NOWHERE TO HIDE
by Scarlette
Grand Central Station, New York, 1900
"Run Raziel!Don't let them catch you, hija!" BANG!!! Ambassador
Marcelo Del Serra died in the arms of the terrorists. Gone was a good
man.Gone was the Ambassador of Mexico to the United States-- gone is
the key to the national treasury of Mexico.. or was it?
"Señorita, we are here... " A big man said to the trembling young
lady across him.
Raziel Del Serra nodded. She had been sobbing all throughout the trip
to New York. Her Papa and Mama was brutally murdered before her very
eyes, it was a miracle she escaped the torment.Now all she has to
live with is that she is a hunted-down orphan in a new city and a new
country trying to hide from terrorists.
At 18, Raziel was a headturner who looked exactly like her mother.
The same black eyes,which are now red and puffy from crying, were
beautifully framed with thick black lashes which is exactly the color
of her long thick ebony mane she keeps tied up in a bun. Her lips are
red and anyone would take a double take on her.Today she was wearing
the same white sundress,which showed off her mexican tan complexion.
It was the dress she wore when the terrorists came into their house.
She tried to fix herself up, put on her bonnet and followed the man
out of the train.
"Alfredo, where are we going?" She asked the man who had been serving
their family for more than 20 years. He was like her 2nd Father to
her.
"With my family in Brooklyn," he replied looking around for any
snipers." You will be safe there. Hurry, we must get to a carraige
before they find us."
They hurried through the busy streets looking around for any hitmen
around.They were just out of the Station when gunshots rang all
around them. She was shocked as Alfredo turned to her.
"Run,Señorita! Run! Hide!" a bullet caught his throat.
Raziel ran blindly through the crowd,praying someone save her from
the torment. SHe ran and ran not knowing where she was going and she
knew she was really going to die.She sobbed helplessly as bullets
flew. SHe was running for her life.
She ran through a large crowd in the marketplace bumping and toppling
over everyone and everything. Everyone started shouting at her. As
she ran through, she bumped into a tall lanky chinese boy who was
running towards her. They both toppled over.
"Watch where you--!!" Swifty stopped in midsentence. He was shocked
by her beauty. She was a lady."Saury, Miss, are you awright?" He
asked and offered to help her up. The girl was crying, she looked as
if she was in trouble.
"Thanks," she muttered as she tried to get up and brushed herself.
"A lady of your calibre can't walk in da middle of da night like
this. I oughta bring ya home," Swifty offered.
"I dont have a home," she looked down sadly, then looked at the boy,"
Do You have a place where I can hide?"
"HIDE?"
"Yes.. someone is trying to kill me. PLEASE.. "She begged tearfully
as she looked back for anyone who might have seen her.
Swifty thought a minute. Then nodded," I know just the place, FOLLOW
ME."
They ducked in alleyways and ran. He wasn't called Swifty for
nothing. As they were running, a gunshot was fired hitting a crate
near them.
"Damn! They found us!" Raziel pulled swifty to a corner crate and
motioned for him to stay down and quiet.When the men passed them, she
stood up slowly.
"Thanks,um--" Swifty said breathlessly.
"Raziel del Serra,"She introduced herself as she brushed off dust
from her skirt.
"Swifty,"he said," We better get going before they catch us again."
HIs curiosity was rising. The headline that morning was about an
Ambassador Del Sera who was killed, but he dare not ask." Its just
around that corner."
Raziel followed him quickly. Soon, she was in front of a rickety sign
that said "NEWSBOYS LODGING HOUSE."
"Ey, Swift! Who's the goil?" A voice said as they entered the
building. The voice came from Jack Kelly, the leader of the Manhattan
Newsies.He sauntered over to them.
"This ere is,Raziel Del Serra. She wanna have a place ta hide.She's
bein hunted down like a goose. WE'se almost gots shot earlier!"
Swifty told them as all eyes and ears turned towards the girl.
They looked at each other with a curiosity. The headline... The
ambassador.. could there be a connection?
The girl smiled weakly at them as all of them said hi. Jack sauntered
toward her and took her hand to kiss the back of it.
