awkwardly. "No problem. Least I could do."
"All ya gotta do is get on your knees and you'll be little again. Then you'll be a little chatterbox again."
Blondie shook his head some. "I'd still be too big. Chatterbox just doesn't fit anymore."
"Ok so maybe I'm the only one who needs help."
He found himself shrugging again. "I don't know about that. I think you handle things pretty well..."
"You're so sneaky. One day he's gunna catch ya and then what are ya gunna do ta get cookies?"
Blondie scoffed. "I'll never get caught, but if I do... I formulate a new plan."
"I'll be ok..."
He tensed a bit feeling her hug him suddenly. He hadn't seen that one coming. He relaxed, trying not to enjoy the hug too much. He was a bit of a snuggle bear. He cherished any gesture of love or friendship, but he really shouldn't be thinking too much into this hug. Sand was his leader, and they were just friends, right? He wasn't sure where they stood now.
"Bye Blondie..."
He carefully slipped out of her hug and glanced behind him. "Bye..."
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Post by Sand on Jul 14, 2016 12:45:57 GMT -5
You being there is fine... I just have never watched the stars with someone before, that's all.
Sand smiled a bit. "You won't even know I'm there. Promise." She said mimicking crossing her heart.
Ah well... I'll really try harder not to let this happen again.
"Ya better." She said with a soft laugh.
Like? Oh come on, Sand. They'd be flattered, honored. You know why Jack Kelly is such a great leader? He talks to his kids. He makes them feel united.
She smiled a bit and looked down. "I'll stop by the lodge some time. Talk ta them about somethin." Sand looked up at Blondie. "Thanks for the advice."
That's all we ask. If you don't try, well then that's not right.
"Bein' leader is all about tryin' so adding this ta the list is nothing." Sand said with a small smile.
No problem. Least I could do.
Sand smiled a bit wider seeing him turn a bit pinker. "Still.... Thanks."
I'd still be too big. Chatterbox just doesn't fit anymore.
"Yeah...I like Blondie better." She smiled some nudging him some. "Though I don't know you're real name so I guess I'm a bit attatched ta Blondie." Sand smiled some more.
I don't know about that. I think you handle things pretty well...
Sand blushed a bit at the complement. "Thanks..."
I'll never get caught, but if I do... I formulate a new plan.
She laughed a bit. "Ya should get the new plan formulated early so ya are prepared." Sand poked him a bit with a smile.
Bye...
Sand watched as Blondie left her hug. Her eyes widened slightly as she realized that she had hugged him. That could be bad. What if he thought it was something more then it was? It was only supposed to be a comfort of sorts. Blondie had seemed a bit tense and that bothered her. What if she should have done something different?
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Post by Blondie on Jul 14, 2016 13:16:30 GMT -5
"You won't even know I'm there. Promise."
Blondie cracked a small smile. "All right then... I'll let you know sometime in the fall when it's a clear night perfect for viewing the stars."
"I'll stop by the lodge some tome. Talk ta them about somethin. Thanks for the advice."
He smiled. "It's nothing really. The boys will really appreciate it."
"Bein' leader is all about tryin' so adding this ta the list is nothing. Still.... Thanks."
He nodded some. The past leader had something to the same effect.
"Yeah... I like Blondie better."
He smiled back. "Me too. I like Blondie much much better."
"Though I don't know you're real name so I guess I'm a bit attached ta Blondie."
He licked his lips a bit nervously at the mention of his real name. He hadn't given his real name to any of the newsies... Mr. Reed knew his first name though. He didn't share his last name because he knew it would be a dead giveaway to who he really was.
"Ya should get the new plan formulated early so ya are prepared."
Blondie nodded quickly. "I'll be making it as I get ready to go. It should be all set before I step into Queens."
He gave her a small smile then finally made his way to the lodge. He wouldn't need much. It should be a quick trip, but it didn't hurt to be prepared. He might bring a small bag with him just in case he found himself staying overnight.
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Post by Sand on Jul 14, 2016 13:43:39 GMT -5
All right then... I'll let you know sometime in the fall when it's a clear night perfect for viewing the stars.
Sand smiled happily. "Good. I'll be looking forward to it."
It's nothing really. The boys will really appreciate it.
"They'll like it and I think I need ta be there for them...ya know?" Sand said looking up at him.
Me too. I like Blondie much much better.
Sand saw his tension when she brought up his real name. It made her curious but she wouldn't dig. She new several of the newsies weren't happy about their pasts and would rather leave them. Se wouldn't dig but that didn't mean she wouldn't be curious. They were friends and part of Sand wanted to know but she knew better because he was very tense about it.
I'll be making it as I get ready to go. It should be all set before I step into Queens
Sand nodded. "I'll be around the lodges. Come find me before ya go." She said before heading towards the lodges after he was gone
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