I was learning the ropes of selling papes. How to fake cry, avoid the Delancey brothers, and I even made some friends!

First, Racetrack, he and I caused all sorts of trouble together and I helped him make smart bets. I loved to hide his cigar to annoy him.

Second, there was Crutchie who reminded me of Half Pint. He was sweet and kind. I had already vowed to protect him from the Delancy brothers and anyone else who caused him trouble.

Third, there was Winnie. The golden retriever that all the boys said was a newsie. She was extremely fluffy and great at selling papes. She even had her own newsie cap that I had stitched her name into.

Then there was my old friend Jack who had become a leader but still made sure I had enough to eat every day. At first, I had thrown up because I wasn't used to so much food, but after a week I was starting to get some color back into my face.

Yes, a week. And I've finally saved up enough money, with a bit of help from the newsies, to buy some medicine. My original plan was to just steal some medicine, but Jack said that kind of behavior would get me sent back to the refuge.

Walking out of the store with the medicine felt good. Now all I had to do was get it to Brass.

Grabbing my newsie bag, I started to head over to the refuge. Jack, however, stopped me.

"Ise not letting youse go by yourself," he said.

"Suit yourself," I shrugged. I knew there was no point in arguing with him. "Youse can try to keep up!" I laughed and started running.

He was faster than me, of course. His legs were longer. When he passed me, he stuck his tongue out and I pretended to scowl.

When we reached the refuge, I began to climb the tree to the window. Jack tried to follow but I told him I needed a lookout. When I reached the window, I hesitated to knock. What if Brass was dead? What if he was angry at me for leaving? What if all the refuge kids hated me?

No, I pushed those thoughts from my mind and took a deep breath. I reached out to the window and knocked three times. Thirty seconds passed but it seemed longer, when the window finally opened I saw Slingshot. His shocked face made me smirk and I tipped my hat at him.

"Mind if I come in?" I joked.

He helped me into the refuge and when I looked around I was met with smiles.

"Hiya everybody! You miss me?" I grinned at all of them before Half Pint broke the silence.

"Finch is back!" he shouted excitedly.

Every single kid in the refuge shushed him.

I laughed, "Keep ya voice down! Do ya want Snyda the Spidah to 'ear ya?"

Half Pint had new bruises and it broke my heart. Nevertheless, he smiled at me like he'd never been so happy. I spun him around in a tight hug and whispered just so he could hear, "I missed you so much!"

When I put him down gently, he whispered loudly, "I missed you too! And so did Brass!"

"Brass?" I repeated, confused. 

**************** 

A/N: mwahaha a cliffhanger. Well, sort of. 

Question of the chapter: Who's your favourite newsie? 

Also, I've been drawing Finch and some of the other characters so I might include that in the next chapter if I don't chicken out. We shall see! Might not look too good, but oh well. 

Anyhoosen, how are you doing today? On a scale of meh to fantastic. 

Your Winnie update of this chapter is that she is sleeping soundly and dreaming about something. Not sure what dogs dream about. Chasing cats? Bacon? I'll probably never know. 

Bye for now! 

-Scribbles the Spectacular :P