Dolls
By Seven of Nine



A soft wind stirred the light snowflakes falling to the earth below. Bumlets shivered as he pulled his coat tighter around himself and brushed some snowflakes from his collar. He looked ahead and saw the old doll shop not too far off.

Today was a good day to visit Mr. Liebemacher, for January was one of the most boring months of the year to the newsies. When Bumlets finally reached the shop, he opened the door and was met by hot air coming from the fireplace. He entered, closed the door and then shrugged off his coat and hung it on the coat rack.

Finally, he removed his hat and an old man looked up from his desk at his customer. When he saw who it was, he smiled brightly.

“Ah, Bumlets!” he said, his German accent thick. “It’s nice to see you today.”

Bumlets nodded at the old man. “Nice ta see ya too.”

“So, what brings you here today?”

Bumlets walked toward the desk and observed the new dolls on the counter. “It’s January. One a da most borin’ times of da whole year.”

“Well, make yourself at home.”

“Thanks.” Bumlets said as he turned to look at the other dolls on the counters.

Mr. Liebemacher looked down at his sewing sadly as he noticed Bumlets browsing through the dolls. Though Bumlets had never bought a doll from him, he would soon not have any dolls for him to look at.

“Gee,” Bumlets said, after a long period of silence. “Yer dolls jus’ get bedder an’ bedder. How’s business goin’?”

Mr. Liebemacher looked up at the young newsboy and sighed. “Not good, I’m afraid. No one’s bought anything lately, and…well, I’m afraid I’m gonna have to close my shop down.”

Bumlets turned to his friend with a shocked look on his face. “Yer closin’ down?” he asked.

Mr. Liebemacher nodded. “Yes. My wife and I have decided to go west to live with our son’s family.”

“I’m sorry.” Bumlets said. “It’s gonna be lonely witout ya here.”

“Well,” Mr. Liebemacher said, “since you’re my friend, I’ve decided to let you have a doll.”

Bumlets’ eyes widened. “Really?”

“Don’t worry, you needn’t keep it. You can just give it to a friend if you wish.”

Bumlets thought for a minute. “Well, Saturday’s Dolly’s birthday party, so maybe I can give it to ‘er.”

“That would be nice. Is Dolly your girl?”

Bumlets turned around. “Naw, she ain’t my goil. She’s Spot Conlon’s goil, an’ she’s me special friend. I ain’t gotta goil.”

“Go ahead and look through the dolls.” Mr. Liebemacher said assuredly. “You will find the right one.”

Bumlets nodded and looked at all the dolls on the shelves. There were large dolls and small dolls, and each of them were dressed in fine clothes, some female dolls even in silk. Some dolls came in pairs; some exquisitely dressed, others dressed like him.

Finally, Bumlets found the dolls without partners. He found some dolls sitting around a tiny fireplace, and others on wooden horses. There were so many dolls, and too many of them Bumlets liked.

Just as he thought he couldn’t decide on one, he saw one hidden behind another. As he looked closer at it, he saw a doll sitting in a rocking chair, almost as if it were waiting for him.

The doll had shiny brown hair and an almost hazelnut green eye color. She was wearing a blue calico dress with a flowered light blue sash, and up in her hair was a tiny, white satin ribbon.

Bumlets picked up the doll and looked it over. This was definitely the one he would take. Turning to Mr. Liebemacher, he held it up to him.

“I think I’ll take this one.” He said.

Mr. Liebemacher nodded. “Good choice. Just hand her over to me and I’ll put her in a box so she won’t get wet.”

*  *  *


After Bumlets took the doll home, he went to Tibby’s to see the newsies. Just about every newsie had a girl, except for him. Jack, of course, had Sarah, and now that there were some newsgirls, they were all paired off.

There was Daisy, Azure, Mirage, Feather, Tigger, Amber, Dawn, Artemis, Jasmine, Dolly, Summer, Twilight and Tweetheart, and they all had their newsboys. Kid Blink was with Daisy; Azure with Dutchy; Mirage with Itey; Feather with Boots; Tigger with Racetrack; Amber with Skittery; Dawn with Snoddy; Artemis with Pie Eater; Jasmine with David; Dolly with Spot; Summer with Crutchy; Twilight with Specs and Tweetheart with Mush.

When Bumlets arrived at Tibby’s, the newsies greeted him with a friendly “hello,” and some invited him to sit down with them. Bumlets finally sat down with Dutchy, Specs, Azure and Twilight and ordered a coke.

“So Bumlets,” Specs said, “where were ya?”

“Went ta see a friend.” Bumlets answered. “’E’s a doll maker, an’ ‘e’s closing ‘is shop down.”

“That’s too bad.” Azure said.

“Well, I’m gonna miss ‘im, but ‘e doesn’t seem ta mind. Heck, he even gave me a doll for him ta remember ‘im by.”

“A doll?” Dutchy asked.

Bumlets leaned closer. “Actually,” he whispered, “I’m givin’ it ta Dolly fer ‘er birthday party on Saturday.”

“That’s awful nice.” Twilight said. “You know how much she loves dolls.”

“An’ I think she’ll like dis one. It’s real purty.”

“Didja meet any goils?” Dutchy asked eagerly.

Bumlets shook his head. “Nope. Ya know, I wish dat da doll I picked up were real. I’d like ta go out wit ‘er if she were real.”

