"Colin dear, get ready. We will be there shortly," she must have misunderstood when I told her my name for she called me Colin the entire trip. It pleased me that she mistook the Conlon for a first name, for I didn't have to make one up nor remember the old one, the one my father scolded out of his own self pity. I went into the adjacent room and took the blanket off the bed. She was busy charming the doorman while I placed the remaining food safely in my freshly stolen blanket. She might wonder where it vanished to, but she would believe any sweet lie that escaped my lips.

I hugged her goodbye and thanked her before running off after my non- existent mother. She wished me luck and I thanked her again. It wasn't until later that I found the strip of paper with the address on it. I wondered if she knew I was lying, or if she just wanted me to visit.

I breathed heavily as the New York City air hit my small frame. My country lungs baffled at the sudden change. The city made me forget her and her daft bread, jam, and hospitality. I walked aimlessly with my blanket slung over my back, my knife safely in my pocket, and my new name foremost in my mind. I was a Conlon now, and I had to make him proud.

The night was chilly as I huddled an iron park bench, shivering under my stolen blanket. I lay awake and stirring, unable to get comfortable for any length of time. I sighed, skeptical of my decision. I was cold, cold and alone.

***

The food stolen from the train had dissipated into stale breadcrumbs, and now even those were devoured. Hunger existed in its highest form and my thoughts were on nothing but food. My roaring stomach begged for cooperation. And despite my pounding head I made a sound decision to take what I needed. I strolled passed a vendor causally knocking down one of his apples by brushing it with my moving figure. Not receiving a glance from the stranger, I proceeded to kick the apple down the dusty street until I saw it safe to bend down and pick it up. My mouth couldn't wait for my tired arms to cleanse the apple. I ate ever morsel. I ate the dirt and grime collected on it from its long haul down the road. I ate the bruises caused by its drop. I ate the long brown stem, and sticky seeds, and upon its finish my mouth begged for more.

My first success did not hold true for my second attempt. I brushed the apple of the cart, like the first time, but when my foot when to kick it I heard a yell. In my frightened frenzy I picked the apple up and placed it on the cart, smiling sheepishly and running away from the angry voice demanding payment for the damage.

That's when I heard him, laughing and mocking me for the very first time. I turned to him with my icy gaze, hoping to scare him off. But my attempt was a failed one and he stood examining me as I did the same to him. His words caught me off guard, I wasn't expecting him to speak.

"Youse gotta be quicker then dat if ya ever wanna succeed."

"What," I questioned, uncertain of to what he was referring.

"You've gots ta be quick," he repeated raising an eyebrow. "Make it so dey don't even know you was there. Agility and speed can make you invisible." I smiled shamefacedly understanding that he had seen me botch the lift. I watched him carefully, studying his moves as he strolled by the apple cart and smoothly took one in his right hand and pocketed it in one swift motion. He then took his free arm and placed in front of the bulge. Turning around to come back to me he popped the apple out of his vest and into his right hand, holding it at his side as he passed the vendor. He smirked as he threw me the apple. I smiled as I caught it, knowing I had made a friend.

***

I didn't see him until a week or so later . "Hey Kelly," I called after him. He turned and snickered when he saw me.

"Hungry again?" he laughed, "Or have you come back fer more lessons from the master?"

"So how ya been," I said ignoring his comments.

"Alright I suppose. Ye working on that speed and agility?"

"I was hoping you could show me again," I challenged him justify his vain boasts.

"Oh yeah." I nodded and he turned to validate his pride and reputation. He again strolled passed the vendor and smoothly reached out for an apple. As he did so his long lanky arms knocked the stack down in turn. The vendor faced the boy and all his anger showed. Kelly slid out from under the falling fruit and ran stumbling back to me. He grabbed my snickering body and I ran with him until we were both out of breath and out of view from the vendor. I smirked at him.

"You're pretty quick and agile there Jacky."

"A guy messes up once and he's got all of New York tearing him apart."

"Hey youse messed up half the times I've seen you in action Master."

"Yeah, Yeah. You've messed up EVERY time I've seen you in action so I don't wanna hear it."

"You're right, I'd love to be more like Mr. Jack be nimble, Jack be quick," my sarcastic tone making him laugh at his clumsy fall.

He laughed and slapped me on the back saying, "I'll see ya around Conlon."
AN: Thank you Everyone for reviewing! :P Thanks MD for keeping me writing! Hehehe. Oh yes and keep reviewing I love it! If any of this is confusing let me know and I will clarify.