Chapter 3

I could hear voices in the back of my head as I slept warm under my covers. The voices seem so real, yet so far away. They were calling my name, but I didn't want to answer them.

"Jack!" The voice exploded right in my ear. I snapped into the real world. Blink was standing in front of me with a smile.

"You blind?" I grumbled, "I'm sleeping." I shut my eyes and turned my back to him.

"No, you ain't," A voice came from in front of me. I peeled one eye open to see race with a cigar.

"Yeah, if you were sleeping you couldn't talk," Blink pointed out poking my in my back.

"You want to lose a finger, there, Blink?" I asked smothering my head into my pillow.

I heard Race sigh, "Come on, Cowboy. We're selling papes together remember?"

"Just a few more minutes..." I compromised feeling myself drifting. Even in the state I could hear that it was silent except for the sound of Racetrack walking away. I had won.

"Wake up ya bum!" Race yelled and I felt my blanket get ripped away from me. Deja vu'. It was freezing with out my blanket. I batted my hand at where I thought they might be to get my covers back.

"You have got to learn to wake up on your own," Blink said, "Kloppman already retired from the job, so now it's our job. We won't be as nice as he was."

"Don't say we didn't warn you," Race added when I kept quiet. It became unnerving when I could hear them conspiring behind me. How was I supposed to sleep when they were scheming? The only word I could make out was race saying "--him." There was a moment of silence before my body was forced off the bed in one quick motion. I groaned as my body hit the ice cold floor. The sound of snickering Newsboys filled the room. I stood up and pulled my pants on in one swift movement.

"There's a surprise outside for you, Jack," Blink commented. When I looked up at him he and Race showed no expression.

"What kind of surprise?" I questioned wearily.

"Look," Race motioned towards the window. I glanced at the window to see snow on rooftops.

"No!" I exclaimed running to the window. Snow was the worst thing that a Newsie had to deal with and I was not up for it.

Blink came up beside me, "It all came over night."

"A foot deep," Race added coming to stand next to us.

"We're to freeze to death," I sighed going to the washroom.

"Most likely," Blink agreed heading to his bunk. It took everyone a little extra time to get ready today. We put on every piece of clothing we had, which wasn't a lot. I was very thankful for my hat and bandanna, today. I made sure my hat was snug on my head before grabbing fifty cents and putting it in one of my many pockets. On our way out we all stood for a moment by the furnace. When the first Newsie left the Lodging House we got a taste of what was to come. A gust of wind pierced our skin through our layers of clothing.

"At least it ain't snowing," A random Newsie commented, I think it was Specs. We grumbled agreements and marched out the door. I was surprised at how high the snow came up to your shin. There wasn't a lot of wind, but when it blew we all shouted curses and complaints. Some one caught my shoulder.

It was Mush," He 's having trouble," he motioned to a smaller Newsie lagging behind us.

I sighed and walked over to the boy, "You all right?"

"Yeah," He assured me struggling his way through the snow.

"You ain't never going to get to the Distribution center at that pace," I commented picking him up and running to catch up to the others. The air stung my throat as I inhaled deeply. The boy was a moderate amount of weight, but I didn't mind. His body warmth made up for it. Our walk to the DC wasn't the usual walk. Usually we all went at our own pace, but today we all stuck together in a huddled group.

When we got to the square I set the kid down, "Who are you selling with?"

"Them," He pointed to a group that included Snoddy.

I knelt down to get to his level, "If you need help ask him, all right?" I instructed pointing to Snoddy. He nodded and ran off. When I stood up my pant legs were soaked. "That's great," I mumbled to myself. I made my way to where Race and Blink were standing.

"Hey, Cowboy," Race greeted lighting his cigar.

"How you guys holding up?" I asked.

"Not too bad, but it's just the beginning of the day," Blink responded leaning in to feel the wrath given off by Race's cigar. Race pushed Blink's face away. It was hard to look at Blink and keep a straight face. Most of the Newsies have hats, but he doesn't. That being the case, he made a turban out of one of his shirts. I think he saw me trying not to laugh.

"Would you quit!" Blink he said punching my arm, "It's keeps my head warm."

"I never said anything against it," I defended cracking a smile.

