One day Jasmine was laying on her bed reading a magazine about all the great things to see in N.Y.C. because she and her family were going to visit some people there. She decided to watch NEWSIES while she read. All of a sudden the lamp part of her ceiling fan fell down and clocked her right on the back of her head. She screamed and struggled to feet, about five seconds later she blacked out. The next thing she knew, she was laying in a patch of grass looking up into the green leaves of a huge tree. Very confused, she sat up to look around. She glanced down at the ground and saw the magazine she was reading laying next to her. She got up, shoved the magazine in her back pocket, and scanned her surroundings. She was in a park and it must�ve been early because there weren�t many people around. The people that were around dressed funny, like they were from the 1800�s or something. Oh no, she thought, I can�t be where I think I am. That�s impossible, it�s insane, it�s utterly ridiculous. She walked around a bit and saw a sign that said something about Central Park. She was stunned, needless to say. She began walking again only to be knocked down by a running person who turned out to be� you guessed it� a newsie. It was pretty windy that day so all of his newspapers scattered and flew into the lake they were walking by.

Newsie: Aw man! Dere goes half a dollah down da drain.

The two got themselves off the floor.

Jasmine: I�m awfully sorry, (she mumbled) I wasn�t paying attention.

Newsie: Nah, it�s jist as much my fault.

That�s when she finally got a good look at him. Oh my, now I know I�m dreaming. Only in a dream could I be standing here talking to Racetrack Higgins!! Whoa, calm down, you don�t want to scare him away, do you? Look, just close your eyes, count to three, and when you open them again you�ll be on your bed where you belong. Ok, 1�2�3� Riiiiiight , well that didn�t work, now what????

Race: Whoa, Miss, you don�t look so hot, here sit down.

You mean I�m still standing?!?

The two sat on a nearby bench. He gingerly put his hand on her shoulder as she calmed her nerves. Racetrack looked her over. She had dark brown almost black hair pulled back in two short ponytails. She had big, soft brown, almond shaped eyes, long curly eye lashes, a button nose, and her lips were full. She had a heart shaped face, milk chocolate brown skin, she wasn�t petite, but she had a shape. She was cute.

(Author�s note: She really looks like that, she�s a doll, but if she knew I wrote this, she�d KILL me, so shhhh�)

When she finally got over her shock, she reached into her pocket, took out her wallet, and handed him a dollar.

Race: Wha�s dis foa?

Jasmine: For your newspapers.

Race: You don�t hafta do dat, take yer dollah back. (he said with a slight turn of his head. He really didn�t want to give it back, but he felt weird about keeping it.)

Jasmine: It�s the least I can do for making you lose you papers.

Race: Dat wasn�t yer fault, �sides, I only lost 50 cents.

Jasmine: (closing his hand with the dollar in it) Race, I want you to keep it.

He shrugged with a smile and thanked her for the buck but then gave her a strange look and she knew she made a mistake.

Race: Hold on, how�d ya know me name??

Smooth move, idiot. Now he�s freaked out because of you stupidity. Well, don�t just sit there staring at him with your mouth open, don�t you see he�s waiting for an answer? Say something!!

Jasmine: Oh, is t-that really y-your n-name? (she stuttered) I-I o-only called you that b-because you were running w-when we b-bumped into each other. Jasmine� you are a pinhead. T-talk about your l-lucky guesses, huh?

He watched her nervously shift her weight, it was obvious to him that she wasn�t comfortable because even as she spoke to him she wouldn�t look at him. This made Race wonder about her and his curiosity told him to get better aquatinted with her.

Race: Yeah, tawk about yer lucky guesses. Well, hopefully dat luck�ll rub off on me cuz lord knows I need it. (He leaned in to see what her necklace said, then sat up straight.) So, Jasmine, do ya mind if I call ya dat? (she shook her head) Ok, Jasmine, whatcha plannin� on doin� taday?

Jasmine: Nothing really, why?

Race: Well, now dat I got the day free, (he said glancing at the lake then smiling at her) I figured I�d go to Irvin� Hall ta visit someone, then go to the racetracks. Would ya cah ta join me? (he stood up and held out his hand like an escort, she took it)

Jasmine: Uh, sure.

It wasn�t until she stood up that Race took notice to what she was wearing.

Race: Int�restin� get up.

She thought it was weird when he said it but when she took a look at herself, she thought, Helloooo! They�ve never seen sneakers, t-shirts, and denim jeans in 1899.

Jasmine: Oh yeah, well, t-this is the way p-people dress� out on L-Long Island� y-you know� out in S-Suffolk� b-by the water� Orient Point� waaaaay out there. (Jasmine�s really from Baldwin, but you know)

As he watched her fidget he thought, Dere she goes wit da stutterin� again. Somet�in� ain�t right, what is she so noivous about? I�ll bet I�ll find out what she�s hidin� soon enough.

Race: Well, we bettah be off. It�s a long walk so how do ya wanna go?

Jasmine: Oh, I don�t mind walking.

Race: You shoa? It�s really far. (She nodded) OOOOk den, le�s go.

It took them about 30 minutes to get to the hall. They went in the side door; Race walked up a small staircase and knocked on the door. A huge ball of cotton candy opened the door and gave him a warm bear hug.

Medda: Racetrack, heya sweetie! Long time no see, I missed ya, kid.

Race: I missed ya too, Medda. I jist been busy.

Medda: Aw that�s too bad. So who�s your friend.

Race: Dis heah�s me new friend, Jasmine. Jasmine, dis is Miss Medda Larkson , da Swedish Meadowlark. She owns da joint.

Jasmine: Hello, Miss Larkson. ( They shook hands)

Medda: Please, call me Medda.

Jasmine: (nods) ok.

The three sat in Medda�s dressing room talking for about an hour, but then it was time to go.

Race: Well, it was great seein� ya again, Medda, but we gotta go.

Medda: Ok, but don�t be such a stranger, come and visit more often.

Race: I won�t, see ya later, Medda.

Medda: Bye, Race. Bye, Jasmine, it was a pleasure to meet you.

Jasmine: The pleasure was all mine. Good-bye, Miss Medda.

As she watched them leave, Medda thought to herself, I really like her, she�s very polite. Kinda odd, but polite. What was she wearing?? Oh, well�

On the way to the tracks, Racetrack and Jasmine didn�t speak, neither were big talkers. He just listened to her hum sweetly to herself, she sounded nice. When they got there, Race handed Jasmine a form with the names of all the competing horses.

Race: Hopefully dat luck of yer�s is still hot, go ahead and pick one.

Jasmine: Oh no, you pick, I can�t.

Race: Why can�t ya?

Jasmine: Race, I can barely make my own decisions, let alone anyone else�s.

Race: (chuckles) C�mon jist guess. If I lose, it�ll be jist like any other day, go ahead.

Jasmine: (shrugs with a chuckle) OOOOk, if that�s the way you want it, it�s your money.

She closed her eyes, put her index finger in the air, made a circular motion, and let it land on a random name. Race smiled and thought Dat�s one way of doin� it, I coulda done that. He looked to see who she picked.

Race: �Pride + Joy,� well, he ain�t one o�da favorites, but dat�s da one ya picked, so heah we go.

He grinned at her as if he was really happy with her pick, but she knew better. They walked up to the man in the betting booth.

Race: Heya, Carl, how�s it rollin�?

Carl: Same as always, how�s about you, Race?

Race: Purdy good. (puts money on the counter) Me bet�s on �Pride+Joy.�

Carl: Um, Race, P.J.�s a long shot, you know dat, right?

Race: Yeah, yeah, I know. (sounding kinda annoyed)

Race took his ticket. Jasmine followed him and sat down waiting for the race to start. During the race, he just sat and fiddled with his sure-to-be-losing ticket while everyone else around them cheered their horses on.

Announcer: #4 slips into second place and #2, Glory, is in first and it looks like he�s got this race in the bag� but wait, what�s this?? #6 is catching up fast, 4^th place, 3^rd , 2^nd , oh wow, #2 and #6 are neck and neck, and there they go! That�s the end of the race, and the photo finish shows that #6 has won!!

Jasmine: (calmly) Race, #6 won.

Race: Who cahs? (he asked checking out that interesting pigeon)

Jasmine: Well, I should think you would, Pride+Joy was # 6.

He looked at his ticket and sure enough, he�d won. Without hesitation, he grabbed her hand and took off for the cash out booth like lightning.

Race: Heah ya go.

Jasmine: What?

Race: Yer half of da winnin�s.

Jasmine: Oh no, you can keep it.

Race: Are ya kiddin� me, I woulda nevah bet on dat horse, you desoive it. Here.

Jasmine: I don�t want it.

Race: Take it.

Jasmine: I don�t want it.

Race: It�s da last time I�m offerin�, afta dat I�m keepin� all $14.

She laughed at him, that 14 bucks was nothing compared to what she had in her wallet.

Jasmine: keep it, Race.

Race: OOOOK, well, I�m getting� hungry so ya wanna have lunch wit me and me friends at Tibby�s? The place is kinda dark and depressin� but da food�s good.

She agreed and so they went. On the way there she thought, oh wow, this is your chance to meet Mush and Bli� wait, Jasmine, what are you thinking?? This isn�t real. What do you think, you�re really walking along side Racetrack Higgins?? You�re not!! You got a hard blow to the head, stupid, and you�re still sleeping. This is just a dream� isn�t it???

Race: Heah we are, afta you. (he said holding the door for her)

Jasmine: thank you

As soon as they entered everyone said hey to Race and nodded at Jasmine.

Jake: Heya, Race, who�s da goil.

Race: heya fellahs, dis is Jasmine from Long Island.

There was a resounding�

Newsies: H�llo, Jasmine from Long Island!

Jasmine: Hey newsies from Mannyhanny!

Everyone laughed except Skittery.

Race: Yeah, dis heah is Boots, Snipeshooter, Jack Kelly a.k.a. Cowboy, Kid Blink, Jake, Itey, Skittery, Mush, and Fire. Jazz�s eatin� lunch wit us taday.

They all smiled and nodded but Skittery rolled his eyes.

Skittery: why? Isn�t there enough of us as it is?

The other newsies glared at him and Itey smacked him upside the head.

Fire: Don�t pay him no mind, he�s jist in a bad mood.

Jack: He�s always in a bad mood.

Race+Jasmine: Yeah, glum and dumb.

Again, everyone laughed but him. Jasmine and Race sat down across from Blink and Mush.

Blink: So, yer from L.I., whenja git ta �Mannyhanny?�

Jasmine: This morning.

Jack: How long ya stayin�?

Jasmine: I�m not sure.

Boots: Wheah�d ya git dem clothes?

Snipes: yeah, I ain�t nevah seen clothes like dat b�foa.

Mush: Why ya heah? Movin�? visitin�?

Jack: Wheah ya stayin� while ya heah?

Jasmine: (giggles) what is this, the spanish inquisition?

Jack: Huh??

Jasmine: What�s with all the questions?

Itey: (Grins and shrugs) We�re jist curious.

Just then David, Bumlets, Crutchy, Dutchy, and Specs walked in and quickly sat down. The introductions started again but thankfully for Jasmine, all the attention wasn�t on her, for the newsies had fascinating things to tell each other. Jasmine got a kick out of watching their good time. They stayed there for hours and it was getting dark. Everyone got up and Jack, Blink, Mush, Race, and Jasmine were the last to leave.

Race: So, Jasmine, didja have fun taday?

Jasmine: Oh yes, today was a great day. Thanks.

Blink: Can we walk ya home?

Jasmine: Oh no, thanks, I�ll be fine, I wouldn�t want to trouble you.

Mush: It�s no trouble, �sides, it ain�t safe foa a goil to be wanderin� da city at night.

Jasmine: It�s ok, I�ll be fine.

Jack: You ain�t got noplace ta stay, do ya?

Jasmine: Y-yes� I do.

Blink: yeah? Where?

She just put her head down. True, she didn�t have a place to stay, but goodness they were nosey.

Jack: It�s settled then, yer comin� wit us.

He grabbed her hand and dragged her behind him ignoring her protests. They walked for blocks until they got to the Lodging House. Jack hadn�t let go of her hand until they were at the front desk where Kloppman was reading a book.

Jack: Hey dere, Kloppy.

Kloppman: Good ev�nin� fellahs, who�s yer friend?

Jack: Dis is Jasmine, Jasmine dis is John Kloppman, he owns da buildin�.

The two smiled at each other and shook hands.

Jack: Look, Jazz jist got ta Manhattan taday and she doesn�t know how long she�s stayin� and she has no place ta stay so can she stay heah wit us?

Kloppman: Sure, she can.

Jack: Good, I�ll be right back.

He ran upstairs while �Jazz� and Kloppy got better aquainted. Then he came back down with a frown on his face.

Jack: We got a little problem, dere�s no extra bunks in the bunkroom.

Kloppman: Das no problem, she can have the spah room. Well, now that ya know everything ya need to, heahs da key to da room, it�s at the end of the hall upstairs.

She thanked him profusely, took the key and went upstairs followed by the boys. She opened the door and they all walked in. The room was nice. It was big, across from the door was a king-sized bed underneath a big window. The bed had a nightstand next to it. At the end of the room was a dresser with a full-length mirror behind it and there was a chair in the corner. They sat on her new bed and talked for a while until Kloppman came up and declared lights out. She hugged them all and thanked them for their hospitality, and then they left. In the hallway Kloppman said to the boys�

Kloppman: How�d youse all meet her?

Race: Well, I bumped into her in the park, lit�rally, and took her to da tracks wheah she won me $14, den I invited her ta lunch wit me an� da guys.

Kloppman: I like her, sweet kid, but what was she wearin�?

The boys smiled and shrugged for they were thinking the same.

Kloppman: Well, it�s obvious she knows nothin� about da city, so, since youse all brought her here, youse r�sponsible foa her �til she gets da hang o� t�ings. Make shoa nothin� happens to �er.

Blink: A coss, we know all o� dat, what do ya t�ink we are, dumb or somet�in�?

Kloppman: (trying not to laugh) you really want me ta answah dat?

Mush: Nooo, t�anks. Night, Klop.

Klop: night, boys.

Everyone went to bed but Race couldn�t sleep. He laid awake in his bunk thinking about Jasmine. I can�t say she ain�t at awl weird cuz she is. B�sides her strange clothes, dere�s uddah stuff about her.