"Jack Kelly at your service, Ma'am," he drawled. as soon as he kissed
the hand, she collapsed, pale on the floor.
"YOU KILLED HER!" Dutchy, a bespectacled blonde exclaimed." I know
that mostgoils would die fer ya,Cowboy, but this is outrageous!" He
exclaimed as Jack stared at the pale body on the floor.
"you ninny!" Specs, the doctor- in - the-making newsie said and
slapped Dutchy upside the head."Take her up to the bunks,i need cold
water and towels, Dutchy! now!"
The boys flew about and tried to help as they made things comfortable
for the girl. They all stood back and waited for her to come to.
Bumlets came back to the lodging house, tired and sleepy. Nevermind,
hungry, all he wanted was his bunk. Not noticing the commotion around
him, he went to his bunk and flopped down on the bed. It had been a
bad day for him. Though he sold a bit more than usual he was tired
and that run in with Oscar Morris made him cranky.
Usually it took a miracle to make him frown, but today, he didnt feel
like smiling at all. What he need is a major cheer up, and a friend
to talk to. He turned over the side of his bed to look talk to his
Close friend, Swifty, when he he thought he saw a girl on the bunk
beside him. HE did a double take.. IT WAS A GIRL.. and not just any
ordinary girl! SHe was Mexican.. and georgeous!
"Thank GOD!" he said to heaven and laid down to stare at her.
"Pretty thing,huh?"Swifty smiled from the other bunk."She's here to
hide. WEalmost got shot.. found her near the market early this
evening.then afta she net Jack she fainted. Jack really has a way
with goils...Specs fixed her up and now Raziel is ok.Specs said she
now needs her rest.How about you? what happened today?"
"Another patient for Dr. Specs. Me?nothing much. Sold a lot, and had
a run in with the Delanceys," Bumlets said with a smile.
"WEll, you're tired, you better get to bed. Im tired too. lets get to
sleep," Swifty smiled and laid back on his bed." Nite, Bumlets."
Bumlets stared at the girl beside his bunk. She was georgeous. Just
like a regular Señorita. He smiled, at least something good came
out
of the day... he saw his dream girl...she was right beside him.. now
all she has to do is wake up...
The room was still except for the rustling of sheets and snoring. It was a
very peaceful night in the Lodging House. That was until a high pitched
scream pierced the night...
"MAMA!!!!!! PAPA!!!!!! NOOOOOO!!!!" Raziel sobbed as she bolted upright on
the bed she was on. She dreamt of the fate that her mother and father had
been in.. the terror, the pain...
Lights turned on and suddenly someone had his arms around her and
comforting her.
"Shhh... there,now. It's all a dream," a gentle male voice said to her. She
started to calm down to the soothing voice.
Raziel blinked. SHe focused on the concerned faces around her. She saw boys
all around her and she froze up."Where--- where am I?" she trembled." I
don't know where it is. Im not gonna say anything." She said looking around
and backing up from them.
"Don't worry,Raziel," Swifty said quickly."They're my friends... they're
the newsies. You passed out earlier. we Just thought you needed rest."
"Swifty!" she exclaimed relieved to see her old friend. She looked around
athe boys. Most of them were still sleepy. She felt the arm around her and
looked at whom it belonged.
She gasped as she stared into the most beautiful boy she ever saw. He had
deep black eyes, a creamy complexion, and black hair that fell perfectly on
his forehead.
"Are you ok?" Bumlets asked as he gazed into her deep black eyes. He can
hardly breathe.
She nodded, then broke the gaze."I'm alright. Thanks," she said
quietly,"I'm really sorry for putting you through all this trouble.
Especially you Swifty. I guess I have to tell you who i am..."
A few newsies exchanged looks. Then they waited for her to continue.
"My real name is Raziel Del Serra," she started. A few boys nodded with a
look of understanding. the headline yesterday said that the ambassador of
Mexico was killed.And the daughter was never found.
"You mean like the daughter of that Ambastard?" Boots, a young black boy
asked.