“Abracadabra, hocus pocus!” Specs shouted. “She’s now a real poisen!”

“Ha ha ha.” Bumlets said. “Very funny.”

“Ah well, if I see any goils I’ll tell ‘em ‘bout you.” Azure said.

Bumlets shrugged. “Nope. I don’t like blind dates. I wanna find a goil by myself.”

*  *  *


Bumlets sat on his bunk, reading his book and observing the happy couples all over the room. Some newsies were out on dates with their newsgirls, while the rest were here, having a great time. Most of the newsies without newsgirls had girls somewhere in Manhattan, while others were too young and thought the older ones were pathetic.

As Bumlets returned his attention to his book, he let out a sigh, for he had read this book a million times before and was tired of it. Shrugging, he pulled his pillow up and set his book underneath. Looking around the room, he saw that no one was looking in his direction, so he reached under his bed and pulled out the box that the doll was in.

Holding the box close to his stomach, he slipped out onto the fire escape and walked up to the roof. Snow coated the roof in a thick blanket, but there were few clouds in the sky and the stars shone brightly with the crescent moon. Bumlets walked over to a box onto the side and sat down.

Opening the doll box, he drew out the doll and looked it over. The doll’s hazelnut green eye color shone against her porcelain face, and her pink cheeks made her look a tiny bit flushed. Her full red lips were curved slightly into a smile, and to Bumlets, it looked like this doll was happy.

“Such a face.” Bumlets whispered, running his fingers against the cold porcelain face. “Did Mr. Liebemacher make you up in his mind?”

Bumlets rethought what he had just said. He had known Mr. Liebemacher for years, and he knew that this man had a wild imagination. He often told him stories that he had written when he was younger, and they were all pretty amazing.

Sometimes Bumlets wished that Kloppman could tell stories like Mr. Liebemacher, but Kloppman preferred to tell the newsies about him and his wife before she had died. Sometimes they made Bumlets feel sad, for he could see that look in Kloppman’s eyes when he mentioned his wife.

Bumlets looked back down at the doll and examined her more closely. He gently touched the white satin ribbon holding half of her hair back and let the softness of the cloth tickle his fingers. He smiled as he thought of this doll as his, but his smile melted when he remembered that it was a birthday gift for Dolly. Sighing, he looked straight into the doll’s eyes and stared.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

The doll’s eyes reflected the moon’s white gold light and Bumlets was struck silent. This doll was so beautiful, and there were a variety of names he wanted to give her.

As he studied the doll’s face, he finally came up with one. He liked the name Sarah. It was a pretty name, and he wanted to name it after his mother.

“Sarah?” he said. “That’s a nice name. My mama was named Sarah. I hope da newsies don’t think I named ya after Jack’s girl. Do you have a last name?”

Bumlets studied the doll some more. What would be a good last name for this doll? He wondered. He thought for a minute, and then he thought up a name.

“Dawson.” He said. “Sarah Dawson. It’s nice to meet you, Sarah. I don’t suppose you have a job, do you?”

Bumlets thought for a few minutes. There were so many jobs out there today that it was hard to think up one for a doll.

“Are you an actress?” He offered. “No. You might be a good one, but I don’t think that’s what you are. Could you be a grocer? No, not that, either. How ‘bout a…a schoolteacher!” he exclaimed. “That’s what you are. You’re a schoolteacher. You must have very happy students, Miss Dawson.”

As Bumlets looked at the doll again, his heart grew heavy and sad. He was naming a doll and giving it a career? He knew he was going insane. What young man would buy a doll and treat it like a human being? Bumlets turned the doll around and hugged it to his stomach.

“You’ll be given to a friend of mine, Sarah.” He said sadly. “You wouldn’t like it with me. I’m just a lonely newsie who’s goin’ insane.”

Bumlets let out a long sigh, watching as his breath billowed out in a small cloud of steam. But as he looked back down at the doll, her tiny hand suddenly fell on top of his large one. Bumlets shut his eyes for a brief minute, then arose and put the doll back inside of her box and went back inside.

*  *  *


Saturday arrived quickly for Bumlets. He had finished selling late today, so he had to run home to be in time for Dolly’s party.

When he arrived, he rushed up the stairs to the boys’ bunkroom and over to his bunk. He stuck his money under his pillow and then knelt down to look at the doll. He pulled her out of her box and looked around to see that no one was looking. Looking back down at the doll, he smiled at her.

“I guess dis is it.” he whispered. “I’m gonna give ya ta Dolly since she loves dolls.”

Bumlets let out a sigh when he saw that the doll did nothing. Deep in the back of his head, there was a desire to keep the doll, for she was very beautiful. Shaking his head, he tried to push his desire to the side, but it only made it stronger.

“What am I doing?” Bumlets thought out loud. “Me, keeping a doll? Everybody’d think I’m nuts!”

Bumlets put the doll back in the box and was about to pick it up to head to Tibby’s, but then he stopped in his tracks. As he looked back at the box, his desire to keep this doll grew. Bumlets bit his lip and continued on his way.

*  *  *


“…Happy birthday to you!”

Dolly blushed a little bit when the newsies began cheering, but then she bent down and blew out her seventeen candles. As the smoke from the candles rose, even cheered louder. A waiter came by and began serving everyone a piece of cake. When everyone was finished, Amber stood up.

