Chapter III
THE MEETING
By the time Sneaks and Graft had made their way into Brooklyn, it was already dark out. A few candle street lamps lined the cobblestone streets, giving them dim light to see where they were going. Sneaks glanced around, trying to take the nightlife of the city in all at once. There were still plenty of people walking around, with several little stands were packing up for the night.
" Bread stand," Graft smiled at her, jerking his head in the direction of a small stand with a wagon next to it. A man was loading up a few crates of bread onto the back of the wagon. "I's create a distraction, you's go an' grab as many loafs as ya can." Sneaks gulped. She wasn't used to stealing large amounts of items yet, she was only used to pick-pocketing small things, which she had learned that day from selling papes with Dodge. "You's okay?" Graft questioned. Sneaks forced a smile and nodded. "Good, you's just wait till I's got 'im distracted, den sneak on ovah dare an' grab da bread. An' Sneaks? Don't screw up." Graft warned walking away, leaving Sneaks standing there in the shadow of the street light scared stiff. Graft walked over, slowly glancing back over his shoulder making sure that Sneaks was getting ready. He walked over and bumped into the man who was picking up a crate of bread, and knocking them to the ground.
" Watch were you's going!" the man yelled trying to pick up the bread before the mud got to them.
"I's sorry sir, I's didn't see you's dare!" Graft lied, bending down to help the man pick up the bread. Sneaks noticed it was the perfect opportunity. She carefully snuck over, making sure she stayed hidden in the shadows. She crept around the side of the wagon, pressing her body as close to it as possible, watching and making sure that Graft was keeping the man distracted. She noticed that they had picked up most of the bread already, so she quickly snuck to the back of the wagon and began to pluck loafs of bread from an open crate. When she had five in her hand she heard a voice.
"Sneaks! Run!" she heard Graft's voice just as the man turned to see Sneaks ransacking his merchandise.
" Get back here ya street rat!" The man yelled as Sneaks took off like a shot through the streets, the man chasing her yelling for the bulls. "Police! Police! I'm being robbed!" the man screamed as Sneaks ran into a man. She looked up and saw a police officer and froze.
" Sneaks!" Graft yelled, as Sneaks darted back the other way. There was no way she was going to go to the Refuge her second night in 1899.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Reverie looked around, her eyes going in and out of focus. She started shivering from the cold. She tried to snuggle closer to the building, but no matter how small she made herself, it didn't keep the cold out; it still kept eating at her.
"Dis ain't da way I's want ta die," Reverie thought. She heard a noise beside her and looked to see a brown fuzzy rat crawling around the alleyway. She tried to scream, but nothing came out but a short shrill screech.
"Whose in dare?" she heard a voice call. She gazed around, trying to lock her eyes on a shadowy figure, but her eyes still wouldn't focus. She heard footsteps enter the alleyway and get closer to her. "You's okay?" the voice asked again. Reverie moaned, trying to answer, but nothing would come out. " Swifty, get in here!" the voice called out. Reverie's mind raced. It was a newsie!
" What is it Race?" Swifty's voice came from outside the alleyway. Reverie tried to say something, but suddenly her vision went black and she felt herself go limp.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Where's Sneaks?" Bubblegum suddenly asked as the lights went out in the lodging house.
" Oh!" Dodged forgot, getting up and looking at them as the light went back on.
" What'd you's mean, 'where's Sneaks?'" Luna asked getting up from her bed.
" Well, she ain't.." Bubblegum started.
" It's okay, her brudda Graft took 'er ta Brooklyn wit 'im." Dodge replied trying to ease Luna's mind and everyone else's.
" Brooklyn?" Luna spit out looking at Dodge.
" Yeah, 'er brudda took 'er back ta Brooklyn wit 'im, it's okay." Dodge smiled, trying to get Luna to relax.
" She's in Brooklyn?" Luna asked again, eyes wide.
" What'd 'bout 'er cat?" Bon-Bon asked as the little kitty meowed lightly from the top of Sneaks' bunk.
" I'll get 'im some watah," Floaty offered getting out of bed and walking into the washroom, coming back with a small tin cup of water, and placing it on Sneaks' bed.
" So she's gone ta Brooklyn?" Bolt shook her head.
" She's gonna meet Spot Conlon befoah any of us," Dream sighed. " Lucky."
" Dat ain't fair. If I's known dat we's coulda meet newsies fastah by having ourselves a relative dat's close ta a newsie, I's woulda brought dem wit me." Pinch protested.
" She didn't know dat he was in dare!" Bolt tried to stick up for her.
" Sure, dat's what she says," Nevada replied sarcastically.
" Don't start in on 'er when she ain't here ta stick up foah herself." Floaty yelled at Nevada.
" Stop yelling at each utter!" Lute screamed, glancing over at Luna who was now leaning out then open window.
" Dis sucks," Hades looked over at Punky who was starting to twirl her hair with her fingers.
" Tell me 'bout it. We's can't even get along." Punky sighed rolling on her stomach and putting her feet up in the air. She looked around, hearing the loud remarks and fights between girls.
"STOP IT!" Punky yelled, everyone turning and staring at her. " Thank you. I's can't even hear me self think."
" Dat worked," Hades nodded quietly to Punky and winking.
" Look, everyone just get ta bed," Luna sighed turning back to the girls after shutting the window.
" What?" Illusion looked up sleepily.
" Nuttin', go back ta bed," Pretzel said to her as Illusion laid back down.
" When do we's get ta meet da boys?" Minty yawned looking at Gin.
" I's don't know, let's just get ta bed. It was hard getting up an' sellin' papes dat early." Minty confessed.
" Me feet hoit," Jay-bug rubbed her foot, looking at Lyf who was next to her.
" Just go ta bed, me feet hoit too, but I ain't complaining." Lyf replied as the girls laid back down and soon found themselves asleep, with Sneaks' kitten, Spike, purring in the background.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Dat was close," Graft breathed as they made their way up the street to the Brooklyn Lodging House.
" Yeah," Sneaks smiled, brushing back sweat from her face, trying to catch her breath as well, and get her heart beat back to normal. How they had gotten away, Sneaks couldn't remember, it was all a blur. She didn't even remember running across the Brooklyn Bridge. "Wait, Graft," Sneaks grabbed his arm, puling him to a halt. "Dis ain't a Lodging House, dis is a warehouse." Graft looked at her with a confused _expression.
"You's feeling okay, Sneaks? I's mean, dis is where we's always stay, at least until wintah. Which should be soon, since it's starting ta get cold out."
" Yeah, must be da excitement of da evening." Sneaks blushed and smiled. Graft nodded at her excuse and led her into the warehouse. " What'da 'bout Spot? I's thought ya had ta tell 'im something 'bout Queens."
" He should be here now," Graft replied as they walked into a crowded warehouse. Lots of kids were gathered around playing poker and drinking. Spot sat on top of a rafter over looking his flock.
" Hi-ya Graft," a little brown hair boy called, looking at up at Graft. His face was smudged along with his hands and he wore a gray newsie cap over his brown untamed hair.
" Get outa me face, Marbles," Graft pushed the little kid away. Marbles frowned and moved over allowing Graft to stride over to where Spot was.
