N/A: Before you start to yell at me for not updating I want to say that I have been really, really busy with school work and family things. Plus I have an English story due soon and I haven't done really anything to it.

Better late than never. Right?

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Chapter 3:

Panting, the group of newsies reached the distribution center. With Scotch still in the lead they went up the ramp to collect their papers.

"'Ello mistar. 100 papes please." Still a little out of breath Scotch placed a half dollar onto the counter then slung the papers onto her shoulder.

Race was the next on in line. "Ah. Race. Where's my money I loaned to you? I thought you said-"

"I ran inta a few complications. But don't worry 'bout it. You'll get it soon." Race was at it again. Conning people out of their money. Most of the time it worked but his debts were starting to pile up and soon he would have to leave Manhattan for a few weeks. Not for the first time and definitely not the last.

"That's what ya said last time! I want it by the end of da week."

"Hey, Race said you'se would get it so ya'll get it." That would be Jack. He was usually the one to bail Race out. " 100 papes."

After Jack had paid for his papers the two walked over towards the gate where Scotch was, nealing on the ground next to her papers, telling Les and a few of his friends a "story". "So when your partna' bumps inta da guy, yous carefully slip your hand inta his pocket and-"

"And give da man back whatever it was dat 'e droped cause yous wouldn't be caught dead stealin'." Slightly jumping at the voice, Scotch turned around to face Jack. With a look of pour innocents she nodded her head. "Don't give me dat look. I's da one who taught yous it! Why yous da one always gonin' lookin' fer trouble? I can't keep balin' yous out!"

Fingering the gold necklace she wore Scotch looked at the ground avoiding Jacks eyes. "Sorry."

"No. I's don't think dat yous are." Sighing he added "But since that's dah best dat I's gona get from yous I's except." He bent over and picked up Scotch's paper. Handing them to her he said, "Cheer up. Nobody buys from a grumpy newsie."

She smiled sheepishly before slinging the papers over her shoulder and walking towards the gates, ready to start a new day.

(N/A: I was going to end it here but since you want to know how Scotch got her name…)

"Hey Scotch! Wait up!" Mush ran over towards her. "Read da article on page three. About da Mayer's son." Giving her a quick grin he started down the street, yelling something about the mayor getting drunk and put in jail.

Slightly confused she walked over to the wall of a building where no one would bother her. She'd already read the title of the article "Mayor's son spends night in jail", it was good enough to sell some papers with only one or two changes so she hadn't bothered to read any more. Now she did:

"Mayor's Son Spends Night in Jail"

"Last night, June 7th, the Mayor's eight-teen year old son, Jonathon, spent the night in Brooklyn's jail. After becoming very drunk the boy began to cause a disturbance by singing beer-hall songs."

The article went on to say that Jonathon had started a riot when asked to leave. Quotes from the mayor were included on what was to be done with his son.

Scotch new all too well why Mush had found the article funny. It was like her first, and last time, she had a drink. Memories of her eleventh birthday still haunted her. The boys had found it funny, and so since that they'd all called her Scotch.

Smiling, she shouldered the papers and started to "hawk dah headlines".

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N/A: I know that it was REALLY short compared to how long it has been since I updated. But good news, the next chapter is all in my head and just needs to be typed up. So if you want, drench this chapter with kerosene and light a match. I deserve it. But I would prefer constructive criticism.

To everyone who reviewed thank you. You guys are the only reason I update. I had almost decided to wait till school was out (June 20th) before I tried to update but then this morning I read an e-mail from someone who had reviewed. If I take too long to update just e-mail me.

J