Skittery smiled at Dutchy, "Dat ain't gonna happen again Dutchy, Jewel, she was jist mean. I'se didn't mean ta hoit ya. Ya don't gotta be so protective dis time Dutchy. Charm loves ya, she's said so a million times."

"So did Jewel." Dutchy replied emotionlessly.

"But Charm means it." Jack said.

"How do ya know?"

Oscar said, "Can I answer dat one?" When Jack nodded, Oscar continued, "Cuz of da way she looks at ya even when ya ain't lookin' at her, da way she talks bout ya, in a less harsh tone than she tawks bout otha people. She loves ya, jist open ya eyes an see it."

Mush said ta Oscar, "Ya might not be such a bad guy afta all."

"I ain't. I jist does what me brudda tells me to." He looked ova at Morris who was asleep already ta make shoa he hadn't hoid him.

Dutchy walked ova an picked up Charm. "I'se'll take her inta our bed, she ain't gotta take up yours." He picked up Charm and carried her ta da bed. He lay her down an pulled da covers up ova her. He ran his hands t'rough her hair an kissed her on da forehead. He walked back out ta where all da guys was.

Charm peeked open her eyes an smiled. She wasn't asleep but jist waitin fer Dutchy ta realize dat she loved him - an it wasn't like when she was Jewel. She had been Jewel right before she went ta Brooklyn. She wanted ta tell Dutchy dat she was da raven haired goyl who had broken his heart. But she couldn't.



"Charm, Charm wake up." She hoid Dutchy call. She groaned an he said, "Good, you're up. Have ya eva hoid of a goyl named Jewel."

Charm sat up quickly an said, "Why do ya ask?"

"Cuz, I jist wanted ta tell ya. She broke me heart a few years ago. She was goin wit me an she jist used me ta get ta Skittery. If ya eva see her, avoid her."

Charm looked at da ground an started ta sob. "Dutchy, I can't keep it from ya any longa, I'se Jewel."

Dutchy's eyes got really wide an he said, "No. No Charm. You ain't her."

Charm nodded, but barely. So barely dat Dutchy could barely tell it was a nod. He grabbed her hand an dragged her ta where da guys were. He pushed her on da ground, half cryin an said, "Tell em what ya jist told me Charm!!!! Tell em what ya told me!!!!"

Charm shook her head t'rough her tears but Dutchy insisted, "Tell them!!!!"

Charm closed her eyes an said, "I'se Jewel."

Skittery yelled, "What?!"

Charm looked up an said, "Me fatha knew dat ya parents was rich Skittery. He told me ta become friends wit you so I'se could steal from ya. But, see, I couldn't." Charm cast a look at Dutchy. "So, I became friends wit Dutchy. But, I knew dat if me fatha knew dat I was wit him an not Will - I mean Skittery, den he'd kill Dutchy. He'd already killed Sam at dis point an I knew he'd kill Dutchy. So I tried ta go wit Skittery."

"Why'd ya come back Charm?" Dutchy ast harshly.

"Cuz I love ya Dutchy!!!!!!" Charm shrieked. "I had ta see ya again!!!!!! I jist didn't count on you findin me!!!!!!" Den, she started ta cry.

Dutchy's hard expression suddenly softened. He kneeled next ta her an wiped a tear away. "Charm ... I didn't mean ta ... "

"Well, ya did Dutchy." Oscar said. "Ya did."

While Dutchy sat tawkin ta Charm, Jack toined ta Skittery an said, "Now what's dis bout ya parents bein rich?"

Skittery's mouth dropped. He replied quietly, "Me parents own a company in Maine. I'se rich. I jist didn't like it so I'se left."

"Oh. Why didn't ya tell us Skittery?" Mush ast.

"Hey, hey, every newsie has secrets, right Jacky boy?" Spot said.

Jack laughed an said, "Yeah, we all gots secrets."

Dey looked ova at Dutchy an Charm where Dutchy was apologizin fer yellin at her. "I'se so sorry Charm. It's jist, ya hoit me so bad an I couldn't keep dat anger down. I didn't mean it, but, I t'ought dat ya didn't love me, an I couldn't handle it when ya said dat you were Jewel."

Charm smiled t'rough her tears an said, "It's okay Dutchy, I couldn't keep it from ya any longa. I jist felt so bad when ya tawked bout her an I said dat I didn't know her. I had ta tell ya."

Dutchy hugged Charm an he held her fer a minute or two. Da train stopped. All da newsies was thrown forward. Dutchy helped Charm up. He kissed her an he said, "C'mon, lets go. I'se sorry."



Charm, Dutchy, Jack, Spot, Skittery, Kid Blink, Racetrack, an Mush walked inta da Lodgin House. Buttafly ran up an hugged Charm. "Charm!!!! You'se back!!!! I was afraid dat you'd left ferever!!!!"

"Specs!" Charm called out, "Didn't you tell her where I went?!"

"I did!" Specs protested walkin out wit a book in his hand. "She didn't believe me!"

Buttafly dragged Charm back ta her bunk. Dutchy stared afta her an smiled. Den, his smile faded as he toined around. "I feel so bad bout dis. I didn't mean ta flip out on her. But I did an I t'ink I hoit her, not mentally, but I t'ink dat she hoit her arm when I pushed her down. See how she's been cradlin it? I can't believe I did dat ta her."

"Hey, Dutchy, ya didn't mean it. Don't keep blaimin yaself, it had ta happen once. You ain't neva soaked no one." Jack said.

"But it shouldn't have happened ta Charm!!!!!! I shouldn't have hoit her!!!!!! I don't know why I hoit her!!!!!! I can't believe it!!!!!!" Dutchy yelled as he punched his hand.

"Calm down Dutchy, she ain't hoit none." Mush said.

Charm walked outta da back room. She was holdin her arm an lookin at a black an blue mark on her arm. Dutchy ran ova an said, "My God Charm, I'se sorry I hoit ya!!! Are ya okay?!?!"

"Dutchy, I'se fine. Dat - dat ain't from you." Charm muttered.

"Who's it from Charm?!" Dutchy demanded.

"Dutchy, please don't make me tell ya." Charm trailed off.

"Tell me, please." Dutchy said. He brushed back her hair off her face. Da blonde waves fell further past her shoulders then dey had when he foist met her an dey was becomin curls instead of waves.

"Morris." Charm looked away.

"Delancey?! When?!" Jack yelled.

