The bird of Manhatten

Chapter 23 - in which there is a gambling night

September 1899
Newsboys Lodge House, Manhattan, New York City
Magpies P.O.V.

Da second Saturday in da month is always chaos.
Da boys is normally drunk by da end of a day an' awake wit' a nasty hangover at da next mornin'.
Why?
Because it's poker night!
Poker night means, dat da Newsies of Manhattan an' Brooklyn, sometimes others too, meet up at one of their Lodge houses to play poker, smoke, drink, laugh... short:
havin' fun.
I, foa myself, can't stand these nights, so I usually stay at home wit' Tumbler, or, when it's at Manhattan, on da roof. Wit Jacks permission, of course.
Dis month, today ta be exact, da poker night is in Manhattan. Great.
Tumbler an' I jus' finished ta put our sleep things on da roof, when da first Brooklyn Newsies arrive. They'se Spot Colon an' Leaf, his second in command.
An' dey have alcohol wit 'em. Much alcohol. Even greater.
Jack greets 'em wit' a spit shake, an' leads 'em into our "living room". Da table in its middle is clean an' da chairs an' our sofa's tidied up too. When da boys want, dey actually can be tidy. Soon our Lodge House is filled by a very big amount of boys an' I's on my way up, but I's stopped by Spot. So, I send Tumbler up wit' da promise ta come after him as soon as I can. Da little boy nods an' vanishes up da stairs. I turn ta da King of Brooklyn, who is smilin' at me. "Magpie.", he says an' draws me into a hug.
Surprised I hug him back. "Hello Spot. Nice ta see ya again." I give him a smile.
"Same here. How's ya?"
"Oh, I's good. How 'bout ya?"
"Could be better. As always, ya know? So, I's ok."
Silence.
"I... um...", I start again. "I'll head up now."
"Why?" He sounds surprised.
"Babysittin' an' bein' out of ya boys' way."
"Ya do dat every time we have poker night?"
"Yes, why?"
"So, dat's da reason, I never see ya there?"
"Yeah, dat could be a reason." I chuckle.
"Davey!", I hear Jack shout over da boys. I turn around. An' really. Davey Jacobs is standin' there. Poor boy. I's pretty sure, he has no idea, what he agreed to wit' his appearance.
I say my farewells ta Spot an' walk over ta Davey ta greet him. As I pass Jack, I lean ta him an' quietly whisper "Take care of him, Cowboy. Don't forget, he doesn't know dis life." in his ear.
Jack jus' chuckle.