Like how she knew me name witout me tellin� her. Yeah, she said it was a lucky guess, but it was a little too lucky fowa me. She�s cute and all, but she ain�t skinny so she ain�t starvin�, and she�s wearin� a pair of gold earrin�s, gold bracelets, and a gold necklace, so she ain�t poor. Yet, she�s in Manhattan by �erself, with no luggage and no place ta stay. No, somet�in ain�t right, an� I intend ta find out what�s up wit �er. I�d bettah git some sleep cuz I have a feelin� tomorah�s gonna be a long day. 

The next morning, Jasmine had gone out before anyone had gotten up but she left a note on her nightstand that said she went to the store to get some decent clothes and that she�d see them at Tibby�s. She arrived in a pair of brown pants, a beige shirt, a vest that matched the pants, and a dark brown cap, and her white Nikes. She walked in and was surprised to see that she was the last one to get there. She sat in between Jack and Bumlets. Jack put a friendly arm around her and continued his conversation with David, that�s when Sarah came from the restrooms and sat on the other side of Jack.

Jack: Hey, Sweets. I�d like ya ta meet a new friend o� mine, Jasmine. Jazzy, dis is Sarah Jacobs, David�s sistah.

Jazzy: (holding out her hand for a shake) Hey Sarah, It�s nice to meet you.

Sarah: (ignoring the greeting) Jack forgot to mention that I am his girlfriend as well, and you know what that means� (She was smiling but narrowing her eyes at jasmine while she spoke)

Jazzy: (now turned off by her rudeness) Yeah, it means he�s your boyfriend.

Sarah: Right! Try to keep that in mind, will you? Thanks.

Jazzy: Whatever, look, I�ll talk to you later, Jack, when WE get home. Bye, Sarah.

She gave Jack a kiss and flashed Sarah an evil grin as she stood up. Jasmine knew she left that table with Sarah feeling a variety of emotions, not good ones at that, but that�s the way she wanted it. She walked right over to Fire and sat down.

Fire: Heya, Jazzy, how�s it goin�?

Jazzy: I can�t believe the nerve of that girl, she just met me and she already has an attitude.

Fire: who Sarah? (Jazzy nodded, Fire chuckled) what happened?

Jazzy: I walked in and sat next to Jack and he put his arm around my shoulders but he didn�t mean anything by it, but then Sarah comes along and basically told me to stay away from him, then I came here.

Fire: (chuckles) yeah, Sarah�s jist dat way, she did the same to me when she met me, but I told her to kiss my ass. She does it to any goil dat gets to close to Jack by her standards.

Jazzy: Yeah, well, she better watch out cause she�s going to say the wrong thing to the wrong girl one day and they�re just going to punch her in her mouth.

Fire: (laughs) I can�t wait, but whoever dat poison is bettah stay cleah of Jack cause he�ll kill �em.

Just then the door swings open and in walks Spot Conlon. Jazzy sunk in her chair. Great, this is not what I need right now, I hope he doesn�t come over here cause I�m already in a bad mood, the last thing is his attitude.

Spot: Heya, Fire. How�s it goin�?

Fire: pretty good, Spot. What �bout you?

Spot: Damn Shimmah�s got me on edge. (turns his attention to Jazzy) Who�re you, I don�t recognize ya, and I know every newsie in da city.

Oh, damn, here we go, look, if you�re nice, maybe he�ll just go away.

Jazzy: (standing up and facing him, extending a hand that was rudely ignored) How ya doin� Spot? I�m Manhattan�s newest newsperson.

Spot: Now tell me somethin� I don�t know, like ya name.

Jazzy: (taking her hand back and getting annoyed quickly) Jasmine.

Spot: how come I aint nevah seen ya b�fowa?

Jasmine: Maybe because I�ve never been here before?

There was no mistaking her bitter tone. This made Spot madder.

Spot: You bettah watch yer tone, who ya t�ink yer tawkin� to?

Jasmine, fed up with him now, sucked her teeth, rolled her eyes, and sat back down.

Spot: Well? Answer me!! (Silence) Da leadah of da Brooklyn Newsies is tawkin� ta you!! I will not be ignored!!

Jasmine: (got up and looked him in the eyes) Look, Mr. High and Mighty, I�m not a Brooklyn Newsie and you�re not in Brooklyn, so don�t come over here yelling at me, telling my ass what to do!!!

And with that, she stomped out the restaurant leaving a certain Brooklynite speechless. He thought, I can�t believe she had de audacity ta speak ta me dat way, in front of me friends, too. Now, Spot, ya know ya stawted it, and now yer mad cause she finished it and made ya look like a joik at da same time. Ya jist met da goil and youse guys are awready on bad toims, but dats yer fault. Well, no use standin� heah makin� yaself look like a biggah idiot than she awready did.

He walked over to Jack�s table and started a conversation. Later that night, Jasmine was sitting on her bed with the lights out enjoying the glow of the moonlight when she heard a knock on the door. She yelled for who ever it was to come in and Blink and Race, walked in.

Race: Hey, Jay, ya ok?

Jasmine: Sure, why wouldn�t I be?

Blink: Well, you were really steamed da last time we saw ya.

Jasmine: No no, I�m fine, it�s just that Sarah said something I didn�t like and then I met Spot and he was mad about something to begin with and I just couldn�t deal.

Blink: Dat was funny da way ya told �im off and just walked away. (chuckles) Ya should have seen his face; he didn�t know what happened.

Jasmine: I understand that he�s the leader of the Brooklyn newsies, which I don�t get considering he�s so small, (the boys laughed) and he has to be intimidating and stuff, but sometimes it�s not intimidating, it�s just annoying.

Race: yeah, it is. But when you git ta know him, he�s, honest ta god, a nice guy.

They heard another knock at the door.

Jasmine: Who is it?!

It�s me, Mush.

Jasmine: GO AWAY! I�M BUSY!

Oh�. Ok. �night.

She got up quickly and opened the door to see a sad and rejected Mush.

Jasmine: My goodness, are you senisitve, you don�t have to leave, I was just playing. Come in.

The four sat on her bed talking and laughing for hours, but then it was time to go to sleep. They said their goodnights and the boys left and went to the bunkroom where the other newsies were.

Jack: What�s so funny?

Blink: Oh, nothin�.

Snitch: Youse all were laughin� awfully hawd ovah nothin�.

The three boys looked at each other, laughed again, went to their bunks, and went to sleep.  

The next day was her first day of selling newspapers, and it was decided that Jasmine would sell with Jack seeing as how he was the best at it. Everyone left the L.H. on time and was on their way to the Distribution Center. They were all in a pretty good mood, but then, of course, the Delanceys had to come along and start something. They did their bit with Jack and the rest of the newsies like any other morning, but then Morris noticed Jasmine. He walked over to her and held her face with his hands.

Morris: Well, well, look at what we got heah, Oscah. A new one, and such a cute one, too. (grabbing her nose)

Jazzy: (she slapped his hands away) I�ll thank you to keep your hands off of me!

Morris: (he grabbed the front of her shirt) An� jist what you intend ta do if I don�t, ya rotten street trash??

Jazzy: How come I�m rotten street trash, but you�re the one that smells like it??

The newsies busted out laughing and didn�t even notice that Morris still had her shirt. She tried to get out of his grasp, but when that didn�t work, she said, �Look Morris, I�m sorry, please let go of me, just leave me alone.� When THAT didn�t work, she stomped on his foot as hard as she could and pushed him to the ground. Oscar walked over and helped his brother up and both were going to grab her but Jack grabbed their hats and took off. After the daily show was over the newsies got on line to get their papers, Jazzy stood behind Jack. Even on line, the Dalanceys kept giving her looks that made her extremely uncomfortable. Jack started her off with 20 papers. Jazzy, being a fast learner, quickly got the hang of it. After they sold all of their papers, Jack said he was going to get Sarah because they were going somewhere so Jazzy decided to go see if Mush was still selling in Bottle Alley. When she got there, he was just leaving.

Jazzy: Hey, Mush, wait up!

Mush: Oh, hey Jazz, how was yer day?

Jazzy: Pretty good, and yours?

Mush: Same, �bout ta take a walk ovah to da Brooklyn Bridge, wanna come wit me?

She agreed and they were off. On the way there they bumped into Blink who decided to go with them. When they got there, they went to the middle of the bridge and leaned against the railing. They hung out there for about 2 and half-hours, then they walked though Central Park to see if they could find Race. It took a long time but they finally found him. They were going to go to Tibby�s but decided they weren�t in the mood for all the yelling and noise of the other newsies, so the boys got hot dogs and Jazzy got an apple.

After that, they went to the L.H. When they got there, the other newsies were in the main room. They said hi to the rest but then went upstairs to her room and hung out there the rest of the night.  

The next morning, Kloppman woke up those in the bunkroom. He asked Fire to go wake Jasmine up. When she opened the door she laughed at what she saw.

Fire: Hey guys, come heah.

Half the boys entered the doorway and laughed as well. Race, Blink, Mush, and Jasmine were dead to the world, all tangled in each other; they kind of looked like a Picaso painting. Jack, Fire, and Pie Eater got evil grins on their faces. They walked up to the bed, grabbed the edge of the blanket, and pulled as hard as they could, sending the quartet to the floor with a loud *thud*. As they got up and grumbled all the way to the washroom, the three laughed and laughed.

Fire: J., Wheah ya goin�, da boys are in dere.

Jazzy: huh?? Oh� yeah. 

That day and two whole weeks after, was the same, uneventful but fun. Everybody was surprised to see how close Race, Jasmine, Blink, and Mush had suddenly gotten. They did everything together. The only time they were ever separated was on Fridays, the poker night in Brooklyn. While everyone else went, Jasmine stayed in Manhattan. Not just because she didn�t want to see Spot, but she couldn�t handle all the noise and the fighting that were bound to take place. But other than that, the four were inseparable. One Friday the boys left for Brooklyn and Kloppman went out somewhere so Jazzy was left by herself. Out of boredom, she went to the roof and stayed there to watch the sun set. Sitting there she began to think about how she got there, how she was going to get back home, how she missed her mother, and how much she surprisingly missed her sister. She loved being where she was, but she missed home. She was also beginning to feel guilty about the guys. By them being together so much, she new almost everything about them, their pasts, hopes, dreams, strengths, weaknesses, hidden talents, birthdays, Etc. Etc. While they knew all that about her, they didn�t know what she felt was the most important thing, where she was really from and the fact that their new best friend hadn�t even been born yet. To pass the time she sang to herself. After the 4^th song she heard clapping behind her, she jumped.

Jazzy: Shit, you scared me!

Blink: (Laughs) Sorry about dat. Ya jist sounded so good we couldn�t help ourselves.

Race: Yeah, if ya had any sense at all, ya�d quit bein� a newsie and go ask Medda for a spot in her show.

Jazzy: aw, shut up.

Mush: Have you been cryin�?

Jazzy: No, of course not, say, what are you doing here anyway?

Blink: Um� we live heah�?

Jazzy: No duh, I meant I thought you had a poker game to go to.

Mush: We did, but it was canceled cuz Spot and some of his boys had a score ta settle in da Bronx.

Race: Yeah, and YOU stop changin� da subject, yer eyes are red an� puffy, you have been cryin� so what�s wrong?

Jazzy: Nothing.

Blink: Why are ya bein� so secretive all of a sudden?

Jazzy: Why are YOU bein� so nosey? Look, it�s something that none of us can do anything about and you wouldn�t believe me if I told you about it anyway so let�s just forget it.

Blink: How do you know if we�ll believe ya or not if ya don�t tell us, b�sides, if ya can�t tell us, your friends, who can ya tell.

When he put it that way, she had to tell them. She knew it would be weird for all of them but it had to be done.

Jazzy: All right, I�ll tell you but you can�t tell anybody else. (they nodded) Ok, well I haven�t been completely honest about where I�m from. True, I am from L.I. but I�m from Baldwin, born and raised.

Guys: ooooookkkkk�.

Jazzy: The thing is I won�t be born for another 86 years. I�m from the future, I know how stupid that sounds, but it�s the truth. (she got three blank stares) See! I knew you wouldn�t believe me.

Mush: We want to believe ya but you know how far fetched dat sounds.

Jazzy: I can prove what I�m saying is true.

Race: (chuckles) you can sure as hell try.

Jazzy: Stay here, I�ll be right back.

She went down the fire escape and came back a minute later with her wallet and her magazine. She sat down, opened her wallet, and pulled out her Learner�s Permit, her car registration, her triple A card, and a dollar, and showed them the issued and expiration dates. Race picked up the magazine and gazed at the cover.

Race: What� what is dis?

Jazz: That�s Manhattan.

Race: Dat ain�t Manhattan.

Jazz: Yes, it is, see there�s the Empire State Building, where the Waldorf used to be.

Blink: Shit, das right, it ain�t dere no more, dey tore it down to build somethin� else.

Mush: Ta build dat right dere? (pointing at the E.S.B. in the picture, Jasmine nodded)

It took some work, but she finally got them to believe her. She explained how she moved to Florida and how she ended up in New York. They sat up there on the roof for hours just trying to imagine the future as Jasmine described everything in detail until Jack came up on the roof.

Jack: Ah, dere ya are. I knew I�d find youse up heah, whatchas all doin� up heah, anyway.

Blink: Talkin� �bout da future. (he got glares from Jazz, Mush, and Race, and a confused look from Jack) Stars� Did ya know dat dere are some people dat can tell da future from gazin� at da stars?

Jack: yeah, dey�re called �star gazahs.� Well, I hate ta spoil yer fun, but it�s lights out, youse comin�?

All five of them went down the fire escape. About 5 minutes later almost everyone was in bed and asleep, except for Race, Jasmine, Mush, and Blink. They went to bed at 11:00 and were still awake at 2:45. They couldn�t sleep because they knew how Jasmine had gotten there and knew that she could disappear at any minute, literally. After hours of tossing and turning the guys got fed up. The first one to get up was Race; the other two followed him. They walked to Jasmine�s bedroom door, and were just about to knock when the door flew open. The four jumped to see that there were people on the other side, then she waved for them to enter. Extremely tired, they didn�t even say anything. She got in the bed, then, Race, then Blink. Mush lay across the foot of the bed. It was big enough for them to fit comfortably without touching. The next morning Racetrack woke up to Blink snoring in his face and his arm slung over him.

