"Jesus Claire!" Jack exclaimed after colliding with his younger sister. After picking up the newspapers he dropped he started to make fun of her, knowing she was already mad he thought he'd torment her. "In case youse 'aven't noticed, dis is New Yoik City. Do youse know what New Yoik City has? New Yoik City has tons 'a people walkin' around! Youse just gotta watch where yer goin', ya know?"

"Shut up, Jack! I'm not nine anymore! No, actually I wish you would treat me like I was nine again, 'cause you didn't give a damn about abandoning me in the refuge then!" She screamed as the hatred for everything that was pulsating through her was starting to settle down. She couldn't believe what she was saying. Those words were flat out cruel and she regretted them immediately.

Jack stood in shock. Was this really happening? This was the first time Claire had ever said anything about him having escaped without her. He had thought he was doing the right thing, but now, five years later, he was questioning his decision. As a twelve year old boy, he was smart enough to realize if he took Claire with him they would have a harder time getting situated. He wanted to have somewhere for her to sleep and food for her to eat and he knew that was guaranteed if she stayed in prison. The food wasn't good and there wasn't much to go around and the beds were lumpy and hard but it was better than what he could give her. But, had he been wrong to abandon her? He was so guilty about it that those words hurt worse then Morris Delancy's bronze knuckles. "Claire?" he went to touch her arm but she dodged out of his reach and began to run towards her apartment.

Hot tears trickled down her face and she was chastising herself in her head, saying things similar to what her mother had screamed at her. She told herself she was useless, worthless, didn't deserve love. Jack didn't do anything wrong and she just exploded. It wasn't his fault her boss's wife was the spawn of Satan. She would have gone out to find him but she knew he would be here to find out what was really wrong or to yell at her, hopefully not the latter.

The doorknob clicked and Jack walked in shuffling his hat nervously in his hands. He started to say what he had planned he would. "Claire, maybe Ise was wrong to lea-"

He would have finished but Claire was hugging him and begging for forgiveness. "I'm sorry Jack! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean what I said, I really didn't! Please forgive me! Oh, I feel awful." She was sobbing. Normally she wasn't much of a crier, or at least she cried quietly enough no one noticed, but today had been too much.

"Shh, it's alright. Calm down, shh. I'm sorry too. I shouldn't 'a mocked youse when Ise knew you were already angry." He pushed her away gently, still holding onto her shoulders. Like Claire wasn't much of a crier, he wasn't much of a hugger. "What happened that got youse all woiked up?"

"Ugh, it was awful. Pulitzer's son came into the shop today. Oh God, Jack, he was disgusting."

"Did he touch you? I swear I'll moida da basta'd!" Jack yelled loud enough for the neighbors to hear causing Claire to blush.

"No, he didn't touch me. According to my boss's wife, if he wants to, and her very well might judging by the way he looked at me, I'd have to let him when he comes tomorrow. She told me to give him whatever he wants, no matter what it is. I'm scared to go, Jack!" She finished, hysteria threatening to come back to her.

"Then I won't let you go. You aren't a goddamn whore and no one's gonna be allowed ta treat-cha like you are."

"If I don't go, I'll lose the job. Don't you dare say 'too bad' Jack, because this is the only time it's going to happen and then everything will be back to normal."

"Says who? Who is sayin' dis lady isn't gonna make you act like this foa every rich customer, huh?"

"She said that she saw him today and he said he was in love with me. That's why she wants me to give him whatever he wants."

"If youse give him 'what he wants', and Ise know youse know what he wants, he'll keep comin' back. He'll neva leave ya alone, Claire!" She knew Jack had a point, she just didn't want to admit it. "That's it, Ise was wrong about lettin' you quit sellin' papes. Tomorra' youse is goin' back ta bein' a newsie."

"No." She said defiantly. "I'm almost fifteen, Jack, I can take care of myself. Anyways, it's more dangerous out on the streets hawking papes then working in a shop." Her voice let Jack know that her decision was final and there was no point in trying to change her mind. "I'll think of something before tomorrow, I promise. Do you want something to drink?"

"Uh, yeah, could ja get me a glass 'a wata?" He replied and she disappeared into the kitchen to get it for him. He sat on the couch with his head in his hands trying to figure out how to keep Claire from work. He thought about making her think he was sick so she'd stay and take care of him like she always did, but he knew it wouldn't work; she was too smart. He was so mad at this guy. He hated his father for gouging them and causing the strike but now his son was after his sister. He wanted to kill him and he would have if he could. As Claire walked back in he changed the subject. "So when didja plan on tellin' ya brudda 'bout cho an' Spot Conlon?"

"What?" Claire hadn't thought about telling him, she wasn't even sure if it was serious or if Spot was just flirting with her. "How did you know?"

"Fiost off, it's obvious and second 'e told me. Thought I should give 'im permission oah somethin'. Boy, if moah a da guys you dated 'ad done that ..." He trailed off as he thought of the assholes she had seen before. "Anyways, even if youse weren't gonna tell me, Ise is glad it's Spot. He ain't such a bad guy, once ya stop listen' to rumors 'bout 'im. 'E wanted me ta tell ya he'll be here round seven thioty ta pick ya up and he's takin' ya somewhere odda den Tibby's and ya need to dress up."

"Oh really? Well, my dear brother, you have to leave now."

"Yer kickin' me out?"

"Yes. I have two hours to get ready and I need to shower."

"Say no more, I'm gone."

Hello my darling readers. The story is losing my interest so I'm not sure if I'm gonna finish it. If you want me to I will, but if not I'm just gonna delete it and start something new. Please tell me if you'd rather have this one finished or a whole new one.