'allo! *waves* and happy national newsies day! ^^ dress up as a newsie, talk with an accent, and carry around a newspaper with you everywhere ya go! other than that, have fun!

erm, and also, i wrote this short story two nights ago... and i don't know what to do with it... so if anyone wants to read it, just tell me and i'll email it to you!

~*~

POV: Stretch

Day: December 24, 1900

Time: 4:55 AM

~*~

That would be nice wouldn't it? A nice warm coat that I could wear wherever I could go. All the girls would stare and think of where I had gotten it. But no, I'd just be there smiling because I ain't shivering in the cold with barely anything on in the middle of winter. Full of happiness and energy, I'd walk over to Skittery and then…

"STRETCH!!! Wake up!"

Agh! "Whaaatt???" I kept my eyes closed and my face buried in the pillow as I dragged the covers of my sheets over my head. I don't like mornings.

"You know how long I've been telling you to get up already?!"

"I don't know… you tell me…" I said sarcastically, turning over in my bunk bed and rubbing eyes. I sighed and sat up, looking across the rows of bunk beds before me. I didn't feel like selling papes or hawking the headlines today. The cold was getting to me and it was getting even colder. I could've chosen to stay in my bunk bed under the covers where it's all nice and warm. But what was I to do? I didn't have money. And this was the only way to get it.

"TOMORROW'S CHRISTMAS!!!" came a shout from the bathroom stalls. Really, it's too early for this.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU TOO!!!" shouted Emu back at Ears.

"Ears! Emu! We know! You've told us a hundred times!" shouted Sapphy from her bunk bed, eagerly brushing her hair with her fingers.

"Aw, don't be such a grouch, Sapphy," said Ershey as she passed by and poked her on the shoulder.

I really didn't have anything to say 'cause I was just too busy deciding whether I was still going to get up and go to the bathroom or just stay in my position.

"Stretchy!"

Honestly. Since when was it this loud in the morning?

"Whaaattt???" I groaned, finally standing up and walking over to the bathroom. I walked over to the sink, turned on the faucet and waited for the cool water to flow before I began with my daily routine. I'd usually just stand there, splash water on my face, fix my hair, change, and all that other junk that you know us girls do. But today I was just feeling lazy. Lazy and grouchy.

"I was just wondering if you saw my hat," said Striker from behind. She was looking around frantically, peeking under bed covers and pillowcases.

Oh yeah. She was still there.

"Don't look at me. I haven't seen it since yesterday when you were wearing it." What? I didn't.

"Weren't you with Spot yesterday or something?" said Snooza.

"Oh yeah…" said Striker, recalling the night before. "Dammit Spot…"

"You still awake, Stretch?" came a voice behind me. I turned around to see a pair of bright green eyes looking back at me.

"Does it look it, Sage? I'm cold. I'm sleepy. I'm grouchy. And the stupid faucet won't work!" How long was I standing there waiting for the water to come? Forever, I tell you.

"The other one over there works," said Sage, pointing to another sink which only seemed too far away. But I gathered up my strength and walked over there. And guess what? The faucet DOES work. Thank goodness. I was so grateful for that. I felt so much more awake and so much more alive now that I splashed my face with water. I know it sounds kind of odd, but its how I wake myself up.

The Distribution Center looked just like it did everyday. Only with the huge addition of snow and jackets that the newsies were wearing. Nothing really changed. We still sold everyday, even though it was winter. We needed to make a living.

I was just glad that most of the early morning rush of people was gone. Thousands of newsboys pushing, elbowing, shouting, laughing, and maybe even kicking were always there. But today they weren't.

"Hundred papes for today, Weasel." I said, slapping down the pair of coins before him.

"Do I look like Weasel to you?"

You see, it was morning, and my brain doesn't work well during those times. I looked up to see one of the most unpleasant things you needed to see on a morning. A Delancey.

"Well, you know, I knew I saw a bit of a resemblance when you grunted and yawned. Sleep much?"

"HUNDRED PAPES!!! Is that the best you can do girlie? I've heard better ones before."

"Don't worry, Morris, I'll save those for later. Why's it taking forever to get my papes? Can't count?"

