Hey guys! No long AN this time, so I'll get on with it!

Thaks for the reviews:)

Review and Read on:)

- Emily

Braid didn't sleep at all that night. She sat on her bed and watched the stars shine above the sky. She racked her brain on what to do about 'Eyes'. She was completely stumped.

By the time Kloppman rolled around to wake them up she was dressed and completely tied. the dark bags under her eyes stood out but she didn't care. It's not like the boys were observant anyway. She pulled her hair into the normal side braid and walked out the door to meet up the Mush. She hadn't sold with him in what seemed like forever.

"Mush! Are we selling today?" She asked, skipping up beside him. He threw his arm around her shoulder.

'Of course, darlin'! Jack still wants us in groups though, so it's me, you, Crutchie, and Race."

"Sounds good." She said as they stepped out into the sun.

After everyone got their papers Jack jumped up onto the statute outside the gates.

"Alright, listen! After selling I want everyone to meet at Medda's, okay? The other boroughs are going to be there for a small gathering. It starts at noon, got it?" Jack finished. After a few mumbled "Got it Jack" and "Whatever you say, Cowboys" 's, the newsies hit the streets.

"I wonder why we are having a gathering?" Crutchie asked as they turned down toward the docks.

"I don't know. It's not another birthday I forgot, is it?" Mush asked, scrunching his forehead in a deep thinking mode. Braid laughed.

"Is that your thinking face?" she asked. He nodded, his expression not changing as he counted dates off on his fingers. Race rolled his eyes.

"No, Mr. thinker, it's no one's birthday. I don't know if Jack want you to know this, but the leaders are attacking Queens tonight." Race explained.

"Really? Why just them?" Mush asked, a slight hint of disappointment in his voice.

"I think it's because they want to send a message to High-Brow. If only the leaders make the first attack, it will seem organized and prideful. It will show Queens that the other boroughs are united with Brooklyn." Braid thought out loud.

"It makes sense, if you really think about it. Braid you should say smart stuff like that more often." Crutchie said, playfully punching her on the arm.

"Thanks" She said, cracking her knuckles and blushing. She spotted a young mother over by the Brooklyn Bridge and smiled.

"Check this out." She said. She hugged her newspapers close to her chest and started walking past the lady. Once she was in her line of vision, she tripped and fell on her right arm. The woman saw this and rushed over.

"Oh goodness! Are you okay?" She asked, kneeling down beside Braid. braid started to sit up, but winced in "pain". She cradled her right arm.

"I...I think so, ma'am. I'm sorry for interrupting you' She said, starting to get up.

"no, no! Are you hurt? You seem to be favoring that arm." The woman said.

Like taking candy from a baby, Braid thought. She bit her lip and looked down, nodding.

"My right shoulder, ma'am. I fell on it." The woman took Braids arm and felt it gently.

"Well, I can't see anything severely wrong, but I'm no doctor. I would suggest you get that checked out or it might get worse." The woman said, gently helping Braid up.

"I would ma'am, but I haven't sold my papes today. I wouldn't be able to afford one." She said.

"Nevermind that, I'll buy two. My husband loves the read the paper anyway, so why shouldn't I read it as well? Oh, and please, keep the change. Get that arm looked at." The woman handed her a quarter in exchange for two papers.

"Thank you, ma'am."

Man, those skits never get old. She thought.

The four kids had sold all of their papers just before noon. Quickly, they walked over three blocks to Medda's theatre. The could hear the noise from the bottom of the steps. race laughed.

"wow, looks like everyone is really excited." He said. Braid had to agree. the closer they got to the door the louder and louder it got.

Inside the theatre wasn't any better. The place was packed with newsies dancing, singing, talking, and to no ones surprise, drinking.

"Well, I'm going to go find Jack. See you!' Race said as he disappeared into the sea of kids. Crutchie was the next to wander off, laving Braid and Mush alone.

"Wanna go get a drink?" Mush asked her.

"I don't drink, but I'll get a water." Mush nodded, leading her through the newsies to the back where the drinks where being distributed.

The bartender slid over a beer and a cup of water and the two paid him.

"So, what do you think about all of this attack talk?" Mush asked her. Braid sighed.

"I honestly don't know. I helped with the idea, so if anything happens it's my fault." Braid said.

"You? So that's where you all went last night." Mush concluded.

"Yeah. Spot wanted to meet with the leaders and seconds, but he wanted me there since, you know, I'm from Queens." She explained. Mush nodded.

"Personally, I think they should leave you out of it. Just because you're from Queens doesn't mean they should be attacking you for information or dragging you around everywhere because of where you come from." Braid smiled.

"Thanks."

"No, really. You haven't even gotten to engrave your name on a drawer yet!" Mush exclaimed. Braid started laughing.

"The drawer?"

"Yeah! It's tradition!" Braid rolled her eyes playfully and took a sip of her water.

For the next few hours Mush and Braid laughed, talked, and even danced for a while. Neither of them were very good, seeing as they kept stepping on each others toes. All the fun made Braid forget about all of her problems for a while. that is, until she saw all the leaders go up onto the stage with Medda.

"Ho! Listen! Now, I know this has been fun, but now let's get serious for a moment. We, the leaders, are going to attack Queens tonight. No ne is to follow us, understood. Since it's late, Medda has agreed to let you all stay here. In the morning you can leave and go back to your boroughs, but no one leaves this building, understood?" Spot said. The newsies mumbled agreements. No one in the right of mind double crossed Spot Conlon. The boys began to make their way out of the theatre.

Damn it! Braid thought, watching them go.

"Mush, I'm going to go hang out with Medda, all right?" She said. Mush nodded and went to find Crutchie. The girl took off running backstage and followed the smell of perfume to the one place she felt at home on Manhattan, Medda's dressing room. Without even knocking she burst though the door.

"Medda, no time t explain, but I need you to make me look like a boy."

Dun Dun Dunnnn! What do you think? What does Braid have planned? Let me know your thoughts!

And what about Braid and Mush? I haven't writted a scene with them really bonding in awhile so I felt that was needed.

Thanks guys! Review please:)

- Emily