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Chapter 11

"Somthin' ain't right 'bout all this." Racetrack said, rolling his cigar between his fingers.

Specs, bent over a trunk in the far side of the newsie's room, just nodded his agreement.

The boys threw their old worn out clothes once they out grew them, in that trunk. It was the ultimate hand-me-down treasure trove, and perfect for finding Erin something to wear. Though she'd have to settle for boy's clothes, but Specs had a feeling she wouldn't mind. She just had to knot up her hair.

"I mean, they'se keep saying 1899 like it's new tah them or somethin'" Racetrack continued, "I mean it ain't like it's January anymore…it's August, it's been 1899 foah months. Specs, you listenin'?"

Specs sighed, standing with an arm full of clothes, "Maybe they'se been somewhere that don't got papes Race…" He shrugged, "or a reliable news soivice. Someplace real foreign."

"What…like Jersey?" Racetrack replied, following Specs down the stairs, "All I'm sayin' is somethin' doan add up."

"I agree," Specs said, nodding his hello to a flustered looking Kloppman at the front desk, "But theirs nothin' we can change by bein' suspicious of 'em. They'se obviously new to New York... they'd been here a couple'a hours b'fore the Delancy's jump 'em an' then they get hoirt and thrown in wit' tha nuns…"

Racetrack nodded, not entirely won over by Spec's arguments and reasoning.

"Give 'em some time Race," Specs said throwing open the door to the girls room. They were huddled around there two sets of designated bunk beds talking in hushed tones. None of them looked over at the boys as they entered.

"Once they're settled you'se can ask all tha questions in tha woirld." Specs said hushed, walking over to Erin and dropping the clothes into her awaiting arms. "These might woirk." He winked.

Erin smiled, "Thanks," she dashed to the far side closet.

Racetrack shook his head, smirking. She was quirky.

"You boys comin' tah sell taday?" Skittery asked from the far side of the room. He'd removed his cap, twisting it absentmindedly between his hands.

Racetrack cocked his head, loosing the smirk to confusion, since when did Skittery twist his cap?

Leila groaned. Skittery walked across the room, coming to stand next to the bed he quietly asked the group, "She ok? Do yah need coffee or somethin'?" He asked Leila.

Racetrack re-gained his smirk, it suddenly made sense. Erin bounded out of the closet, making Skittery Jump. Specs joined Racetrack in smirking.

"Sorry," Erin laughed quietly, tossing her old clothes at Ella, who folded them and packed them away in Erin's suitcase. She's organizing us all…does she think we're going somewhere soon? No, Erin let out a sigh, she must just want to be organized.

"Everything alright?" Specs asked, moving to her side. Erin nodded, appraising her blue cotton button up, worn tan 3/4ths and the green vest. It all fit her reasonably, though her chest wasn't hidden very well. It'll have to do. At least the boots fit, and their aren't even any holes! Just really thin soles…euh, whatev. It's just feels like…super realistic dress up? A smile spread across her face, laughing at herself. Dress up? What am I? 8?

"It suits you," Racetrack winked.

"Thanks," Erin responded quietly pleased.

Leila groaned again, I just want some Midol, is that really too much to ask?

"Tea?" Ella directed her question towards a watchful Specs.

"I…"

"We'll take care of this," A nun said, entering the room, "Thank you boys, that will do."

Erin looked warily to Ella, who glared at the new arrival. "Get out of here while you still can," she warned quietly, then got up and sat between Leila and the approaching force of Holy-ness.

"You sure?" Erin asked.

"It's alright," The nun said warmly, "I'll make up some peppermint tea and I've some headache powder that does wonders."

"Uhm," Skittery cut in, more confidently, his hands still twisting his cap, "I think it's her stomach."

"Oh," The nun continued to smile warmly, "Well then we'll start with some tea and maybe some plain bread?"

Ella glared. Evil nuns and freak town. That's all this place is…

She seems nice, but…she's one of them. Erin shifted unsure of whether she should abandon her cousin and Ella or leave Sadie out there alone.

The nun, realizing she wasn't going to get a response to her comments smiled and turned, walking quickly out of the room.

"She wasn't so bad?" Erin offered.

Ella just glared, "She's still one of them."

"True."

"I just want some tea," Leila groaned, rolling over, "And some Midol."

"Stomach bug?" Erin asked.

"You need to eat," Ella instructed.

"I know," Leila snapped, "I'll eat the bread." And with that she rolled back over, facing away from the group. If we're stuck here…no, focus Lei…just focus on getting better first…and then worry about getting home…we'll get home, we have to.

Specs shifted, "Erin?" He asked cautiously, "It's getting a little late, if we're goin' tah sell?"

Go. They'll be all right; Ella will take care of her. Go. "Ok, let's go get our papers." She smiled enthusiastically.

Racetrack smirked, sauntering out of the room with a watchful Specs and cautious Erin tagging behind. Skittery looked carefully over Leila. "Take care of yourself." He said quietly and walked from the room, shutting the door lightly as he placed his cap on his head.

Ella just frowned. Of all the places, in all the world, in all of history…Freak Town New York 1899. She sighed. Okay, we're here…we're really here. Now we just have to figure out how to get home.