“Dolly,” she said, “why don’tcha open yer presents now?”

Dolly smiled and nodded, and small packages wrapped in newspaper were suddenly extended to her. Bumlets just let out a sigh and looked at the box near his feet. After what seemed like a long time, Spot asked if there were any more. Bumlets raised his hand.

“I do.” He said.

Bumlets reached down and picked up the box. When everyone saw it, “oohs” and “ahhs” were heard all around. As Dolly reached for it, she exclaimed,

“It’s so big!”

She ripped the newspaper covering it and opened the box. Her eyes widened and Bumlets sighed once more.

“What is it?” Jack asked.

Dolly drew out a book and a tiny bouquet of three roses. “Thank you, Bumlets!”

Bumlets smiled. “Yer welcome.”

Dutchy came over to Bumlets and nudged him with his elbow. “What happened to dat doll you was gonna give ‘er?”

“I, uh…” Bumlets stammered, “well, um…lost it. I think that it’s somewhere in the lodging house, but when I find it, I’ll give it to ‘er.”

Bumlets felt bad about lying to his friend, but he shook his guilt away. Something inside of him was telling him to keep that doll, but he had no idea why.

Am I doin’ the right thing? He wondered. I mean, who’d ever think a newsie who’s almost twenty would have a doll instead of a girl? I’m so lonely that I’m going insane!

*  *  *


“Blizzard hits Virginia, snow covers buildings in large piles!”

Bumlets looked around and saw no one coming near. He shrugged and moved to the other side of the street and tried again. Finally, after several more attempts, he sold the last of his papers. Sticking his hands in his pockets, Bumlets trudged through the snow on the sidewalk toward the lodging house. For some reason, he didn’t want to go to Tibby’s today.

When he reached the lodging house, he walked upstairs to the boys’ bunkroom and plopped down on his bunk. A minute later, he arose and reached under his bunk, pulling the doll out. He sat her down in his lap and looked at her porcelain face.

“Were ya lonely while I was gone?” he asked.

Bumlets waited for an answer, but none came. Get a grip, Bumlets, he thought, the doll ain’t real. She ain’t gonna answer ya.

“Well,” he continued, “since it’s cold outside, a whole lotta people weren’t out ta buy papes taday.”

Bumlets stared at the green paint for the doll’s eyes. He wondered what the newsies would think if they saw him with this doll.

No sooner thought than done, for at that very minute, Mush came in, whistling to himself. When he saw Bumlets, he gave him a friendly wave and went on his way; but then he looked back to see the doll in his hands.

“You play with dolls?” he asked.

Bumlets shook his head. “No. A friend a mine gave dis doll ta me. I’se jus’ lookin’ it ova, dat’s all.”

“Oh, okay. By da way, Artemis brought some a ‘er friends by at Tibby’s. If ya wanna meet ‘em, dey’s really nice.”

Bumlets shrugged. “No thanks. I’ll jus’ stay ‘ere.”

“Ya know, ya probably wouldn’t be so lonely if ya had yerself a goil.”

“Who said I was lonely?” Bumlets snapped.

“It’s written all ova yer face.” Mush answered, ignoring the tone in Bumlets’ voice. “Foist of all, yer always by yerself; second, we keep catchin’ ya starin’ off inta space like yer waitin’ for someone. C’mon, why don’tcha come ta Tibby’s?”

Bumlets waited for a minute. He looked down at the doll, and then he pondered about the girls at Tibby’s. He wondered what the girls would be like. But he didn’t want just any girl, he wanted someone who would listen to him and love him for who he was. Sighing, he put the doll back under his bunk and stood up.

“Alright, you win. I’m right behind ya.”

Mush nodded and headed down the stairs. Bumlets followed behind slowly, for he often got shy around girls. That was one of the reasons why he didn’t have one.

When they arrived at Tibby’s, he was greeted with friendly “hellos.” Bumlets only smiled and sat down at an empty table. A waiter came by and asked if he wanted anything, so he ordered a cup of hot chocolate.

Not long after he received his drink, a girl that he had never seen before walked over to his table. She smiled at him, and Bumlets returned the smile, but it came out all crooked.

“Hi.” The girl said.

“Hi.”

“May I sit down?” the girl asked, looking at the empty chair.

“Go ahead.” Bumlets answered.

The girl sat down and smiled at him. Bumlets blushed, but he tried to ignore it and waved the waiter down again.

“Another hot chocolate.” He said.

The waiter nodded and returned two minutes later with the drink. The girl took the drink and turned to Bumlets.

“Thank you.” She said.

“What’s yer name?” Bumlets asked.

“Kate. And you’re Bumlets, am I right?”

“Yep.”

Kate giggled a little bit. “That’s a cute name. Sadie told me that you were a newsie, and you go by nicknames.”

“Um…who’s Sadie?”

“Oh! I forgot, you go by your nicknames and not your real ones. She calls herself Artemis.”

“Okay. So, do you work?”

Kate shook her head. “No. I go to a boarding school in Midtown. I’m just here for a visit.”

For the next few minutes, Kate rambled on about an experience of hers that Bumlets got lost in and had no idea what she was talking about. Bumlets tried to get her to stop so she could retell him what was going on, but she wouldn’t stop talking. Bumlets let out a sigh of relief when she began to slow down and wrap it up.

