They boys were immensely surprised when the reporter came into the lodge house with an expensive looking doctor in tow. "Ok Doc, do what you have to, I'll pay." Denton stepped aside as the doctor strode up to Crutchy's bed. Marissa sat beside Crutchy and held his hand as the doctor poked and prodded his knee and leg. After what seemed like hours he stood up and sighed. "It seems that the bone didn't heal right and because of that the bone is pushing its way into the already damaged muscle, causing him immense pain. I believe I can correct this with surgery, but it will cost you." The doctor stroked his thin mustache and turned toward Denton. "Do it." Denton nodded his head toward the skinny boy on the bed. "Very well, bring him to my clinic tomorrow and make sure you pay me before." He grinned and left the newsies and Denton to themselves.
"Tanks Denton." Crutchy muttered from his cot. He was sitting up against a few pillows and his face was red, not only from pain, but from embarrassment as well. "Don't worry about it, kid. You can pay me back with free newspapers for the rest of my life." Denton laughed and patted Crutchy on the shoulder. "Deal!" the boy smiled as he realized that would be easy to work out.
Late that night Marissa sat with Crutchy on his bed reading to the newsies a story from a book she borrowed from Denton. It was a group of stories called Grimm's Fairy Tales. The boys all leaned closer as she paused in her reading of Brother and Sister. "Well, I believe that is all I will read tonight, maybe tomorrow night." She started to close the book when all the boys started yelling and begging for more. "Alright, fine, I'll read more, only if you promise that I don't have to read tomorrow night." Marissa looked around the room as the newsies nodded the heads and got comfortable to hear the rest of the story.
"That was really scary, but kinda good at the same time. It kinda seems like all dere stories are scary but then most end up happy." Crutchy and Marissa were sitting on his bed after everyone else had gone to bed. "Yeah, do bad life ain't like that." The girl agreed and sank farther into the pillow and blanket they shared. "Tired?" Crutchy asked as he lifter the blanket a little higher. "Not really, just cold." As to affirm her statement a cold December shoved through the lodging. Both quickly huddled closer together to stay warm.
"Marissa?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm worried about tomorrow, ya tink he'll be able ta fix it?" Crutch twisted a handful of blanket between his fingers.
"Don't worry Crutchy Denton wouldn't have picked him if he wasn't a good Doc." Marissa plucked his fingers from the blanket and held them between her own. "I'll be there when the make you go to sleep and I'll be there when you wake up. I probably won't be in with you during the surgery, 'cause, well, I hate blood. But every other time I will be there." Crutchy smiled at her before quickly nuzzling his head into her shoulder then turning over and going to sleep.
I hope you liked this chapter. I had fun writing it. Does any one have any ideas for this story? I'm kinda starting to get stuck.