"W-w-when it was night an I got up. H-h-he said it was cuz I broke his brudder's heart. It wasn't you Dutchy. But, when ya pushed me I hit me arm in da same spot."

"Why I outta!! Dat doity rotten-" Charm put her hand ova Dutchy's mouth ta silence him.

"No. Cuz if ya get him ya might hoit Oscar an he didn't do nothin ta me. Jist let it go."

"No, I can't jist let him do dat ta ya. C'mon Jack." Dutchy ran out. Charm's eyes widened.

"Please get him Jack. Don't let him get hoit. Please Jack." Charm pleaded.

"I promise you'll dat I'll get him back fer ya. I'll be right back." Jack promised.



Jack dragged Dutchy back in and said, "Hea he is Charm, an he's still alive."

Charm ran ova an kissed Dutchy. "Thank ya so much Jack! Dutchy, how couldja do dat?! You could've gotten hoit!!" She ran her hands t'rough his hair an kissed him agian.

"I jist couldn't let dat happen to ya." Dutchy said apologetically.

"I'se'll be fine Dutchy, don't worry bout me ... I'se been t'rough woise."

It was gettin late an Dutchy said, "Tamorrow are ya gonna sell wit me agian?"

"Ya mean sell for ya? Shoa I is. Wouldn't miss it fer da woild." Charm kissed Dutchy an said, "I'se gonna go ta bed now, g'night."

"G'night." Dutchy hugged Charm an kissed da top of her head. "I'se'll be in in a little"

Dutchy fumed, "I don't believe Morris did dat ta me goyl!"



Da next week, when Dutchy was tawkin ta Jack, Mush, Race, an Blink, he said, "Hey guys, can I ask ya somethin?"

All da guys toined ta stare at him. "What?" Jack ast.

"I-I-I wanna ask Charm ta marry me." Dutchy stuttered.

Racetrack raised his eyebrows. "Ya do?"

"Yeah, but I don't know how ta say it. Every time I try ta say somethin, I get all tongue-tied. I'se been tryin ta ask her since right before we met her motha."

Mush shrugged. "I ain't 'actly one of da people ta ask."

"Mush, ya get ya way wit da goyls all da time. I hoid Charm tawkin ta one of da goyls she was sellin a pape too, I t'ink she was da police chief's daughta, an she said dat all ya have ta do is do ya, I think her woids were 'puppy-dog face' an ya have goyls fallen for ya."

Mush blushed an Dutchy said, as if in reply, "An when ya do dat do goyls like ya even more!"

"Jist ask her Dutchy. Jist ask." Mush replied.

"But, what if she says no - or worse, what if she says yes? I ain't got dat much money!" Dutchy sighed.

"Hey, if ya feel dat strongly bout it, get anudder job, besides bein a newsie." Race suggested. "Or ya could let me bet ya money at da tracks."

"He needs more money Race, not less!" Blink joked.

"Guys! I'se serious hea!" Dutchy yelled ova da laughter.

"Serious bout what?" Charm said, walkin in.

Dutchy put his arms around her. He kissed da top of her head. "Nuttin Charm. I t'ought youse was goin' ta bed!"

"It was somethin Dutchy! An I got tired of waitin fer ya!"

"No it wasn't!"

"Don't lie ta me!"

"I wasn't Charm, it ain't called lyin, it's called improvin da truth a little bit. It was somethin bout somethin ya don't need ta know bout." Dutchy put his arm around her.

"Tell me later, right?" Charm smiled.

"Yea, I'se'll tell ya later." Dutchy an Charm walked away.

"T'ink he'll ask?" Mush ast.

"Not a chance." Jack replied starin afta Charm an Dutchy.



Dutchy an Charm were sittin on da roof of da Lodgin House. It was a week lata an Dutchy had gotten a job woikin as an office boy at The World. He had been woikin wheneva Charm took her sista out or when her an Jade went out. Charm said, “Hey Dutchy, ya neva told me what ya were tawkin bout last week.”

Dutchy took a deep breath an swallowed hard. He got down on one knee an ast, “Charm will you marry me?” He pulled out a ring. It was pure silver an it was a Celtic cross. It had squiggle designs all ova it.

Charm gasped an kissed him. “Dutchy … I … I mean … oh my God!” Dutchy hugged her. “If ya hafta t’ink bout it, dat’s okay.”

Charm knocked his cap sideways. “Shuddap Dutchy.” Dutchy straightened his cap an knocked Charm’s off. She giggled an said, “I don’t believe dis.”



Dutchy put his arm around her waist an dey walked in tagether. Jack said, “Did somethin happen up dere? Cuz, we hoid Charm scream.”

Charm showed Jack her hand where Dutchy had put da ring on jist moments before. Jack hugged Charm, “Dat’s great Charm! I didn’t t’ink dat Dutchy’d eva ask ya!”

Blink hugged her an went ta kiss her on da cheek but drew away an ast, “Can I do dat Dutchy?” When Dutchy nodded, Blink lightly kissed her on da cheek. “Dat’s great Charm!”

“Yea, so, what ya gonna do now?” Racetrack ast.

Dutchy quickly replied, “I’se been woikin as an office boy fer Da Woild da past coupla days.”

“What?!” Charm said. “Why?”

“Cuz I had ta git money ta buy da ring. I’se been savin since right before we left ta see ya mudda.”

“Dutchy … dat’s so sweet.” Charm said, huggin Dutchy. He blushed as all da guys chuckled. Charm toined around wit a shocked look on her face. She put her hands on her hips an said, “I don’t see none of you wit goyls!!”

Dutchy laughed. “Ain’t she great?!” he said, kissin da top of her head.



Buttafly, Snipeshooter, an Boots walked in an saw everyone actin all happy an Charm an Dutchy laughin an huggin. Dat made Buttafly run ova ta her sista an ask, “What’s goin on Charm?”

Everyone stopped tawkin. Charm looked at Dutchy helplessly an said, “Dutchy an I is gettin married.”

“Oh. What’s gonna happen ta me?” Buttafly ast weakly.

“Well, um, I ain’t shoa bout dat yet. I guess dat ya could stay hea an keep bein a newsie. Cuz I know dat ya wouldn’t wanna jist drop everythin an leave all da guys.”

“So-so-so youse leavin me Charm?” Buttafly said, her eyes startin ta wata.

“No, no, no honey. I’se, well, I guess ya could say dat but, I ain’t leavin ya, I’se jist goin wit Dutchy.” Charm said tryin ta comfort her younga sista.

