I walked through the streets of New York, thinking about the past few days, weeks, months, and years. It was a beautiful night out, and I sat on a bench in Central Park. I was alone, all by myself, and I was used to it. A memory flashed through my mind to when I was thirteen, and I was kidnapped from my own home.

I lived in Texas with my parents, my sister Candice, and my dog, Goldie. My parents were lazy and made my sister and I do all the work on the farm and in the house. By the time I was thirteen, I was strong and very independent. My dad sat around all day drinking and my mother only hung out around town with her friends, chatting about the local gossip.

One day, my father was out selling some of our crops and my mother was out as usual. I was making dinner while Candice was milking the cows. Suddenly I heard a scream as 9-year-old Candice ran into the house with Goldie following her.

�Crystal! Crystal! CRYSTAL!� Candice shouted between her tears.

�What? What�s wrong?� I said as I leaned down next to her.

�There�s a man with a gun in the barn! He asked me where you were and I just started to run!�

I was stunned. There was a man in the barn with a gun? Why? I didn�t know what to think, but I only knew two things. Candice was freaking out, and we had to get out of here fast!

�Come on!� I shouted over her cries and I grabbed her hand. Being my clumsy self, I tripped, over Candice�s leg and we both fell over. I quickly got up, and pulled my sister with me. But we were too late. The man already entered the house. I noticed who he was right away. Mr. Joseph Peterson, a well-known man in our small town in Texas. I knew him quite well, since he occasionally sat around the farm with father, drinking and making small talk.

�Come on Crystal! Get into the carriage with your sister and no one will get hurt,� he aimed the gun at us, and I began to freak out. I didn�t shed a tear, wanted to send a message to my little sister that I wasn�t scared.

�No!� I shouted back at him. I quickly added, �Why?�

�I�ve seen you and Candice work�good, strong workers. Especially when it comes to cooking and housework. I want that for myself. I�m a newlywed and my wife doesn�t want to do housework. I�m taking you both to New York.�

I was stunned, and a tiny bit flattered. The flattery soon left when he yelled at us to get in the carriage again. New York? I didn�t want to go to New York. My life sucked here, but at least it was home. I hesitated, but then tried to reason with Mr. Peterson.

�What if Candice stays here, and you just take me? Don�t hurt her, leave her be, and I�ll go with you,� I said. Candice was still young; I was becoming a young lady. I could take care of myself, Candice couldn�t. If she stayed here, our parents will be able to look after her. As soon as I said those words, Mr. Peterson began to think, while Candice shouted, �NO!�

�Candice stop! Do you want to get killed?� I asked her.

�No way! No, I�m not going to let you go alone!� Candice shouted back at me. I then realized that Candice wasn�t going to be reasonable, so I quickly ran up to Mr. Peterson and knocked him to the ground, hoping to get a hold of his gun. The plan backfired. He still had the gun, and had a hold of me!

�Let me go!� I yelled.

�No!�

He aimed the gun then at my dog, and told me to shut up, or he�ll shoot my precious Goldie. Candice watched in amazement at what I just did. I was a stupid kid, and talked anyway.

�Let me go! And leave Goldie and Candice alone! I�ll go with you, just leave them alone!� I kicked Mr. Peterson in the shin, and he let go of the trigger, which was aiming right at Goldie.

Candice screamed, �Nooooooo!� while darting right in front of Goldie. The bullet hit Candice instead of the dog. I was speechless; I couldn�t get a scream or words out of my mouth. Mr. Peterson was just as surprised as I was, probably not expecting to be a murderer, just a kidnapper. He thought for a moment while tears came down my eyes.

�Well, I told you I was going to shoot your dog, and I missed.� He then shot Goldie, as I began to scream. He dragged me into the carriage, where a lady and her toddler son were sitting. My cries became screams. I was crying like I was three years old, and I had no one to turn to. Peterson put tape on my mouth, and tied me up.

He chuckled, and said quietly in my face, but everyone in that carriage could hear, �You�re going to be our servant. Only no pay. You�re never going to be loved again, or treated with respect. I win!�

A few tears ran down my cheek as I remembered that day. I loved Candice; she was the only friend and my only family I�ve ever known. A band in the park began to play, and many people began to gather around and listen. I continued to sit on my bench, as I remembered the awful year I spent with the Petersons.

The carriage ride was terrible, and while the three Petersons spent the nights in a hotel, I had to sleep in the carriage. I barely got any food on the whole trip there, and I quote Mr. Peterson, �You�re not worth it.�

When we finally reached New York, Mrs. Peterson untied me, because she wanted to get a good look at me.

�You�re an ugly little thing, with a lot of muscle.� She stated. I felt very insulted, but at the same time, confused.

�Get in the apartment!� She yelled at me. I followed her up the stairs of a very run-down apartment building. We walked into one of the doors. I sighed as I looked at the messy apartment. I knew I was going to have to clean this all by myself, which made me depressed.

�I came here and bought this a few weeks ago, and came back to Texas to get my wife, son, and you. I plan on starting my own saloon, and I think New York is the best place to start it. Lots of people,� Mr. Peterson explained. �My wife will be working in a factory while you are at home taking care of Jeffrey and the house.�

�Fine�where am I going to sleep?� I asked as I looked around the apartment. There were two bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom and a kitchen.

�On the couch�and the blankets you use better be put back in the closet everyday once you wake up!� Mr. Peterson warned.

The next few months were horrible. Jeffrey was a pain in the butt, always wanting to go outside and play while I had to take care of their stupid apartment. Mr. Peterson threatened me with a gun or hit me when I refused to do something. Jeffrey got rather bored, and I did feel a bit sorry for the kid. But I didn�t like him. No. Never. I was never going to like a Peterson.

The fourth month I was with the Petersons, I began to consider suicide. Mr. Peterson had a gun, and I was so depressed. I thought about Candice, and often cried. She was only nine years old! She would never have her first kiss, never marry, never lose her virginity�. suddenly, I realized I would probably never do that either, even if I didn�t commit suicide! What will happen to me when I turn 20? How long are they going to keep me? I began to worry�will they kill me when they don�t need me anymore because once they let me go, I could report to the police? I finally decided that the Petersons weren�t smart enough to think of killing me so I wouldn�t tell the police, but I knew that I wasn�t going to kill myself. I was going to live my life for Candice, and that didn�t include being here.

The next to months, fifth and sixth, were interesting. Mr. Peterson did end up starting the saloon, and actually I heard that it was going well. I hated hearing that. Mrs. Peterson left her job at the factory, to be a waitress there, and on many days I had to come and help clean the saloon because the Petersons were so damn lazy�kind of reminded me of my parents�. Jeffrey got a private tutor, because Mr. Peterson wanted him to start an early education, and get into law school. He went to his private tutor�s house, so I had the apartment to myself occasionally. I thought about running away, but I chickened out every time after I thought of where I would go. I turned 14 during the sixth month (January), and I knew I should leave. I could work at the factory, earn some money, and start my own life again.

Another tear ran down my cheek. I began to listen to the music. It was beautiful. I was wearing the third dress I�ve ever owned, since the day Mr. Peterson kidnapped me. The dress was shitty, and awful. It was scratchy, and dirty. Plus, there were holes. I never had enough money to get a new one, and the orphanage definitely never gave any of us new clothing�.

It was February, one month after my 14th birthday. All the Petersons were out, and it was a beautiful day, for February. I knew this was a sign from God that I should runaway. I left the house at 7:30 in the morning, and I decided to head to Manhattan. We lived in the Bronx, and New York was a big enough city for me to escape to the other side of it. I took some money from the Petersons, about $50, I found in Mr. Peterson�s dresser drawer. He was definitely going to notice it was missing, but I didn�t care. I paid for a trolley ride, and the trolley took me to Brooklyn, where I walked the rest of the way to Manhattan. While I was walking, I notice a building. It was an orphanage. I was starving, and I honestly didn�t know how much food cost�what if I ran out of money after one meal?! So I headed in, thinking that I would at least get a good meal, and a warm place to sleep. I knocked on the door, and an old lady answered it.

�Can I help you?�

�Ummm�yeah�my name is Crystal, and do you think I could stay here for awhile?�

�Sure, we have space, come on in.� The old lady smiled at me, and I smiled back. It was probably the first time I smiled since I left Texas, and it felt great to smile again. As I was walking in, I tripped, and I feel on my face. I laughed as I got up.

�Are you alright?� The old lady asked.

�Yeah, I�m ok. It happens to me all the time.�

�There�s a room on the third floor. On the door, it says #3. Walk in and find yourself an empty bunk.�

�Ok, thanks.� I walked up the stairs till I get to the third floor. I saw there were many rooms, and I walked into the door that had a 3 on it. I was stunned, as I looked at all the kids� faces. They were all pale, except one, a young man, who looked about my age. There was a bed next to his, so I sat down on it.

�Hello.� He said to me.

�Err�Hi� I was too busy to look at the boy. I was looking around the room. This orphanage was worse than the Peterson�s apartment!

�Surprised?� I turned and got my first look at him. He was gorgeous. The best looking guy I�ve ever seen in my life.

�Yeah�very�this place is a shit hole!� I didn�t loose eye contact with him.

�Yup. They treat us like crap here. We barely get food, and disease spreads fast. My name�s Chris�you?�

�Crystal.�

�That�s a beautiful name�did you just arrive?�

�Yeah, I just ran away from,� I stopped. I was about to tell this guy my whole story! �My house,� I quickly added. �I don�t have anywhere to go, and I thought I would get something to eat, and a place to sleep here.�

�You will definitely get a place to sleep...and stay. Food is another story. We barely get enough money from the government to buy food. But, I have something here if you want to eat it.�

Chris took out a piece of bread and handed half of it to me while he began to eat the other half. The other five kids in the room were sleeping.

�Yuck! This is disgusting!� I whispered.

�Yup I know. This was part of my dinner tonight.�

I looked at the piece of bread I was forcing myself to eat. �Oh, I�m sorry,� I handed it back to him.

�No, I want you to have it. It�s ok.� His smile calmed me.

�Thanks.�

I smiled as I remembered that night. I was in that orphanage for three years. I would of escaped earlier than that, but I fell in love him. I had Chris and Chris had me. We were the only thing the other had in the world. He was my first kiss and my first love. He died when he caught scarlet fever, and right after his death, I knew that the orphanage was not a safe place for me to be. Now I had two lives to live, Chris�s and Candice�s. It has been a 2 weeks since I escaped from the orphanage, and I am now 17. I�ve used up all my fifty dollars, because of the nights Chris and I escaped out of the orphanage to buy food and from the food I�ve been eating these past weeks. Another tear fell down my cheek, for I have just realized that I�ve lost the only two people in my life that I�ve loved, and I had nothing. From that statement I began to sob. Who cared if the people walking around me would notice? They did have something to stare at. I was dirty, my dress was a horrible sight, and my hair was a mess. And there I was crying my heart out.

�Are ya okay?�

I quickly looked up and saw a boy about my age leaning over me. I wiped my face. He had dirty blonde hair, a sweet smile, and a patch over his eye. I quickly stood up, but failed when I tripped over his foot. He caught me, and I quickly moved away from him.

�Uh,...sorry about that�I�m a klutz.� I didn�t look at him.

He laughed. �Dats �kay. I�s jus� glad dat I�s was �ere ta catch ya.�

I blushed and I realized that he saw me crying. �Yes, I�m ok��

The boy ran his hand through his hair and sat down on the bench. �Do ya wanna tell me why ya were cryin�?�

�Um, no, not really�sorry�you seem nice and all, but I�ve got to find a place to sleep tonight, so will you excuse me�.� He grabbed my hand and pulled me so I could sit down on the bench next to him.

�Ya don�t �ave a place ta stay?�

�Well, I�shit!� I quickly put my hand over my mouth realizing that a) I just told him I was homeless and b) I just swore in front of a boy that I didn�t even know! The boy just laughed, and said it didn�t bother him if I cursed in front of him.

�Why?�

��Cause da guys at da lodgin� house swear all da time.�

�Lodging house? What are you talking about, uh��

�Blink. Kid Blink. Uh, jus� call me Blink.�

�Ok, �Blink� what about the Lodging House, and what kind of a name is Blink anyway?�

For some odd reason, I was becoming comfortable with him, but I don�t know why. It was probably because of his smile. But then I quickly shook that thought out of my head when I thought of Chris, so I came to the conclusion that he was just being nice, and not to many people have been nice to me, in my lifetime.

�Well for one, if ya look at me eye patch, dat should give ya a clue ta why me nickname is Blink. Two, da Newsboy Lodgin� House. Dats where I�s live. I�s a newsboy. So if ya wants, ya could stay at da Lodgin� house wid me and all me buds.�

I laughed. �Me? At a Newsboy Lodging House? That�s ridiculous!�

�Nah! Us guys will give ya youse space. A lot of diff�rent goyls �ave stayed at da house before. Most �ave become Newsies dem-selves. We �ave a few stayin� dere now.�

�Newsies?�

�Dat�s what we�s call ourselves. Instead of newsboys.�

I sighed. This was very confusing, but somehow, it all made perfect sense. �It�s getting late, I really have to go.� I stood up quickly, wanting to get away from Blink. I think I took about two steps before I tripped on something, and everything went blank.

Blink watched the girl as she stood up fast, not wanting anything to do with him. He offered to let her stay at the lodging house, so at least he tried. She worried him. Not only was she by herself and crying, the poor girl had nowhere to stay, and obviously had no belongings or money. Blink watched as she began to walk away from him, but she suddenly tripped on a tree root, and fell to hit her head on the lamppost next to them. Blink quickly stood up and leaned down to see if she was okay.

�Uh,�Trip! Trip! Are ya ok?� Blink shrugged. She hadn�t told him her name yet, and at first it didn�t look like she was going to. Blink quickly began to call her �Trip� since he has seen her trip twice and they just met! Blink picked the girl up, and checked to see if she had any bumps. He couldn�t see that well under the darkness.

Blink walked over to under the lamppost, and took his first good look at the girl under the light. She was gorgeous. Blink couldn�t take his eyes off her. Her brown wavy hair went down to her shoulders, and she looked to be about sixteen or seventeen. Since the girl wasn�t waking up, Blink decided that he just wasn�t going to leave her there. After a long day at work selling papers and playing cards in Brooklyn, Blink finally headed back to the Lodging House with Trip in his arms.

�Well, she doesn�t look like she�s hurt too bad, maybe she just got knocked out,�

Kloppman inspected Trip�s head, and came to that conclusion. Blink and the other Newsies sighed in relief, as Kloppman left the bunkroom.

�So where did ya say ya found �er Blink?� Mush asked, as he moved a piece of hair out of Trip�s face.

�I�s told ya�ll already! I�s found �er sittin� on a bench in Central Park cryin�. We talked for a bit, then she got up ta leave, but tripped on some stupid tree root, and hit �er head!�

Trip was placed on an empty bunk, and all the Newsies were gathered around it.

�So den ya named �er Trip?� wondered Jack Kelly.

�Yup. She hadn�t told me �er name,� Blink answered.

Just then, all the Newsies looked down to see Trip moaning as she opened her eyes�.

My eyes opened and I nearly screamed, as I saw about 20 boys and 3 girls staring at me. I looked down and saw I was lying on a bottom bunk of a bunk bed, and I realized my head was killing me.

�What happened�where am I? Who are all of you? Blink?!� I began to feel very shy after I said this, when I realized just how many people were staring at me.

�Uh, hey Trip! Glad ta see ya awake and ok,� Blink answered, as he gave me a smile, wanting to get a message out to me that I was safe.

I looked around the room, and a bunch of the guys winked or smiled at me. �Did you just call me Trip?�

�Yup. Ya hadn�t told me youse name, so when ya tripped an� fell on dat tree root, I named ya an� brought ya back ta da lodgin� house wid me.� Blink said.

�OHH NOO!� I shouted. �I�m not staying here!� I started to get up to leave, but my head began to emerge with so much pain, I put my hands on it, and I had to lie down again. I then mumbled, �Fine. I�ll stay for the night��

�Ya sure ya okay, Trip?� one of the guys asked me.

�Who are you?�

�Me name�s Mush.�

�Um�Hi Mush.� I was not liking this. I didn�t want anyone of these guys� help!

Then I looked back at Blink, who smiled and said, � �ere, let me introduce ya ta all da fellas�and our goyls �ere!� I nodded. What else was I suppose to do? I wasn�t about to go anywhere in my condition.

