'Ok here's a mobile phone. If I need to ring someone I can just put in their number and call them. Like the telephones these days but portable. What about this. A CD player. This disc holds music and when I put it in here it plays music through these headphones.'

'What else you got in there?'

'Not mush, a sewing kit, my pencil case, the script and the book I did a talk on.'

'Da Lion da witch and da wardrobe.'

'Sounds good,' said Mush he liked stories.

'Maybe I'll read it to you sometime.' Said Dreamer with a grin

'So anyone else need any more convincing?' They all shook their heads. 'Jack, you convinced?'

'I guess so.' He said with a smile.

The Boys and Dreamer had nothing much to do now. Race, Mush and Snitch were playing cards. Dreamer had declined, she looked around for Blink, but he wasn't there. She went over to the window and climbed out.

'I thought you'd be out here.'

'Really, why?'

'You weren't inside so I guessed you'd be outside.'

'Clever,'

'Thanks.' She stared up at the stars. 'It's cold,' she said with a shiver and waited for a reply. None came, what did come was Blinks arm sliding round her. 'Blink' she said 'what are you doing?'

'You said you were cold, I'm warming you up.'

'I was just commenting on the weather.'

'Oh, sorry Dream.'

'No you can leave it there I am warmer now.' He smiled at her. He looked into his eye.

Can I ask a question?'

'You just did.'

Well another then.'

'Yeah.'

'I understand the Blink bit off your name, but the Kid? Why?'

'Well when I started as a newsie when I was 9, there was another gut with a patch called Blink, so because I had the patch too and I was younger, I became Kid Blink. But dey jus' call me Blink now.'

'I see.'

'Who called you a day dreamer then?'

'Well it was last year in my maths lesson and I'd wasn't concentrating at all, it took my teacher about five minutes to get through to me, I was in a lot of trouble and now I get called a day dreamer. Only by the teachers though and you lot now.'

'What would I be doing if I was in 2000,'

'How old are you?'

'Seventeen.'

'Well you could be doing A levels at school, B tec's and GNVQ's at college or you could have a job.'

'Oh is dat good?'

'Yeh, yeh it is.' She yawned it had been a long day, she rested her head on Blinks shoulder. She liked him, he was one of the first lad's who hadn't laughed at her for being so involved with drama.

'Why do you think your here?' he asked almost in a whisper.

'I don't know, but sometime or another I'm going to have to go back.'

'Dat's what stinks.'

'Are you sure it's that and not Skittery again?'

'Ha, you ain't half funny kid,' he looked into her brown eyes with his one blue one and brushed away a lock of hair from her face. They kissed but parted a second later when Racetrack banged on the window

'Dreamer.' He said angrily 'go inside. Now.' None of the others including Snitch had heard the commotion or seen Races angry face.

'What did I tell ya Blink?'

'I'm sorry Race, I can't help it. Please gimme your blessin'

'As long as you realise wot hurt dis may cause. Den ok you have my blessin'' Blink got up. 'But just leave it for tonight.' He nodded. Dreamer sat down next to Mush.

'So how old are ya Mush?'

'15, 16 in October.'

'Snap. Same as me. How old's every one else?'

'Well' he said getting his brain in gear, 'Itey, Jake Crutchy their our age. Boots and Snipes are the youngest their fourteen, Snitch just turned 16 and Bumlets, Dutchy, Snoddy and Davey, you met Davey right?' She nodded.

'Well der 16 as well. Blink, Specs, Pie eater, and Swifty are seventeen, and Jack, Race and Skittery are 18. Oh and Davey's little brudder Les is 10 but we don't see him much.'

She nodded taking as much of it in as she could.

'Dreamer, you look tired. Maybe you should go to bed.'

'I agree, I can't keep my eyes open. Night everyone.'

The Newsies all wished her goodnight.

She climbed into her bunk and fell into a deep sleep. She dreamed about Blink that night but not in a good way. They were back stage and Blink was holding onto her and refused to let her go on stage. He was screaming at her and she was screaming back.

She awoke with a jump, he pillow was soaked with sweat, she walked into the washroom and dried her face. Someone tickled her from behind, she swung round with her fist, knocking him over.

'Oh shit Blink, I'm sorry.'

'No it's ok,' he said slightly stunned.

'I just don't like being scared that's all.' He ran his fingers through her hair.

'I shouldn't do that,' she said. 'It's not been washed for days.

'Den you should wash it,'

'It's too long It'd take ages to dry.'