I was hardly this sarcastic in the morning. By this time, I'd probably be out already selling my papes, but I was just having too much fun. I swear, I saw his moustache twitch.

"Hey! Don't tell me you spilled that on the floor!" came another shout from the side of the window.

Geez. This was going to take forever. Either I wait here and freeze my butt off or just go in there and get it myself. I know the Delanceys may just pound me to death for doing that, but I ain't taking any crap from anyone today.

"What are you doing in here?! You can't come in here! How'd you get in here?!" shouted Morris.

"It ain't that hard. I opened the door… took a step forward… walked in… and ta-dah!"

Now I know I was on dangerous ground so I just went ahead and grabbed the closest stack of papes and ran out the door. I guess I took so many 'cause the load on my arm is much heavier than what I was used to before. "Thanks boys!" I shouted, running from the Distribution Center, trying to get a hold of the stack of papes that I held. Hey, carrying papes doesn't look that easy.

"Hey, Stretch, since when do you sell that many papes?" shouted Skittery.

Hah! I know what to do with the rest of the papes!

"Skitts, did you buy your papes from the center already?" Please say you didn't.

"Nope… what's the rush anyway?"

"Here--," I said handing him half of the papes I had and placing it on his hands. "Just take it. I'll tell you what happened later."

"But… wait!"

I ran as fast as my feet could take me. I know I just risked getting beat up by the Delanceys, but at least I could run. That, and I didn't feel like fighting today. What can I say? It's too early in the morning. But you knew I was going to say that, weren't you?

Now, I was just about to turn the corner to my usual selling spot, right outside the post office. I've been selling there for as long as I can remember. I always sold there, handing out papes anybody coming in or out of the office. It was a good place to sell. I'm just glad that I had my claim on it before anybody else took it.

"Oof!"

Ack, what hit me? I looked down to see what it was. Instead, who it was. Was that Boo? What is she doing her by herself?

"Sorry…" mumbled Boo nervously, looking up with an apologetic face. Aww. That face can just melt anybody's heart. She'll be a kick when she grows up.

"Boo? What are you doing here all by yourself?" I couldn't help but wonder, 'cause she's always with a big group of friends. Usually with the other younger newsies. She was always with somebody. Now, I know that I shouldn't worry, but she's one of those kids that you have to give extra care, y'know?

"I was playing tag with the others and I have no idea where they went, so I tried to remember where--."

Poor kid. Hah, no pun intended with that one. "You want to sell me with today?"

She practically swelled with joy. Little kids are just so cute, aren't they? You know what? I was glad that I bumped into her that day. I was suddenly overcome with energy and happiness. I even sold my papes faster than I usually did! Well, mostly 'cause of the help of Boo. She could just pull of the most angelic face and supposedly cry right when she wanted.

"Stretchy?" asked Boo, her dark brown eyes looking up at me.

"Hmm?"

"Can we go over there?" I looked over to see where she was pointing. The Church. I looked back at her then at the direction her finger was pointing. I didn't know she knew about church. The things you learn everyday.

"You want to go to church?" But, why? Little kids hardly wanted to go to church.

"Only for a quick little while?" pouted Boo.

"Well, sure," I said, holding out my hand to her, and making our way towards the church. I was confused right there and then. Why were we going inside again? Oh yeah, Boo wanted too and I was feeling good that day.

I didn't think that it was going to be that quiet in there, really. I thought it was scary. Who would have a huge statue of a guy hanging off a cross? I really didn't understand. But at the same time, it felt kind of peaceful. There were people around, sitting on benches and looking up at the statue. I didn't get it.

I felt Boo let go of my hand as she walked between straight towards the statue. Wasn't she scared? I would've been. But all she did was walk. She finally got up to the statue, and you know what she did? She kneeled down and put her hands together to pray. It was the most interesting thing I've ever seen. Really. That huge statue compared to the little girl before it was just so… I was amazed.

It didn't take long for her to finish. Thank goodness. I didn't want to be left standing there in a huge place where I didn't feel secure. She held my hand once again as we walked out the church and trudged down the steps. This was an interesting day.

"You prayed, right?" I didn't exactly know what it was, so there was nothing wrong with asking.