" Hi-ya Grafter." Spot nodded towards Graft as he made his way to Spot. Spot jumped down from his perch and spit in his hand, extending it to Graft. Graft spit in his and took hold of Spot's hand, shaking it good before letting go. "So, what's da word?" Spot asked.
" Ain't good," Graft replied glancing over his shoulder.
" Ain't good?" Spot asked pulling his cane out of his suspender loop and pounding it down on the wooden floor with a metal clink noise.
" Queens' dey ain't gonna make da deal. Say's dat dey's got way too much invested in utter things." Graft replied.
"Invested in what?" Spot half shouted, getting several strange looks from other newsies. He shrugged his shoulders, cracking his neck trying to relax himself. " Well den, if dey ain't gonna see it our way, we's gonna hafta make 'em." Spot patted Graft on the shoulder. Graft smiled. "Sneaks, how's ya been? Enjoy yer stay in Manhattan?" Spot asked walking over smiling at Sneaks, his cane clinking on the floor with every step his right foot made. Sneaks didn't know what to do or say, she just froze. Spot Conlon was actually coming over to talk to her. "Yo, Sneaks, ya hear me?" Spot asked getting real close to her face.
" Yeah, I's had a good time," Sneaks blushed, forcing the words to come out of her mouth.
" Good. Ya run inta Cowboy by any chance?" Spot asked, not skipping a beat. Sneaks couldn't believe it, Spot was talking to her like they were old chums.
" Uh.naw." Sneaks stammered. She had no idea what to say, or do and she began to feel her face flush.
" Oh, I's got ya little present. I's know yer birthday ain't foah a'nutta week o' so, but I's figured I's couldn't wait. Here," Spot said handing Sneaks a bandana. She took it in her hands, just looking it over. " Well, you's gonna open it?" Spot asked. Graft strolled over.
" She's had a rough night. Bulls almost caught us stealin' some bread. Here," Graft said pulling six loafs out of his bag. Spot smiled at Sneaks and nodded.
" Good goil," he patted her on the head like a dog. "We's got some bread! You's all can d'ank Graft an' Sneaks foah it." Spot shouted as several Brooklyn newsies got up and ran over to Graft who was still holding the bread. Several people thanked her and Graft as they took small pieces of bread. She just stood there dumbfounded. She looked back down at the gift in her hand and carefully opened up the bandana and found a key on a chain, almost like Spots, but of course different. She stared at it, rolling it over in her hands, the cool metal icing the spots that it touched on her hand. Suddenly she remembered her character profile and how she had put down that Spot had given her a necklace with a key on it.
" Ya like?" Spot asked, Sneaks nodding in reply.
" Well, don't just stand dare, d'ank 'im." Graft instructed. Sneaks threw her arms around Spot, getting a few gasps from the other newsies that were watching. Spot smiled and hugged her back, laughing.
" You's in a friendly mood," Spot laughed. Sneaks looked at up at him.
" Well, you's are da closest thing I's got to a real family, 'sides Graft." Sneaks smiled, finally gaining the courage to talk to Spot. Spot nodded and smirked.
" I's guess I's is, kid." Spot walked away and pulled Graft into the side.
" Hi-ya," a voice came from behind Sneaks. She turned to see blue eyes staring at her.
" Hi," Sneaks smiled politely at the girl, trying to think of who she could be, and if the girl would know who she was.
" I's haven't seen you's around here," the girl stared at her. " 'Course, I's just got here last night," the girl blushed. Sneaks stared at her, then realized it.
" You's from da NML?" Sneaks whispered in her ear. The girl looked relieved.
" You's too?" she asked cracking a smile. Sneaks nodded. " Da name's Sling. Geeze, an' I's thought I's was all alone."
" Sling?" Sneaks grinned. "I's Sneaks."
" Sneaks?" the girl asked laughing slightly. " Wow. At least I's wit a goil I's know. Last night was rough, I's was on me own, an' den he found me," she jerked in the direction of a taller boy, the one from the movie who had jumped into the water, then asked Jack where he was going. "I's don't remembah 'is name 'dough. I's wasn't feeling dat great afta da nice little fall from da sky." Sling laughed. "C'mon, we's should get ta bed. We's gonna have a early morning. It's a long walk ta da Distribution Center from here. " And with that Sneaks and Sling walked over to a small group of sleeping boys and girls and laid down, Sneaks resting her head on a barrel. " Oh, an' I's was told, always be ready ta run from da bulls. Dey like ta bust dis place ev'ry now an' den."
" Sling, if anyone asks, I's know dat. Dat's me brudda."
" I's guessed you's was related. You's gonna hafta explain dat one ta me lata. Right now, we's bettah get some sleep. Like I's said, it ain't fun getting up in da mornin'."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Get up!" Gibby's voice bellowed the next morning, causing some of the new girls to fall from their beds.
"What, what, what?!" Moneybags asked startled, looking around from her spot on the floor.
" Get up! Get up!" Gibby yelled again, slapping Punky's foot.
" Lay off!" Punky shouted sitting up and robbing her foot. "I's up!" She climbed down from her top bunk. " Dis ain't so bad, ya know? Getting up in da morning an' sellin' papes. Being free as, as fishes," she laughed happily, walking over to washroom.
" I's really miss me mudda," Doll frowned getting up out of bed. "I's liked it bettah when she'd yell at me ta get up."
" We's all do, I's think," Gin sighed putting her arm around her friend as they both headed into the washroom.
" Move outa da way!" Illusion called, pushing Nevada and Atlantic out of the way of a toilet stale.
" Dat ain't fair! I's was gonna use dat one!" Atlantic pounded on the door.
" Easy dare tiger, you's gonna knock it down," Bailey put her hand on Atlantic's shoulder.
" Dis watah's so cold, it's like needles in here," Moxie shivered from the tin basin. "An' it ain't dat big neidda."
When the girls were finished getting ready they ran down stairs and out the door in to the sunny street.
" If we's don't hurry, we's ain't gonna make it ta da Distribution Center in time!" Bolt called in front of most of the girls. When they got half way to the Distribution Center they saw several kids running over to a stand that stood on the side of the street. Four nuns stood in the wagon, handing out bread and coffee to the kids.
" Bless you child," a nun held a cup of coffee to a small boy.
" D'ank ya," the boy replied, taking a swallow of coffee and passing it to his buddy.
" Jesus loves you," another nun sung handing out a piece of bread to another boy.
" Look, it's like da movie!" Aura nearly shouted to the whole street. She suddenly felt someone hit the back of her head as it flung forward. She turned to see Luna's disapproving face glaring at her. "Sorry," Aura sunk her head down.
" You's nit twit! You's can't go 'round yellin' dat! You's trying ta get us in trouble?" Luna scolded her. Aura stared at her feet.
" Sorry," she muttered again.
" Here you go child," a nun said extending her hand and handed over a piece of bread to Bubblegum.
" Bless ya ma'am." Bubblegum replied, splitting the bread in half and giving the other piece to Windy.
" Ma'am, could I's get half a cup?" Lyf asked, extending her small hand as far as it would go. The nun handed her a cup and she took it, crossing herself, the same as Race had done in the movie.
" Can I's have a sip?" Snaps asked her, as Lyf passed her drink to the girl in the light lavender color shirt and brown pants. "D'anks," Snaps smiled, taking a gulp and handing and empty cup back to Lyf.