'Den cut it, Race'll do it he's good at dat.'

'Dou you think I should?'

'I think you'd look as pretty as a picture.' She smiled.

'Ok I'll ask Race later. Come on,' she said 'now were awake we may as well get dressed and go,'

'Ok' she went to leave the washroom,

'ah ah you got say da password,'

'Oh yeah and what is dat?'

'Kiss me,'

'So before I can go anywhere, I have to say kiss me very-' but before she could carry on Blink drew her close and kissed her, they parted got dressed and left arm in arm.

Mush crawled out of bed and landed smack on the floor, he always forgot he slept in the top bunk. Maybe he could swap, still nobody saw him. 'Dat's strange' he thought as he looked at Blinks bunk. 'Blink's gone.' He walked to the washroom, 'So has Dreamer, wonder where dey are?'

Then Kloppmann came in and woke everyone up.

'Come on dreamer, get up.' Called Snitch from a distance.

'She ain't der, she's wiv Blink,'

Snitch was crushed, she was his friend and selling partner not anyone else's and his paper sale would be down again. Dutchy could see his friend was upset and put his arm round him.

'Come on kid, we've got work to do.'

They walked to the Distribution Centre where Blink and Dreamer were still waiting.

'Your still here?'

'Well I could hardly go without my selling partner could I?' Snitch grinned at least one thing was good and he could spend time with her. 'Come on partner we've got songs to sing.'

'see you later' Blink whispered in her ear. She smiled and flicked a bit of his hair . He was going to kiss her but she walked away.

'Come on Snitch,' and they left the Distribution centre.

Kid Grinned and some of the Newsies grinned for him as well they liked Dreamer, she was so different to the girls they knew, they bet she could probably take the Delancy's on given half a chance.

'What you gonna sing today?'

'A song called How do I live without you?' She stood on the step. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, Day Dreamer is in the area for a while for your own pleasure and entertainment.' She started to sing, about half way through she heard the sound of a whistle, or maybe two.

'Da bulls,' shouted Snitch 'run Dreamer it's illegal what were doing,' by the time this statement had sunk in, the police were really near she ran down a street. She felt a figure drag her out of the street and into a dark passage, so dark she couldn't see who it was.

'Blink' she asked.

'Shut your face,' said the voice harshly. The police ran straight past and after a while he led Dreamer out.

'I is only helpin' cos you sings like an angel,'

'Well thanks but there was no need to tell me to shut up,'

She looked at him, he was shorter than Blink, but his eyes were really scary. A key hung round his neck over a blue shirt and he had Red suspenders.

'Kid, what's your name?'

'What's yours,'

'Jack know your a newsie?'

'Am I though,'

'You know Tibby's?' he said getting frustrated with her. 'well dat's where were going.'

He pushed Dreamer into Tibby's

'Oiy, do any of you know who this punk is that enjoys ordering me around.' She asked as Spot Conlon, the most feared Newsie in New York walked in. 'Heya Spot,'

'Spot is it?' asked Dreamer 'well will someone ask him why he had to shove me against a wall in an alley?'

Blink rose he didn't like what he was hearing,

'I was savin' ya from da bulls,'

'Da Bulls?'

'Yeh, disturbin' da peace you know, da singin''

'Get arrested for singin'?'

'Are you ok now Dream,'

'Dream?' said Spot,' your the time travellin' one, thought your accent was weird, well see you later fellas and Dreamer, stay outa trouble.'

'And Spot stay out my face,'

The room was shocked as Spot laughed to himself and left.

'So' said Dreamer, 'you wanna fill me in about Spot?'

'Spot Conlon,' began Mush, 'Is the most feared Newsie in New York,'

'And it's best to stay on the right side of him,'

'I understand,' said Dreamer rising from the table. 'I'll be back in a bit.'

Outside she ran after Spot.

'Spot, spot, They just told me who you were, sorry I wouldn't of been so nasty if I'd of known.'

'Dat's ok.' He said turning round. 'Just doesn't do my rep. good for goils ta call me names.'

She looked down at her feet. 'I'll make it right with the others, you won't loose your rep because of me. But they all seem genuinely respectful to you, you must work really hard.'

'I do my best,'

'Listen, I don't know you that well so I'll get an honest answer, You've heard all about this time travelling?.'

'All I know is I never seen you before, and wiv dat accent you can't be from round here. It's always a possibility dat you are,'

'But I am supposed to be in 2000 and I can't get back there,'

'If t'ings ain't in my power 'n' dat ain't usual. I just let 'em happen.'

