Lindsey's New York Story }{ yes, another one

[Lan Dawkins]

So, I recently watched Gangs of New York, and I've been studying that period of history in class, so I decided to write a story. It's set in New York, 1863. Hope you enjoy! The Chapter names are taken from the song Hard Life by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy

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All of her problems, as she looked back now, started with the potato famine. All her problems started with hunger. Not the 'missed a meal' kind of hunger, but real hunger. The kind of hunger that made you cry into your pillow at night and made you think that you were about go mad without something, anything, to eat. It was this hunger that drove her family from Ireland. This hunger that propelled her poor farming family to board an overcrowded, smelly ship and sail to the port of New York. It was this hunger that landed her where she was now, and it was the memory of this hunger that would keep her going, no matter the problems that assailed her. Her problems were small compared to what they had been. She wasn't eleven and starving anymore. No, she was seventeen and just hungry most of the time. Though after feeling hunger like she had, she would never feel full again, but at least she had some kind of meal two, sometimes, three times a day. And thank goodness that her youngest sister never had to have experienced that hunger, and that her other younger sister could put it behind her. But Liesl couldn't put the memories behind her, for they were some of the only things keeping her going.

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Chapter 1
It's A Hard Life

Being a servant had its ups and downs. The downs part was simply the fact that you were a servant and had to do all the dirty work. The ups part was that you got to stay in a fancy house all day and wear clothes that were clean. Liesl Dawkins relished in the ups and ignored the downs. It was in her nature to see the best of things, and that's what she tried to do in every situation. She was also glad that she got to bring her younger sisters with her as well. Laurel, at eleven, helped in the kitchen and was payed as a type of scullery maid. Meager earnings, but better than the young girl could have gotten in a factory. Lucy, at six, simply helped where needed and spread her cheerful and irrepressible spirit with servants and benefactors alike. Liesl knew that she could have left her youngest sister with the girl's friends at home, but she was terrified that something would happen to her. Not to mention the language that Lucy would have picked up; she picked up enough simply living in the neighborhood, much less wandering the streets.

Today was like any other day of work for Liesl. She had arrived at work, changed into her black dress and white apron, and then proceeded to serve and clean up breakfast. As she bustled around the kitchen, she saw Lucy helping the cook prepare a meat pie.

“An' then ye just put a little bit o' seasonin' onto the meat. Not too much, lamb.” The cook said, her heavy Irish accent showing through as she talked. Lucy grinned sheepishly, as she had been shaking the tin of spice far too hard and the spice had almost spilled out onto the meat.

Picking up the tea tray, Liesl turned to her other sister and nodded toward Lucy. “Look a' that.” She said, smirking at the flour on Lucy's nose. Laurel brushed a strand of auburn-brown hair out of her eyes and giggled softly at the scene.

“She does enjoy cooking, doesn't she.” The girl said, shaking her head fondly as she scrubbed a dish.

“Aye, that she does.” Liesl said, her Irish accent almost as strong as the cook's. “Thankfully she has things ta cook.” The blond mumbled to herself, her eyes clouding momentarily as she remembered a time in her past. Shaking her head to clear the memories, Liesl smiled, turned around, and headed up the stairs to the sitting room.

When she reached her destination, there was a group of primly dressed young ladies, all sewing. This was the Dorcas society of that particular section of the New York hierarchy, and the young ladies made a lovely picture sitting in their silk gowns of all colors. The slender hands held the needles gingerly, unaccustomed to doing work of any kind, and the garments that were sewn were so flimsy that Liesl was sure they wouldn't survive two, if not one, washing. Still, the majority of the young ladies' hearts were in the right place, even if their unskilled hands had no ability to show it.

As Liesl approached the group, she overheard the conversation going on and was intrigued. A socialite, who looked quite like a peacock in her blue and green silk gown, was discussing her most recent trip to see the poor side of New York. She had, of course, gone with her father and a policeman had been with them at all times, escorting them along. “But still, girls. It was such a thrill. I really did feel like I was going to be jumped at any minute!” The peacock explained, a delicate hand placed on her lace covered heart. Liesl couldn't help but think that being jumped might have been a good possibility. Nobody minded the policemen in the poorer parts of the city anyway. However, she wasn't able to linger on the subject further as the young lady continued her story.

“Anyway, we were walking by the docks, and you should have seen the swarms and swarms of people getting off the boats. But anyway, that's not my point. What I was going to tell you, is that as I passed the docks, there were these men unloading this shipping boat, and I tell you a few of them were as handsome as any I've ever seen at the parties I've been to. This one in particular caught my eye, and I pretended to be friendly and all and said hello to him. He gave me this smirk, said 'mornin' miss' in this Irish accent, and then hefted a big bag on his shoulder and walked off. I declare my heart just about stopped!” The end of this story was followed my exclamations of 'you're so lucky!' and 'Alice, you bad!' and 'I don't know where you get your nerve from, Alice Harnett!'.

Liesl just shook her head, smirking as she did so. It was amazing what created thrills for these upper class girls. Dock workers were an everyday occurrence in her life. In fact, her own twin brother worked at the docks, as did two good friends. It wasn't like they were unusual, but the high class young ladies found them to be unusual and exciting.

“Where would ya like the tea tray?” Liesl asked, feeling that she had stood listening long enough. Mary Tyler, the young lady of the house, looked up and saw Liesl standing there. Smiling, she motioned to the table near her and smoothed out her pink silk.