��Kay den, let�s start off wid Racetrack �ere!� Blink said. He put Racetrack in a headlock, and gave him a nuggie. Racetrack forced himself out, and kissed my hand. Everyone just laughed, except me.

�Den we�s got Boots, Crutchy, Skittery, Snitch, Itey, Bumlets, Dutchy, Pie Eater, Specs, Snoddy, Swifty, Snipeshooter, Jake, and of course, our leada, Jack Kelly, and ya already met me man, Mush.� As Blink introduced each of the boys, they all kissed my hand, and said something sweet. I began to blush. �Den we�s �ave our beautiful newsgoyls, Jersey, Destiny, an� Shadow.� He pointed to each of them he introduced them.

�Hey-ya Trip�do ya wanna change out of dat dress?� asked Jersey. (At least that who I think asked that�there were so many names to remember.)

�Hi. Uh�sure.� I stared at her. �Into pants?�

�Ya. Dats all I got. Why? Do youse think dat ya too good ta wear pants?� Jersey shouted at me.

�Jersey�settle down. Maybe she ain�t thinkin� dat.� Blink stood up for me.

By now, most of the other newsboys were around the bunkroom, playing cards, talking, or just doing other stuff. I think it was Mush, Jack, Racetrack, the 3 girls and Blink who stayed to talk to me.

�No, NO, I was definitely not thinking that�sorry�yeah, please can I change out of this shitty dress?� I said. I was up now, standing next to Blink. Jack smirked, after I swore.

�Do you got a problem with me, Jack Kelly?� I said sarcastically, as I walked up next to him.

�Nope, not at all. It�s jus� dat ya so damn beautiful, I neva would of expected ya to �ave such a dirty mouth,� Jack looked at me with affection, and we made eye contact.

�C'mon, Trip. We�s wanna get ta know ya betta!� Shadow exclaimed, and let out a squeal. I didn�t stop looking into Jack Kelly�s eyes, forgetting what my new name was. I suddenly remembered, and turned to look at her and the rest of the group.

�Why do you all keep calling me Trip anyway? Don�t you want to know my real name?�

�Nope, I like Trip. It�s a cute name for ya,� commented Mush.

Racetrack nodded, and quickly added, �C'mon, fellas. Let�s teach Trip how ta play poker!�

Destiny shook her head. �No foist, we�s gonna give �er some new clothes. Then, we�ll teach �er ta play poker.� I nodded and Destiny handed me a pair of pants, while Jersey threw a shirt at me.

I lay in my bunk, while I listened to the others snoring around me. I still haven�t fallen asleep. They were all so nice here. I�ve never had friends like this before, or laughed so much in real life. I finally gave them a chance, and decided to stay here for awhile. At the orphanage, the kids weren�t this nice. My only friend has probably only been Chris, but he was more than just a friend to me, so I don�t think he counts. The thought of Chris made me start to cry again. I used to be able to sleep on my side and if I opened my eyes, across from me would be Chris, sleeping on his side. Tears came down, all at once. �I got to get out of here before I wake everyone up.� I thought to myself. I noticed a fire escape through an open window across the room, so I walked over to it and climbed out. I just stood there, and just cried. While I was crying, I thought about my life so far. I�ve probably been through a lot more than some of the other seventeen year olds out there. I then looked down and smiled when I saw my pants. They were nice and a lot more comfortable than dresses ever were. Candice never will be able to wear pants. A tear dropped down my cheek for her. I said out loud, but in a whisper, �Candice would of laughed if she ever heard these guys were calling me Trip. She would have joined them into calling me it.�

�Who�s Candice?� I turned around and saw Blink. He was on the fire escape with me, and he was shutting the window.

I wiped away a few tears. �What are you doing out here?�

�Checkin� up on ya.�

�How�d you know I was out here?�

�I jus� woke up an� saw dat ya weren�t in bed. So I came ta see if youse were out �ere.� We were both talking quietly.

�Well, here I am.�

�Why are ya cryin� again? And who�s Candice?�

I looked out into the dark night and shivered. �My sister.� Blink walked over to me, and I notice he was shirtless. �You must be freezing. Just go back inside. I�m fine.�

�Nah. I�s fine. I ain�t goin� no where until ya tell me why ya were cryin�.�

I think I surprised him when I wrapped my arms around him and began to sob. Through my tears, I managed to choke out, � I was crying because my life is a mess. I�ve only loved two people in this world, and they are both gone. Dead.� Blink wrapped his arms around me, to return the hug.

He pushed me out, so he could look at me. �Trip, I dunno anything �bout ya, only dat ya seem ta be very depressed right now. My only advice to ya is dis: talk ta someone �bout it. Ya hidin� something, and ya �ave been lettin� it get ta ya.� He wiped away a few of my tears, and pulled me into him again for another hug. �I�m �ere if ya eva wanna tawk.�

�Thanks. I don�t really know why I�m telling you this, because I don�t really want you calling me it, but my real name is Crystal.�

Blink smiled. With a phony English accent, Blink said sarcastically, �Nice to meet you Crystal. My real name is James. If you don�t call me James, I won�t call you Crystal.� Blink let out a quiet laugh.

I smiled back. With a phony New York accent I responded, ��Kay Blink. Dat�s a deal. But now since I�s Newsie, ya gotta teach me how ta sell dose papes, �cause I�s gonna start me life ova, an� I�s gonna need ya help!�

�I�s would love ta help ya, Trip,� We gazed into each others eyes, until Blink finally said, ��Kay, let�s go back inside.�

�Wait!� I whispered.

�Yeah?�

�T�hanks for bein� so�nice.� He beamed. �No one has evah been dis nice ta me before.�

�No problem. Youse a nice goyl. I�s glad I could help ya out.� I took a deep breath of fresh air.

�Ok. Let�s go back inside now.�

�Good idea.�

I smiled at him, and followed him inside.

After I finally fell asleep, it felt like I only slept about 5 hours before someone woke me.

�Trip! Trip! Wake up! It�s time ta wake up!�

I opened one eye to see Jersey. �What the hell do you want, Jersey? What time is it?�

�It�s time ta wake up, bonehead!�

I stood up, and saw all the other Newsies getting up to. Most of the guys were getting dressed, while some of the others were in the bathroom.

�Oh, ok. So you guys have to wake up this early?�

Jersey nodded. �C'mon, let me show ya ta our bathroom.�

�No, its ok. I see it.�

�Nah. Dats da Newsboy bathroom. Deres annuder upstairs for us goyls.�

�Oh. Ok. Let�s go.� I followed Jersey upstairs to find Destiny and Shadow already there.

�So is this where all of you hang out�without the guys?� I asked whoever was listening to me.

�Yup. Da guys aren�t even allowed up �ere. It�s kinda nice, since up �ere, we�s can tawk �bout �em!� Shadow told me, while the other two were brushing their hair, and nodding an agreement. I took a good look around the bathroom. It was smaller than the boys, with only two showers, and three sinks.

I laughed. �That is nice. So do any of you like any of the guy Newsies?�

All three of them stopped what they were doing and looked at me. Destiny finally said, �Course we�s do! We�s human ya know!� I laughed at her comment.

�How did I get so lucky as to end up an a Newsboy Lodging House with the hottest guys?� I asked them, while we all laughed.

�Dat�s what all of us �ave been tryin� ta figure out!� Shadow said this with a huge smile.

Jersey tossed me her brush. �I�s been �ere for �bout 5 months now. Da only guy dat ever showed much interest in me was Dutchy, an� I turned �im down as nicely as �s could. I�s been hopin� Skittery would ask me out or somethin�.�

�Really? Skittery�s cute!� I had to say something. I�ve only been here for one night. How was I suppose to know who Skittery was? But I knew that when he kissed my hand last night, at the time I thought he was one of the better looking ones. Jersey�s brush was full of black hairs. Jersey had shoulder length, wavy black hair, and tanned skin. She wasn�t African American, she just had a dark tan. I came to the conclusion that she should probably tell Skittery how she felt, because she looked like one of those girls all the guys were crazy about.

Destiny added, �I�s had me eye on Mush or Jack.� Destiny was skinny, and had dirty blonde, straight silky hair. She looked great in her hat. Her skin was lightly tanned.

Shadow nodded. �Jack�s definitely hot. When I foist saw �im at Central Park, sellin�, he looked so cute. But dat�s not why I followed �im �course�ya�ll know da story. Anyway, but I still can�t eva stop t�hinkin� �bout Racetrack or Blink. More �bout Blink.�

The way she said that made me jealous. Sure, Blink wasn�t my boyfriend, but I must have a better relationship with him than any of these other girls did, right? Thoughts raced through my mind. Shadow was so much prettier than me. She had the blondest hair I�ve ever seen, and it was curly and long. She was a lot paler than Jersey, but any guy would pick her over me. If her and Blink fall in love, Blink would never show any interest in me again!

�Do ya like any of da guys yet?� Destiny asked me, while she put on some eyeliner. Her question kicked me out of my thoughts.

�You where makeup?�

Shadow answered for Destiny as she put on some light lipstick of her own. �Yup. When ya live wid 20 audder boys, ya gotta.�

Jersey shook her head. �I don�t. I ain�t gonna put on makeup just ta impress some guys. Dey all love me for me.�

I shrugged. �That�s cool. Actually, I�ve never had a chance to wear makeup.�

Obviously, the three girls all had different personalities. Shadow and Destiny were the most girly around here.

Shadow gasped. �Why?!�

Jersey rolled her eyes and looked at me to see that I was hesitating. �Does it really matta? Besides, if Trip doesn�t wanna tell, jus� leave her alone.�

I gave her a smile. �Thanks.�

Destiny didn�t really seem bothered about Jersey�s comment, but I think Shadow did. She pointed at Jersey, and practically yelled at her, �Ya always t�hink youse betta than all of us Jersey! Well I gotta tell youse somethin�! Ya not!� With that, Shadow stormed out of the bathroom, and Destiny followed, saying, �See ya both lata at Tibbys!� We all exchanged smiles.

I turned to Jersey. She was still working on her long, black hair. �Are they best friends?�

�Yeah. I was �ere foist, but dey both arrived �bout da same time. Dey got more in common wid each otha than I do wid either of dem. Destiny and I �ave stuff in common though.�

��Kay. Well I gotta go meet Blink. He�s gonna teach me how ta sell.�

Jersey looked at me with shock. �Why are ya tawkin like dat?�

�I dunno. Maybe its �cause everyone else is!�

Jersey walked up to me. �Ya gonna fit in jus� fine wid the rest of us�jus� fine. Oh, and I t�hink ya should soak Shadow for sayin� she likes Blink, �cause goyl, Blink�s all yours!�

I grinned at her comment and spit shook wid her. I saw a few Newsies doing that last night, so I guess that�s how they shook hands around here. �I could take her! But I don�t find her much of a threat!�

�So ya do have some minor feelings for �im den right?�

�Minor.� I smiled. �So, what was Shadow talking about when she said she followed Jack around?� I didn�t really care, but curiosity kills the cat.

�Oh. I t�hink Shadow is jus� crazy. �Bout two months ago, Jack Kelly had dis goyl followin� �im �round ev�rywhere, so afta �bout a week, he got a hold of �er, an� asked �er why she was followin� �im. Shadow told �im she was homeless, and saw �im sellin� papes, an� she was tryin� ta get da courage ta ask him for some help. Jack told �er dat she could sell papes, and she�s been �ere eva since. Jack told us ev�rything, and all of us Newsies began to call �ere Shadow. At foist she minded, which was pretty funny, but then she got used ta it.�

I cracked up after the story. �That�s funny.�

Jersey began to laugh to. �Oh yeah!� We walked out of the bathroom, laughing.

�Blink! I can�t do dis!� I threw the rest of my papers on the ground.

�Yes ya can! Ya �ave been doin fine! Ya jus� don�t �ave da hang of it yet.�

It was about 12:30 in the afternoon. Blink has already sold the rest of his papers and I still got about 10 more left.

�Do ya wanna go ta Tibby�s for lunch wid ev�ryone else or not?� Blink gave me a serious look.

�Yes.�

�Then gimme half ya papes, and ya need ta try again!�

�Fine!� I winked at him, and he gave me a smile. Yelling back at him I said, �I�ll meet you here, at this bench, in 10 minutes!�

�Ya sure ya will be able ta SELL ALL OF DOSE in only 10 MINUTES?!�

I gave him a look, and walked off.

Twenty minutes later, Blink and I walked into Tibby�s. I haven�t eaten there yet, but I heard from ev�ryone that it was really good there. I found a seat next to Jersey, who was sitting at a table with Skittery, Jack, Racetrack, and Mush.

�Hey Doll face!� Jack Kelly moved over to sit next to me.

�Don�t call me Doll face. I mean it, uh�Jack?�

�Yeah. Or Cowboy. But don�t worry sugar, ya can call me whatever ya want, as long as ya lookin� at me wid dose beautiful eyes.�

Blink was at the next table, and was listening in on the conversation. This wasn�t like Jack to act that way. If he continued to, Blink was going to have to soak him for bothering Trip like that.

I stood up, and I gestured Jack to stand up, too. I guess everyone at the restaurant was looking at us by now, but I didn�t care. No one talks to me like that. Chris taught me to always defend for myself, the rights of a young lady.

�Are you trying to start something Jack Kelly? �Cause I don�t really understand. I�m a woman, not some young girl who you can flirt with so you can just get some! I have as many rights as any guy in here, and so does Jersey, Shadow, and Destiny!� With that, I punched him. He almost lost his balance, but he caught himself. Better than I could ever do!

Jack grinned, but it wasn�t a mean one. �Trip, youse ready.�

�What?�

�I just wanted ta see how ya would act �round a drooling jerk like dat.�

�I�m sorry Jack, but I don�t know what the hell you�re talking about.�

�Da Delancy bruddahs. I take da responsibility as da leader of the Manhattan Newsies, I got ta protect all da Newsies, especially all of our newsgoyls.�

Everyone let out a sigh of relief. I guess they all knew what he was talking about, because I sure didn�t have much of a clue.

�Wow, Jack! Since when did ya become so smart?� Mush asked him, very loudly. He laughed with Racetrack and Skittery.

�Afta Shadow�s first meet wid da Delancy�s, I needed to find a new way to protect the new newsgoyls who�ve neva met dirty boneheads like da Delancys.�

I smiled. �T�hanks Jack. I understand now. Sorry �bout ya nose.�

He smiled back. �It�s �kay Trip. Ya passed my test wid flyin� colors. Da Delancy broddahs will probably come up ta ya soonah or latah, so make sure when ya walk �round New Yawk, to always be wid somebody. I don�t want anything ta happen ta any of me Newsgoyls.�

I sat down and so did he. Jersey snorted. �Your Newgoyls? I ain�t yours Jack! I ain�t no ones!�

Skittery laughed, and so did the rest of the boys at the table, but I didn�t think it was funny, and neither did she. When they saw we both weren�t laughing, they quickly shut up, and we all ate and made small talk.

After lunch, most of the Newsies went their separate ways, in pairs of twos and threes. I stood up, and walked out the door. I was hoping to take a shower, since no one was at the lodging house.

�Trip! Wait up!�

I turned around to see Jersey. �Hey! Um�ya ok?�

�Yeah, I�s fine. But I ain�t sure dat I�s eva gonna recover from me embarrassment in da restaurant.�

�You shouldn�t be embarrassed. The guys just didn�t know what you meant.�

�I guess.� She shrugged. �Where�s are ya goin� anyway?�

�To take a shower. I haven�t taken one in awhile!�

��Kay. I�s wait for ya in da bunk room.�

�Really?�

�Yeah. Why do ya sound so surprised?�

�Honestly� I�ve never had a friend before�who wasn�t my sister.�

I guess she was speechless, because all she said was �Oh.� Then we walked back to the lodging house, talking.

It was 8:00 pm, and everyone just came back from dinner, and most of the boys started games of cards or marbles. Jack suddenly came in, and everyone turned to look at him. He didn�t join us at all for dinner, so we were happy to see him. Jack sounded like he�d been running, because he talked really fast, and was taking deep breaths.

�Medda�s performin� tonight only for da Newsies! Brooklyn, Midtown, Queens, da Bronx, ev�ryones gonna be dere! Spot jus� told me da news. C�mon, let�s go!�

All the Newsies began to talk at once, while they all began to put on their good clothes. I didn�t even know they had good clothes! And, who was Medda? I just sat there on the floor where I had been playing cards with Jersey and Blink.

