Hey! I'm back as promised! Maybe we'll get lucky and I'll be able to finish this story over the holiday. That would be cool because I have so many new ideas floating around in this brain of mine. But, sadly, I must finish the stories I'm writing before starting the new ones because that just causes too many problems when I'm trying to work on two or three fics at the same time... OO Anyhoo...I'm really pleased at how this chappy turned out. The next one is even better in my humble opinion. Just to give you the heads up, this is the third to last chapter...meaning that there are only two chappies left. It's ok to sob and crybecause the story is almost done, but it has a good ending. :D And, no, I won't give you any hints! You will just have to read to find out. Evil ain't I? Ok, I was able to think of some ideas for presents for my reviewers. I had one idea, but my friend Slinks wants to hog it, so I had another idea. For all those who reviewed Chapter Twenty-One, you receive a life-size Newsie doll of your choice. :D That make you happy? I hope so! I will have something really special next time too, so please review! Thanks to... Gryffindor's Newsie, madmbutterfly713, and ElleestJenn. I know I didn't leave you others very much time to reply, so if you review late, then you will still get the dolls. :D Enjoy me chappy!

Chapter Twenty-Two

Tripper stood at the small window looking out at her last sight of New York. For the few months she had been there, this city had become home. Tears filled her eyes as the last few loaders ran down the gangplank. The time was getting closer. They would stay in port long enough to have a quick ceremony and then push off for Ireland. A salty tear ran down her cheek as she thought of her brother. They had been apart so long to only be together for a little while and be pulled apart once again.

The sight of Skittery and Jack had made her hope that they would rescue her, but as time wore on, she knew that it was her fate. They couldn't help her. It would mean certain death or pain if they even tried. The sound of the door opening made her back stiffen as she knew it was Jake coming to try and get a little more from his bride-to-be.

"What do ye want now, Jake? Don't ye…" She turned to face the door and was struck dumb by the sight of a panting Skittery standing in the doorway. All she wanted was to run into his arms and tell him to never let go. But, she was frozen in place as only her eyes moved to drink him in.

Skittery couldn't move. The sight of her froze him. He stood staring for several moments before his mission pushed its way back into his love-fuzzled brain. He dumped the basket of towels on the floor, not caring anymore and closed the door. In two steps, she was in his arms. Her small arms moved to circle his neck as sobs of joy and pent up frustration shook her tiny frame.

"Ye came! Ye came for me!" Her shining eyes looked up into his.

"Ya tought I'd jist let youse sail away?" His thumb softly caressed the soft skin of her cheek. "I would nevah fergive meself iffen I let youse go."

In an attempt to hide the soft blush that spread across her cheeks, she shyly ducked her chin. "No, I-I hoped ye would. But, the time was moving and the despair was pushing me hope out o' me heart little by little…"

Skittery watched her with a smile before tilting her face up to look at him. For several minutes, he searched her eyes knowing what he was looking for. What he found in her gaze brought a huge grin to his face. Before he could lose what little nerve he had, his head bent down and softly pressed his lips to hers. The sensation exploded from his lips and spread through out the rest of his body. What thrilled him further was the feel of her arms wrapping around his neck and her lips kissing him back. His brain was singing out in happy chorus as he broke the kiss and looked into her eyes.

"Rory…" He didn't have to ask, he saw it all in her eyes. He would have kissed her again but was interrupted by he ship's bell.

Tripper jerked back as her eyes again filled with fear and apprehension. "We haven't much time. Only about an hour left."

"An hour till what? Skittery was confused; she could tell that.

"An hour till I'm given away as a wife to Jacob McBride, honorable son of Joseph McBride and an all-around scoundrel." Her eyes flashed at he thought of marrying the awful boy.

A laugh escaped Skitts' lips as he moved back over to the discarded basket. "Well, den we must git youse outta heah, shouldn't we?"

He pulled out an outfit that matched what he was wearing from beneath the pile of towels. "Put dis on an' tuck yer hair up in dis hat. Hopefully, we's ken git outta heah an' git da fellas befoah dey come lookin' fer ya."

Tripper nodded and quickly changed in the small bathroom connected to the suite. A look in the mirror brought a grin to her stressed face. The jacket was at least two sizes too big, and the pants drooped below her tiny waist.

"Skitts, they may think I'm part o' the team, but I be looking like a clown!" She laughed along with Skittery before quickly tucking her hair up in the hat. A nod told him she was ready, and he quickly glanced around to make sure everything was in its rightful place.

Skittery grinned at her before pulling her into another soft kiss. He wanted always to remember those soft lips against his. With a sad sigh, he pulled away and opened the door. The hall was clear of all traffic since everyone must have been in the main hall preparing for the ceremony.

Skittery motioned for her to follow as he led the way down the hall. First, they had to find the others. Then, they had to get off the ship, and all without being seen. As the ridiculousness of bringing all the newsies set in, Skittery knew that their escape was screwed.

Tripper ran as fast as she could after Skittery, keeping her eyes open lest someone see them. As they arrived in the main foyer of the fancy ship, she started to feel giddy. She was going home! She was really going home!

"Psst!"

Her head jerked around looking for the maker of the noise.

"Psst! Skitts!" The voice was low and raspy as it tried to keep quiet yet loud enough to get Skittery's attention.

"Skittery! Skittery, ovah heah!" Hawk's face peeked out from behind a door followed by Jack, Accent, and Snipes, all who were wearing grins at the sight of Tripper.

Skittery, letting out a sigh of relief, led Tripper towards the door where the four had disappeared behind once again. They were almost there! Almost out!

CLICK!

"Don't take another step! It just might be your last."