“Right there is fine, Liesl. Thank you.” She said, putting down her sewing and getting up to serve the tea to her guest. Nodding politely, Liesl set down the tea tray and was about to turn and walk out the door when one young lady spoke up. Turning around, Liesl saw that it was the peacock and was slightly surprised at being addressed.

“Yes, Miss?” Liesl raised an eyebrow, hoping she appeared politely curious instead of the confused she felt.

“You're Irish, aren't you?” The peacock asked, smiling when Liesl nodded the affirmative. “Funny name for an Irish, but anyway, that's not my point. Do you know the name of a dock worker who is about six feet, has shaggy brown hair, and brown eyes?”

At this point Liesl was tempted to laugh, but by some self-control she kept a straight face and put her hand on her hip. “Aye, it's a strange name, but me muther was German born.” She said, clearing up the issue of her name. Then she proceeded to think about the question of the dock worker. “Well, I'm well acquainted with at least three dock workers who have shaggy brouwn hair and brouwn eyes. See, my bruther is aboot six feet and like you described. Matt's slightly shorter than that, as is Jude. And both Jude and Matt have darker hair than Lan. So, if your candidate is aboot six foot, light brouwn hair with brouwn eyes, and if he has a quiet sort of smirk, then that's my bruther.” Liesl explained, nodding at the end, pretty sure by now that the peacock's dock worker was her brother.

After hearing Liesl's conclusion, the peacock (or Alice as her real name was) looked surprised and then cleared her throat delicately. “Oh. His name's Lan, you say? Interesting. I... was just curious, thank you.” She said, trying to cover up how eager she had been to learn her mystery dock worker's name. Liesl smiled politely, curtsied, and went downstairs. Oh she would have to tell Lan about this when she got home.

[SORTING HAT]

Awesome Lindsey, I can't wait for Chapter Two. ^_^

[Lan Dawkins]

Thanks, Lisette ^_^
Here's the second chapter. Comments are muchly appreciated, since they boost my morale. xD

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Chapter 2
Oh, It's A Hard Life God Makes You Live

The walk home seemed longer that day. The time it took to get from Fifth street to the Five Points was a fair distance, but whenever Liesl had something to do, like today, the walk seemed even longer. Protectively holding Lucy's hand, Liesl thought about how Lan would react to the story from earlier that day. The tall boy would probably just smirk and shake his head. However, Matt would probably laugh and imitate a girl swooning. Smirking at this thought, Liesl glanced to the side to make sure Laurel was keeping up. The younger girl had her dreamy look on her face and was looking around her, probably thinking of far away places.

At that moment, Liesl felt a tug on her hand and looked down to see Lucy looking up at her with her big blue eyes, a trait shared by all the Dawkins girls. Liesl raised an eyebrow questioningly and tugged back on Lucy's hand. Lucy just smiled at her and Liesl laughed slightly, realizing that Lucy had just wanted Liesl to focus on where she was going, and on of course on Lucy. Ever since their parents had died Lucy seemed to want more attention from her older sisters and brother. Liesl understood this feeling and tried to give Lucy as much attention as she could. Of course, Lucy was the kind of person who demanded attention the minute she came into view. The six year old was confidant and friendly, with a spunky spirit nothing could tame. Liesl was much the same way and she always found Lucy's antics amusing and nostalgic to her own childhood.

As the three girls neared their home, the houses became less grand and well kept. Eventually the girls entered Five Points proper and the scene changed completely. Rickety frame tenement houses leaned against each other, sinking into the swampy ground that had once been a pond. To Liesl the houses looked exhausted, as if decades of standing against rain, wind, and life had made them stoop and the only thing keeping them up was the next house. The Five Points was where the Irish immigrants lived, too poor to afford to live in the nicer, and safer, neighborhoods. However, the immigrants had made the neighborhood their own and had almost learned to ignore the fact that they were the worst slum in America. No, to the immigrants Five Points was their territory, the only real territory allowed them in this strange new country, and the people living there both hated the slum and loved it at the same time.

Leading her sisters past Paradise Square that stood in the middle of the five main streets of Five Points, Liesl gave a friendly nod to a group of girls about her age. She walked quickly past a group of Bowery Boys, who were the most notorious anti-Irish gang in New York. Finally, the girls reached the bar that stood near their tenement and she entered. This particular bar was run by personal friends and was the safest bar in the Five Points, meaning that Liesl and the rest of the Dawkins spent much of their time there, since none of them could stand to be cooped up in the dark, stank tenement apartment longer than necessary.

When she entered, she saw her brother and some other friends and let go of Lucy's hand. The young girl immediately sprinted off to play with a group of her friends who were playing toward the front. Laurel said hello to the older group and then sat down to read a local paper, since books were scarcely to be had in Five Points. Smiling, Liesl gave her brother a hug and sat down next to her good friend Jude.

“So, Liesl. You'll appreciate this story.” The boy sitting next to Lan, who's name was Matt, said suddenly, taking his feet off the table and sitting up. “This upper class girl got real gutsy today an' said hello to Lan here. She was a fancy dame too, had these white gloves an' all. Lan thankfully kept his cool an' said good mornin', but then he turned aroond an' gave me this confused look. It was hilarious.”

