I went to bed that night with guilt still lying in the pit of my stomach. I knew I should have told Crutchie but, what would I say? Oh, I just let Morris throw me on the ground because he was so goddamned handsome. I can't say that! I still love Crutchie, at least I think I do, and I know Morris is a bad person. I'm not sure I want to get involved with him but, I think he can change. Crutchie is my first love; I'm pretty sure I'm his too. How could I ruin something like that? They say a first love always occupies a special place. If one of us leaves the other, that place will turn into a dark pit of desolation. How could anyone do that to another person? I tossed and turned arguing with myself and repeatedly tried to pry Morris from my mind. It was hard. For a moment, I liked the idea of him always being on my mind. I remember when I felt that way about Crutchie. I looked over down to his bunk and sighed. I know I still love him but, I'm not sure if love is enough.

The sun flew in from the windows far too early for my preference. I hid back under my covers as the boys around me began getting ready for the day. For a moment, I felt like a clean slate. Everything was fine and will be but, as soon as I realized this, I knew it wasn't true, and the guilt came back to me in an instant, striking my whole being. I hopelessly tired to ignore it and dragged myself out of bed and began dressing. This was going to be a long, long day.

Crutchie's POV

The fresh morning sun warmed my skin as I stepped out onto the street from the Lodging House. Penny took my hand and we walked together to the window. I knew there was still very little tension between us but, I wasn't really sure why. I don't think I did anything but, as I've learned, with girls, you'll never know. I turned and smiled at her and even though she was in disguise, she was still beautiful. She smiled back but, looked away with some sort of dismay in her eyes. I wondered what was wrong but, for now, I just kept my thoughts to myself. I didn't want to make her upset right before selling.

We got in line and dropped hands. I bought my papes and noticed Specs waving me over towards the road to my left. I glanced back to Penny and saw her run off to sell with JoJo and Buttons. I could feel my disappointment but, I let her go. I really hoped this bump in our relationship won't last long. I hope I meant as much to her as she did to me. Hesitantly, I turned back to Specs and we started off towards the busier streets.

Selling with Specs helped. It cleared my mind but, also gave me another outlook on the situation. We were almost half-way through when I felt Specs grab my shoulder. I looked up to him, confused. What was going on? He had a flash of fear in his eyes and I scanned the oncoming crowd, wondering what caught his eye. Suddenly he relaxed and let go of my vest with a sigh.

"What was dat alla bout?" I asked adjusting my clothes to lie more naturally.

"Oh, nothing. I thought I saw the Delancey brothers but, false alarm! I just didn't want them to surprise us like they surprised B," he answered with a smile. Surprise B? They... they.. what? Was Penny not telling me something? My face contorted in confusion and mild anger.

"Wait what? Say dat again Specs," I asked him, hoping I heard him wrong. He looked back towards me with confusion in his eyes too.

"Morris jumped out at Penny from behind a corner and threw on the ground. That's why she cut her face. She didn't tell you? Oh my gosh she didn't tell you.. This is bad. This is bad," Specs fidgeted with his glasses and avoided my eyes. I hoped they didn't show the ire I was feeling. Penny wasn't only confronted by Morris but, she was hurt by him and she didn't tell me! I wonder if he recognized her from that night. I was so furious when he tried to walk her home. She didn't seem very drawn to him but... he only threw her on the ground. Usually Morris would pound the shit outta any newsie he comes across... What if he.. No. No, I wouldn't let anything like that happen. Ever. He is far too dangerous to even be allowed on the streets. But, but Penny! She didn't tell me! No, she didn't just not tell me, she lied to me. She said she tripped. Why would she do that to me? I would have worried either way! I hope she isn't hiding something. Wait a minute..

"Specs," I said defiantly. He turned to me with a nervous gloss in his eyes.

"Yeah..." he said hesitantly.

"Penny told you about her incident with Morris?"

"Well yes, bu-"

"What else did she say," I asked with an intimidating look in my eyes. I didn't need anyone to tell me they appeared that way, I could feel the flames. I was trusting Specs to tell me but he needed the push to let it out.

"She..well...she,"

"Specs. Tell me."

"Okay, she never told me not to tell you so.. She said, when she looked up into Morris' eyes... she..." I could already feel the tears form. I wasn't sure if they were just from hate or the heart ache I felt. Specs hasn't even told me all and I was on the verge of falling apart.

"She said, she... forgot... about...you." I could literally feel my heart fall to pieces. It shriveled up into dust there inside of me. I felt a single tear roll down my clenched jaw and soon it's trail grew cold. That chill ran through me down to my toes. I've known heart ache, and I've know loss but, my heart has never broken. Never for someone. Never for something. I was soon over taken by a horrible, dreadful feeling. Almost like hate but, more of a sorrow. I released Specs from my grasp and there was a sympathetic look in his eyes. I turned away and kicked the ground as hard as I could regardless of the consequences. Unfortunately, my balance flew from my possession and I felt gravity take it's toll as my legs gave out and I plummeted to the stones. I cringed at the pain that took over my body but, the will to stand again wasn't their. It seemed to leave with her. If she was gone, I'm not sure I wanted to rise.

A/N Hey lovelies! First of all, I AM VERY SORRY FOR ALL OF YOU CRUTCHIE LOVERS I AM ONE OF YOU and secondly, sorry this chapter is kinda late, I was on a road trip soo... ya. ANYWAY again im realllly sorry but youll be happy with the rest of the story i think...and hope... Im debating whether or not to have a happy or sad ending so I will just play it by ear and for all of you readers who have seen the show, (I HAVEN'T :(((((((((((((((() am I doing good as far as following basic ideas from the show and what not? I just don't want something to disagree with the set up of the show. I have seen the movie but I know they are very different so... yes..

Well thats all for now! Thanks for reading ! Please review!

Love Always,

GTHN