Race: Blink, get off me. Blink? Blink, get da hell off me! (he groggily said while pushing Kid to the floor)

Blink: *thud* ow! Wha� happened?

Jazz: *waking up* What happened Blink? You fell off? (knowing the obvious)

Blink: (chuckles) yeah, I guess I did.

She giggled to herself, got her clothes, and went into the washroom meeting kloppman on the way.

Jazz: Good morning, Kloppman.

Kloppman: Mornin�, Darlin�. Ya ok?

Jazz: (yawning) Peachy, and yourself?

Kloppman: Great. Came ta wake ya up, but looks like I�m a bit late so I�ll go wake Fire. You go get ready.

Jazz: ok. 

That day after selling a very pretty girl caught Blink�s eye. She had long, blond, slightly wavy hair, sky blue eyes, about 5� 6�, and skin like milk.

Blink: She�s gorgeous.

Jazzy: Awww� thank you, Blink. (she knew he wasn�t talking about her, he playfully shoved her)

Blink: Not yoooou�. Her. (pointing to the girl)

Mush: Wow, yer right, she�s purdy.

The girl was walking home with bags of groceries when she accidentally dropped one. Blink went over and picked up the stuff that fell out and put it back in the bag.

Blink: Hey Dere, ya look like ya need help.

Girl: Do I ever.

Blink: Heah, gimme dat. (taking the second bag from her) Me name�s Kid Blink, and yer�s?

Girl: My name is Shirley. Thank you for your help, Blink.

Blink: It ain�t nothin�, hang on. (Turns to his friends) Hey, I�ll see youse guys latah! (back to her) Shall we?

And so the two walked off, leaving the other three behind. They had nothing else to do so they went to see Medda. Two days after that, Blink comes running into Tibby�s ecstatic about something.

Blink: (grinning happily) Youse guys will nevah guess wha� jist happened�

Newsies: Ya met da goil of yer dreams. (sounding rather bored)

He ignored the rest and motioned with his index finger for Mush, Jazz, and Race to follow. They all went and sat in an empty booth away from the others.

Mush: So???

Blink: Ok, ya r�membah dat goil I met de uddah day? (the three nodded, he continued.) Well, I saw her again taday gettin� chased by some creep an� he finally caught �er, and jist as he was about ta deck her in da face, I spun �im around and soaked him b�fowa he killed me. It wasn�t easy, but I soaked him good.

Tibby�s was usually pretty dark and it wasn�t until now that his companions noticed his bruises.

Race: Damn, he sho put up one helluva fight, so wha� happened?(he said with a cigar clenched in his teeth)

Blink: Well one good last punch ta da face bought me enough time ta git �er out de alley and to her house safely, and now she�s me new goilfriend.

Mush: Wow, das really swell fer ya, Blink. ( he was so proud of his friend.)

Jazz: So, will we get to meet her?

Blink: Yeah, yes ya will, dis aftanoon. Shoiley�s comin� ovah to da LH ta talk or somethin�.

Race: (wickedly smiling) Tell us about de �or somethin�� What youse two have in mind?? (receives a jab in the side by Jazz) What?? I was jist jokin�.

Blink: Gee, come ta t�ink of it, I don�t know, guess we�ll jist have ta wait til she gits dere ta find out.

As planned Shirley came over that day. It was awkward for everyone. As Blink introduced her to everyone she smiled and nodded trying to be as polite as she could be, but it was obvious to everyone that she just didn�t want to be there. It was a fun-filled evening as it usually was and Shirley finally came out of her shell and joined the group. 

Blink and Shirley had only been going together for a week and a half and the other newsies were about sick of seeing her. Except for early in the morning and late at night, whenever they saw him they saw her. The way she treated him was crazy. If she snapped her fingers he�d come running, or a lot of times she would yell at him for something stupid and he would take it laying down. He was her puppet and he couldn�t even see it. Wednesday had come and Blink was in Jasmine�s room getting ready for Shirley to come over because he was taking her to dinner somewhere. Everyone else was in the bunkroom; they could hear him singing.

Shoiley, Shoiley, da wondahful� Shoiley.

Boots: Do ya�s heah dat slop? (covering his ears)

Skittery: Do we�s have a choice?

Jack: Day afta day� Shoiley, Shoiley, da wondahful� Shoiley.

Swifty: And does she have ta be heah everyday??

Skittery: Yeah, really. I�m about tired of dat annoying high-pitched voice of hers.

Snipes: yeah, and she practically has Blink in shackles.

Fire: he ain�t even dependable no mowa.

Race: Yeah, Blink was s�posed ta come wit me, Jazz, Mush, Fire, and Bumlets to da racetracks de uddah day, but completely blew us off.

Snitch: Wha�s wit de sudden int�rest wit da tracks?

Jazz: See, the six of us were going to go and bet on one horse each. If one of us won we were going to split the winnings and take everyone to the Coney Island Fair.

Snipes: Hey, dat would�ve been fun!

Snoddy: Why didn�t ya�s jist go widdout �im?

Bumlets: Cuz da whole t�ing was his idea in da foist place.

Mush: Yeah, dat and cuz it jist wouldn�t be da same widdout him.

Specs: But wha� happened? How come he didn�t go?

Jazz: Well, we were all on our way out the door when suddenly the phone rings�

Fire: It was Shoiley of course�

Jazz: She wants him to come over and out he goes.

Jack: Well, it must�ve been purty oigent.

Race: Oigent my eye, it was nothin�. Shoiley�s got dis little dog, a Basset hound; she wanted Blink ta come ovah dere and take it for a walk. Hope dat lil� bastard� I mean� Basset appreciated it.

Everyone had a laugh at that.

Crutchy: I guess das love, we�ll jist have ta loin ta deal wit it. (sighs)

Itey: It�ll be hawd, but we�ll try.

Jazz: Yeah� but I swear, if I have to hear him say one more time�

Every1: �Ain�t she absolutely wondahful?!?!�

Jazz: (continues) I think I�m going to scream.

Shirley: Knock, Knock�

Newsies: oh, hey shoiley�(they all mumbled)

Shirley: Well, it�s great to see you all too. (she said sarcastically) Where�s Blink? Is he ready?

Blink: I sure am. So wheah ya wanna go?

Dutchy: Doesn�t look like yer goin� anywheah, it�s rainin�� hawd.

Shirley: Oh great, you mean we�re stuck here?

Blink: Yeah, but only �til it stops.

Shirley: Oh Blink, you can be such an idiot sometimes.

Blink: (chuckles) what did I do?

Shirley: If you were ready earlier we could have beat the rain, you ninny.

Itey: (frowns) she is kiddin�, right?

Specs: Naw, I t�ink she�s quite serious.

Blink: (hangs his head) I�m sorry �bout dat, Shoils.

Fire: (getting madder by the second) Blink, what da hell are you apologizin� fowa?! Shoiley, you jist got heah.

Shirley: SO?!

Jack: So� even if he was ready hours ago, ya�s would still be late cuz you got heah late.

Shirley: Will the rest of you kindly keep you noses out of my business?! I was talking to blink!!

Kloppman: Hey now, what�s with all the yelling up heah? What�s goin� on? (he was ignored)

Blink: C�mon Shoiley, dere�s no need ta yell at dem, dey didn�t do anyt�ing wrong. So we won�t git dere tanight, I�ll take ya tamorrah, ok? (puts his hand on her shoulder)

Shirley: (slaps it off) No Blink, it�s not ok!! I�m starving!! And don�t tell me what to do! I�ll speak to whom I want, how I want, you cycloptic freak!!

Most everyone cringed at her last statement. Fire was about to bolt out of her chair and choke the girl, but Mush sat on her lap before she got the chance. Blink�s _expression went from shock, to sadness, to anger real fast, but he didn�t say anything as Shirley stared at him boldly. Jasmine�s face was unreadable; she calmly broke the long silence.

Jazz: Shirley, may I speak to you in my room please?

Shirley stomped in first and Jasmine followed slamming the door behind her so hard that it popped open again.

Shirley: What do you want?!

Jazz: Cycloptic freak?! Are you kidding me?!

Shirley: Look, I am not in the mood for� (she got cut off)

Jazz: If you value your nose the way it is you�d better not say shit to me. What the hell is wrong with you?! How can you be that- that unfeeling and so crude? And after all he�s done for you. You know, maybe if you weren�t always walking two feet in front of him, you�d notice the bruise on his cheek and on his chin, and the cut on his lip. He got those from fighting some goon away from you! But what do you do? You go and treat him like a dog. You know what? You really don�t deserve him.

The girl just hung her head. It really hurt her to hear jasmine say those things to her, but now she knew how Blink felt. Her eyes started to water.

Shirley: I�m really sorry about how I acted.

Jazz: I accept your apology but you�re not getting off that easy. You�re going to got in that room and apologize to Blink, then you�re going to apologize to the others for being so rude and making such a scene.

She wasn�t looking forward to it needless to say but she knew it had to be done. She stood there for a minute thinking of what she was going to say then she turned and went into the bunkroom. She apologized to the other newsies first, getting that out the way; then she turned to Blink. She tried to be as pathetic as she could be with her puppy dog face and crocodile tears but Blink felt it was a front because everyone else was there. She didn�t even get to finish what she was saying; Blink gave a disgusted scuff and walked away leaving the building.

Kloppman: Shoiley, I think it would be better for everyone if you just went home now.

Shirley: But,it�s pouring. Besides, it�s dark, I can�t go home by myself; it�s too far, I�m scared. (beginning to cry again)

Jasmine: Shirley, you live down the street. Fine, I�ll walk you home. Kloppman, may I use your umbrella?

Kloppman: Sure, it�s behind the front desk. You want one of da guys ta go witcha so yer not alone on yer way back?

Jasmine: No, I�ll be fine, thanks. I�ll look for Kid while I�m out.

Jack: Oh no, yer not, not widdout one of us witcha. De only reason we's lettin� ya go to her house by yerself is cuz it�s only a block and a half away. Wanderin� da city at night is a totally diff�rent t�ing.

Jazz: But Jack�

Jack: No. I want you to run back heah as soon as she�s home. Me an� Pie Eater�ll look for �im if yer dat worried. Ok?

Jazz: Ok, come on, Shirley. Let�s go.

Shirley apologized to them again and then they left. When Jasmine got back to the LH Kid was sitting on the couch in the main room.

Jazz: Ah, Blink, there you are. Did Jack and Pie Eater bring you back?

Blink: No, I ain�t seen none of da guys since what�s-her-name was heah.

Jazz: Where did you go?

Blink: Jist ta cool off. I�m ok now.

Jazz: Well, I�m glad, but you won�t be for long if you stay in those wet clothes so come on upstairs to change. (She walked over to him) Whoa! Blink, goodness gracious, you smell like a brewery!

Blink: Yeah, so. I had a few drinks while I was out.

Jazz: A few, huh? Well, at least you�re not drunk, or are you? ( looking at the floor he smiled and shook his head) Good, well come on before you get sick.

Just then Jack and Pie Eater came barging through the door, soaking wet. Pie eater laughed out loud.

PE: Heah we are lookin� all ovah da place for dis guy an� he�s right heah. Ta ha ha.

Jack didn�t laugh for he could feel a cold coming on already.

They all went upstairs and the three boys went into the washroom to get ready for bed. Jasmine stayed in the bunkroom to say her goodnights to everyone and get her nightly kiss from Race. On her way to her room she met Blink, Jack, and P.E.; she said goodnight to them and they said it back. She was in the doorway to her room when someone spun her around and pulled her into a tight hug. It all happened so fast, she didn�t even see who it was, but when she got a faint whiff of tequila, she knew it was Blink and returned the hug. Then they both went to sleep. Jazz got up in the middle of the night because she heard voices in the other room. Walking into the bunkroom, a bit annoyed about being awakened in the middle of the night, she wondered what was up; besides the newsies of course.

Jazz: Hey man, what�s� going � on?

She noticed that many of the newsies were just walking around looking like zombies. Race, Itey, Blink, Snoddy, and Dutchy had started a poker game and were so out of it that they all had their hands down and anyone could see each other�s cards, but they were to tired to even notice. Skittery walked up behind her and leaned his chin on her right shoulder and put his arms around her stomach.

Skittery: I see he woke you up, too.

Jazz: Who?? (suddenly Jack falls into a fit of loud coughs and sneezes) Oh, there�s my answer, huh Skitts? Skittery?

He had fallen asleep on her. She gave a dry chuckle and took him to his bed. Then she walked up to Jack and told him to get out of bed which he did, almost falling on his face in the process but she caught him before he got hurt. She took him to her room and had him get in the bed. Then she walked back into the bunkroom and over to the poker game, if that�s what you want to call it.

Jazz: Ok, everyone can go back to sleep. Come on, we have to work tomorrow.

Race: Go away, Fire. I�m not goin� anywheah; I�m winnin�.

Jazz: Race, I�m not Fire first of all. Second of all, if you�re winning, how come everyone has seven cards while you only have three?

Race: (feeling quite stupid) Hmm� I guess I could use some mowa sleep, huh? Ok.

She took the cards from them and put them back in the box, laying them on the nightstand next to Race�s bed. When everyone was back in bed she grabbed Jack�s blanket and pillow, turned off the lights, went into the washroom, got one of the small garbage cans and went back in her room.

Jazz: (whispering) Jack, are you asleep yet?

Jack: No. Are you? Oh, my g-d. Do me a favah; pretend I didn�t just say that.

Jazz: (laughed) ok. I will, well here�s a trash can next to the bed just incase you get the urge to vomit.

Jack: T�anks, I�d kiss ya but I doubt you want dis headache.

Jazz: (chuckled) You can owe me when you�re better.

Jack: Wait, what are you doin�?

Jazz: (curling up in Jack�s blanket on the floor) What�s it look like I�m doing? I�m going to sleep.

Jack: (heavily coughing) On da floor?? Jazzy, this bed is big enough for the both of us, come in.

Jazz: Why? So I can get sick with you? No, thank you.

Jack: Then why doncha go sleep in my bunk?

Jazz: Because I want to be here just incase you need me for anything. Stop worrying about me and go to sleep.

Jack: But Jazzy, I really don�t t�ink you�

Jazz: Jack, go� to� sleep.

And he did. He coughed and sneezed all night and Jasmine got little sleep but she didn�t mind. As the sun came up she was still awake and decided to go to the store and get Jack some soup and things for his cold.