“…So finally, I was like, ‘I need to get out of here!’ and that was when Sadie…I mean, Artemis, invited me here to stay with her aunt. Isn’t that sweet?”

Bumlets nodded. “Yep.”

Just then, Artemis came by their table and tapped on Kate’s shoulder. “Kate,” she said, “we need ta get goin’, my aunt don’t take in people after dark.”

Kate sighed and looked at Bumlets. “It was nice talking with you. And thank you for the hot chocolate.”

Bumlets forced a smile. “Ah, it’s okay. See ya ‘round.”

Kate stood up and Artemis and two other girls left the restaurant. When they were out of sight, Bumlets sighed once more, set his elbows on the table and hid his eyes. He was getting tired of being set up with other girls.

If this happens one more time, he thought, I swear I’ll go insane.

*  *  *


“Hey Bumlets.” Specs said, walking over to his friend’s bunk. “How was yer talk wit Kate? Was she nice?”

Bumlets shook his head and covered his eyes with his hand. “It was terrible. She talked on an’ on an’ on an’ lost me. I tried ta get ‘er ta stop, but she wouldn’t. So, I had no clue what she was tellin’ me.”

“Oh. Sorry ta hear dat, but da guys jus’ wanted ta see ya wit a goil fer once.”

“That’s the whole point.” Bumlets removed his hand from his eyes and scratched the back of his neck. “Everyone tries ta hook me up wit some goil, an’ I neva like ‘em. I wanna find a goil on my own. Besides, ya don’t seem ta know what I want in a goil.”

“Well, what do ya like in a goil?” Specs asked.

Bumlets opened his mouth to answer, but then he caught on to what his friend was doing and shut it. He snorted and shook his head.

“Nope, not gonna work. I know what yer plannin’. I told ya, I wanna find a goil on my own.”

Specs shrugged. “Okay, but I know dat we could hook ya up wit some real nice goils.”

Bumlets looked down at the ground as Specs arose and walked away. When he was gone, Bumlets got on the floor and drew out his doll from a box that he had found outside.

“Ya know what I hate?” he asked her. “Dey keep tryin’ ta hook me up. I wish dey’d jus’ leave me alone.”

The doll just stayed still, like she always did. Bumlets only rolled his eyes, for he knew that he couldn’t hear him. But talking to a doll did make him feel a little better, because he could pour out his secrets to her and she wouldn’t tell anyone.

“Ya know what?” he asked. “I think ya might jus’ come in handy. At least I got someone ta talk to dat’ll listen.”

“Uh, Bumlets,” Jake said, peering over his shoulder, “why’re ya talkin’ to a doll?”

“Huh?” Bumlets asked, looking up at him. “I…I ain’t talkin’ to ‘er, I was jus’ thinking out loud.”

Jake just gave him a funny look, and Bumlets knew that he didn’t believe him. Jake later turned around and Bumlets decided to put the doll away.

When he got up, he saw Jake talking to a few more newsies, and he was looking Bumlets’ way. Bumlets felt himself becoming angry, but he bit his lip and headed down the stairs. He just had the need to be alone right now.

*  *  *


Word of what Jake had heard spread throughout the lodging house in a very small amount of time. The newsies tried not to make it known to him, but sometimes it was hard. Some thought that he was finally losing it; others thought that he was just plain lonely.

Bumlets knew that everyone knew, but he did his best not to let it bother him. That day, when he walked into Tibby’s, he saw that the newsgirls were there, and not the newsboys. Feeling redness creep toward his face, Bumlets tried to hide it and walked over to Jasmine.

“Hey Jazz,” he said, “where’re all the guys? It ain’t normal fer dem not ta be ‘ere.”

“They’s at Irving Hall.” Jasmine answered. “We’s ‘ere cuz we din’t feel up ta goin’.”

“Okay. Well, I’ll be goin’.”

Bumlets turned around and left the building. As he walked down the street, he passed Central Park and saw a couple having a snowball fight. Bumlets then cast his eyes down on the ground before him and ignored them.

The next thing he knew, something hit him on the shoulder. Looking at his shoulder, he saw a ball of white powder, and coming toward him was little boy.

“Sorry, mister,” the boy said, “but I was aimin’ at someone else.”

Bumlets only chuckled a little bit and knelt down to the boy’s height. “Ah, it’s okay. Jus’ be a liddle more careful next time.”

The boy nodded and then looked around Bumlets at a little girl walking away.

“I’m gonna get you, Nellie!” he screeched, gathering up a pile of snow.

Bumlets watched as the boy threw the snowball at the girl and missed. He had to laugh and shake his head when he saw it. It had been so long since he was that age, and just seeing that boy reminded him of himself.

He used to do that to neighborhood girls in the wintertime, but only for fun. But then, his smile faded as he looked at the boy again. He was almost twenty and he didn’t have a girl. He wanted to have kids someday, but at the rate that he was going, he wasn’t going to get any until he was much older.

He stood up and continued on his way toward the Hall. When he arrived, the place was quiet. Confused, he walked down the halls, looking for his friends, but they weren’t anywhere.

“You just missed ‘em.” A voice out of nowhere said.

Bumlets turned to see Medda standing behind him. “They just left, and they were heading for Tibby’s.”