Liesl laughed at Matt's story and her eyes sparkled. Lan noticed this and raised an eyebrow. “Well, you'll appreciate this story even more, Matty. The upper class girl was at the Tyler's today, an' she was telling them this story aboot a handsome dock worker. Even got the guts up to ask me if I knew his name.” Matt's eyes widened at Liesl story and the boy let out a loud laugh, slapping Lan on his back. Lan succeeded in looking thoroughly embarrassed and then gave Matt a threatening look as if to dare him to make fun.

“Did ya tell her where Lan lived, then?” Jude spoke up, taking on Matt's job of teasing. Dodging Lan's swing, Jude chuckled good naturedly and gave Liesl a mischievous wink. Liesl grinned back and shook her head.

“Naw, didn't figure that would be a kind thing to do to Lan.” She said, laughing at Matt's imitation of a girl gawking at Lan. Lan smacked Matt upside the head and Liesl spoke up again before Matt could retaliate. “So, what's this I hear about a gala being hosted by the reformers, eh?” She asked, looking at the boys. A smirk formed on Matt's face and Jude looked slightly nervous. Lan just shrugged.

“Don't much care, I'm not going anyway.” He said, face adopting a disgusted look at the very notion of attending a dance. Liesl rolled her eyes and gave a sigh. Lan would end up going anyway, it's not like there was anything else for him to do. Before she could answer she spotted a girl she hadn't seen before and her curiosity was peaked, mostly because the girl looked slightly lost.

Getting up and approaching the girl, Liesl gave her friendliest smile and gave a nod. “You lost?” She asked, taking in the girl's appearance. The girl had wavy black hair, black eyes, and tanned skin. Most likely of Mexican blood, though probably with some American blood as well, seeing as she was all the way up in New York.

At Liesl's abrupt question, the girl looked startled and suspicious. “No. Not lost. Why? What do you want?” She asked, holding her small carpet bag closer.

Leaning casually on the bar, Liesl just smiled again. “Oh, it's just ye're holding a carpet bag in yer hand and looking lost, that's all. I'm not going to steal anything or hurt you if that's what you're worried aboot. The name's Liesl.” She said, offering hand in a friendly gesture.

Giving Liesl a slightly less suspicious look, the other girl shook the offered hand quickly and then held onto her bag again. “Lisette. I'm actually new in this part of the town. My parents died recently and I don't have the money to live where we used to. I heard there was cheap apartments here.” She said, her suspicion slowly disappearing as she conversed with the friendly Liesl.

At the all too familiar story, Liesl nodded and gave Lisette a sympathetic smile. “Aye, my parents died two years ago. An' there are cheap apartments, but unless you've got a gun and plenty of bullets you're not going to want to live alone, little piece of advice. An' you don't want to board at the Brewery, you'd get killed faster than you can blink.”

Lisette's face fell as she heard Liesl talk about living conditions. “Oh. Well, what am I going to do? I don't have friends in these parts and I don't have a gun.” She said, her face showing that she was seriously thinking about buying a gun now. Liesl glanced over at the bar-maid and a plan started to form.

“Tell ya what. Come have a nice beer with me and my friends, and we'll see what we can work out. Mrs. McGuff, who owns this place, might have a spare room for you to stay in, she rents rooms upstairs. Safest place you can board in these parts and probably in your price range too. She's a personal friend of my families and if me and Lan, my bruther, can give you a good recommendation she'd take you in without another thought.” Liesl proposed her plan, giving Lisette her most trusting smile.

The other girl mulled the proposition over for a few minutes and then smiled. “Alright. But I think I'll just have a small beer.” She said. Liesl smiled and nodded, thinking this was probably a good idea. Leading her new friend over to the table, Liesl felt that she had done a good deed, though she was just thankful for some new company.

When the two reached the table, Liesl cleared her throat and placed her hand on Lisette's shoulders. “Boys, meet Lisette. She may be staying here for awhile.” She said, giving Lisette a smile and looking towards the three boys. Matt stood up, a smirk on his face. He gave Lisette a shake of the hand.

“The name's Matt. Welcome to the Five Points. Most reputable part of New York, never mind why.” He said jokingly, brushing his dark hair out of his eyes. Jude smirked at Matt's comment and also stood up, giving his own charming smile. “I'm Jude. Welcome, and if you ever need help.... Liesl's your candidate.” He said, giving Liesl a cheeky smile.

Laughing at Jude, Liesl looked toward Lan. The brown haired youth was still sitting, looking Lisette up and down. Lan always took awhile to accept someone new, it was just part of his untrusting nature. Slowly, he stood up and smiled quietly at Lisette. “And I'm Lan.” He introduced himself, shaking Lisette's hand and then sitting back down. Lan had always been a man of few words, and even more so around strangers.

“Nice to meet you all.” Lisette said, sitting down as Liesl took a seat. Liesl could tell she was feeling more at ease and this made the blond happy. Knowing that Lisette must be feeling lonely and scared after the loss of her parents, Liesl wanted the other girl to feel welcomed and thankfully she seemed comfortable around everyone. Maybe this would be the beginning of a wonderful new friendship, goodness knows they were needed in this hard life.

[Amos Diggory]

I'm loving this story so far, Lindsey. ^_^ Perhaps it's because I studied this period of time as well. Anyway, keep up the awesome work!!! =D

[SORTING HAT]

Chapter Two came quick!

I loved it, Lindsey. Loved. I print out the next chapter and read them while I'm taken to school in the morning. This chapter cheered me up in the morning before 1st period. ^_^

Matt + Jude, teasing Lan = <3
I loved that part. And Liesl was so nice! *huggles Liesl*
Can't wait for the next part.