�C�mon, Trip! What�s da matta?�

I looked up to see Blink. I frowned. �Who�s Medda?�

Blink laughed. �I�s tell ya on da way. Yo, Dest, can Trip borrow one of youse skirts?!�

Destiny yelled from upstairs, �Yeah, sure! Trip, c'mon up, hurry!�

I looked back at Blink. He nodded, and pushed me towards the stairs. �I�s meet ya back down �ere. I ain�t leaving without ya, Trip, don�t worry!�

I gave �im a weak smile, and went upstairs.

Well, it turns out that Medda a.k.a. �The Sweedish Meadowlark� owns a dance hall called Irving Hall and is a vaudeville singer. She is good friends with the Newsies, and I learned that they come to see her often. Blink and Jersey just told me all of this on the way here, and now we are just about to walk in.

We turned the corner and there must have been about 200 newsboys! I stopped, and suddenly felt shy. Blink took my hand, which surprised me.

He whispered in my ear, �Trip, it�s ok. Ya look beautiful tonight. An� dey are all real nice �ere. I won�t let any body botha ya.� I gave him a hug and nodded.

�Ya guys comin� or not?� We both smiled at Jersey and began to walk towards the huge mob of Newsies.

The doors suddenly opened, and everyone started to go in. Blink led me to table with Racetrack, Mush, Skittery, Shadow, Jersey, and Destiny. I looked over my shoulder and saw Jack seated with a few other guys. I just shrugged and sat down next to Blink and Jersey.

�Who�s Jack sittin� with?� I asked Jersey.

�All da oudder Newsie leadas from all da oudder areas. We�re closest ta Brooklyn. Dere leada is Spot Conlon. C'mon, I want ya to meet �im.�

Blink added, �Ya dats a good idea. I�ll come too.�

They both got up and I followed. I suddenly tripped in the high heels Shadow made me wear. Destiny and her put make up on me and did my hair. Jersey even got a little make over herself. Anyway, I tripped while I was following Jersey, and Blink caught me.

�T�hanks Blink,� I grinned. �Youse always dere to catch me!� I winked at him, and he winked back. Blink still had me in his arms, and Jersey cleared her throat. ��Kay, �kay, we�re coming.� We followed her to Jack�s table.

�How�s it goin� Spot?� Jersey walked up to a boy with a slingshot and a cane, who was sitting next to Jack.

�Well look who it is. Da one an� only, Jersey.� Spot stood up, spit shook with Jersey, and gave her a hug. He then turned to Blink and I. I was holding Blink�s hand. Truthfully, I was afraid I would get lost in the huge group of Newsies. There were a lot of newsboys, and I didn�t see any other newsgirls, besides Shadow, Destiny, Jersey and me. Anyway, Spot Conlon looked at me and then at Blink. �How�s it rollin� Blink? Who�s da goyl?�

Blink smiled (his gorgeous smile) and looked back at me then at Spot. �Dis �ere is Manhattan�s newest newgoyl, Trip.� I smiled at him, and Spot walked up to take my hand. He bent his head over to kiss it, but I pulled it away. Instead, I spit in it, and held it out for a handshake. Spot grinned, and spit-shook with me.

�Don�t tell me ya a tomboy like Jersey ova �ere.� Spot smirked at Jersey, and she elbowed him in the ribs.

�No, I�m not a tomboy. I just don�t like to be treated like I�m something special, because I ain�t.� After I said this, I suddenly began to freak out inside of me, because Jersey began to look nervous.

Jack stood up, and said to Spot, �Dat�s da goyl I was tellin� ya �bout.�

Spot laughed. �Oh! Da one dat nearly soaked ya! Well Trip, me name�s Spot Conlon, da leada of Brooklyn, and da best known Newsie around.�

I snorted. �Why?�

��Cause I can soak anyone dat get�s on me nerves!� He leaned up to me and his face was a few inches from mine. I leaned me head back, and squeezed Blink�s hand.

I nervously said, only I tried not to let it show, �That�s really nice, Spot. I�m happy for ya. Well, it�s been a pleasure to meet ya, but I wanna meet the rest of the leaders at this table.� My New York accent slurred with my English once. Even though I hadn�t had much education, Mother always made Candice and I talk properly.

Spot looked surprised. �Well okay den,� He smiled at me, so I figured everything was okay between us. I loosened my grip with Blink. Spot added, �So, Blink, is Trip ya new goyl?�

I let go of his hand, letting him answer this question. What if he said yes? Or worse, what if he said no? Either way, Blink seemed to really like me as a friend; I enjoyed his presence. Then I thought of Chris. It�s only been a week and one day since is death. My eyes began to water. I shut them, as I listened to Blink�s answer.

�No,�. not yet.� My eyes widened. I looked at Blink, and he smiled at me. He leaned in and gave me a kiss on the cheek. He then whispered in my ear, �T�hink �bout it. We�ll tawk �lone lata.� I nodded.

Jersey had a smile on her face, and looked at Spot�s pocket watch. �We better hurry an� get to our seats! Da show�s �bout ta start!�

The three of us turned to head back to our seats, but suddenly I heard a whisper, and so did the rest of us at Jack�s table.

�Hey Kelly! Jack! It�s time for the introducing.� Jack nodded, and I looked around to see where the whisper came from. I gave up when I couldn�t see anything and when Jersey began to push me back towards our seats.

Once we found our seats, all the boys sitting at Jack�s table went onto stage. The Newsies began to cheer.

One of them that I didn�t meet lifted his hands, probably trying to shut us up. After everyone stopped cheering, the boy shouted, �Welcome Newsies all ova New Yawk!!!� The Newsies began to cheer again. He continued, �I�s been told dat da Bronx and Midtown �ave been at a minor disagreement. (A few snickers from the audience) Since dere ain�t no one else tryin� ta fix it, I t�hink me, Rocky, da Newsie leada of Queens, (a few newsboys began to cheer after Rocky introduced himself) should be da peace maker, and make �em make up! (More cheers) Ya wid me Jack? Spot?�

Both Jack and Spot nodded, as they each went behind two different boys standing at opposite sides of the stage. They pushed them towards each other. Jack and Spot began to yell, �Shake! Shake! Shake!� and everyone joined in. Jersey was yelling, with Destiny. Shadow was giving Jersey a dirty look, obviously because her and Destiny were having a �moment.� What�s the madder with this girl, anyway? Finally, the boys spit-shook, and hugged. There were once again loud cheers.

Spot put his hands up like Rocky, and everyone shut up. He shouted, �Now introducing, Medda, the Spanish Meadowlark!� All they guys began to shout, �Whoo! MEDDA!!!� or �YEAHH!!! MEDDA!�

Medda came out, and began to sing.

For my second night at the Manhattan Newsboy Lodging House, I lay in my bunk, thinking. The show was so good. I�ve never seen anything like it before. There were definitely none of these kinds of shows in Texas, and the Petersons never took me to see one. A tear rolled down my cheek when I thought of Chris. He would have loved the show tonight! I wiped the tear away. I had to go on with my life. Crying for him won�t help anything, just make me sad. That was the last thing I wanted to be right now. I was happy for the first time since I left Texas. After the show, I met Medda. She is so nice. And, to make things even better, I only tripped three times in the high heels! Plus, Jack announced to us that Medda is gonna perform another private show for the Newsies of New York next week! Happy thoughts went through my mind. I loved everyone here! Especially Blink and Jersey. I smiled. Blink and I haven�t had our �tawk� yet, but he told me he wanted to sell with me tomorrow. So I guess he�ll talk to me then. Was I really ready to be in another relationship? The love of my life only died about a week ago. I was still so hurt. But what can I do? I really, really liked Blink. More than a friend. If he has feelings for me too, then maybe I should go for it with him. If it was any other newsboy who wanted to go out with me, I wouldn�t. But this is Blink. If I don�t go for it now with him, I know I will regret it. I finally just lied there, and fell asleep.

�TRIP!!� Someone shouted at me. I opened one eye to see Destiny. �Time ta wake up�meet ya upstairs in da bathroom.�

��Kay!� I yelled back at her and rolled out of bed. I headed towards the stairs. �Mornin�.�

�G�mornin�!!� Jersey shouted at me, and she smiled. Shadow was in the shower, and Destiny was getting dressed.

�Why are you so happy?�

�Oh my gawd! I�m so happy ya up! Did ya miss me on da way home yesterday?�

�Um�yeah, now dat I think about it. Where were you? I walked back with Destiny because I couldn�t find either you or Blink.�

Jersey grinned. �I was wid Skittery!�

I smiled back, and ran up to hug her. �Oh wow! What �appened?�

�Well, he told me how he felt �bout me, an� we realized we both been crazy �bout each otha for a long time! I�s so happy! I feel like I�s walkin� on air! We den went into da empty bunkroom, and well�the rest is history!�

�You�didn�t�do it�did ya?�

�No, no�don�t worry. We didn�t do that. We jus� kissed for a while, an� den went back into da bunkroom and went ta bed�we�re sellin� together today. Dat reminds me�what�s goin� on between Blink an� ya?�

�Nuttin� yet. We haven�t tawked yet.�

Destiny came around the corner of the bathroom, and was grinning. �Jersey, I know ya were havin� a private conversation wid Trip, but I couldn�t help overhearing. YOU AND SKITTERY?! OH MY GAWD, CONGRATS!!� They hugged.

�I was gonna tell ya soon, don�t worry. I thought ya were still sleepin�, sorry.�

�Its �kay,� she looked at me. �You an� Blink?!�

I shrugged. �I hope so!� I smiled and she hugged me too.

Destiny laughed. �Well, I hope dat afta all da guys see dat ya both are taken, dey will admit dere crushes, and I will hook up with someone!� She giggled, and began to brush her hair.

I began to brush mine, when Shadow came around the corner. She was dressed, and walked up to the vanity and began to brush her hair, too. �Anything new?� All three of us burst out laughing. �What?! What �appened?�

Jersey shrugged. �Nuttin�, only dat Skittery finally told me how he felt, and now I�s �is goyl. And, Blink asked Trip out, so nuttin� really.�

Shadow�s face turned red. She pointed her finger at me. �Ev�rythin� �as been goin� wrong since ya got �ere. Blink was mine and ya�ll knew it. Ya betta leave right now, or else.� She looked so serious and angry, that she got me mad, too.

�Who da hell do you think I am? An� what can ya possibly do ta me? It�s not my fault dat Blink chose me over you. If ya would of told �im how ya felt awhile ago, den maybe he would have been yours!�

Shadow glared at me with evil in her eyes. �Did ya tell �im how ya felt?�

�Nope.� Shadow slammed her brush on the vanity.

�I�ll tell ya what I can do ta ya. I can turn dis whole lodgin� house against ya. I�ve been �ere longer den ya, and dey all like me a lot betta!� Jeresey laughed.

Jersey said being very sarcastic and exaggerating, �Really?! I didn�t know dat! I certainly don�t like ya betta! An� obviously Blink doesn�t either!� She laughed again. I walked out of the bathroom.

I met Blink at the distribution alley. I must have looked like I�ve been crying, because I have. I cried my heart out about everything. What Shadow had said, Candice, my life before becoming a Newsie, and Chris. Even though it didn�t sound like what Shadow said hurt me, it truly did. She made me feel guilty, and really unwanted. What if some of the other newsies felt the same way she did? I didn�t want to leave here! It felt like I finally found where I belonged. When Blink saw me, he handed me my newspapers (I gave him some money last night to buy them for me since he always gets there before I do) and put his arm around my shoulders.

�Crystal, what�s wrong?� I wanted to tell him, I truly did. It even wanted me to tell him more when he called me Crystal. It showed he was really concerned.

I sniffed, and just shook my head. �Let�s just sell our papes. I don�t wanna talk �bout it�. yet.� Blink just nodded, and yelled goodbye to his friends.

It took me longer to sell, since it was only my second day selling, and I really wasn�t on top of things. Like yesterday, Blink ended up taking some of my newspapers to speed the process of selling. I guess he really wanted to talk to me, and I couldn�t blame him. At about 1:30 pm, we were done, and Blink suggested we go to Tibby�s to meet the others. I shook my head.

�Why? Do ya wanna tawk instead?�

�Uh�yeah, sure, as long as we DO NOT go to Tibby�s.�

Blink must have been pretty confused, but nodded in agreement.

�C'mon, let�s go find some place we can be alone.� I suggested.

Blink let out a weak smile, and told me he knew a good abandoned building for us to go to.

�Are ya sure? Are ya sure its safe?�

He smiled at me. �Ya course its safe. If it ain�t, don�t worry, Trip, I�s protect ya.�

I smiled, and gave him a long hug, and a few tears ran down my cheeks. He put his arm around my waist and guided me towards the direction of the building.

�Well, �ere we�s are.� We were at the building, and he led me towards the roof. We had stopped at a bakery to buy a loaf of bread for lunch, and I had the bread in my hand.

�Wow, its beautiful.� I gazed at the view.

�Jus� like ya.� He grinned at me.

�Dat�s da oldest one in da book!� I grinned back him.

�Ya, but it woiks!�

�Yup. Ya right!� I giggled. �It does!�

Blink and I exchanged huge smiles. �Come ovah �ere and sit down next ta me.�

I nodded, sat down next to him on the floor of the roof, and handed him half the loaf. We just sat there for a while, him with his arm around me.

�So, what�s da mattah?�

It took me a second, but I began to sob uncontrollably like yesterday night. He pulled me close. �Ev�rything.�

�Take ya time. I got all da time in da world for ya.� I nodded.

�I dunno where ta start.� He looked annoyed with me. �But I guess I�ll just start from the beginning.� I talked normally. He nodded, and I began from the moment Candice was killed.

�Well, I grew up in a small town in Texas�oh shit! I don�t even remember the name of it!� I looked back up at Blink, who shrugged. I continued on with my story on how Joseph Peterson killed my sister (I began to cry) and kidnapped me. I told him about my life at the Peterson apartment and running away. I told him about the orphanage and just wanting some food and a place to sleep. I told him about Chris and how he died. Blink must of felt uncomfortable when I was talking about him, so when I was finished, I didn�t continue, I stopped.

�Blink, it kills me to say this, but I�m actually okay with Chris dyin�. Because if he didn�t, I wouldn�t of met you. I definitely wouldn�t �ave said this a week ago either�� I looked up at him, and I put my hands around his neck, as he leaned down to kiss me. His kiss was a lot different than Chris�s. I think it was just more passionate. He pulled away after awhile.

I was hurt. �Why did you do that? Am I a bad kisser?�

�No. I can kiss ya all day�its jus� dat, well, continue.�

�Oh ok. Well, ya saw my cryin� cause today�the four of us goyls got into a little disagreement�� Blink nodded as I told him the whole story. He didn�t say anything until I was done. As soon as I finished, he had a lot of questions.

�So�Shadow likes me?�

�Yup�.you aren�t gonna dump me for her are ya?� I wasn�t really worried, but still, anything can happen.

�I�I�really dunno�� My eyes widened as I stood up.

�Are you serious?!�

�Nah! I�m jus� jokin� wid ya, Trip. Come back down!� Blink grinned, as I gave him a girly-hit on the shoulder. He pulled me in for another kiss.

Blink broke the kiss again. �Did Shadow seriously say dat?�

�Hell yeah! Sorry if she�s your friend, but she is my definition of a bitch! Only t�hinkin� �bout herself!�

�I agree�.so Skittery and Jersey huh?�

�Yup.�

�It�s �bout time!�

�Why? Did he like �er too?�

�Only since we all foist met Jersey!�

�Wow�interesting�when I first met Jersey, she told me she�s like Skittery for a long time�yup, about time.� I pulled him in for another kiss. Blink, once again, broke the wonderful kiss.

�Let�s go back to tell all da guys �bout you an� me. An� �bout Shadow.�

�No! Then she�ll hate me even more!�

�Trip, she has no reason to hate ya.�

�Well, it kinda fells like I�m tellin� on her or something��

�Nah! Youse not. I jus� wanna tell ev�ryone what kinda goyl Shadow really is. Maybe dey�ll kick her out to Brooklyn or somethin�.� I laughed at his comment and hugged him.

�I like ya so much, Crystal.� Blink said this so seriously.

