"He kissed you!" Hailey exclaimed the following day.

"On the cheek, it was nothing," Brooklyn replied as she made her way to school with her "friends". Why she still puts up with them, the world may never know. "Besides, my personal life isn't any of your concern."

"It's not our fault you were lurking outside the building when we arrived," Jenny added. In an annoying tone no less.

"Exactly, see? And besides, your first kiss is a big deal. Friends tell friends these things."

"It wasn't - that doesn't count." Brooklyn mentally sighed. "Forget it." she quickened her pace to put a good distance between herself and the two airheads who don't know when to quit. There were times when she wished she could stop time for a moment so she could catch a breath for once. Just for a second she'd like some time to herself before going out to deal with the world. Going to her bedroom at night didn't count as a moment to herself since she's completely worn out and ready for a long rest.

The sounds of the school yard began to fill her ears, and pulled Brooklyn away from her mind. She stopped for a moment to heavily sigh. She really didn't feel like coming today, but her mother said she needed to. For she was lucky enough to get an education while so many didn't have the privilege. At that very moment, a few newsboys ran past her, looking happier than ever while lugging a bag full of papers each. She wondered what it was like. Getting to do what you wanted, when you wanted. No one to tell you what to do or how to do it. To live a carefree life despite the hardships they must face.

However, that was more of a life for boys. Brooklyn's never heard of a female newsie before. Although, seeing as she was rather in tune with street kid rumors, by her understanding there was one over in Manhattan. Of course, those were just rumors. It was hard to say for sure if that was actually true or just something someone made up for the heck of it. Shaking any thoughts out of her mind Brooklyn took a deep breath and proceeded on with the school day. She avoided Colton Walters at all costs, however, that wasn't such a hard thing to do considering he was a bit preoccupied throughout the day. She wasn't complaining though, her life is too busy for romance. Not to say she was looking for something like that, she just didn't have the time for it. Someday she did want to have a deep connection with someone. Maybe Colton was that someone even. She wasn't opposed to it either though, if it happened it happened. If it didn't, then that would be alright. However, yesterday felt different. She truly did enjoy walking home with him, and when he placed that quick kiss on the cheek, well...people don't do that for no reason, right?

Classes dragged by slowly as they usually did. Occasionally Brooklyn had to answer a question or three. Her voice, though still soft and quiet as can be, was somewhat more audible now that she was older. And, before long, Brooklyn found herself sitting at her usual bench outside for lunchtime. She could hear the commotion going on about the schoolyard, but paid no mind to any of it. Instead she removed the cloth from the lunch pail to see what was inside today.

"Pork bits, corn bread, and a pear," Brooklyn thought to herself as she took the contents out of the pail and onto her lap. She began to nibble on the bits of meat as the sun brightly beamed down from the sky. From a distance she watched her schoolmates mingle in little groups, or played around while they still could before the bell rang.

As she ate, Brooklyn picked up her book of poetry and quietly read it as the sounds slowly faded away. She had no idea where Hailey and Jenny had disappeared too, which she was thankful for of course. She really didn't want to chat with them, especially since she'd be forced to spend an entire afternoon come the following weekend with them and their mothers. To sit through a dreadful few hours with her mother's friends and their daughters was the polite thing to do after all. But, Brooklyn did wish she didn't have to be a proper young lady for once in her life. Nonetheless, she'd bare through it like she always did. She shook that thought of her head and returned her thoughts to her book.

This was easier said than done seeing as Colton had slid into the empty spot on the bench she just happened to be sitting at. Now, this could go either way, Brooklyn could either acknowledged his presents, or pretend to be so absorbed in her book that she didn't notice him. Why Brooklyn felt the sudden need to avoid him, she had no idea. Maybe it was due to the way her stomach would flip whenever she was around him now...not that didn't already happen before the pervious day, because it most certainly occurred once or twice whenever she'd catch him gazing at her at random times throughout the day.

"What're you reading?" he asked after a few moments of silence.

"Poetry," Brooklyn replied simply.

"You are such a girl."

