"Were having a party." Angel said happily leaping onto her top bunk. She threw the invitation at Jack.

Three weeks had passed and it had gone on with no mess ups. Meilin and Angel had gotten jobs at a bakery and they moved into the main room with the boys.

"we're-" he was cut off quickly.

"Actually," Angel said with a smile. "Medda and I cooked it up for you boys. Medda, being Medda, knowing the strike anniversary, decided that it was a good idea for a dance. So its a formal."

She glared around the room. "Meaning shirt and Tie."

A chorus of groans and complaints echoed threw the room.

"Don't give me that," she said quaintly. " How was I to know when the anniversary was."

Jack smiled. "Alroight Angelgoil," he laughed. "You get your way dis time."

Angel grinned brightly. "Tankya Jacky-boy. I knew I could count on ya," she laughs and stares at the boys around her. "I am inviten all a ya. And please come and bring a date." She grinned. "Hey guys come on. I know most of you have girlfriends, so none of you have any excuses."

A few protests rose from the assembly, finally Meilin took the stand. "Alroight Shuddup all a ya!!"

Everyone stared surprised at her sudden and not expected outburst. "I have had about enough off all a ya! Now your all gonna go and have a good time, got it!"

Angel stared wide eyed at Meilin. She had adopted some of the famous accent but still maintained her powerful regal appearance and attitude. Meilin humphed and set down on the bed.

Angel grinned, her life was starting to look up.

"Please guys," she said softly. "Come and have a good time."

The next thing she knew she was being dragged down the stairs by Snipeshooter, for a game of marbles.

Angel sighed and leapt from her bunk. The cold night's dreams chilling her bones. Although she was inside she had to do something. Where no sleep would come hopefully the cool night air would bring her some comfort.

But it wouldn't help. When she got to the roof all she could think about is her brother, Mario. Where he was, what he was doing right at that moment. The roof was empty, she could be alone, all by herself no one would bother her. She sat on the edge of the building, looking out over the sleeping city. It was so beautiful. Lights lit the streets, carriages clopped along the cobblestone.

"Mind any company?"

She spun to see Spot.

"What ya doin' here Brooklyn?" she asked as she motioned him to come closer. "It's late and well everyone else is asleep."

He sat beside her and smile. "I had nothin to do so I came ta investigate dis party dat youse sapposed ta be trowin'"

She smiled. "What you here it from your little birdies?" he glared. "Alright,. It's a party for the strike, it's at Medda's. Your invited if you want to come."

He nodded.

"How's Rose and Kayle? They're alright aren't they?"

"Sure dey are," he said with his signature smirk. "Rosie misses ya, and Kayle is makin' friends slowly but udder den dat it's alroight."

She let out a sigh and smiled at her old friend. " Good, I'm glad. there working alright."

He nodded then laughed. "Guess what Angel, youse friends already got Newsie nicknames," she nodded and he continued. "Rose is Blaze and Kayle's Mouse."

She smiled. "I can guess Blaze, but why Mouse?"

"She don't talk much," he said. "Quiet as a mouse."

"What about me?" she asked. "What nickname would you give me now?"

"The Angel a Death," he said putting on a production.

She punched him playfully.

"Your still Angel, dat hasn't changed none," he said.

She nodded knowing this. "I don't even remember how you got Spot, Ben. I can't even remember that, it's been so long.."

He smiled. "I'se da spot stealah. Dats what Rascal used ta call me. So it shortened until it was Spot." she smiled at her. "You liked callin' me Spot Dog."

She laughed. "I haven't called you that since we were little."

He stared at her face.

"Well, Ang I haven't called youse Midget since wese was little eithah."

"Hey" she snapped glaring at him. Her eyes narrowed and glowed the eyes of a wild cat. "Don't call me that!"

"Man Angel," he said quietly. "Youse deffinantly got your mudders eyes."

She blushed at the compliment. "Thanks," she said quietly. She changed the subject quickly. "Okay what about Meilin? She needs a nickname." she asked.

"She's got one," he replied.

"What?" she asked.

"SpitFire."