"Mm-mmhm. I prayed for my Christmas wish."

Oh, I see.

"So what did you wish for?"

"A pony."

Y'see, I was expecting something else like food, clothes, or maybe even a cute little doll. Kids come up with the weirdest things.

"A pony?"

"Yeah, a brown colored one. I bet you Race would like it, wouldn't he?"

"Of course he would. But are you sure what you want is a pony?"

"Yes! I'm sure. I can ride on it and all of you can come with me, so we can sell papes faster. Then, when Jack needs to go visit Brooklyn, I'll let him borrow it so he won't take so long to get back."

Hah, that was an interesting image. I could just see Jack being the cowboy in him and riding that pony from Brooklyn to Manhattan.

"So that's why you want to get a pony?" What? I didn't understand what Boo was thinking and she didn't seem to mind me asking.

"Yeah… and so Erik can be a knight!"

Ah, Erik. He's another one of the younger newsies around the Lodging House. The boy's got charisma, I tell you that. He ain't scared of standing up to any of us and he's always got a comeback somewhere. I won't be surprised if he turns out like Jack in the future.

"I'm sure he'll make a good knight. So you want a pony so Erik can be a knight?"

"Yeah, and so I can be a princess," beamed Boo. But the funniest thing happened. You'd think a little kid would stay happy, but her face suddenly fell serious and she wasn't fantasizing about knights and princesses. "But sometimes, I just want to ride away and just go off into my own world. Where there isn't anything wrong, y'know? Where everybody's happy… just a place where… its…"

"It's what?" I asked.

"Good. So I can forget about everything else that's going on and so that I can ride off there with my pony."

Wow. I didn't see that coming.

"Well, I'm sure you'll get your pony someday… if you pray hard enough."

"Hey Stretch!!!"

I turned around to see who it was. Specs. That just brought a smile to my face right then and there.

"Hey Specs!" shouted Boo, as she waved at him.

"Hey there, Boo. You selling with Stretch today?"

Boo eagerly nodded, a smile plastered on her face.

"Oh hey, Stretch, you know its Christmas tomorrow, right?"

Oh yeah. Ears was yelling about that. "Oh yeah… it is, isn't it?"

"Are you planning anything?" asked Specs. Eh? Planning anything? Sure, I'll be outside throwing confetti in the air.

"I don't think so... why?" Yeah, why?!

"Erm, nothing..." muttered Specs. "So, Boo, what do you want for Christmas?"

"How about a pony?" exclaimed Boo.

And you know what? Kids don't come up with the weirdest things; they come up with the greatest things. Right at the moment, I wanted a pony of my own.

~*~

Shout-outs

Azn-kimmi: wow, first review came from you! i was still wondering whether you were readin' this or not! lol! ^^ you and spot? haha, you'll see!

Oneconfusednewsie: *nod* that's true. and i'm so glad that the pair of lungs thing worked out! haha, i was wondering whether you REALLY do have a pair of lungs... erm, that sounded weird.

Frenchygoil: you don't know what mistletoe is? its not lettuce tho... but i'll be changing that in the upcoming chapters. you'll see. ^^ should you be worried or not? psh, of course not! lol. thanks for the review! it makes MY day! ^^

Snooza: lol, i didn't even realize that until you told me about it! i was just picking out numbers randomly... well, around the time that i needed. be patient! lol! glad to see that my ff gets you all giddy! *raises eyebrow* is that a good thing or a bad thing? lol.

Stretch: thanks! haha, jumbled little mind? that's for snooza to decide! lol. i hope i portrayed ya alright... but don't worry, much more excitin' shtuff will happen to ya later on! ^^

Sapphy: i love pie and snooza too! but... i just had to!!! lol. also, love your ff, just as always! ^^

Kit Blink: whoot! new reviewer! hiii... ^^ nothing else to say but you'll see! just hope that i keep you hooked throughout the ff!

Emu: hahah! that first opening line you just said made me laugh! ^^ thanks! glad to see that i'm makin' you write your ff! the next few chaps might take a little while though, considering that school will be starting in a few days, so i still have to adjust. :P also, thanks for letting me be in your ff! i can't wait to see how it turns out! ^^