She nodded."Im being hunted down. They believe that I have the key to the
National Treasury-- I dont...If they find that out, they will kill me! You
guys have to help me, I beg of you..." she started crying again."They
killed my mother and father before my very eyes. ITs a miracle I got to
escape-- thanks to Alfredo. But he's dead too.. Im scared..I feel so
alone..." She sobbed.
Bumlets put an arm around her again and soothed her tears."Shh.. Don't
worry, We newsies will help you out. Right guys?"
Jack stepped up and smiled."Right. In fact, right now, I have a plan."
"And what is that?" Bumlets asked.
"We take her to the girls tommorow. So she'd be more comfortable, and we
ask them to dress her up andteach her to be a newsie. With a disguise like
that, she'll never be found!" Jack smiled."is that ok, Raziel?"
"Great Idea, Jacky BoY!" a small italian with a cigar smiled,"We'll teach
ya,everythin!And the newsie life is da best der is! I'm Racetrack." He said
taking her hand to kiss it.
"Hello, Racetrack, its a pleasure to meet ya!" she smiled a little,"I guess
I have to go with whatever plan now... but I have one question..."
"What is it?"
"What's a newsie?"
The boys laughed. "You'll find out tommorow, Raziel,"Race smiled."But for
now,you better rest, YOu've got a busy day ahead of ya tommorow! GOOD
NIGHT" He smiled at her. then turned to the other newsies who were heading
back to their bunks." Good night,newsies! off to bed! big day tommora!"
Soon the room was filled with the rustling of sheets and snores again.
But,on his bunk Bumlets couldnt sleep. He was thinking about the girl
beside him. He turned to his side to see her sleeping, her back towards
him. He sighed and tried to go to bed. Until he heard her sniffling.
"Couldnt sleep huh?" He asked her as she turned over to face him. In the
pale moonlight she looked like a vision.
"I couldnt," she said sighing."I cant stop thinking about it. What if they
see through the disguise?"
"They won't trust me. Just as long as you play it right,"he smiled at
her."By the way, I'm Bumlets."
"Right, I didnt get to catch your name,"she smiled at him" What queer
names.. why is everyone here named like that?"
"We use our newsie names to hide usually. Its like a disguise, whenever we
are called by our newsie names, the past doesnt really matter, when I am
called Bumlets, I am not Juan, I forget who I really am and I am a new
person. This is our way of being reborn, by giving ourselves new names so
that we can forget that we are orphans,runaways and poor boys. Its a mask
we wear. So people will not see how afraid, hurt or how affected we really
are.With our new names, we are new persons..." Bumlets said sincerely.
"So, will I have a new name?"
"Im sure you will. You have a beautiful name, as beautiful as you. Why
change it?"
Raziel blushed."But I still want to hide and escape from my past, doesn't
that count?"
"Of course it does," Bumlets smiled." If I were to name you, I'd name
you..." He paused and studied her. His eyes fell on the scarlet pendant on
her neck." I'd name you Scarlette, because you're as rare and as exotic as
that beautiful gem on your pendant."
Raziel blushed deeper and looked down to her pendant. She held it."This
came as a birthday present from Mama and Papa.This is the only thing I have
to remind me of them."She said tears welling up her eyes. SHe dried them
off." No use crying now. I guess they'd be happy if they knew I can
survive." She paused and smiled at him. He was georgeous lying down across
her with his hair falling across eyes. She resisted the urge to push it
back."I think the name is perfect."
Bumlets smiled at her." WE better get to bed, we've got a lot to do
tommora."
She nodded. "good night, Bumlets." She said and snuggled down on her
sheets.
"Good Night, Scarlette."
Scarlette found herself in front of a building with the guys.
Jack knocked thrice and let himself in followed by the others.
Bumlets smiled at her and took her arm as they went in.
"GOOD MORNING, Nana!" Jack greeted the old lady that ran the
Newsgirls Lodging House.
"Goodness, jack!The girls aren't even ready yet!" Nana replied
with good natured suprise
"Its ok, Nana," Blink smiled at the old lady fondly,"We brought
you a new goil!"