She had to use a very little of her own money which made her uncomfortable because of the dates on the bills, but luckily no one even noticed. She returned with soup, a thermometer, some whiskey and honey. She put the big bag in the kitchen, then went upstairs to check on Jack. As soon as she was about to knock on the door, Jack flung it open and they both jumped.

Jazz: (laughing) Shyt, you startled me. (stops laughing) You�re dressed, and just where do you think you�re going.

Jack: I�m going to woik, dat�s wheah.

Jazz: Yeah that�s what you think, Mr. Man. Turn around, go in that room, put your long-johns back on, and get in bed.

Jack: No, I won�t, I have a job ta do, now please get out of me way. (she gave him her famous sad puppy dog face) oh no, nuh-uh, dat woiks on all de uddah guys; I ain�t fallin� for it. I�m goin� ta sell and dere�s nothin� you can do ta stop me. (fed up, she drew in a long breath and held it) Jazz, what are ya doin�? Stop, why ya holdin� yer breath like dat?? Breathe! (still holding her breath she closed her eyes, because she was getting dizzy, and pointed to the bed) Aw, c�mon Jasmine, I hafta go, now I�m beggin� ya. Please stop dat! (she pointed at the bed again and crossed her arms. She was starting to sweat from lack of oxygen and he finally gave in) All right, fine, I�ll do it, will ya breathe awready??

Jazz: (finally taking in air) Thanks Jack. Now was that so hard? Did I really have to suffocate myself?

Jack: Don�t you EVAH do dat ta me again! Jeez, ya scared me. I�m goin� ok?

Jazz: Ok, I�m going to be downstairs in the kitchen. I�ll be back up in a little while.

She left the room closing the door behind her only to be startled by Spot standing behind her; she jumped.

Jazz: What the hell is this; sneak up on Jasmine day?!

Spot: (chuckles) I�m sorry, I didn�t mean to scare ya.

Jazz: It�s cool, Jack�s in there. (she said pointing to the door. Then she went down stairs)

About fifteen minutes later Jasmine came back upstairs with a tray she found in the kitchen. She knocked on the door.

Jack: Come in!

She walked in and over to the bed placing the tray on the nightstand.

Jazz: Sit up, Jack. Here, eat this before it gets cold.

Jack: (mockingly) Yes, mother. Whatever ya say, mother.

Spot started to laugh. She just realized that he was still there.

Jazz: Hey Spot, are you hungry, there�s more soup downstairs if you�d like some.

Spot: Yeah, shaw, I t�ink I will have some.

Jazz: Ok, I�ll be right back with a bowl.

Spot: I�ll come witcha, I wanna say hey ta Kloppman anyways.

They left the room and went downstairs.

Jazz: Didn�t you see him when you came in?

Spot: Naw, he wasn�t at the desk.

Kloppman: That�s cause I was in my room.

Spot: Oh. So, how ya been, Kloppman?

As the two sat at the table conversing, Jasmine poured some soup in a bowl for Spot. She asked Kloppman if he wanted some, he said no so she gave Spot his and proceeded to warm up some honey and whiskey. A couple of minutes later�

Kloppman: What is that? (nodding at the pot on the stove)

Jazz: Whiskey and Honey.

Spot: For�what?

Jazz: For Jack. It will clear his sinuses and get rid of the phlegm and mucus.

Spot: (was about to put another spoonful in his mouth but stopped) Eeeeew� well, t�anks fowa da tidbit.

Jazz: (laughs) Hey, you asked. (she poured the whiskey into a small glass) I�m going to take this to Jack. I�ll be right back.

She went up and gave him his drink and came back down a minute later with the tray. She put the bowl and the glass in the sink and washed them along with Spot�s dishes.

Jazz: Well, I�m going up to the roof. Would you like anything before I go, Kloppy.

Kloppman: No t�anks, Darlin�. You go ahead �bout yer business.

She flashed him smile and headed upstairs followed by Spot. When they got to the bedroom door she knocked on it and said �Jack, I�m going up on the roof, do you need anything?� When she didn�t get answer she opened the door to find Jack asleep.

Spot: (chuckled) Da liquah musta wiped �im out.

Jazz: (lightly shutting the door) Yeah. Well, I�m off. You�re welcome to join me if you�d like.

Spot: Yeah, ok, I�ll come. It�s been a while since da last time I watched da city from th� top of a roof.

That being said they walked through the bunkroom and onto the fire escape that lead to the roof. They found a nice place to sit. They spent a good hour talking. As they spoke, they both knew the other had questions about certain things but were thankful that the other had the courtesy not to ask about it. After a while they just sat there in silence. Jazz looked up from her hands and over at Spot. He was sitting Indian style staring off into space, but he looked very different than usually. He didn�t have a smirk or a frown and his eyes weren�t cold and intimidating like they usually were. Instead, they were opened wide, sparkling in the sunlight. His bottom lip stuck out like a slight pout and his head was cocked to the right. He looked much younger. She thought, Ha. He�s so cute, looking all clueless and simple. She giggled to herself. Snapping out of his daydream, he smiled at her.

Spot: What�s funny?

Jazz: Nothing, sorry.

Spot: Sorry fer what?

Jazz: (giggles) I donno. (shrugs) I�m going to check on Jack and see if he�s awake yet, I�ll be back.

She got up and started for the fire escape when she noticed that Spot was following her again.

Jazz: What are you? My second shadow?

Spot: Eh, shut yer trap. You love me company an� ya know it.

She smiled, rolled her eyes, grabbed his hand and pulled him down the fire escape. When they got to the hallway they bumped into Race and Mush.

Mush: Ah, dere you are. Heya, Spot.

Spot: Hey, fellahs. How�s it rollin�.

Mush: Same ol� same ol�.

Jazz: What are you guys doing here so early?

Race: We came ta see how you was but it seems you got plenty of company. (pointing at the joined hands)

Spot: Yeah. Well, ya don�t hafta worry, Race. She�s in good hands.

Jazz: Yeah, literally.

The two laughed but Mush and Race just exchanged looks. Just then Jack came out scratching his head and yawning looking like a bear or something.

Jack: Heya guys, what�s goin� on out heah?

Jazz: Sorry, Jack. Did we wake you up?

Jack: Naw, not really. I was jist headin� to (sneezes) da washroom and was surprised ta see youse (coughs) all standin� in front the door.

Race: I take it ya don�t feel no bettah.

Jack: Actu�lly, I do feel a lil� bettah.

Mush: I�m surprised ya stayed home taday.

Jazz: He didn�t want to. You have no idea how hard it was for me to get him in bed.

Spot: (laughs) Really?

Jazz: (laughs) You know what I meant, get your mind out of the gutter.

Jack shook his head and chuckled his way to the bathroom.

Mush: I don�t get it.

Spot: Well, then I guess you nevah will.

Race: Yer so na�ve, Mush.

Jasmine took her hand from Spot�s and sat on the nearest bunk. Race sat at her right; Spot at her left and Mush across from her. She offered them peppermints as she threw one in the air catching it in her mouth. Just then Jack entered the room.

Jack: Ok, I�m bored. Who�s up fer pokah?

Race: Hey, das right up my alley. You fellahs in?

Mush and Spot nodded as they walked to the card table in the corner of the room. Race had already dealt the cards by the time they had sat down.

Jazz: Well, if anyone needs me I�ll be downstairs talking to Kloppman.

The guys nodded and said �ok� and she left. She went back up about four hours later.

Jazz: My goodness, you�re still playing that game??

Spot: Naw, we got tired of losing our money (glaring at Racetrack who was grinning back) so then we switched to spades.

Mush: Yeah, but now we�re just playin� good ol� Gin Rummy.

Race: Cah ta join us.

Jazz: Sure, I�ll play for a little while.

After about five games the only ones that had been winning were Race and Jasmine. The other three decided to quit and just watch and Race was getting into it and suggested to bet money on the game. By the eighth one she had won almost all of his money and he quit the game. He sat in his chair with his arms crossed over his chest and sulked as his friends laughed and threw it in his face. When Jasmine realized that he wasn�t laughing with them she walked behind him, slipped the money in his vest pocket and kissed him on the cheek. He smiled as she walked away; he knew she wouldn�t have kept it anyway but he didn�t like the thought of losing nonetheless.

Jazz: Jack, are you hungry?

Jack: Yeah, sure. Hey ya got anymore o� dat soup dat tastes sooo good?

Jazz: Sure, I�ll go make some. Would you boys like some?

They all said yes and she went downstairs to make it. As soon as she left Mush chuckled.

Jack: What�s so funny, Mush?

Mush: I was just thinkin� about what a good housewife or mother she gonna make foa someone in da futah. (Joe�s note: let it be me, let it be me, let it be meeeee� ok, that�s it) (Cammy�s note: yuuuuuuck�)

Jack smiled at him. After they ate the rest of the newsies returned home and a few hours later Spot was back in Brooklyn and everyone was asleep. The rest of the week was basically the same. Jack had gotten over his flu and he and jasmine were glad to be back out on the street. Though they hated being cooped up for that long they were glad for the time they got to share.

***********************************************

June 6^th had rolled around and it was Racetrack�s birthday. (Convenient, don�t you think???) The only ones who knew when it was were Kid, Mush, and now Jasmine. While Race was out, they were on the roof talking about it.

Blink: I don�t know why he�s so secretive about his boirthday.

Mush: You know how he hates ta be da centah of attention.

Jazz: Yes, I�ve noticed that about him. It�s just surprising to me, seeing as how he�s always the one to crack a joke or make a funny statement.

Mush: Yeah, he�s a clown, but I don�t t�ink he does it foa attention. He speaks �is mind; it just comes out funny.

Blink: I still say too bad he don�t want nobody knowin�. It woulda been fun t�rowin� him a pawty.

Jazz: We still can.

Mush: Naw, he wouldn�t be happy �bout dat.

Jazz: We don�t have to say it�s for him but just for a change. I mean come on; you have to admit that you�re a little tired of eating at Tibby�s everynight.

Mush: A lil� tired?

Blink: Ya got a point dere, but what are we goin� ta do?

Jazz: Well, Blink, you can go tell the others not to go to Tibby�s tonight and Mush will come with me to get some things from the store.

They agreed and got up to leave. When they got to the bunkroom Jasmine walked over to Race�s nightstand and took his watch.

Mush: Whatcha takin� dat foa? It don�t woik, r�membah?

Jazz: I know that, silly. I�m going to get it fixed.

Blink: (putting his hat on his head) Das nice. Wish I had �nuff money ta git �im somet�in�.

Jazz: It�ll be from all of us, now come on. I�ve got to start cooking soon.

And so they left. As soon as Mush and Jasmine got back, they got started. Jasmine did the cooking and Kloppman helped Mush clean and set up the dining room. While the food was in the oven and after she washed the china and silverware, she brought them into the dining room and set the table.

When they were done they looked at the finished product.

Mush: (patting Kloppman on the back) You�d t�ink a buncha rich folks lived heah.

He was right; it was beautiful. The room was as big as the bunkroom; it was huge. In the middle of the room was a loooong table with a whole bunch of chairs surrounding it, with a white, laced tablecloth and a candelabrum that Kloppman had polished in the center. Everything was clean and put in it�s place; it looked exactly the way they wanted. Just then Specs, Dutchy, Jake, Itey, and Skittery walked into the L.H. laughing about something but stopped.

Itey: (sniffing) Wow, what�s dat smell??

Specs: (also sniffing) I donno but it�s got my mouth waterin�.

Skittery: HEY KLOPPMAN, WHEAH YA AT??

Kloppman: Right here, boy. Quit yellin�.

Skittery: Sorry, what�s goin� on. Whatcha cookin?

Kloppman: I�m not cooking anythin�. Jasmine made dinner for everyone.

Itey: (smacks Skittery upside the head) An� you weren�t gonna listen ta Blink; you were gonna eat at Tibby�s.

Skittery: Aw leemme alone, I�m heah, ain�t I.

Kloppman: (laughs) Well, now that you�re here, go upstairs and wash up for dinner.

And so they did; Kloppman stayed in the main room to tell the other kids that came in the same. When everyone was finally home and in clean clothes they all filed into the dining room and sat down and Jasmine entered with Mush, each carrying a tray of food.

Race: Dear me! What is dat pleasant aroma?

Jazz: That, my dear boy, is the smell of homemade lasagna.

She called everyone up two at a time to get their plate and Fire happily volunteered to help her pass it out. When it came time for David to get his plate, he gave them both a kiss and sat down but Sarah, who was behind him, just scowled at them both.

Fire: Heya, sourpuss.

Sarah: look, I know that you two don�t like me.

Jazz: (she and Fire started clapping) You believe that, Fire? She figured that out all by herself.

Sarah: Just know that I like you two even less. I�m only here�

Fire: �To annoy us, right?

Sarah: I�m here because Jack asked me to be here. He loves me and I love him so get used to it because I plan to stay around.

Jazz: Heaven help us all.

That�s when Itey walked up and Sarah�s scowl turned into a fake sticky-sweet smile.

She held up her plate and Jasmine, also wearing a fake smile, plopped some lasagna on her plate, making the tomato sauce splatter on Sarah�s face. Fire and Itey tried to stifle their laughs and not doing a very good job of it.

Sarah: I can�t stand any of you.

Itey: (laughing) what did I do??

She stomped away leaving Itey, Fire and Jasmine hysterical laughing, but their laughter ceased when Jack walked up to Jasmine with a face of stone.

Jazz: (smiling nervously at him) Hiya, Jack. Did I skip you?

Jack: (glaring at her) Sarah told me what youse all did.

Itey: Whoa, what do you mean �youse all?� I jist got heah.

Jack: (shifting his glare) She told me what da goils did wit da food and you went and laughed at her.

Itey: (glaring back at Jack) Das right I laughed at her, cuz it was funny. And did it at any time occoi to ya dat maybe dere was a reason why Jazzy did what she did? Well, dere was; Sarah desoived it, and no Jack, I ain�t afraid ta say it. Ya wanna git outta me way now? T�ank you.

He got his plate from the girls and walked to his seat pausing only to give the girls a wink. Jack turned to Fire and Jasmine but his face wasn�t cold like it was before.

Jack: (sighing) Guess he told me. I�se sorry, goils. Look, I don�t t�ink she�s bettah den you�se, it�s jist dat she�s me goilfreind so I worry. You can understand dat, can�tcha?

