CHAPTER ONE

"You staying outta trouble, Saphy?" an old man asked, smiling at me; I was sitting at the counter before him.

"Ah, you know me, Uncle Alby," I grinned, "I'm trying but trouble seems to find me. No matter where I hide." He laughed, shaking his head but looked at me, his "bubbly niece" as he called me.

"How's your friend, Saph, you ain't told me yet."

"She's doing better," I nodded, "Still in bad shape, so I ain't moving back yet."

"Amazes me how you kept yourself from the Newsies all these years."

"It's been three years and it ain't that hard, Newsies ain't too bright, Uncle Alby." The old man shrugged.

"Might surprise you, Saphyre. You know they knew Jacky had ended things with Sarah afore he told them."

"Ah, anyone coulda guessed, Alby, it ain't that hard," I replied stubbornly, playing with my red hair.

"I dunno what I'm gonna do with you," he muttered, shaking his head, "You refuse to talk to anyone 'sept this girl you're helping."

"I ain't starting that story Alby," I stated annoyed, "I'm returning the favour."

"Yeah, I know," he smiled, "Just be careful, Saphyre, aiight?"

"Aiight," I sighed, getting up, "I've got to go, see you Alby."

"Bye Saph." I smiled at the old nickname, I never grew tired of it, and he'd always called me it. I left the Manhattan Boarding Lodge; inhaling the air I had grown in, and continued my journey. As I was walking, I saw two boys in an alley but one had his back to me and from what I could see, the other was laughing at someone. My eyes narrowed, seeing a hand hitting the first boy's shoulder, and made my way over to the dark alley.

"Well, looky, here Morris," the boy, who had been laughing, smirked. The other boy turned his head and I saw a girl, trying to get free but having little luck.

"Hey there, girly," he sneered, turning to face me.

"Hi," I smiled and the boy grinned at his partner as he edged closer, but he missed the flash in my eyes before I punched him. The other was there in an instant and while attempting to pin me to a wall, I kneed him. I laughed as he bent over, gasping for air before kicking him to the ground. I pointed my finger at the other before punching him again. Leaving both on the ground, I went over to the girl, offering my hand.

"Thanks," the girl smiled, "I'm Piper."

"Saphyre."

"That's a weird name."

"So's Piper."

"No," the girl smiled, "Why're you called it?"

"My eyes. What about you? Where'd Piper come from?"

"I screamed loads when I was lil, big voice box suppose," she grinned, leaning against the near-by wall, "You should meet my brother, you remind me of him."

"That good or bad," I laughed.

"Depends on the day."

"Ha."

"C'mon, I'll take ya to him."

"Nah, I gotta go," I smiled, shaking her head, "Thanks though."

"You should meet him," Piper called after her, but I was down the street and on my way back to the lodging house, having no patience to find who I was looking for.

"Uncle Albert! I'm back!"

"That was quick," I heard him mutter, "D'ya find who you needed to?"

"Nah," I smiled, shaking my head, "I will though."

"I know you will, I just wish you'd tell me who it is."

"Well you prolly know him and I don't want you getting in trouble."

"What're you gonna do Saph?" he asked sharply.

"Nothing too painful," I smirked.

"Saphyre!" he yelled as I ran into the next room.

"Oh, cards." I picked up the deck and sat on the floor, setting up a game of solitaire. A couple hours passed before I heard commotion and looked up to see a dirty lot of boys. "Aiight, which one of you're Conlon?" There were stifled laughs but my glare didn't phase and finally the crowd parted somewhat, a boy stepping through. One tried to stop him but he shook his head. "So, you're the scumbag."

"Who's asking," he asked, emotionless.

"You should die for what you did to her," I seethed, ignoring his question, my fist struck his gut, "You don't deserve her."

"Where is she?" he growled, standing up straight in time for my knuckles to harshly bash against his chin.

"She doesn't need you," I yelled before throwing a crumpled envelope in his face, "Leave her alone." And with that, I stormed out.