I had always sold with Jack, ever since my first day. I wasn't extremely comfortable with "improving the truth" as Jack called it. I had enough difficulty lying about my whole gender. If I had to lie about anything else I would probably explode.
Today we found an extremely crowded place. There were people everywhere. Probably because of the fights that were going on. It was the perfect selling spot. Although I was feeling slightly claustrophobic. It was a bit tight.
"Extra, extra. Trolley strike drags on," David called into the crowd, earning no attention.
"Extra, extra. Ellis Island in flames. Big conflagration," Jack yelled out.
"Hey, what? Wait. Where's that story."
"Thank you sir," Jack said, handing the paper off and taking the money. "Page nine"
"Thousands flee in panic," I shouted, then sold it. "Thank you."
David opened the paper to page nine. "Trash fire next to immigration building terrifies seagulls?" David questioned.
"Terrified flight from inferno!" I yelled.
We continued selling papers. David looked very uncomfortable with the whole situation. I didn't like lying either, but I'd rather lie than not have enough money to live.
Les came up to us, confirming that he'd done what Jack asked. "Show me again," Jack said.
He started coughing. "Buy me last pape mister?" If I hadn't known what he was doing, I totally would've bought it.
"Heartbreaking," I said.
"Go get 'em," Jack told him, handing him another paper. He set off.
"My father taught us not to lie," David said.
"Yeah well mine told me not to starve, so we both got an education." I wanted to make a comment about how my father didn't tell me anything because he was dead before I could even comprehend words but I decided not to.
"You're just makin' up these things, all these headlines."
"I don't do nuthin' the guys who write it don't do. Anyway, it ain't lyin'. It's just, improvin' the truth a little." I felt like an idiot just watching them have a conversation, not saying a thing. Then again, I didn't have anything to contribute.
We got a little distracted watching the fight. I didn't understand how this could possibly be entertainment. I cringed every time someone got hit. It was terrible. I brought it up to Jack but he just laughed.
After a little while of watching the fight Les came running back. "The guy gave me a quarter!" He exclaimed happily. "Quick gimme some more of those papers."
"Wait, wait. Hold on," David said. He sniffed his brother's breath. "You smell like beer."
"That's how I made the quarter," Les explained, "The guy bet me I wouldn't drink some." I let out a laugh.
"You drank a beer?" I asked. He nodded.
"Hey, no drinkin' on the job. It's bad for business," Jack said, "I mean, what if somebody called a cop on you?"
David gestured to a man across the ring. "Is he a friend of yours?" I had noticed him before but I didn't pay him much attention. He was wearing a dark suit (he must've been dying in the heat) and he stared us down. It was kinda freaky.
"Beat it," Jack said, starting to run, "It's the bulls." We ran straight through the fight. I was reluctant to follow, but I did anyway.
While we were running I heard Les say, "All this for one sip of beer?" It made me laugh.
YOU ARE READING
Humbling Spot Conlon (A Spot Conlon Love Story)
Fanfiction**DISCONTINUED** Falling in love was far from Nicky's top priority. All she wanted was to keep her secret and stay out of trouble. But people don't always get everything they want.
