Layana thought a few moments of what she was going to say.
"Come on sweetface, why don't you tell 'em." Morris retorted still fuming. He was being restrained by, Specs, Bumlets, and leader of the Brooklyn newsies, Spot Conlon, who often came to Manhattan to see Jack.
"Well about a year ago, My family, Mom, Dad, and me were on our way to Maine to see my cousins and other relatives. On the way, when we were in New Jersey I think, we collided with something. I'm still not sure what it was. All I really remember is that we were going down a hill. When we finally stopped, I looked around, I didn't even think of my parents being hurt since I was okay. After a second I started to smell smoke and feel heat, and when I crawled out I saw it engulfed in flames. I'm not sure really why the fire was started. The only thing I can think of, is that my dad had his cigar lit and the oil lamp was on, so I could read. I wanted to go back in and get them, but by the time, I started thinking about it, I guess I passed out. The next thing I know, I'm in some hospital, and then they told me that I was the only one who made it. Like I said I remembered I had an uncle that lived in New York, but I wasn't sure where. So I wandered a few days, when I finally got here I was so worn out I decided to take a nap in some park. When I was coming to, there were two guys taking me somewhere. I almost didn't care I was so hungry and tired. When we got there, I slept in bed, and when I woke up there was food waiting for me, and Morris. He let me stay, and made sure I had something to eat. In return I helped out behind the counter. I saw you, almost all of you at one time or another." Layana stopped for a second and took a sip of water. She left her faced cast down. She continued. "Everything was going okay, till Morris started accusing me. He became obsessed by the idea that I had a thing for one of you." Some of the boys started to laugh.
"Ya did. You'se was askin' all doughs questions 'bout Cowboy."
"Only because of what went on. It was a little hard to ignore. You lied to me, I know you did. I would have never have done the stuff you said I did. You made things up so I would stay, admit it!"
"Everything I said was true" He said coldly.
"You manipulated me. You made me feel bad for you, and for myself at the same time. I had no where else to go and you knew it, you milked it for everything. Everything. And because of my leg I didn't think anyone else would love me, or look at me the way you do," Mush interrupted, his anger shown through his words, and it was evident that they were projected to Morris.
"Why would ya dink dat?" He became calmer and his voice dropped and he said something unaudioable. Racetrack too shot up with anger and protest.
"How could you dink crap like dat 'bout her. Dare are lots of guys dat think she's perddy, and sweet and she has a smile like buttah. An I'se only met her." Everyone looked at him in astonished about how passionate he acted. A little teary-eyed Layana looked a Racetrack. Morris seemed to be behaving himself so Spot and the other released him.
"I ain't done nuttin' wrong. Layana, Doll, come on." He began to pull on her arm. She stared at him but didn't move.
"I don't want to." She looked as if her eyes were ready to start raining. Morris looked as if were about to blow lava out of his head.
"No! Whad day do to ya? You owe me everything. I love you damn it, an no one else will! He was standing still but shaking, as if having a trembling. His face red and his hands in fits by his side, he began huffing and puffing. He was staring intently at Layana, then he looked at Mush and the others. He reached up to one side of his face as if to itch it and with much force swung it back, back handing Layana on the side of her face. She didn't move, for a moment she only stared paralyzed by fear. Spot, Jack and Denton grabbed him.
"I'll soak ya for dat!" Jack yelled as he took Morris's arm.
"You'll regret this sweet-face, trust me I 'm not done yet." They through him out the door, and watched to make sure he made his way back to his Uncle's. Denton made sure Jack came back in and they went back to the table. Mush got ice to put on her cheek; it was already beginning to bruise.
"Where are you staying?" Denton asked.
"With them at the lodging house."
"Oh no. No niece of mine is staying with a bunch of guys. No offence fellas. You'll stay with me. You can sleep in my bed and I'll sleep on the couch, for the time being." He took some money out of his breast pocket, enough for his, Layana's and the boys lunch, and sat it on the table.
"I'se dink dis goil should get some rest." Racetrack said as he got out of the booth. Denton pulled some more money out of his pocket and handed it to Layana.
"What's this for?"
"A new dress. You can buy one on the way to the apartment."
"Okay. Are you sure you don't need it."
"Yeah. " He smiled. "I have to get back to work. I'll see you there later." She smiled back and he left.