Girls: Sure, Jack, of course.

Fire: But Jack, if she stawts wit us, dere�s gonna be trouble and it ain�t gonna be our fault.

Jazz: You tell her to stay away from us and there shouldn�t be any problems.

Skittery: Say, what�s da hold up? I�m stawvin� ovah heah.

Jack: sorry Skitts, I�m goin�. Ok goils, I�ll tell �er what you�se said. (goes to kiss Fire on the cheek)

Fire: (stops him) I donno if das a good idea; she�s watchin� ya.

Jack just shrugged and kissed her anyway, then kissed Jasmine and sat next to Sarah, who wasn�t too happy at the moment, but he changed that by kissing her lips. Les sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes. Skittery got his plate and sat down. Soon everyone had some but there was still a whole lot left.

Jazz: Oh man, I made way too much.

Fire: (chuckles) Went a lil� ovah board, eh?

As if on queue, voices came from the other room. Jasmine went into the main room to greet them. She walked in to see Spot and four of his friends.

Jazz: Yo Spot, how�s it been?

Spot: Purdy good, you?

Jazz: I�m cool, real cool. Who�re your friends?

Spot: Dis heah is Knuckles, Shakes, Chisel, and Gunnah.

Looking them over she thought: Out of all of them Gunner is the biggest. He isn�t much taller than Spot who is taller than I by a good three inches. This guy�s arms are that of a heavyweight champ's. Why on earth does this guy take orders from Spot? Although, just because he�s Spot�s friend doesn�t make him a newsie. How could he be with a body like that? I wonder�

Jazz: Gunner, what�s you�re occupation? (he looked at her funny) Your job, what do you do?

Gunner: Oh, I woik at da loadin� docks.

Jazz: I figured as much. Hey are you guys hungry? Say yes. (they did) Good, come with me.

They followed her to the dining room and were bombarded with happy smiles and greetings and were offered seats.

Spot: Hey, what�s da special occasion?

Jack: Yeah, it ain�t a holiday, is it someone�s boithday?

Jazz: (catching a glimpse of Race nervously biting his lip) Not that I know of. (He relaxed)

Pretty soon all the lasagna was gone and it was time for desert. They had chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream, which Snipes, Boots, and Les couldn�t get enough of. After everyone was done they kissed her goodnight and thanked Jasmine, Mush, and Blink who stayed behind to clean up. Spot and his gang went back to Brooklyn, Jack walked David, Les, and Sarah home, and the others were getting ready for bed. When Kid and Mush were bringing the last of the dishes into the kitchen Race followed them.

Race: Hey guys, need help?

Blink: Well, we don�t need help but ya can if ya wanna.

Race nodded, rolled up his sleeves, and walked over to the sink with Jasmine. He grabbed a rag and started washing dishes.

Race: Dat food was great. I haven�t eaten dat good in a long time. (Blink and Mush agreed)

Jazz: I�m glad you enjoyed it. Happy Birthday.

Race: T�anks.

Jazz: Race, could you do me a favor and go upstairs and get my notebook from my nightstand?

Race: Showa t�ing, I�ll be right back.

He dried his hands and left the kitchen. When he entered her room he opened the drawer to the nightstand but he didn�t see any notebook. Instead, he saw his watch and a new box of cigars with a note that said �Happy Birthday, Race! From Kid, Jazz, and Mush.� His eyes grew wide as he looked at his watch. The front had some things engraved on it. Across the top of the circle it said �Racetrack.� Across the bottom it said �Higgins� and in the middle was a racehorse. After he looked at it for another minute he tucked in his vest pocket and picked up the cigar box ripping the plastic off of it. He stuck a cigar in his mouth, savoring the flavor, than put two in his breast pocket and walked into the bunkroom putting the box under his bed, hidden behind the bottom of the nightstand. He was on his way downstairs to thank his friends when he accidentally bumped into Snipeshooter who was just walking in the door to the bunkroom. Snipes apologized and was about to walk in, but Race stopped him. He gave him a puzzled look but then his jaw dropped as Race smiled at him pulling out one of the cigars from his pocket and handing it to him. Snipes gave him a suspicious look but gingerly took the cigar. Racetrack, still smiling, gave him a pat on the back and walked down the stairs, leaving a speechless and very confused little boy behind. He went down to the kitchen and helped clean up. 

Nothing special happened the rest of that month. Everyone was his or her usual happy self except for Jasmine. She had been away from home for a long time now and it was really getting her down. She put on a happy face in front of everyone but she wasn�t fooling anyone. She and Fire had been hanging with each other ever since that dinner about a month ago. Fire liked it when she and Jasmine hung out because she could be open and talk about things with her that she could talk about with the guys. One evening they were on their way back to the L.H. when they were passing a bar.

Fire: Hey, I know whatcha need. A nice, stiff drink. Dat always helps me when I�m feelin� low. B�sides, I could use a drink, but b�foa we go in heah, ya need ta take off dat jew�ry an� hide it.

Jasmine did what she was told and put her jewelry in the inside pocket of her vest. When they entered the building Jasmine followed her to the bar and ordered a soda. Fire, whom ordered a gin on the rocks, laughed, as did the people that heard her order. She hated the feeling of everyone laughing at her; hating to be the center of attention. She almost felt trapped, like she couldn�t move. A very bulky, well built man about 32 or so walked up next to her. He had sandy colored hair that was slicked back, a handsome face with brown eyes and a five o�clock shadow, even though it was almost close to ten, and he was about 5� 9�. He told everyone to leave her alone and they did. The man introduced himself as Mark.

Mark: So, yer not one fer alcohol, huh?

Jazz: No, I�m not. I�m only here because my friend (pointing at Fire who was flirting with some guy) felt the need for a drink.

Mark: (putting his arm around her) Well, I�s glad ya came wit her. I was stawtin� ta get bored.

Jazz: (shrugs him off) Look, I appreciate your help and you seem very nice but I don�t feel comfortable about your arm around me.

Mark: I don�t see why. A purdy goil like you should be use to it by now.

Jazz: (titters) Either your judgement is bad from being drunk or you need glasses.

Mark: (laughs) I may be a lil� zonked but me eyes an� me judgement are jist fine. C�mon, don�tcha like ta play games?

Jazz: Not your type of game. The only games I play are Gin and Pool.

Mark: Ooooh, so she plays pool. Well, you up for a lil� competition?

Jazz: (looking to see Fire still flirting) Sure.

She tapped Fire on the shoulder to tell her where she was going but Fire just waved her away; she was busy at the moment. Mark and one of his friends lead Jasmine into the back room where the pool tables were. When they first started playing they were only betting on chump change, but later they played for bigger money. Mark and Maurice were drinking as the game went on which Jasmine wasn�t too happy about, but they weren�t getting hostile or slurring their words, so she relaxed and played on. She had won $14 off him and she was ready to quit but he insisted that she play one more game so he had a chance to win his money back, so she did.

Mark: Ok, seein� as how dis is da last game, heah�s da bet. I�m puttin� up dis $10 heah. If ya win, ya can have it, but if I win, you hafta go out wit me.

Jazz: (chuckles) what? You mean like on a date? (he nodded) Ok, this guy is definitely bombed. There is no way he can win, thank goodness. Well, he wants to give up $10, who am I to deny him the pleasure? Fine, I�ll take your mon�uh� I mean your bet.

Needless to say, he lost, adding ten bucks to her winnings. He wasn�t happy about it, of course and left the bar. Jasmine went back and sat next to Fire. After five minutes of waiting, she told Fire that she was ready to go; Fire wasn�t really interested and told her to go home. Quite aggravated from being ignored all night Jasmine left. She began walking in the direction of the L.H. but she didn�t get far because as she was walking past an alley, someone who dragged her all the way to the back grabbed her. When they got to the end, she was spun around to face the person that she recognized as Mark. He roughly pushed her up against the brick wall and started kissing her. She bit his tongue hard and pushed him away. He yelled and spit out some blood then gave her a fierce punch in the face. She fell to the ground holding the right side of her face and crying at first but then she started screaming when he yanked her to her feet. He shut her up by punching her in the stomach, making her gag and cough violently. She ended up on the ground again in a crawling position. He kicked her in the side and she flipped and landed on her back. He got on top of her and just pummeled her. After what seemed like hours to Jasmine, someone had gotten Mark off of her and they got into a fight of their own. She didn�t stick around to watch or ask any questions or even thank the person that helped her; as soon as she had a chance she was gone. Because she wasn�t a skinny girl, the second block tired her but she didn�t care. She ran all the way to the L.H. When she finally got there she stumbled in the door and was distressed to see almost all the newsies in the main room. They were all startled and shocked at what they saw. She was a mess. Her nose and her bottom lip were bleeding, her left eye was puffy, she had a huge bruise on the right side of her face, her hair, which was usually in two pony tails toward the back of her head, was a little tangled and hung on her shoulders. Her vest was missing, her beige shirt was ripped open and dirty revealing the white shirt underneath, one of her suspenders was broken, and she was shaking. (Hey, if we�re gonna beat her up, let�s go all out.) Kloppman was the first to get over his shock. He walked over to her and the closer he got, the harder she shook. When he got close enough he held her face in his hands.

Kloppman: She�s got a lil� concussion.

Snipes: Oh no!!!! What�s a cussution?

Kloppman: Concussion, but nevah mind, gets me a warm, wet rag. (Snipes left the room) How�d this happen, Darlin�?

She didn�t answer him but hung her head and started to weep instead. Kloppman pulled her into a hug and told the boys to go to bed. They went upstairs but they didn�t go into the bunkroom; they leaned against the wall in the hallway and listened to the conversation. Racetrack refused to leave. He couldn�t leave, now, not until he was sure that his friend was ok. They sat on the couch and waited for her to collect herself so she could explain what had happened. Snipeshooter came back with the towel and handed it to her, then joined the rest upstairs. She slowed her weeping and cleaned off her face with the rag, now she was ready to talk. She told them exactly what happened from the time they got to the bar and up until she returned home. As she spoke Race watched her face turn ashen like, or pale, and she kept her head down not wanting to look at either of them. As soon as she was done Fire walked through the door with an ear-to-ear grin that vanished when she saw Jasmine.

Fire: What da hell happened ta you??

Race: oh, now ya concoined?

Fire: What�s dat mean? Jasmine, why didn�t ya tell me you was leavin�?

Jazz: (looking up at her with wide glossy eyes) I�I did tell you. I said �Fire, are you ready yet? I want to go home.� and you flagged me away and said � Den go home. So John, you was sayin���

Fire: Oh, so what are ya sayin�? Dat dis is my fault?!

Jazz: (starts crying again) Fire, I didn�t say it was your fault.

Kloppman was annoyed and told Fire to go to bed and she did along with everyone else. After a while everyone was asleep. 

The next day at Tibby�s Jasmine sat with Jack, who didn�t let her out of his sight all day, Race, Mush, and Blink. They talked and pretended that everything was fine but all four knew that it wasn�t. Granted, she felt ten times better than the night before, but she still had some issues. During conversation they would glance over at her once in a while just to see that nothing had changed. They couldn�t really see her face because she had combed her hair so that it hung to hide her face and she had her cap pulled down. Plus she kept her head down as she stared blankly at the table. She was upset because she desperately missed her sister and Fire wouldn�t talk to her; she kept avoiding her. Man, did she want to go home. She almost wished she hadn�t been on her bed when the lamp fell or never met the newsies. Not that she didn�t like them; she loved them all and that was part of her problem. She had become attached to them and couldn�t decide which �home� she wanted most. Although, even if she wanted to go back to the future she couldn�t. Not yet anyway. She was stuck where she was whether she wanted to be there or not. When she came out of her trance she realize that her face was wet from fallen tears. Thankfully, her hair didn�t show it.

Jazz: (standing up) Excuse me.

Jack: (standing as well and grabbing her arm) Whoa, wheah ya goin� right now?

Jazz: (yanking her arm out of his grip) If you must know, I�m going to the little girls room, nosey.

As soon as she entered the restrooms, a tall man with jet-black hair walked in. He looked like his job was blue-collar. He studied all the newsies who just stared back. When he didn�t see who he was looking for he cleared his throat and spoke up.

Man: �scuse me, I wondah if any of youse can tell me wheah I can fine a newsgoil dat goes by da name o� Jasmine.

Jack: (stands up) Who�re you? Why ya wanna see �er?

Man: Da name�s Maurice, why I wanna see �er is none o� yer business.

Jack turned his attention to Jasmine who was just then walking out of the restroom , drying her hands with a towel. He brushed passed Maurice and met her in the middle if the restaurant.

Jack: (whispering) Say, do you know dat guy?

By this time Maurice had already recognized her and walked over to them.

Maurice: Hey Jasmine, r�membah me?

The second she saw him her mouth fell open and her eyes grew wide and she became as stiff as a board.

Everyone noticed her reaction.

Maurice: Say fellah, ya mind leavin� us alone, dis is poisonal.

Before Jack could make a move Jasmine grabbed on to his arm and held on tight. Maurice almost looked hurt but he couldn�t blame her for reacting the way she did.

Maurice: I understand how ya feel, but ya don�t needs ta be afraid o� me. I�m da one dat got him off o� ya.

Jasmine: (still holding on to Jack�s arm) Thank you for that.

Maurice: Welcome, here�s yer vest back. (she took it as he glanced at the 20 pairs of staring eyes) Look, can we sit down ovah heah away from da crowd?

They sat at a table on the other end of the restaurant. Jasmine had calmed down some and told Jack that he could go back with the guys. He didn�t want to leave but he did anyway. He went back over to the table they were at before and just watched them. Jasmine searched the pockets while Maurice spoke to her. She took out and put on her jewelry and saw that the 24 bucks were still there. She took it out and put it in the vest she was wearing as the boys on the other end if the room stared with wide eyes. Also in the pocket was a pocketknife.

Jazz: Did you put this in here?

Maurice: Yeah, I thought you could use it. Ya don�t have to, but at least ya have it if you evah needs it.

Jazz: Well, thank you. Now that I think about it, what happened last night, after I ran I mean?

Maurice: You really wanna know? (she thought about it and shook her head) Well, I hate ta cut dis meetin� short but I�s got ta git back ta woik. It was good takin� to ya. Take care o� yaself.

