The Last Rose of Summer

04

"I'm doing alright for myself folks: I'm healthy, I'm wealthy, I'm wise.

My investments and such have all gone up so much; seems whatever I touch starts to rise.

I've got men, I've got money, and yet the thing I want most...

I can't get.

I live in a mansion on Long Island sound.

I pulled up a weed, they found oil in the ground.

But you're telling me you don't want me around - now honey, that's rich.

Some guys give me diamonds as big as a sing,

But you wouldn't give me as much as a wink - no baby, that's rich.

I get brandy from Andy and candy from Scott.

And Frank and Eduardo chipped in for a yacht.

I get stares from the fellas and prayers from the pope,

But I ran out my luck getting stuck on some dope!

(spoken)

Oh hey, honey! You're here too!

(sung)

Now, listen, sport, this life's too short to waste it on you.

It may be rough, but soon enough, I'll learn to make do with the mansion, the oil, the diamonds, the yacht, with Andy, Eduardo, the Pontiff and Scott and Frank and my bank!

So spill no tears for me, 'cause there's one thing you ain't

that I'll always be, and honey, yeah that's right. That's rich!

That's rich!

That's rich!

That's rich!"

--

Medda finished her song and Jack went up to congratulate her. In the process, he saw Katherine and Ellie and went to their box.

Jack entered the box and said, "Hello!"

Katherine didn't look up as she said, "This is a private box!"

"If you wanna I should lock the door. Twice in one day; you think it's fate?" He focused on Ellie. "I sure hope so."

Ellie narrowed her eyes. "Go away, we're working."

"Oh, a couple workin' girls, huh? Doin' what?

"Reviewing the show for the New York Sun," Katherine answered.

"Hey, I work for The World!"

"Oh, somewhere out there someone cares," Ellie said as she let out a mocking gasp. "Go tell them!"

"The view's better here."

"Please go. We are not in the habit of speaking to strangers."

"You're gonna make lousy reporters, then. The name's Jack Kelly."

"Is that what it says on your rap sheet?"

"Oh, a smart girl, huh? I admire smart girls. Beautiful, smart, independent."

"Do you mind?!"

"Hey, keep quiet up there!" a man said from below.

Medda yelled up at them, "You got in for free; at least pay attention!"

"I'm sorry Miss Medda," Jack whispered.

Katherine shot her friend a look. "I'd really appreciate if you didn't get us kicked out."

"But he's-" Ellie began, shooting Jack a look. "He is so annoying!"

"He is, but we have a job to do. Try to ignore him, okay?"

"I'll try my best." She focused back on her article, doing her best to avoid the boy who had joined them.

Jack began singing as he looked at Ellie.

Jack (sung)

I got no use for moonlight or sappy poetry.

Love at first sight's for suckers, at least it used to be.

Look, girls are nice, once or twice, till I find someone new,

But I never planned on someone like you

(simultaneously with below)

I got no use for moonlight or sappy poetry

Love at first sight's for suckers, at least it used to be

Bowery Beauties:

Don't come a knocking on my door.

You aren't welcome here no more.

I should have known you stink like yesterday's trash the night

you stole my heart plus forty dollars in cash.

Turns out my beau is just some bum.

Turns out love ain't blind, it's dumb.

You never told the truth or worked a day in your life.

In fact, you're so revoltin', I feel bad for your wife!

Ellie was seated in the other chair next to Katherine watching the show and writing periodic notes. During the Bowery Beauties song, Jack pulled out paper and a pencil.

Ellie noticed his actions and attempted a peek as she asked, "What are you doing?"

Jack hid the artwork as he said, "Quiet down. There's a show goin' on."

"Ugh! You are the most impossible boy..."

"Shh!"

"Ever."

Jack (sung):

No I never planned on someone like you.

Bowery Beauties:

Don't come a-knocking on my door!

Jack smacked his gum and left the box.

Ellie noticed the artwork and glanced at where the newsie had gone. A small smile crossed her face as she stared at the drawing.

Katherine looked at the drawing and bumped her friend's shoulder. "Ooh, does Ellie have a crush?"

Ellie's smile dropped. "He just drew a picture. There's no need to get excited."

"He drew you, Eleanor. That's a big deal."

"So he drew me. Big deal. He's talented, sure, but it's just a drawing. I still refuse to believe you're right, Kat."

Katherine let out a frustrated sigh. "You're too stubborn to believe otherwise. Come on. We've got to get home."

The girls left the theatre and Ellie tried, and failed, to ignore the intrusive thoughts of the blue-shirted newsie.