"Oh," Nana replied as Raziel appeared from behind a wall of
guys."Lovely girl.. what is your name?"
Raziel looked at Bumlets and he assured her with a nudge." My name
is-- Scarlette."
The newsies looked at her in suprise. Specs had to cover Dutchy's
mouth when he tried to speak.
Nana smiled warmly at her."Ok lovely name, Scarlette," she
said,"My name is Mrs. Winters, I run the house. If you want to stay
its free for the first night and the rest is a nickel a night. think
you can handle that?"
"I guess," Scarlette smiled at her.
All of a sudden a bright eyed blonde bounced down the stairs.
"Look at what the cat dragged in," Daisy said cheerfully," Hello
Boys! Hi Jack!"
"Hey Daisy, I've got someone fer ya to take care of," Jack drawled
at his sister,"Dis ere is Scarlette. She's gonna be stayin wid ya,
want da goils and ya to give her a complete make ovah and teach her
the tricks to become a good newsie. She needs it."
"Shore thing, Jack," Daisy grinned. "Oh by the way,Indie wants ta
see ya latah." Daisy giggled, her emerald eyes dancing."C'mon
Scarlette, we havta get ya dressed before the circulation bell starts
ringin. Bye boys, see ya latah!"
Scarlette threw one last look at Bumlets and waved to the boys as
they left. Once the boys left,( after shouting out greetings to the
other girls) Daisy dragged her upstairs to a room full of girls.
"Ey, goils! We got a new one," Daisy told them as they were
preparing for work."Jack and the boys came by and told that we should
make her ovah and make her a newsie. Her name's Scarlette."
"Hi, my name's Clink," A short girl with light brown wavy hair
that has shades of red and blonde smiled at her."lets get you in some
clothes!"
Another girl, a brown head named Filly showed her into her bunk
beside Cats and Flame. The others were busy trying to settle her in
and dress her up. The room looked like a mini- dressing room as all
the extra clothes were thrown on her and her long black hair was
loose from its usual bun. Ducky brushed her hair and tied it loosely
with a red cloth. Soon the girls decided on a white poet's shirt, a
pair of trousers (like bumlets') and a pair of black boots for
her.She looked like a model. Her white shirt showed off her caramel
colored skin perfectly and showed her perfect figure to perfection.
"not bad, not bad at all,"Trapper said approvingly.
"Now that thats done,"Words, A bespectacled brunette told her as
they walked to the circulation yards."WE gotta woik on your accent.
You cant tawk straight if ya a newsie."
"Like dis right, Woids?"
"The kid's a fast loiner!" Pigeon grinned at her. "where ya lfrom?"
"Mexico," Scarlette responded shortly.
"Isn't Bumlets from Mexico too?" Shady,a tiny brown head asked as
they entered the newsie square.
Scarlette hid her blushing face as Bumlets' name came came up the
conversation.
"Yeah, he is," Wisecracks grinned. "And I think our little
scarlette may have a thing for Bums!"
"He is nice," Scarlette Blushed deeper.
"NOw i know why she's called Scarlette!"
The girl grinned as they entered the square. Most of the girls
paired off with their boyfriends.Scarlette hung back.. soon, Bumlets
approached her.
"You look great!" he exclaimed wide-eyed. He wanted to pinch
himself to tell him that he wasnt dreaming when he saw her in a white
poets shirt and trousers. Her long hair tied back buy a red cloth.
"Thanks," She smiled and blushed.
"You look pretty when you blush," Bumlets said softly.
"I smell Romance!!," Dutchy teased as he and Words walked past
them hand in hand."Go for it, Bums!"
Now, it was his turn to blush. Scarlette giggled as they went
through the gates of The New York World together.
"What are we going to do here?" Scarlette asked him as they fell
in line
to get papers.
"We'se gotta teach ya how ta become a newsie," Ducky said. She
smiled at her grinning. Her green eyes dancing with delight."We'se
gonna buy them papes for us to sell... "
Raziel looked at each newsie."Papes? Sell?" She was puzzled and
didn't know wht they were talking about.