“Okay, thanks Medda.”

Bumlets turned around to leave, but Medda’s voice stopped him. “Is there anything you want to talk about?” she asked.

Bumlets stopped and turned back around. “Whaddaya mean?”

“Well…the boys soft of told me what Jake saw last night. Is there anything wrong?”

Bumlets looked at the ground. “Yeah, der is. I don’t have a goil, an’ dey keep tryin’ ta hook me up wit someone dat dey like. I don’ like ‘em, an’ I wanna find a goil on my own.”

“So in other words, you’re lonely?”

“Yeah.” Bumlets mumbled. “So lonely dat I started talkin’ to a doll dat a friend a mine gave me.”

Medda gave Bumlets a sympathetic look. “Oh. Well, I believe that the right girl will come along soon, and that you’ll know her the minute you see her.”

A smile tugged at the ends of Bumlets’ mouth. “Thanks Medda. Well, I’m gonna go catch up wit the guys now. See ya ‘round.”

As Bumlets left, Medda let out a long, heavy sigh. She certainly hoped that what she told him was true.

*  *  *

“Hey Bumlets!” the newsies shouted when he entered Tibby’s.

Bumlets only waved and sat down at his usual table and decided to be by himself. When the waiter came by, Bumlets told him that he didn’t want anything.

When the waiter walked away, the door to Tibby’s opened and a pretty young woman with dark hair and pretty blue eyes walked in. She acknowledged the newsies with a nod and then walked over to an empty table on the other side of the room.

Bumlets looked at the woman and was starting to believe what Medda told him. Just then, Specs and Dutchy sat down at his table and also looked at the woman.

“Gee,” Dutchy said, “if I din’t have a goil, I’d be chasin’ her.”

“She looks like yer type.” Specs said. “Why don’tcha go ova der an’ talk to ‘er?”

Bumlets sighed. “I dunno. I neva done dis before, an’ I’m kinda nervous ta do dis.”

“Aw, don’t worry!” Dutchy exclaimed. “Nuttin’s gonna go wrong! Look, she’s lookin’…”

At that very moment, the door to Tibby’s opened, and a tall, well-dressed young man came in, and his eyes immediately landed on the woman’s. When she saw him, her face lit up and the man walked over to her table and planted a kiss on her cheek.

Bumlets, Dutchy and Specs watched the scene with their jaws on the floor. When they came back to reality, Specs patted Bumlets’ on the shoulder heartily and let out a sigh.

“Don’t worry, you’ll find a goil in time.” he said.

Bumlets shook his head. “Naw.” He stood up. “I’m goin’. See ya later.”

“Ya sure ya wanna leave?” Dutchy asked.

Bumlets nodded. “Yeah. I…um…just wanna be alone right now.”

Bumlets left the restaurant, ignoring all the questions about his leaving, and shoved his hands in his pockets. As he walked down the street, he could feel his loneliness growing inside of him.

Bumlets tried to push it away, but it grew even more. He finally broke into a run and rushed to the lodging house at full speed. He burst through the door, nearing knocking Kloppman out of his chair.

“My gracious, Bumlets!” Kloppman exclaimed. “What’s going on, and where are the rest of the newsies?”

“Back at Tibby’s.” Bumlets answered.

Bumlets trudged up the stairs before Kloppman could ask anything more. When he reached the boys’ bunkroom, he plopped onto his bunk and set his head on his pillow.

Pushing his hat back onto his pillow, he sat back up and hid his face in his hands. A few minutes later, he lifted his face and got on his knees and pulled the doll out from under his bunk.

“I can’t stand this, Sarah.” He said. “I’m so lonely that I know now that I’m goin’ nuts. Why can’t I just find the perfect girl right now?”

The light reflected off the paint on the doll’s eyes and made it look like a sparkle. Bumlets only frowned and shook his head.

“What am I doin’?” he asked himself. “I am nuts! I’m talking to someone who don’t hear, an’ I sound like a lovesick animal, holdin’ out for someone dat don’t exist!”

The doll was still. Bumlets put her back in her box and shoved it under the bed.

“I’m gettin’ rid of ‘er tomorrow.” He said. “The sooner I get rid of dat doll, the better.”

*  *  *


The day dragged on and Bumlets still had ten papers left. It was late into the day, and Bumlets decided to head for home. As he walked down the street, he found himself in the part of Manhattan where Mr. Liebemacher’s doll shop was.

As he neared it, he saw the old man standing outside, looking at the shop one last time. Bumlets walked over to his old friend and looked at the shop with him.

“Finally closed the place down.” Mr. Liebemacher said with a sigh.

“Didja sell all yer dolls?” Bumlets asked.

“Most of them, and the rest I gave to the local orphanage. So, did your friend like the doll?”

“The…doll?” Bumlets asked. “Oh yes! She liked it a whole lot. She was jus’ wonderin’ if…if ya used…um….models, fer yer dolls.”

Bumlets bit his lip, for he hadn’t meant to say that. He was going to get rid of that doll as soon as he could. His thought was interrupted when Mr. Liebemacher spoke.

“Why yes, I use models on occasion.” he answered.

Bumlets was a little surprised, but it didn’t show. “Well, Dolly was wonderin’ if ya used a model fer dat particular doll.”