I grinned. �Hey, what about our agreement?� I poked him in the stomach.

�I like Crystal betta.� He grinned at me. �Besides, I haven�t seen ya trip all day.�

�Oh thanks a lot. Now I�m gonna trip since ya said dat.�

Blink laughed. ��ave ya always been so clumsy?�

�Yup.�

We were now walking towards the Lodging House. We were holding hands.

�An�, Trip, don�t worry, if ya fall, I�ll catch ya.�

�I know ya will!� I kissed his nose. �I really like ya, too�� He gave me a peck on the cheek.

�Deres only one thing I don�t understand �bout ya, Trip.�

�What�s dat?�

�Da way ya tawk. Ya mix ya New York accent wid tawkin� so proper.�

I laughed. �I actually got an excuse for dat.�

�Really?�

�Uh-huh. When I was growin� up in Texas, me mudder did give my sis and I some education, and she made us talk right. Once I got into New York, she wasn�t dere to correct me or yell at me when I didn�t tawk proper. I guess now dat I�m on my own, I�m jut trying to decide where I fit in. It�s hard for me to stop the habit of the talking�even though I want ta.�

��Kay. Ya right. Dat is a good explaination. But I can�t help but laugh at da way ya tawk.�

�Sure James�.sure!� He began to tickle me.

�No, Blink�please, I don�t wanna go in dere.� Blink was trying to force me into going into Tibby�s. I already made him check if Shadow was in there, and she was. So was everyone else.

�Trip, its ok�ya wid me. She likes me doesn�t she?�

�Ya so?�

�She wouldn�t bother ya when I�s dere.�

�Guess ya right.�

�I�s always right! Let�s go in.� He took my hand and pulled me in there.

Tibby�s was pact with Newsies as usual. I saw Skittery sitting next to Jersey, with his arm around her. They must have already told. They were sitting at a table with Jack and Destiny, and there were two empty chairs. Shadow was sitting at the table next to them with Dutchy, Snitch, and Snipeshooter. �I wonder why she isn�t sitting with them.� I thought to myself.

Blink guided me up to a table with Jersey, Skittery, Jack, and Destiny. I didn�t look at Shadow. As soon as Jersey saw me, she stood up and hugged me.

�Ya ok?�

�Uh-huh. I�s fine.� I turned my head to look up at Blink. I smiled at him, and he smiled back. I have been smiling so much lately, and I was loving it.

Destiny stood up. �So it did work out between ya two. Dat�s nice.� She must be one of those people who could just tell.

�T�hanks.� Blink was already sitting down, next to Skittery and Jack. They were already whispering to each other.

I sat down next Jersey and Destiny, and asked what was happening.

Jersey spoke first. �Well, aftah ya left, so did Destiny and I. I sold wid Skittery, and jus� walked into Tibby�s myself. Shadow was already sittin� at da table, so she obviously didn�t move ta sit next ta me.�

Destiny nodded. �I sold wid Jack. I�s not tawking ta Shadow. I can�t believe she said dose t�hings ta ya.�

I smiled. So my friends were on my side, not Shadow�s. �So, do dey all know dat we�s fightin�?�

Destiny shook her head. �Only some of dem�I know Skitts and Jack know�does Blink?� I nodded.

�Well dats all whose important �dey�ll probably end up tellin� most of da guys anyway.� We all laughed.

�What are ya�ll laughin� �bout ovah dere?� The three of us looked up across the table. To answer Jack�s question, we all laughed some more, and shrugged.

A week passed since that day. We were all still not tawking to Shadow. At least Jersey and I weren�t. Destiny probably was, but I guess that was ok. She really didn�t have anything to be mad at her about, except hurting one of her friend�s feelings. The four of us were getting ready to go to Medda�s again, because she was going to throw another �Newsies Only� show for us tonight, just like Jack said. The past week has been great. If I�m not hanging out with Jersey or Blink, I spend a lot of my time with a lot of the other Newsies. I�ve become good friends with Mush , Jack, and Racetrack. Anyway, we were all up stairs in the bathroom, getting ready, when Shadow nearly knocked me over.

�Whoops. Excuse me.� Shadow said sarcastically. �By da way, Trip, I�s stealin� Blink from ya tonight.� She walked out of the bathroom.

Destiny shook her head. �Youse got nuttin� ta worry �bout. I�s seen Blink and ya togethah�youse guys got somethin� special dere goin� for ya. Shadow can�t do nuttin� �bout dat.�

�Thanks, Dest. By da way, so when are you and Jack hookin� up? He seem crazy �bout ya.� Destiny grinned.

�Whenever he makes his move!�

�Why don�t ya jus� ask �im out ya-self?� Jersey suggested. She brushed her hair, and put on some lipstick.

�Maybe I will�� She slipped on her dress.

�I can�t help but feel jealous towards Shadow. She always hangs wid Blink when I�m not around�who knows what dey do together.� I put my hair in a half-poney.

�Trip, we keep tellin� ya! Dere�s nuttin� to worry �bout!� Jersey rolled her eyes, while Destiny shook her head.

�Goyls! Let�s go!� One of the guys called from downstairs.

We all quickly finished up, and met the guy Newsies downstairs.

�Where�s Blink?� I asked Racetrack.

�He left for Medda�s wid Shadow.� I glanced over at Jersey, and she shrugged and gave me the I-don�t-know-look. Racetrack added, �I�s walk ya dere.�

�T�hanks�ya don�t t�hink deres somethin� between dem, do ya, Racetrack?� He shook his head.

��Kay. I will take ya word for it.� We walked to Medda�s, just chatting and making small talk with our the rest of our friends.

When we got into Irving Hall, I said hello to any Newsie that said hello to me, while searching for Blink. I found him sitting at a large table, next to Shadow, talking to her. Their chairs were arranged to be facing each other.

I sat down next to him, and turned my chair to be right behind him. Put my arms over his neck, for a hug.

�Hey Sweets!� Kid Blink turned his head to give me a kiss on the cheek.

�G�evenin� Blink! Where did youse go? I thought we�s were gonna walk �ere together.�

�Shadow told me ya already left.� We both turned to look at Shadow. Me, in disgust, and Blink with confusion.

�Whoops. My mistake. Thought ya left already.� I shook my head, and Blink turned his chair towards me, resulting his back towards Shadow. I had nothing to worry about. Blink leaned over to kiss me, and I stuck my tongue down his throat, trying to show off my relationship with Blink in front of Shadow. Ha, it worked. She yelled out a big �Ugh!� and stormed away.

�What was dat all �bout?� Blink pulled his mouth away from mine, but by now I was in his lap.

�She�s tryin� ta steal ya from me.� Blink laughed. �Hey! Dat�s not funny!�

�Yeah it is. Da t�hought of it is funny. No one can steal me away from ya, Trip. My feelin�s towards ya are so damn strong, dat I�s comfortable tawkin� ta audder goyls, an� knowin� I don�t feel a t�hing for dem.� I tear ran down my cheek, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, and gave him a thousand kisses on his cheeks and mouth.

�Thanks, James. Ya jus� made me feel like da luckiest goyl in da world!� I whispered in his ear, and pulled away only for a second, and winked at him. I didn�t care Irving Hall was so pact with Newsies that I could hear them breathing. I was in lost in Blink�s world. I realized that I cared so much for him. Chris would of wanted me to be with someone else, and I think he would of definitely approve of Kid Blink.

Blink then pulled away. He took my hand, and led me to a table, full of all of our friends. We laughed and talked with them until the show started. Once Medda came out, we were all on our feet screaming for her. Medda started with a slow song, and the Newsies fell silent, listening to it. Usually they joined her if they knew the words, but this one was a new one, and it was really sad. Blink and Skittery looked at each other, nodded, and both of them stood up.

Blink looked down at me, and took my hand. �Let�s dance.� I turned to look at Jersey, who was already up and dancing with Skitts. I stood up too, and rested my head on Blink�s shoulder. We swayed back and forth and we were so close I could feel his body heat. I pulled back towards the end of the song, and turned my head to see that Destiny and Jack were also dancing. I smiled, and looked around the room. This time, there were more girls. �I guess some of the newsboys brought dates,� I said to myself.

�Yup.� I looked up at Blink, who must have heard me. �Tawkin� ta ya-self sweets?�

�Uh-huh.� I gave him a kiss on the neck. The music ended. Medda walked off stage to change, and everyone sat down. Destiny ran up to us with an excited face.

�Goyls, I jus� tawked ta Medda backstage. She wants us ta sing �High Times, Hard Times� while she continues ta get ready. I told �er we�s sing all da time, jus� for fun, an� we�d sing! So do ya wanna?�

Shadow and Jersey both nodded. I wasn�t too sure.

�Yeah mean in front of all dese people?�

Destiny laughed. �Dere only Newsies!� I still shook my head.

�I�s a horrible singer, and I t�hink everyone will have more fun without me up dere.� As usual, my accents linked.

�Go on up dere, Trip! Jus� �ave some fun!� Jersey said this with excitement in her voice. She definitely changed since she became wid Skittery.

�Yeah, go on up dere, Crystal!� Blink whispered this in my ear, and moved his hands down my back, which made my whole body shake. I gave him a girly-slap in the shoulder, and followed Destiny, Shadow, and Jersey onto stage.

Our table began to cheer for us, which shut all the other Newsies in Irving all up, and to turn and face the stage.

�Hey fellas! We�s gotta little show for ya, and I t�hink ya�ll gonna really enjoy it!� Jersey screamed out to our crowd.

The piano player began the song. In the bathroom, usually in the morning or at night, the four of us sing some of Medda�s songs, because we�re bored. We all sang different verses, so I guess we were all gonna sing the same verses that we always did at the lodgin� house. Jersey began to sing her verse, so I realized we were. After she was done, Destiny and Shadow sang together for another verse. When it was my turn, I started to sing my verse normally, and then I got more into it, because I was having fun. Nobody cared if I stunk, it was all fun. The verse came when all four of us would sing together, but none of them sang and I mistakenly kept going. I stopped in the middle of the verse, put my hand over my mouth, and ran off stage, tears coming down my cheek. I ran out the door, and down the street, and didn�t stop until I got to my bench in Central Park.

�I�s too damn sensitive.� I said out loud. I knew I embarrassed myself. Why did I keep going? Maybe it was because I was supposed to. �Then why did dey stop?� I said out loud again.

��Cause ya blowed us all away.� I looked up and saw Blink sitting down next to me.

�How�d ya know I was �ere?� Blink by now had me in his arms.

��Cause dis is where we�s foist met. I had a feelin� ya were gonna be �ere. Why�d ya leave?�

I pulled away. ��Cause I made a total ass of myself! How was I supposed ta know ta stop? I could have sworn we had ta keep going. I didn�t know I stunk dat bad. I jus� really never put any t�hought ta singing. Why do I �ave to be so damn sensitive?� I repeated again, this time wanting an answer.

Blink laughed, and I was shocked. �Crystal, dey stopped �cause ya started to sing so good. Heck, ya were betta den Medda. Ya blew us all away. No one knew ya had such a great voice like dat. I�d pay jus� ta hear ya sing again.� I was stunned and speechless. I finally got a few words out of my mouth.

�Ya jokin� right?� He leaned down and gave me a quick kiss on the lips.

�Guess ya didn�t know ya could sing, either!� He laughed. �Nah, course I ain�t jokin�!�

I looked away from him. I shook my head and smiled. �Dis is ridiculous!�

�C'mon�let�s go back. Medda wants ta tawk ta ya.�

�No way! Now I definitely know I made a total ass of myself!�

�Don�t worry. C�mon!� We stood up, and headed back towards Irving Hall.

Blink ended up being right. I didn�t have to worry. When we got back to Irving Hall, Blink explained everything, to EVERYONE, while Medda talked to me back stage. She told me how impressed she was with my singing, and told me she wanted me to sing in her shows. For money. I was thrilled. We were back at the lodging house now, some guys playing poker, etc. I was talking to Kloppman with Jersey, and she was telling him the story, and I just blushed.

�So we got a singer in da house. That�s pretty special!� Kloppman patted my shoulder, and Jersey and I headed back up the stairs to the bunkroom.

Jersey whispered in my ear, �Dis is great. Not only did ya turn out ta be da best singah I�s eva heard, but ya makin� Shadow so damn jealous she can�t stand it. Now, all da newsboys from all ova New Yawk are tawking �bout da greatest singin� Newsie �round, Trip!� I grinned at her.

That night, I had a dream that Candice was in heaven, and she was watching my performance, just as amazed as I was, about my vocal ability. Dreams are always weird, so since Candice appeared in it, my brain drifted off to that one day that Joseph Peterson murdered her. My thoughts then traveled to the day I ran away, but instead of successfully running away, he caught me, and killed me too. My eyes suddenly opened up, and I was sweating. I sat up in my bed, breathing hard.

�Sweets?� I looked up to see Blink up and out of bed.

�Go back ta bed, Blink. I�s fine.�

�Did youse �ave a nightmare or somethin�?� Blink asked me, and completely ignored my order.

�Ya. An� I�s ok. I jus� need a drink of water.� I stood up, and since it was dark, I tripped over Blink�s foot! He caught me of course. He brought his lips down to mine, gave me a small kiss, picked me up, and walked me to the staircase that led up to the girl�s bathroom.

�Walk.� He whispered to me, as he let go of me. He gave me a small push, and I walked up the stairs, not giving much thought about it.

�Ya can�t come up here!� I whispered.

�Don�t worry.� I was about to turn into the newsgirl�s bathroom, when Blink stopped me, and told me to head towards the door in the back. I nodded, and walked a little more towards a door at the end of the hallway. I�ve never been past the bathroom, so I didn�t know what to expect. Blink was behind me, so I felt safe.

�Turn the knob and open the door.� I nodded. I was really curious to what Blink was doing. I opened the door, and saw that there was another staircase. I turned around, so I faced Blink.

�There�s another floor?�

�You�ll see. Jus� walk. My gawd, goyl, ya are slow!� He began to tickle me, so I ran up the stairs. At the top of the stairs, there was another door, and I quickly opened it. The staircase led to the roof. I walked out, and heard Blink shut the door. I took a breath of fresh air, and walked over to look at the view. Blink walked up next to me, and we just stood there, for awhile.

I finally said, �Why are we up �ere?�

Blink smiled. �Ta tawk.�

�Den tawk already! We�s been standin� here forever! Heck, I didn�t even know that ya guys went up �ere!�

Kid Blink laughed. �Crystal, ya da most gorgeous girl I�s ever laid me eyes on.� He leaned forward and gave me a wonderful kiss.

I pulled away. �Dat was very sweet, James. But now I wanna know what ya wanna tawk �bout.�

�Tell me �bout ya dream.�

�I just had a nightmare about Peterson killin� my sister. But I got along to thinkin�. I got a lot of unfinished business. Maybe I should go to the bulls and report Peterson. And then maybe I should go back to Texas to see my parents again�I wonder if they tried to find me, or if they ever worry��

Blink listened. �Do whatever ya want. But if ya ever go to Texas, don�t be gone long, cause I don�t know what I�d do without ya around.� I gave him a hug.

�I wouldn�t survive widdout ya, Blinky. (I winked.) And if I ever did go back to Texas, I�d bring ya wid me. Ya don�t want me travelin� alone do ya?�

�Nah. I�d worry too much �bout me goyl�s safety.� He gave me a kiss on the cheek.

�James, I gots a question for ya.�

�Ya, Crystal?�

�Why�s it always �bout me? We�s nevah tawk �bout ya. Ya nevah tell me anything.� I was trying to get rid of that stupid proper language.

�Youse nevah asked.�

�Fine. Now I�s gonna ask. We�s alone, ya can tell me little �bout ya past.� Blink hesitated. �What? Ya don�t trust me? Oh great. I told ya ev�rything, now ya don�t wanna tell me nuttin�.� I was pissed. I continued. �I told ya stuff dat I didn�t even tell Chris. I don�t even know why I told ya anything.� I stood up, to leave. He grabbed my hand.

�Sweets, wait. Don�t get upset �bout nuttin. I trust ya. It�s jus� dat I nevah said anyt�hing ta da mos� of da guys �bout where I was before �coming a Newsie. But maybe ya should know.� He pulled me in for a hug, and we sat down again. It was still dark outside, but the moon gave us our light.

