Heeeey... I'm back! There's not really much to say, but I'm posting two chapters today. Hope you enjoy both!

I was planning to post this chapter on Thanksgiving, but I was busy the day before. So here are 2 chapters to make up for it!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THESE WONDERFUL CHARACTERS. THEY BELONG RIGHTFULLY TO DIC ENTERTAINMENT.

James woke with a start. It's Sunday! He raced downstairs, where a hearty meal of bacon, eggs, and buttered bread awaited him.

Dr. Franklin and Moses were already at the table. They chuckled as James skidded across the floor and almost missed the chair. The two men shared stories and tales of past apprentices and Sundays while chewing on bacon and nibbling at eggs. James took this all in and laughed at all the right moments.

Finally, the time came to sell the papers. James positioned himself outside the shop on a box of crates. Moses stood by him and collected the earnings.

It was late afternoon soon. Moses went inside to prepare lunch, leaving James alone. He chewed on a dry biscuit and played jacks with rocks while he waited.

Suddenly, out the corner of his eye, something leapt on him, and James tumbled backwards. He tried to punch away his attacker, and his fist made contact with a crunch. Someone yelped, and James saw blood on his hand.

He sat there, dazed, for a few seconds. Finally his vision cleared up, and he saw… Monte?

The other boy was on the ground. His nose was dripping blood from where James had punched him, and his hand was still in a fist. James had bruises all over his arms. He tried to help Monte up, but Monte brushed his hand away.

"Some friend you are," he growled. James backed away. "You have all this food and coins, and you didn't even share with us."

"But the shop needs-"

"WE NEED!" Monte corrected in a harsh bark. "FOOD! MONEY! AND WHAT DO YOU GIVE US?"

James whimpered.

Monte jabbed one meaty finger into James' chest. James winced. "NOTHING!" he roared. His voice reduced to a whisper. "And that black man- he's dangerous. He hurt one of us, and we didn't do anything. Now, hand over the money, and I'll tell you later."

James reluctantly handed over a few coins. Monte smiled greedily before retreating to the shadows of the nearest alley.

SOOOOOoooooo...

Hi! Happy late Thanksgiving. I really don't have anything to say, but we are nearing the end, so yeah. Hang in there...

Go ahead to the next chapter! I'll be waiting there for you guys.

~Birdie

EDITED JULY 2019