Note: Here is Chapter 2 at last. I hope all of you enjoyed this, and things will soon heat up. Any guesses to why the famous character is there? By the way, Devon is an Irish name.. well it was in a book.. Lol.

Through Ups and Downs Chapter 2 - A Cup of Tea

Mush whistled as he prepared for a new day. The sun was out, and his spirits were high. The boy bought his papes, and said "no, thank you" to selling partners. On his way to his corner, Mush lifted papers, beginning to sell before he got there. All day the boy stood there, selling papers to anyone who would give him the time of day. Thankfully selling was better today: Friday. It wasn't as cold as Thursday, and people were already out with bags on their arms, doing early Christmas shopping. Mush shook his head, lifting another paper. Then the factory bell rang. Mush looked eagerly at the doors of the building. Adah would be here soon. When the girl came out, Mush waved to her. She walked over, as she always had before. Now, however, she stopped in front of him first.

"Good evening," she said politely. Mush tipped his hat. Adah looked to see about two papers left in his hand. "I see today was better." she stated.

Mush nodded. "Uh, Adah, I don't want ya to think it's forward or somethin', but I was wonderin' if you would like to go for coffee and a sandwich or somethin'."

Adah stared at him, her deep hazel eyes boring into his brown ones. "Listen," she said. "I know newsies, and I also know how to punch, so if you're-"

Mush put up his hand, blushing crimson. "No, no, I'm not like that AT all." Adah relaxed a bit when she saw his sincerity.

"So, about that coffee?"

Adah shook her head. "I'll take tea, if you please."

Mush grinned. "Tea it is."

Mush and Adah sat across from each other in a small shop. The place was open until nine, and the two sat there, enjoying a late dinner together. Adah sipped her hot tea, closing her eyes as she enjoyed it. Mush had crumbs left from a sandwich sitting on his plate, and now he watched the girl. She opened her eyes, and smiled.

"This was really nice," she said. Mush was smiling now as well.

"Can I walk you home?" he asked.

Adah yawned. "I guess," was her reply. Mush paid for the food and drinks, then jumped up to help her from her seat. He then handed Adah her shawl, and the two walked out. The city had grown extremely cold, for the sun had gone down, and Mush noticed Adah shivering.

"Here," he said, handing the girl his shabby coat.

"Oh, but you'll be cold," Adah said sorrowfully.

"I'll be fine," the boy insisted. So Adah put the coat on and wore her shawl over it.

"Thank you," she said, looking up at him.

Mush smiled. "It's nothin' really." Mush didn't know the way to her home, so Adah walked in that direction, he alongside her. The girl didn't mind leading the way; she was glad of his company in the dark of the night. After walking a while, the two reached an apartment building. Mush faced Adah."I'm sorry I kept you so long. I hope your parents aren't worried." Adah paled, a shadow crossing her face. Mush laid a hand on her arm, foreboding filling him.

"What's wrong?" he asked, looking into her eyes.

"My parents are dead."

Mush opened his mouth in a perfect O. "I - I'm so sorry," he said.

Adah shook her head, smiling weakly. "Things happen Mush. We can't help it. Everybody dies." Mush nodded slowly. The two entered the building so he could walk her safely to her apartment.

"Hey, Adah?"

"Hmm?"

"Will I see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah." They stopped outside her door. She pulled a key from around her neck and put it in the lock, then pushed the door open. She turned to look at Mush from the doorway, smiling.

"Thanks for everything Mush. For the sandwich and tea, for walking me home, and for talking to me. You're a good guy."

Mush smiled. "You're a good girl too, Adah"

The girl blushed a bit. "Thanks. See you tomorrow."

Mush took his hat off. "'Til tomorrow." Adah watched him go, then shut the door of her apartment.

"What's he doin' here?" a male voice asked. Adah grinned mischievously at the figure sitting in a chair.

"Nothing concerning you, Spot, my boy," she said, humming a tune.

"Seriously, what's goin' on?"

Adah sat down in a chair near him. "He walked me home."

"And why were you gone so long?"

"Does it matter?"

Spot crossed his arms. "Yeah, it does."

She rolled her eyes, huffing. "Fine. I wish you'd let me settle my own business, Devon Conlon. He took me for a sandwich and tea, satisfied?"

Spot glared at her, and began to brood and mope. Then he noticed something. "What's that your wearin'?"

Adah glanced down, and saw Mush's thin coat. "Oh no!" she exclaimed, thinking of how cold the kind boy would be. "It belongs to Mush, I have to get it to him!" She began to rush out the door, but Spot stopped her.

"He's long gone by now Ad."

The girl sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I hope he doesn't freeze."

Spot rubbed her back tenderly. "He won't. He's tough, and he knows how to take care of himself."

Adah turned around. "So why are you here Spot? Why aren't you in Brooklyn?"

"I need to talk to you." The young man held his hand out. "Come heah."

Mush walked briskly, trying to keep warm. He rubbed his arms, and walked with his head down. He was well aware that he had left his coat with Adah, but he had decided on letting her take it. If she cared, Adah would bring it to him the next day. Hopefully, before she went to work, otherwise he'd be very cold the next day. The lights were out in the lodging house and Mush whispered a prayer of thanks. Maybe he wouldn't get it so bad tonight. As he walked up, the stairs creaked, and he carefully opened the bedroom door. Bodies were flung haphazardly over every bed, except his own, and he quietly made his way towards it.

"Hey, Mush." The boy stopped dead in his tracks. Kid Blink was propped up, staring at him with that maniacal grin. "See your girl?" Mush opted to ignore him, and climbed into his bunk. With a sigh, the boy thought how another day had passed without gaining the things he wanted. He knew things like this took time, and he reasoned that he was getting on even better with Adah.

Tomorrow, the boy thought. Tomorrow I'll look for a job.