" We's bettah hurry, da bell' be ringing soon, I's think." Lute noted as the other newsies started to head towards the Distribution Center.
" Maybe we's get ta see da boys ta-day." Punky smiled, walking away from Luna.
" Mush," Hades sighed, smiling at Punky. Luna shook her head as they continued on their way.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Reverie woke up she had no idea where she was. She felt warmer than she had, and the cobblestone suddenly felt softer. She opened her eyes and peered around, shocked to see that she was no longer in the cobblestone alley.
" It musta been a dream," she sighed trying to prop herself up so she could look around her room. But when she did, she found it wasn't her room. "Where am I?" she mumbled, turning her head to the left to see a boy's face staring at her.
" She's up!" the voice called. Her eyes tried frantically to focus in on the face. "Race, dat goils up!" the voice yelled as a clear picture came into focus. They boy was standing over her with eyeglasses and a black bowler hat.
" Strider? Illusion?" Reverie asked.
"Nope," Specs gave her a sympathetic smile.
" What?" Racetrack yelled running in to see a very confused girl lying on one of the beds. He walked over to Specs. " When she wake up, Specs?"
" When I's called ya," Specs replied shrugging and turning to the girl.
" You's okay?" Race asked looking at her.
" Where--?"
" You's in da Newsboys Lodging House in Manhattan." Race answered her, sitting down on a bed next to her.
" How?" Reverie asked, wondering if this all was just as dream.
" You's see, I's found ya, wit me friend Swifty, in an alleyway. You's was knocked out o' something. Anyway you's didn't belong dare. Where ya from kid?"
" Not from 'round here," Reverie replied sitting up completely. Her head ached and she suddenly felt her eyes go out of focus again.
" Well, you's ain't in no shape ta be leaving any time soon, so we's gonna keep ya here foah now." Race looked around.
" What's going on in here?" Reverie heard Jack's voice.
" Dat goil Swifty an' I's found is up," Race called, turning his neck to see Jack Kelly stroll in the door.
" Well, tell dat ta Kloppman, we's gotta go now, o' we'll be late. C'mon." Jack waved them over to the door. " She' okay?" he asked Specs who walked over, holding his black suspenders.
" I'd say so," Specs shrugged. " Just a little out of it." Jack nodded as Race stood up.
" Don't worry, Kloppman, he'll take care of ya," Race called as he headed out the door with Jack and Specs, leaving Reverie lying there to wonder if what had just happened was a hallucination or real.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When the girls got to the Distribution Center they were disappointed again at the fact that the boys weren't there again.
" We's can't cut a break can we?" Floaty sighed looking down.
" Well, we's can't, but Bubblegum an' Windy can." Punky hissed with jealously.
" It ain't like Dutchy was dare wit 'em," Bubblegum shot back. Punky started forward, but Hades grabbed her shoulder.
" Stop," Hades commanded, as Punky shrugged her off and stood there.
" I's swear, if I's hear a'nutter word of da boys, I's gonna crack some domes," Luna threatened.
" Next!" Weasel called out as the line started to move forward.
" Jack, dat was great! Dem DeLancey's ain't got nuttin on ya!" a voice laughed from behind them. Slowly the girls turned to see the newsies walking in the World gates.
" You's too kind, Race, you's too kind." Jack smiled.
" It's dem!" Dreams said nervously to Chord.
" Shhh." Chord hushed her.
" Hey, Bubblegum, Windy." Jack called smiling at the two girls.
" Uh. Hi, Jack right?" Windy asked before Bubblegum could speak. Bubblegum was relieved, she probably would have said something else to screw up. It was bad enough that Luna was livid at them.
" Yeah, dat's right." Jack nodded extending his hand to shake theirs. Bubblegum eagerly put her hand out and looked at Blink, blushing as Jack shook her hand. "Whose ya friends?" Jack asked wiping his nose and motioning with the same hand to the other girls.
" Oh, dese are me friends," Bubblegum smiled. " Dat's Floaty, Bon-Bon, Aura, Punky, Hades, Moxie, Atlantic, Pretzel, Lute, Dream, Minty, Gin, Cards, Dodge, Chord an' Bailey." Bubblegum introduced, pausing slightly to point out the other girls.
" An' we's got Mix, Moneybags, Jay-bug dare, Lit'l Bit, Klutz, Rave, Lavender, Doll-face, Snoozer, Lyf, Legs, Nevada, Snaps, Calliope, Blizzard, Pinch, Luna, Strider an' Illusion." Windy finished up.
" Did you's say Strider an' Illusion?" Specs asked looking at Windy.
" Yeah," Windy said not sure what to say.
" We's found a goil, well, Racetrack an' Swifty here," he said pointing the two out. " She woke up dis morning moaning you's names."
" A goil?" Strider asked.
" We's didn't get 'er name 'dough." Race spoke up.
" Where'd ya find 'er?" Illusion asked.
" In an alley," Swifty replied.
" An alley?" Strider asked excitedly. " Reverie?"
" We's don't know, maybe." Race shrugged. "She's at our Lodging House till she gets bettah."
" Can we's go see if it's 'er?" Strider questioned.
" She's resting now, afta sellin' if you's want ta come by," Jack offered. The girls nodded, all looking excitedly at each other.
" So, we's nevah got you's names," Bolt pointed out, waiting to get the introductions so that they could finally talk to the boys.
" Oh, I's sorry. Dis here is Snipeshooter, Snoddy, Itey, Pie-Eater, Bumlets, Dutchy, Crutchy, Jake," he paused.
" Sneaks' ain't gonna be happy when she find out she missed dis," Floaty whispered to Doll.
" Kid-Blink, but we's all call 'im Blink, Racetrack o 'course you's just meet him, and Specs, Swifty, Mush, Boots, Skittery an' Snitch. Oh, an' I's Jack in case ya missed dat." They all introduced themselves as they got up and bought their papers.
"C'mon move it, move it!" Weasel called as Snoozer moved up to the front of the line, blushing slightly. " How many?" he asked.
" Uh." Snoozer pulled out her money. " Twenty," she slammed her money down on the counter as a man placed a stack of papers on the counter for her.
" We'll see you tomorrow, Cowboy," Morris hissed as he and his brother rushed past, opening the door of the Distribution Center the slamming it shut. " Sorry we's late Uncle Wiesal."
" Next!" Weasel called, glaring at his nephews threw his eyeglasses.
" Dat's you sweet thing," Morris hissed looking at Luna.
" Fifty papes," Luna ordered, slamming her money down on the counter.
" Fifty papes foah da pale goil," Weasel shouted as Morris placed a stack of papers on the counter. Luna shoveled through them.
" I's missin' five papes," Luna said, the girls looking at her oddly.
" What? We's don't cheat here," Weasel answered as Jack pushed his way to the front of the line.
" Now, Weasel, don't lie. You's cheated David several times. Now, be a good weasel, an' give da goil 'er papes," Jack instructed, leaning against the bars.
" She got 'er papes," Morris hissed.
" I's can handle it on me own, d'ank ya." Luna glared at Jack.
" What is she doing?" Dream whispered to Rave.