[Lan Dawkins]

((Here's the third chapter. I didn't proof read it because I wanted to go ahead and get it up, but I may do that later. Hope you like! Oh, and Andy=Andromeda.))

Chapter 3
But Without It, Baby Don't Doubt It, You Wouldn't Even Have Your Tears To Give

The next day was a day off for Liesl. She had planned to show Lisette around the Five Points while Laurel and Lucy amused themselves. Opting to visit the bar before setting out, Liesl put on her dark blue coat, deciding that she should at least look presentable and her ragged light blue shawl was not exactly on the level of presentable. She pulled her blond waves out of her eyes and tied it with a shoelace, then tied up her almost worn out boots. She looked at herself in the cracked mirror that was precariously balanced on the rickety old desk. As she looked at herself she realized that she, as well as her surroundings, showed the wear and tear of a hard life. Compared to the smooth hands of the young ladies on Fifth Street, her hands were a horror. They were rough and callused from years of working, cooking, and cleaning. Her cheeks lacked the rosy glow she had when she was younger and her hair was stringy compared to the carefully manicured curls of the upper class. Of course, she was better off than some girls in the Five Points, and for that she was grateful.

Entering the bar, Liesl spotted Lisette and smiled. However, her face fell when she saw Lan, Jude, and Matt standing at the bar, a far from happy look on their faces. As she approached, Liesl looked at Lisette and gave her a questioning look. Lisette just shrugged and moved out of the way an extremely angry brunette stormed her way up to the three boys.

“It's them d**n Bowery Boys. They've crossed the line this time. Johnny never did nothing to provoke that.” Matt suddenly spoke up, his voice agitated and angry. Liesl thought she sensed some sadness beneath the boy's tone as well.

The brunette girl spoke up, pounding her fist on the table. “I'm going to kill those sons of bitches. Who the hell do they think they are, eh?” She slammed her fist again and shook her head.

Realizing that Liesl and Lisette were lost, Jude filled them in. “Johnny McPhee was found dead this mornin'. It was the Bowery Boys. Don't know why, but there's no good reason that we can see and it was on our turf. We think they just did it out of spite.” The dark haired boy said, anger and sadness in his eyes.

Lifting a hand to her mouth, Liesl's eyes teared up. Johnny McPhee was a likable young man. Slightly skittish and usually spineless to speak of, but he was nice enough. Liesl always found him extremely easy to pickpocket and made a habit of stealing his watch and returning when he had just given up hope of getting it back. Johnny was as much a part of the gang as she was, though, and his death was both sad and angering.

“Andy, calm down. We can't just go and kill them, that's what they want us to do. They want a riot and the like, but we can't give them that satisfaction.” Lan spoke up, always the voice of reason in sticky situations. Though Andy, the brunette, looked less than pleased.

“Aye, that's what they want... and that's what they'll get. They can't just kill one of us and get away with it! I say we slit every one of their throats. Just take 'em out.” She said, hand on the knife that always hung at her side.

Shaking his head, Lan put a restraining hand on her shoulder. “We can't just play into their hands. What we do is take a few of them out quietly. We can't take Johnny's death lying down, no, but we can't let them get what they want.” He said, crossing his arms and nodding to himself. Lan was always one for slyness.

Matt pushed himself off of the bar and looked quite antsy. “Can't I just give a few black eyes, then? I mean, if we can't kill them in the open the least you can let us do is have it out in a fist fight.” He said, cracking his knuckles while his eyes flamed with anger and impatience

“Matt. You and Andy both need to stop being so blood-thirsty and quick tempered. We'll take care of this whole mess, but not out in the open. Lan's right, don't give them the satisfaction of startin' something.” Jude spoke up, standing next to Lan and giving the other boy a supportive look.

When Andy opened her mouth to say something, Liesl pulled Lisette to a table and sat down. She knew Lisette was probably lost on the whole situation and the blond felt that she should fill the other girl in. “Johnny McPhee was a boy in our gang. Our gang is mostly used to protect us, we don't do any big lootin' jobs or nothin'. We just band together to look after each other's backs. Well, the Bowery boys... they're a real gang. They're nativist too, hate us Irish and any other immigrant as well.” Liesl explained.

“So they just killed this Johnny out of spite for the Irish?” Lisette asked, appalled at the concept. Liesl nodded and sighed. “Why don't the policemen do anything?”

At this question from Lisette, Liesl looked up and gave a sharp laugh that sounded much like Lan's and far away from her normal laugh. “The Cops? Please, they don't care what we do. The only reason there are Coppers on the corners is to make sure us poor don't do nothin' to the wealthy. They don't care what we do to each other. That's why we form gangs, to protect ourselves. If you have people watchin' your back you're less likely to get jumped or stabbed in the back.” Liesl said bitterly. She wished it wasn't that way, she wished the policemen did protect the poor citizens, but that wasn't the case. Hell, some policemen wouldn't even patrol the Five Points after dark.

While the two girls were talking, a couple of men entered the bar, wearing stove pipe hats, fire-fighter shirts, plaid pants, and long black coats. Liesl and everyone else looked up and, out of the corner of her eye, Liesl saw Lan and Jude step in front of Matt and Andy. The latter two looked ready to rip the new boys' throats out. Seeing the confused look on Lisette's face, Liesl leaned over and whispered, “The Bowery Boys.” as an explanation.