Buttafly smiled. “Can I stay hea Charm? It ain’t dat I don’t love ya but, I jist don’t wanna leave hea yet.”

Charm toined ta Jack. Jack nodded. Den she replied, “Shoa. I know why ya wanna stay t’ough an it ain’t cuz ya jist don’t wanna leave.”

Buttafly hit her sista on da arm. “I swear ta God if ya tell anyone, I’ll – I’ll well, I don’t know but I will!”

“I won’t tell a soul I promise.” Charm smiled at da newsies. Dey all knew ‘cept Boots an Snipeshooter.

“Okay. C’mon Boots, Snipeshooter. Let’s go outside.” Dey all left an Charm sighed.

“I feel bad bout leavin her hea Dutchy.” Charm said.

Dutchy replied, “Hey, don’t. She ain’t ya responsibility Charm, she was ya fatha’s.”

When Dutchy said dat, a man walked in. He was dressed in a suit an tie. Charm’s eyes got really wide an she ran behind Mush.

He walked ova ta Jack an said, “Does a girl by the name of Juliana, Charm, or Opal live here?”

Behind him Charm violently shook her head no. “Nah, why ya lookin fer her?” Jack replied.

“She and her sister, a girl by the name of Ruby. They ran away and I must find them. If you see them, please tell them to come home. It is time for them to inherit the money their grandparents left. The girls are now rich.” He left, afta tippin his hat ta everyone.

“What did he mean by youse is rich Charm?” Dutchy ast.

Charm paused before replyin, “I don’t know. I really don’t know. I didn’t even know dat I had any grandparents left.”

“Do ya wanna find out?” Jack ast. “We could find him again an say dat we know ya an we wanna know more before youse’ll come.”

“Wouldja Jack?” Charm ast hopefully.

“Anythin fer you Charm.” Jack said, grabbin Mush, Blink, an Race before walkin out da door.



Lata Charm an Dutchy were sittin on da roof of da Lodgin House an Charm ast, “What are we gonna do now Dutchy? I mean, are we gonna stay hea or leave?”

“What do you wanna do Charm?” Dutchy ast.

“It don’t matta ta me but, da guys has been like a family ta me, deyse da only family dat I t’ought really cared bout me. An youse been wit em longa than I have. Whatever ya wanna do is fine wit me Dutchy.”

“I kinda wanna stay, not fer dat long t’ough. I jist don’t know if I’se can leave hea yet. See, did I eva tell ya how long I’se been hea.”

“No, tell me.” Charm said, leanin closa. Charm shivered an Dutchy put his arm around her.

“I’se been hea since I was bout eleven. Back den, dere were more newsies hea. Most of em left when dey got ta be our age. I ran away from me fatha who beat me alot an I vowed dat I’d neva do dat ta anyone – dat’s why I went a little crazy when I hoit ya. One of da olda newsies, his name was Lightning, found me an helped me start ta be a newsie. Jack started ta call me Dutchy, cuz up til den I had lived in Holland. I’se been hea fer bout seven years.”

“Oh. If ya don’t wanna leave, den we won’t.” Charm said.

Dutchy replied, “I don’t wanna leave.”

“Den we won’t.” Charm replied. Dutchy kissed her.



When dey went back inside, Itey ast, “So what are youse gonna do now?”

“Wese gonna stay hea Itey, we ain’t leavin. Ya can’t git rid of us dat easy.” Dutchy said, his arm around Charm’s waist.

“Oh, I see. How much longa ya gonna stay?” Bumlets ast.

Before Charm could answer, Mush an Blink ran in. Blink had a black eye an Mush was bleedin from a cut on his head. Charm’s eyes got wide as she ran ova ta em. She helped Mush ta da nearest bunk an had him lay down. Blink sat down on a chair next ta da bunk as Charm cleaned Mush’s wound.

“What happened Mush?” Charm ast gently.

Mush replied, “Wese found ya fatha Charm an we went ta tawk ta him. Afta a while of listenin ta him tell us dat you an Buttafly ran away, Jack said, ‘But we know da truth. Ya kicked em out an left em ta die on da streets.’ I neva t’ought I’d see da day dat someone got da best of Jack but dey did! Dese guys come out from a back room an starts ta soak Jack! Wheneva me, Race, an Blink try ta help, dey start beatin us up! Dey took Jack an Race inta a back room an tried ta get us but we ran away! Ya fatha said ta tell ya if ya eva wanna see eitha of em again, come home now.” Mush said, witout takin a breath.

“We have to go Dutchy!! Dey went fer me!!!” Charm yelled.

“No, we can’t go!! He’s jist gonna hoit ya again!! An Buttafly!!” Dutchy protested.

“I t’ink I know what ta do. Dutchy, Skittery, Specs, Itey, Snitch, an Bumlets come wit me. I know what ta do.”



Charm softly knocked on da Delanceys door. Oscar opened it an said, “What do ya want?” When he saw it was Charm he quickly recovered, “I’se sorry Charm. What’sa matta? Do youse wanna come in?”

Charm walked in an Dutchy, Skittery, Specs, Itey, Snitch, an Bumlets walked in behind her, afta each of da guys gave Oscar a mean look. “We need you an ya brudder’s help. Me fatha is holdin Race an Jack hostage. I need ya ta help me get em back.”

“Shoa Charm … I jist ain’t so shoa how happy he’s gonna be ta see ya.” Oscar said.

“Why wouldn’t he be?” Itey ast suspiciously.

“Afta what she did ta him on da train?!?!?!?!?!” Oscar said.

“He didn’t tell ya what he did ta me, did he?” Charm ast. Oscar shook his head. Charm rolled up her sleeves an showed him da black an blue mark.

“Why I outta! Dat dirty rotten-” Oscar started. Charm clamped her hand ova his mouth.

“Jist get him, okay? We need his help. Will ya get him?” Oscar nodded an Charm took her hand off his mouth. He left da room.

“What didja do ta him Charm?” Bumlets ast.

Charm blushed an stammered, “Y-y-y-y-y-ya don’t wanna know.”

Dutchy kissed her. “Some people. Right Charm?” Charm stammered a yes. “Ya gotta love her.”

Oscar walked back out wit a reluctant Morris. “What do ya want?” Morris ast.