They laughed at her innocence." We sell newspapers," Swifty
explained as they
inched forward.We buy our papes at 2 for a penny and sell em for a
penny each. Its not much but its fun!"
"Yeah,"A curly brown head boy piped up. He was with Wisecracks."We
really get a lot of action here. Get to see places and meet a lot of
people."
"Sounds great!" Raziel clapped her hands enthustiastically.
Suddenly, someone grabbed her from behind.She froze as she stared
into a boy with a bowler hat who grabbed her.
"Who do you think you are?" She said as she backed away from him
and slapped him.
Oscar Delancey smiled."Looking good , toots. Oscar Delancey at
your service!"
"That's not cool," July remarked shaking her head, her long auburn hair
shaking with it.
"Watch it, Oscar," Bumlets warned as he boldly stepped up with his
trusty stick. Everyone stared at him, it wasn't everyday that you see
Bumlets get so worked up easily. He was one of the more peaceful of the lot.
"Well,well... well... what do we have here?" Morris taunted. He was the
older of the Delancey brothers. "Little Bummers is playing Knight in
Shining Armor eh? How about a duel?" with that he aimed a punch squarely in
the face.
Bumlets readily deflected the blow and pounded the him with the stick
right on his groin. Right then, Oscar attacked him with brass knuckle
punches. Bumlets quickly caught his arm and twisted it. With the help of
the other newsies who took this chance for revenge and took on Morris. THey
threw Oscar off the ramp.
"I may say, a job well done!" Jack smiled at Bumlets and the Newsies
with approval.
"That was fer you, me Lady!" Bumlets said in a fake British accent as he
bowed down regally in front of Scarlette who blushed.
"Awww.. You shouldn't have!" She played on, batting her eyelashes at
him.As he stepped up the window to buy them papers.He handed her a stack of
50 which literally weighed her down.
"Steady goil, we didnt give ya da whole carraige yet!" Indie exclaimed
as she helped the girl up."Heah, let me help ya wid dat!" She helped her
fix the papes and stood back as Scarlette balanced it."Not too hard,huh?"
"Uhh, thanks," Scarlette smiled,"How are we gonna sell these?" She
asked innocently.
Everyone laughed. Suddenly Flame's red hair became prominent as she
stepped yp the crate and pretended she was a teacher.
"HEahs a lesson on Sellin papes," she said in a fake aristocratic
voice,"foist you gotta know that Headlines dont sell papes--"
"NEWSIES SELL PAPES!" Everybody joined in chorus as they walked towards
the gates.
"And remembah! Ya gotta be LOUD and agressive-- if ya dont like da
headlines, TRASH EM! then make your own up.. ya aint lyin.,.. just improvin
the truth," WOrds grinned as she went off to sell her papes.
Scarlette was left alone by the gates puzzled. Bumlets grinned as she
saw her."Want me to sell with you?"
Scarlette looked at him thankfully."Yes?"
"Then, c'mon!!" He said taking her hand and heading off to sell papers.
Bumlets stared at her from across the street. She was a fast learner and a
born charmer. By mid morning, she was done selling her papers to most
everyone who passed by. He can barely concentrate in selling his own
papers,but he managed to finish early.
"That was good, for the first day," Bumlets said as they walked down
Broadway towards the Newsie Square."Let's Celebrate!"
THey ran all the way towards the square. Almost bumping onto everyone
in sight. Suddenly Scarlette slowed down and paled.
"What's wrong?" Bumlets asked.
Scarlette took him roughly by the arm and ran the other way. She looked
back at a big man with a trench coat who was chasing them.
"WHOA!!!" Bumlets broke his arm free and ran with her." follow me!"
They ran down the alleys and sidestreets looking for a place to escape.
Gunshots were firing all around them. Soon they were at a dead end.
"Give the girl up, and you wont get hurt, boy!" the man with the gun
was saying.
Bumlets pointed up to the fire escape and Scarlette began climbing it.
"Never!" He said bravely as he climbed up and pulled the ladder up with
him. They went into an open window and closed it.
"Bumlets!" Sarah exclaimed as the boy came in through the
window."What's all of this?"