Three hours later, Tumbler's long sleepin', I's joined by Elmer.
"Already bored?", I ask jokingly.
He gives me a small smile, but then I see can how upset he is.
"Elm, what happened?"
"Nothin'. I jus' need some fresh air."
"Ya can't lie ta me. Dey picked on ya again, didn't dey?"
"How...?"
I chuckle. "I's ya sista, silly. It's my job ta know things."
He raises his eyebrows. "So?"
"Yes."
"I don't believe ya, little sista."
"Hey! Ya don't even know whether ya older."
"Oh, I know."
"An' how, if I may ask."
"I jus' do."
I playfully punch his shoulder, causin' him ta laugh. Then he yawns.
"Tired?", I ask.
"Maybe a little."
"Why not sleep a bit?"
"An' let ya alone?"
"Ya can also sleep here, ya know? There. Next ta Tumbler." I point at da blankets an' pillows on da ground an' a little boy, who is snuggled up between 'em.
"Ya sure?"
"Of course."
"An' where will ya sleep?"
"Next ta ya guys.", I say slowly, surprised by his question. "What did ya think?"
"Um..." He rubs da back of his neck. "Don't know?"
I laugh quietly. "Ya definitely should sleep now."
Then I hear his stomach growl. He quickly lays his hand on it, lookin' away.
"Elmer?" I step closer ta him. "Have ya eaten today?"
He mumbles somethin' not understandable foa me.
"Elmer, please speak up."
"No..."
"Oh Elm. Why didn't ya say somethin'. I'll fetch ya somethin'."
His eyes grow big an' he grabs my arm. "No!", he almost shouts.
"Sh! Tumbler's sleepin', ya idiot."
"Sorry... but I can't let ya go down there. They'se all super drunk."
"I'll be fine, Elm. Watch Tumbler foa me please."
"Mags-"
"Nope. Elmer, ya need ta eat. Ya all skinny already anyways."
"Ugh. Ya sound like Jack, ya know?"
"Whatever ya say." I chuckle. Then I grab my bag, turn away an' head down into da Lodge, sneakin' into da kitchen.
Luckily, it's empty.
I search through da cupboards an' finally find what I searched. Some bread an' butter. I put both into my bag an' begin ta search foa somethin' ta drink, when da door flies open.
I spin around, half ways in shock, an' see a boy stumble in.
It takes me a minute ta realise it's Davey.
He's visibly drunk.
No, drunk ain't even a woid for his state. He can't even walk straight anymore.
He stumbles down da few stairs ta da kitchen. He giggles an' hides behind da door.
No ten seconds later Jack enters. He looks more or less sober but dat means nothin'. He, on da contrary ta Davey, notices me, standin' there in shock, smiles an' comes over.
"Hey sweetheart, have ya seen Davey?", he asks.
Oh no, he's in his flirty mood.
I jus' point at da door.
"Thanks dearest."
Yep, he's drunk too.
Da two boys find each other an' Davey burst into uncontrollably gigglin'.
"Hey, Mags." He smiles as he sees me.
I bet ten bucks, it's da foist time, he ever drank alcohol.
"Hello, Davey.", I slowly greet him back, recoverin' from ta shock. "What is ya doin' down here?"
"I was searchin' foa him." Jack points at his super drunk friend. "He's drunk."
"Ya don't say.", I answer sarcastically.
"Jacky.", Dave giggles. "Da poor guys' head is spinning... EVERYTHING is spinning! Weeeee."
He trips an' Jack catches him.
Da poor guy's gonna have da hang over of his life by tomorrow.
"We'll be goin' anyways now, Mags. Was nice ta see ya. Greet Tumbler from me." Jack gives me a kiss on da cheek an' drags Davey wit' him out.
I stand there foa a second, before I shake my head. Dey won't remember anythin' anyways.
I grab some water an' three cups an' make my way upstairs.
When I reach da roof again, Elmer an' Tumbler is soundly asleep. I quietly put my things down an' sit beside 'em.
I chuckle by their sight.
Tumbler is curled up like a little sleepin' cat, while Elmer stretched all four from him, layin' across da blanket camp, pushin' da poor boy next ta him almost off da camp.
