Days went by, morphing into weeks and, soon enough, the summer was here once again. It's been almost a year since I first visited that alley and disguised myself just to make a little more money. It's kind of sad how much money rules our lives. Then again, if it wasn't for that need, I would have never met all the newsboys let alone Crutchie... Or Morris. I would have never fallen in love. I also would have never been so conflicted but, I believe I've made up my mind now. I love Crutchie. Nothing can change that and nothing ever will. I chose him over everyone that first day I came to the window; shy and scared. He was my beacon into the bright, beautiful life that I can see now. I love him.

Thursday, July 20th, 1899. I was one of our hardest days so far this whole year. I woke up to Jack's loud "leader voice" calling us all from... the roof? I was pretty confused but, too tired to really decide if that was unusual or not. Slowly but surely, most of us got up out of bed and Henry and Specs rushed into the bathroom to get ready for the day. I smiled at their enthusiasm and headed to my bathroom to get dressed.

Crutchie's POV

Jack took his strong arms off my shoulders and stood straight again. We could hear the deep chimes of the clock in the distance. The morning air danced around us, biting my skin. Even though it was summer again, the mornings were still pretty chilly. Jack grabbed his shirt from the railing and called down to the others, "GUYS! SPECS, RACER, Henry-Albert-Elmer! Let's get a move on boys! Dem papes ain't gonna sell demselves! C'mon!" He patted me on the shoulder and gave me a soft look. I didn't want to leave. I didn't want him to leave either and, I doubt that Penny wants to leave. He made his way back down to the bunk room and continued calling names and sending in the rounds. I sighed and looked out across the waking city. As much as people say they hate it, and are "dying to get away," I really don't think It's that bad. Slowly, I made my way back down after Jack. We might as well start the summer with a hopeful day versus a day wasted on worry.

Penny's POV

Jack and Crutchie emerged from the stairs already dressed and ready to go. I gave Crutch a bright smile and he returned one. I adjusted my hat and skedaddled over to him. I took his free arm and we made our way down the stairs as Race and Albert argued over cigars and Specs and Henry made fun of each other's facial hair. What has my life even become?

We all made our way out through the door in a big wave of boys (and, well, me of course...) and headed to the window. Romeo and Jack ran up ahead towards this young lady walking down the street accompanied by a slightly older man. She was wearing a bright purple jacket and a matching skirt. Her smile seemed to light up the street but, I was still focused on her dress.

Romeo strutted up towards her, ignoring her friend she was walking with. I smiled at his confidence but, Jack stepped in front of him interrupting his compliments. By now, most of us were coming up behind Jack. I smiled and looked at Crutchie while we listened to their conversation.

Jack: "Mornin' miss! My I interest you in the latest news?"

The girl: "...But the paper isn't out yet..." She began to continue walking when he stepped back in front of her again. I stifled my giggles and watched with a smile.

Jack: "I would be delighted to deliver it to you personally," A couple of us chuckled and the girl's friend placed his hand on Jack's chest as a warning but, the girl dismissed his attempt and walked up to Jack with a smirk. We watched them closely.

The girl: "I've got a headline for you," she said holding her notebook in both hands. "Cheeky boy gets nothing for his troubles!" We could see the faint red turn up in Jack's face and the boys and I let out a classic "Oh!" as she gave him a look and, continued on her way, her friend following. I laughed as Romeo walked back up to Jack and says, mockingly, "Back ta da bench slugger, you struck out!" and we supplied the "Oh!" again but Jack regained his swag.

We continued on down to the window after Crutchie "predicted the weather" again "with his leg" but, I never really believed that whole trick in the first place. We continued down the street and as we passed the orphanage, three of the nuns were standing out on their platform with bread for "ones in need," as they say. They waved our whole group over and we eagerly ran towards them, our arms already reaching. Besides the food that we receive for newcomers, we really aren't fed entirely... well so, we rush to anything we can get.

Crutchie was raised up on two of the boys' shoulders and passed down food to the rest of us. He handed me a piece of bread and when our eyes met, I couldn't help but smile and he couldn't either. The rest of us grabbed what we could, thanked the nuns, and continued towards the window, which seemed much farther away than usual.

We reached the gates to "The World" and gazed up at the board hoping that it would be different that the last few weeks. We watched anxiously but, sighed and complained as we saw him write "Trolley Strike Enters Third Week." Three weeks! Three weeks with the same headline! How are we supposed to sell enough papes with the same headline as the last 20 something days? I tried to shrug it off, I mean there was nothing we could do so, why complain right now.

Then, of course, the Delancey brothers walked up to unlock the gates for us today, instead of Mr. Wiesel. I glared at them. I hated them. Both of them. I knew that now. Of course Race and Finch had to make some shrewd comments and we got on the subject of how their dad was involved in the strike. I didn't really follow but, in no time Oscar began pushing Race and Finch. I tensed up because Crutchie stepped right up behind them.

I held my breath as Morris's cold voice cut through the air, "Hey, ya want summa dat too? Ya lousy crip!" He grabbed Crutchie's shoulder and whipped him around. I began pushing through the boys to get to them and I wasn't the only one. Morris threw Crutchie onto the ground and grabbed his crutch. I could see the pure hatred in Crutchie's eyes but, they were soon out of sight as Jack stepped in and snatched the crutch from Morris's hands and they had some malicious banter as Finch and I helped Crutchie up. I looked into Crutchie's warm eyes and gave him a reassuring look before glancing back to see Jack smacking both of the brothers in the shins and then running off to the window. We all followed, Race carrying Crutchie and as I passed Morris, still lying on the floor, I slowed my pace. He looked up towards me, obviously recognizing me. Our eyes locked and he almost smiled. I swear he almost did. I could feel my expression laying blank and forced myself to keep moving. Moving on. I needed to stay with Crutchie. It's better that way. I quickened my pace and continued with the rest of the boys, putting Morris out of my mind. I didn't look back and soon enough I caught up to the rest of the boys at the window and found myself standing with Crutchie, ready to sell. I mean, if the headlines were still on the Trolley Strike, I better be ready to sell or else I've got a long day ahead of me.

A/N Hey guys! So this is the first chapter that will now follow the days of the actual production starting on Thursday June 20th, 1899! YAYAYAY! I promise the chapters should be rolling in now that I have a detailed storyline to work with! :)))))))) Im really happy about this! But as I've said before; I have never seen the show so I am relying on lots of youtube videos of performances and fansie help. I do have a bootleg of the whole show but i REEEALLLYYY dont want to watch the whole thing because I want the first time I see the show to be in the Nederlander. I want it soooo badly, words can't even describe it (even if I drag out letters). So please if I mess something up just bare with me and enjoy the change ;) And along those lines, Davey is already in the crew so I will just add a different Newsie (an original! yay) and there will be a small story line on him too.

Okay. I think that is all right now... Thanks so much to those of you who believe in me and are still reading, hopefully I'll get more readers with these next chapters! ;)

I love you all! Please review!

~GTHN