And Now, the Continuing Saga of Rose/Angel/Thorns and David/Davey/Mouth. Will they ever tell each other how they feel? Will another steal her heart away from our sweet guy? And What is the "richest boy in New York" going to do about runaway "girlfriend"? Read this chapter and the ones to follow to find out. Of course I own only the things that you don't recognize from that wonderful movie the Newsies. And you know, reviews are always appriecated.

Although David laughed at me, it still remained a serious problem. This was my chance. If there were fates writing my life, this was the proof of it. It's my one chance to shine as a woman and not like some tough thug, Thorns.

Now I will tell the truth, I know that I must be somewhat pretty. But all in all, I rather would like to think my personality outshines my outsides, so I have never paid particular attention to them. Of course, at the orphanage I was always "at my best." And now, I felt like wowing the guys. This only required a dress. And here is the problem, I don't have one.

"Mouth! This really is a problem," I said crossing my arms.

He just laughed harder. So I left him to seek advice from someone who could understand the dilemma, his mother. But before I could get out, "I need help." She breezed on like she knew what was in my head.

"I've already heard about the party," she said soft and sweetly, "And here is a gift, a gift of true friendship." Then she handed me a plainly wrapped package.

"Please... Let me give you something in return," I said confused.

"Nonsense girl, it's a gift," She smiled.

I unwrapped the brown paper, and inside was a simple pink dress. As I looked at this dress, I realized no dress had ever looked so beautiful before.

"What did I do to deserve such a present?" I ask.

"By being a part of our family when we needed you," was her simple answer.

My eyes filled and brimmed over, "But I needed you," I whispered and hugged her.

Later, she helped me fix my hair as if I was her own daughter. I wondered how she could let a stranger into her daughter's place. Suddenly, it occurred to me that something was not quite right.

"Ester, how did you hear about the party? We've all been sellin' all afternoon," I put to her.

"Well, I must confess, that nice Colons boy came by to tell me. He seemed to think you might have nothing to wear." She said blushing. What she didn't tell me was what came after that statement...

"She's gotta look incredible or Davey will never find the courage to talk to her. And Mrs. Jacobs, it's gettin too late. She's gotta leave." Spot finished and knew Mrs. Jacobs understood.

So, in my ignorance, I chuckled over Mrs. Jacobs "nice Colons boy" yet again, and made a mental note to thank him for his fine common sense.

I put the final touches to my hair and smiled. I had given in to Mrs. Jacobs persistence to leave my hair down, or almost. My hair was only half up, leaving the long, slightly wavy, blondish, brownish hair to fall the length of my back.

"Beautiful," Mrs. Jacobs cried happily, "Finally, the girl I knew was there!"

"Thank you for all your help," I smiled to Ester, and patted the small necklace she let me borrow, or rather insisted I borrow.

I walked out of the door, and looked up to see David staring at me as if I were pretty, little, doll. He almost seemed frozen.

I nudged him and grinned, "Watch that you don't shatter, Mouth."

My comment seemed to release him, and he very smoothly offered me his arm, "Angel, you might look like your name, but you've the mouth of a devil. One of these days you'll regret calling me Mouth." His mouth twisted into an ironic grin.

And just like that, we walked hand in hand to Irving Hall, jeering sweet nothings at each other.

Before me rose the colored glory and noise of the hall. Dave tightened his grip for a friendly squeeze, and even I had noticed how often his eyes lingered on me. Could Dave really think of me that way? I sighed. As we entered the room, the boys whistled, "Who's that?" and then responded, "Oh, just an Angel in disguise." And the whole room chuckled. My cheeks were burning. Race came up to me with a bow.

"Hey Davey, Angel," he said nodding to each of us, "Dave, I've got claim to foist dance with Angel here. So be a good boy and watch her from somewhere else." Dave was stuttering and blushing as Race swept me to the dance floor.

"I've got him angry now," Race said grinning.

"Angry? Dave?" I could hardly believe he'd be angry about that.

"Well frustrated and jealous at least. Believe me Angelgoil, he don't want anyone else but himself to steal your heart." Race continued.

"That's... that's just silly," I laughed and blushed.

"Is it?" Race asked raising his eyebrows.

As the first dance ended, I saw Dave walking towards me, but before he had hardly started, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Angel, you've got to dance with your sellin partner," Bumlets smiled and swept me away, "You must be the prettiest goil in New York."

"Thanks Bum, and you're the second prettiest," I laughed and he joined me.

I was swept from partner to partner when Dave finally took his turn.

"I thought I was suppose to escort you," he said lightly.

"Well, I think there are a lack of girls at this party," I said cheerily, this night was surely a lot of fun!

"Just a lack of pretty ones, you knock all their socks off," Dave complimented.

Just then, my ankles collapsed on me. Dave caught me in his arms before I could fall. "Dave, I don't think I can stand to dance another," I whined, oh yes it was a horrifying whine. But, he didn't seem to notice the whine, but promptly got me a chair.

"Are you all right?" He asked worried.

"Fine, only my feet are going to fall off," I muttered.

"Here, wait and I'll get you a drink," and he ran off. I tried to tell him I would rather sit and talk with him, but he was gone before I could move my mouth.

"Miss," A small voice quivered behind my head. I turned and found a girl around my own age, "Are you Miss Rose Lewullyn? Mrs. Montague's friend?"

"Yes, I am," I responded quickly, what had happened to Cecilia?!

"You must come quick, something's wrong with her and she's asking for you."

All other thoughts rushed out of my mind, as foolish as that is, and I hurried out with the girl to save Cecilia.