He got up and walked out. Jasmine walked over to Jack still looking at the knife. She stood there for a moment, then shoved the weapon in her pocket and looked Jack in the face.

Jazz: Jack, I need you to take me to Brooklyn.

Jack: Fo� what?

Jazz: I want to ask Spot to teach me how to fight. (she whispered to him)

Jack: No, I ain�t takin� ya dere.

Jazz: You don�t have to make a special trip, I can go with you tomorrow night when you leave for the Friday poker game.

Fire: (talking to Jack) Bad idea, I don�t even go ta Brooklyn. Been dere twice, das enough fowa me.

Blink: Yeah, but ya don�t hafta worry, we�d nevah leave ya alone.

Jazz: That�s the problem.

Specs: What? Yer sick�a bein� around us now?

Jazz: No, of course not. It�s just that I�m sick of being under surveillance all the time. I can�t even go to the bathroom without someone asking me where I�m going. I don�t want to have to be protected; I want to be able to fend for myself.

When she put it that way, they couldn�t argue with her. They all stared at Jack waiting for him to make a decision.

Jack: Awright, dis is what we�ll do. Is dere anyone who ain�t goin� ta play pokah in Brooklyn tommorrah? (Bumlets, fire, Snoddy, and Crutchy said they weren�t)

Crutchy: Me an� Fire�s goin� ta visit a goil by Broadway.

Snoddy: An� Bumlets and me gots dates but we�re gonna go ta Brooklyn until den.

Jack: Poifect, den we�ll all go an� Spot and his gang will meet us at da bridge as usual an� Jazzy can tawk t�ings ovah wit Spot. She�ll leave wid youse guys when it�s time for youse ta go.

Bumlets: It sounds like a plan ta me.

Now her problem was solved, well, almost. She still had to get Spot to agree to help her. Not that he wouldn�t, but being the leader of the Brooklyn Newsies, who always seems to have some kind of business to take care of, he may not be able to.

**********************************************************************

Spot: Sure, I�ll help ya!

She was surprised at his reaction. He almost seemed happy about it, but he still had the cold look on his face. She knew it was only because his guys were with him. Just then his girlfriend walked over looking just as tough as he did. Jasmine got nervous. I hope to g-d that this girl isn�t anything like Sarah, or anything like the rest of Brooklyn for that matter.

Shims: Whatcha two bein� all hush-hush about?

Spot: Oh hey, Shimmah. Meet me friend, Jasmine. Jasmine, dis is me goil, Shimmah.

Jazz: How do you do?

Shims: Fine, and you?

Jazz: Swell, thank you.

Spot: (smirking proudly) Jazzy got soaked bad last night and she came heah ta have me teach her ta fight.

Damn, tell the world, why don�t you. Go ahead, say it a little louder, I don�t think they heard you up in ALBANY yet.

Shims: It ain�t nothin� ta be ashamed of. I couldn�t fight when I foist became a newsie eiddah. Hey, I�ll help youse.

You will?

Spot: Ya will?

Shims: Showa, gots nothin� else ta do.

Spot: ok, den we�ll go ta Manhattan with Jacky-boy an� da rest when da game�s ovah.

Now that the matter was settled they walked back over to the group. Jasmine got to meet some more of Spot�s friends, she actually liked most of them; she had a nice conversation with them but then it was time to go. That night when everyone returned home, they had gotten ready for bed, then discussed sleeping arrangements.

Spot: So wheah�re we gonna sleep? (a pause)

Jazz: I can�t believe I forgot there were no extra beds.

Jack: I can�t believe you forgot too.

Jazz: Well what about you? You didn�t bother reminding me, and you spent the whole night with them and didn�t open your mouth.

Shims: Yeah, really Cowboy. Airhead.

Jack: (now insulted) Look, could we please get offa me and back to da mattah at hand? (there was a short pause) Fine, Shimmah will share wit Fire and Spot can sleep wit someone else.

All three sucked their teeth and rolled their eyes. It was a known fact to most that Fire and Shimmer didn�t really get along. Shimmer actually liked Fire for her spunk and the way she never took any shYt from anyone. Fire on the other hand, couldn�t stand Shimmer. Not because she was mean or anything like that, in fact, for a female, street, Brooklynite she was very nice. The problem was Fire had the biggest crush on Spot ever since they�d met and she simply couldn�t stand the fact that he and Shimmer were going together. Spot just didn�t like sharing a bed with anyone.

Jazz: Well, if that won�t work, youse�pardon me, you two can sleep in my bed. (everyone chuckled)

Spot: I�m showa ya had it right da foist time. Wheah youse gonna sleep?

Jazz: I�ll think of something. Never you mind about that.

Shims: But we can�t jist take ya bed.

Jazz: Who are you two here for?

Spot+Shims: We�re heah fo� you.

Jazz: Exactly, and for that reason you�re going to sleep in there. (pointing to her door)

Snipes: Hey, Boots and me can share an� you can use his bed!

Jazz: Is that alright with you, Boots?

Boots: Yeah, of course it is.

Jack: Glad we�s got dat out da way, now le�s all go ta bed. 

The next morning Shimmer sold with Jasmine. They talked about fighting and defensive techniques, when and how to attack the opponent, best places to hit, things like that. That afternoon they went to Tibby�s and met up with everyone. Spot met them at the door.

Spot: Heya ladies.

Shims: Hey Spot. How was yer day? (kisses him)

Spot: Real good. (turns to Jasmine) So Jay, ya hungry or ya jist wanna git stawted?

Jazz: I just want to get started, but if you�re not ready, I can wait.

Shims: Well, I�m stawvin�, I�m gonna eat somethin�.

Spot: I awready ate, so le�s see whatcha got. (standing up straight) Gehead, hit me.

Jazz: Come again.

Spot: I said hit me.

Jazz: But I don�t want-- --

Spot: Look, if I�se gonna teach ya how ta fight I hafta know what I got ta woik wit. Don�t worry about it, jist hit me.

Jazz: oooooooook� Here goes�

She drew back her right fist and punched him on his left shoulder.

Spot: Naw, put all ya stren�th in th� punch.

Jazz: (frowning) I-I did do it with all m-my strength.

Spot: Oh, ya did?

He turned his head so she wouldn�t see him chuckling, but that didn�t work because when the other newsies saw him laughing they cracked up themselves. Jasmine�s frown got deeper. Once again, she had subjected herself to complete humiliation. Mad that she was being laughed at, again, she pulled back her fist and hit him again causing them to laugh harder. Fed up, she plopped into a chair and silently waited for them to stop. When the laughter finally ceased Spot pulled Jasmine to her feet. Knowing that he had a LOT of work to do he took her hand and took her back to the lodging house. When they got there they went to the roof where her official training began. After about an hour of showing her some maneuvers Spot had an idea. She followed him to the bunkroom and was surprised to see the others were back.

Jack: (chuckles) What, was she dat bad dat ya had ta give up on her awready?

Jazz: (mock glared at him) No, he didn�t Mr. Know Nothing. We only came down here because Spot had an idea.

Jack: (laughs) Well, dere�s a foist time fer ev�rythin�.

Spot: HaHa, very funny, Jacky-boy. So funny I forgot ta laugh.

They made childish faces at each other and chuckled. Spot went and got four pillowcases and handed Jasmine two.

Shims: Spot, what�s de idea of dose?

Spot: We�re gonna wrap �em around our fists and use �em as boxin� gloves. Dat way nobody gets hoit.

Jazz: Say that�s not such a bad idea. What do you know, the lights are on and there�s actually someone home. (she said gently knocking on his head)

Shims: (laughs) Guess my man ain�t as stupid as he looks.

Jazz: (giggles) No, he couldn�t possibly be as stupid as he looks.

That got a room full of �oooh�s� and �ouch�s� from the other newsies. The girls nudged each other and laughed. Spot tried his hardest to keep a straight face but failed horribly. Giving up, he chuckled and playfully slapped Shimmer in the face.

Spot: Das awright, you�ll get yer�s, watch. (turns to Jasmine) An� you, me dear, bettah be nice ta me b�fowa I decide ta go back ta Brooklyn.

He smiled at her and grabbed her hand pulling her back to the window with their pillowcases. Shimmer smiled to herself as she watch them disappear up the fire escape. She noticed how much he liked Jasmine. It wasn�t often Spot liked someone he didn�t know for a long time. He loved all the Manhattan and Brooklyn newsies like family. And why shouldn�t he, he grew up with them after all. Some of them knew him almost better than he knew himself. But he had only met her a month or so ago and already they were friends. Shimmer was happy. Fire was a different story. She was starting to have the same feelings for Jasmine that she had for Shimmer. First of all, she was still hung up on that night Jasmine got beat up. Fire had it in her mind that everyone blamed her for that and she wasn�t too happy about that. That�s one reason she had stopped talking to Jasmine. Now she was mad because she was becoming a better friend with Spot that she ever was. She didn�t like that idea at all. 

Spot and Shimmer spent two hours each day teaching her to fight and by the end of the second week she was a full-fledged fighter and because of who had taught her, she was a little better than the Manhattan newsies, with the exception of Jack, Snoddy, and Pie-Eater on account of they went to Brooklyn to learn how to fight. Jasmine was happy because now she could go where she pleased without having a bodyguard. The people she lived with were happy to see the change in their friend. The two weeks allowed the bruises on her face and arms to go away and her hair wasn�t in her face anymore. Instead, she wore her hair in the two ponytails toward the back of her head like she used to. The first thing she did with her new freedom was gone to Clancey�s Pool Hall. She LOVED playing pool and she didn�t get to for a while. About an hour later two blocks away Racetrack, Kid Blink, Mush, Jack, Fire, Shimmer, and Spot ran into Snipeshooter and Boots, who sold together.

Mush: Heya guys.

Snipes: Hiya fellas. (Fire and Shimmer cleared their throats) An� h�llo ta you too ladies.

Fire: Das bettah.

Blink: Youse comin� wit us ta Tibby�s?

Boots: Yeah, I�m ready fowa lunch. Are you, Snipes?

Snipes: I been ready since we left dis mornin�.        

Race: Good, le�s go den.

Boots: Ok, we should pro�lly go get Jazzy.

Blink: Yeah. (motioning to Race and Mush) We been lookin� fowa her fowa a while now. Do you know wheah she is?

Snipes: Yeah, she�s been in Clancey�s Pool Hall fowa �bout an hour.

Jack rolled his eyes. Even though he knew that she knew how to defend herself now, he still didn�t feel comfortable about her being in a place like that.

Jack: (sucks his teeth) Le�s get �er outta dere. A pool hall ain�t no place fowa a goil like her.

The others followed him, some smiling and shaking their heads. They knew that he could be a worrywart at times. They thought back to the time when Race got soaked bad one time and Jack didn�t sell for a while just trying to keep Race in the lodging house. But that�s the way he was, protective of his friends, almost to a fault. When they walked in a tall man walked up to Jack and asked him which pool competitor his money was on. Jack told the man that he wasn�t betting, that he was just looking for someone. Another man walked up from the behind them and told the first man that his bet was on someone named �Sharks�. Race became interested and asked both men who this �Sharks� was. They both looked at him as if saying, Where have you been?, and pointed to one of the players whom everyone recognized as Jazzy. They found a spot where they could see the game better. They watched her play. She had her hat on backward and an unlit cigar hanging from her mouth. She hated the taste but it improved her image for her betters. When the game finally came to an end some of the men in the hall cheered but most of them fussed and paid up their losing bets. The newsies weren�t sure who won until they saw Jazzy or Sharks counting her winnings and getting pats on the back from the people who had bet on her. After she made sure she had all of her money she stuck it in her pocket, grinned proudly, looked around the room and spoke with her best N.Y. accent.

Sharks: So� any o� youse guys feel up ta losin� any mowa of ya dough?? (that got a bunch of hats thrown at her. She laughed at their scowls) I guess das a no, huh? Ok, maybe next time.

John: Dere won�t be a next time, Sharks. Next time ya come in here, I�m gonna crush ya an� get alla me money back.

Sharks: (imitating Jack) Look at me, I�m tremblin�. Well, I gotta go, see ya, fellahs!

She got a bunch of �Bye Sharks,� and � Good goin�s.� She was on her way out the door when she finally noticed her friends standing there with their mouths open. She spoke in her normal speech.

Sharks: Oh hey guys. How long have you been standing there?

Spot: Long enough ta see da pool �shark� in action.

Sharks: Oh, that long, huh? (She had also won three cigars. Race had one in his mouth and one in his pocket, plus a box at home so she gave the three she had to Snipes. He took them from her as if they were gold and gave her a big hug.) Well, I�m a little hungry so are we going to Tibby�s or what?

They started out the door when someone called her name.

Joey: Hey Sharks, I want to ask you something.

Sharks: Yes Joey, what can I do for you?

Joey: (gave her an odd look) What happened to your accent?

Sharks: I don�t have one. I�m not from around here, but I didn�t want the guys in there to know that. By the way, these are my friends Race Higgins, Jack Kelly, Fire, Boots, Snipes, Mush, Blink, Shimmer and Spot Conlon. Guys this if Joey�Zito.

He smiled and shook hands with all of them and raised and eyebrow.

Joey: Hmm.. some of your names sound very familiar and I can�t put my finger on why I know them.

Sharks: You probably know them from the Newsie Strike.

Joey: Yeah that�s it. (points to Spot) You�re from Brooklyn, aren�t you?

Spot: (smugly grinning) Dat I am.

Sharks: Anyway, what did you want to ask me?

Joey: Oh, yes. I wanted to know if you would be willing to go out on a date with me one day.

Sharks: (taken off guard) Why would you want to date me? Do you need glasses?

Joey: No, I�ve got perfect vision.

Sharks: And very low standards.

Joey: Don�t say that about yourself. There is nothing wrong with you. I happen to like you, that�s why I want you to go out with me. (Joe�s note: I�m sooooooo SMOOTH!! Ok, sorry, back to the story.)

She didn�t know what to say. She nervously looked at her friends for help. Shimmer rapidly nodded while Fire drooled. The guys rolled their eyes at the two then shrugged at Jasmine.

Jazz: Well, I don�t have the proper clothes for a date.

Joey: (smirks) I don�t mean to count your money but you just won $165 off of me and two other guys�(Race fainted, nobody noticed for they were too busy staring with wide eyes and open mouths) and you�re telling me that you can�t go out and find a $10 dress.

