Act Three: Ouch3/A Familiar Face

"Damn! dat hurts!" I yelled as Mush treated my wound.

"Don't exert yourself, Race." Mush told me. "You've suffered a min'ah concussion."

"Yeah, well you's weren't da one who got hit by a train!" I retorted.

"Even so, you's need ta keep still." he replied as calm as ever. Mush was pretty good at keeping calm in dire situations. Sure, he liked to crack a joke as much as the next newsie. But when it came to emergencies, Mush wasn't the one to panic. He wanted so bad to go to Medical School so he could become a doctor. But with the way they paid us newsies, that was a dream not meant to come true.

Finally, he began applying the bandages. As he tightly wrapped the cloth around my head, I shut my eyes tight, trying not to flinch. What can I say? It hurt like Hell!

"A'right, I'm done. Now do's me a fav'ah, an try ta take it easy the next couple days?"

"No promises." I stated, slowly getting up so I wouldn't get too dizzy.

"Just get some rest. Your body needs the energy ta heal itself."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I's don't need your school'n." But when it was lights out, I was out with them.

"How could you ask me ta do dat?!" I asked after we were done selling. It was only the next day, but I had to earn my money somehow.

"It'll only be for awhile, Race. Ya do's want your head ta get better, right? How'd you even get into smok'n cigars anyway? Don't ya know how bad it is for ya?"

"Look, Mush, I know's you's try'n ta help, but preachn' ta me doesn't. Help dat is."

"Ya didn't answer my question." he pushed. "Why do ya smoke cigars?"

"Mush, I swear, if you's don't back off right now,"

"I'm jus worried about ya, Race. We all are. I mean, as long as any o' us has known ya's, you've always smoked."

I sighed. "It's personal an I don't wanna talk about it."

"But,"

"No! Now drop it and leave it alone!" I shouted at him. Mush flinched, and it looked as if he were about to cry.

"Now dat's enough, Race!" We both turned and saw Jack marching up toward us. No doubt, he must have heard most, if not all of the conversation. "Mush is right. We only want what's best for ya. Don't yell at him, because I'm da one who told him ta get onto you's about your smoking. I tought he would be able ta reason wit you. But since dat ain't da case, I'm confiscat'n your cigars!"

"What?!"

"And, I'm handl'n your money until your head is better. I know you too well."

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Oh, no? Watch me!" He walked off and I tried to run after him. The dizziness set in and I staggered forward. Someone caught me and helped me up.

"Gabbs? What are you's do'n here?"

"Crutchie wanted me to thank you for saving his life. And it just so happens, I heard the argument. You get really loud when you're angry."

"I guess I do."

"Look Race, I know it's hard but you're just gonna have to accept help when you need it. Even if you don't want it"

"C'mon, Gabbs. I've gotten lectures from both Mush an Jack today. Da last ting I need's is a third one, especially from you."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I took a deep breath and held Gabbs' hand.

"Gabbs, will you's accompany me to da ball dis Saturday?" I didn't expect Gabbs to look at me the way did. She looked horrified. "I guess dat's a 'no' den."

"Look, Race, you're a great guy and all but... I don't like you that way. You're like my brother and it would be strange dating you because of that..."

"It's ok, I get it." I said bitterly. "A simple 'no' would have done the trick."

"Race, I am so sorry. Please don't be upset. If I weren't..."

"What? Dating Crutchie?"

"How'd you know?" her facial expression went from horrified to shocked.

"I may not be a genius but I'm not stupid either. He adores you. I jus didn't know da feel'n was mutual." I started walking away.

"Where are you going? The lodging house is this way." Gabbs pointed in the opposite direction.

"I know. I'se not go'n ta da lodge house."

"Where do you plan on sleeping then?"

"Anywhere else." I stormed off, feeling rejected and pissed beyond belief. 'Who needs them anyway?' I thought to myself.

As I walked, the city streetlamps flickered on. The sun was setting and stars were beginning to appear in the darkening sky. I went into Jacobi's Deli and sat at a table in the back. Someone came up to my table and sat across from me. I couldn't see their face because they wore a hooded cloak. Finally they broke the silence.

"I'se been watchn' ya, kid. Looks like you can really use a friend."

I squinted, trying to rack my brain. I knew I heard that voice before. The voice was male and it cracked a little, probably because he was a teenager. But what stood out was his speech impediment. It was like something was keeping his tongue from forming the worlds correctly. Almost as if his tooth was...no it couldn't be. The last time I saw Beaver, he was 15. He disappeared 6 years ago. I did the math in my head, then checked, then double checked. Beaver would be 21 now. There was no way this guy was who I thought he was. Yet, his voice matched Beaver's to a T. It couldn't be him, could it? Before I could dismiss the idea, the mush-mouth teen removed his hood. It was hard to miss the familiar curved buck-tooth. He looked the same as he did the day before he disappeared. It was him alright. It was Beaver.

Didn't expect that, did you? Let me know what you think. Don't forget to read, review, follow, favorite! See you in the next chapter!