Mr. Liebemacher inhaled deeply and tapped his chin with his finger. After a long minute, he finally had an answer.

“Yes. In fact, I did use a model for that doll.”

Bumlets was struck speechless. Who was the model? He wondered. He decided not to get rid of the doll after all. Swallowing his wonder, he exhaled.

“Well, who was it?”

“I know her name.” Mr. Liebemacher said, his voice emphasizing that he was in deep thought. “Let me think…”

Bumlets could feel his heart beginning to pound violently. Never in his entire life had he been so nervous. But as he thought about it, he was wondering what he was nervous about. She’s probably married, he thought. His thoughts were interrupted when Mr. Liebemacher snapped his fingers.

“I remember now!” He exclaimed. “Her name is Sarah. Sarah Dawson. She’s a schoolteacher!”

*  *  *


Bumlets clutched the piece of paper in his hand and plopped onto the bench with wide eyes. He actually knew her real name and career? How did that happen? As he looked back at the paper in his hand, he could feel his heart begin to pound.

She was real. She was actually real! But, he thought, what if she’s married, or has a beau? And what if she doesn’t like me? Wait, when did I decide to meet her?

Bumlets stood up and walked down the street toward the lodging house. When he opened the door, he found Race and Tigger kissing in the lobby. When they heard him, they broke apart immediately.

“Where were ya?” Race asked. “Everyone was worried about ya!”

“I couldn’t sell me papes.” Bumlets answered.

“Well, we’re glad you’re okay.” Tigger said. “Jack was about ta send guys afta you.”

“I’m okay. I’d bedder head upstairs, so I’ll see ya later.”

Bumlets headed up the stairs and stuck the piece of paper in his pocket. When he reached the bunkroom, Jack immediately rushed to him and scolded him.

“Where were you?” he demanded.

“Couldn’t sell me papes.”

Bumlets turned around before Jack could say anything else. He went to his bunk and pulled the doll out of her box. Staring at her face, he was amazed that there was actually girl who looked exactly like the doll, and he knew her name and career! How did this happen?

Bumlets pulled the paper from his pocket and read over it again. It had Sarah Dawson’s address, and Bumlets could go there right now and meet her. Sighing heavily, he decided he would do it. He stood up and clutched the doll under his arm and set off to find her apartment.

As he turned onto the right streets, he could feel his heart ready to burst out of his chest. As he got closer, his heart raced even faster. The closer he got, the more nervous he got. He was finally going to meet her.

When he finally reached the apartment complex, he knew that it was either now or never. Opening the door to the building, he swallowed his nervousness and walked up the stairs. Sarah lived on the third floor, and the closer he got to the third floor, the more his heart pounded.

Once he reached the right floor, he walked slowly down the hall toward apartment 79. When he reached the right apartment, his heart leapt. Slowly, he raised his hand and rapped his fist again the door.

Every second that passed seemed be an eternity, and no one answered the door. Bumlets tried again. There was still no answer. Sighing, he turned around and headed for the stairs.

“Why did I ever do dis?” Bumlets whispered to himself.

*  *  *


Bumlets put the doll in its box and shoved it under his bunk. He had just wasted some valuable time that he could’ve used playing poker or talking with the guys, but instead he used it on trying to reach a girl who wasn’t home and probably wouldn’t like him anyway.

Bumlets slid through the window onto the fire escape and climbed up to the roof. When he reached it, he paced through the snow and began to think out loud.

“What was I supposed to say to her if she were home?” he wondered. “’Hi, I’m Bumlets, and I got your doll? By the way, will ya marry me? I know I’m jus’ a newsie, but I ain’t got any money, eidder!’ No, that’s stupid!”

Bumlets reached down and gathered together a pile of snow. Forming it into a ball, he launched it off the side of the building at full speed, hitting a nearby building and sending particles of snow to the ground. He was so angry at himself that he didn’t know what to do.

“I should just forget about Sarah.” He said. “Jus’ forget dat she’s even real or where she lives. It’ll be bedder for me.”

Bumlets then returned to the bunkroom with his spirits low. He walked over to his bunk and sat down on it heavily. He tried to think of something other than what had just happened, but he couldn’t. Finally, he arose and walked over to the other side of the room where a few newsies were playing poker.

“Hey guys.” He said. “Can I play?”

“Sure.” Skittery said.

Bumlets sat down and Kid Blink dealt him some cards. After a few hands, Mush came up and was dealt into the game. As he looked at his cards, he remembered something that he had seen on the way home.

“Y’know, guys,” he said, “wheneva I come home ‘round dis time, I often see dis goil walkin’ down da street an’ lookin’ in ‘ere. It’s real weird.”

“Hey Bumlets,” Itey said, “maybe you can catch dat goil.”

Bumlets shook his head. “I told ya, I don’t want anyone hookin’ me up wit a blind date. I wanna find a goil on my own.”

“Well, I hate ta break it to ya,” Snoddy said, “but at da rate yer goin’, you ain’t gettin’ one.”

“I don’t care.” Bumlets said. “I don’t want no one hookin’ me up.”

*  *  *


Days had gone by, and all Bumlets could think of was Sarah and the doll. He wanted nothing more than to meet her, just to know what she was really like, but he also didn’t want to go because he was afraid.