"You're face said it with out any words." I didn't comment anything after that. I could have, but I controlled myself, he was my friend. The gates opened and we went up to the counter.

"Aw, you guys cold?" Weasel asked showing off his warm winter gear.

"No, our skin is always purplish-blue like that," I said digging in my pocket for the coins.

Weasel smiled as I laid down my fifty cents, "Even you couldn't sell that many papes in this weather."

"Yeah, well, I got to survive somehow. Can I have my papes?" I asked sharply. Morris handed me my pile and I waited for Blink and Race to get their papes.

"Let's get this over with," Race grumbled as a gust of wind blew out his cigar, "That's nice," He dropped it to the ground.

"Hey, that was my only source of heat!" Blink exclaimed looking down at it sadly as we walked away from it.

"The cold ain't so bad once you get past the painfully cold and move on to numbness," I pointed out.

"Really? Are you numb?" Blink asked re-adjusting his papes.

I shrugged, "How can you tell?"

"It's easy, if you can't tell some one's pinching your arm than your numb," Race explained.

"Ow!" I snapped slapping Blink's hand away.

"I don't think your numb yet, Cowboy," Blink made out the obvious.

Race exhaled a puff of air, "In this temperature it won't take long."

"Yeah," I paused kicking the foot of snow in front of me, "I remember when I actually liked playing in this crap."

"Me too," Blink agreed.

Race shook his head, "What was wrong with us?" We stayed silent realizing the reason was we grew up. We walked silently to the busiest area of the city we could. Even the busiest area wasn't all that busy. Every one was inside their stupid house, next to their stupid fire place, and being so stupidly warm. Meanwhile, me and about a thousand other Newsies all over the state were freezing our butts off just to be able to eat. Food! I was so hungry and it was starting to take a toll on me. I bet the only thing in my stomach was the snow the ice cold wind up my nose! Today was not turning out to be a good day at all, but I tried not to let it show in my mood.

I didn't waste my energy trying to sell my papes the way I use to. I gladly excepted the money people shoved at me. If this was any other season I would have wanted to sell like I normally did, but not today. I was too cold to complain.

I went up to Race when all of my papes were sold, "How's it rollin?"

"Not so good," Race sighed holding up his stack of papes. I looked down at my hands and then on the ground around me, "Where's your papes?"

"Sold them," I replied.

"You gotta be kidding me," Race sighed glancing at his papes.

"You want me to take a few off your hands?" I offered holding out my hand.

"No, that's okay. I got--"

Race was cut off by Blink skidding to a stop in between us, "Jack, the Crib is here!"

"Where?" I asked looking around.

"They're over by the square. There's tons of them! How we supposed to soak that many of them?" Blink asked frantically.

"About how many?" I questioned grabbing Blink's shoulders so he'd look at me.

"Uh, I dunno, forty maybe fifty!"

"We better start soaking," Race smiled starting to head off that way.

"C'mon, Jack," Blink said pulling me along with them.

"Wait," I ordered remembering that Spot wanted me to stay out of sight.

"We can't most of the others are already there," Blink explained pulling me along by the collar.

"No, wait, stop!" I pleaded and suddenly I was numb. I had a feeling it wasn't from the cold either. I could see the mob getting closer and the sunlight glistening off of, what I presumed to be, chains. Out of nowhere dozens of more Newsies came pouring into the square. A full fledge unofficial rumble had begun. Some one grabbed my shoulder and spun me around. I panicked, thinking it was a Crib member and was prepared to soak him.

"Whoa, whoa, it's me."

I stopped when I recognized the voice, then the face, "Spot?"

"Geez, Jacky-Boy I thought you were going to give me a shiner," He said letting go of my shoulder.

"What are you guys doing here?" I asked in disbelief.

"My sources told me that a good portion of the Crib were coming here today. I thought you might need the help," He stuck out his hand and I took it in a spit-shake.

"So, are we going to go put these bums in their place, or did you want me to stay out of sight?" I asked taking my hat off and hanging it around my neck.

Spot thought for a second, "Let's put them in their place, I'll keep an eye on you because I know they'll all be after you. This is the only exception, stay out of sight after this." We smiled evilly at each other before shifting our eyes to the group.

