Sorry this took awhile to get out…oh by the way thanks to those of you to who reviewed chapter 10 – Anonnee-Moose, Tatie, and Rebel Angel. It was good motivation. More reviews would be greatly appreciated! I don't own the newsies.

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I got 80 papers that day. Quickly I scanned the papers and smiled. It was a good headline! 'Vice President Suspected of Murder in Youth'! Good. This could be a potentially easy selling day. Manny was selling with Boots. That was okay, I wanted to have some alone time on my birthday.

"See ya, Spot!" I said as I skipped away.

"I'll see you tonight, at Medda's," Spot called. "You'se comin' right?"

"A coise! See ya tonight, then," I yelled. "Oh – an' thanks for the sling shot!"

Spot smiled and waved. I turned back around and ran into a wall. Great. Most of the newsies were watching. And I could hear them laughing. Oh well…they were used to this I guess. I stepped back, regained my composure, and walked ahead – where solid forms actually could. As soon as I got around the corner I felt my forehead. It was bleeding. "Cripes," I muttered angrily.

"Hey, nice goils like you shouldn't say somethin' like dat," said a voice. I turned around and came face to face with the Delancys.

I sighed. "What do you two want? Ya know, I was actually nice to you dis mornin' and you had ta run off and be rude," I chastised.

"Dat wasn't our fault! It was Jack," Oscar exclaimed. "And all of dem newsies comin'. They soak us if we so much as look at you!"

I frowned. "Dey thinks I need all dat protectin'. I don't. At all. Especially from you," I saw their offended looks. "See, I think you'se could be nice."

"Ya, well," Morris said. "On dat note…we hoird it's your birthday. So…happy birthday." He looked at the ground.

"Ya, happy birthday Pippa," Oscar said quietly.

"Thanks you two," I smiled at them. Then I spit in my hand and held it out for them to shake. They both did. Imagine that…me, a newsie, and them – scabs.

"See ya latah! I gotta go sell me papes!" I waved to them and turned back to the street, careful to avoid running into any more walls.

"Bye Pip," they said.

I smiled. Good deed of the day – check! Now…before the harbor, I should – wait. Would I still go to the harbor? I paused and thought. If I went…maybe Mush would explain why he was so cold to me this morning. But…he could also act just as cold, and make me feel worse. If I didn't go, I would be able to avoid him be mean to me, but I could miss him being nice.

I decided to go, to face my fear – er, worry. After I stopped at the Swanson's, Beckett's, Jones', Ross', and Kentworthy's to drop off their papers. I would be ready for however Mush acted toward me.

I saved the Kentworthy's for last. They really dote on me. I – and Manny if he's there - always eat breakfast with them. They've given gifts for Manny and I's birthdays. Hmm…I've gotten a necklace and a set of hair ribbons in all sorts of colors and designs. They do not notice that I do not like to wear girl things, when I'm not playing in my kingdom. But, what can adults be expected to think? They can't understand much about us.

I quickly delivered all the families papers and then headed to the Kentworthy's. They have a rather large house. Giant, in fact. Very nice, too. My favorite room is the library. The ceiling and one side of it are all windows which look out upon a gorgeous backyard (and the grey city in the background). It is a tall, tall room. There are staircases and balconies in it. Cozy chairs and sofas adorn the floor which is covered by an ornate oriental rug. All the colors are rich and beautiful. And they have every book in the history of books, probably. Sometimes I read in there. I think I read more books there in a week than they have in their whole lives.

I don't know where they get all their money. It's probably just inherited. I don't know what Mr. Kentworthy does for a living, either. Neither is very bright. Oh well – it's nice to know that I'm smarter than two adults. It's a pretty good feeling. And, they're nice people – so heart over brain I guess.

I rounded a corner and saw their house. I ran to it and rang at their gate. I shifted from foot to foot impatiently. I know it's absolutely horrid – but I wanted to see if they got me a present. I know I know, you don't even have to say it. It's selfish. But I think anyone really would be excited for a present.

The gates opened and I bounded up the marble steps. I had to stand on tiptoes – on a ledge – to reach the brass knocker. I knocked thrice (I've always wanted to use that word) and waited again. The door opened so suddenly that I stumbled backwards.