He wondered if she would like him if he met her. And what if she had a suitor already? What would he do to him? He had so many excuses, but he knew that none of them were good enough for him not to go.

When he returned to the lodging house that day, he noticed that all the newsies were getting all cleaned up and ready to go somewhere. Confused, he walked up to Jack and tapped on his shoulder.

“What’s goin’ on?” he asked.

“Don’tcha remember?” Jack inquired. “Tanight Medda’s havin’ a party for us! She said for da guys ta bring der girls. Have ya found a goil yet?”

Bumlets shook his head. “Naw. I guess I jus’ won’t go.”

“Aw, come on! Medda’s gonna have some more gals der, so you oughta meet one! An’ everyone’s gonna be der!”

“No thanks. I’ll jus’ stay ‘ere.”

Bumlets turned around, indicating that the subject was closed and that he was staying. Avoiding all the questions asked on why he wasn’t going, he slid onto the fire escape to be away from everyone.

Finally, after a long period of time, all the newsies left the lodging house and Bumlets watched as they escorted the newsgirls to Irving Hall. Bumlets was hurt when he saw them leave, but he only went back inside and pulled the doll out from under his bunk.

“So, should I try again?” he asked, half-heartedly.

The doll’s smile seemed to tell him that he should, but there was still some doubt. What do I have to worry about? He wondered. If she doesn’t like me, that’s fine. I’ll just get back with my old life and pretend like it never happened. I’ll do it.

Tucking the doll under his arm, he walked slowly out of the lodging house and down the street toward Sarah’s apartment. He was now more nervous than ever, because he was afraid she’d be home and wouldn’t like him.

As he got closer, he remembered that there was a shortcut to the building that cut off almost five minutes than going the usual way. Turning to the right, he decided to take the shortcut. The sooner he got this over with the better. As he got even closer, his heart began to pound.

He could feel his head spinning as the building came into view. He was so close…and yet so far. The building was right in front of him, but the real challenge would be when he walked up to Sarah’s apartment. As he looked straight ahead, he saw the window of apartment 79 lit up with a lamp.

“She’s home.” Bumlets whispered. “Don’t chicken out.”

Inhaling deeply, he continued on his way and walked into the building. As he climbed up the stairs, he could feel his heart beating faster. When he finally reached the right apartment, he could see a tiny light coming from under the door. She was home all right.

Bumlets tried to settle down, but his heart was racing faster than ever. Raising his fist, he was ready to knock on her door. But as he pulled his fist back, he gritted his teeth and shook his head.

“No.” he said. “I’m pathetic! I can’t do it!”

Before he could take back his decision, he rushed down the stairs and ran full speed back to the lodging house. When he arrived, he was out of breath, red-faced and madder than anything.

He stampeded up to the bunkroom, startling Kloppman and refusing to acknowledge him. When he reached the bunkroom, he threw the doll onto his bunk and pulled his hat off and dropped it on top of her.

“I can’t do this!” he exclaimed. “I’m pathetic, I can’t even talk to her or even look at her because I’m so lonely!”

Just then, he heard a thud behind him. Turning around to see what it was, he saw that the doll had fallen off of his bunk. He walked over to it to put it in the box, but as he neared, he saw the doll’s arm and extended up, supported by a shoe, and on the tips of her tiny fingers was his hat.

As Bumlets knelt down to pick her up, he was suddenly hit in the head with a thought. He could try again, but this time he couldn’t chicken out or turn around. Taking his hat from the doll’s fingers, he picked her up and looked straight into her eyes.

“I should go back, shouldn’t I?”

Bumlets didn’t wait for an answer, for he knew that one wouldn’t come, and he tucked her under his arm and walked down the stairs. When he reached the lobby, Kloppman looked at him with confusion.

“Why aren’t ya with the newsies?” He asked. “And why were you so angry when you came here?”

“I got somethin’ bedder to do.” Bumlets answered. “An’ I made a mistake. I might be a liddle later dan the guys.”

Kloppman nodded and Bumlets proceeded to the door. As he walked down the street, he knew that he couldn’t turn back now. He wouldn’t turn back if his life depended on it.

When he arrived at the apartment complex, he quietly walked up the stairs and pushed all his fear away. He needed to be confident if he wanted to get through with this. The flight of stairs seemed to be never ending for Bumlets, but he just took deep breaths and held on to his confidence.

At last, he reached the third floor. He proceeded to apartment 79 and could feel his palms begin to sweat.

“Well, here goes.” He said to himself.

Raising his fist, he knocked gently on the door. There was no answer. Readying himself, Bumlets knocked again. Sweat poured down his temples as the seconds seemed to pass like years.

After the longest minute in his life, Bumlets decided that Sarah wasn’t coming to the door. Just as he was about to turn around and leave, he heard a soft sound. It was coming from the doorknob.

Bumlets froze as the doorknob slowly turned. All of the sudden, the door opened, and a young woman appeared.

“Yes?” she asked.

Bumlets’ eyes grew wide as he looked at the woman. She looked exactly like the doll; brown hair, hazel green eyes, and she was even wearing the blue calico dress with the light blue flowered sash and half of her hair was pulled back with a white satin ribbon.

“Yes?” the woman asked again. “May I help you?”

“I…I…uh…well….it’s…it’s you!” Bumlets stuttered.

“Why…yes it is, but who are you?” the woman asked.