"After you," I suggested in mock politeness, bowing and motioning towards the group.

"Why thank you," Spot said in his best English accent. I straightened back up and ran into the mass behind him, socking a few guys on the way. I was seriously hoping that the cold and my empty stomach wouldn't affect my ability to fight. So far so good. When we got to the center of the group Spot and I split up. I had just belted a guy in the gut when some one in the midst of falling knocked into me forcing me to the ground as well. The adrenaline running through my veins made the snow beneath feel like normal ground. The cold didn't even penetrate my nerve system. I shoved the guy off me just in time to roll over dodging a chain coming towards me. As I was trying to stand up a Crib kicked me in the gut. I fell to the snow in a heap. I scrambled to my feet after a quick recovery and tackled the guy back to the ground. I straddled him and busted his face until blood was flowing freely from his nose and mouth. Another big guy hooked his arms around my arms and tried to hold me in place for another to punch me. I leaned all my weight back on the guy and used him as leverage to kick the guy in front of me in the jaw. The guy holding me threw me to the ground. A Newsie fell back against the guy, both toppling onto me. I grunted as the wind got knocked out of me. I had to get up, I could die of getting trampled. Unfortunately the big guy that fell on me knocked his head on the ground and wasn't moving. I struggled to get out from under him, but couldn't.

"Hey, Kelly," A Crib loomed over me with a club in hand. I moved just enough that he missed my face when he went to strike it.

"Jack! Guys! Jack!" I heard Blink yell from somewhere behind me. The guy went to strike me again, but was taken out by Snoddy and Bumlets. Dutchy and Race quickly came over and lifted the guy off me.

"Thanks," I said as they helped me up.

"No problem, Cowboy," Race replied before diving back into it. I looked over and saw Spot getting triple teamed. I ran over and threw one guy to the ground by his neck. I kicked him with all my might in the back. The other guy wrapped his arm around my own neck. With his grip tightening I did the only thing I could think of. I surprisingly threw my weight back against him sending us both to the ground. Another Crib came to help out his friend. I hated to betray a fellow man, but I had to do it. As he came at me I kicked him in the family jewels. He toppled over into the snow and was struggling to stop from getting strangled. I would have yelled for help, but I could hardly breath. Skittery just belted a guy an, as if it were instinct, turned around and was careful to kick the Crib and not me in the side. The guys grip loosened and I pried his arm away and got up. I patted Skittery on the back as he went back to it. I noticed Mush starting to get surrounded by Crib members.

I jumped in there, "Mush, it's Jack!" I yelled so he knew not to soak me. We stood back to back to avoid attacks from behind. I punch one of the guys that started after me and threw him the opposite way I punched him into another guy knocking them to the ground.

"Jack! Let me lean on your back!" I heard Mush call to me. I grabbed Mush's hands to steady him and bent over. He leaned back onto me and most likely kicked a guy or two over. I stood back up and let go. Before I could do anything else, a huge hand grabbed the back of my neck and shoved me into a nearby alley way. I rolled over and saw a huge guy walking towards me with a knife. I scrambled to my feet and realized I had nothing to defend myself with. I retreated a step every step he took towards me. The ally was very narrow and I realized behind me was a wooden fence when I simply ran into it. I looked around me for something, anything that could help. Nothing. He approached me and immediately swung his arm with knife in hand at my head. I tilted my head to the side, the knife missing my by mere centimeters. I looked next to me where the knife was wedged into the fence. Swung around behind him and bashed his had against the fence before cheesing it. When I got out of the ally I looked back at him and he was bleeding on the ground. I sighed satisfied and scanned for my next victim. Unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough, I became the victim. Some guy with bad aim punched the side of my forehead sending me tumbling into Dutchy. Dutchy quickly got up and soaked the guy. I stayed kneeled against the building, trying to shake the blur away from my vision. I blinked a few long times and was as good as new, or at least as good as I was before the punch. As I was getting up a Crib slammed into me knocking me back against the brick building. My jaw was throbbing and I could feel something trickling down my temple, but I had to keep going. I shoved the guy away from me and noticed some one club Blink in the back and shoved my way to the middle of the mob to help him. The guy brought his arm back with the club getting ready to strike Blink again. I grabbed the club from him and thrashed him in the back of the head with it. I don't normally use weapons, so as soon as the guy fell to the ground I dropped the club and helped Blink up.