"Sarah! well... we need a place to hide... this is Scarlette and
someone is trying to kill her. PLEASE!!" He pleaded as the brunette nodded.
"Alright. Hide Here!" She said opening the door of a room. There was a
rough knock at the door."Be very quiet!"
"Ok," Bumlets nodded. He took the sobbing Scarlette and soothed her.
Sarah opened the door and smiled at the rough man in a trench
coat."Hello, may I help you?"
"Good morning, Miss," The man said. His eyes searching the room for the
culprits."I was wondering if you saw a young mexican girl with a boy here.
Im her father I need her to come home."
"Sorry, But I dont know what you're talking about," she said calmly.
Inside the room, Bumlets peeked down at the alley. Seeing that the
coast is clear, He scribbled a thank you note for Sarah and climbed out the
window with Scarlette. Once they were in the alley, they ran off towards
Tibby's.
"That was close!" Bumlets said as they entered the restaurant. The rest
of the guys and girls were having lunch already.
"Hey, what took you 2 so long?" Clink teased as the two settled into a
booth.
"Good selling day?" Cats inquired from her seat beside Blink.
"Selling was good," Bumlets said breathlessly,"After that it wasnt"
"What's the matta?" Mush asked, he was seriously concerned at Bumlets pale
face.
"Yeah, you look like you seen a ghost," Dakota a big muscular boy said.
"More like a killer," Bumlets said taking a sip of water from the glass the
waiter set before them."The stalker found us. Chased us around town with
guns and all that. Good thing we ended up by Sarah's place or we're
goners!Sarah managed to distract the man, that's how we made the escape."
He paused and looked at Jack."She's fine, Jack."
Indie and Trapper winced at this, but continued to listen.
"She's gonna get caught one of these days," Skittery said matter-of-factly.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Skit! We really appreciate it," Bumlets
snapped. Everyone stared at him, it wasn't like him to flip out like this.
"We should think of a plan," Coneflower said her brown eyes sullen with
sympathy.
"What are we gonna do about it?" Pie-eater asked.
Everyone was silent for a moment thinking of what to do. Scarlette was pale
ad scared in her seat. She started to cry and Filly approached her.
"shh.. shh.. its gonna be ok.The newsies will keep you safe," She comforted
the crying girl.
"I have an idea!" Dutchy suddenly piped up. Everyone looked at him. "Why
dont one of us dress up as her and let the man follow the phony one?"
"And then, the phony one gets killed,"Specs continued, he slapped Dutchy
upside the head,"Smart, Dutch. That's really smart!"
"Was just givin a suggestion!" Dutchy protested."How about we stalk the
stalker and kill him?" He proposed again.
"How 'bout I kill you instead,Dutch, thats a stupid Idea!" Jewel smiled
evily at him, her dark brown eyes glaring.
"Ok! ok!" Dutchy held his hands up in protest.
" No, seriously... what do we do?" Words asked.
"I dont think we could do anything at all,"Scarlette said. "DUCK!"
A gunshot shattered the glass as, Bumlets and the rest took cover under
tables and chairs. One man grabbed Scarlette and took her to a waiting
carraige.
"HELP!!!! BUMLETS!!! ANYONE!!!" Scarlette screamed as she tried to break
free. but the carraige quickly moved on.
"NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" Bumlets shouted as he ran after the carraige wildly. The
man in the carraige pulled out his pistol and shot him. Bumlets went down
with the shot.
"BUMLETS!!!!!" Scarlette cried as they pulled away.
A quick witted Cat ran after the carraige and hitched on the back. As it
ran away from the scene. The police came in a minute after and tried to
find the men.Bumlets was quickly taken to a hospital.
"How are you related to Miss Del Serra?" The chief of police questioned the
newsies.
Pigeon sighed,"She was a friend. She asked for a place to hide and stay so
we gave her what she needed. WE aint gonna be in trouble for that aint we?"
The police man shook his head. "No, we actually thank you! WE need your
cooperation and help to find those terrorists."
"WE'll help,"Jack assured the police.
