An indeterminable amount of time later I was awoken by a shake, gentle but firmly set on its task.
"Crutchie... Crutchie. Wake up Crutchie."
I made a noncommittal grunt and tried to open my sleep filled eyes, licking my lips sleepily and shifting my hair out from in front of my eyes. Jack's grinning face came into my vision and a small, sleepy smile made its way onto my lips.
"There we go. When ya finish waking up come over an eat."
At the mention of food I was wide awake, scrambling to my feet and cringing as my sore muscles contracted with pain. I gritted my teeth and slowly walked over to Jack, sending him a grateful look and taking a seat beside him. It was a warm morning and the sun was just starting to peek over the horizon, a light breeze making it seem almost dream-like. I tried to stifle a yawn, making my eyes scrunch up in the effort.
"Morn'in Mista Kelly. I'm sorry for sleep'in when ya said you'd be right back."
I smiled shyly as he offered me a plate of something, lowering my gaze and thanking him.
"No problem Crutch. I figured dat you were tired when I came back and found ya knocked out. Hey hey, non of that. Eyes up'ere please. Equals remember?"
I nodded, still staring at the ground as I determinedly tried to raise my gaze back to Jack's eyes. I forced my line of sight back to the collar of Jack's shirt, irritated that it took so much effort to even get that far.
"Don't worry Crutchie, it'll come with time."
The side of Jack's lip quirked upwards as he looked at me, his hands carding through his hair as he cast his sight to the rising sun.
"well, I think it's time to go ta work now, you wanna come wit me?"
My jaw slacked, my eyes blinking in amazement and I nodded vigorously after a few shocked seconds.
Do I want to help a Newsie?
Yes!
An uncontrollable smile etched itself on my face and Jack laughed at my enthusiasm.
"Ha, okay Crutch, lets go."
My smile grew to a giddy grin and I scrambled to my feet, flinching when my chest constricted once again and caused pain to shoot through my legs and down my arms. I let out a small yelp and gasped, biting my lip hard as I waited for the pain to recede. I took in a slow breath ad drew my sight back up to Jack, a curious look crossing over my face when I saw his.
He looked... concerned? Would he be concerned about me? Why?
I shook it off and gave him an encouraging smile, making his eyebrows raise to his hairline, silently asking if I was really okay. I gave him a small nod and held out my arms, supporting my weight with both legs and only wincing a little to show him that I was fine. There was no way that I was going to let a little pain stop me from working with a Newsie. No way, no how.
Satisfied, he gave a small shrug and slung his paper bag over his shoulder, tossing my at hat at me ad laughing when it hit me in the face.
Jack gaze stayed on me for a few minutes, his eyes narrowing and eyebrows drawing together as he thought, making a little cloud of apprehension poolin the pit of my stomach.
What's that look for? I-Is he gonna throw me out? Oh, I knew it... I-I just thought that... Maybe... Well, I-I enjoyed it while it lasted.
Jack flicked his tongue over his bottom lip, giving a small nod of finalization and muttering under his breath.
"Yeah"
I let a small puff of breath escape past my lips, my eyes fluttering shut for a second before I flicked my gaze back to his once again.
Here it comes.
He looked back up and send me his million dollar smile, his eyes sparkling like a child who just made the right decision.
"Alright Crutchie, I wanna tell ya somethin'."
He took a step closer to me and made the gap between us smaller.
"crutchie, us Newsies are a family, an once a get in wit da Newsies you is family to."
He took in a deep breath.
"So, what i'm asking is, do you wanna be a part of our family?"
Wait, what?
Jack's smile faltered, almost as if... He was afraid i'd say no? Like he really cared about what my answer was gonna be.
My mind went blank as realization set in. Yes, he did care.
Wow.
I was shocked, to shocked to speak until I forced myself to stutter out some form of a sentence.
"U-Uh, y-yeah... Yeah! T-Thank you so much Mista Kelly! Thank you thank you, thank you!"
I tossed my crutch aside and threw my arms around Jack, tears of pure happiness streaming down my cheeks.
"I-I promise I won't let ya down. Please just give me dis one chance and I promise I won't let ya down!"
Jack's arms wrapped around my slim figure and he laughed, patting my back as his lips turned upwards into a good-natured smile.
"Of course Crutcie. Welcome to da family. Come on, I gotta go introduce ya to da o'da fella's."
A dirty but well kept handkerchief was set in my hands, the simple fabric spattered with what seemed to be paint. I dried my eyes and handed it back to him, bowing my head and sending him a thank you.
"No problem bro'da."
He sent me a mock salute and walked to the edge of the building, licking his lips and taking in a deep breath before cupping his hands around his mouth and tipping his head back.
"Oi Elmer! Blink! Specs! Finch! Romeo! Boys! Rose an shine! Dem papes aint' gonna sell themselves!"
As if on cue, the last few rays of sunlight exploded over the horizon, all the glorious oranges and pinks of the sunrise that were painted across the sky only a moment before vanishing from sight.
Sounds of worn leather boots sliding across uneven brick could be heard, suspenders being pulled over tattered clothing or a curse ringing out into the morning as an old shoelace broke. Boy's of all ages could be seen descending from the rooftops, some sliding down rusty old drain pipes or emerging from behind trash bins.
"All right Crutchie, first things first. When you is a Newsie, you is a Newsie forever. We got each other's backs see? Brother to brother."
Jack placed his calloused hands on both my shoulders, looking me in the eyes with a serious look on his face.
"Man to man."
I nodded solemnly, wiping a bit of dirt off my nose and straightening my spine
I'm a Newsie now, that's right. Crutchie is a proud Newsie of New York. I'd like to see da Delancey brothers knock me down now.
I smiled brightly at Jack, squaring my shoulders as I replied.
"Yes sir Mista Kelly!"
It seemed that things were looking up.
Maybe, just maybe my life wouldn't be so bad after all. Perhaps, there was some good in the world. Everything was fine for now so I grinned, taking in a deep breath as I greeted the new day with something I couldn't have even thought of the morning before.
I greet the day with hope.
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