I laid down into my bunk that night and looked down towards the short newsboy on the other side of the room. In spite of the shocking incident with Morris, I feel that both of us had the perfect night. Actually, now that I think about it, tonight was perfect as it is. Nothing and nobody could ever ruin anything for Crutchie and I. I really felt a connection with him that I've never felt with anyone else.
We got back early enough after our outing to sit down for dinner with everyone, and luckily, Mr. Kloppman was out tonight so I didn't have to change into my newsboy get-up again. A couple weeks ago, I had moved my chair next to Crutchie's, but this evening I really knew why I had. I'm sure some of the boys noticed we had held hands under the table, but I wasn't sure why we felt as though we had to hide our love. I didn't worry about it though because we were both comfortable and that's all that mattered.
This year winter seemed to be going much faster than I remember it had the last couple years. The ice was thinning on the streets, the amount of snow decreased daily, and I barely needed my thicker coat anymore, let alone the thinner one. I kept selling with Crutchie, but spent a lot of time with Specs as well. Specs and I have talked a lot about me lately, but we never seem to talk about him that much. All I really know about him was that he loved reading the papers that his parents bought. He would take the paper when they were done and sit for hours reading it word for word, cover to cover. I've never even read a whole newspaper before. He said he loved the main stories; knowing what was happening in the world around him was really important. The topic of his family was always avoided though. I'm not really sure what happened to them, but he isn't comfortable talking about it, so I don't push him. I know how hard it is to bring back unpleasant memories of the past.
Specs' POV
I had just sold my last pape of the day and rushed back towards the window to see if anyone was still around. Romeo, JoJo, Race, and Jack were sitting around the steps when I came around the corner, relieved.
"Hey! Guys!" I called over to the four and they looked up, curious. I could feel the enthusiastic smile sitting on my face.
"What's up Specs?" JoJo said, standing up as the rest followed.
"I have a great idea, but we're gonna have to rally everybody else up okay? Well, everyone except Penny and Crutchie. Jack, that's kinda your thing so..." I faded out hoping Jack would take over, and luckily he smiled that gorgeous- I, I mean... great smile, huh. Sometimes I just get lost in his eyes, but anyway, he agreed and we split up to gather some of the guys. He and Race ran around the near streets searching for some of the boys and told them to meet at the Lodging House when they were done, JoJo, Romeo, and I headed to the House and Jacobi's to get all the guys together.
We all met back at the Lodging House after a couple minutes. Romeo and I stood casually near Mr. K's desk.
"So what's this big idea ya got Specs?" I turned to the shorter boy and smiled.
"You'll know soon enough," I said with a grin on my face. I had no idea why I was so excited for this! It kind of worried me, but gave me this fuzzy feeling at the same time.
A few moments later, Jack finally came through the doors and called out, "That's everyone, Specs! The floor is your's!" I felt that little but of nervousness I had every time I talked to people all by myself, but this time I was too excited to really notice it.
"Okay guys! Listen up!" The room quieted down and I scanned the group of boys.
"So I think we all know that Crutchie and Penny are... spending more time together right?" I gazed across the room again hoping everyone had already caught on, I mean, it's been a couple months or so. Luckily I saw most of the boys indicate that they knew so I continued. "Okay, so I was thinking, and feel free to say no, but I thought maybe we could all pitch in and surprise Penny with a new dress?" I was very hesitant, but I kept my idea coming, "And then Penny could surprise Crutchie with her new dress? Maybe?" I felt my confidence slowly plummet, but the boys actually seemed on board and my thrill climbed once more. They nodded and began chatting and spitting out ideas. I clapped my hands and Jack joined me at the front of the room, but before he could settle everyone down, Les, who we put on look out, burst through the door.
"They're coming!" We all ran in different directions and tried to get in the most natural state before the door opened with the last two Newsies returning.
Penny's POV
Crutchie and I came back in from a good day of selling to find the Lodging House much more chaotic than usual. The boys were running around frantically, up and down the stairs, in and out of rooms.
"Geez," Crutchie breathed, examining the room. "Looks like a tornado hit er some-in!" I smiled and we headed upstairs. The bunk room seemed just as crazy as the main room downstairs, but I was already used to it and went to find a dress I could wear the rest of the day. Newsboy clothes are actually not that comfortable, especially if you've been selling all day. I walked over to my bathroom with one last smile to Crutchie before I closed the door. I was so happy, summer was almost here! Not only will our selling pick up, but the weather is so, so pleasant, and I just can't wait to spend even more time with Crutchie.
Don't get me wrong, Crutchie and I have been spending loads of time together, but it never feels like enough. I just want to spend my whole life with him, but I can't really tell how everything will unfold. I mean, I wasn't even fifteen yet, but my birthday is coming up. It felt as if Crutchie and I had been together for...for eternity, but we met less than a year ago! I tried to shrug off these ideas and get dressed. I didn't need to worry about this right now.
Crutchie's POV
I met Penny's eyes one last time before she walked off to change. I turned with a dreamy expression on my face to see Specs "casually" sitting on his bunk summoning me over towards him. I hobbled over, confused, but intrigued by his excitement. I lowered myself down next to him and leaned my crutch up on the bedside.
"Hey Specs, what's up?" I asked him apathetically. I could tell he was trying to hide some kind of thrill just waiting to erupt out of his face but, he seemed to keep it down pretty well.
"Umm, not much, but I do have a question for you.." Now he just seemed sort of nervous, still excited, but nervous.
"Uh, okay shoot."
He was very hesitant and I could tell why as soon as he asked the question. "Do you know Penny's dress size?"
At first I was sort of offended and almost threatened, but that faded and total confusion just took over. Wait what? Her dress size? Specs is asking me her dress size? Specs? Of all people? Why does he need her dress size? Do I even know it? Before I could even process this whole situaiton, Specs sort of realized what just happened and kinda freaked out a little.
"Actually, never mind! Sorry, I don't know what I was thinking, I mean why shou-"
"No, no Specs it's fine, really," I calmed him down and thought about what I was going to do. I didn't know her size off the top of my head, I mean we weren't that serious.
"Um, I'll see what I can do," Specs smiled and hopped up to find Jack and I just sat there for a moment more before Penny exited the bathroom again and came to sit next to me. She took my hand and I admired how beautiful she looked, without even trying. I sat my hand on her knee and looked up into her stunning blue eyes. Her hair framed her face perfectly, highlighting attributes I didn't even know how to describe.
Specs' and I's conversation creeped back into my mind and I thought of a way to bring it up with her. After what felt like ages I looked back up into her eyes and, as casually as I could, brought up the question.
"So, Pen... Can I ask ya something?"
A/N Hey guys! IM SORRY THIS IS SO LATE DONT HURT ME! Anyway, I hope you like this chapter and I have GREAT ideas for Specs and the whole strike and everyone! Im really excited! I'm also very busy (huh ya right!) with my fansie life... PLEASE KEEP REVIEWINGAOLISEHFBOA;WIRUB;GNSJDF I LOVE YOU GUYUS AWL;KEHG'IOW/ARBG''''''FKLS...ASKDHG.0129357408
~GTHN