“We need ya help Morris, me fatha got Racetrack an Jack an won’t let em go! Please help us, please.” Charm said. Den, before anyone could say anythin, she cried out, “It’s all my fault!!!!! It’s all me fault dat dey ain’t hea!!!!!”

Dutchy quickly wrapped his arms around her an said, “It ain’t ya fault Charm, it ain’t ya fault. Sh, it’s okay.”

Charm continued ta cry an mumbled, “But it is, dey went ta see me fatha.”

“It’s ya fatha’s fault not yours.” Dutchy said, “Let’s go get em. Oscar, Morris, are ya comin wit us?”

Morris looked at Oscar who nodded an den replied, “Shoa, we’se comin.”



Charm’s fatha sat at a table in his apartment. “Are you sure she’ll come?” he ast Weasel.

“Yeah, she cares bout dese boys alot. Too bad Dutchy didn’t come, she’d’ve ran hea as fast as she could ta get him back.” Weasel replied.

Mista James, da one an only name he was known by, opened da door an saw his daughta wit some otha guys. “Juliana! You’re back!” He went ta hug her but was stopped by Dutchy who quickly wrapped his arms protectively around her.

“All I want,” Charm stated, “Is me friends back. Nuttin more. I ain’t got nuttin else ta say ta ya.”

Mista James sneered, “You wish.”

“Give em back now Weasel!” Morris yelled.

“Morris, Oscar, what are youse doin hea?” Weasel ast, comin ta da door.

“One of our friends needed help so we came. What’sa matta wit youse?!?!?!?!?” Oscar yelled.

“Come an get em boys, I’d love ta see ya try.” Mista James scoffed.

Morris an Oscar stepped in. Morris lifted Mista James up by his colla an said, “I’ll ask ya again, where are they?”

Weasel an Mista James pointed down a hallway in da apartment. Charm ran down da hall wit Dutchy, Itey, an Snitch at her heels. She opened a door an saw Jack an Racetrack layin unconscious. She ran in an cried out, “Jack!!! Racetrack!!! Wake up!!!”

Racetrack moaned an mumbled, “Charm? Is dat you?”

“Race!! Are ya okay?!” Charm shrieked.

Racetrack sat up an replied, “Shoa, I’se okay. What bout you?”

“Shuddap Racetrack Higgins!” Charm yelled. “What happened? Are ya okay?” Charm wiped da blood off of Race’s face. “Who did dis ta ya?”

Race replied sheepishly, “Ya dad an Weasel wit a coupla guys from Harlem.”

“I’se so sorry Race!” Charm yelled, huggin Race.

Race stood up an ast, “How’d youse get in hea?”

Snitch replied, “Charm got da Delanceys ta help us.”

“Da Delanceys!!! Ya mean Oscar an Morris?!” Racetrack said stunned.

“Who else?” Charm replied. Race looked at Charm an shrugged.

“I jist don’t get dis goyl.” Racetrack said.

“What are we gonna do bout Jack?” Itey ast.

“Well, I guess dat we could try an wake him up but, I dunno if we can. How else could we get him back?” Dutchy said.

Charm smiled slowly an said, “I t’ink I know what ta do.”



A carriage pulled up at da Lodgin House an Itey, Bumlets, Specs, Dutchy, Charm, Racetrack, Skittery, an Snitch got out. Den, Samantha, da mayor’s daughta, got out, followed by a guy carryin Jack.

Kid Blink looked at Samantha in awe. She smiled as she walked by him. She walked up ta Kloppman an said, “I believe that this is one of your boys. He should be okay, he is just unconscious. Good-bye.” Den she walked out da door. On her way by Kid Blink, she dropped a piece of paper.

Blink picked it up an read it. He smiled an looked at everyone. He said, “I gotta go.” Den he ran out da door. He dropped da paper on da way out.

Charm picked it up an said, “She wants to meet him by the statue now. I knew dat one of dese days she’d admit she loved him.”

When she was met by blank stares, she said, “I’se know Sammie fer a coupla years now. She’s one of me best friends.”

“Youse best friends wit Sammie an ya didn’t tell Blink?” Jack ast.

“She didn’t want me to. I’se her insider, I told her bout Blink all da time … cuz she ast bout him alot.” Charm said.



When Blink got back he said, “Charm, you are the greatest!!” Den he hugged her.

“I know. Why?” Charm smiled.

“Cuz now, cuz of you, I’se goin wit Samantha!!!!” Blink laughed.

Charm’s mouth dropped open an she said, “Dat’s great Blink!” An she hugged him.

Dutchy walked in an saw Blink an Charm huggin an raised an eyebrow an shot Charm a look. Blink ran ova an said, “I’se goin wit da mayor’s daughta!!!!”

“Dat’s great Blink.” Dutchy said, walkin ova ta Charm. Blink ran out of da room ta tell everyone else. Dutchy kissed Charm. “How ya doin?”

“I’se fine, I’se jist worried bout Jack, Race, an Mush. How bout you?” Charm smiled.

Dutchy paused an half frowned, “Bout da weddin, I don’t-”

“You don’t wanna marry me no more?” Charm ast weakly.

“Coise I do! I jist ain’t shoa what we’se gonna do.”

Before Charm could reply, Samantha came in. “Oh, Charm, I forgot to tell you. We, and when I say ‘we’ I mean your upper class friends, are going to take care of your wedding for you. All you need is a maid of honor, a flower girl, and four bridesmaids. And you,” she toined towards Dutchy, “Must be Dutchy, at least I hope you are, so you need a ring bearer, a best man, and four ushers. Oh, as a wedding present, we bought you the rings and have everything pre-planned out for you. Tomorrow you’ll have to come and get a tuxedo and Charm you’ll need your dress. I’ll see you tomorrow. Oh, and bring Blink with you. Did he tell you we are going out?”

“He’s been walkin on air since he got back Samantha, he’s told everyone.” Dutchy said. Samantha smiled an left.

“Well, now we have a problem.” Charm said.

“What’s dat?” Dutchy ast.

“Who’s gonna be da ushers an bridesmaids. You also need a best man, who’s it gonna be?”`

Dutchy shrugged an said, “I don’t know, I really don’t know.”



Dat night, Charm sat wit Jade an Buttafly. “So, fer da weddin I’se gonna have you, Buttafly, as da flower goyl an Jade, youse gonna be da maid of honor, okay?”

“Shoa!” Buttafly exclaimed. “But, see, can Snipeshooter be da ring bearer?”