�I forgive ya. I don�t wanna pressure ya to do anyt�hing ya don�t wanna do.�

�Trip, its �kay. Ya should know. My past ain�t as bad as youse, but I do got one.� I nodded. �When I was 2, an� I don�t even �member dis, but I know what �appened. See, I was wealthy. Me parents were one day travelin� on a carriage, and dey, well�s, got robbed. Da t�ree of us were in da carriage, and he murdered me folks. He�s was planning ta kill me too, but da bulls got ta �im an� he missed when he�s shot me. He got me in da eye instead. I lived, and no one took me after I got me eye treated. No..no�(he gulped, probably from trying not to cry) no one wanted me.� Blink managed to choke out. He was holding on to me, and I held on to his hands.

�Poor guy,� I thought to myself.

�So, I got put into a stupid orphanage. Gawd, Trip, I knows how ya felt in dat dump. I was dere �till I was 13. Racetrack an� Mush were dere wid me. One of da audder boys told us �bout becoming a Newsie, so we ran away ta sell papes. Mush an� Racetrack don�t even know �bout me eye.� I was crying now, for �im. I began to sniffle, and Blink pulled me close.

�Don�t feel sorry for me. I�s great now. I�s got great friends, and a great goyl.�

�Youse wonderful, Blink. But I t�hought dat da eye patch was jus� ta make sellin� easier for ya�I�I..didn�t t�hink it was serious�� Tears came down my eyes, and I crawled into Blink�s lap. I rested my head on his shoulder, and his arms wrapped around me. Blink kissed my cheek.

�Trip, let�s get ovah our past, an� t�hink �bout da future. Our future togethah.� I took his hands, and held them with mine.

�How �bout tomorrow? I jus� wanna go ta sleep. Right �ere wid ya. Night James.�

Blink kissed my forehead. �Night, Sweets.� I closed my eyes, and feel asleep on the roof, in Blink�s arms.

�No, no. A little higher pitch. And it isn�t �I can�t live without some like you� its �I can�t live without your love.� Trip, you need to try harder.� Medda was getting impatient with me. It was the next day. Blink and I both slept on the roof, and when we heard a bunch of the guys screaming and talking outside, we woke up and met everyone downstairs. When everyone saw us, the guys teased Blink, while the girls were trying to get information out of me. Neither of us said anything to anyone. After I sold my papes, instead of going to Tibby�s with everyone else, I had to go to Irving Hall, because Medda wanted to teach me a few songs, so I could perform in a show, as soon as possible.

�Medda, I can�t do dis! I never, ever sang before in me life! I�s didn�t even know I�s could sing! I jus� cant do it!� I sat down on the chair, and dug my face in my hands.

�Trip, you got such a great voice. Just keep trying. You don�t have to do anything you don�t want to do.� It was obvious Medda really wanted me to sing in her show.

��Kay. �Kay. I�ll try harder.� Medda was pleased, and I went back on to rehearsing the movements, and memorizing songs.

I walked into the lodging house, at about 9:30 p.m. I was at Medda�s since about noon, and I was not a very happy camper. I barely had anything to eat, I was sweaty, and I was so tired. When I walked into the bunkroom, everyone was doing what I expected. Jersey was talking to Skittery, Jack, and Destiny. Shadow was with Dutchy, Blink was playing poker with Racetrack, Mush, and Snoddy, and everyone else was doing their own thing. I walked up to wear Blink was playing, and fell down next to him, and rested my head on his shoulder. He turned his head, and smiled when he saw me.

�Hey Sweets! How was ya day?� He gave me a hug, and wrapped his arm around me.

�Long, borin�, tirin��difficult.� I could barely get any words out, since my throat hurt from singing. �Blink, I�s so sore from dancing, and my throat is so damn dry from da singin�.�

Before Blink could answer me, Jersey came up, and sat down next to me.

�How are ya?�

�Horrible. I am so tired, I smell, an� me throat hurts, an� me legs ache.�

�Sorry�hey, why don�t ya take a nice, warm shower?�

�Great idea, Jersey. Jame-, I mean Blink, I�s be back in a little bit.� I blushed at my mistake. Blink and I both like to call each other by the other�s real names. I don�t mind him calling me Crystal, I actually am cool with it. By now, I completely dumped my proper language, and talked like the rest of the Newsies. Jersey went up with me upstairs, and went back down after I got into the shower. I came back downstairs about 15 minutes later, and I fell onto my bunk and shut my eyes.

�Well, she sure does smell betta, Blink!� I opened my eyes, to see Racetrack, and Blink about to slap him. I got up, and was face to face with Racetrack.

�Race, ya�d smell to if ya had to work on dance steps da whole afternoon!� I lifted my hand up to smack him, but Blink did it for me.

�Don�t make wise ass jokes like dat to me goyl, Race.� Race laughed.

�Sorry, Trippy.� He kissed my cheek, and walked away. I sat down on my bunk, and covered my face in my hands. I felt Blink rubbing my back, and kissing my neck.

�Did ya trip a lot today?� he whispered in my ear, in between his kisses.

�Ya. I t�hink a total of 35 times in dose damn shoes she made me wear. How da hell am I suppose to dance in dose? I�s a klutz, I can barely dance in me regular shoes. My butt hurts so much from fallin� on it!� I whispered back at him.

Blink stopped kissing my neck, and looked up at me. We made eye contact, and his eyes told me to go on the roof. I nodded, and followed him up to the roof. Once we were up there, Blink pulled me in for a kiss. I didn�t put much pressure towards the kiss, since I was so tired out.

He pulled away, and simply said to me, �Sweets, if ya don�t wanna do dis, don�t. But I think ya should. An� as for ya ass, I�s t�hink I�s could help dere.� Before I could question him, he pulled me into another one of his great kisses. I wrapped my hands around his neck, and I felt his hand go down my back, and to my rear end, and began to rub it. I shifted my body, not really wanting his hand there. His hand slipped, and made its way to my shirt. The kiss kept going, and both of Blink�s hands went to work, trying to unbutton my shirt. Before he could do anything else, I pushed him away.

�Ya dirty bastard!� I screamed at him. I was about to slap him, but stopped myself. Instead, I ran away, back to the bunkroom. I was about to go in, but I turned away, and ran past it, and out the lodging house door. I began to run into the night, while rebuttoning the few buttons that Blink unbuttoned. I was so tired, but I was not about to go back in there. What Blink just did- or was trying to do, just made me uncomfortable. I was not ready for anything. Then a thought went through my mind. What if that�s the only thing he ever wanted? What if all he ever wanted to do was sleep with me? Tears came down my face, and I ran to a bench in Central Park. I was so tired, and I knew it was dangerous for me to go around New York at night, but who cared? My life was once again a mess. I�m being forced to do something I did not want to do, but yet, I felt like I had to. Then, I just realized all my boyfriend wanted to do was to have sex with me. What if he wasn�t a virgin?! I shook my head, suddenly realizing that he probably will break up with me now. I laid down on the dirty park bench, and cried my heart out. I soon fell asleep.

Blink watched in horror as Trip ran back into the Lodging House. Blink swore, and knocked his head against a wall. �How could I�s been so damn stupid? �Course she ain�t ready yet�� Blink fell to his knees. �I t�hink I jus� lost da best goyl in all of New Yawk.� Blink swore again, and walked back into the Lodging House.

As he entered the bunkroom, all the Newsies stared at him, and he didn�t talk to any one of them. He just walked to his bunk, and laid down. Finally, Jersey came up to him.

�What �appened up dere? Trip, ran out da door�� Jersey was so confused. Blink shut out everything and everyone in the bunkroom. He wasn�t going to tell them anything. It was just too embarrassing.

Jersey finally gave up, after Blink wouldn�t answer her, and shrugged to the rest of the Newsies. Then, Racetrack tried to talk to him, since they were best friends, but he couldn�t get any information out of him either. Jack finally yelled to everyone lights out.

�Wait. We�s can�t. Trip ain�t back yet, Jack.� Mush pointed out to him.

�Dere�s nuttin� we�s can do. How�s we supposed ta find her in da dark? We�ll jus� �ave ta wait �till tomorrow.� Everyone finally agreed, and headed to his or her bunks.

Shadow whispered to Destiny and Jersey, �Thank Gawd she�s gone!� Jersey was about to speak, when Blink turned his body. He heard what she said.

�Shadow, youse got lots of nerve. No one likes ya �ere cause of youse attitude. If ya don�t change it soon, ya will nevah be accepted �ere by anyone. An� don�t ya dare tawk �bout Trip like dat. If ya�d ever gave �er a chance, maybe ya�d like �er.� With that said, Blink turned back around again. He suddenly realized he was in love with Trip. He loved her so much. If he�d know she wasn�t ready, he would of waited longer to try something. He just never felt this way about any girl he�s been with. He really wanted her to know that, but he screwed up so badly. Blink shook his head. Love. The word went through his mind. He never really loved anyone before. He guessed he must have loved his parents, but he never really knew that. He knew he loved Trip, because of the peculiar way he felt towards her.

While the loving thoughts ran through Blink�s head, Shadow was shocked about what Blink said to her, so she shut up, and crawled into bed. So did Jersey and Destiny.

The next morning, when Kloppman awoke the Newsies, everyone kicked himself or herself out of bed. Blink sat up, and rubbed his eye.

Jack yelled to everyone, �Keep a good lookout for our Trip. Sell ya papes, but keep a good lookout for her. Jersey, youse and Skitts go ta Irving Hall, and search dere for �er and tawk ta Medda. Everyone else jus� look �round New Yawk.� Everyone nodded, and Blink finally realized that his Trip had been gone the whole night. What if something bad happened to her? If anything did, he would soak himself for it. It was his fault she wasn�t with the Newsies. He could sense that everyone knew it, too.

�Ya �kay, Blink?� Blink looked up from his thoughts, and saw Jack, Mush, and Racetrack in front of him. Mush was the one who asked him.

�Ya, I�s fine�I�s jus� really worried.�

Jack asked, �Do ya know why she left?� Blink nodded. Silence spread throughout the four of them.

Racetrack finally spoke. �Well, ya gonna tell us?� Blink hesitated.

�Fellas, I ain�t got time ta chat. I gotta go find Trip!� Blink stuttered with his words, trying to avoid answering Racetrack�s question. He was ashamed of what he did, and all he wanted to do was to tell Crystal he was sorry, and that he loved her. Blink walked out of the room, and down to distribution alley. He was gonna buy his papes, and search New York.

�Trip?!� My eyes opened, and I saw Destiny standing over me. It took me a few seconds to realize where I was, and why I was there.

�Hey, Dest.� I stood up. �What time is it?�

�What time is it?! Is dat all ya can say? We�s been so worried �bout ya! Where �ave ya been, and what da hell �appened, dat made Blink so depressed, and ya ta run off?!� Destiny hugged me.

�I�s sorry I got ya scared. But seriously, what�s da time?�

�9:00 am.�

��Kay. Well, I gotta be at Medda�s by 1:00. I�s performin� tonight!� I squealed, actually feeling kinda excited.

�Ohh! Dat�s great. We�s will tell da rest of �em at Tibby�s dis afternoon. I can�t wait ta see ya�an� in a dress!� We both laughed.

�Destiny, sorry to burst ya bubble, but I�s not goin� ta Tibby�s if Blink�s gonna be dere. Sorry.� Destiny look shocked.

�Did ya two get intah a fight?� Before I could answer, she kept going. ��Cause if ya two did, get ovah it! Don�t waste ya time bein� mad at each audder! Make up wid �im. Now, c'mon!� She pulled my sleeve.

�No, Destiny. Ya don�t understand. Ya don�t understand what �appened last night on dat roof!�

�Den tell me!�

�No!� I�s will tawk ta ya lata, Destiny!� I said, my voice sounding annoyed. I waved to her, and walked away.

Destiny shrugged. �Well, den, at least ya okay!� She yelled back to me. She really wanted to know what happened. Destiny headed towards the corner where Jack usually sold. Hoping he was there, she began to walk towards it.

Destiny saw Jack, and let out a sigh of relief. She wanted to let him know that Trip was all right.

�Jack!� She yelled at him to get his attention. Jack turned around, and smiled when he saw who was calling him.

�Hey Destiny!� He walked towards her.

�Jack, I got some news! I found Trip! She was sleepin� on a bench in Central Park! She didn�t tell me any�thin�, though, only dat something really bad �appened between her an� Blink.�

�Dat�s great ya found �er. At least we know dat she�s safe.� Jack leaned in to kiss her cheek, like he always did. This time however, Destiny turned her head, and kissed him on the lips. The kiss deepened, as Jack�s hands went around her waist, while Destiny�s arms went around his shoulders. Jack pulled away after awhile, and they were in a hug.

�Its great dat ya got da courage ta do dat, �cause I sure didn�t.� They exchanged a huge smile. Jack whispered in her ear, � I�s been wantin� ta do dat for so long. I wanna be wid ya Dest.�

�Same �ere Cowboy.� She kissed his cheek. �I gotta finish sellin� my papes. I�ll meet ya at Tibby�s. Oh, an� Trip told me she is performin� tonight at Medda�s!�

�Really? Dat�s good. I�s would like ta hear �er sing again. But I would really LOVE ta kiss ya some more, Gorgeous.� Destiny laughed, and Jack leaned in for another kiss. Destiny broke it after about what seemed like an eternitity, and walked away to finish selling her papes.

After Destiny told everyone that she found Trip, everyone�s faces lid up, the brightest Blink�s. All she told them was she found her in Central Park, and that Trip was performing tonight at Irving Hall. The Newsies became real excited, and small conversations broke out fast. Jack had also told all the Newsies, about his and Destiny�s new relationship.

Blink walked up to Destiny. He had searched everywhere for Trip. Including Central Park four times! Destiny must have gotten to Trip before him. Real quietly, Blink chocked out, �Is...Is�she okay?� Destiny noticed the worry in Blink�s voice.

�Blink, she�s fine. She was sleepin� on a bench. Da poor t�hing seemed really depressed though.� Blink managed to nod.

�Why isn�t she wid ya?�

Destiny stood up, and whispered in Blink�s ear, �She told me dat she didn�t wanna �ave ta face ya, an� dat she had to be at Medda�s to practice anyway.�

�T�hanks.� Blink nodded at her, and she smiled back. Destiny watched as Blink left the restaurant.

I had rehearsed all day. I tried to hide my sadness as best as I could, but after awhile Medda seemed to notice. She didn�t say anything, only that I should be happier that people, include a lot of the Newsies, will be coming to Irving Hall just to see me! She then told me to feel better, as we both took a break. Now, I am in my dressing room (yup, mine!) looking at myself in the mirror. In 30 minutes, the show will start. I�m doing one duet with Medda, a quartet with Medda and two other showgirls, and a solo. I was nervous. And, I just couldn�t stop looking at myself. I was wearing the most gorgeous dress I�ve ever seen, and I actually thought I looked decent in it. And my hair! It was amazing. Then, a thought came to my head. Is Blink going to be here tonight? I don�t care what he did, I need him here! I don�t need to talk to him; I just need to be able to see him in the audience. I soon began to hope that Jersey or Destiny will come in here to see me, and I could ask them if Blink is in the audience.

I began to review songs and dance steps in my head. My dressing room was about the size of our bathroom, so I was able to move around and practice. I looked at the watch on my vanity. Twenty minutes until Showtime! Medda really believed in me, and the other showgirls thought I was amazing, too. Suddenly, there was a knock at my door. I smiled, and opened it. Just as I expected, Jersey, Destiny, Jack, and Skittery were all there! I hugged each other them. They all told me I looked fantastic. Jack had his arm around Destiny�s waist.

�Ah. So I see dat Jack and ya finally hooked up!� Destiny and I grinned at each other.

�Yup!� She and Jack kissed. Skittery rubbed Jersey�s shoulder, and jealousy ran through me. Blink and I were obviously over. A tear was about to go down my cheek but I rubbed it off before anyone could see.

�So, Trip, are ya nervous?� Skittery asked me.

�Oh yeah. I can barely breathe!�

�Ya gonna do fine, Trip!� Jack said to me. I gulped.

�Um, so, do any of ya know if Blink is �ere?� I asked whoever was listening. I prayed he would be.

�Uh, yeah. I�s pretty sure he is. I t�hink he�s sittin� down, in da audience. Do ya want me ta get �im for ya?� Jack asked.

�No!� I quickly added. I suddenly felt better. I couldn�t face him, but relief went through me when I learned he was there. Just then, Medda came in.