"And?" she slammed the book shut. "You are aware that most poets are men, right?" she pointed out. "Shakespeare has some lovely sonnets. Number eighteen and forty-seven are my favorite. I'm sure there's more to that list, but I'd have to take a look back again. It's been awhile since-"

"Eh, never been a fan of all that sappy nonsense." he cut off before she could ramble any further. "If you ask me it's a bit of a snoozer. No wonder you get a little sleepy sometimes, huh?" he nudged her with his elbow. Anyways, I was wondering if you wanted to do something tomorrow."

She stared at him with a puzzled look across her face. "Sorry, I can't, I'm a bit busy." which was the truth. And if that wasn't a good enough reason to not do whatever it was he was planning her, her gut was telling her otherwise.

"That's too bad. Some of the fellas were talking about taking their girls dancing, and I thought we could go together." he sounded a bit saddened that she had declined the offer. "Are you sure you can't?"

"I mean, if you want to go so badly, why not ask someone else?" Brooklyn suggested as she looked down at the book cover. "There's Opal or Martha. They seemed pretty interested in you just a few days ago." the statement was the truth. Ever since word got out that Cole had personally asked her if she wanted to watch the baseball game things kind of took a bit of a turn. Brooklyn honestly wondered if there was nothing better to do than snoop into her personal life. Not that it was interesting anyways. She mostly got tired of being asked where she and Cole stood, when for starters she didn't even feel that way about him!

She felt a few fingertips slip onto her chin, and gently moved her head upwards. She met his sparkling green eyes as he said, "But it's you I'm asking, not them. You're a mystery to me Meyers. You have no idea how much I want to solve it."

"I'm not that interesting," Brooklyn quietly replied, making no move to remove his fingers from her chin.

"I say otherwise."

Brooklyn bit her lip and continued to stare into his eyes as the sounds of the school yard faded away. Time slowed down and forever started to give this odd feeling in her stomach. Something was fluttering around inside....is this what butterflies felt like? Or was this all in her head?

"Say you'll come....or at least try."

It wouldn't hurt to go, right? And if it turned out to be truly dreadful she could make up some excuse to go home and never have to go out again. "Perhaps...but there's no guarantee."

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

She was boiling the potatoes and carrots while her mother was cooking the fish they had bought at the market that day. Brooklyn was secretly hoping there would be enough leftovers to make fish cakes, but what was really on her mind was how she was going to ask if she could go out later that night.....though, it didn't matter to her what answer she got, either way it was still a win. Brooklyn took deep breaths, waiting for the right moment, however, there was nothing but silence between them, and the only sound that could be heard was the cooking of food. She was unsure if that eased her, or made the situation that much worse. Brooklyn started wondering why she was even going to ask such a question in the first place, while also hoping her mother would say no. A parental unit saying she couldn't go would send a clear message...at least she hoped since he can be persuasive.

"Mum? Would it be alright if I went out tonight? Colton Walters asked me if I wanted to go out dancing and I said maybe. He's coming over sometime after dinner to pick me up." she shyly explained. But before her mother could answer she went on. "I wouldn't be out too late, but it's ok if you say no. I'd be fine either way."

"I think that would be alright," Mrs. Meyers replied with a soft smile. "You're always working yourself tired, and he seems like such a sweet boy too."

"Really? You're letting me go?" Brooklyn asked in complete shock.

"Yes. You may go. Now keep stirring before it starts sticking to the pot."

"Yes ma'am," was her only reply. So it was settled. Right after she'd eaten she'd change out of what she was wearing into something a bit more suitable for the evening. Brooklyn also made a mental note to scrub herself so she wouldn't smell like fish either. Looks like she'd finally make some use of that perfume bottle she was given last Christmas. She was finding herself to be more excited than she originally thought she'd be. Whether that was good or bad, she absolutely had no clue.

Once dinner was made, Brooklyn had a hard time not rushing to finish her meal so she could start getting ready. Of course, there was also the fact she was sure her father wouldn't be too pleased with her plans for the night, but she was counting on the fact he'd pass out before Colton came along. The meal was quiet as it always was, making the time feel slower than ever before. The sound of the ticking clock didn't help that matter either. Eventually, Brooklyn finished and excused herself from the table as she did every night, and calmly made her way to her bedroom. But once the door was closed she began looking through her draws to find the dress she had in mind and started changing at a fast pace. While also wondering why ladies must wear so many layers underneath. She redid her half up hairstyle ribbon as well. She poured a bit of water into the washbowl and dipped a cloth into it before scrubbing away at her face until it became a light rosy shade.