"You all right?" I asked letting him lean on me while he composed his balance.

"Yeah," He punched some guy away that was about to interrupt our conversation, "I'll be--" Blink was cut off by a ear busting blast of a gun shot. Blink and I instinctively ducked down. I looked around for who had a gun. I know exactly who it was when I heard the familiar sound of a dozen high pitch whistles.

"It's the bulls!" Numerous people shouted. The mob began to scatter in panic.

"Let's beat it!" Blink yelled at me. I nodded and we both took off for the Lodging House. I knew what happened last time and scanned the area for Crutchy. I saw Race running towards me.

I stopped him, "Where's Crutchy?"

"Mush took him back to the Lodging House a while ago!" Race answered in the midst of all the panic. A huge relief came over me and we both started running again.

When we entered the Lodging House Kloppman just shook his head at us as he was wrapping up one of Pie Eater's cuts. As we headed up the steps you could hear the groaning of newsboys in pain. Upon entering the bunkroom every one was sprawled out holding their wounds. I wondered if I looked as beat as they did. I went to the mirror to inspect myself. The most obvious wound was the small gash in the side of my head. Other than that I just had a few bruises on my jaw and forehead, and bloody knuckles. I brought my attention back to the slice in my head. It had pretty much stopped bleeding, but not totally. There was a stream of dried blood down the side of my face, but I was too tired to clean it up. I just took a rag and held it to my head. As I was walking back into the bunkroom I realized I was soaking and to be honest I couldn't feel my feet. I had to change, but had no clothes to change into I was wearing everything. I hated to admit it, but I needed help. I knew just who to go to.

"I'll see you guys later, all right?" I said heading out the door.

"Where you going, Cowboy?" I heard some one ask, but I didn't answer. I didn't want to tell them I was running off to my girl for help. As much as it hurt my ribs to run, which I also suspected were bruised, I ran all the way to the Jacobs' apartment. I would have walked, but I didn't know if the Crib was still hanging around. I knew at this time of day that Sarah's pop would be at work and her mother was probably shopping. I didn't want her parents to see me in this state. It would give David even more of a reason not to come back to being a Newsie. I rapped my bleeding knuckles onto the door and wished I hadn't done that. It just hurt my knuckles even more. The door opened and Sarah's smile she once wore quickly faded.

She gasped, "Jack! What happened!?" She pulled me inside and escorted me to a seat.

"The Newsies and Crib had a sort of rumble," I explained as she ran around starting to boil water and grabbing rags.

"Oh, Jack," She comforted sadly. She hugged me and pulled back, "Your soaked."

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I'm getting everything wet," I said starting to stand up.

Sarah pushed me back down, "I'll get you some of Davey's clothes. I know your taller, but not by a whole lot, besides I know my mother has made him pants that are too big, just let me go find them." She ran off and came back with a small pile of clothes. She handed them to me.

"Thanks," I smiled.

"Now, go change," She said pushing me into the bathroom. I changed some what slowly on account of my sore ribs. I was very careful not to get and blood on any of the clothes. They actually fit me quite well. I was glad they were comfortable, although that's the last thing I was worried about. I came out with my wet clothes and she took them.

She set them by the fire place, "I'll let them dry here," She looked over at me, "Sit down," I reluctantly obeyed. She brought the hot water over to the table and dipped a cloth in it. She looked at my forehead before gently dabbing the cloth on it. I closed my eyes exhausted. The pressure and warmth felt great against my head. A moment later she wiped the dried blood from my face and set the cloth in a hamper.

"Jack, I can't believe you. Although, I guess this is what I get for dating a leader, huh?" She smiled at me as she took my hand and dabbed my knuckles.

"I just appreciate you helping me, even though you don't like it when I fight," I said holding her gaze to mine.

She laughed, "I wasn't just going to leave you like you were."

"That's why I love you," I smiled my heart stopping, not knowing her reaction to that.