�Hey Kelly!� She smiled at Jack and the rest of them. �Ya�ll should take your seats. The show is about to start!� Everyone gave me a hug and a �good luck� and left. I sat down on my chair, and began to breathe fast.

�Trip, ya gonna do just fine,� I forgot Medda was still there.

�I guess. I still can�t help bein� nervous Medda!� She laughed.

�I know how ya feel. Everyone out there just wants to see you and hear you sing. You�re going to do great!�

�T�hanks, Medda!� We hugged, and she left. Before she left, she told me to get back stage. Once I saw that she was gone, I felt like crying. I knew I shouldn�t, since I would screw up my damn makeup. I stood up, and I started to shake. I needed Blink and badly, too. But how could I ever face him again? I began to walk towards the dressing room door, when I tripped. I began to laugh, and realized that I didn�t change a bit since the whole singing-thing started. I stood back up, and brushed away a few tears that came out even though I didn�t want them to. I then walked out the door, and back stage. I couldn�t help thinking to myself that it�s a good thing that my solo was a sad love song.

Blink was sitting down at at table with Mush, Racetrack, Jersey, Destiny, Jack, and Skittery. He wasn�t talking to anyone. Destiny told him that Trip was a nervous wreck. It took all of his strength not to go into her dressing room, and just tell her everything will be great, and she�ll do great. He wanted to hold her in his arms, and tell her he loved her, and that he believed in her. He didn�t think she would talk to him at all after last night, so he decided to wait until later to talk to her. Flashbacks of the times they spent together went through Blink�s mind. Guilt went through Blink. He ruined the best relationship he�s ever been in, and he never told Trip he loved her.

�Blink! Blink! Are ya awake?� Blink�s eye had been closed while he was deep in thought. Blink opened his eye up to see Racetrack waving his hand in front of Blink�s face.

�Yeah. I�s jus� tired, dat�s all,� Racetrack nodded.

�Are ya excited ta see Trip on da stage?� Racetrack was fully aware that something happened between them, and they weren�t talking to each other, but he wanted to see how Blink responed. No one knew what happened and everyone was really curious, especially Racetrack, who was just plain mad that his best friend wasn�t telling him anything.

�Yes. She �as a great voice,� disappointed Racetrack just nodded. Blink felt terrible not telling anything to his best friends, but he didn�t want to talk to anyone about how stupid he�d been. Suddenly, the lights began to dim, and Medda came onto stage.

�Hello Newsies!� The Newsies cheered. �As everyone probably already knows, I added a new showgirl to my show, and I bet ya�ll gonna like her!� There was more cheering, and Blink didn�t say anything, he just stared at the stage. Medda continued. �Now, introducing, Sunny, Mary, Trip, and me, Medda!� More cheers, as the girls walked out. The piano began to play, and the four of them began to sing. Blink�s eyes widened. Trip didn�t look like herself. She was wearing a beautiful dress, her hair was done, and she was wearing makeup. She looked better then gorgeous. But he could tell that she wasn�t herself. The song kept going, and Trip�s voice was beautiful, too. Trip and Blink kept making eye contact, and Blink kept turning away, or vise versa. If Trip sang a verse or two alone, guys whistled at her! Blink felt like soaking any one who whistled at her, but he couldn�t blame them!

The quartet went well. The song just finished, and I relaxed a little, as I exited the stage for Medda�s solo. I saw Blink. He looked terrible. But handsome as ever! I kept looking at him, and I could feel him staring at me, but eye contact felt so weird! I rubbed my hands together, as I got ready for my stupid solo. I breathed deeply, and many of the other girls told me good luck. Medda�s song ended, as she waved to everyone, and walked backstage.

As she passed me, she said very seriously, �Break a leg, sugar. Don�t trip.� I nodded, and the piano guy began to play my song. I walked out, and got ready for my note. Everything was going well. Until the chorus.

As sang, tears fell down my cheeks. I didn�t let it effect my singing though. I couldn�t control them.

�I still think �bout ya, I still dream �bout ya, I still want ya an� need ya by my side. Still mad �bout ya, all I ever wanted was ya, you�re still da one, you�re still da one.� Two minutes later, I finished the song, and ran off the stage, nearly tripping.

I heard my applause, but I kept running to my dressing room. I shut the door, and feel to my knees, and cried into my hands. How was I ever going to find someone else who is as good as Blink? There is no one else who could live up to his standards. No one is Blink! I knew Blink would never take me back. It was obvious we were over. My duet with Medda ended the show, so I had time just to recover. Hopefully, Medda won�t be too mad at me, for running off the stage like that. I was supposed to bow to their applause, and other stuff. I sat down on my chair, and put my head down on the vanity.

Kid Blink watched Trip sing her song with interest. It was so good. But then tears came down her eyes. When Trip finished her song, he watched her run off the stage, in tears. He was fighting back his own, as he was debating if he should go see her or not. While he was thinking, two other girls came out to sing a song, and Shadow came up to him.

�Blink, I�s really sorry �bout what I said �bout Trip da oudder night,� Blink looked up at her, and fake smiled.

�It�s �kay. I�s glad ya apologizing.�

�What�s wrong wid �er?� Blink shrugged, and acted like he didn�t know.

�Can I ask ya for a favor?� Blink nodded.

�Sure. What do ya need?� If he agreed, maybe she�ll leave him alone, and he could talk to Trip.

�Well, see, I�s not feelin� too well. I was wonderin� if ya could walk me back ta da lodgin� house. Ya know Jack doesn�t want us walkin� alone.� Blink shook his head.

�Why can�t ya ask any of da oudder guys? I�s watchin� da show.� Shadow plopped herself on the chair next to him.

�Dat�s what dey all said!� Shadow put her face in her hands.

��Kay. �Kay. I�s will walk ya back.� He felt bad for �er, and he couldn�t stand anudder minute of watching Trip perform, and knowing things would never be the same between them again.

�Oh! T�hank ya so much!� She hugged him.

�It�s �kay. Glad I could help.� He followed her out the door.

Medda came into my dressing about 5 minutes before our finale. �Honey, are you okay? A bunch of girls said you haven�t came out of this dressing room since your solo.�

�Yeah. I�m okay.�

�Are ya ready to perform?� I nodded, and followed her out my door. A bunch of the other showgirls asked how I was, and I told all of them I was fine. Each of them told me I did really good. I just wanted this night to be over. Plus, I was tired! I slept on that bench last night, and I really just wanted to go home, and sleep on my bunk, and be with my friends. It didn�t matter to me if Blink was there, cause he probably won�t be talking to me anyway.

Medda whispered in my ear, �Good luck! Here we go.� I heard the music of the piano, and followed Medda onto stage. I truly did like this song, so I sang strong with it. As soon as I got onto stage, my eyes turned to see if Blink was there. My heart melted when I saw he wasn�t. Why did he leave? The song soon ended, and I went down to see my friends.

Jersey gave me a huge hug. �Ya were WONDERFUL. Betta den Medda!�

I blushed. �T�hanks.�

Destiny sqealed. �I 100% agree wid her!� We hugged. I got the courage to ask Racetrack where Blink was.

�He left wid Shadow.� My smile quickly left my face.

I looked down at my shoes. �Oh.� Racetrack had always been one of my better friends at the Lodging House, after Destiny, Jersey, and Blink. He pulled me in for a hug.

�Ya �kay, Trip?� I wrapped my arms around him. For the first time that night, I said I wasn�t.

I quietly said, but I knew he was the only one the could hear, �No Racetrack.� Tears came down my face. �No.� Most of the Manhattan Newsies were surrounding us now, each of them coming to congratulate me. I knew they were all seeing me cry. I pulled out of Racetrack�s hug.

�Me an� Blink �ad a fight�� I said this as loud as I could, so everyone could know. I felt really uncomfortable with everyone staring at me, so I nodded, and walked back to my dressing room. I was just about to open the door, when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to come face to face with Racetrack.

�Do ya wanna tell me what �appened? �Cause Blink sure hasn�t yet, an� it looks like da both of ya need to tawk ta someone, or ya both will drive ya-selves an� all of us crazy.� I manage to smile a little, but shook my head.

�I�s will be okay.� Racetrack gave me a look. �Honest. I jus� don�t wanna tawk �bout it yet. I�s sorry.� I walked back into the dressing room, to change, and get ready to leave. I heard a knock at my door. I opened it. Racetrack was still standing there.

�I�ll wait for ya so ya don�t hafta walk back �lone.� I nodded, and shut the door again. I quickly changed and got ready, because I didn�t want to keep him waiting. When I walked out of the dressing room, he was still there.

�That was da fastest I�s eva seen ya get ready!� I gave him a small punch in the shoulder.

�Racetrack�� I said. Maybe I should tell him.

�Ya, Trip?�

�Well, maybe it would make me feel betta if I told someone.� Racetrack looked at me, and nodded. I didn�t say anything.

�Listen, Trippy, if ya don�t feel comfortable, den don�t tell me.� He gave me a friendly smile.

�No. I will. Wait a second- Blink didn�t tell ya?� Racetrack shook his head. �Oh ok. Well, it �appened last night on da roof�� I told him everything. We took the long way back, so we can talk more.

�So what are ya gonna do?� Raceasked me after I was done.

�I dunno. I�s not sure if I could evah trust �im again.�

�I�s not much of an advice givah, but I do wanna tell ya dat ya should try tawkin� ta Blink before ya make dat decision.� I smiled, and gave him a hug.

�T�hanks Race. T�hanks for ev�rything.� We walked the rest of the way back to the lodgin� house in silence.

Blink sat down on his bunk once he and Shadow got to the bunkroom.

�T�hanks again, Blink,� Shadow grinned at him, and sat down next to him on his bunk.

�Youse welcome,� Blink didn�t want her sitting on his bunk. If she didn�t like Trip, he didn�t like her. �Uh, excuse me. I�s gonna take a shower.� Blink stood up and walked away. Shadow shook her head.

�Well, at least I got him away from dat horrible girl�s show!� She thought to herself. When she figured out that something bad happened between them, she took this as her chance.

Blink took his shower, and came back into the bunkroom, to find Shadow now at her bunk, reading a book.

�I didn�t know ya read.� Shadow looked up from her book.

�Yup. I do. Keeps me educated.� Blink let out a small laugh. Shadow put down her book.

�Do youse wanna play a game of cards �til everyone gets back?�

�Sure. Why not�I�s not doin� anything.� They sat down on the floor, and played cards.

About 1 hour later, everyone began to arrive back at the lodging house. Blink and Shadow were still playing cards, and Shadow was having a great time. Blink, on the other hand, wasn�t. He had a ton on his mind, but played cards with Shadow anyway. He was relieved when the other Newsies began to return.

�Hey Blink, Shadow! How�s ya both been?� Snoddy asked them both as he walked in with six other newsies.

�Good.� Shadow answered. Blink just shrugged, and made his way to his bunk. Suddenly, a thought occurred to him. Was Trip gonna come back to the lodging house? He decided to wait until all the Newsies came back, and if she wasn�t with them, he�ll go look for her.

Ten minutes passed, and Destiny, Jack, Jersey, and Skittery walked in. Blink was debating if he should ask them if they have seen her, but he began to hesitate. Another five minutes passed, and Blink was lying on his bun, on his side. If he looked straight ahead, he could clearly see Trip�s bunk. Just then, Racetrack walked in with Trip. Blink closed his eye, and let out a sigh of relief.

I walked into the lodging house with Racetrack. I knew I was going to be face to face with Blink when we got back. A few days earlier, Blink switched bunks with Snitch so if we both slept on our sides, we could face each other. Just like how it was with Chris and me. As I walked into the lodging house, and began to follow Racetrack up the stairs, I stopped and hesitated. I began to turn around, when Racetrack got a hold of my shirt.

�Wherever ya go, I go.� I nodded, and followed him up the stairs. Once Jack saw us, he yelled to shut off the lights, and Racetrack went towards his bunk and I went towards mine. It looked like Blink was sleeping, which made me relax a little. I sat down on my bunk, and proceeded to take my shoes off. I looked at Blink, which made my heart skip a beat. I wanted to crawl over there and give him a kiss. I knew that wasn�t a good idea.

�Maybe tomorrah Blink an� I should tawk dis out.� I said to myself in a soft whisper. I crawled under my covers, and feel asleep.

The next four days were a total blurr. Nothing good happened at all. I didn�t say much at all, and sold by myself. Medda had giving me one day off, but the rest were spent in Irving Hall. This was a good thing, since I was so bored. Everytime I had a chance to talk to Kid Blink, I would chicken out. Jersey was out alone with Skittery most of the time, and Destiny was spending a lot of time with Shadow. There was a problem in Brooklyn, so Blink spent a lot of time there, with Mush, Jack, and Racetrack. I was all alone, and it sucked. Pie Eater or Snoddy would try to talk to me sometimes, but it felt like there was never anything to talk about.

One night, I couldn�t fall asleep. It was four days since my big show, and there was another show coming soon. The guys still hadn�t returned from Brooklyn yet, and I guess me worrying about Blink kept me up. The past few days, they would come back to Manhattan at around 9:00, but it was 11:30 now, and I was still up waiting for them. They suddenly came in, and headed towards their bunks. I closed my eyes, and with relief, I feel asleep. I woke up a little while later, and I saw it was only 12:30 a.m. I rubbed my eyes. To myself, I whisperd, �Trip, ya�re fine. Ya can jus� tawk ta �im tommorah. Stop drivin� youse self crazy �bout it!� I guessed that it was because I really wanted to get things straightened out between Blink and I, that lately I had been having trouble sleeping.

�How �bout now? I�s up�� I jumped. He scared me! I looked at Blink who was now sitting up. �Uh, sorry if I scared ya,� he whispered at me.

�Um, dat�s ok,� I whispered back at �im. �Uh, I...I...don�t really wanna right now.� I wasn�t ready for this.

�Please? Crystal, ya �ave been on my mind since youse show. Please! I really wanna get dis settled.�

�Fine!� I shouted at him in a whisper. I followed him on the roof. So he did still want to be with me. I wanted to be with him, but how could I ever trust him again? What if all he wanted to do was to sleep with me? Earlier thoughts ran through my head, and I walked into Blink, who was trying to open the roof door. Blink succeeded in opening it, and walked onto the roof, while I rubbed my head.

He turned around to look at me. He managed to smile. �Ya should watch where ya goin.�

I managed to let out a small grin. �I try to, but ya know me. Always gettin� distracted!� I blurted out. Blink let out a small laugh, and walked closer to me.

�I do know ya. But obviously not very well�� I understood. As he walked closer to me, I backed away. Tears came down my cheeks, and I put my hand over my eyes. �No, Crystal. Don�t cry. Please, jus�, don�t cry.� Blink said to me.

I took a deep breath, and choked out. �How am I suppose ta trust ya again, James? Gawd, what ya did! I wasn�t expectin� dat! Maybe if I�s �ad more of a clue, I would of handled it diff�rently!� I shook my head, and looked at Blink to see if he was listening. I made eye contact with him, and kept going. � I have been a total wreck dis past week, t�hinkin� ya would nevah take me back, and all youse evah wanted was sex.� I looked back up at Blink, who was running his hand through his hair.

�Crystal, dat ain�t true. Honestly, I dunno what da hell came ovah me! Ya are jus� so irrestable! If anyt�hing, I thought dat ya wouldn�t take me back, aftah what I tried ta do ta ya.� A tear came down his eye. �I�s sorry, Sweets. I�s so so sorry. I dunno what I�s gonna do if ya don�t forgive me and trust me again. Trip,� I love ya. I love ya damn so much�. If ya aren�t ready, den I�ll wait for ya.� Blink�s speech was so touching, and convincing. Since I was at da other end of the roof, I began to run, to him, but failed when I tripped, and nearly fell to the ground. Blink acted fast though, and caught me. I rested in his arms, and gave him a hug. Blink continued. �Sweets, when ya fall, I always wanna be dere tah catch ya.� Tears came down my face, and I kissed him.