" I's don't know, but why's she acting all rude ta 'im? I's mean, dat's Jack." Rave said.
" Shh," Bolt put her finger to her lips, hushing the girls. The girls stood there frozen. By this time Morris placed another five on Luna's pile, and Luna walked down off the platform.
" You's could at least say d'ank you." Jack replied, moving his hands to his chest.
" I's didn't need yer help," Luna snapped, walking off in her own direction.
" What a-." Jack started to say.
" She's our leadah," Lute shook her head. " She's like dat, sorry," she apologized.
" Ya leadah?"
" Yeah, she's in charge of us," Bubblegum smiled. Jack nodded.
" Move it!" Weasel called at Dream ran down off the platform with her papes.
" Shut it!" Punky snapped at Weasel, placing her money on the counter. "Fifty papes, an' you's bettah not cheat me 'neidda." She threatened.
" Well, I's say you's got a cocky attitude," she heard Dutchy's voice from behind her, laughing.
" I's guess so," Punky replied, turning around to face the blond haired, heart-throb of her newsies obsession. She tried to act cool, calm and collected, but she could feel herself losing control, her impulse to scream out how much she loved him was starting to win in her mind.
" Punky!" Hades called, smiling noticing her friend's struggles.
" I's gotta go," Punky shrugged, turning on her heel and mouthing 'thank you' to Hades. Hades nodded as the two walked off. " Dat was me chance, I's coulda been nice ta 'im an' asked if he knew any good selling spots," Punky whined as the two headed out of the gates and into the street.
" Yeah, well at least yer boy said something ta ya. Mush didn't even look me way!" Hades complained dropping her head slightly.
" Nah, dat ain't true. I's saw 'im look at ya." Punky told her.
" Naw, you's lying." Hades shook her head.
" I ain't! 'Is mouth was open an' everything! He's said something at Blink 'bout yer eyes, I's think. Something 'bout funny color, o' something."
" Great, he thinks I's got funny colored eyes!" Hades cried.
" No, Hades." Punky called as her friend walked away.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sling got up and looked around. "Sneaks?" she asked gazing around for her new friend.
" What?" Sneaks yawned. She stretched and sat up to see most of the newsies gone. "Where'd dey go?" she asked wide-eyed.
" Selling already I guess. C'mon, we's bettah get going too." Sling stretched out her arms and stood up. " Let's go, get da lead outa yer pants." Sneaks sighed and looked around.
" Graft?" Sneaks asked glancing around trying to find her brother.
" What?" Graft asked from behind her.
" Oh, geeze," Sneaks jumped. "Don't be sneaking up behind me like dat." She put her hand over her heart.
" C'mon, lets go," Graft commanded.
" Can Sling come wit us?" Sneaks asked looking at her new friend.
" Sure, but we's going back ta Manhattan ta day." He shrugged.
" Why Manhattan?" Sling questioned.
" I's got some business ta take care of wit Jack Kelly an' his walking mouth," Graft replied, clenching his fist and heading out of the warehouse.
" We's going ta Manhattan," Sneaks smiled to Sling. " Da goils are dare, you's can meet 'em." Sling smiled. She grabbed her slingshot from where she had been sleeping and ran out the door behind Sneaks and Graft.
"So, what'd ya hafta talk ta Cowboy 'bout?" Sneaks questioned.
" Business 'bout Queens." Graft replied, walking in silence the rest of the way. They got to the Brooklyn Bridge, and this time, Sneaks made sure she took it all in, with a huge smile on her face. But part of her couldn't help but wonder what was going on back in 2003, and if her family was still okay.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I's think dat Punky's mad at me," Bubblegum confessed to Windy. She brushed back brown curly hair away from her green eyes. " I's didn't mean ta say something ta da fellas," Bubblegum glanced down looking at her papers.
" I's know dat," Windy tried to comfort her. " Hey someone woulda said something."
" Hey," they heard someone call from behind them. The turned to see Floaty coming towards them, her freckled face light up with a smile as she placed her papers under her arms.
" Oh, hey Floaty," Bubblegum gave a weak smiled.
" What's wrong?" Floaty asked. "If you's worried 'bout da boys, don't be."
" I can't help it," Bubblegum sighed.
" David sure was late ta-day wasn't he?" they heard Blinks voice from behind them. They turned to see Blink and Mush walking out of the gates of the World.
" Yeah, he was. Dat ain't like Dave." Mush nodded.
" Where are you's selling?" Blink questioned.
" I's thinking 'bout Bottle Alley," Mush shrugged.
" I's was gonna go ta dare too, you's wanna sell ta-gether ta-day?" Blink asked, his smile showing off his dimples and pearly whites. " Sure," Mush shrugged, looking up and seeing the girls standing there. " Hi-ya." He smiled at them as they both took off their hats to show respect to them.
" Hi," Floaty said nervously as the got closer. The boys walked passed, placing their newsie hats back on and continued on their way to Bottle Alley. "Well, dat was odd," Floaty whispered watching the boys walk away. They stood there for a moment, just watching them.
" Was it just me, o' did dey's seem like dey's was walking in slow motion?" Bubblegum asked, waiting for her heart to beat again.
" Slow," Windy agreed shaking her head, watching them as they disappeared into the crowded street yelling out their headlines.
" Well, dat was delightful," Floaty said sarcastically. The girls nodded in response not sure what to say or think.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Luna walked steadily with out a single fault in her step as she rushed across the Brooklyn Bridge. Today she didn't pay much attention to it. She figured it wasn't going to be going anywhere until the World War III of 2003 and she had plenty of time before that. Right now she was focusing in on finding a Brooklyn newsie, and getting her way to Spot Conlon.
" I's can't believe dat Sneaks." Luna thought angrily to herself.
" Watch where you's going!" Luna heard a voice bellow into her thoughts. She looked up just as she bumped into a tall boy. She looked up to see intense blue eyes staring at her.
" Watch where you's going a son of a---." Luna shot back at the boy only to be cut off.
" Easy dare," the boy said, adjusting his glasses. "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, an' prosecute you, an' shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, foah my sake," he quoted. " St. Matthew, 5:11." He said patting his pocket in which a small Bible was located. Luna stared at him, bewildered.
" Foah da love of---." She stopped herself. " You's should go ta Gibby's Lodging House an' join da little prayer club dey got dare," Luna shook her head.
" Ya mean, Gibby from Manhattan?" the boy asked curiously. Luna turned back to him, her long black hair catching the wind and blowing around. She brushed it back behind her ear and nodded.
" Dat's 'er."
" How is she?" the boy asked. Luna eyed-balled the boy funny then shrugged.
" Good I's guess," Luna sighed turning back around to continue on her way.
" My names Preacher, Preach foah short if ya wish ta call me that." He smiled extending his hand to her. Luna rolled her eyes, and snorted.
" An' I's ain't got time," Luna huffed, pushing him out of the way and blew past him in a hurry, leaving the Preach standing there, dumbfounded with his arm extended, waiting for a handshake.
" Well, maybe I'll see ya 'round," he smiled nodding slightly pulling his hand back to his black vest, patting the pocket which contained his Bible. " Yea." he muttered to himself, turning back to street which would lead him to Manhattan. " Might as well see how Gibby is," he shrugged.