"How about the young man who was shot? What was his relation to the
Ambassador's Daughter?" The officer asked them.
The Newsies looked at each other, unsure of what to say." He was a good
friend of hers, a very good friend," Race told him. The policeman nodded
and then left.
Suddenly, Cat came running towards Jack." I know where they took her!" She
said breathlessly,"At the dock near Spot's place. We better hurry and save
her! I think theyre about to do something really bad!!"
Jack nodded. "Come on!" He motioned to the Newsies who hurried to follow
him.
"I will not say anything!" Scarlette glared at the man from her seat in the
middle of the room. She was tied to her chair and was bruised all over.
"Once again, where is the key?!"The big man said.
Scarlette simply glared at him then spat at the man.The man slapped her
strongly then left her in the dark room.
"Watch her, Roderigo," The man said as he closed the door behind him.
The newsies hurried to the pier.Spot was waiting for them.
"Jacky boy! I hoid about the goil and Bumlets," The leader of the Brooklyn
Newsies said as he approached.
"So,what ya plannin?" Jack asked him.
"We needs someone who knows how ta pick locks, and someone good at ropes.
Then we need the rest ta stay heah,for backup,"Spot replied, his clear blue
eyes narrowing.
"That's smart," Trapper nodded."Woids heah knows the locks as well as the
ropes.Ise can come too."
"Woids is comin, and so is Mush ,Blink, Swifty and Dakota. Race, ya take
charge here. If anythin at all happens, Swifty'll let ya know," Jack said
quickly."Blink,Call the cops,tell em we're here."
"Awright," Race said seriously.
"Lets go!" Spot said as he let the party towards the warehouse. He motioned
them to be quiet.
Through a small hole, they saw Scarlette tied to a chair. A single man was
reading a newspaper with her.The man stood up and went to the loo.
Words got to work quickly she pulled a pin from her hair and set it on the
lock.Soon they had access.
"Shh.." Spot said as they approached the chair. Mush took a small knife and
set to work with the ropes.Scarlette looked at them gratefully. Soon she
was free. Just when they were about to leave, the big man and Roderigo
re-entered the room.
"What the-?!" The big man pulled out his pistol and aimed it at them.
Roderigo did the same.
Jack and Spot looked at each other. They moved slowly, and tried to attack
the men. They struggled with the guns.
"Go! Run!!!" Jack ordered them as both leaders still struggled.
Mush, Words, Scarlette and the rest ran out of the warehouse quickly. The
police saw them and ran inside.
"FrEEZE!" the police said as they arrested the terrorrists. Jack and Spot
sighhed in relief as they walked out of the warehouse unharmed.
"Are you ok?"Indie and Trapper asked as Jack came towards them.
"Are you ok?"Indie and Trapper asked as Jack came towards them.
July and Daisy rushed to Spot.Each one trying to beat the other.
"Spot,I was so worried about you!" July gushed as she reached Spot and took
a handkerchief to wipe his perspiring face.
Daisy glared at her and then sweetly produced a small canteen of water."
Hey, I bet you're thoisty,Spot? Here, have some..."
"Thankee, goils!" Spot smirked with such Conlon self satisfaction."You're
so kind. I wouldn't mind being a hero if a bunch a goigeous goils would
swoon ovah you each time!"
Daisy and July sighed. Meanwhile, Jack was busy fending off Indie and
Trapper.
"Shoo! Go! C'mon Indie! C'mon Trapper!"Jack pleaded as he backed away from
the love sick girls."Les' here. You know how much of a tattle tale that
brat is.C'mon!"
"Why settle for Bubblehead Bo-Peep, when you can have me?" Trapper
demanded, her hand on her hips.Her bright green eyes staring right at Jack.
"Or me?" Indie asked him crossing her arms. Her own green eyes narrowing.
"But--" Jack said backing off looking for an escape.
Meanwhile, Coneflower rushed to Mush as he came out of the Warehouse with
Scarlette. She pounced on him as he came near.
"MUSH! Thank God, You're safe! I was worried that you got shot or
something!" she said smothering him in hugs and kisses.