“Dat’s up ta Dutchy, Buttafly.” Charm said, smilin at her sista. She walked away ta where Dutchy was standin wit Mush, Race, an Blink.

“What are ya gonna do bout ushers Dutch?” Blink ast.

“I have no idea! I can’t not pick anyone!” Dutchy cried.

Charm came up behind Dutchy an kissed his cheek. “Hey. What’s up?”

“Problems wit tryin ta find ushers. I can’t not pick anyone.” Dutchy sighed.

“Well, um, couldja pick Snipeshooter fer da ring bearer?” Charm said, lookin at Dutchy.

“Shoa, why not? But, what am I gonna do bout a best man? I can’t do dis!” Dutchy yelled an ran out of da room.

Charm started ta cry an Mush put his arm around her. “Don’t worry Charm, he’ll come around.”

Racetrack shot Mush a look an Mush quickly removed his arm. “Mush, I know what ya meant by doin dat.” Charm said softly, snifflin. “But, I don’t know if he will come around. I know ya meant well, but, I t’ink youse lyin ta me, Mush.”

Mush looked at Race an shrugged, “He will come around Charm, don’t worry bout it.”

Charm stared afta Dutchy an said, “Youse too late … I’se worried already.”



Dutchy was sittin on his bunk, starin up at da ceilin. Charm was standin wit Jack, Crutchy, Skittery, Itey, Bumlets, Snitch, an Specs. She looked ova at him an said, “I t’ink Dutchy’s mad at me.” She sighed.

“Mad at ya? Why?” Crutchy ast.

“I dunno, he don’t tawk ta me no more, he hasn’t said one woid ta me since he left da room sayin he couldn’t take it anymore. I t’ink he’s mad an havin second t’oughts bout da weddin.” Charm’s eyes watered.

“I’se’ll see what’s goin on.” Skittery offered. Charm smiled t’anks at him. Skittery walked ova ta Dutchy. “Hey Dutchy.” Dutchy looked up as if awaken from a trance an said, “Oh, hi Skittery.”

“What’sa matta wit ya Dutch?” Skittery sat on da end of Dutchy’s bed.

“What do ya mean Skit?” Dutchy replied, sittin up. He looked ova at Charm who quickly looked away an started tawkin softly ta Snitch, Crutchy, an Bumlets.

“Youse bein distant lately Dutch, an more quiet than usual. Charm t’inks dat ya are mad at her an don’t wanna marry her no more. Now, let me say somethin hea, if ya don’t love Charm when ya know how much she loves you, den youse stupid.” Skittery said.

“I do wanna marry her but, I jist don’t know what we’se gonna do afta we get married. Ya know, I can’t live hea forever.”

“Charm ain’t askin much. She loves ya an wants ta marry ya, she don’t want nothin more.”

“Does she really t’ink I don’t wanna marry her no more?” Dutchy ast. Skittery nodded an den he said, “Oh man, I don’t believe it.”

“Go tawk ta her. Ask her what she says.” Skittery nodded at Charm.

Dutchy walked ova an said ta Charm, “Can we go somewhere an tawk, witout all da guys.”

Charm nodded an Dutchy took her hand an led her ta da side room. “Listen, I’se sorry bout bein so distant but, I don’t know what we’se gonna do afta we get married. I love ya but I can’t t’ink of anythin we could do afta we get married.”

Charm smiled at Dutchy an said, “It don’t matta ta me. I jist wanna be wit you.” Charm kissed Dutchy on da cheek.

“Are ya shoa it don’t matta?” Dutchy ast, not believin da goyl who was once Jewel wanted ta be wit him.

Charm kissed Dutchy an he said, “Fine, if you’d like ta t’ink bout it, get back ta me.” Charm hit Dutchy playfully on da side of da head.

“Hey! What didja do dat fer?” Dutchy laughed. Dutchy wrapped his arms around Charm an kissed her. Den, he started ticklin her.

“Dutchy! Stop it!” Charm squealed.

“Fine, fine.” Dutchy stopped ticklin her.

Kloppman ran in an said, “Oh good, you’re not sick!”

“Sick?! Who’s sick?!” Dutchy ast.

“Almost everyone! When you left, everyone was really pale an they were getting hot or cold and I don’t know what to do!” Kloppman cried out.

“I’se’ll help,” Charm said. “I’se studied wit da medicine man at me village when I was little. Where are dey?”

“Charm, I don’t want you to get sick. Don’t.” Dutchy wrapped his arms around her.

“No, I’se gonna help!” Charm ran out of da room.



Mush was layin in da bed closest ta da door where Charm came in. Charm felt his forehead an he was burnin up. She wiped his forehead wit a cloth. Mush groaned an whispered, “Charm? Dat you?”

“Yea, it’s me. How are ya?”

“I’se fine, but, it’s really hot in hea, couldja open a window?” Mush was sweatin.

“Sh. I can’t Mush, da cold might make whateva ya got woise. Hea, lemme try dis.” Charm unbuttoned Mush’s shirt an took it off. She felt his chest an he was burnin up all ova. Dutchy walked in an saw her, but jist watched her, he didn’t say nothin, coise, he was gettin more nervous by da minute. “Feel betta?”

Mush nodded, “T’ank ya Charm.” Charm smiled, said ya welcome, an kissed Mush on da forehead. Dutchy’s whole body tensed up but he still said nothing.

She walked ova ta da next bed, where Race was layin. “How are ya Race?”

Race smiled an said, “Hiya Charm. I guess you an Dutchy didn’t get sick.”

“Nah, we didn’t. How are ya?” Charm sat on da end of Race’s bed.

“I’se fine. It’s kinda cold in hea t’ough.” Racetrack, unlike Mush, was shiverin.

“Hea,” Charm said, she gave Race anudder blanket. “Dat betta?” Race nodded an Charm kissed his forehead an left. Dutchy watched more intently as she went on. Charm did dat at every newsie, ast em how dey was doin, helped em in any way she could, kissed em on da forehead, an left.

When she was done wit all da newsies, Dutchy came ova an wrapped his arms around her waist. “How are ya?”

“Dutchy!” Charm exclaimed. “I’se can explain bout kissin all da guys!”

“I figured it out by da time ya got ta Racetrack. You was jist doin cuz dat’s da type of person ya are. How are you feelin, I mean, you was around all da guys who are sick?” Dutchy smiled at her when she toined around.

