I turned towards the two boys. "The name's Boots," the boy that had just spoken spit in his hand, waiting for me to shake hands. I must of had a really confused look on my face, for the two boys burst out laughing. The one with the crutch, explained that it's a newsie thing to spit shake. I shrugged and spit in my hand shaking both of their hands, and then wiped my hand off since that was pretty disgusting.
"I'm still in shock that you soaked that girl," Crutchy said. "Do you realize who you just punched?" I shook my head no. "Alice Johnson," he said the name, which didn't mean anything to me.
"Her father is some big wig on upper Manhattan," Boots replied.
"Hey we don't know who our hero here is yet?" Crutchy stated with a twinkle in his eye.
"Uh, umm, I'm Joyce Phillips," I said quietly, my stupid shyness taking over once again.
"Well Joyce, since you are now considered one of our new and best chums, do you want to go to Tibby's with us for lunch? Our treat," Boots waited patiently for me to answer.
"Ok," I told them happy that I had made two new friends.
Tibbys was only a couple of blocks away, and by the time we reached it, I was almost doubled over from laughing. Boots and Crutchy were role playing the looks of those girls faces, after I had punched Alice. I must admit it had looked pretty funny.
"Ladies first," Crutchy opened the door for me and came in, followed by Boots. As soon as I stepped in the door the restaurant fell dead silent. I didn't dare look at all the faces that were watching me curiously wondering who I was and why I was with their friends. I swallowed the lump that was forming in my throat, suddenly starting to feel light headed. I had to leave. Being around this large group with everyone staring at me, was suffocating.
For a moment, I thought about fleeing, until a voice from somewhere in the back spoke up, "well, if it isn't Joyce Phillips."