“So, where's that spineless buddy of yours, McPhee? Is he feeling poorly today?” One of the Bowery Boys spoke up, a smug smile on his face.

“Naw, Johnny's feelin' great. You seem to be feelin' great as well.” Lan said quietly, his voice level but dangerous.

“Maybe we just feel like we did our civic duty last night. After all, the city wants Five Points cleaned up of all the trash.” Another Bowery Boy spoke up, giving a malicious laugh.

At this comment, Liesl gripped the chair tightly and saw Jude and Lan stiffen indignantly. However, she had no time to notice anything else because Andy and Matt suddenly lunged at the two men, snarls on their face and fist up.

Turing to Liesl, Jude gave the girls a defeated look and sat down next to the blond. “Well, I bet on Andy and Matt.” He said in a resigned voice. Liesl watched as Matt and Andy ducked, punched, and jabbed, while the Bowery Boys returned the favors. Lan came and stood between Lisette and Liesl, putting a comforting hand on Lisette's shoulder, since the new girl looked scared and shocked.

“Don't worry. This is a normal occurrence, Matt and Andy usually win.” Lan told the dark haired girl, who just nodded and continued watching the fight.

Just then Andy grabbed her knife and slammed one of the Boys against the wall, knife at his throat. Matt did the same and smirked slightly. “Wanna end up like Johnny, or do you wanna say you're sorry?” The dark haired boy asked, his voice menacing.

The group at the table watched as the Boys let out apologies and Matt and Andy let them go, a snarl on both their faces. Approaching the table, Andy put her knife back and looked at Lan. “Didn't kill 'em, so we technically didn't ignore what you said.” She stated. Lan just shrugged and leaned against the pole.

“Well, now that that exhilarating experience is over.” Jude started, standing up and clapping Matt on the back. “Liesl, you wanna go to the dance with me?”

Liesl's mouth fell open. Johnny had just been found dead, Andy and Matt had just beaten up the Bowery Boys, and Jude asked her to a dance? “Um.... I.” She stared to say, not quite registering fully the fact that she had been dying for Jude to ask her. “Yes. Definitely a yes.” She got out, smiling a bit.

Jude, realizing how bad his timing was, colored and sat down. “That's good.” He mumbled, smiling back at Liesl. Andy just stared at the two and then turned back to Lan.

“That's all well and good, but when do we get to kill some Bowery Boys?” She asked as Matt grinned at Jude and Liesl. Lan shrugged again.

“After the dance.” Was all the tall boy said, stuffing his hands in his pockets and walking over to Jude. Liesl saw him lean down to say something to Jude, and she leaned forward slightly. “I know I told you you needed to get up the guts and ask her, but you have the strangest timing.” Liesl heard Lan whisper. Jude just gave Lan a sheepish look and Liesl smiled a bit.

After Matt, Lan, and Jude had left for work, Liesl turned to Lisette. “And that gives you a taste of life in the Five Points.” She said, her smile falsely cheerful. She knew the fight that had happened was inevitable. The Nativist were always picking fights with the Irish immigrants and such fights were everyday occurrences in the slums of New York.

Andy snorted and shook her head. “Idiot Natives. If my parents had asked me to go with them out West, I would have said yes in a minute, but I guess they thought I was better suited to live in this shit-hole.” The brunette said bitterly and then went to work behind the bar.

Liesl knew that Andy was very pessimistic about everything, but she couldn't help agree with Andy on the matter of the Five Points. Though it was better than starving in Ireland, New York wasn't half the land of opportunity they had heard it would be. Still, there was no use dwelling on such facts and Liesl simply shook her head and sighed. That was life, and it was the only life she had, so she might as well live it.

[Alexandria Perret]

I like it so far! I liked the other chapters better, but this one's good too!

You guys make me all inspired to want to write a story with my characters in a different time period. ^_^ Except I dunno which one, and I don't have a plot down yet! ^_^

[Lan Dawkins]

((So, here's the next chapter. It may seem kinda disjointed because I wrote a bit last month and then the rest of it today. However, I had my muse back up and wanted to finish the chapter and post it. So, here it is. Hope you enjoy! If you wanted to see more of a certain thing in the chapter or had a suggestion, just tell me and I can add it. I want my chapters to be as good as possible. ^_^ ))

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Chapter 4
I Wake Up and I'm Fine, With My Dreaming Still On My Mind

Liesl woke up the morning of the dance and smiled to herself. Sure she had to work that day, but after work she planned on having a good time. She hoped Lan showed up for the dance as well, since he had said wouldn't. However, she kept on hounding him and he was close to the breaking point. Maybe he'd dance with Lisette... Liesl thought they would make a cute couple. As she got up and went behind the curtain to wash up and get dressed, she heard Lucy getting up and banging around the apartment. That child could not do anything quietly.

“Lucy! Shut up!” Liesl heard Matt say from the boy's side of the room. Matt and his younger brother Ben roomed with the Dawkins kids, since it would be cheaper that way. Liesl then heard a loud crash and a yelp that had to have come from Lucy.

“Dammit!” Lucy yelled, having knocked over the stand that held everyone's coats and hats. Liesl's eyes widened at this and she jerked the curtain back and, in a few strides, was standing in front of Lucy. The young girl seemed to have realized her mistake because her eyes also widened and she put her hand to her mouth.