THE MEETING
By the time Sneaks and Graft had made their way into Brooklyn, it was already dark out. A few candle street lamps lined the cobblestone streets, giving them dim light to see where they were going. Sneaks glanced around, trying to take the nightlife of the city in all at once. There were still plenty of people walking around, with several little stands were packing up for the night.
" Bread stand," Graft smiled at her, jerking his head in the direction of a small stand with a wagon next to it. A man was loading up a few crates of bread onto the back of the wagon. "I's create a distraction, you's go an' grab as many loafs as ya can." Sneaks gulped. She wasn't used to stealing large amounts of items yet, she was only used to pick-pocketing small things, which she had learned that day from selling papes with Dodge. "You's okay?" Graft questioned. Sneaks forced a smile and nodded. "Good, you's just wait till I's got 'im distracted, den sneak on ovah dare an' grab da bread. An' Sneaks? Don't screw up." Graft warned walking away, leaving Sneaks standing there in the shadow of the street light scared stiff. Graft walked over, slowly glancing back over his shoulder making sure that Sneaks was getting ready. He walked over and bumped into the man who was picking up a crate of bread, and knocking them to the ground.
" Watch were you's going!" the man yelled trying to pick up the bread before the mud got to them.
"I's sorry sir, I's didn't see you's dare!" Graft lied, bending down to help the man pick up the bread. Sneaks noticed it was the perfect opportunity. She carefully snuck over, making sure she stayed hidden in the shadows. She crept around the side of the wagon, pressing her body as close to it as possible, watching and making sure that Graft was keeping the man distracted. She noticed that they had picked up most of the bread already, so she quickly snuck to the back of the wagon and began to pluck loafs of bread from an open crate. When she had five in her hand she heard a voice.
"Sneaks! Run!" she heard Graft's voice just as the man turned to see Sneaks ransacking his merchandise.
" Get back here ya street rat!" The man yelled as Sneaks took off like a shot through the streets, the man chasing her yelling for the bulls. "Police! Police! I'm being robbed!" the man screamed as Sneaks ran into a man. She looked up and saw a police officer and froze.
" Sneaks!" Graft yelled, as Sneaks darted back the other way. There was no way she was going to go to the Refuge her second night in 1899.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Reverie looked around, her eyes going in and out of focus. She started shivering from the cold. She tried to snuggle closer to the building, but no matter how small she made herself, it didn't keep the cold out; it still kept eating at her.
"Dis ain't da way I's want ta die," Reverie thought. She heard a noise beside her and looked to see a brown fuzzy rat crawling around the alleyway. She tried to scream, but nothing came out but a short shrill screech.
"Whose in dare?" she heard a voice call. She gazed around, trying to lock her eyes on a shadowy figure, but her eyes still wouldn't focus. She heard footsteps enter the alleyway and get closer to her. "You's okay?" the voice asked again. Reverie moaned, trying to answer, but nothing would come out. " Swifty, get in here!" the voice called out. Reverie's mind raced. It was a newsie!
" What is it Race?" Swifty's voice came from outside the alleyway. Reverie tried to say something, but suddenly her vision went black and she felt herself go limp.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Where's Sneaks?" Bubblegum suddenly asked as the lights went out in the lodging house.
" Oh!" Dodged forgot, getting up and looking at them as the light went back on.
" What'd you's mean, 'where's Sneaks?'" Luna asked getting up from her bed.
" Well, she ain't.." Bubblegum started.
" It's okay, her brudda Graft took 'er ta Brooklyn wit 'im." Dodge replied trying to ease Luna's mind and everyone else's.
" Brooklyn?" Luna spit out looking at Dodge.
" Yeah, 'er brudda took 'er back ta Brooklyn wit 'im, it's okay." Dodge smiled, trying to get Luna to relax.
" She's in Brooklyn?" Luna asked again, eyes wide.
" What'd 'bout 'er cat?" Bon-Bon asked as the little kitty meowed lightly from the top of Sneaks' bunk.
" I'll get 'im some watah," Floaty offered getting out of bed and walking into the washroom, coming back with a small tin cup of water, and placing it on Sneaks' bed.
" So she's gone ta Brooklyn?" Bolt shook her head.
" She's gonna meet Spot Conlon befoah any of us," Dream sighed. " Lucky."
" Dat ain't fair. If I's known dat we's coulda meet newsies fastah by having ourselves a relative dat's close ta a newsie, I's woulda brought dem wit me." Pinch protested.
" She didn't know dat he was in dare!" Bolt tried to stick up for her.
" Sure, dat's what she says," Nevada replied sarcastically.
" Don't start in on 'er when she ain't here ta stick up foah herself." Floaty yelled at Nevada.
" Stop yelling at each utter!" Lute screamed, glancing over at Luna who was now leaning out then open window.
" Dis sucks," Hades looked over at Punky who was starting to twirl her hair with her fingers.
" Tell me 'bout it. We's can't even get along." Punky sighed rolling on her stomach and putting her feet up in the air. She looked around, hearing the loud remarks and fights between girls.
"STOP IT!" Punky yelled, everyone turning and staring at her. " Thank you. I's can't even hear me self think."
" Dat worked," Hades nodded quietly to Punky and winking.
" Look, everyone just get ta bed," Luna sighed turning back to the girls after shutting the window.
" What?" Illusion looked up sleepily.
" Nuttin', go back ta bed," Pretzel said to her as Illusion laid back down.
" When do we's get ta meet da boys?" Minty yawned looking at Gin.
" I's don't know, let's just get ta bed. It was hard getting up an' sellin' papes dat early." Minty confessed.
" Me feet hoit," Jay-bug rubbed her foot, looking at Lyf who was next to her.
" Just go ta bed, me feet hoit too, but I ain't complaining." Lyf replied as the girls laid back down and soon found themselves asleep, with Sneaks' kitten, Spike, purring in the background.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Dat was close," Graft breathed as they made their way up the street to the Brooklyn Lodging House.
" Yeah," Sneaks smiled, brushing back sweat from her face, trying to catch her breath as well, and get her heart beat back to normal. How they had gotten away, Sneaks couldn't remember, it was all a blur. She didn't even remember running across the Brooklyn Bridge. "Wait, Graft," Sneaks grabbed his arm, puling him to a halt. "Dis ain't a Lodging House, dis is a warehouse." Graft looked at her with a confused _expression.
"You's feeling okay, Sneaks? I's mean, dis is where we's always stay, at least until wintah. Which should be soon, since it's starting ta get cold out."
" Yeah, must be da excitement of da evening." Sneaks blushed and smiled. Graft nodded at her excuse and led her into the warehouse. " What'da 'bout Spot? I's thought ya had ta tell 'im something 'bout Queens."
" He should be here now," Graft replied as they walked into a crowded warehouse. Lots of kids were gathered around playing poker and drinking. Spot sat on top of a rafter over looking his flock.
" Hi-ya Graft," a little brown hair boy called, looking at up at Graft. His face was smudged along with his hands and he wore a gray newsie cap over his brown untamed hair.
" Get outa me face, Marbles," Graft pushed the little kid away. Marbles frowned and moved over allowing Graft to stride over to where Spot was.
