Chapter Three
Seventeen Again

Skittery felt as if he had been hit over the head with a shovel – a shovel filled with pure, concentrated shock. He could do nothing more than stare as the scene unfolded like that of a picture show; there was a complete disconnect from the reality of what was happening…

And then the world realigned itself and reality snapped into place. He was truly present in the moment. Claire Connelly was standing across the room at the side of Mush Meyers, who was holding the accompanying child in his arms. Both wore glittering smiles as they happily traded life stories with those who had gathered. Skittery felt heat rush to his cheeks as fury bubbled inside of him. His fury, however, was nothing compared to the embarrassment that was slowly surfacing. Why had he wasted so much time thinking that anything good would come out of this night? He was just glad he had not shared his desires with anyone else; that would have been mortifying!

"You alright, Skittery?" Tumbler asked for the second time that evening, noting the change in his friend's complexion.

Realizing that his emotions were becoming visible to others, Skittery rose from his seat and grunted, "I'm gonna step out for some air."

"Want some company?" Tumbler asked as he shared a knowing look with the two other newsies at the table.

"If you want to, kid." Skittery strode away from the table without another word.

Had it really been seven years since she and Mush left the city, moving to Albany and starting a whole new life? Standing in front of Irving Hall, under its bright yellow lights, seemed to wash those last seven years away. She felt seventeen again. All the memories, the good and the bad, came flooding back as though it had just been yesterday: the rally during the strike, the victory party, the dances, the fights and the love she had for each of her newsy friends. A chill ran up her spine and she glance over at Mush, taking a deep breath.

"Are you ready for this?"

Mush smiled. "Feels odd, doesn't it?"

It was in moments like this that she loved how in tune with her feelings he could be. She grinned and nodded. "Yeah, it does."

"There is still time to change your mind. Nobody's seen you."

"I'm not changin' my mind. It's just – well, you know – there are a lot of memories in this place. It's overwhelmin'."

"I know," Mush replied. "Well, let's do this…"

Claire nodded, taking the lead.

Again, it was like a step back in time. The theatre was just how she remembered it, though the work that the Higgins' had done to bring it up to date was not to be overlooked. Reaching the top of the stairs, she could see the clusters of people in the auditorium. Her stomach leapt with excitement and nerves. She took another deep breath and plunged beneath the archway.

Looking around the room at many of her old friends, Claire couldn't help but smile. Quite a few people had shown up! She turned back to see Mush shaking hands with Itey. Celia had slipped from his grasp, so Claire gave her a look and held out her hand for the little girl. Holding her hand firmly, Claire walked into the room and was greeted enthusiastically by the group nearest to her. Celia clung to Claire's leg as Racetrack, Graziella, and Jack gathered around them.

Claire returned their greetings warmly and then looked back to Mush; he was missing the big entrance. He joined them and scooped Celia into arms, greeting his friends and introducing them to the little lady. Claire couldn't stop smiling. It felt good to be home.

Quite suddenly, she was pulled into an awkward hug – awkward because it was over the round belly of Inky Porter.

"I didn't think you were going to come!" Inky said, beaming. "I am so glad you did though."

"I almost didn't," she replied truthfully. "Mush had to do a lot of convincing. But, I'm actually really glad I'm here." Claire grinned. "You look fantastic, by the way!"

Inky pursed her lips. "I wish everyone'd stop sayin' that! I'm huge!" She laughed when Claire nodded. "So, how long are you in town for?"

"A couple of nights, I think," Claire replied. "It's easier on Celia – and Mush and I – if we space out the train rides. She is a handful right now."

Inky grinned and rubbed her belly, in only a few months she would have her own hands full. "Come on, let's grab a drink. We've got a lot of catching up to do!"

She was going to let Mush know, but he and Graziella were already introducing Celia to the Higgins' clan. Claire followed Inky to the bar, greeting others along the way. She also got the chance to meet Inky's husband…

"Inky, I gotta ask you a question," Claire said, after finally ordering a drink. "How'd you end up with a guy like that, huh? He seems like a bit stiff is all."

"He's a good man," Inky replied, casting a loving glance at her husband who was talking with Specs. She chuckled. "I think he's just overwhelmed by all of this. I mean, I've been tellin' him about the newsies for years. He was afraid he wouldn't fit in. And he isn't quite as big of a stiff as he seems, I promise."

Tug smiled. "Fair enough. I mean, I was nervous about comin' and we're all friends!"

"Yeah, I was a little nervous too. Being married and pregnant, and reuniting with an ex-boyfriend is not on my list of things to do often. It hasn't been as awkward as I thought it might be though. It is nice to see him and to know he is well and happy."

"Speakin' of potential awkwardness," Claire said hesitantly. "I thought I saw Skittery when I got here, but I haven't seen him since."

"Oh, he's here somewhere," Inky said confidently, looking around the room. "Connor and I ran into him and Specs when we were coming in. You're right though, I don't see him anywhere."

Claire frowned. It was the possibility of seeing Skittery that had caused her so much anxiety in coming to the reunion. Eight years had passed since they last spoke to one another. Occasionally a thread of news concerning him would find its way to her, mostly in Inky's letters. There was the one time Kid Blink came through Albany on his way to Boston. It was difficult to say whether he had planned the stop or if it had been chance that brought him to their diner, but Blink provided them with news of many of their friends. The worst of it was about Skittery. It was difficult to hear of his troubles.

"Is he doin' alright, do you know?" Claire asked.

"I didn't really get the chance to talk with him." Inky shrugged. "But he looked pretty good to me. Actually, you can see for yourself."

Claire's eyes followed where Inky's finger pointed to the backstage door. Like many of the boys, he looked a bit older, but not much different than when they were teenagers. He still had that stoic look about him, and the rolled-out-of-bed look that she used to love so much. As far as she could tell he looked a little worn, but nothing to be alarmed by.

"You gonna talk to him?" Inky asked, quirking a brow.

"Eventually, but I'm going to need a couple more drinks in me before that happens."

Calmed down a bit, Skittery stood just inside the room and scanned the scene. Claire was talking with Inky at the bar. Mush and Racetrack were across the room, laughing heartily about their conversation. Everyone seemed to be having a grand old time catching up on each others' lives. Again, he couldn't help but ponder the meaninglessness of his life over the past years; it had been such a waste. What did he have to show for it? Nothing. It was embarrassing. At least Mush was able to properly care for Claire. And it was for that reason Skittery made peace with the situation.

Crossing the room, he returned to his seat with Specs, Pie Eater, and Tumbler. He would talk with Claire at some point, just not yet.