I yawn. I's so tired... but I fear ta sleep.
What if someone needs somethin'?
Or da boys downstairs do somethin' stupid? Well, I's pretty sure dey've already done somethin' stupid... but if someone gets hurt? Dey'd be too drunk ta react.
An' what if da headache comes back?
I snap out of my thoughts, as someone touches my shoulder, causin' me ta jump.
"Skits?", I ask surprised as I turn ta da dark-haired lad.
He smiles. "Yes, it's me. Why so surprised?"
"Well... I thought ya downstairs. Ya know? Gambelin', dinkin'. Things like dat."
"Oh sweetheart.", he answers, but doesn't continue speakin'. He jus' leans back, against da chimney behind us, lookin' up ta da stars.
"My father was a drunkard, ya know?", he says after a short silence. "Dat's why I hate drinkin' alcohol."
"Oh... I... um... I's... I's sorry foa dat."
"Don't be. It's not ya fault."
"May I... may I ask ya something'?"
"'Course."
"Why do ya go ta da poker nights, when... ya hate... ya know?"
"Yeah, I know... hm... good question." He scratches his head. "Maybe da community."
"Wit' Brooklyn?"
He chuckles. "Some of 'em can be pretty nice."
"So?"
"Yes."
I yawn again.
"Tired?", he asks.
"No. Why do ya think dat?" I smile wearily.
"So, if ya so tired, why don't ya simply sleep?"
"I's... well, I's a little worried."
"'Bout what? Da boys killin' each other?"
"Dat too."
"Dey really can take care of 'emselves, Mags. Ya really need sleep."
"Davey's very drunk-"
"He'll survive it." Skittery lays his arm around my shoulders, makin' me lean against him. I yawn. "See?", he says triumphal. "Ya body's tired."
I open my mouth ta say somethin', but Skits quicker. He turns my body, so I's layin' now, my head on his lab.
"Skits!" I try ta fight him. Needless ta say, he's stronger.
Eventually I give up.
He begins ta gently run his fingers through my hair an' tells me about his day.
I feel my eyelids growin' heavy.
Welcomin' da warm darkness of slumber, I close my eyes... but instead of da sweet nothin' of sleep, a piercin' pain shots through my head, causin' me ta gasp in pain. I squeeze my eyes shut an' bite my lip. My head's poundin', feelin' like it's about ta explode every second now.
"Mags? Mags!", I hear Skitterys' voice, filled with shock. He carefully shakes my shoulder. "Mags! Magpie! Ya ok? What's wrong? Talk ta me. Please."
"It's ok, Skittery.", I manage ta say through my scattered teeth. "Jus' a headache. That's normal."
"No! No, it's not." He sounds seriously scared now. "I... I'll go... um... getting' Jack."
"No!", I open my eyes, lookin' at da scared-ta-death boy. "No, please. Jack's super drunk. He'll fall of dat darn roof."
"Yeah, yeah... ya right... I... um... I'll get-"
"No one. I need nothin'. I's ok, Skits."
"Ya not!"
"Sh.", I gently place my index finger on his lips. "Ya gonna wake up Elmer an' Tumbler. "
"But... but ya in pain." Skittery looks like he's 'bout ta freak out.
"Skits, ya need ta calm down."
"I is calm, Magpie. I is calm!"
"No.", I shake my head an' smile at him. "No, ya not." I get up an' hug him. "I's ok, Skits. Really. I promise."
"But...", he tries again.
"I get it every evenin'. It'll go away again. Nothin' ta worry 'bout. I promise."
"Mags, it's not-"
I shove my hand over his mouth. "Shut up, Skittery. Ya'll wake 'em up."
He actually shuts his mouth, so I remove my hand again. He takes it in his.
"I's jus' worried 'bout ya."
"There's no reason ta be worried."
He looks like he wants ta say somethin', but then changes his mind.
He sighs. "Ok." He looks at me. "But! But only when ya gotta sleep now."
I smile. "Deal." I stand up, carefully shove Elmer a bit ta da side an' lay down between da two sleepin' boys. I curl myself into a ball an' close my eyes.
Da piercin' pain changed into a poundin' one.
I sigh an' try ta get some sleep.