" Hi-ya Grafter." Spot nodded towards Graft as he made his way to Spot. Spot jumped down from his perch and spit in his hand, extending it to Graft. Graft spit in his and took hold of Spot's hand, shaking it good before letting go. "So, what's da word?" Spot asked.
" Ain't good," Graft replied glancing over his shoulder.
" Ain't good?" Spot asked pulling his cane out of his suspender loop and pounding it down on the wooden floor with a metal clink noise.
" Queens' dey ain't gonna make da deal. Say's dat dey's got way too much invested in utter things." Graft replied.
"Invested in what?" Spot half shouted, getting several strange looks from other newsies. He shrugged his shoulders, cracking his neck trying to relax himself. " Well den, if dey ain't gonna see it our way, we's gonna hafta make 'em." Spot patted Graft on the shoulder. Graft smiled. "Sneaks, how's ya been? Enjoy yer stay in Manhattan?" Spot asked walking over smiling at Sneaks, his cane clinking on the floor with every step his right foot made. Sneaks didn't know what to do or say, she just froze. Spot Conlon was actually coming over to talk to her. "Yo, Sneaks, ya hear me?" Spot asked getting real close to her face.
" Yeah, I's had a good time," Sneaks blushed, forcing the words to come out of her mouth.
" Good. Ya run inta Cowboy by any chance?" Spot asked, not skipping a beat. Sneaks couldn't believe it, Spot was talking to her like they were old chums.
" Uh.naw." Sneaks stammered. She had no idea what to say, or do and she began to feel her face flush.
" Oh, I's got ya little present. I's know yer birthday ain't foah a'nutta week o' so, but I's figured I's couldn't wait. Here," Spot said handing Sneaks a bandana. She took it in her hands, just looking it over. " Well, you's gonna open it?" Spot asked. Graft strolled over.
" She's had a rough night. Bulls almost caught us stealin' some bread. Here," Graft said pulling six loafs out of his bag. Spot smiled at Sneaks and nodded.
" Good goil," he patted her on the head like a dog. "We's got some bread! You's all can d'ank Graft an' Sneaks foah it." Spot shouted as several Brooklyn newsies got up and ran over to Graft who was still holding the bread. Several people thanked her and Graft as they took small pieces of bread. She just stood there dumbfounded. She looked back down at the gift in her hand and carefully opened up the bandana and found a key on a chain, almost like Spots, but of course different. She stared at it, rolling it over in her hands, the cool metal icing the spots that it touched on her hand. Suddenly she remembered her character profile and how she had put down that Spot had given her a necklace with a key on it.
" Ya like?" Spot asked, Sneaks nodding in reply.
" Well, don't just stand dare, d'ank 'im." Graft instructed. Sneaks threw her arms around Spot, getting a few gasps from the other newsies that were watching. Spot smiled and hugged her back, laughing.
" You's in a friendly mood," Spot laughed. Sneaks looked at up at him.
" Well, you's are da closest thing I's got to a real family, 'sides Graft." Sneaks smiled, finally gaining the courage to talk to Spot. Spot nodded and smirked.
" I's guess I's is, kid." Spot walked away and pulled Graft into the side.
" Hi-ya," a voice came from behind Sneaks. She turned to see blue eyes staring at her.
" Hi," Sneaks smiled politely at the girl, trying to think of who she could be, and if the girl would know who she was.
" I's haven't seen you's around here," the girl stared at her. " 'Course, I's just got here last night," the girl blushed. Sneaks stared at her, then realized it.
" You's from da NML?" Sneaks whispered in her ear. The girl looked relieved.
" You's too?" she asked cracking a smile. Sneaks nodded. " Da name's Sling. Geeze, an' I's thought I's was all alone."
" Sling?" Sneaks grinned. "I's Sneaks."
" Sneaks?" the girl asked laughing slightly. " Wow. At least I's wit a goil I's know. Last night was rough, I's was on me own, an' den he found me," she jerked in the direction of a taller boy, the one from the movie who had jumped into the water, then asked Jack where he was going. "I's don't remembah 'is name 'dough. I's wasn't feeling dat great afta da nice little fall from da sky." Sling laughed. "C'mon, we's should get ta bed. We's gonna have a early morning. It's a long walk ta da Distribution Center from here. " And with that Sneaks and Sling walked over to a small group of sleeping boys and girls and laid down, Sneaks resting her head on a barrel. " Oh, an' I's was told, always be ready ta run from da bulls. Dey like ta bust dis place ev'ry now an' den."
" Sling, if anyone asks, I's know dat. Dat's me brudda."
" I's guessed you's was related. You's gonna hafta explain dat one ta me lata. Right now, we's bettah get some sleep. Like I's said, it ain't fun getting up in da mornin'."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Get up!" Gibby's voice bellowed the next morning, causing some of the new girls to fall from their beds.
"What, what, what?!" Moneybags asked startled, looking around from her spot on the floor.
" Get up! Get up!" Gibby yelled again, slapping Punky's foot.
" Lay off!" Punky shouted sitting up and robbing her foot. "I's up!" She climbed down from her top bunk. " Dis ain't so bad, ya know? Getting up in da morning an' sellin' papes. Being free as, as fishes," she laughed happily, walking over to washroom.
" I's really miss me mudda," Doll frowned getting up out of bed. "I's liked it bettah when she'd yell at me ta get up."
" We's all do, I's think," Gin sighed putting her arm around her friend as they both headed into the washroom.
" Move outa da way!" Illusion called, pushing Nevada and Atlantic out of the way of a toilet stale.
" Dat ain't fair! I's was gonna use dat one!" Atlantic pounded on the door.
" Easy dare tiger, you's gonna knock it down," Bailey put her hand on Atlantic's shoulder.
" Dis watah's so cold, it's like needles in here," Moxie shivered from the tin basin. "An' it ain't dat big neidda."
When the girls were finished getting ready they ran down stairs and out the door in to the sunny street.
" If we's don't hurry, we's ain't gonna make it ta da Distribution Center in time!" Bolt called in front of most of the girls. When they got half way to the Distribution Center they saw several kids running over to a stand that stood on the side of the street. Four nuns stood in the wagon, handing out bread and coffee to the kids.
" Bless you child," a nun held a cup of coffee to a small boy.
" D'ank ya," the boy replied, taking a swallow of coffee and passing it to his buddy.
" Jesus loves you," another nun sung handing out a piece of bread to another boy.
" Look, it's like da movie!" Aura nearly shouted to the whole street. She suddenly felt someone hit the back of her head as it flung forward. She turned to see Luna's disapproving face glaring at her. "Sorry," Aura sunk her head down.
" You's nit twit! You's can't go 'round yellin' dat! You's trying ta get us in trouble?" Luna scolded her. Aura stared at her feet.
" Sorry," she muttered again.
" Here you go child," a nun said extending her hand and handed over a piece of bread to Bubblegum.
" Bless ya ma'am." Bubblegum replied, splitting the bread in half and giving the other piece to Windy.
" Ma'am, could I's get half a cup?" Lyf asked, extending her small hand as far as it would go. The nun handed her a cup and she took it, crossing herself, the same as Race had done in the movie.
" Can I's have a sip?" Snaps asked her, as Lyf passed her drink to the girl in the light lavender color shirt and brown pants. "D'anks," Snaps smiled, taking a gulp and handing and empty cup back to Lyf.