�Blink, I love ya too!�and so, so much� I shouted at him in a whisper. He pulled me in for another kiss. After awhile, I pushed him away. �Why da hell did ya leave da show early? I needed ya. Ya ain�t gonna believe dis, but once Jersey told me ya were in da audience, I relaxed!� I gave him a girly hit in da chest. �Why�d ya leave, and wid Shadow?!�

Blink shook his head. �Sweets, I couldn�t stand lookin� at ya, and knowin� dat we might nevah be togethah again. I knew I screwed t�hings up so bad. If I�s would of known, I would of stayed. Sorry, Trip.�

I smiled at him. �It�s �kay.� I stood up. �Hunny, I�s going back ta bed, cause I�s EXASTED! I�s haven�t slept well for days!� He laughed.

�Me neither!� Blink gave me one last kiss, and we headed back inside.

The next morning, all the Newsies were happy to see that everything was back to normal between Blink and I. I was so happy that everything was back to normal with me and everyone else, period. Kid Blink told me that the problem in Brookyn was solved. The one-on-one with Destiny and Shadow began to fade, when Shadow and Dutchy hooked up. Anyway, Blink and I sold papers together, and I was so happy to not be at rehearsal right now. Medda finally gave me a day off after I persuaded her that I was ready for the upcoming show. But of course, I needed to return back tomorrow, for final rehearsals. Blink made me curious though, because he acted different. I guess I probably acted different, too. Our relationship was different since our fight. I still couldn�t figure out exactly how it was different though�

�Hey, Sweets! Could I �ave a drink of youse Cola?� I nodded, and passed my drink down the table to Blink. We were at Tibby�s and were in the middle of lunch. I was sitting across the table from Blink, who was in a deep converstion with Mush and Racetrack. I, on the other hand, had something on my mind. Blink and I were okay again, and everything was okay again, so I should be okay again, right? But, I wasn�t. Something was bugging me, and I didn�t know what. I felt as if my whole life was being controlled, and I had no say in anything. Sure, if I said to Blink I wouldn�t get back together with him, then we wouldn�t have gotten back together. But, I felt like I�d been pressured, and Blink wouldn�t of given up even if I had said no. Of course I was miserable without him, but a relationship is depended on two people, not one. When Blink told me he loved me, I said I loved him back. Love is such a curious word to me. I feel different about Blink than I ever did with Chris. A better different. Maybe I really never loved Chris as much as I thought. But I would never know anymore. The poor boy was dead, and I need to get on with my life. I know I loved Candice, but how could I compare Blink to the way I loved my sister? Plus, I didn�t want to sing. What I really wanted to do was to report the Petersons. And, I also really wanted to go to Texas. My parents didn�t mean that much to me, they never did. But, I was a lot better off than some of the other Newsies, who were orphans. Like Kid Blink. His parents aren�t alive! Isn�t it me duty to see if mine still were? I realized I was depending too much on him and the other Newsies. My thoughts were put aside when Jersey nudged me in the shoulder.

�Trip? Ya �kay?�

�Yeah. Yeah, I�s fine. Great actually.� I knew I sounded as if I was lying. And I was. I wiped my mouth with a napkin, and headed out the door, without talking to anyone. I put some hair behind an ear, and just began to walk. Worried, that one of my friends would come after me, I went into a light jog, and got lost in thought. Since I was in my own world, I didn�t even know where my feet were taking me. When I returned to reality I was right in front of the Manhattan Police Station. I sighed, and debated if I should walk in or not.

�C'mon Trip,� I said out loud to myself, �Ya should do dis. No one is tellin� or pressurin� ya ta do anyt�hing. Dis is ya decision.� I sat down on a nearby bench, but quickly got up again. �Jus� walk in, tell �em youse name, and everythin� will be fine.� I walked up the concrete stairs, and walked in the door. If they didn�t believe me, at least I tried.

The lady at the desk noticed me as soon as I walked in. She gave me a really weird look. I was a seventeen year old girl in pants, and I was alone. Wouldn�t you give me a weird look, too?

�Can I help you?� She asked me.

I nodded. �I�I�I need ta report someone who committed murder an� kidnapped me from me home three years ago.� The lady looked kind of shocked. �It�s true, honest.� I added.

�Do you want to talk to the Sheriff?� I nodded.

�Yes, please.� She gestured me to follow her, and she lead me into a room, and told me to wait. She left. I just sat in that chair, which must have been 15 minutes, and finally, a middle-aged man in a police uniform walked in, and sat down on a chair across from me.

�So, you want to report a kidnapper and a murder?�

�Uh�yeah.� I was a little nervous.

�What�s your name, Miss?�

�Crystal Mellcon,� I let out a small smile. I haven�t heard myself say my full name in a while.

He nodded. �What�s your age?� He was taking notes on a clipboard.

�Seventeen.� He nodded again, as he wrote.

�So do you live with your parents?�

�Well, no. I live in da Newsboy Lodgin� House. I�s a Newsie.� He gave me a funny look, so I continued. �One of da newsboys dat lived dere found me one day aftah I left da orphanage. So I jus� stayed wid dem.�

He looked confused. �Why don�t you just tell me your whole story, and I�ll decide if I believe you or not.� I nodded, and began my story.

He took notes during all of it. I told him everything, in detail about the murder, and my life with the Petersons. I left out a lot of the details about the orphanage, only that when my friend died (Chris), I left, realizing it wasn�t a safe place to be. I didn�t tell him anything about being a Newsie, only that I met one of them in the park, and they invited me to stay with them, when I was homeless. About 1 hour and a half later, I was done. My legs were shaking, hoping he would believe me.

�Well, Crystal, you got some story there. I will check Joseph Peterson�s saloon out, and I�ll stop by his apartment. I have no guarantees, but if I find him, I�ll interview him, and see what his view his about your story. I�ll come by the Manhattan Newsboy Lodging House if I find out anything.� He skimmed his notes. �I do believe you.� I let out a sigh of relief. We both stood up, and he shook my hand. �It was a pleasure meeting you, Crystal.�

�Thank you, Officer Andrews.� I walked out of the room, and out of the Police Station. It was dark out, and I was so hungry. I looked in my pocket, and I was broke. I needed to save some money to buy my papes tomorrow, and I the rest of my money was back at the lodging houses. I turned my head, and saw a small restaurant. A young man was sitting on a bench right in front of it, with another young lady. He was reading a book, under the light shinning from the restaurant�s window. So was the lady he was with. He looked wealthy, so I decided to ask him for some money. I walked up to him.

�Um, excuse me sir. (He looked up from his book) I�s kinda broke, an� I�s real hungry. Do ya t�hink ya could spare me some change ta buy a sandwich or something?� I gave him a smile, and he smiled back, and reached into his pocket.

�Sure. You poor thing. You can�t even afford a dress!� He looked at the girl, and she nodded.

�Matthew, can�t you give her some money to buy a dress, too? You spoil me way too much, why don�t you at least donate some? It will make you feel good.� The guy gave her a kiss on the cheek, and gave me a TWENTY DOLLAR BILL! I was stunned. I hated taking charity, but a twenty dollar bill was definitely an exception.

�Thank You! Thank You! Gawd bless ya both!� I gave them a huge smile, and walked away. This really was turning out to be a good day. I decided to just walk into the bakery across the street, and eat something on the way back. I didn�t want anyone worrying about me.

By the time I reached the lodging house, I was really tired, and it was really dark outside. My guess it was ten o�clock. When I walked into the bunkroom, Blink stood up, and so did Jersey. I put some hair behind my ear, while Blink ran up to hug me.

�Where �ave ya been? We�s been so worried,� He squeezed me hard. Jersey came up to hug me too.

�Are ya feelin� bettah? What �appened? Where �ave ya been?� I rolled my eyes.

�Jus� takin� care of some business. Sorry ta make ya worry.� Blink gave me a look, while Jersey just shrugged, and sat down next to Skittery. She doesn�t know as much as Blink does about me, and I don�t know much about her history. Blink kissed me lightly on the cheek, and told me to never do that again.

�Blink, ya cannot tell me what ta do, or what not ta do,� I said very calmly. Blink, who looked very surprised, stepped away from me.

�Do ya wanna tawk, Trip?� I shook my head.

�I gots a big day tommorah. Medda is makin� rehearse all day aftah I sell me papes. Plus, I�s so tired. G�night, an� I�s will tawk tah ya tommorah.� I kissed him on the cheek, and walked to my bunk. I laid my head down on my pillow and closed my eyes. I felt someone sit on the other end of my bed. I opened one eye, to see Kid Blink looking down at me.

�What�s wrong, Crystal?� He was ruining my good day.

�Nuttin�. It�s jus� dat I don�t like it when ya tell me what ta do.� I was exaggerating the truth a little, but I wanted to make my point across that I didn�t need his protection.

�I tell ya what ta do? Ya think I boss ya �round?�

�Well�not really�.�

�Sweets, all I meant was dat I was worried. I don�t like bein� worried. At least ya could of told me wear ya were goin�.�

�I�m�uh�sorry.� I looked down at my sheets. I feel Blinks hand rub my shoulder.

�Ya got something on youse mind, right?� I nodded. �C�mon.� Blink took my hand, and guided me upstairs to the roof. Once we got up the roof, He sat down, and pulled me close to him.

�What�s wrong, Trip?� He moved a piece of hair out of my face.

�I don�t wanna sing.� I tear came down my face, and Blink wiped it away.

�Why?�

�I don�t enjoy myself. I don�t enjoy bein da center of attention when I�s on stage. I just wanna be wid ya, an� my friends.� Blink kissed my forehead.

�Den jus� quit,� Blink simply said.

�I know Medda doesn�t want me ta. Dat�s whats botherin� me. Every one is tellin� me what ta do. Plus, I�s been depending too much on ya an� da oudder Newsies. I�s an independent goyl. Always�s was.� I played with a butten on his shirt.

�Crystal, do what ya want. No one is tellin� ya what ta do on purpose. If ya don�t wanna sing anymore, dat�s �kay wid me. An� ya are an independent goyl. Ya still are. Ya da most independent goyl I know. An� da prettiest.� He winked at me, and I smiled.

�T�hanks Blink.� I kissed him. He pulled away after about 5 seconds.

�Where �ave ya been all day?� We were looking up at the stars.

�Police Station. I reported Joseph Peterson.� He gave me a shocking look.

�Really?�

�Yeah. I was dere all afternoon.� He kissed my cheek.

�Good for ya, Sweets.� Blink hugged me. He whispered in my ear, � I love ya.�

�I love ya too. Ya sure ya won�t be disappointed if I quit Medda�s show?�

�Nah. Not at all�. well, a little bit. Ya�re a great singah, Crystal.� I think he enjoyed calling me by my different names!

�T�hanks�.maybe I�ll re-think my decision. Uh, Kid, I�s real tired.�

�Do ya wanna sleep out �ere?� I nodded.

�Sure.� Blink stepped back inside, and came out with a blanket. He wrapped it around his shoulders and sat down next to me. I crawled into his lap, and rested my head on his shoulder. I felt safe, warm, and confused. I closed my eyes, and thought what big of mistake I made. I should have slept with him when I had my chance. I loved him, and I really wanted him to know that. I took Blink�s hand, and fell asleep.

I spent the day at Medda�s, rehearsing. I was determined to try to enjoy myself, for my audience. During one of my break�s I explored Irving Hall. I opened doors, and explored rooms. Medda told me she didn�t mind, so I let my curiosity wonder. After I was done with the second floor, I opened up the last door, and saw that there was another floor. Surprised, I walked up the stairs. There weren�t many rooms, and if there were, they were filled with stuff, from top to bottom. Medda must have been using the third floor for storage. I opened up the last door, at the end of the hallway, and was shocked to see a small bedroom. It was really dusty room, with a small bed, and a set of drawers. Around the bed and dresser, there were boxes, obviously for storage. I walked in and closed the door. As I was closing the door, I saw that there was a key stuck into the knob. I took it out, put it in my pocket, and left the room. I walked back downstairs, to finish rehearsal, because that night, I was going to perform in another show.

I sat nervously in my dressing room, as I admired myself in the mirror. Medda didn�t let me leave Irving Hall all day, so I was expecting Blink to come in and say hi to me any minute. Of course, 5 minutes later, there was a knock at my door.

�Come in!� I loudly said. Blink walked in, and smiled when he saw me.

�Hey gorgeous,� I blushed, and he leaned in, and gave me a kiss. �I missed ya today.�

�I missed ya, too, Blink,� I stood up and gave him a hug.

�Did ya quit?� I shook my head.

�Nope, I�s still thinkin� �bout it,� He nodded. �Blink?�

�Yeah, Sweets?�

�Uh�come to my dressin� room aftah da show,� I kissed his irresistible neck.

�Course I will. I was anyway,� I shrugged.

��Kay. Ya bettah get ta ya seat. Da stupid show is startin� soon.� He shook his head.

�Its not stupid, Crystal. An� ya know it.� His seriousness surprised me.

�Why are ya bein� so serious?�

��Cause.� I rolled my eyes.

��Kay.� We kissed for a while, and then he left. I sat down, and fixed my lipstick. I walked backstage, and waited for my song.

The applause was great. There were flowers being thrown onto the stage, cheers, etc. I smiled, smiling because it was over. I sang 2 solo songs, and the finale with Medda. After the final song, I left the stage.

�Trip!� I turned around, seeing it was Medda who called me.

�Yeah?� She approached me with a man.

�This is Mr. Kyle Royall. He owns a dancehall in Chicago. He was in the audience tonight, and was amazed by your performance. He wants to offer you a job! At this dancehall, kings and queens, and the President, and mayors and governors and wealthy people go there from all over the world! This is a job of a lifetime!� Medda was real excited, and talking fast. I was shocked, and speechless. Mr. Royall shook my hand. Medda continued, but barely out of breath, �My goodness! And one of my girls too!� She squealed. Blink then caught up to me. He caught the last part, and Medda�s squeal. He looked at me, and I was just staring off into space. I was trying to quit singing! Now, they wanted me to go to Chicago!

�What�s goin� on?� Blink asked. He had in his hand, a bouquet of flowers. (Where did he get the money for those?)

Medda answered for me. She talked real fast, but you could understand her. She basically re-said what she said to me. �This is Mr. Kyle Royall. He owns a dancehall in Chicago. He was in the audience tonight, and was amazed by Trip�s performance. He wants to offer her a job! At his dancehall, kings and queens, and the President, and mayors and governors and wealthy people from all over the country and world go there to see the shows! He�ll pay Trip great money, too! This is a job of a lifetime! An� its for one of my girls too!� She squealed once again, and hugged me. Mr. Royall was just standing there, amused.

�Medda, I must go. But I will be back in two days. I will be going back to Chicago on Friday, and I would love to take Trip with me.� He handed me two pamphlets, one that titled, � The History of The Royall Studio� and the other titled, �The Royall Studio.� He then handed Medda the same two pamphlets, and then nodded at all three of us, then left out the door.

I was still not talking, and Blink wasn�t saying anything, either. But Medda was. �Ohh! How interesting! Trip, read these tonight, and come back here tomorrow afternoon at 3:00. I want to teach you some basics about performing on your own without my help.� She smiled at me, and then left too. Blink and I just stood there, while he looked over my pamphlets.

After awhile he finally said, �Well, Congrats Crystal.� His voice was soft, as he handed me my flowers. I took them, and breathed the sweet smell. I looked back at Blink, and burst into tears. Blink held out his arms, and I moved myself to go into them.

I sniffed. �I don�t wanna go ta Chicago,� I said through my sobs.

�Trip, don�t pass dis opportunity. Do ya �ave any idea how much money ya could make?�

�I don�t care.�

�Crystal�� I sniffed again.

I wiped my tears, and said, �Follow me.� He nodded, and he followed me up to the third floor. I opened the door to the small bedroom, and walked in. Blink just stood there.

�Ya comin� in or not?�

�I�s comin�.� He came in, and I closed and locked the door behind him. I moved some boxes out of the way, and sat down on the bed.

�Why�d ya lock it?�

�So we could be alone.� He gave me a weird look.

�What are ya up to, Trip? Besides, we gotta tawk anyway. I�s not gonna let ya pass up dis job.�

�What do ya expect me ta do, James? Start a career for myself that I hate? I don�t enjoy singin�, an� ya know dat!� I shouted at him.

�It�s �kay. Ya right. I do know dat. But any Newsie would take up any job ta jus� �ave some money in dere pocket. Any of us would.�

�Even a Newsie who has ta leave dere only family in dis world ta go work out of state, miles away from the only person in this world dat they love? So they could do a career that they don�t enjoy? I�s an independent goyl, James. But not independent enough to be away from ya.� I moved closer to him, and wrapped my arms around his neck, and began to kiss it. He wrapped his arms around me, and pulled my head back, to kiss me. The kiss deepened, and I began to unbuckle his shirt, I succeeded, and began to pull it off. He pulled away.