Skitterys' P.O.V.

I look at da three layin' bodies in front of me. Tumbler an' Elmer's snorin' quietly, while Mags doesn't make any sound. I's not even sure she's sleepin'.
I's really worried 'bout her. I heard some of da others talkin' 'bout her headaches, but I never thought, it'd actually be dat bad. Such pain can't be normal. Can't be healthy.
Tumbler snuggles up ta her an' she gently wraps her arm 'round him. A small smile grows on my face as I watch 'em. Dey look so... peaceful.

It looks like I fell asleep, because when I wake up, I lay, a blanket wrapped 'round me an' a pillow under my head, on da ground.
I sit up. Da other two boys is already awake an' collect da blankets an' pillows.
"Mornin' Skits.", Tumbler greets me wit' a bright smile.
"Mornin', ya two.", I greet back. "Where's Mags?"
"Downstairs, I think.", Elmer answers. "Lookin' after da boys."
"Oh, ok... Thanks... um... need help?"
"Na, we'se already done. But thanks."
I nod, an' then head inside.
As I climb through da window, I almost trip over a Brooklyn Newsie.
All around da house, in da bunk room, on da stairs, in da livin' room, even in da bath, boys is layin', sleepin'.
Mags is standin' in da middle of all dat, tryin' ta wake 'em up. I walk over ta her.
"Mornin'.", I greet.
She looks up. "Mornin', Skits." She smiles. "Slept well?"
"Yes. Da blanket an' pillow were ya work, I assume?"
"Maybe." Then she turns back ta da boys, sleepin' on da ground in front of us.
"Wake up, Race." She shakes his shoulder. "Wake up. It's nearly noon."
Race jus' grumbles somethin' of Albert stole his cigar an' turns ta da other side. Mags sighs, takes a deep breath an' yells: "Boys! I's naked!"
At once everyone's awake. Even Race shots up.
"What?!", I hear Jack shout. He stumbles up ta us. "Mags!" he sounds relieved ta see her still dressed. "Ya scared me ta death."
"By tellin' ya I's naked?"
Some of da boys grumble in disappointment, but get up.
"Yes." Jack crosses his arms. "Ya me sista an' I have ta take care of ya."
"Where's Davey?"
He points at ta bathroom. "Vomitin'.", he answers.
"I said, ya should take care of him."
"He'll be fine... I think."
"I'll check on him. Make sure da boys get up." She smiles at me, turns ta da bathroom, wakes some boys on her way an' vanishes in da bath.

Daveys P.O.V.

I sit on the ground, leaning against the wall.
My head is pounding, my sight blurry, my stomach turned upside down.
Again, I feel the vomiting coming and, again, hang myself over the toilet.
"Davey?", I hear a familiar voice. I just don't know, who it is. My thoughts are too blurry.
"Davey? Ya in dere?"
"Yes.", I answer weakly. The door swings open and reveals Magpie. She looks worried and sits down next to me. "Ya ok?", she asks, rubbing my back.
"No! I'm not ok! I-", I'm interrupted by a new wave of vomiting.
"Wanna drink somethin'?" Magpie hands me a cup of water, which I drink in no time. I feel my stomach slowly calm down.
"Thanks.", I say.
"Anytime... Anyways, it's my fault. I should have warned ya."
"Why? Did you see this coming?"
"Yes..."
"Does this happen every time?"
"Da chaos? Yes. Every month."
"I didn't see you. Where were you?"
"On da roof... wit Tumbler an' Elmer."
"Why?"
"Babysittin' an' stayin' out of ya boys' way."
"That... was definitely a good idea."
"I know. Dat's why do it."
"Next time...", I slightly sway. "Next time, I'll join you."
"Ya simply can stay home next time."
"Yeah... that... That's also a solution." I try to stand up an' fall against the wall. Mags stands up quickly ang grabs my arm, so I can lean against her.
"Shall I walk ya home or do ya wanna stay?". She asks.
"I... think...", I answer a bit dizzy. "I'll stay."
"If dat's what ya want." She helps me and walks back to the bunk room.
All around the room, boys are sitting, standing, or laying around. They look sleepy.
"Hey, ya got 'em up.", Mags says to Skittery, whose standing near us.
He turns and gives her a small smile. It's the first time, I ever see him smile.
Jack comes up to us, too.
"Hey Davey. Ya better?"
"Slightly."
"Sorry."
"It's ok."
"Got a headache?"
"Hell, yes."
"I told ya ta take care of him.", Magpie snaps at Jack.
"I know, I know. I said, I's sorry."
Magpie sighs and shakes her head. "Like dat's enough.", she mumbles.
"Hey, Jackie-boy!" Spot comes over to us. "I jus' wanna say, we'se on our way now."
"Well, den we gonna see ya in a month?", Jack asks.
"Yes. In Brooklyn."
"Den, carryin' da banner."
"Carryin' da banner. Magpie.", he tips his head, causing Mags to chuckle.
"See ya Spot.", she answers.
The king of Brooklyn nods at Skittery and me and makes his way back to his turf, followed by his Newsies.
"Well den.", Magpie turns around and sighs. "Let's clean up dis mess."