Wait. What? My dress size? Why would he need my dress size? What is he up to? I looked at him suspiciously and he just smiled back that crooked smile that got me every time. "Why do you need my dress size?" I asked cautiously.

"I don think I'm allowed ta say," He answered awkwardly. I briefly thought it over before realizing he couldn't really do anything bad with the information and I stood up to grab my best fitting dress.

Crutchie's POV

Well that went well. I hobbled over towards Specs and gave him Pen's dress size and he thanked me enthusiastically. Most of the boys had already advanced downstairs for dinner so I thought I better get down there soon. I decided to go ahead without waiting for Penny. I didn't wanna seem clingy or anything ya know? I mean, I can pull my own weight, and I wanna make sure she gets her space.

Slowly, I made my way down the steep stairs and took my seat at the table as some of the boys ran around getting the food ready. Of course, Race was causing the most chaos along with Albert and Darcey. I offered to help, but Jack told me that they didn't need any, even if they did. I couldn't really tell.

Penny came briskly down the stairs and I could feel her gaze searching for me. She met my eyes and gave a half-hearted smile. I felt kinda guilty for not waiting for her, but I gave her one back and she came to sit down with the rest of us. Dinner was normal, we got ready for bed in our "rounds," but it felt like their was some kind of barrier between Penny and I. We both know that me heading downstairs alone wasn't a big deal, but I wonder what's going on. I tried not to worry about it.

Penny's POV

God, what was I doing? Ugh, I hate it when I do this. I knew Crutchie going down without me wasn't a big deal at all. Sometimes, I think, I just wait for a reason to show the feelings I haven't had the chance to show and they build up until that moment and I just overreact way to much. I hope you know what I mean. I guess I just feel... I don't even know. I don't want that much more, and I definitely don't want any less, in our relationship anyway. Whatever, I just need to go to sleep right now. Maybe I'm just tired.

The next morning was pretty normal in my perspective. We got ready fairly quickly and headed out to the window. I bought 55 papes. The weather seemed to warm up really quickly and I was selling more and more everyday.

I sold alone today. I still wasn't sure why I was acting like this, but I might just need some time by myself. About half way through my selling I spotted him. Snyder. And you'll never guess who he was consulting with. Yep. Oscar and Morris Delancey. I carefully watched them through the crowd of citizens and felt my heart beat accelerate as the two brothers hurry off in different directions leaving Snyder to meander around the square.

He started heading in my direction and I started to panic. My feet felt like they were glued to the floor. I couldn't move. He was coming closer and closer. He met my eyes and stopped. He reached to remove his hat and I bolted. I weaved through the crowd and glanced over my shoulder to find him picking up speed to follow me. My heart soared with fear and adrenaline. I found an alley up ahead and made a sharp turn to get out of Snyder's sight. I leaned up against the wall and let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding in. I closed my eyes and brought my hands up to my face.

Without warning, I cold, strong hand struck my shoulder and pulled me up by my shirt. I gasped in shock and the other hand grabbed my other shoulder to force my face up into my enemy's, but I didn't see him as an enemy immediately. It was Morris. For a moment I looked up into his blue-green eyes and they softened slightly. They seemed comforting. I could tell my expression softened as well but his eyes turned dark again and his grip tightened. I gasped again as the pain in my arms increased exponentially, and with very little hesitation, he threw me down to the ground. The gravel laughed as it bit at my skin. Luckily I held onto my hat and everything was still hidden. Tears welled up in my eyes and I turned to face him again. The sun was hiding behind his head but, beams struck out from all around. I felt my heart race without fear and I looked up at him with some sort of hope. He didn't want to hurt me. I saw it in his face. He wasn't sure why though.

"You're lucky I ain't got a reason to pound the shit outta you right now!" He yelled pointing his finger out at me. I cringed in fear. He was so threatening, and he wasn't afraid to hurt someone, but.. that night. That night when he was coming on to me, and walking me home..sort of. He was actually quite a gentleman, but I was so focused on Crutc- Crutchie! I watched Morris jog off hesitantly from the cold, hard ground and cautiously pulled myself up. I grabbed my bag and the papers that fell out. I felt so shaken with fear, but so fond of him.

I slowly made my way out of the alley and tried to find Davey to finish selling with him. He was perfect for this kind of comfort. He was so understanding yet reasonable. I could feel myself flinching at every unusual sound I heard and tried to look for Davey's usual selling spot. Luckily, I found him and Les outside of the barber's shop and I made my way over to them.

"Oh my gosh! Little B, what happened to your face?" Les asked concerned. I smiled at the way he phrased it and Davey came over to join us. I reached up to my cheek and felt the harsh cut that had decided to take a mortgage out on my face.

"It's sort of a long story.." I said not really up for retelling the situation.

"We're listening," Davey answered. I tried not to roll my eyes but I decided it would be best to tell them anyway.

A/N Hey guys! as usual I'm very sorry this is late but hopefully we'll be able to have a new chapter every week good? good. Okay well please let me know if you have any suggestions or criticism or you just love the story! in other words: PLEASE REVIEW! I love every single one of you! I hope you like where the story is going! The strike is very close and there will be more drama with Specs and Crutchie as well as Morris, Snyder, and of course Penny!

Love always,

GTHN