Just as she was about to grab the little glass bottle filled with sweet smelling perfume she heard her father yell out her name in a slightly angered tone. Mentally groaning to herself that this was happening right now, she headed to where his voice came from, and sure enough there was a flustered Colton Walters standing near the doorway while her father stood a few feet away from the young boy with crossed arms. Her mother came up from behind and gave Brooklyn's shoulder a reassuring squeeze that everything would be alright.

"This boy tells me he's taking you out dancing tonight, is this true?"

"Yes sir," Brooklyn replied. Face blank as can be with no movement whatsoever.

"Were you planning on sneaking out?"

"No sir."

"I told her it was alright to go," Mrs. Meyers added.

"Well, I'm saying you can't go." Mr. Meyers then turned to Cole. "Out. and I don't want to see you lurking around my daughter ever again, understand."

When he left, Brooklyn was dragged straight to her room and was locked in for the rest of the night. This wasn't anything new, it wasn't going to be the last either, but at least no harm had come her way...unless you count getting shoved so hard into the room that you fall to the ground. Plus, Brooklyn did say she was alright with not going out that night, so why was she so disappointed that her father had to go and ruin it. Yet, she also knew that whoever this man was, wasn't the father she remembered. She didn't remember how or why he had changed. Though her mother said it was because of alcohol. But the thing was he never drank that much....at least not at home often. Then again, she's hit her head quite a few times in the past, perhaps that had a bit of reason as to why those memories were all blurry. Anyways, Brooklyn plopped herself onto the bed and begun to undo her laces. Since she was trapped in her room until daybreak there was no reason to wear shoes anymore. Much less one of her nicer dresses. She might as well get into her nightgown and work a bit more on that apron. The project in question had been neglected for a biy....it would bit a good way to get her mind off of well, everything.

She had finished undoing one boot and was about to work on the other when there was a light tap on the window. Jumping up on her feet she turned to see who, or what it was. Half expecting it was Twilight or Calico wanting to be let in, but low and behold it was Colton with a smug face. Without hesitation Brooklyn opened up the window and quietly asked, "What're you doing? You're gonna get both of us in trouble. Who will get it worse, I don't know. But believe me Walters, you'll wish you'd never come-"

"Slow down there princess, we're not going to get in trouble if neither of us are here." Colton smirked.

"Excuse me?" Brooklyn asked. Whether this statement was because he called her "princess" or the part about "not being there" she didn't know. What Brooklyn did know is that whatever was about to happen in the next few seconds, she didn't like it very much.

"You heard me. I'm here to rescue you from your tower."

"So you're saying instead of going home like a logical person would do, you climbed up the fire escape and expected me to sneak out?" she asked with crossed arms.

"Your words not mine." his smirk seemed to grow with those words. "Besides, it was your old man who gave me the idea in the first place."

"Cole, go home before we're caught."

"Do you really want to look back on your life and remember all you did was work like a horse twenty-four seven, or do you want to remember that time where you broke the rules for the first time?" he asked in a serious tone. "C'mon Brook, what's the point of life if you're not willing to take chances every once in awhile?"

Brooklyn bit her lips as her mind pondered on Colton's words. She glanced over her shoulder towards the bedroom door, and then past where the green eyed boy stood in front of her and out to the streets below. It was common knowledge to not walk around at night time, but...taking such a small risk seemed a bit exciting all the same. It would be the first time she broke the rules seeing as she's the type of girl any guy's parents would approve of. That was about the only thing Brooklyn had going for herself. "I-I don't think this is a good idea," she quietly admitted.

"That's your head talking princess," Colton replied in a softer tone. "What's this-" he lightly tapped where her heart was. "- saying?"

───── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─────

Author's note

Oh, look at that more development... yay...*awkward laugh*. There's no explanation for this so I'll leave it to you guys. Though I am 99% sure what you're all thinking, and if that is right, then don't worry, I'm thinking the exact same thing. Yeah, umm, so...*steps to the side and pulls out sheet* ROLL CREDITS! *runs away* Dun, dun, dunnnnnn. And that's what we call a cliffhanger! Think Brooklyn will break out of her "tower" or will she stay up there. Find out in next week's installment of Brooklyn's Bridges! Hope you enjoyed thanks for reading bye!