Race POV

I stayed with Amelia all of the next day, while everyone else was at work. We slept for most of it, because she was tired and Specs wanted her to get rest.

She had a few nightmares, not that I blame her; what she went through was scary, for all of us. Mostly her, though.

When the boys came home, the little boys, Lucky, JoJo, Blink, Boots, and the rest decided to make it their job to make Amelia laugh, and they did their job well.

They would jump around and have silly fights, and do some tricks for Amelia. It was also entertaining and funny to the older boys too, like me, Jack, Crutchie, Oscar, Morris, and Albert.

After things settled down, we all played poker; well, Amelia and I watched and so did some other Newsies. And Albert and Finch decided to do funny commentary. It was almost like normal, and it made everyone happy to be safe and laughing together again.

It was the same each day, with occasional visits by Spot and some other Brooklyn Newsies. Even though Spot had only known Amelia for a little while, they were pretty good friends. She just kinda had that effect on people.

A few days later

Amelia was getting better as the days went on. She had less and less nightmares and was healing well. It had been 5 days since we got her back. Specs said she had to stay resting for at least two weeks, but Amelia wanted to be up and running around.

I stayed with Amelia every day. I kept her from going and selling papes and I kept her cuts clean when we had to change the bandages, when Specs or Mush weren't there.

We also slept in the same bunk every night, since 1) she was usually laying on me, 2) she couldn't move, never mind climb a ladder, and 3) I helped her when she woke up from nightmares.

Some of the boys, including her brothers (weird, I know) would tease me about her and I being boyfriend and girlfriend. I wish we were, but we're not.

Two weeks later

Amelia and I have gotten closer than ever. Today she started selling papes again. It was pretty normal, other than the fact that she was on crutches.

We didn't know if it was a good idea for her to be alone/with Blink and Boots alone yet, so I went with her group.

There were many laughs, some falling, but not by Amelia though, thank goodness. We sold all of our papes, and no, it wasn't just because Amelia was hurt.

As we walked back to Newsie Square, most Newsies were out, which was weird and not at the same time. Sometimes they would all be out, sometimes most would be in the lodgin' house. I see Spot and a few of his Newsies, so I figure that's why.

As we enter the square, I hear Amelia whisper something to Blink and Boots. I didn't hear what it was, though. So, as we entered, Blink ran up and grabbed Morris's hat and Boots grabbed Albert's, and they all yelled, "We got your hats!"

Immediately, everyone started laughing as Morris and Albert chased Blink and Boots around the square. This was unusual to Spot and his Newsies, but in between laughs from both Spot and Jack, Jack explained that this was normal.

Once Morris and Albert got their hats back, Morris whispered something in my ear, "Tickle Amelia for me, she'll never see it coming". And so I tickled Amelia.

When I was done she said, "I thought you were on my side!"

"I was, but I haves ta listen ta yer bruddas! And Morris didn't wann' hurt ya!" I say.

Blink and Boots run over to Amelia and they all high-five. And then Amelia noticed that Spot was there, "Hi Spot! Hi Ace! Hi Smokes!" She says.
(A/N, different Ace than the Harlem Ace)

"Hi Amelia!" They all say back, while walking towards us with Jack, Specs, Albert, and Crutchie.

"How ya doing, Crutchie Jr.?" Crutchie asks.

"I'm fine, how are you Crutchie?" Amelia asks.

"All's well" he says.

"Did ya have any problems today, Amelia? Wit like walking 'nd stuff?" Specs asks, to make sure she's okay.

"I didn't. I'm fine, other than the pain in my foot" she says.

"So, why are ya heya, Spot?" I ask.

"Bad encounter wit da Harlem Newsies" he says.

"I dinks I'll take Amelia over ta da other Newsies" Crutchie says, walking away with Amelia, Blink, and Boots as some older Newsies come over.

"Wat was dat about?" Finch asks, coming over with Elmer and Buttons.

"We accidentally mentioned da Harlem Newsies in front of Amelia" Specs explains.

"Race, go check on yer girlfriend" Jack says. My face turns bright pink and they all snicker.

"Ooh, Racie-boy has a crush on Amelia" Smokes teases. I feel my face heat up more, and I turn a darker red.

"Dis has been goin' on fer a while" Jack says.

"I d-do not!" I stutter.

They all laugh again and Ace says, "Racer, buddy, yer a horrible liar."

"I'm not lying!" I defend.

"Yer face says somethin' different" Elmer teases.

"I'm leaving" I say.

"Nah, Race, we'll help ya confess ta Amelia" Albert says, grabbing my wrist and pulling me back to the group.

"Oh boy" I sigh.

The beginning of the best three chapters in this book!