“I’se fine. What bout you? Youse lookin pretty pale, even fer you.” Charm felt Dutchy’s forehead an gasped, “Dutchy! Youse burnin up!”

Dutchy violently shook his head. “I’se fine Charm!” he said annoyed.

“No, you’re not,” Charm said softly. Charm slowly led a hesitant Dutchy ta da extra room, one of da only beds left. Buttafly an Jade, she lata loined, had went out west ta stay wit deir mudda afta dey wasn’t infected wit da sickness, a feva dey had neva seen before. “Lay down Dutchy. I’se’ll be back in a little, I hafta go check on Blink, he didn’t get sick eitha.” Dutchy slowly lay down, not wantin ta let Charm leave wheneva she could get sick, but nodded. Den he sighed, he didn’t feel no different.



“Blink? Blink, where are you?” Charm softly called out, walkin down da stairs.

“Charm?” she hoid a voice call out, falterin.

“Blink!” Charm yelled. Blink had collasped by da bottom of da stairs. “Blink! What happened ta ya?!”

“I-I-I’se collasped. Couldja help me upstairs?” Blink ast, he tried ta get up but fell right back down. Charm ran ova an put his arm around her shoulders. She helped him hobble up da stairs. She lay him down on his bed.

“Blink, are ya feelin betta?” Charm ast, concerned.

“I’se hot.” Blink replied shortly.

Charm tentatively replied, “Take off ya shirt, it’ll help.”

Blink looked at her like she was crazy. Charm insisted an finally, he did. Den he said, “Dat does feel much betta Charm, t’anks.” Charm smiled an kissed his forehead.

Den, she walked back ova ta Dutchy an said, “How are ya?”

“I’se fine Charm!” Dutchy protested.

“Well, if ya say so-but you ain’t gettin up yet!” Charm sighed. When Dutchy ast what was wrong, she replied, “All da newsies is sick now. I jist found Blink downstairs.”



A few days lata, all da newsies were gettin betta. Dutchy, who hadn’t been dat sick in da foist place, was up. All da otha newsies could get up but dey wasn’t supposed ta be up fer dat long. One day, while Charm was sittin wit Dutchy, Kloppman knocked at da door. “Hey Charm, ya got some help.” He opened da door da whole way ta reveal a dark-haired goyl.

Dutchy smiled an said, “Jive!”

“Dutchy!” da goyl, Jive, ran ova ta Dutchy. She hugged him while Charm looked on uncomfortably.

Dutchy quickly explained, “Charm, dis is Jive. Jive, dis is me fiancée Charm.”

“I’m glad ya found someone, since dat goyl Jewel broke ya heart.” Jive made a face at da t’ought of Jewel.

“I’se Charm, but ya might know me betta as Jewel.” Charm admitted weakly.

“Youse Jewel?! Dutchy, how couldja still be wit her afta she broke ya heart?!” Jive exclaimed, her mouth droppin open.

“It’s a long story dat I’se’ll explain ta ya lata,” Dutchy smiled. Den he said, “Ya betta help Charm, Jive. All of us newsies is sick … an I t’ink ya wanna see Blink.”

Jive toined ta Charm an said, “C’mon, let’s go.”

Charm walked ova ta Dutchy an kissed him on da cheek. “I’se’ll be back jist as soon as I can.” Dutchy kissed her nodded.



Charm went inta da newsies bunks an said, “Hey guys, someone’s hea ta see ya.”

Jive came inta da room an all da newsies exclaimed, “Jive!”

“Hiya everyone, how are youse?!” Jive smiled an laughed.

While she tawked wit everyone, she noticed dat Mush hadn’t said a woid. She walked ova ta him an gently whispered, “Mush?”

Mush could barely open his eyes. “Charm? Dat you?”

“Mush!” Charm gasped. “What happened?”

“I dunno, I jist woke up dis way when I hoid ya tawkin.” Mush whispered.

Charm put her hand ta his forehead. “Mush! Youse past burnin! How long have ta felt like dis?”

“Not long, but, see, I’se couldn’t yell out ta ya cuz me throat hoit too much.”

Charm leaned ova an kissed his forehead. “I’se gonna go get a doctor, I’se’ll be back in a little.” Witout sayin a woid, she walked out, put her coat on, an went ta Samantha’s house.



Charm came in, an hour lata, wit a doctor. He walked ova an looked at Mush, who was still lyin on da bed. He said gravely, “This boy should be taken to the hospital. He is very ill.”

Charm nodded an said, “I’se goin too. An dere ain’t nuttin ya can say ta stop me.”

Dr. Sanders looked ova at Charm an sighed, “I guess you can. But, are you sure it will be okay with your family?”

Charm tensed up wonderin what ta say. Dutchy, put his hand on her shoulder an replied fer her, “She doesn’t have family. She’s a newsie.”

Dr. Sanders face turned red. “I’m sorry – about your family I mean! I just assumed because you were friends with Samantha.”

“It’s okay.” Charm replied.

Dutchy said softly, “I’se comin too. If Charm’s goin, den I’se goin.”

“Fine. We’ll get this boy out of here and then you two come out.” Dr. Sanders left da newsies stunned.

Charm toined ta Dutchy an said, “Why’dja tell ‘im I ain’t got no family!” Charm had an incredibly thick Brooklyn accent when she wanted to use it.

“Cuz, ya fatha beat ya an ya mudda’s out west. Ya two sistas left when we all got sick. Dat’s why I said what I said.”

“Oh.” Charm said, kissin Dutchy’s cheek.

Dutchy walked wit her outside. He helped her inta da carriage as Charm sat holdin Mush’s hand. She whispered, “It’s gonna be okay Mush, don’t worry.” She let go of Mush’s hand an sighed.

Dutchy put his arm around her waist an said, “What bothas ya so much bout dis? I mean, da feva.”

“I had a younga sista.” Charm closed her eyes. “She was only t’ree when she got da same feva dat youse got. She died a few days lata an I promised meself if any of me friends got it dat I wouldn’t let em die like I let her die.”

“Oh Charm, Mush ain’t gonna die. I know he ain't.” Dutchy held Charm’s hand as she put her head on his shoulder.



A few hours lata, Mush was gettin betta. He was jist dehydrated an he’d be fine in a few days. Charm an Dutchy insisted on stayin, well, actually, Charm insisted on stayin an Dutchy said if Charm was stayin, so was he.

Charm was sittin by Mush’s bed when da nurse ast, “Honey, how are ya?”