" We's bettah hurry, da bell' be ringing soon, I's think." Lute noted as the other newsies started to head towards the Distribution Center.
" Maybe we's get ta see da boys ta-day." Punky smiled, walking away from Luna.
" Mush," Hades sighed, smiling at Punky. Luna shook her head as they continued on their way.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Reverie woke up she had no idea where she was. She felt warmer than she had, and the cobblestone suddenly felt softer. She opened her eyes and peered around, shocked to see that she was no longer in the cobblestone alley.
" It musta been a dream," she sighed trying to prop herself up so she could look around her room. But when she did, she found it wasn't her room. "Where am I?" she mumbled, turning her head to the left to see a boy's face staring at her.
" She's up!" the voice called. Her eyes tried frantically to focus in on the face. "Race, dat goils up!" the voice yelled as a clear picture came into focus. They boy was standing over her with eyeglasses and a black bowler hat.
" Strider? Illusion?" Reverie asked.
"Nope," Specs gave her a sympathetic smile.
" What?" Racetrack yelled running in to see a very confused girl lying on one of the beds. He walked over to Specs. " When she wake up, Specs?"
" When I's called ya," Specs replied shrugging and turning to the girl.
" You's okay?" Race asked looking at her.
" Where--?"
" You's in da Newsboys Lodging House in Manhattan." Race answered her, sitting down on a bed next to her.
" How?" Reverie asked, wondering if this all was just as dream.
" You's see, I's found ya, wit me friend Swifty, in an alleyway. You's was knocked out o' something. Anyway you's didn't belong dare. Where ya from kid?"
" Not from 'round here," Reverie replied sitting up completely. Her head ached and she suddenly felt her eyes go out of focus again.
" Well, you's ain't in no shape ta be leaving any time soon, so we's gonna keep ya here foah now." Race looked around.
" What's going on in here?" Reverie heard Jack's voice.
" Dat goil Swifty an' I's found is up," Race called, turning his neck to see Jack Kelly stroll in the door.
" Well, tell dat ta Kloppman, we's gotta go now, o' we'll be late. C'mon." Jack waved them over to the door. " She' okay?" he asked Specs who walked over, holding his black suspenders.
" I'd say so," Specs shrugged. " Just a little out of it." Jack nodded as Race stood up.
" Don't worry, Kloppman, he'll take care of ya," Race called as he headed out the door with Jack and Specs, leaving Reverie lying there to wonder if what had just happened was a hallucination or real.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When the girls got to the Distribution Center they were disappointed again at the fact that the boys weren't there again.
" We's can't cut a break can we?" Floaty sighed looking down.
" Well, we's can't, but Bubblegum an' Windy can." Punky hissed with jealously.
" It ain't like Dutchy was dare wit 'em," Bubblegum shot back. Punky started forward, but Hades grabbed her shoulder.
" Stop," Hades commanded, as Punky shrugged her off and stood there.
" I's swear, if I's hear a'nutter word of da boys, I's gonna crack some domes," Luna threatened.
" Next!" Weasel called out as the line started to move forward.
" Jack, dat was great! Dem DeLancey's ain't got nuttin on ya!" a voice laughed from behind them. Slowly the girls turned to see the newsies walking in the World gates.
" You's too kind, Race, you's too kind." Jack smiled.
" It's dem!" Dreams said nervously to Chord.
" Shhh." Chord hushed her.
" Hey, Bubblegum, Windy." Jack called smiling at the two girls.
" Uh. Hi, Jack right?" Windy asked before Bubblegum could speak. Bubblegum was relieved, she probably would have said something else to screw up. It was bad enough that Luna was livid at them.
" Yeah, dat's right." Jack nodded extending his hand to shake theirs. Bubblegum eagerly put her hand out and looked at Blink, blushing as Jack shook her hand. "Whose ya friends?" Jack asked wiping his nose and motioning with the same hand to the other girls.
" Oh, dese are me friends," Bubblegum smiled. " Dat's Floaty, Bon-Bon, Aura, Punky, Hades, Moxie, Atlantic, Pretzel, Lute, Dream, Minty, Gin, Cards, Dodge, Chord an' Bailey." Bubblegum introduced, pausing slightly to point out the other girls.
" An' we's got Mix, Moneybags, Jay-bug dare, Lit'l Bit, Klutz, Rave, Lavender, Doll-face, Snoozer, Lyf, Legs, Nevada, Snaps, Calliope, Blizzard, Pinch, Luna, Strider an' Illusion." Windy finished up.
" Did you's say Strider an' Illusion?" Specs asked looking at Windy.
" Yeah," Windy said not sure what to say.
" We's found a goil, well, Racetrack an' Swifty here," he said pointing the two out. " She woke up dis morning moaning you's names."
" A goil?" Strider asked.
" We's didn't get 'er name 'dough." Race spoke up.
" Where'd ya find 'er?" Illusion asked.
" In an alley," Swifty replied.
" An alley?" Strider asked excitedly. " Reverie?"
" We's don't know, maybe." Race shrugged. "She's at our Lodging House till she gets bettah."
" Can we's go see if it's 'er?" Strider questioned.
" She's resting now, afta sellin' if you's want ta come by," Jack offered. The girls nodded, all looking excitedly at each other.
" So, we's nevah got you's names," Bolt pointed out, waiting to get the introductions so that they could finally talk to the boys.
" Oh, I's sorry. Dis here is Snipeshooter, Snoddy, Itey, Pie-Eater, Bumlets, Dutchy, Crutchy, Jake," he paused.
" Sneaks' ain't gonna be happy when she find out she missed dis," Floaty whispered to Doll.
" Kid-Blink, but we's all call 'im Blink, Racetrack o 'course you's just meet him, and Specs, Swifty, Mush, Boots, Skittery an' Snitch. Oh, an' I's Jack in case ya missed dat." They all introduced themselves as they got up and bought their papers.
"C'mon move it, move it!" Weasel called as Snoozer moved up to the front of the line, blushing slightly. " How many?" he asked.
" Uh." Snoozer pulled out her money. " Twenty," she slammed her money down on the counter as a man placed a stack of papers on the counter for her.
" We'll see you tomorrow, Cowboy," Morris hissed as he and his brother rushed past, opening the door of the Distribution Center the slamming it shut. " Sorry we's late Uncle Wiesal."
" Next!" Weasel called, glaring at his nephews threw his eyeglasses.
" Dat's you sweet thing," Morris hissed looking at Luna.
" Fifty papes," Luna ordered, slamming her money down on the counter.
" Fifty papes foah da pale goil," Weasel shouted as Morris placed a stack of papers on the counter. Luna shoveled through them.
" I's missin' five papes," Luna said, the girls looking at her oddly.
" What? We's don't cheat here," Weasel answered as Jack pushed his way to the front of the line.
" Now, Weasel, don't lie. You's cheated David several times. Now, be a good weasel, an' give da goil 'er papes," Jack instructed, leaning against the bars.
" She got 'er papes," Morris hissed.
" I's can handle it on me own, d'ank ya." Luna glared at Jack.
" What is she doing?" Dream whispered to Rave.