'So I should just wait.'

He nodded 'yeh, but remember you could go at any minute so prepare dem for dat.'

'You talkin' about Blink aren't you?'

'Yeah, and everyone else, dey take a likin' to ya, I can tell,'

'Really?'

''Oh yeh, dey like you a lot.'

She smiled as he turned away.

'Now don't go tellin' anyone I've been givin' you advice,'

'Of course not, are you stayin' around for a bit?'

'Na I gotta get back to Brooklyn, I don't live here.'

'Well I'll see you around,'

'Yeah, and Dreamer, you do sing pretty nice.' He turned and walked away. She headed back and heard a familiar voice ' Hey, Dream where you bin?'

'apologising to Spot and thankin' him, I can see why everyone respect's him,'

'He told you to say that,'

'What?'

'I'm one of Spot's oldest friends.'

She sighed heavily 'If I'd have known I wouldn't of bothered. But he also told me that I had to prepare you because I don't know when I'll be leaving, and in case I go missing and you never see me again.'

'Dat won't happen, I won't let it,'

'You don't have control over it. I dunno if I'll be here 2 days or 2 years,'

'If it was up to me you'd be here for ever. She smiled and looked into his eye.

'Oh' he added 'I asked Race about da hair and he said he'd do it tonight, but your not to shout if it's a bit uneven.

'That's ok if it is I'll just walk round with my head at an angle.' Blink grinned and they walked back.

Later that evening the Newsies made a circle with Race on one side and Dreamer in the middle, he took the scissors and the Newsies held their breath.

'Will yis stop puttin' da pressure on me please.' He growled. And the Newsies breathed once more. Racetrack cut, he did a really good job. 'It suits ya kid' said Dutchy.

'Yeh go wash it and you'll look first class.'

'Are you sure you lot don't mind,'

'Na you go ahead,'

She looked at the Newsies expecting one perhaps Skittery to refuse. No one did, so she walked in the Washroom and shut the doors,

'I feel good duh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh, I knew that I would,' she sang as she cleaned.

In the room Mush was folding and re folding a piece of paper he was bored, he glanced around the room he saw the book lying on Dreamers bed. 'Da lion, da witch and da wardrobe,' maybe she will read it to me he thought. But I ain't askin' I ain't a little kid.

Of course he could read he was a Newsie he had to recognise a good headline, but he was a slow reader and deep down he liked to be read stories or told them because his mother used to tell him stories when he was little. So thought Mush if she offers I'll accept.

Blink's mind wasn't really focusing he didn't want it to.

Snitch was sat silently listening to Dreamer sing, inside he was so angry but he thought to himself, maybe I should be happy she's happy. I mean I don't own her, I just brought her off the streets. And nearly put her in jail said another voice inside of him. Maybe it would be best if she stayed away from me. I can only make things worse.

Blink got up and whispered to Jake. He nodded, he got some clothes out of a drawer and handed them to him. Kid flipped him a coin 'Buy something pretty' he joked with a wink. He knocked on the door, 'Hey Dream, der some clothes out here for ya.'

She came out with a towel around her and took the clothes 'thanks' she said and then added 'I'll be out in a minute lads,'

She pulled on the almost white undershirt and shorts, then Dark grey trousers which were a little big a grey striped shirt, and grey suspenders, It must be Jake's she thought, he only ever has grey. She pulled the suspenders over her shoulders and walked out the door. She picked up the brush and ran it through her hair. She looked around for Blink.

'he's out side,' said Race from behind some playin' cards.

'Thanks Race' she started going to the window.

'You ain't going outside wiv wet hair you'll get sick.'

'fine,'

She sat down next to Snitch.

'I can't believe no one has thought of hair dryers yet.'

Snitch didn't answer, Dreamer could tell she wasn't wanted she walked over to her bunk and picked up her book. She was about to start reading when she saw Mush lookin' at her. She raised her eyebrows.

'You want the story Mush?' He nodded in a kind of I don't really mind way but she took the hint, she walked over to his bunk and climbed up, if there's anything too modern then just ask,' then she whispered 'Your just a kid at heart aren't you Mush? He blushed

'Well this version is quite easy to understand.' She opened the book 'Chapter one, Lucy looks into a wardrobe. Once there were four children Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy. This is a story about something that happened to them when they were sent away from London during the war,'

'The War?' asked Mush.

'World War two.'