Charm snapped out of a trance an said, “I’se jist fine, why?” “Well, it isn’t any of my business but, you look kinda pale and sick. Lemme take your temperature.” Da nurse stuck a thermomter in Charm’s mouth an when she took it out gasped an said, “A temperature of 103 degrees!” She opened a curtain an had Charm lay down in da same room as Mush.

Dutchy walked in an exclaimed, “Charm!? What are ya doin?!” Da nurse walked ova an said, “Are you family?” Cuz, if he wasn’t family, he had ta leave.

“He’s betta, he’s me fiancée.” Charm said.

“Oh, well then, he can stay in here. My name’s Carla, well, Nurse Carla to you. Forgive me for asking but, how old are you, um-”

“Charm.” Charm said emotionlessly.

“Charm, how old are you?” Nurse Carla ast.

“I’se seventeen.” She replied.

“And how old are you um-”

“Dutchy.” Dutchy told her politely.

“Dutchy. I mean, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“I’se eighteen.” He said, walkin ova ta sit at da end of Charm’s bed.

“Aren’t you two awfully young to get married?” she looked at Dutchy an Charm wit cold eyes.

“We ain’t gettin married yet, we’se jist engaged.” Charm said, layin back.

“Oh, I see.” Nurse Carla left.

Dutchy looked at Charm an said, “Do ya t’ink wese too young.”

Charm sighed an said, “I don’t t’ink age has anythin ta do wit it. I t’ink it’s all bout who ya are an how mature ya are. If we wanted to, I t’ink we could do it tomorrow.”

“But wese gonna wait, right?” Dutchy ast. Coise, he was t’inkin Youse know, maybe we should jist skip all dis an git married tamorrow.

“Coise, I wanna make shoa dat-”

“Dat wese right fer each otha?!” Dutchy ast in disbelief.

“No, dat I’se ready. Marriage is a big commitment. I ain’t shoa I’se ready fer dat, an besides,” Charm giggled, “It’d be hard ta be married an live wit all dose guys.”

“I guess.” Dutchy kissed her.



Mush woke up a few hours lata. He was sweatin but his feva was goin down. Charm was fine witin hours of layin down. Da nurse jist didn’t know how ta explain it. She an Mush left da hospital da next day.

When dey got back, everyone was tawkin ta Jive. Dutchy, Charm, an Mush slipped in, unnoticed.

Charm smiled as she saw Blink put his arm around Jive. Den, she walked inta da side room, not wantin ta get involved wit da conversation. Dutchy followed her an said, “What’sa matta wit you Charm?”

“Da matta? Wit me?” Charm said lookin away.

“Yea, wit you.”

“Dutchy, I’se t’inkin, maybe we should wait a while, I mean, I’se only seventeen an youse only eighteen.” Charm looked away sheepishly.

Dutchy kissed her cheek an said, “Dat’s a great idea.”

“Really?” Charm looked at him hopefully.

“Yeah. I love ya an I don’t wanna lose ya. Do ya still wanna be engaged?”

“Yea, jist so people t’ink we’se serious.” Dutchy took Charm’s arm an dey walked out tagether.

At dat moment, Charm t’ought of somethin, “Blink!” she called out. “What bout Samantha?”

Blink toined red an replied (more like explained ta Jive), “She dumped me earlier taday fer some guy from Queens.”

“I’se sorry. Well, no I ain't cuz now ya got Jive, right Jive?” Charm smiled.

Jive smiled an said, “Yea, so Jewe-I mean Charm, how have ya been since ya left? Or maybe dat’s since I’se left.”

“Fine, I’se can tell ya da whole, long, drawn out story lata. Hey, I hafta tell youse, Dutchy an I ain’t gettin married as soon as we all t’ought.”

“How soon are ya gonna git married?” Mush ast eagerly, cuz his love fer Charm was still jist as deep as it had been when she had foist come ta New York.

“Well, we’se sorta t’ink we’se too young. We will in a little. Okay? I guess I hafta call Sammie an tell her dat da weddin ain’t as soon as she t’ought.” Charm walked ova ta da phone an dialed. “Samantha? Yeah, listen … we’se fine … Blink’s fine, oh, you dumped dat guy from Queens already? Oh really? He dumped you? Well, I don’t t’ink Blink’s interested anymore, ya know … Dutchy an I ain’t gettin married any time soon. Sorry … good luck wit any otha newsies ya wanna t’row yaself at.” Charm paused an laughed. “No, I didn’t break up wit Dutch. No … it’ll be before the end of da millenium. Okay? Yeah, bye. No … no I don’t t’ink so,” Charm glanced at Blink who was sittin wit Jive starin at her. “I jist don’t t’ink he’s interested in you no more. Good-bye Samantha.” She hung up an walked ova ta Blink an said, “She wanted ta know if youse’d go out wit her again, I’se told her ya ain’t interested no more. She’s kinda mad now.”

Dutchy said, “Dat’s kinda funny, da mayor’s daughta beggin ta be wit a newsie.”

“No, it ain’t.” Charm said. Everyone looked at her an she smiled an said, “It’s da way it should be. I hung out wit em fer a year an all I can say is, all of youse guys is more gentlemen dan some of em dat I met. ‘Specially Pulitzer’s nephew. He’s so mean.”

“Well, you seen it from both sides of da fence, so, which side is greener?” Specs ast.

“Dis one.” Charm said, right ‘fore kissin Dutchy’s cheek.

“Why?” Dutchy ast, kissin Charm.

“You.” Charm kissed Dutchy again.

“Okay, okay, break it up, break it up.” Jack said, “Youse two need ta git a room fer dat – wait, wait, neva mind, youse really will.”

Everyone laughed an Dutchy an Charm smiled while stiflin laughter. “Very funny Jacky Boy.” Charm smirked. She knocked Jack’s black cowboy hat off his head.

“I know.” Jack replied puttin his hat back on.

“Where are all da otha guys at?” Jive ast.

“Most of da otha guys is at Medda’s.” Racetrack answered.

Charm gasped, “Oh my God! Dat’s where I’se supposed ta be.”

Charm cursed an Dutchy raised his eyebrows. “Sorry Dutch.”

“Why are ya supposed ta be dere?” Mush ast.

“Um, well see … I’se singin.” Charm admitted.

“You? Singin at Medda’s?” Jack laughed.