Laurel was sitting on the bed, comb frozen halfway to her hair. Lan, Matt, and Ben all looked shocked, but Matt looked on the verge of laughing. Liesl glowered at Matt as if to dare him to laugh. “Lucy. Don't you ever say that word. That is not the kind of word you should be saying.” Liesl scolded, her blue eyes slightly icy.

Nodding, Matt stood up and walked over to pick the coat hanger up. “At least wait until your thirteen.” He said, smirking. Liesl hit the cheeky boy over the head and gave Lucy a warning look. Lucy just nodded and picked up the coats that had fallen.

After what was later called the 'coat hanger fiasco', everyone headed out to their respective jobs, all looking forward to that night. Lan had even broken that morning and agreed to go, under one condition. Liesl wouldn't force him to dance with anyone.

Later that day, Liesl hurried home after work, wanting to have time to fix her hair and look her best. When she arrived at the apartment she shooed the boys out and closed the door behind them. Pulling out her dress, Liesl smiled and then helped Lucy and Laurel find their dresses. A knock came on the door and Liesl rushed over to answer the knock.

Standing outside were Lisette and Andy. Lisette had her dress in her hand and an excited look on her face. Andy lounged on the door frame, also holding her dress, but with an amused smirk on her face. “Matty-boy's got a plaid vest to wear to the dance. Might have to dance with him.” The brunette stated with a slight laugh. Liesl just shook her head, laughing at Andy's droll comment.

When Liesl had fnished putting her dress on, she combed her hair and pulled it back into a low pony-tail and let a few strands of hair hang in her face. She smiled at her reflection in the dusty mirror and turned to Lisette and Andy, showing off her dress. It had been something she had been working on for awhile, every chance she got to sew she had worked on the dress. There was a green, blue, and cream plaid under-skirt, which went just above her ankles. She wore a robin's egg blue dress over the skirt. The neckline of the dress set just above her shoulders, and she had a green bodice tied over the dress.

Lisette looked her friend up and down and smiled. “You look gorgeous, Liesl. Jude will drop dead when he sees you.” She winked at the blond, who promptly colored and gave a twirl.

Andy also nodded in approval and finished buttoning up her red dress. “You look lovely. Now stop showing off and give me a hand with my hair.” The brunette ran her hand through her mass of brown hair. Andy’s hair was of the stubborn kind. She had loads of it, and not a strand would lay right without a bit of coaxing. However, Andy wasn’t the coaxing type, so many times Liesl would forcer her friend down in a chair and tackle the girl’s hair herself.

Gladly obliging Andy, Liesl pulled out a brush and pulled Andy’s hair back into a half pony-tail, smiling at her results. She saw that Lisette had already done her own hair, and the Spanish girl’s black curls were pinned up, falling in soft ringlets about her face. Liesl gave Lisette a smile and nodded her approval. “Very pretty, Lisette. And I love your dress.” Liesl examined Lisette’s bright yellow dress and grinned.

Lisette smiled back and smoothed her dress. “I hope it suits.” She stated, her dark eyes twinkling. Liesl nodded to show that it would and turned around to inspect her younger sisters. Both girls looked fresh and pretty, and Liesl felt proud that she had gotten both her sisters looking so fine. Her mother would have been proud.

“All right, people. To the dance!” Liesl stated happily and opened the door, motioning for the other girls to go.

When they reached the building where the dance was being held, the sound of bagpipes and the like was heard. Andy moved towards the musicians and pulled out her violin. Liesl could see the gleam in Andy’s eye and the happy smile on her face. Andy was usually a rather cynical girl, but when she started playing a violin, all that seemed to melt away and the brunette appeared as happy as possible.

Looking around the room, Liesl spotted the boys and she made her way over to them, but not before she let go of Lucy’s hand and told the young girl that if she was offered anything not to try it. As she neared the boys, Jude looked up and caught site of her. He smiled and his brown eyes twinkled. Liesl smiled back and was about to call out Jude’s name, when Matt interfered.

“Ow, Liesl. Lookin’ fine there, Lassie.” He smirked and winked at her. Liesl just shook her head, and laughed at Matt.

“Cheeky.” She said, giving Matt a fond look. The boy was her age, but sometimes she felt like he was her little brother. Not that she minded. Matt was a very likable boy, however he was a terrible flirt.

Moving past Matt and waving to Lan, Liesl finally reached Jude and gave a twirl. “Whadya think?” She inquired, smiling her most charming smile. Jude grinned and stood up.

“I think I have to agree with Matty-boy.” He said, winking playfully at the blonde. Liesl laughed and was about to say something when she heard Andy and the other musicians start playing a jig. Jude offered his hand and smiled. “Wanna dance, then?” He asked.

Happily nodding, Liesl took Jude’s arm and they both walked onto the dance floor. Liesl tapped her foot a few times to get the beat, and then Jude whirled her into an up-beat jig. The blonde laughed as Jude twirled her around, and out of the corner of her eye she saw Andy playing the violin and keeping time with the bagpiper. She also saw a man with some spoons and a few other people playing instruments she wasn’t sure she knew the name of. However, the sound the group produced was extremely Irish and extremely up-beat.

After the dance was over, Liesl was out of breath and she took a seat, laughing as she did so. She saw Matt up on a table dancing a jig with a pretty red-head, and she thought she spotted Lan dancing with Lisette, but she thought she must have been imagining that. However, when she looked again she realized that her staunch twin brother was actually dancing with Lisette. She gave a surprised laugh and pointed it out to Jude, who also laughed and shook his head.

