Thanks to all my fabulous reviewers! I love hearing what you guys think:) We're about to see a new side of Pocket . . . .

That evening, Pocket went with Jack to the Jacobs' apartment, to pick up Sarah and David. Mr. Jacobs welcomed Jack heartily when he answered the door. Pocket stood quietly in the doorway, eyes darting around the room, admiring everything. She'd never actually been inside a real home before, and was unsure how to act.

"Papa, this is Pocket," David introduced.

Mr. Jacobs stepped forward to shake her hand. "Nice to meet you, young man," he greeted her.

Jack laughed at this, reaching over to knock off her hat. She blushed and glared at him as Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs made noises of surprise. She hastily bent to pick up her hat and shoved it on her head.

"Forgive me, young lady," Mr. Jacobs apologized. "I didn't expect . . ." he trailed off, studying her curiously. "I'm just a little bit surprised," he went on. "I wasn't aware that girls sold newspapers, too."

"They don't," she answered as Mrs. Jacobs motioned her into a seat.

She sat carefully, perching on the edge of the cushions in an attempt not to get it dirty.

"Pocket heah is the one an' only goil newsie in New York," Jack said proudly. "Been in Manhattan about five years."

Mr. Jacobs nodded thoughtfully. "If you don't mind my asking, Miss Pocket," he said, "I find it interesting that you choose to sell papers instead of a more typical job."

"It's alright," Pocket said when Ms. Jacobs scolded him for being nosey. "Just sort of fell into it, at foist," she explained. " But I like it. Wouldn't do well in a factory, don't like bein' cooped up inside. An' I'se not classy enough for a shop, so sellin' papes is all that's left for me."

"And you enjoy it?" She nodded. "Are you good at it?"

She grinned. "Sure am. Sell a hundred a day, sometimes more."

Mr. Jacobs clearly had more questions but at that moment Sarah entered the room and all the men stood to greet her. Pocket stood too, awkwardly pulling at her clothes. Sarah looked so pretty in her nice dress with her hair curled. Pocket looked down at her patched and faded pants and her ragged shirt, for the first time wishing she was just a little bit more feminine.

Mrs. Jacobs noticed her discomfort and pulled her aside.

"I understand this rally is an important event," she said kindly. "Maybe you'd like to borrow something of Sarah's."

Pocket hesitated, embarrassed and not wanting to accept charity. Sarah walked over and tapped her on the shoulder.

"It'll be fun," she said coaxingly. "Come on, I have the perfect dress."

With a small smile, Pocket followed the older girl into her bedroom, ignoring Jack's complaints that they were going to be late. Sarah thanked her mother when she brought in warm water and filled the tub, then left the girls alone. Pocket washed up while Sarah dug through the wardrobe.

"Aha!" crowed Sarah, holding up a handful of pale green fabric.

She helped Pocket dress, doing up the row of tiny buttons that ran down the back. Pushing the smaller girl into a chair, she bustled about gathering a hairbrush and pins.

"You have really pretty hair," she said as she gently brushed out the dark curls.

"Thanks," Pocket said, surprised. She'd always liked her hair, it was her one concession to being a girl. That was why she kept it pulled up under her hat instead of cutting it off completely. But she never really thought it was pretty, certainly not compared to Sarah's soft, shining ringlets.

"There," Sarah finished with a satisfied smile. "All done."

She pulled Pocket to stand in front of a full length mirror.

Pocket blinked at her reflection, not recognizing the girl that stared back at her. Her hair lay curling over her shoulders, the sides were pinned back to drape down her back. The light summer dress was a pale green that made her skin glow and her eyes sparkle.

"It's a little long," Sarah said, "but if you're careful I think you'll be alright."

Pocket just stared at the mirror, amazed by what she saw.

"You ready?" Sarah prompted.

"Ready as I'll ever be," she answered, following Sarah out of the room.

Pocket couldn't help but laugh at Jack's reaction when he saw her. His mouth hung open, and he stumbled to his feet as he stared at her.

"Wow,' David whispered.

Pocket blushed uncomfortably and started joking to ease the moment.

"Shut ya mouth, Kelly," she teased, " a bug'll fly in."

Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs hurried the youngsters out the door. As they left, David's father shook her hand again, saying she was welcome back any time.

"Can't wait till the boys get a load of you," Jack laughed as they walked down the street.

"Shut up Kelly," she scolded. "You're just jealous cuz I clean up nice."

"Surprised is more like it," he answered, then gave a knowing wink. "I know somebody else who'se gonna be surprised," he said knowingly.

She punched him lightly in the arm, then took her leave, once again thanking Sarah for the loan of the dress.

"See you'se guys at the Hall," she told them, then skipped off toward the bridge.

Spot had sent a couple of boys ahead to keep an eye on her, she pretended not to notice them as she stood waiting at the end of the bridge. Soon she heard voices and looked up to see Brooklyn coming across, Spot in the lead. He almost walked right past her until she called out to him.

"Hey Brooklyn!" she ran to him, tripping over her skirts. "Thought you was gonna wait for me."

He stopped walking when he saw her, blue eyes wide as he took in her appearance.

"What's wrong?" she teased happily. "Ya act like ya ain't nevah seen a goil in a dress before."

He swallowed, Adam's apple bobbing. Those light eyes traveled over her, from her loose curls down to her bare arms and her full skirt. His expression warmed, a now familiar glint in his eye when he looked down at her.

"Ya look . . ." he paused, searching for the right word. "Beautiful. Ya look beautiful," he whispered.

She blushed shyly, examining her hands. He stepped forward and took her hand, looking back at his newsies.

"Boys," he yelled, "Everybody's gonna be jealous a Brooklyn tanight. I got the best lookin' goil in New York right heah."

They all grinned and nodded in agreement. One particularly bold fellow let out an appreciative whistle. At Spot's quelling look he ducked behind his friends, but shot her a cheeky grin when Spot wasn't looking.