Fifth chapter already? I feel like I'm actually going somewhere! This is weird. Well, I hope you enjoy this one, it's pretty funny. I don't own Liberty's Kids. But I do own Danny, Frank and Cassandra.

The four children were soon in town buying supplies. Henri and Marie were (surprise, surprise) buying food, while Sarah and James were getting ink and paper.

"I hope Marie-Claire knows how to act at the grand ball," Sarah said as they left the store, "Do you know if she has ever gone to a ball before?"

"I told you what I know, Sarah," James said irritably, "It's not like she asks me to keep secrets from everyone."

"Well she only talks to you," Sarah sneered, "If you haven't noticed."

James was about to reply when he saw a familiar group of people approach them. He swallowed hard and frowned.

As Henri was deciding over which kind of meat to choose, he caught something in the corner of his eye. A sinking feeling came into his stomach.

"Marie," Henri whispered, tugging on her arm, "I smell trouble."

Marie-Claire paid for the food and glanced outside the store window. She gasped.

"Come on, Henri," She said heatedly, "Let's go."

As Marie-Claire and Henri crossed the street toward James and Sarah, the three people had already gotten to the British girl and American boy. These people where the rival newspaper.

The group consisted of Danny, Frank and Cassandra. Danny, the leader of the pack, had black hair that always stood up, and piercing gray eyes. Frank was rather chubby and freckly. Cassandra's hair was long and in tight, expensive curls. They were American, but most of all, they were mean.

"Good day, James and Sarah," Danny said in a bitter-sweet voice, "Out buying ink or romancing?"

James' face turned red, "We're getting more supplies for our newspaper. I can see that you're not. Is it because you've finally realized how pointless your expensive Pennsylvania Times is?"

Frank clenched his fists, "Nothing is as pointless as yours."

Cassandra stepped forward, "Frank is right. A newspaper is printed to inform the people of the ongoing invents in the world. Our newspaper, unlike yours, is only printed with the best ink and paper that is offered."

By now Marie and Henri had reached them.

"The people don't want a fancy newspaper to read," Marie-Claire said hotly, "They just want to know what is going on."

Cassandra glared at her, "Are you saying that the Pennsylvania Times is too fancy?"

Marie crossed her arms, "I'm just saying that the quality of the articles is what really matters."

Cassandra looked casually at her nails, "Article quality is poor at your little shack, anyway. That Blondie over there is always making spelling mistakes. Besides, he probably makes it all up when he writes."

"You're the ones that make it all up," Marie shot back, "James doesn't make up any of the articles! He writes them as they happen, because instead of getting information from people who were there, he actually witnesses the events as they happen! But most of all, he writes them from the heart. James Hiller has by far some of the most fantastic writing skills I have ever seen, and nothing in your newspaper has any of what he has!"

Danny held Cassandra back, "Well you shouldn't be talking. YOU don't even write the articles. You're probably just still living there because you're a screwing James, you little homeless tramp without a country."

Marie-Claire's eyes flashed extraordinarily with fury. James grabbed her right arm and Sarah grabbed her left, puling her back.

"That was very rude, you grande conchon!" Henri shouted.

"Oh, what are you going to do about it, little croissant?" Danny laughed.

Marie broke free from Sarah and James' grip and pushed forward. Henri jumped back just in time as Marie-Claire screamed, "Screw THIS!" and punched Danny right in the face.

"Marie-Claire!" Sarah gasped, restraining her.

Danny had been knocked right down to the ground. He was clutching his bloody nose and wincing.

"Danny, what has that hussy done to you?" Cassandra asked consolingly, "Come on, we'll get you some help."

"She broke my nose!" Danny was shouting as they took him away, "She broke it!"

"We'll get you for this!" Frank called back.

Everyone turned and looked at Marie. James looked shocked, Sarah had a I-hope-we-don't-get-in-trouble look on her face, and Henri was overjoyed.

"Hooray for Marie-Claire!" He said, dancing around waving his arms in the air, "She has prevailed over the enemy!"

"Henri, be quiet," Sarah whispered sharply, "Do you want the entire continent to know?"

"Non!" Henri replied, still excited, "The whole world! Vive Marie-Claire!"

Marie was silent. She was quiet the whole way back. James longed to speak to her, but decided not to.

He found an opportunity later that night. Sarah was downstairs talking to Moses about everything they had purchased, so she was in the room alone.

"Um, Marie?" James asked nervously while she brushed her hair. He was leaning against the doorway.

Marie-Claire glanced at him. She gave him a small smile, "Yes?"

"I was just wondering if I could ask you something." James mumbled.

Marie moved over on the bed, and James gratefully sat down beside her.

"Did you really mean everything you said today?" James asked, scratching the back of his neck nervously awaiting her answer.

Marie stared down at her hands, "About you?"

He nodded.

"Then yes," Marie replied, "Every word of it."

James felt himself turning pink, "I…I didn't know you read the Gazette."

"I always did whenever you weren't around," Marie said softly, "I glanced at it one time after we had printed them, and then I decided to read it. You really do have a way with words, you know."

James was now turning red. He felt himself becoming more and more flustered.

"I just…James…you were the first person I trusted when I came here. You were really, really nice to me in spite of how rudely I was acting-"

"You weren't acting rude."

"You see? That right there. Your sweetness."

Marie stood up and faced him, "You helped me when I was in terrible times. And didn't even ask for anything in return. That is something that I haven't seen in years."

"What do you mean?" James asked, edging closer to her.

"People treat me differently than others," Marie said quietly, "I really can't tell you why…"

"But I don't understand. Why are you always secretive?" James said.

Before she could reply, Henri appeared in the doorway.

"You had better go to bed," Henri said, "We are leaving tomorrow, mon ami!"

Marie and James made a quick longing glance at each other. In her eyes, James saw that she wanted to tell him everything, but for some odd reason, couldn't.

Romancing going on? Or just close friends? I'm sorry if all the events aren't; historically accurate, but they fit the story perfectly. Thanks again to all who loyally review! 

Loverly yours,

Autumn