A/N: I know that these chapters really have nothing to do with the main story line, but I'm just trying to drag it on a little bit longer so that the characters can have a chance to develop their relationships a little better before I rush into the big storyline. I promise I have some better, more angsty ones coming up. Anyway, on with the show…er story.

I was walking out the door when I was stopped, "So I hoid you had a boithday last night?" Said Oscar Delancey, one of the many rivals of us Manhattan newsies.

"Yeah, what's it to ya?"
"Just thought I might give ya a nice boithday kiss." He came closer to me and I pushed passed him
"Get lost, Osca."

I went into Tibby's and scanned for Race.

Race's Point of View—I saw Jes walk into Tibby's and I waved at her to come over. She scanned the room, saw us and came over and sat next to me, across from Mush and Skittery.

"So what's it feel like ta be foiteen?" Mush asked her. She sighed and thought for a second then replied," The same way it feels ta be foiteen...like nobody pays attention to ya." She chuckled.
"I pay attention to ya." Skitter winked at her. I resisted the urge to punch him square in the jaw.

The only thing worse than Skittery flirting with Jes is that I think she actually likes it.

Jes's Point of View— "Couldja pass da salt?" Race asked Skittery. Skittery passed the small shaker over to him.

"Oh thank you Skittery!" Race said in a high voice while batting his eyelashes.
"That is so not how I sound." I defended.
"Psh, you wanna bet?" He asked raising his eyebrows. I rolled my eyes at him,"Whateva."

When we lollygagged back into the lodging house later that afternoon, Jack handed me a small round picture of him," here I found dat picha for youse."

"Thanks Jack." He unhooked the locket's chain so I could put it inside.
"How does it look?"
"Poifect."

Jack kissed my forehead and gave me a hug. You know I'm actually kind of glad that my parents left me in that alley. I'm a free spirit with lots of great friend show love me and look out for me. What more could you ask for?

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"Brooklyn's having a party!"

I was sitting in the lobby with a few other guys watching them play poker, when Jack came in all happy and excited. If there's anything in the world he loves more, it's a nice party.

"Wh-what kinda party?" I asked not sure that I understood why they were having a party.
"What kinda parties are dere? Just a regula one, Bonehead," I gave him a snotty look at the name calling," it's at da lodgin' house.One 'a' Spot's boys says dey got a new goil newsie joinin 'um."
"'Bout time…" I sighed.

About an hour later, we made our way across the Brooklyn Bridge. We were greeted at the lodging house with drinks and laughs.