�Whoa. Wait a sec, Sweets. Are ya sure ya wanna do dis?� I grinned.

�James, I realized I wanted ta right after we made up. I thought, my gosh, how stupid was I ta turn ya down like dat. I want ya, Blink. I want ya so damn bad.� Blink smiled, and moved closer to me. He took his shirt off. We kissed and I laid down on the bed, and Blink covered my body with his, while he untied the front of my dress.

The sun shown through the small window on the top of the small bedroom. The sun�s rays shined right on my eyes, and they opened. I rubbed my eyes, and turned on my side, to see Blink, facing me, with his eye closed. I smiled, as I watched him sleep. Last night was amazing, and it is a night I will never forget. The bed was quite small, but it was so private. I moved the covers over my chest, and moved myself so I could rest my face next to his. He awoke, and smiled when he saw me.

�Mornin� beautiful,� he moved a piece of hair out of my face.

�G�Mornin� sleepyhead! Did ya know ya snore?�

He laughed. �I didn�t bother ya, did I?�

�Nope! I liked it.� Blink kissed my nose.

�I love ya.�

�Ditto! (I winked)�.so ya still makin� me go ta Chicago?�

�Yes.� He said so seriously.

�What?! Why?!� I was shocked. After last night, why would he want me to leave out of state?

�I�s jus� kiddin� Sweets. Don�t freak out on me!� He laughed. I rolled my eyes, and gave him a girly slap on his bare chest.

�Do ya think dey are wonderin� where we are?�

�Sure.� He shrugged, and touched my lips. �I love dose lips. So soft, and tasty.� He leaned over, and gave me a soft kiss. He leaned his forehead against mine. �I�s remember da foist time I say ya cryin on dat bench. I couldn�t figure out why a pretty goyl like ya would be cryin like dat. I had dis weird feelin� dat whoever made ya cry like dat, I felt like soakin� dem�real bad too.�

I let out a smile, and touched his face. �Ya really know how ta make a goyl feel great �bout herself don�t ya?�

�Yup. I took lessons from Mush.� I cracked up. He laughed too. He moved closer to me and our bodies touched. Our faces were only centimeters away, but we didn�t care.

�Crystal, I was t�hinkin�. Maybe ya should take up dat job in Chicago,� He put his hand over my mouth, before I could protest. �Sweets, hold on. I ain�t done. I know ya enjoy singin� deep down inside ya. Ya don�t wanna admit to it, cause da whole t�hing kinda surprises ya. I don�t t�hink dat it hit ya yet dat youse good at somethin�. Am I right?� I thought about it for a second, and nodded, suddenly realizing how smart Blink was, and how much sense he really did make. Blink took his hand away from my mouth, and set it on my waist. He continued before I could yell at him for kicking me out of his life. �Crystal, I love ya. I don�t t�hink I would �ave a problem spendin� da rest of my life wid ya.� He held up his pointer finger, gesturing me to hold on. He turned his body, and reached down to the other side of the bed. He bent down, and picked up his pants. He turned back around to face me. He smiled, and reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small box. He handed it to me. �Open it.� I sat up, making sure the covers were still around me, and leaned against the wall. Blink did the same. The box was brown, and felt like cardboard, nothing special. I opened the top, and inside was a ring. It was gold, with diamonds at the top of it. It was beautiful, and it looked really expensive. Way too expensive for anything Blink could afford. I was still staring at it, and before I could do anything, he reached in and took it. With his other hand, he took my left hand, and slipped the ring on my ring finger. Miraculously, it fit pretty well. I just stared at it for a while, sucking in everything that was happening.

I finally managed to choke out, �It�s beautiful. Where did ya get it?�

Blink rolled his eyes. �Dat�s all you are t�hinkin� �bout?� I nodded. ��Kay. Well, see it was my mudder�s. I figured dat if it didn�t fit ya, we could jus� sell it, an� get ya one dat did fit.�

�But how did ya get it if ya were in da orphanage?� I was so confused. Plus, how long was he planning to give it to me?

�Before I went, one of my mum�s servants gave it ta me, before I went dere. She told me dat it was my mudder�s most prized possession, an� dat I should save it for da women in me life someday. Dis is da only t�hing I �ave left from me parents. Dey left all dere fortunes ta me, in dere will, but my fadder�s broudder took it from me, cause I was so young, an� couldn�t sue �im for it. I t�hought so many times �bout sellin� it, but kept t�hinkin� dat it was da only t�hing I �ave left, so I shouldn�t.� He chuckled. �I finally decided ta jus� da day before I met ya. Once ya stepped into me life, I decided to hang on ta it for a while longer. All dese years, I�s always kept it in me pocket, cause I didn�t want anyone ta steal it. Last night, when ya feel asleep, I decided that I was finally gonna give it up, ta da women in me life.� I beamed at him, and he grinned back.

Oh. So he explains it all. I looked back down at the ring again. It looked like there were three thousand worth of diamonds in that thing, and even more money for the gold. I�ve never had a piece of jewelry before in my life, especially nothing that expensive! Blink broke the silence.

�So, will ya marry me?� My eyes widened. Wait...he was PROPOSING?! I just thought he was giving it to me as a present. I stared at him, shocked.

�Ya�re PROPOSING ta me?!� My surprise expressed in my voice.

Blink smiled, and kissed my cheek. �Sweets, what did ya t�hink I was doin? Dat�s an engagement ring. I�d go down on one knee, but I like ta do t�hings me own way.� I just stared at him, then at the ring.

I let out a small smile. �I t�hought ya were jus� givin� me a present!� He laughed.

�Crystal, I want ta be wid ya. But I also really want ya ta take up dat job. Dis is da perfect solution. I could go wid ya ta Chicago. I�m growin� out of bein� a Newsie anyway. Dat Royall guy sounds like he really wants ya at his dance �all. Under law, if ya married, ya belong ta me.� He kissed my nose. �I don�t t�hink he�d �ave a problem if ya fianc� came too!� He gave me a hug, and waited me to say something.

I thought for awhile. �James, YA BRILLANT! YES, I�LL MARRY YA! I WANNA BE YOURS FOREVER!� We hugged, kissed, and I cried happy tears. I began to kiss his bare shoulders.

�Crystal?�

�Yeah?� I said while kissing his neck.

�How are we gonna sneak outa �ere?� I pulled away, and smiled.

�I don�t rightly know!�

�C�mon lets go get some breakfast.�

��Kay.� We exchanged happy grins, while we both got out of bed to get dressed.

�James! Ya done?� I whispered.

�Yeah.� He put the last box back in place. After we both got dressed, I insisted that we put everything back like it had been. I put the key back in the door, and we both stepped out in the third floor hallway of Irving Hall.

I whispered to him, �Blink, I still need ta get my regular clothes from downstairs in my dressin� room! Dis dress ain�t mine!� We were heading towards the stairs. I didn�t know if Medda was here this early in the morning, and I prayed she wouldn�t be.

�It�s �kay, Trip. We�ll jus� sneak in and get ya clothes. No problem.� I nodded, and followed him downstairs. It was silent, so I guessed no one was there. Blink suddenly stopped right before we got off the second to last stair. �Shit!� He whispered. He grabbed my hand, and pulled me hard to the back of some boxes back stage. I feel on top of him.

I whispered, �What da hell did ya do dat for? Ya know I�s need at least some warnin�. Me nickname ain�t Trip for nuttin�.� He smiled, as he helped me up.

He whispered back at me, �Sweets, I spotted da back of Medda walkin� from da stage to her office.�

�Oh.�

�She must �ave been practicin�. Didn�t know she was �ere so early! Listen, I�s gonna go get ya clothes, and bag. Gimme ur dress so I could make da exchange.� I rolled my eyes.

�Wouldn�t it be easier if I jus� went?�

�Ya trip undah pressure. Besides, I�s sneaker then u.� I rolled my eyes, and blushed.

�Ya know me betta den I know myself.�

�Dat is why we are perfect for each oudder.� He winked at me. I took off my dress (don�t worry, I wasn�t butt naked, I had my bra and underwear on�) and Blink told me to stay here, until he came back. After awhile, Blink finally came back. He handed me my clothes, which I gladly put on. After I was all dressed, Blink took my hand.

��Kay. Now, jus� follow me. We will exit through da back door.� I nodded, and stood up. We made a dash for the back door, and opened it. We were out safely.

�Well, dat was enough adventure for one day,� I said to him sarcastically. I wrapped my arms around his neck, while I stood on my tippy toes to give him a smooch on the lips. He looked down at me, and gladly kissed me back.

�Does my beautiful singer want somethin� ta eat?� I smiled and nodded.

�I got some money from last night to buy breakfest�Blink, do ya really t�hink dat I could make some good money workin� for dat guy?� We began to walk away from Irving Hall.

�Yeah. Of course. Do ya still �ave dose pamphlets?� I smiled, and reached into his pocket. I put dem dere, cause I couldn�t stand to look at dem last night.

�No, actually ya do,� I winked at him, and pulled them out. �I couldn�t look at dem last night�it was too hard.� He let out a small laugh, and kissed me again.

�Well, well, Mush, look who I found!� We heard some laughter, and Blink broke the kiss, and we both turned our heads. There, standing a few feet from us, were a few laughing Newsies. More showed up. It was Racetrack who said this. Jersey showed up with Skittery, and a laughing Mush and Racetrack explained that they saw us making out. I rolled my eyes and we walked towards them.

�Racetrack, its not that odd to see an ENGAGED couple expressing there love for each other out in public, is it?� The Newsies� jaws dropped, as I showed Jersey my hand. To make the scene even funnier, Blink held up the pamphlets.

�Look where were goin�. Trip got a gig at a famous dance hall in Chicago!� I think Blink forget that it was a bad thing that we were leaving. He was just excited. The Newsies were speechless. Then it occurred to me that the reason a lot of Newsies were there, was because Blink and I were standing right in front of the World building.

Jack came up with Destiny, with Shadow following. By now, we were all talking at once: some Newsies asking us questions, and some looking at the pamphlets.

�What�s goin on �ere? Hey Blink, Trip,� He smiled at both of us. Jersey squealed my news (the engagement) to Destiny, and Shadow looked so depressed. The subject of us leaving was trying to be ignored, even though most of the newsboys by now took a look at the pamphlets.

�Aftah da show last night, Medda came up ta me wid dis guy named Kyle Royall, an� he offered me dis job,� I pointed to the pamphlets. �Listen, I didn�t wanna take da job at foist. Den Blink told me dat he wasn�t gonna let me pass da opportunity, and I still refused. Fortunately, he �ad a plan, an� it was ta come wid me, �as me husband.� I smiled, as I explained to my friends.

Jack, who looked up from the one of the pamphlets he was reading, said sadly, �So...Blink? Ya leavin�? Trip, too?� Suddenly, I felt so bad for Blink. He grew up with these guys. They were like brothers. Guilt ran through me.

Blink looked down at his feet, and nodded. �Jack, I�s been in New Yawk all me life�an� its time I grew up, an� get outta �ere an� start a new grown up life. Ya know what I�s tawkin� �bout?� All the Newsies nodded, and my guilt began to fade. Blink wrapped his arm around waist, and pulled me close to him. There was silence.

�Hey Jack, he�s right!� Racetrack said.

�I�s gonna miss ya�da both of ya!� Mush said, and gave me and Blink a hug.

�Guys�we ain�t leavin yet!� Blink said.

�So, Blink, ya sellin� today?� Snoddy wanted to know. Blink shrugged, and looked at me.

�Go on.� I said. He should sell. �Ya should.� Blink kissed my forehead and whispered in my ear, �We�ll �ave our whole lives ta eat breakfast togethah.� He winked at me. Each of da guys handed him a few papes each, and laughing, they headed into New York. Jersey and Destiny stayed behind with me. In the distance, you could hear Racetrack nearly shouting, �So, Blink, where were ya last night�or should I say, what were you doin?� He cracked up and so did the rest of the guys. Blink blushed, and turned his head to look at me. I just grinned, and watched him walk away.

The wind blew in my face as Blink and I stood at the train station with a few of the other Newsies. Blink held the few luggage we had, while I held onto his hand tightly. I was crying.

�I�m really gonna miss ya, Trip,� Jersey choked out, between her sobs. She hugged me again, for about the fifth time, then went to cry on Skittery�s shoulder.

�I�s gonna miss ya, too (sniff) Jersey,� I said between my sobs. We hugged again. I turned to Destiny. �An��(sniff) I�s gonna miss ya!� We hugged. Destiny began to cry also. Mush, Racetrack, Jack, Skittery and Blink were talking quietly, and I couldn�t hear what they were saying.

�(sniff) Good luck wid ev�ryt�hing!� Jersey told me. �An� �member ta write.� I nodded, and managed to smile. �Oh, an� don�t worry, if da Sheriff ever comes askin� for ya, I�ll give �im youse phone number in Chicago.�

�T�hank you, T�hanks for being da best friends any goyl could �ave!� I said to Destiny and Jersey. We all hugged again.

�Hey! What �bout me? Don�t I get a hug?� I turned my head at Racetrack, and let out a small smile.

�I wouldn�t leave widdout one!� Racetrack and I hugged, and I just stood there in his arms for awhile, sobbing.

�Hey! Let go of me goyl, ya bum!� Blink pulled Racetrack of my hold, and I let out a laugh. Racetrack rolled his eyes.

�Ya only did dat cause ya wanna turn!� Count on Racetrack to make us laugh when were all feeling down.

�Ya�re right! I confess!� Blink said sarcastically, but in a really funny way. They hugged anyway, and slapped each other�s back a few times. Blink then gave a �manly hug� to Jack, Mush, and Skittery.

Mr. Kyle Royall had no problem with Blink coming along. In fact, he paid for his ticket. Blink and I would stay in a hotel, which was kindly being payed for by Kyle, (he insisted that is what I call him) until we had enough money to buy an apartment of our own. Once we get to Chicago, Blink will look for a job. I rather he not work in a factory, but Blink just told me that we will think more about it when the time comes. Right now, saying goodbye to my friends was tougher that I thought.

Through all our sobbing, I could hear an �All Aboard!� I looked at Blink, who just nodded.

�Don�t worry, we�ll visit.� Most of us nodded, some of us didn�t do or saying anything. I decided to break the awkwardness with one last joke.

�An� we�ll definitely be here for Skittery and Jersey�s wedding!� I laughed, and wiped a few tears. So did everyone else. (Except for the wiping of the tears part.) Destiny and Jack weren�t hitting it off too well, and Destiny told me yesterday that they just decided to stay friends. Jersey blushed, while Skittery grinned at my comment. I heard another �All Aboard!� Blink took my hand, and began to pull me onto the train.

�Bye! Bye! Bye!� I screamed at them. They screamed back. Blink and I stepped onto the train, took our seats, and it soon began to move. I took out a Kleenex, and leaned my head on Blink�s shoulder.

�Dat was A LOT harder den I t�hought it was gonna be.�

�Yeah. I agree.� Blink said softly. Blink has always been taller then me, but it felt as if he was the smaller one, and needed to be held by me, instead of me being held by him.

�C�mere,� I said sympathetically to him, and we hugged. He then pulled away, and wrapped his arm around me.

�We�ll see dem again.� I nodded, and looked out the window. Blink and I weren�t going to have a real wedding. There just wasn�t time. He told me we would have to get married at City Hall, or by court, in Chicago, because there wasn�t any time to have a wedding, with our friends. I figured that was ok, and that maybe we will review our wedding vows someday in the future. Blink tapped my shoulder, which made me snap out of my thoughts. I turned towards him, and he kissed me.

�Crystal Mellcon, I love ya soo much, an� with all my heart.�

�James Pierson, I love ya, too.� I smiled, and he smiled back. �Ya know, Mellcon is a very ugly last name. I can�t wait to be officially Crystal �Trip� Pierson.� My smile grew bigger, as Blink and I made eye contact.

�An� dis James �Kid Blink� Pierson can�t wait ta be married ta �er!� I gave him another kiss, but this one last longer. After a while, I rested my head on his shoulder, feeling great. I knew Skittery will pop the question any day now, and we will visit New York soon. Until then, I am just going to live my life, and finally be able to enjoy it.