“Well I’ll be jiggered.” Jude said, grabbing a glass of beer for both him and Liesl. Liesl nodded her agreement and took a sip of the beverage. She then heard a commotion in the far corner of the building, and she sat up to check out the scene.

At the site that met her eyes, Liesl gasped and jumped up, running toward the scuffle. She also realized that Lan was heading the same way she was and she was extremely grateful her brother had noticed as well as her.

Lucy had a boy twice her size pinned on the ground and she was pounding him repeatedly with her fist. The brawny lad, who should have been able to lick a little girl Lucy’s size, was screaming bloody murder and had tears running down his face. Lan grabbed the back of Lucy’s dress and lifted the girl in the air, and then promptly set her down next to him. He kept a hold on her dress, since she seemed eager to enter back into the fray.

“Lucy! What the--- what – doing!” Liesl stuttered out, not realizing that she didn’t make much since. Lan gave his sister a confused look and bent down to talk to Lucy.

“What seems to be the problem, eh?” He asked in a level voice. Lucy crossed her arms over her chest and blew some hair out her face.

“She’s crazy is what’s the problem! She’s like a little demon, that one is!” The boy cried. Lucy stuck her tongue out and Lan gave her a warning look. Liesl apologized to the young lad and gave him a handkerchief to go clean himself up with. She then went and stood behind Lan, fearing to say anything lest she lose her temper.

“Benny said I couldn’t pickpocket to save my life. I told him I could, and he dared me to. So I did. Then he said I didn’t do it right and wouldn’t admit that I had. So I told him to take it back and he wouldn’t. Then I told him I’d hit him if he didn’t, and he made fun of me. So I hit him, and boy did I get him good!” Lucy explained herself, smirking at the last part.

Liesl sank into a chair and shook her head. Lan’s lips twitched and he hand to act like he was coughing in order to cover up his laugh. “Well, Lu. That---- you shouldna done that.” He said, giving her a stern look. Lucy looked confused and asked why.

This was enough for Liesl. She gave a sigh and leaned forward to Lucy. “Because it isn’t proper. And it’s not the way to settle a fight, lass. Just ignore the boy. And ya didn’t have to give him a bloody nose, for goodness sake!” The blonde exclaimed. Lucy just shrugged and mumbled her apology.

Though Liesl could tell that Lucy wasn’t very sorry, she didn’t know how to deal with the young girl, and she didn’t want to try and figure it out at the moment. “Jude, wanna dance again?” She asked, ignoring her sister and turning to the dark haired boy.

Jude, who had been standing with Lisette in shocked/amused silence, nodded and tried not to smirk. Lan just shook his head and led Lisette to the dance floor, laughing quietly. Matt and Andy would have to hear about this.

[SORTING HAT]

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!

Hehe, my favorite part was Lucy scenario at the end.

[Lan Dawkins]

((Guess what! That's right, it's an update. I decided to start doing chapters in different points of views. This chapter is split between Andy and Matt. Andy's side is rather dark, since she's my dark character.... so you've been warned. Matt, however, is light.... typical Matty. Enjoy!))

Chapter 5
But it doesn’t take long, you see, for my demons to come and visit me

Andy entered her apartment, a small smirk on her face. Liesl had told her all about Lucy’s little fight and the brunette found it extremely amusing. Knowing that the young girl had spunk, and the ability to defend herself, relieved Andy. She had seen too many girls who weren’t able to make it by themselves, and she didn’t want Lucy to end up like that. The Dawkins and the Brookes were her family, and she wanted to make sure that they were safe. Not that true safety was something that could be obtained in the Five Points.

Sitting down on her bed, the tall girl gave a sigh and pulled the pins out of her hair. As she let her long, thick hair fall, she reached for a brush and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The face that looked back at her surprised the young girl and she stopped and stared. Although she had just looked in the mirror earlier that day, her features seemed to have changed drastically. Her normally pale cheeks had a faint flush to them, and her dark eyes twinkled. “I look like Liesl.” She laughingly joked with herself. Despite her hard life, Liesl still managed to look healthy and happy. Andy, for one, didn’t know how she did it.

Pulling half of her hair back from her face, Andy began to brush the under half of her hair. As her hand brushed her right temple, she saw the scar and frowned. Why didn’t that scar ever go away? Giving her thick hair a ferocious tug, Andy glared at her reflection. Why did this always happen to her? Why was she always the one who got mad at life, at herself? Everyone else seemed able to cope with their emotions as well as with their situation. She, however, was bitter. Bitter at her family for abandoning her when she was just ten. Bitter about having to live on the streets for years. Most of all, she was bitter at herself for making the stupid mistakes she had made, not being able to let go of her past, not being willing to let go of her past. Sure, her life had been bad… horrible in fact, but her past made her who she was today. Whether that was a good thing or not, she didn’t really give a d**n.

With a shake, Andy dispelled her thoughts and finished brushing her hair. She needed to get ahold of herself. Lately, she had been contemplating too much about her life. It was best not to think too much about your cirmustances… if you lived in the Five Points, at least.