"I love you, too," She leaned in and kissed me, "But you have to quit doing stupid things like fighting," She laughed hopelessly before wrapping my one hand's knuckles in gauze.

"It's my duty," I pleaded handing her my other hand.

She sighed, "I know, I know. We've been through this before and I guess I'll just have to clean you up every time."

"Thank you," I kissed her forehead.

"Yeah, yeah," She said sarcastically before looking at me and cracking a grin. Her smiled faded when she looked at my torso, "Jack!" She exclaimed unbuttoning the rest of my already mostly unbuttoned shirt. It revealed huge, multi-colored bruises.

"Oops," I smiled at her innocently.

"I'm not even going to ask," She sighed continuing to work on my hand, "If you keep fighting like this you're going to end up dead and I'll kill you for it." I smiled at her attempt to be threatening. Sarah was too sweet to threaten anyone. Looking at Sarah I suddenly felt a wave of guilt rush over me. I mean what happened last night wasn't entirely my fault, but I didn't stop it from happening. I had betrayed the girl I love most, the girl who's taking time out of her day to help me after doing something she hates. Liz is her best friend. I doubt Sarah would even believe me if I told her.

"You look tired," Sarah's observation broke into my thoughts.

"No, I'm fine," I lied trying to look strong, but failing miserably.

"Sure," She smiled and stood up taking my hand, "Why don't you go rest and I'll start making supper, my family will be home soon." At the mention of supper I got excited, I hadn't eaten since the last time I ate here. Those nuns ain't doing their jobs, so I never get breakfast. Food swirled around in my head as Sarah directed me towards her bed. I drifted off to sleep faster than I thought I would.

"Jack," I voice said shaking me gently. I opened my eyes to see David looking down at me concerned. I knew what was coming.

"Hey, David," I greeted turning onto my stomach and lightly punching the pillow. I didn't feel like getting lectured. I sat up alloying him to take a seat next to me.

"Are those my clothes?" David asked confused.

"Yeah, thanks for letting me wear them," I laughed.

"No problem," David said still looking confused.

"Mine were soaked, so Sarah said I could barrow some of yours," I explained.

"Oh, well, supper's almost ready. Are you staying?" David asked.

My eyes widened, "Yeah."

Just then Les came bounding into the room, "Hey, Cowboy! I heard all about the fight, every one's going to be talking about tomorrow. Could you tell me what it was like?"

"Sure, but how about after we eat?" I offered glancing at David who didn't look to happy.

"Yea! I'll have the best stories tomorrow," Les exclaimed running back out the door.

"You're going to tell him what really happened right? None of that 'improving the truth'?" David questioned skeptically.

"You don't need to improve that fight, Davey. Too bad you couldn't have been there."

"By the looks of it, I'm glad I wasn't," David laughed.

"Dave?" I asked realizing I never heard his thoughts on a subject.

"Yeah?"

"What do you think about school? Do you like it?" I asked looking at the floor.

He was silent for a moment, "It's not what I would like to be doing, but it's not all that bad."

"You miss being a Newsie?"

"Yeah, but I met some guys at school that I get along with. One of them is actually coming to dinner tonight, so you'll get to meet him," David explained.

"What's his name?" I asked not as enthusiastic as Dave was about him.

"Rich, well, Richard, but he prefers to be called Rich."

"Oh," I forced a smile. I already didn't like the guy. I wasn't quite sure why, maybe it was the way his name reminded me of what I wasn't.

"I think I enjoyed working more than learning, though. I'm not exactly sure. If I go to school I could get a better job," David shrugged. I couldn't believe what he just said. It was like all of a sudden he was too superior to be a Newsie.

I couldn't help but glare, "So what? Being a Newsie isn't good enough for you?"

"No, I just think I need a job that pays better. I mean, I am going to be supporting a family some day."

"So am I!" I snapped, "And believe it or not it's your sister!"

"Jack, I didn't mean to offend you," David defended calmly, "That's just what my Father always told me when I was a Newsie and I'm starting to agree with him."

"That's great," I mumbled, "He brainwashed you."

"What?" David asked looking at me.

"Oh, nothing," I said in a more upbeat tone, "I guess I can see where you're coming from," I lied. I just didn't want to continue this argument. He's my best friend.