'There was two,'

'There will be two world wars, but this is at the same time as the second, all you need to know is a German guy named Hitler tried to take over the world but the British won, oh and the Americans helped,' said Dreamer remembering where she was.

Mush nodded. She carried on the story telling how Lucy found Narnia in the wardrobe, after about thirty pages she looked up, Mush was fast asleep.

'Ah' she said and pulled a blanket over him. She got down off his bunk and patted his springy brown hair said 'sleep tight' and walked away Race grinned 'He's always liked da stories' he told her as she put the book away. She thought Racetrack was beginning to like her. After Dreamer had gone to sleep Blink came in the window. 'Oh I thought she'd still be up.' He said to Race.

'Na she was reading to Mush until he fell asleep den she did.' Blink went over to her bunk and stroked her now dry hair. He kissed her cheek and went to bed.

Night- as it always does- became morning.

Snitch was up and out before Kloppmann. Mush fell out of bed, 'Mush' Dreamer murmured in her sleep.

'Yeh?' he crawled over to her but realised she was asleep

'ah she's dreamin' about me.' He got a bit closer and all of a sudden Dreamer who hadn't really been asleep at all opened her eyes and grabbed him.

'Ah' he yelled She grinned cheekily.

'Sorry Mush just a little prank.' She sat up 'so you keep fallin' out of bed?'

'Yeh' he blushed with embarrassment.

'Don't be embarrassed Mush.' She said and she got up. Mush followed her into the washroom, Dreamer started to wash her face until she realised he was staring at her.

'Mush?' she asked 'are you starring at me?'

'It's just nice to know someone understands.' Dreamer blushed heavily. And went to get Blink up. She had to be careful not to wake race who was in the bunk beneath but she knew he was a heavy sleeper. She climbed into Blink's bunk.

'Wakey wakey sweetie pie,' sang Dreamer in a whisper and shook him a bit, he didn't stir so she kissed his lips. His eyes opened and was glad to see Dreamer grinning at him. She nuzzled up to him.

'Thought you might like a wake up call.' He kissed her cheek. 'Come on Blinky get up.' She jumped down from the bunk and accidentally woke Race up.

'Oh sorry Race.'

'No dats ok Dreamer. I was practically awake anyway.'

Dreamer smiled race, she thought was accepting her more.

Race, Mush, Dreamer and Kid Blink reached the distribution centre and sat waiting for the distribution bell went.

Joseph Pulitzer owner of 'The World' the newspaper they all delivered stared out of his window. After the strike he liked to keep track of every Newsie, he got Jonathon to draw up a file with a photograph a name and a real name. That way it was easy to stop any trouble and it kept Jonathon away for a while. He saw the Italian Kid, the kid with the eye patch and the kid with the cut-off pants and then he saw Dreamer, and failed to recognise the forth member of the group.

'Jonathon,' he grunted 'Who is that Newsie?' Nervously Jonathon scurried over to the window and looked out,

'I don't know Mr Pulitzer, I'll check the files,'

Pulitzer nodded and continued to stare, Jonathon returned to report,

'We don't have a file on that particular Newsie, Sir.'

'Well go down there and get him and make a file on him.'

'Her, Sir, it's a her.'

'Is it?' he strained his gaze, 'so it is, well go and get her and tell her she has to see me in my office tomorrow to explain herself.' He emphasised the 'hers' in a patronising manner.

Jonathon walked out of the World building.

'Hey it's Jonathon' said Racetrack,

'Who?' asked Dreamer,

'He works for Pulitzer, the owner of 'da world''

Jonathon walked up to them, he cleared his throat.

'Mr Pulitzer wishes to see you, tomorrow morning.' He said pointing at Dreamer

'Hey Johnny didn't dey tell ya dat it's rude to point,' said Race, Jonathon moved his hand,

'Why does Pulitzer want to see me?'

'You don't have a file,'

'file?'

'Joe, he likes to know who we are y'know.' Jonathon cleared his throat again,

'I'm sorry Johnny do we keep interrupting you?' asked Race,

'Tomorrow morning,' he said and walked back, he hated the Newsies they made him fell inferior and stupid, he didn't mind when Mr Pulitzer did it but not when the lowlife Newsies did.

'What's all this about a file and why do I have to have one?'

'Every Newsies does,' Mush grinned he'd sneezed just as he had his picture taken, it was so funny.

'But I dunno how long I'll....'

'still I t'ink it's best dat you have one so you don't get in trouble with Pulitzer,'

'But you haven't got many girl Newsies,'

'Not dat are filed, but don't worry we'll be outside waitin' for ya,' said Blink with a reassuring hug,

She smiled, Snitch, Dutchy and Swifty turned the corner.