"EYYYYY!" Mush laughed at Cone."I'm still alive, dont get all smoochy
here."
Dakota and Jewel were already hugging, while Swifty was immediately taken
by Ducky in her arms.
"You ok?" Race asked Scarlette who stood back smiling at all the couples.
Her smile faded when she remembered Bumlets.
"Bumlets?" Scarlette asked,"Is he--?"
"He's in the hospital," Shady nodded as Race put an arm around her."We
don't know if he will pull through."
Scarlette closed her eyes,suddenly feeling nauseus. It was her fault that
Bumlets was in the hospital fighting for his life.She cried quietly.
Clink, Flame, Words and Wisecracks went to her."He's gonna be fine," Flame
soothed her.
"Are you--?" Clink didnt have to continue. Scarlette nodded.
"Yes,I am in love with him," she said.
The newsies were silent at this. They knew only prayers can save Bumlets.
"Alright kids, shows ovah, you can go home now, and thanks! " The police
men told them. "You better swing by by the station tommorow to get yer
reward."
"Reward?!" The newsies all stopped what their doing and looked at the
officer.
"Yep, $500 smackeroos for you to share," the man said, then turned to
Scarlette."Ma'am, Vice-President Alonzo is waiting for you at the Waldorph.
I think you better come with us."
The newsies buzzed with excitement.Then stopped.
"Where are you going, Scarlette? You're leaving?" Blink asked.
"No, just for tonight," Scarlette smiled and then went into the carraige
that was waiting.
New York City Hospital.5:30 am
Bumlets was lying on the bed. His creamy face pale, he looked almost dead.
Scarlette stared at him and closed her eyes. Last night's ordeal was fresh
in her mind. She had talked to the Vice-President and refused the offer to
be the next Ambassador. She gave up all the information she knew, signed
some papers and then went to the hospital to Bumlets. She was not Raziel
anymore, she was Scarlette. The Scarlette who was in love with Bumlets.The
newsie.
"I'm sorry, Bumlets,"she said to the pale figure on the bed."If it werent
for me...Bumlets, I love you..." She held his hand kissed him lightly on
the lips.She then gave in to her own exhaustion and went to sleep.
Little did she know that the kiss produced a magical effect add a smile on
the boy's lips.
"Shhh...." Clink said as they entered the room. "He's still asleep."
"Who's that?" Race asked as he saw someone holding Bumlets hand and asleep
beside his bed.
"It's--" Words stepped up for a better look," Its Scarlette!" She
exclaimed.
"It is!" Pie- eater said rather loudly. THat everyone shushed him.
"I think its the sweetest thing I ever saw," Jewel sighed laying her head
on Dakota's shoulder.
Scarlette stirred at the noise and blinked her eyes."Oh, Hi guys!" She
smiled at them.
"You're back," Blink said.
"To stay," Scarlette nodded," I signed some papers yesterday so my heirloom
would go to my cousins and the charity, took some money for my account and
then told them where the key is. I also told them that I'd be happier here,
with you guys. And, I couldnt leave Bumlets." She said looking at Bumlets
who had more color in his face.
"That's great!" Ducky smiled."We got the reward and got us some new
clothes,and to fix the lodging houses. WE also bought food."
The girls unveiled the basket which was filled with bread,croissants and
fresh fruits.They didnt notice then that Bumlets had blinked his eyes open
and was awake.
"That smells great!" He said from his bed.
Scarlette whirled around."You're awake!!!" She ran towards the bed.
"and you're safe! I dreamt that an angel kissed me last night," he said
looking into her eyes."I guess it was you."
Scarlette smiled at him."Want to know if it was really me?" She kissed him
sweetly in the lips.
"Ahem.. some of us are still here?" Dutchy coughed.
"Aw,c'mon Dutch, you're just jealous that he gets a kiss!" Words smiled
then kissed him squarely in the lips.
Bumlets smiled at Scarlette."Are you here to stay?" He asked.
"Til forever,Bumlets," Scarlette said to him."Til forever...I've got
nowhere else to hide but your heart...."
EL FINI