"David! Rich is here!" David's mother cut off what David was about to say. Shortly after a tall black haired boy appeared in the door way.

"Hey, Rich," David greeted pulling up a chair for him to sit in.

"Hi, Davey," He greeted. I cringed at the guy calling him that. He can't call him that. Only family and the Newsies could call him that. This joke was neither. He wore a suit that looked similar to the one I wore when I was a scab. I couldn't help but curling a lip.

"This is my friend, Jack," David explained to Richard.

"Hi," Richard said a little to chipper. I just nodded at him and forced a small grin. I could tell Richard was sizing me up by the way he was looking at me.

"Jack was in a fight earlier," David said answering Richard's unasked questions about me.

"Oh, I heard about that. Did you put those Newsboys in there place?" He asked disgustedly.

"What?" I asked confused, then I realized he thought I was in the Crib, "No, I am a Newsboy."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Richard apologized slightly turning red. David rubbed his forehead, obviously seeing that this was not working out. I knew I didn't like the guy.

"We'll be ready to eat as soon as Liz gets here," I looked up to see Sarah. I instantly smiled and stood up. "Did you sleep all right?" She asked coming over to me and stroking my hair away from my eyes.

"Yeah, I did. Thanks again for everything," I smiled caressing her face.

"It's not a problem," She assured me kissing me lightly before leaving the room. I watched her leave. Then turned and sat back down.

"She's your girlfriend?" Richard asked with disbelief that only I could recognize. I really needed to teach the Jacobs how to make friends. None of them were expectable to me. One was too forward and the other one I just wanted to soak every time I looked at him.

"Yeah, do you have a girlfriend, Richy?" I asked bitterly.

"Please, call me Rich, and no I don't," He smiled ruefully.

"I wonder why," I commented trying to sound sincere, but by the look on David's face I didn't succeed, "Sorry," I apologized sincerely. I knew I was acting like a jerk, but something about him really bugged me. Or maybe I was just having a bad day because I blew up at David too. Whatever was wrong I needed to push that aside and straighten myself up.

"It's fine," Rich replied.

"Guys! Liz is here! Let's eat!" Sarah yelled from the kitchen. I mixed emotions at that moment. I mean I got to eat, but then Liz and Richard were going to be there. We all walked out into the kitchen and sat down. Once again, I sat between Sarah and David.

"Let's say grace," Mr. Jacobs reminded us. I knew what I was doing this time and held Sarah and David's hands. "Dear Lord, thank you for today and the friends able to share this day with us. Thank you for the food provided on this table so that we my enjoy it. In your name we pray, Amen."

"Amen," Everyone repeated including me. It was silent for a moment and I could tell their parents were looking at my beat up face. I glanced at Sarah who was smiling. She probably told them not to say anything about it.

"So, how was everyone's day?" Mrs. Jacobs asked trying to strike a conversation. Strangely every one looked to me for a moment. I took a bite to eat so I wouldn't have to talk.

Mr. Jacobs looked at David, "How was school today?"

"Not bad, but I got assigned a book of Shakespeare's," David commented. That's when it started. I sat eating silently as David, Richard, and Dave's parents got into a huge discussion about Shakespeare. I felt like a reject. Nobody even acknowledged I was there after that besides a few glances from Les and a few smiles from Sarah. Liz was the only one that I had a discussion with, but it was silent. I looked over at her and she rolled her eyes at me in boredom then smiled. I smiled back, but quickly dropped it feeling that pang of guilt again. That was the longest conversation I had that whole dinner. When I glanced at Les he was holding his head up with his hand looking like he, also, was going to die from boredom. Les returned my look and perked up. He nodded away from the table and I nodded back. We both excused ourselves from the table and went into the other room.

"You got bored, too?" I asked sitting down in a rocking chair.

"Yeah, I didn't get what they were talking about," Les replied sitting on his bed.

"Join the club," I sighed.

Les sat up straighter, "So can you tell me about the fight? I want to hear everything!" I laughed then started in on my story, not improving the truth a single bit. I watched his eyes widen in excitement as I told certain parts of the fight.

"Then the bulls came and we fled from the scene," I finished.

"Anyone get arrested?" Les asked still in a trance.