"Oh! Miss Pippa! So sorry to startle you," said the butler, James. "Come in, come in. The miss' and sir have been expecting you." He opened the door wider and beckoned me inside.

"Good mornin' to ya, James," I said brightly.

He smiled. "And to you. And I think I owe you another statement…happy birthday!"

"Thanks," I smiled at him.

"Pippa! Pippa, is that you?" A voice rang down the stairs. The winding and carpeted stairs, I should add. Mrs. Kentworthy appeared from around the corner. "Oh! My darling, you look so much older already! Happy birthday!" She lifted her skirt daintily and descended the stairs.

"Thank you, m'am. Very much," I said smiling.

"Now, Pippa," she chided as she reached the bottom and engulfed me in a hug. "How many times must I tell you not to call me m'am? You could call me Auntie Jane or Mrs. Kentworthy or even just Jane!"

Why did it matter so much what I called her? 'M'am' was polite. "Okay, Mrs. Kentworthy."

She smiled. "That's better." Suddenly she gave a start. "Oh! I almost forgot! Come, come!"

I followed her into the parlor. She led me to a couch and I sank down into it. Gee, sitting in it was enough of a birthday present. It was quite comfortable. She left the room and called, "Close your eyes!"

I closed them sort of. Through a crack I saw her bring in some parcels. "Open!"

I opened them and they went wide. Three parcels! I hadn't been able to see detail before. The largest was on the bottom. They were pink (probably my least favorite color).

"Oh, wow! Mrs. Kentworthy! Are these –"

"Yes, yes. Open them," she put them in my hands.

I opened them, starting with the smallest. Inside was a set of white earrings and a necklace. There were also white socks. I thanked her profusely and moved on to the next box. Inside there were a pair of shoes – navy blue. Now that is my favorite color. My newsie hat is navy blue, my shirt, and…well I guess that's it. But these shoes were shiny and dressy. I thanked Mrs. Kentworthy again. She had the biggest smile on her face.

The large box was next, and I could guess what was in it. I was right – a dress. A dress. One of those things ladies and nice little girls wear. I lifted it up. It was navy trimmed with white. It reached my knees. There was also a coat to cover it which was navy as well, with big buttons. I truly was astonished, and Mrs. Kentworthy took it as a pleased astonished.

"Pippa, you're going to Medda's show tonight, yes?" I nodded. "Well, why don't you come by before this and I'll do your hair and you can wear this!"

I weakly nodded and feigned a smile. "Thank ya again, Mrs. Kentworthy. This stuff is real nice," I said. "I best get back out there ta sell these papes."

"Yes, yes, of course. Out with you! Make lots of money," sang Mrs. Kentworthy. She's real strange sometimes. She knows I won't make a lot of money…and yet she says that so seriously.

James opened the door and they waved goodbye to me as I descended the steps. "See you tonight, Pippa, around 6:30?"

"Sounds good, Mrs. K!"

"Mrs. K…I like that! Alright, my dear, until tonight," she called.

"Until tonight," I smirked. She always speaks dramatically, like what she says will change the course of the world or something.

As soon as they shut the door I remembered that I had to sell them their paper! I was just turning around when someone yelled, "Pippa! Good morning and happy birthday," rang a voice from the sidewalk. The gate opened and Mr. Kentworthy entered.

"Thanks, Mr. K. Here – I forgot to sell Mrs. K the paper," I said, giving him the paper. I began to walk away; I really didn't have the time or willpower to stop and chat with him. Besides, he creeps me out sometimes.

"Alright, Pippa," he accepted the paper and handed me a nickel. "I'll take two."

"Here ya are."

"Thank you. Now, I really wish I had time to stop and chit chat, but I must be on my way now. Just a quick stop home and then it's back to the office," Mr. K sighed.

"That's alright, I gots things ta do now too," I said, pretty relieved. "I'll see ya at six thoity, though. Bye!"

I took off running. Suddenly something occurred to me. In my heart of hearts, I did like the dress and did want to dress up like a girl.