Bumlets pulled the doll out from under his arm and held it up for the woman to see. When she saw the doll, she shared the same surprised expression.

“Are you Sarah Dawson, a schoolteacher?” Bumlets asked quickly.

The woman, still surprised, looked at Bumlets and nodded slowly. “How did you know that?”

“Mr. Liebemacher told me! Do you know him? He used to have a doll shop on 36th street.”

“Yes…I do know him. What’s your name?”

“Bumlets.”

“Come in, Bumlets.” Sarah said, moving aside and holding the door open.

Bumlets felt a little awkward walking into this apartment, for it was much nicer than anything he had ever seen. He jumped when Sarah closed the door behind him, but she held her hands up in defeat.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” She said.

“Ah, ya din’t scare me none.” Bumlets lied. “Ya got a nice joint ‘ere.”

“Thank you. Anyway, I wanted to show you something.”

Bumlets watched as Sarah went into her room. She was so beautiful, and he was surprised that Mr. Liebemacher had captured almost all of her beauty in the doll. When Sarah returned, her arms were behind her back, and she seemed to be hiding something.

“I’m sorry I took so long.” Sarah apologized. “It’s just that…I needed to get something that I think you should see.”

“Well…uh…” Bumlets stuttered, “what is it?”

Sarah let out a deep breath and pulled a doll out from behind her back. When she held it in front of her, Bumlets’ eyes grew wide in shock.

The doll she had in her hands had dark hair and dark eyes, and it wore a tan hat, blue shirt, black pants, a dark blue vest, a brown coat and tiny, lace-up boots. It was a doll of him!

“Why, that’s…that’s me!” Bumlets exclaimed.

“Yes.” Sarah whispered. “Mr. Liebemacher gave me your name and address, and I would often go by there to meet you, but I always lost my nerve and couldn’t do it.”

“I almost couldn’t do it.” Bumlets said. “Wait a sec, you’re the teacher here, doesn’t ‘liebemacher’ mean ‘maker…of love’ in German?”

Sarah thought for a minute, and then she nodded. “Yes. Actually, it does.”

There was a brief moment of silence. “Y’know, we only jus’ met, but I feel like I know everything about you.” Bumlets said, staring into her deep hazel eyes.

The two stared at each other for a brief period of time, and they were soon interrupted by a shrill noise coming from the kitchen. Sarah let out a deep breath and clutched the doll in her hands.

“The water’s ready.” She said. “I was just about to make some tea. Would you like a cup?”

Bumlets smiled and nodded. “Yes, Miss Dawson. I’d like that very much.”

Sarah blushed a little bit and set her doll on a chair next to her. “You can call me Sarah.”

“Alright, Sarah.” Bumlets said, setting his doll next to hers.

Bumlets offered Sarah, his arm, and she smiled and accepted it. As the two walked into the kitchen, the doll resembling Bumlets, its hand fell on top of the hand of the doll resembling Sarah.

*  *  *


“Does anyone know where Bumlets is?” Tweetheart asked.

“I dunno,” Mirage answered, “he came back real late las’ night, an’ ‘e disappeared after ‘e got ‘is papes dis mornin’.”

“That’s awful weird.” Crutchy said. “It ain’t like ‘im ta run off like dat.”

“Do ya think ‘e fine’ly found a girl?” Summer asked.

“Maybe,” Daisy offered.

“Or maybe not.” Dawn said.

“I hope ‘e comes back soon.” Jack said. “I’ll ‘ave someone go afta ‘im if ‘e don’t come back soon.”

At that very minute, the door opened, and Bumlets walked in with a bright smile on his face. The look on his face hadn’t been seen for a long time, so everyone knew that there was something going on with him.

“Hi guys.” Bumlets said.

“Where’ve you been?” David asked.

“Out.” Bumlets answered. “But I got some news. I’m engaged.”

“No way!” Pie Eater exclaimed.

“Ta who?” Swifty asked.

Bumlets’ smile only got bigger as he drew his doll out from behind his back. The restaurant exploded with laughter, but Bumlets only looked outside and beckoned for someone to come.

Right then, the laughter was silenced. Sarah appeared at Bumlets’ side, and in her hands was the doll that looked exactly like Bumlets. The newsies stared at the dolls, and then at the couple and were completely speechless.

“This is my fiancé, Sarah,” he paused. “But her newsie name is Seven of Nine.”

No one could speak because they were so astonished at the irony of the situation between Bumlets and Seven of Nine. Seven took Bumlets’ arm and he led her to the table where he normally sat; but he was happier this time because he actually had a girl to be with this time. When they sat down, Bumlets took Seven’s hand and kissed it.

“Y’know,” he said, “all da guys kept tryin’ ta hook me up wit some girl dat they thought would be good fer me, an’ I swore dat I’d never take up a goil dat someone hooked me up wit. But when I met you, I decided ta change my mind.”

Seven grinned. “You know, that happened to me, too. Some of my students tried to hook me up with their older brothers, and I didn’t want to be hooked up with anyone either. I think Mr. Liebemacher knew that we would be perfect for each other, and that’s why he made dolls modeled after us.”

“I think so too. An’ ya know somethin’, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Everyone watched in amazement at the two. And outside of the restaurant, Mr. Liebemacher was watching with a wide smile on his face.

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