"Not that I know of, but I wouldn't be surprised," I shrugged.

"That is so awesome, I wish I could have been there," He pouted.

I nodded, "You could have kicked their butts good couldn't you've?"

"Yeah," He agreed with enthusiasm, "I could have been your sidekick!"

"We'd be unstoppable then, huh?" I commented smiling.

Les grabbed his wooden sword, "Yeah," He said starting fight the bedpost in a sword duel. I laughed at his charisma towards the whole idea.

"Jack," Sarah came in through the door, "Here are your clothes. There dry now."

"Thanks," I said taking them from her hands, one of which had a ring on the index finger. The ring! I still had to pick it up! They both left so I could change and I did with lightning speed. I sprang out into the main room. "Thanks for dinner, but I have to go," I explained running around kissing Mrs. Jacobs on the cheek and then running over to David, "Bye," I said shaking his hand real quick.

"Bye," David said in confusion.

I ran over to Sarah and kissed her, "You want to go with me to Medda's tomorrow at seven?"

"Sure," She smiled.

"Great, I'll see you then," I kissed her one more time before sprinting out the door. I jumped down the steps by flights until I hit the ground floor and darted out the front doors. The wind hit me and almost stopped me in my tracks. The sun was going down and the air was getting even cooler. It hurt my ribs to be in such a hurry, but I put the annoying soreness in the back o my mind. I ran through the snow getting some in my shoes. I ran to the Lodging House and flung open the doors. They slammed behind me as I bolted up the steps and to my bunk.

"Hey it's Jack!"

"Jack! Where were you?""

"Cowboy, how ya doing?"

"You wanna play poker?"

"Hey what's wrong?"

I ignored every one's greetings and grabbed all my money, except for fifty cents, from my bag and dove out the window and jumped off the fire escape. It was easy since I was only on the second story. I sprinted as fast as I could through the wind to Tiffany's. I slid in the doors to the counter and took a deep breath. I had made it. Of course, every one in the store at the time was looking at me oddly.

The same sales guy came up to me with his eye brows raised, "Can I help you?"

"I came to pick up the ring from yesterday," I gasped between breaths.

"Name?"

"Jack Kelly."

"Oh yes. I remember you," He mumbled getting a piece of paper, "Sign here."

"Why?" I asked since I had already done that.

"Since you didn't have an ID, I'll need to match you signatures to make sure you really are who you say you are," He explained handing me a pen. I rolled my eyes and did as he told me to.

"Here," I said shoving the paper back to him.

"Thank you," He took the paper and compared it to the one from yesterday, "Everything seems to be in order. Did you bring the rest of the money?"

"Yeah," I dug into my pocket and dropped all the coins onto the counter.

"How organized," The guy mumbled starting to count the money. It took forever. "Here you gave me too much," He handed me a nickel back. At least I knew I could sleep in the Lodging house tonight and have enough for my usual hundred papes tomorrow.

"Thanks," I said putting it in my pocket.

"Would you like me to wrap it for you?" He asked with a lazy eye.

"Uh, no. That's okay."

"Suit yourself," He sighed before turning to a counter behind him. He bent down and opened a drawer, "Jack Kelly, Jack Kelly," He mumbled to himself as he scanned over the little boxes.

"Having trouble?" I asked getting impatient.

"Nope, here it is," He said coming out with a little black velvet box, "Here you go."

"Thanks," I said grabbing the box and opening it to see if it's the right ring.

"Is that correct?"

"Yeah," I confirmed as I admired it. I closed the box and put it in my pocket.

"Have a good day, sir," He said like he had the other day. I nodded and walked out of the store. I shivered in the wind and began walking home.

"Jack!" I knew that voice and turned to see Liz.

"Hi," I greeted with a small grin.

"Imaging running into you," She smiled.

"Yeah, imagine that," I rolled my eyes when she wasn't looking.

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I heard the story you told Les."

"You did?" I asked just for something to say.

"Yeah, I think it's great."

"You do?" I asked looking at her in shock.

"It shows you can stand up for yourself and that you are willing to risk yourself to help your friends," She went on in excitement, "That's a good quality in a guy." She said elbowing me in the ribs. I grunted in pain. "What?" She asked in horror.