She stared at him thinking. Why don�t you just say yes? He seems cool. He�s cute, nice, and telling by his clothes and speech he�s got money, not that money matters to you, but the point is you have absolutely no good reason to say no. Look at Shimmer and Fire. She did and they were still nodding. They think it�s a good idea, and you know you want to go out with him so say yes. Well� go ahead! Say something!!

Jazz: Ok. Well, where are we going?

Joey: Well, I�ve got a regale to go to, I don�t want to, but I have to. Would you like to be my date?

Jazz: (nervously shaking her head �no�) Yes. I�ll go.

Joey: (laughs) Good, it�s tomorrow night at 8:00 so I�ll pick you up at 7:30. Where do you live?

Fire+Shims: (answering in unison for her) The Newsboys Lodging House, 1765 Duane Street.

Joey: (smiles at them) Thank you, ladies. (looks at Jasmine) Then that�s where I�ll be at 7:30. Until then.

Jazz: Until then. Bye.

She watched him leave then turned around to see nine grins. Grins that said you little devil you. Embarrassed, she rolled her eyes and started for Tibby�s. The rest followed her. When they got there the rest of the newsies and Sarah were there.

Crutchy: Dere they are. We was beginnin� ta t�ink ya wasn�t comin�.

Bumlets: Yeah, wheah ya people been?

Shims: (taking the money out of Jazz�s pocket) �Sharks� heah got a hot date fowa tomorrah night and she won $165 shootin� pool.

Jazz: (taking her money and stuffing it back in her pocket) Anyone ever tell you �You talk to much?�

Shims: (grinning) Yup, a lot.

Sarah got up giving the girls a look and clung to Jack like glue. Jasmine rolled her eyes. Doesn�t this chick ever give up?? She shook her head next to David who put his arm around her.

David: Don�t worry about her, she�s just been sitting too long with that stick up�

Sarah: SHUT UP, DAVID!!

David and Jasmine snickered. Jasmine really liked him which was weird because in the movie she always hated him and liked his sister.

Itey: So now ya got a nickname. Do ya want us ta call ya Sharks or what we been callin� ya?

Jazz: (shrugs) I don�t care, call me what you want.

Snoddy: So you won one hundred and sixty-five bucks? (she nodded)

Jake: Whatcha gonna do wit it?

Jazz: (shrugs) Save it? I don�t know.

Les: (jokingly) Take me to The Coney Island Fair! (everyone chuckled)

Jazz: Say kid, that�s not a bad idea. What do you guys think? Wanna go to the carnival? (everyone nodded happily) When can we go.

Jack: Saturday�s pro�lly da best day. (everyone agreed)

Sarah: But David, you know that Saturday is one of the days I�m off and you know that papa doesn�t want me home alone.

Her brothers rolled their eyes and Les pouted. She can be sooo pathetic.

Jazz: I can�t believe I�m about to say this�(swallowing hard) Why don�t you come with us?

Sarah: (utterly shocked) What??

Newsies: (just as surprised) Yeah, what??

Jazz: What, did I stutter? Come with us. You�ll have fun.

Sarah: (flattered) You really want me to come.

Jazz: No, are you kidding? (Sarah scowls again) I�m just saying, if you come you�ll have a good time, you�ll be with jack no doubt and your brothers can have fun and your father won�t have to worry about you being alone. And you won�t have to worry, you won�t even know I�m there, I�ll be with them. (pointing at Race, Mush, and Blink)

Sarah: Fine, I�ll go.

Jazz: Well, if you�ll excuse me, I�m going to take a walk.

Spot: Yeah, we bettah get back an� see what a mess Brooklyn has turned to since I left.

Race: (grabs jasmine�s hand) C�mon, we�ll walk ya to da bridge.

The four of them left. When they got to the bridge Race and Jazz walked with them to about a third of it with them and stopped. She thanked then again for all their help and then they watched them walk away. Race looked over his shoulder when he heard humming. He turned toward her and leaned on the railing.

Race: Wha�s dat ya hummin�?

Jazz: A song�

Race: (smiling) No shyt. Who�s it by?

Jazz: (sighing) An Italian by the name of Dean Martin.

Race: Hmm� Nevah hoid of �im.

Jazz: I know. He won�t be born for at least another 30 years.

He stared at her thinking about what she had just said. He knew where she was from and all, but it still sounded really weird. He noticed she look different. The bright sun shining on them made her hair like a copper color, gave her skin a red tinge, and made her eyes look orange. She stared at the glistening river with a longing, almost sad _expression. He started to feel bad, he knew she loved him and all her friends but he could see that she really wanted to go home. She stopped humming.

Jazz: You know what, Race?

Race: Naw, what?

Jazz: I went all the way to Tibby�s and forgot to eat. I�m famished. You wanna go for a walk in the park? I can get some fruit or something. (looks into his eyes) Hey Race, what�s the matter? You look down.

Race: Ha, I ain�t de only one, but if yer gonna hide it, so will I. (grins) Naw, I ain�t down, I�m jist fine. I�ll walk witcha in da pawk if you sing soma dose songs dat sounds so good.

Jazz: Deal. So which one do you wanna hear first?

Race: Da one you was jist hummin�.

Jazz: Alright, uh� oh, ok.

Como e` bella ce` la luna brille e` strette 

strette como e` tutta bella a passeggiare 

Sotto il cielo di Roma 

 

Down each avenue or via, street or strata 

You can see 'em disappearing two by two 

On an evening in Roma 

Do they take 'em for espresso 

Yeah, I guess so 

On each lover's arm a girl I wish I knew 

On an evening in Roma 

 

Though there's grining and mandolining in sunny Italy 

The beginning has just begun when the sun goes down 

So please meet me in the plaza near your casa 

I am only one and that's one too few 

On an evening in Roma 

 

Don't know what the country's coming to 

But in Rome do as the Romans do 

Will you on an evening in Roma 

 

Como e` bella ce` la luna brille e` strette 

strette como e` tutta bella a passeggiare 

Sotto il cielo di Roma 

Don't know what the country's coming to 

But in Rome do as the Romans do 

Will you on an evening in Roma 

Sott'er celo de Roma 

On an evening in Roma 

 

 

Race: Wow, dat was beautiful. Y�know, I was serious b�fowa when I said you should go sing fowa Medda. Seems silly ta waste yer talent bein� a newsie. (Joe�s note: She really can sing like an angel. I love her voice. Practically anything I write about her is true, but she�d kill me if she knew I wrote about her, so again� SSHHHHH!) (Cammy�s note: She�s ok, but my sister�s not that great. Jeez�)

Jazz: (her brown cheeks now a bright red) Well, thanks Racetrack. It�s nice to know that you like my singing, but singing for you and singing for a whole bunch of strangers are two completely different things. I�m not at all good with rejection, you know that.

Race: (sighing sadly) Yeah, yeah, I know.

They both bought apples and sat on a bench in the same place they had met. They sat in silence for a long time just enjoying each other�s company. She and her friends did that a lot. For some reason they felt closer at that time than usual, not romantically close, but the feeling was almost like a long-lost brother and sister that hadn�t seen each other for years and years and just wanted to spend as much time with the other as possible. Secretly, neither wanted the feeling to end, but sadly they knew it had to. It had gotten dark and they should�ve been on their way home a long time ago. The truth was they had fallen asleep on the bench. They hurried out of the park and when they finally got home they walked to the door but it was locked so they went up the back fire escape that lead to her window. She opened it and they both climbed in when suddenly the light was turned on.

Jack: What�s goin� on heah?! Wheah da hell have you two been?!

Race: Out, Cowboy, we been out.

Jack: No shyt, ya been out but wheah have ya been?! Do ya have any idea what time it is?! (the other people came in the room)

Fire: (groggily) Jack, what in de hell are you yellin� about??

Jack: (glaring at the duo) Dese two decided ta waltz in heah at 3:16 in da mornin�.

Race and Jasmine exchanged surprised looks. They had no idea it was that late. The others gave them almost sympathetic looks, they knew these two were in for it.

Bumlets: (yawns) Well can�t ya yell at dem in da mornin�?

Race: (getting annoyed fast) Why is he yelling at us at all?

Jazz: Yeah really, Kelly. �Since when did you become me muddah??�

Specs laughed at that but tried to pass it off as a cough after receiving a hard stare from Jack.

Jack: (walks up to Race crossing his arms) Coifew was at ten, we all made it our business ta be heah on time. Explain yerselves?

Race: (shooting Jack the meanest glare he could manage) Jack, get outta me face. Now. (Jack backed up)

Jazz: Hey, we don�t owe you any explanations. Had you asked us without yelling, we wouldv�e told you where we were, but you coming in here demanding answers from us like we�re a couple of little kids is ridiculous.

Race: Yeah, if ya play yer cawds right, we can tawk about it tomarrah if ya wanna know dat bad, but right now you�ve spoiled me mood and I�m tired and I�m goin� ta bed. Now get outta me way.

The newsies moved aside and let him through with no arguments. He was small but he threw a hell of a punch. They knew that if they said something to Racetrack at that moment there was a good chance they�d end up on the floor. He had a very short temper when he was tired. Jack watched him leave then turned to Jasmine who was glaring at him the entire time, she was in no mood for him at that point. His face softened up as he looked at her, he had never seen her glare at anyone besides Sarah. Plus, she was right, they didn�t owe him an explanation, it�s just that they were his friends and he was worried. He told her that and she understood. He apologized for yelling at her and told her to go to sleep, which she did. When he entered the bunkroom he walked over to Race and told him the same thing he told Jasmine. Race forgave him and everyone went to sleep.

The next day, Friday, the newsies left for Brooklyn around four as they usually did and Jasmine went to a woman�s clothing store on 42^nd Street. She walked in and began to look around for a suitable dress. The woman behind the counter studied her.

Clerk: Excuse me, can I help you?

Jazz: Yes, I�m going to a regale tonight and I need a formal dress. Which would you recommend?

Clerk: None, I mean what�s the point? You can�t afford any of them.

Jazz: (inwardly cursing the woman out) First off, I didn�t ask you whether or not I could afford them, I asked you which one you�d recommend. Secondly, I�ll thank you not to count my money for me, thank you very much.

The woman was kind of taken aback by the girl�s back talk. She decided not to help her at all and went back to whatever she was doing before Jasmine entered the store. It took her a while but she finally found a dress that she liked. It was peach colored and it was a little puffy, not as bad as Medda�s though, and was made of silk. It came with matching elbow-length gloves. She also got a peach colored shawl and some shoes to match. It all turned out to cost $22.35 and the clerk was surprised to see she actually had the money. Jasmine left that store and entered the one three doors down from it and bought some perfume and a curling iron. Then she went back to the lodging house and took a long, hot, shower. The got dressed in her room and curled her shoulder length hair, then made sure that she didn�t hear anyone and nobody was home before went downstairs to wait. She hated getting dressed up and if the guys saw her, she�d never hear the end of it. She sat on the couch in the lobby and waited for Joey. Well, one thing�s for sure. This date couldn�t have been on a better night. Just then Kloppman walked in and stopped when he was her. She rolled her eyes, she had totally forgotten about Kloppman.

Kloppman: Oh, if only the boys could see you now.

Jazz: Please, don�t even joke like that.

Kloppman: there�s nothin� ta be self-conscious about. You look radiant.

Jazz: Thank you, Kloppy.

Kloppman: Say, when is he bringin� ya home?

Jazz: Oh man, I don�t know. It�s a business banquet that starts at 8:00, but I�m not sure when it will end.

Kloppman: Well here. It�s the extra key to the front door, but please try not to lose it, will ya darlin�?

Jazz: (she hugs him) Yes! Oh thanks, Kloppman. You�re a doll.

Kloppman: (grinning) Yeah, I know. (looks out the front window) Hey is that carriage for you?

Jazz: (looks out the window) Yup, that�s Joey. Well, I�m off.

Kloppman: Ok, have fun. And be careful.

She told him she would and opened the door just as Joey was about to knock. The two left in the carriage and arrived at their destination at exactly 7:58. The whole time they were there she couldn�t shake the feeling that she needed to leave. Joey introduced her to a lot of people who were kind of surprised that she knew how to carry herself at such an elegant event, but were nice to her nonetheless. The evening would have been a total drag if it weren�t for Joey. He would mock and make faces behind peoples backs while they rambled on. Some of the people just couldn�t understand why she kept giggling. After it was all over they were on their way to the lodging house. She knew it was late because there weren�t many people on the streets. When they got there he walked her to the door and asked her when he could see her again. She told him about the next day and that she and her friends were going to Coney Island for the day and invited him to join them. He accepted and kissed her gloved hand and she disappeared through the front door of the building. Through the window she watched him get in the carriage and ride away. When she turned to put the spare key on the desk twenty pairs of staring eyes confronted her. They couldn�t believe what they were seeing; such a complete change from what they were used to. Even Fire had to admit that she was a vision. She cussed inwardly; she had hoped they would have already been asleep. She scratched her head through her curls and grinned sheepishly.

Snipes: Wow, ya look like a movie star or somethin�!

Jazz: (she plopped down on the couch) you�re just a child, what do you know? Thank you, Snipes. (starts taking off her jewelry) What are you people still doing up?

Bumlets: We were waiting for you to get home.

Dutchy: (sits down next to her)Yeah, Kloppman asked some of us to sit up and wait to let you in.

Jazz: (giving them a skeptical look) And it took all of you to do that? (they shrugged) First of all he wouldn�t ask you to do that because he knows you have to get up early tomorrow and plus he knew I was going to be late, that�s why he gave me an extra key.

Pie: Ok, da truth is we knew ya had a date and we wanted ta know how it went.

Jazz: My goodness, it�s like living with a bunch of gossiping girls. It was ok, there were nothing but high class rich people talking about how much stock they bought and how much money they made and stupid things like that.

Jack: Man, das da type of creep yer goin� out wit?

Jazz: Heh, how�d I know he�d say that. No, he�s nothing like them. He wouldn�t have even gone if his job didn�t depend on it. He�s coming with us tomorrow. Speaking of which, I don�t want to be tired while I�m there so I�m going to sleep. Goodnight everyone.

She got up and gave a sloppy salute and walked passed them and up the staircase.

Specs: Damn, she smells good. (the guys agreed. Fire rolled her eyes and pushed her way upstairs.)