'Heya boys, Heya Dreamer,' grinned Dutchy,

'Hi,'

'Dreamers gotta go to see Pulitzer tomorrow

'why what's wrong,' asked Snitch sounding very anxious.

'Notion' she just has ta get a file,'

'oh yeah o' cause,' said Snitch he felt Stupid now for sounding so concerned but no one seemed to notice,

The Distribution office gates were opened and the seven of them along with the rest of the Newsies- when they arrived- bought their papes. Snitch was dreading what he would say next for it could work out good or bad and he had a feeling it would be bad.

'Hey Dreamer,' he said approaching her, 'I said it was ok fer Dutchy to come along wiv us today, He ain't sellin' to good.'

'Well if you like I'll sell on my own,'

'No don't do dat,' said Race, 'you can sell wiv me,'

'that's fine with me,'

Snitch shrugged, damn he thought now I won't be with her all day, I hate Dutchy it's all his fault, he wanted to be with Dreamer, he really wanted it.

'Fine, we'll see you in Tibby's later,'

'Yeah, see ya,' he shrugged her off on the outside, on the inside he was aching.

Race and Dreamer walked off together.

'You ain't gonna do any singin' today are ya?'

'No, I learnt my lesson,' she smiled 'I'm glad you've started to like me more Race,

'Well maybe your not as bad as I first thought,'

She took off her hat and pushed her short brown hair out of her eyes. 'Well that's good because I like you, your a really good friend to Blink, Mush and the others,'

Race blushed, he hated compliments, 'I just look out for them that's all,' They sold their papers quite fast, which was usual for Race, they sat down on a step and almost straight away they heard a voice behind them, 'Hey,' They turned to see a six foot brown haired lad, and two other six footers stood behind him.

'Snap?' said Race pulling up Dreamer by the shirt, 'come on Dreamer were outta here,'

'not so fast Track, We got stuff to tawk about,'

'Well maybe he don't wanna talk to you,'

'shut your face missy, dis is between me and Track,'

'no dey can stay wiv you.'

Dreamer looked at Race and he nodded, she shot him a pleading look but he still nodded solemnly. She walked over to the others and kept an eye on Race,

'So do you two have names or are you just Snap's shadow?'

'No, I'm Charlie, and dis is Mute,'

'called that because he says nothing,'

'Yeah,' she glanced back to Race and Snap, Race said something and Snap punched him, Race hit the floor,

'Race,' shouted Dreamer but Mute grabbed her as Snap and Race wrestled on the floor,

'Sorry' she said to Mute, 'but I doubt you'll scream in pain,' she right hooked him and he rolled down the steps and lay in silent pain at the bottom. Dreamer ran to Race who was being continuously kicked by Snap, 'stop it,' she yelled and jumped on Snap, Charlie grabbed her but she bit his hand in shock he let her go, she turned and punched him in the face.

'Leave Race alone,' she said starring Snap full in the face,

'You stay outta dis Missy,'

'I took out your little friends what makes you think I'm gonna stay away from you?'

He stopped kicking Race, 'I don't fight goils,'

'Good cos I don't fight chickens,'

'What you call me,'

'Your kickin' a guy who is incapable of fighting back, that to me says chicken,'

he caught her off guard and punched her in the face, she retaliated with a right hook to his face. He caught her and grabbed her, she was paralysed by his iron grip,

'Can't breathe,' gasped Dreamer and she fell to the floor, he knelt by her body.

'Don't be dead kid, I don't even know who you are,'

'I'm your worst nightmare,' said Dreamer as she threw him to the ground and kicked him hard, 'and this is for my good friend Racetrack,' and she kicked him in his "family jewels", he groaned in pain,

'Get lost Scrap,'

'It's Snap,'

'It won't be if you stay her much longer, now go.'

He stood up and looked for Charlie and Mute but they were long gone, and without any threatening words he ran like the lousy coward he was. 'Race?' said Dreamer 'Race?'

he groaned and half opened his eyes 'day gone?'

'Yes, can you get up?'

'My leg it really hoirts, Tibby's ain't far away go get Blink and da others,'

'No I'm not leavin' you,' Race cast his eyes in the opposite direction, 'See dat guy with the blue bow tie, go get him.'

'What?'

'His names Bryan Denton he knows me,'

Dreamer ran over to him 'excuse me Mister Denton?'

Continue