Yay! Things finally start happening again!! I hope you all enjoy this chapter… I've been prepping you all since chapter 1 for this. Ok, time for some long awaited shoutouts:

Angel: The guys are sooo glad you'se is back! Hmm… you like Skit, eh? Interesting… Nice try on the Kit being Snipe's sister. It was a good guess, but not quite right. But yes, I have many plans for Amy (muahahaha. *Evil Smile*). Keep reviewing!

Alisia: Thanks for reviewing! I figured I would honor your request as I'm sure you don't want to have to write the rest for me. Enjoy!

Morning Dew: I need to rent American Psycho… but I did rent Sgt. Bilko yesterday and, as all of Max Casella's fans know, Max is in it. Once again he plays the "smart-mouthed Italian." I guess he just fits the part! Anyway, hope you like this chapter!

Everyone else: I'm glad you like it! Please keep reviewing: it means a whole lot to me! Enjoy!

Chapter 9:

"Race! Just go!" Bitsy urged, but Race protested. "Bitsy, I wanna stay back 'ere wit you," Race pleaded with a sad-puppy face. Oh, he's so cute when he does that! Bitsy thought, but decided not to give in.

She said sternly, "Race, go… the other newsies are here. They are going to wonder what's holding the show up. Anyway, you wouldn't want to see my dress before hand: its supposed to be a surprise. So go, so I can get dressed!" Race reluctantly agreed and headed out into the theatre.

            "Bitsy! Get dressed! You only have ten minutes to get ready and warm up!" Medda said as she came through the door. "Medda! Don't worry, I'll be ready," Bitsy assured her as she put on more mascara.

Out in the theatre, newsies from all over were gathering. Kit noticed this as she and Skittery walked in behind Sarah and Jack. Jack led them all to his usual table; the one that the picture of him and Sarah had been taken.

Having sat down, Kit started to look over the theatre. It's not like Skittery is proving to be great company… she thought, glancing over at the depressed newsie. What have I gotten myself into… but her thoughts were interrupted by something she saw. That something was another newsie, a blonde. But his hair wasn't his most interesting attribute. I wonder why he has an eye patch, she thought, intrigued by this new face.

Her thoughts were once again interrupted as Skittery asked if she would like a drink. "Oh, no thank you," she responded, eager to go back to admiring this mystery newsie. But when she looked back, he was gone. Disappointed, she excused herself and headed toward the restrooms.

She was so busy looking for the mystery newsie that she bumped into someone. "Oh, I'm sorry! I wasn't  looking where I was going…"she started, but the boy she had collided with interrupted her. "No, no… it's all my fault. But we'se shouldn't fight ova dat. I don't believe we'se met. I'se Racetrack Higgins, but you'se can call me Race," the boy said amiably.

Kit responded, "I'm Katherine, but you can call me…" but Race stopped her and said curiously, "Who are ya 'ere wit? I don't think I'se eva seen you'se around before." Kit smiled and said, "Skittery. Jack and Sarah set us up." Race rolled his eyes and replied, "Well, no wonda you'se are walkin' around by yourself. Talkin' ta d'at kid's 'bout as fun as talkin' ta a rock. Always 'glum and dumb,' ya know?"

Kit laughed and nodded in agreement, thinking, This guy's cute! And hilarious at that. Gosh, Bitsy would LOVE him… But then her train of thought was broken by the sight of the mystery newsie. Race noticed that something had caught her eye and followed her gaze.

"So… you'se got a thing for Blink, eh?" Race asked, already knowing the answer. "Blink? Is that his name?" she asked eagerly. Race, thoroughly amused by her eagerness, chuckled and responded, "Yea, Kid Blink, but most of us just call 'im Blink. You didns't even know 'is name?" Kit, embarrassed by someone discovering her crush, timidly replied, "Well, we haven't exactly met…"

At this, Race let out a loud laugh. Then, seeing she was serious about this, he smiled and said, "Go talk to 'im." Kit, surprised at this blunt response, exclaimed, "What? I don't even know him! I can't just talk to him!" So Race, seeing she was terrified of going on her own, took her by the arm and led her over to where Blink was standing.

"Heya Blink. Listen, I'se would like ya ta meet a friend of mine," Race started and then nodded at Kit, cuing her to introduce herself. Seeing she was too scared, Race began, "D'is Blink, is me good friend Katherine. But I better be going." And with that, Race walked off to his table.

"Nice ta meet you'se, Katherine," Blink said with a small bow. "Actually, everyone calls me Kit," she timidly corrected. "Kit," he repeated with a smile, "gorgeous name."

Just then, the lights began to dim, so Blink silently led Kit over to a near table so they could watch the performance. Medda came out on stage in a long purple dress and started a peppy rendition of High Times, Hard Times (one of the newsies favorites). Everyone who knew the song sang along.

Then, after the song finished, Medda went offstage and the stage lights went black. A dark figure could be seen slowly walking out on stage. The lights began to come up slowly with the start of the music. Then, when the lights were high enough to see the girl onstage, a whisper, heard by none, broke the melodic playing of the music. Kit, stunned, could only whisper, "Bitsy."