Everyone went to bed and listened to her singing in the other room as she got ready for bed.

Day after day,

I'll always love you...

Live just to say,

I'll always love you.

Dear one,

You're nearness is my treasure...

Dear one,

You're kiss is rich as wine.

And it's mine, yes, it's mine,

The wonder of you...

Your, love is yours,

Because I love you.

To you, I give my heart,

So madly, madly beating...

With every beat repeating,

I'll always love you soooo�

(humming til she fell asleep)

(Authors� note: If you�re not into Dean Martin, you�re not likely to know these songs.)

Little did she know they could hear through the walls; it became a nightly routine since she first got there. They never told her because they knew she�d stop had she known they could hear her. It usually put them to sleep whereas before she came along they had trouble getting to sleep. She also brought back memories of when some of their mothers would sing them to sleep when they were little. Yep, their nights had been pleasant lately.

The next day after selling, everyone met at Tibby�s where they divvied up the money. Jasmine gave everyone $3 because they were going to be there all day and didn�t want them to run out of money. Plus with the money they made that day they had more than enough. They left the restaurant at 12:45 to meet Spot and Shimmer on the bridge. She gave them three dollars each and they were off to the island. By the end of the day she had $64.65 left from the money she had won which was still a lot for that time. Between the dress and the fair she had spent $100.35. She put the rest of it away just incase something happened and it was desperately needed. Everyone had fun, even Sarah. Joey was a little uneasy at first but when he finally spent some time with the newsies he felt as if he�d known them for a long time. They had grown to like him as well. Kloppman had let them use his Kodak camera with which they took as many pictures as they could. (Authors� note: People, please stop telling us that the camera wasn�t invented back then. 1888: George Eastman introduced the first Kodak camera. Thank you.) The whole day was full of fun and adventure. That night Jack walked Sarah and her brothers home. Everyone had a laugh watching Sarah cringe as David forced her to thank Jasmine for inviting her. It was like pulling teeth but she finally spit it out and they left. It was funny. Joey thanked her and they made another date for later in the week. He said good bye to his new friends and he left. They laughed and teased her about her new �boyfriend� while she just turned red in the face. Everyone went home and slept like babies. She went back to work the next day; she hadn�t hawked any headlines since that day at the pool hall. Everything went back to normal. Each day she sold with Mush, Racetrack, or kid Blink, the Delancey�s still wouldn�t leave her alone, she went and played pool almost everyday, and Fire finally started talking to her again, though she was still jealous of her friendship with Spot. Even though life was good pretty much, she was still homesick. She cried some nights because she missed home.

A few weeks later she and Mush were walking in the park talking and looking for a familiar face when all of a sudden two people rammed into them knocking them to the ground. When they looked up they recognized the klutzes to be the Delancey�s. Mush yelled at them telling them to watch where they were going but stopped when he saw their facial expressions. Their normally sourpuss faces were now shocked and horrified. They all quickly got up and before another word was spoken, two gunshots went off. Morris was gone in an instant while his brother lay on the ground wounded. Mush went to grab Jasmine and pull her to safety but it was too late. He looked down and there she was bleeding heavily and unconscious. He dropped down to his knees beside her. Not sure what to do he looked around franticly. He was scared to death; he had never witnessed anything like that. Unconsciously he started whispering �Oh my g-d, oh my g-d, oh my g-d,� then he started yelling it. After what seemed like hours an ambulance came to take Oscar and Jasmine to the hospital. Mush sat on the grass watching the First Aid people put her in the ambulance, totally ignoring the policemen�s questions. The driver told Mush that there was no room for him and that he could go to the hospital later to see how she was. He sat on the grass while the other people left the scene, then he got up and walked away still dazed and confused about what had just happened. About twenty minutes later he walked into Tibby�s. Everyone was there, even Joey who was supposed to meet Jasmine there because they were having lunch together. His friends were going to greet him until they saw the look on his face. He was pale, his eyes were wide and strangely glassy, and he looked very confused and troubled. It worried them a little. Blink walked up and gingerly put his hand on Mush�s shoulder.

Blink: Mush, are ya awright? Wussamattah? Mush?

Mush: I� it� and� she�

Jack: (got up and helped his friend sit down) Mush, wussamattah? Wha� happened?

Mush: Oscar Delancey� and then Jasmine�

Snoddy: Did dat jackass do somethin� to �er ?!

Mush: (shook his head and took a gulp of water from the glass Crutchy had handed him) No, me and Jazz was walkin� in da pawk when da Delancey�s ran into us. Das when I hoid two gunshots and b�fowa I knew wha� happened, Morris was gone and Jazz was layin� on da ground next ta Oscar. (a long pause) They was taken to Wilkchure Hospital on Grenache Street. (Authors� note: No such place, we don�t think.)

Nobody said anything. Racetrack just stared at him with wide eyes pleading for Mush to laugh and tell him it was a joke. Joey shook his head mentally asking himself if he really heard Mush correctly. Les sat silently shedding a few tears; he was good at that. Blink stood up and turned his back toward the crowd so they couldn�t see his face. Boy, it was sad. It reminded them of that time, during the strike, when Denton told everyone that he was covering the war and basically left them hanging. Racetrack grabbed his hat from the back of his chair and started for the door.

Snipes: Hey Race, wheah ya goin�?

Race: Wheah da hell ya t�ink I�m goin�? I�m goin� ta Wilkchure.

He left being followed by the others. When they finally got there they walked up to the front desk and asked the woman about their friend that had been shot in Central Park. The woman asked them if they were talking about the girl or the boy. When they told her they were looking for the girl she told them that she was in room #142 but they couldn�t go in because the doctors were still in there and that only 6 of them could wait quietly in the hallway until they were finished. The rest had to wait in the waiting room down the hall. Race, Kid, Mush, Joey, Fire and Jack tarried outside the room she was in for about a half hour, then two men in white coats came out. One walked away but Race stopped the second. He asked him how she was with the same pleading eyes he gave Mush earlier. The doctor didn�t say anything but instead gave them a weak smile and gestured toward the door letting them know that they could go in, then followed them back in. Peeking in they could see her staring up at the ceiling.

Race: (whispering) Hey Jazz.

Jazz: (surprised murmur) Oh hey, guys.

Mush: How ya feelin�? (He knew it was a silly question but he thought he should still ask)

Jazz: Oh I feel fine, really. Thanks.

They knew she was lying so not to worry them, but they could see that she was in bad shape. Her breathing was very heavy, she couldn�t speak over a murmur, she looked pale and she couldn�t keep her eyes open for a very long time. Yet she was somehow able to keep a weak smile on her face for their sake. They stayed in the room with her but didn�t say much. The doctor stayed by the door, Blink sat at the foot of her bed, Mush and Fire stood by the window, Jack stood behind Joey who was kneeling on her left side, and Race was sitting in a chair on her right side holding her hand. She looked around at the people that surrounded her. They looked depressed which made her want to cry but she didn�t. She couldn�t do that to them. She gave another weak smile and sighed.

Jazz: So, how�s the other guys?

Jack: They�re fine.

Jazz: (after a long pause) Come on, lighten up, talk to me. I�m not dead yet.

Fire excused herself and left before she started to cry. Jasmine mentally kicked herself.

Jazz: I�m sorry, my mouth has run away with me yet again. I really didn�t mean� (gasp)

She couldn�t finish her sentence because of the sudden rush of pain in her chest. Her friends rushed to her side but the doctor told them that it would be best if they left. He knew she didn�t have much time left and they knew it too. Mush, Blink, Joey and Jack gave her loving kisses and waited outside the door, looking in the glass window. The doctor followed suit convinced that he wasn�t getting Racetrack to move. When they were alone, Jasmine turned her head to see Race. He had his head down and his hat pulled over his face. She took her hand from his and removed his hat; he lowered his head more. She played in his hair a little bit, which he usually hated, but when she didn�t get a reaction she lifted his chin to see that he was crying. She wiped the tears from his face and rested her hand on his left cheek, her own tears rolling toward her ears. He looked down at the floor and put his hand on hers. They sat for about a minute; he picked his head up when he heard her chuckle.

Race: Wha�s so funny?

Jazz: (chuckles) I was just thinking about that day we met and we went to the tracks. I�ll never forget the look on your face when you realized you�d won. You looked like you were gonna have a heart attack. (giggles)

Race: Well, dey didn�t call �im Pride+Joy fer nothin�.

Jazz: That�s for (wince) sure. (takes off one of her bracelets) Do me a favor and give this to Shimmer? I know how she likes it.

Race: (shaking his head) You can give it to her yerself cuz ya getting� outta heah an� we�re all goin� to da LH and tomorrah you an� me are gonna sell tageddah. (his voice quivered)

Jazz: (smiling sadly) That sounds great, Race, but you and I both know that�s not gonna happen.

Racetrack took the bracelet from her, lowered his head and started to cry again, so did she.

Jazz: Please don�t do that.

Race: Nothin�ll be da same widdoutcha.

Jazz: Race, look at me. (he lifted his head and looked in her eyes) Racetrack, you got along fine before you met me and you�ll do even better after I�m gone. (he choked down a sob) Tell the guys I love �em, ok? Oh yeah, when you get home, look under my mattress.

He nodded and kissed the hand he was holding. He listened to her hum quietly and fiddled with her hand but snapped his head up when he heard her stop. Her eyes were closed and she wasn�t breathing. He got up to kiss her cheek but before he could there was a flash of light and the next thing he knew she was gone. He stood there for a minute then turned and left the room. When he got to the hallway he looked at his friends faces. Mush and Blink didn�t look as surprised as the doctor or Jack. Joey had fainted at what he saw. Race just walked into the waiting room to get his friends. They were going to ask him how she was but when they saw the melancholic _expression on his face, they had their answer. They walked home in silence. Spot and Shimmer were waiting for them in the LH.

Spot: Well, well, it�s about time. Wheah youse been?

Crutchy: We was at da hospital.

Race ran up the stairs. Mush followed him to make sure he was ok.

Shims: Who�s sick? Wha� happened?

Jack: Jazzy got shot taday.

Kloppman: (gasps) Yer kiddin�. Is she ok?

Everyone shook their heads. Spot plopped down on the couch and Shimmer did the same not sure what to say. Racetrack came back down about two minutes later and walked up to Shimmer.

Race: (checking all his pockets) She wantedja ta have somethin�.

Shims: (looking down at her hands) What is it?

Race: She said ta give dis to ya.

He pulled the gold bracelet out of his breast pocket and handed it to her. She took it from him and stared at it, her mouth hanging. She put it on and wiped a tear away.

Shims: T�anks, Race.

Race: Yeah, well I�m tired. I�m goin� ta sleep.

He ran back upstairs not even bothering to sign in or pay for the night so Blink did it for him. While they were getting ready for bed he remembered that she told him to look under her mattress. He knocked on the door of the room Jasmine used to sleep in and Spot opened the door.

Spot: Yeah Race, what can I do for you? (he spoke in a low voice not sure how to talk to Race just yet)

Race: (his voice still quivered a little) Sorry ta boddah youse but I need ta git in dere for a second, Jasmine told me ta look for somethin� b�fowa she�

He trailed off, Spot opened the door for his friend who walked over to the bed and searched underneath the mattress. When he felt what he was looking for he pulled it out and sat on the bed. Spot sat to his left and Shimmer sat on his right. In his hand he held a small, purple, velvet, pouch. He opened it and dumped everything on the bed. The trio stare at it. They guys had to see this.

Race: Hey fellahs!! Get in heah, hurry!!! (everyone rushed in) Look at dis. She won it playin� pool I t�ink.

There were a pair of earrings, four pocket watches, cufflinks, and a whole bunch of money.

Race: � 2,935� 2,940� 2,944! 2,944 bucks! Can ya believe it?!

Bumlets: See Kloppman, and you kept sayin� gamblin� was a bad t�ing.

Kloppy: I know, from now on I�m keepin� my mouth shut.

Shims: Look, dere�s a piece of papah heah.

She read it out loud:

Kloppman,Blink,Boots,Bumlets,Crutchy,David,Dutchy,Fire,Itey,Jack,Jake,Les,Mush,Pie Eater,Racetrack,Shimmer,Skittery,Snipeshooter,Snitch,Snoddy,Specs,Spot,Swifty.

That�s 23 people. $2,944 divided by 23 is $128. They each get 128 dollars.

Mush: Wow, I can�t believe she did dat. We each get $128. Wow.

Jack: Well, I don�t t�ink we should spend it right away. I t�ink we should put it away til we really need it fowa like an emoigancy.

The rest agreed that it was a good idea. Race put everything back in the pouch except for $256, which they were going to give David and Les the next day. They decided to figure out what to do with the watches, earrings, and cufflinks later, but right now they had a long day and were tired. They didn�t get much sleep after that day because of the loss of their friend, Racetrack in particular. Some time later� yeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaars later, a girl laid in her bed with a splitting headache. She winced when she touched the back of her head. What do you know, it was a dream that entire time. And what a dream. Whoa, my head. She put her hands on her forehead and noticed she only had one bracelet on. No� of course not, that�s crazy. It just came off in my sleep. Yeah, maybe it�s on the floor. When she looked over the edge of the bed� Oh� my� g-d. Racetrack�s hat! She picked his hat up off the floor and just looked at it. She could still smell the scent of the shampoo he always used. She closed her eyes and held the hat to her chest that�s when the door opened.

Camille: Oh good, you�re awake, finally.

Jazz: How long have I been out?

Camille: Almost two days. I was beginning to think I�d lost my other half. I don�t know what I�d do without my twin sis�. What�s that?

Jazz: Race�s hat.

Her sister gave her a confused look so she told her the whole story.

Camille: You got hit in the head harder than I thought, that�s the dumbest story I�ve ever heard.

Jasmine rolled her eyes. She didn�t honestly expect her sister to believe her anyway. Then a thought hit her. If she had the hat, she must have had what she needed to prove her story.

Jazz: Hand me that Manhattan magazine, will you?

She took it from Camille and opened it to page 38 and sure enough, they were still there. She removed two pictures from the magazine and handed them to Camille who stared at them with wide eyes. Both pictures were taken at Coney Island. One had everyone that went and the second had her, Race, Mush, and Blink. There was no way she could say her sister was still lying. They laid on the bed and Jasmine told her every single thing that happened in detail until they both drifted off to sleep.

THE END

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