" I's don't know, but why's she acting all rude ta 'im? I's mean, dat's Jack." Rave said.
" Shh," Bolt put her finger to her lips, hushing the girls. The girls stood there frozen. By this time Morris placed another five on Luna's pile, and Luna walked down off the platform.
" You's could at least say d'ank you." Jack replied, moving his hands to his chest.
" I's didn't need yer help," Luna snapped, walking off in her own direction.
" What a-." Jack started to say.
" She's our leadah," Lute shook her head. " She's like dat, sorry," she apologized.
" Ya leadah?"
" Yeah, she's in charge of us," Bubblegum smiled. Jack nodded.
" Move it!" Weasel called at Dream ran down off the platform with her papes.
" Shut it!" Punky snapped at Weasel, placing her money on the counter. "Fifty papes, an' you's bettah not cheat me 'neidda." She threatened.
" Well, I's say you's got a cocky attitude," she heard Dutchy's voice from behind her, laughing.
" I's guess so," Punky replied, turning around to face the blond haired, heart-throb of her newsies obsession. She tried to act cool, calm and collected, but she could feel herself losing control, her impulse to scream out how much she loved him was starting to win in her mind.
" Punky!" Hades called, smiling noticing her friend's struggles.
" I's gotta go," Punky shrugged, turning on her heel and mouthing 'thank you' to Hades. Hades nodded as the two walked off. " Dat was me chance, I's coulda been nice ta 'im an' asked if he knew any good selling spots," Punky whined as the two headed out of the gates and into the street.
" Yeah, well at least yer boy said something ta ya. Mush didn't even look me way!" Hades complained dropping her head slightly.
" Nah, dat ain't true. I's saw 'im look at ya." Punky told her.
" Naw, you's lying." Hades shook her head.
" I ain't! 'Is mouth was open an' everything! He's said something at Blink 'bout yer eyes, I's think. Something 'bout funny color, o' something."
" Great, he thinks I's got funny colored eyes!" Hades cried.
" No, Hades." Punky called as her friend walked away.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sling got up and looked around. "Sneaks?" she asked gazing around for her new friend.
" What?" Sneaks yawned. She stretched and sat up to see most of the newsies gone. "Where'd dey go?" she asked wide-eyed.
" Selling already I guess. C'mon, we's bettah get going too." Sling stretched out her arms and stood up. " Let's go, get da lead outa yer pants." Sneaks sighed and looked around.
" Graft?" Sneaks asked glancing around trying to find her brother.
" What?" Graft asked from behind her.
" Oh, geeze," Sneaks jumped. "Don't be sneaking up behind me like dat." She put her hand over her heart.
" C'mon, lets go," Graft commanded.
" Can Sling come wit us?" Sneaks asked looking at her new friend.
" Sure, but we's going back ta Manhattan ta day." He shrugged.
" Why Manhattan?" Sling questioned.
" I's got some business ta take care of wit Jack Kelly an' his walking mouth," Graft replied, clenching his fist and heading out of the warehouse.
" We's going ta Manhattan," Sneaks smiled to Sling. " Da goils are dare, you's can meet 'em." Sling smiled. She grabbed her slingshot from where she had been sleeping and ran out the door behind Sneaks and Graft.
"So, what'd ya hafta talk ta Cowboy 'bout?" Sneaks questioned.
" Business 'bout Queens." Graft replied, walking in silence the rest of the way. They got to the Brooklyn Bridge, and this time, Sneaks made sure she took it all in, with a huge smile on her face. But part of her couldn't help but wonder what was going on back in 2003, and if her family was still okay.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I's think dat Punky's mad at me," Bubblegum confessed to Windy. She brushed back brown curly hair away from her green eyes. " I's didn't mean ta say something ta da fellas," Bubblegum glanced down looking at her papers.
" I's know dat," Windy tried to comfort her. " Hey someone woulda said something."
" Hey," they heard someone call from behind them. The turned to see Floaty coming towards them, her freckled face light up with a smile as she placed her papers under her arms.
" Oh, hey Floaty," Bubblegum gave a weak smiled.
" What's wrong?" Floaty asked. "If you's worried 'bout da boys, don't be."
" I can't help it," Bubblegum sighed.
" David sure was late ta-day wasn't he?" they heard Blinks voice from behind them. They turned to see Blink and Mush walking out of the gates of the World.
" Yeah, he was. Dat ain't like Dave." Mush nodded.
" Where are you's selling?" Blink questioned.
" I's thinking 'bout Bottle Alley," Mush shrugged.
" I's was gonna go ta dare too, you's wanna sell ta-gether ta-day?" Blink asked, his smile showing off his dimples and pearly whites. " Sure," Mush shrugged, looking up and seeing the girls standing there. " Hi-ya." He smiled at them as they both took off their hats to show respect to them.
" Hi," Floaty said nervously as the got closer. The boys walked passed, placing their newsie hats back on and continued on their way to Bottle Alley. "Well, dat was odd," Floaty whispered watching the boys walk away. They stood there for a moment, just watching them.
" Was it just me, o' did dey's seem like dey's was walking in slow motion?" Bubblegum asked, waiting for her heart to beat again.
" Slow," Windy agreed shaking her head, watching them as they disappeared into the crowded street yelling out their headlines.
" Well, dat was delightful," Floaty said sarcastically. The girls nodded in response not sure what to say or think.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Luna walked steadily with out a single fault in her step as she rushed across the Brooklyn Bridge. Today she didn't pay much attention to it. She figured it wasn't going to be going anywhere until the World War III of 2003 and she had plenty of time before that. Right now she was focusing in on finding a Brooklyn newsie, and getting her way to Spot Conlon.
" I's can't believe dat Sneaks." Luna thought angrily to herself.
" Watch where you's going!" Luna heard a voice bellow into her thoughts. She looked up just as she bumped into a tall boy. She looked up to see intense blue eyes staring at her.
" Watch where you's going a son of a---." Luna shot back at the boy only to be cut off.
" Easy dare," the boy said, adjusting his glasses. "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, an' prosecute you, an' shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, foah my sake," he quoted. " St. Matthew, 5:11." He said patting his pocket in which a small Bible was located. Luna stared at him, bewildered.
" Foah da love of---." She stopped herself. " You's should go ta Gibby's Lodging House an' join da little prayer club dey got dare," Luna shook her head.
" Ya mean, Gibby from Manhattan?" the boy asked curiously. Luna turned back to him, her long black hair catching the wind and blowing around. She brushed it back behind her ear and nodded.
" Dat's 'er."
" How is she?" the boy asked. Luna eyed-balled the boy funny then shrugged.
" Good I's guess," Luna sighed turning back around to continue on her way.
" My names Preacher, Preach foah short if ya wish ta call me that." He smiled extending his hand to her. Luna rolled her eyes, and snorted.
" An' I's ain't got time," Luna huffed, pushing him out of the way and blew past him in a hurry, leaving the Preach standing there, dumbfounded with his arm extended, waiting for a handshake.
" Well, maybe I'll see ya 'round," he smiled nodding slightly pulling his hand back to his black vest, patting the pocket which contained his Bible. " Yea." he muttered to himself, turning back to street which would lead him to Manhattan. " Might as well see how Gibby is," he shrugged.