"Well, it's just that my ribs are bruised from today."

"Oh, I'm sorry," She apologized stroking my arm.

"It's all right," I said gently pushing her hand away.

"Jack, your holding out on me."

I looked at her oddly, "What?"

She laughed, "You don't have to hide the fact that you are attracted to me."

"What!?" I asked louder.

"Come on, Jack. You've been leading me on. Talking nice to me, walking me home all the time, and kissing me last night."

"I kissed you!?" I exclaimed in disbelief.

"It's okay. You don't have to feel ashamed. Sarah doesn't have to know you put the moves on me," She said looking down at the snow. I just stared at her not believing what I was hearing. What was she trying to do? We were both silent for a moment.

"Jack?"

I looked down at her, "What?"

"If you weren't courting Sarah, would you try and start a courtship with me?" She asked in twining her hand in mine.

"I don't know," I said trying to pull my hand away. She held on tighter, so I couldn't get away. I gave up and let her hold my hand.

"Come on, you like me don't you?" Liz asked enticingly.

"At times maybe, but--"

"I knew it," She said cutting me off.

"No, only as a friend," I said before she went any further with the wrong idea.

"You're just saying that because you don't want me to tell Sarah," She said lightly hitting my arm. I rolled my eyes and looked up to see the Lodging House. I was very thankful for that. I didn't know how long I could last alone with her.

"Well, goodnight," I said prying my hand away from hers.

"What? You're not going to walk me to my door," She asked crushed.

I shrugged, "I got to be getting back, sorry."

"Oh, well, goodnight."

"Night," I said quickly walking away before she could try anything. I flipped Kloppman the nickel as I headed up the stairs. I entered the room.

Blink spoke for every one, "Jack, why'd ya run out on us like that?"

"I was going to be late," I explained.

"For what?" Race asked. I was so excited I decided to tell the guys. I walked over to where Race, Blink, and a dozen others were crowded around a poker game.

I leaned against the table and pulled the box from my pocket, "I was picking this up," I opened the box, "I'm going to ask Sarah to marry me." The room filled with hoots and hollers.

"Jacky-Boy's getting hitched!" Mush yelled grabbing my shoulder excitedly.

"All right, Cowboy!" Some one yelled from behind me.

"I got dibbs on best man!" Blink yelled punching is fist into the air.

"No way!" A couple guys yelled. My shoulder was starting to get sore from them patting it or punching it.

"We're going to have a killer bachelor party!" Skittery yelled over top of every one else fighting for best man position. The room exploded into bachelor party ideas.

"Guys! Guys!" I yelled getting the room to quiet down, "She didn't even accept it--"

"Yet!" Race finished over me.

"How could she reject you, Cowboy?" Boots asked.

"Well, I mean David pointed out that we've barely been going out and we are young," I explained.

"That stuff don't matter!" Snoddy called out.

"Yeah, you two are perfect each other!" Mush agreed.

"You think?" I asked starting to smile bigger. Their excitement was contagious.

"Of course!" Race yelled.

"She's got no reason to reject you!" Blink yelled. I think he was the most excited of everybody.

"When you going to pop the question?" Specs asked leaning on the table.

"On her birthday," I said going and putting the box in my bag by my bunk.

"How romantic," Blink falsely cooed taking Mush in his arms and dipping him. Mush pushed him away and fell to the ground.

"You guys are crazy," I said shaking my head at their antics. Blink came over and put his arm around my shoulders.

He looked away from the others, "I really get to be your best man, right?" I pushed Blink away playfully.

"I heard that ya bum!" Race yelled. Everyone broke into conversations.

"Could you keep it down!" I called getting ready and hopping into bed, "I'd like a little peace and quiet while I'm trying to get my sleep!"

"Hey! Lover-boy needs his sleep! Pipe down!" Snoddy yelled also getting into bed. I was looking forward to some good rest. Unfortunately, I wouldn't get any sleep that night. Everything that happened that day and could happen tomorrow was swirling around in my head. (I will try my hardest to get the next chapter up as soon as possible, but I'm going away for fourth of July. I'm hoping it will be up next week sometime. Please send me feedback to improve my story, thanks!)