---

Matt trudged up the stairs, his little three year old sister asleep in his arms. Ben kept pace beside his older brother, and kept up a conversation with Laurel, who happened to be walking in front of him. Looking in front of him, Matt saw Lan carrying a sleeping Lucy as Liesl walked a step behind, keeping hold of Laurel’s hand. To say that he was lucky for having such good friends was an understatement. Matt didn’t know what he would do without the Dawkins, especially since Liesl was good enough to take Angelle to work with her so that he wouldn’t have to worry about his baby sister.

As the two families entered the small apartment they shared, Matt smiled and put Angelle down, and Lan followed his example by laying Lucy beside the small girl. It had been a tiring night, especially for the young girls, and everyone was ready for bed. Sitting down on the boys’ bed, Matt began to take his shoes off and drowned out the conversations around him.

That night he had met a very interesting girl. She wasn’t exactly new to the Five Points, but Matt had never met her before. She had asked about how she could get a job at the pub, and Matt had told her to talk to Andy. The thought of the new girl working at the pub he went to everyday made Matt extremely happy, and he smiled to himself. Though there was something about Phoebe, for that was her name, that intrigued Matt as well. She seemed to be hiding from something… or someone. And for some strange reason Matt felt that he wanted to protect the girl.

“Matt, your dazed out look has got ta be one o’ tha funniest things I’ve ever seen.”

Matt was shaken out of his thoughts by Liesl’s comment. Feigning a hurt look, Matt ran his hand through his dark hair and stood up. “I’m hurt. I think all my looks are rather attractive.” He stated defensively.

“To a cow, maybe.” Ben joked and ducked as his older brother swatted at him. Lan smirked and clapped Matt on the shoulder.

“Sorry, mate. You do look funny dazed out like that.” The tall, serious boy smiled apologetically and went behind the screen to change. Matt meanwhile shook his head and sighed. “Tis a sad time when all yer friends are against ya.”

Liesl laughed merrily and began brushing her golden waves. “We love ya, Matty. Really we do.” Ben nodded at this and then suddenly grinned playfully.

“Say, I think I know what’s into ya. I think your taken with the new lass you were dancin’ wi.” Matt’seyes narrowed and he gave his brother a warning look. However, it was too late. Liesl and Lan, who had changed, had both gotten a mischievous look on their faces and were smirking.

“Isn’t that sweet!” Liesl exclaimed, clapping her hands, while Lan nudged his friend playfully and asked when the wedding was.

“Oh shut it, both of ya. Ye’ve got no room to talk. Liesl was lost in Jude’s eyes all night, and Lan actually danced with Lisette… something he’s never done before.” Matt quipped back at the twins. Both parties colored slightly and stopped teasing him. However, he realized that Ben wasn’t about to let it go. To avoid too much teasing, Matt went to change, hoping he could fall asleep quickly that night.

---

The apartment was empty except for her. She was all alone. “Mama? Papa? Bella, Cissa?” The young voice called out. There was no answer. Realizing that there would not be an answer, the young girl sat down on what had once been her parents’ bed. Her lip quivered and she curled herself up into a ball. The tears began to flow and she knew that now they had started, there would be no stopping them. Her small body was wracked with sobs as she accepted the fact that her family had left her, a mere girl of ten, to fend for herself. In New York City. She’d die, that’s what would happen. There was no way she could survive by herself.

Suddenly, a wave of bitter anger flowed over her and she stopped crying. What was she thinking! Who needed a family, anyway? She was a decent pick-pocket, and she could find empty street corners to sleep in at night. There was nothing for it anyway, she had to survive the streets. She’d survive, and she would never cry again. Life didn’t seem promising for her, but she wasn’t going to give up because her d**n family had run out.

The scene faded and an older girl took the place of the ten year old. Standing across from the girl was a brutish looking man. The man took a step forward and the girl tensed. She had thought that finding her uncle would make life better for her. After all, he was family. And her aunt seemed sweet enough. Now, the foolishness of those thoughts crashed down upon her conciousness. The body of her aunt lay crumpled up in the corner, and her uncle stood across from her, his bloody cane gripped tightly in his oversized hand.

Not knowing what to do, she ran. Bolted out the door and ran. She heard her uncle’s thick footsteps behind her and her breathing came fast. Suddenly, a strong hand grabbed her arm and she was jerked to a stop. Shaking his cane, his uncle brought his face close to hers and she could smell the alcohol. “You tell anyone… you end up like her.” The threat was growled out in a drunken slur. Nodding, the girl blinked away tears. She would never cry. Coming here was a mistake. “Did you hear me!” The voice was a roar now. Screaming yes, the girl struggled to free herself and saw the cane descending toward her.

Blackness. Utter blackness consumed her conciousness. She was alone…. So alone. Her right temple throbbed. Later there would be voices surroudning her, but for now she was alone and scared. She hated being scared, but she hated being alone even more. However, there was nothing she could do about it.

With a gasp, Andy sat up from her dream. Nightmare more like it. Bringing her hand up to her right temple, she felt the scar. Desperately trying to calm herself, the brunette pushed her hair back from her face and tried to ignore the emptiness of her room. She was alone. She hated being alone. “No!” She shouted and then clapped her hand over her mouth. She wasn't alone, really. Right now, maybe, but tomorrow she would see her friends and then she wouldn’t be alone. But right now, she was alone with her memories. Lying back down, Andy tugged her ragged blankets closer to her and prayed that she would dream anymore.

[SORTING HAT]

Awesome job Lindsey! I really enjoyed reading the background to your characters. =]