“Ya t’ink it’s so funny?!” Charm yelled. She stood up, straighed, an sung: (Author’s Note: Okay, okay, so the movie Titanic wasn’t out yet – an the stupid boat hadn’t even sunk yet an it won't for about thirteen more years (da year is 1899!) but, I like the song an I t’ink dat Charm would sing it great!)

Every night in my dreams,
I see you, I feel you,
That is how I know you go on,
Far across the distance,
And spaces between us,
You have come to show you go on,
Near, far, wherever you are,
I believe that the heart does go on,
Once more you open the door,
And you’re here in my heart and my heart will go on and on.

“How was dat … Jacky Boy?” Charm ast in a soft voice afta she was done.

“Wow.” Dat was all dat Jack could say.

“Thanks Jack. So, are ya guys comin or not?”

Dutchy smiled an said, “We wouldn’t miss dis fer da woild.”

Charm kissed Dutchy which prompted Race ta say, “Don’t youse two eva stop dat?”

“No.” Charm said, right before kissin Dutchy again.



When she got dere, Medda said, “Charm! Where have ya been?! I’se been waitin for ya!”

“I'se sorry, I forgot. I jist got out of da hospital, gimme a break Medda!” Charm said. Medda rushed her off back stage ta change.

Dutchy, Race, Jive, Blink, Jack, Snipeshooter, Specs, an Crutchy sat down by Skittery, Snitch, Itey, Bumlets, an Pie Eater. “Charm’s singin tonight.” Dutchy said.

Before anyone could reply, Medda came out an said, “Here’s a new girl, named Charm, singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’.”

Charm came out, walkin slowly. She had her blonde curls pulled up in a ponytail on top of her head. Her spiral blonde curls fell, framin her face. She had on a long, flowin blue dress. She smiled at Dutchy an da guys as she walked by. She started ta sing:

Every night in my dreams,
I see you, I feel you,
That is how I know you go on,
Far across the distance and spaces between us,
You have come to show you go on,
Near, far, wherever you are,
I believe that the heart does go on,
Once more you open the door,
And you’re here in my heart and my heart will go on and on,
Love can touch us one time and last for a lifetime,
And never let go until we’re gone,
Love is when I loved you,
One true time I hold to,
In my life we’ll always go on,
Near, far, wherever you are,
I believe that the heart does go on,
Once more you open the door,
And you’re here in my heart and my heart will go on and on.

During the music break, Charm smiled at da guys. Dutchy smiled up at her an she looked away. She looked around at da audience an smiled ta herself.

You’re here,
There’s nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on,
We’ll stay forever this way,
You are safe in my heart and my heart will go on and on.

(Author’s Note: Dis song belongs ta da movie Titanic, an Paramount Pictures. Probably Celine Dion too, she kinda sung it.)

Whenever she was done, da entire room burst inta applause. She smiled an bowed, some yelled, “Encore!” an soon everyone else was too. Charm went back inta da last verse.

You’re here,
There’s nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on,
We’ll stay forever this way,
You are safe in my heart and my heart will go on and on!!!!!!!!

Charm smiled, bowed again, an walked offstage. Backstage, Medda said, “Honey! That was great!” Medda hugged Charm an den said, “We need to get you a singing partner, I wonder if any of the guys can sing.”

“I don’t t’ink so.” Charm said slowly.

“Come tomorrow and you can sing your song again!” Medda said.

“I’ll be back. See ya tomorrow, same time?” Medda nodded an Charm said, “Bye Medda!”



When she walked out ta where da guys were, Dutchy came ova an hugged her. “Youse was jist great Charm!”

“T’anks Dutchy! But I messed up so bad!” she sighed.

“No way! You were great Charm!” Mush said eagerly.

“T’anks Mush but I was so nervous, I almost fell ova.” Charm laughed.

All da newsies walked ta da Lodgin House an when dey got dere, Kloppman said ta Charm, “Charm … someone’s hea ta see ya. Upstairs.”

Charm looked at Kloppman an nodded slowly. She carefully walked up da stairs wit all da othas followin her. When she gently pushed open da door, she saw a goyl sittin on her bed. “Who are you?” she ast da goyl.

Da goyl toined around an said, “Charm!”

“Yea, well, who are ya?” Charm ast again.

“It’s me … Buttafly!” Buttafly exclaimed. Charm ran ova an hugged her sista.

“Buttafly?! But – but you went out west wit Jade!” Charm smiled.

“I came back … our mudda t’ought it’d be betta fer me if I lived ova hea wit you. She told me ta give ya dis.” Buttafly handed Charm a box.

Charm opened it an pulled out a feather. It was a small black feather wit a bigger purple one attached. It had a smaller feather wit it dat was black wit red polka dots. She fingered it fer a while an den stuck it in her ponytail. “T'ank ya Buttafly.”

Dutchy an all da otha newsies looked at her funny an she said, “It’s a tribal ritual. Wheneva a goyl gets near her eighteenth boithday, she hasta start wearin a feather in her hair.”

“When’s ya boithday Charm?” Racetrack ast.

“Oh, it’s on Friday.” Charm replied nonchalantly.

“Oh.” Dutchy said. “So, why da feathers? You told us but, why?”

“Well, see, it’s a symbol in our tribe. A goyl from our tribe isn’t considered a woman until she wears a feather. Any otha questions?” Charm replied.

“Why didn’t Jade wear one?” Blink ast.

“Who’s Jade?” Jive ast, since she came back afta Buttafly an Jade left.

“Jade’s me sista. Blink, ta answer ya question, Jade’s adopted. She came from anudder tribe in which feathers aren’t the custom.”

“What is da custom den?” Crutchy ast.

“Da custom is to tattoo a ring of flowers around your bellybutton.” Charm laughed.

“Did you tattoo a ring of flowers on yaself Charm?” Racetrack ast.

Charm blushed an said, “Well, um, yeah.” Charm lifted her shirt up a little bit an everyone saw a thin ring of black flowers encircling her bellybutton. “Don’t do it ya guys. It hoits a lot.”

“Den, why’dja do it Charm?” Dutchy ast. Charm shrugged an Dutchy said, in mock annoyance, “Youse’d t’ink a goyl as pretty as you would have a little common sense.”

“Youse’d t’ink dat, wouldn’t ya?” Charm replied, laughin. She kissed Dutchy an he kissed her back. “But hey, people t’ink wrong.”

“I know.” Dutchy said. Charm knocked his hat off his head. “Hey! What didja do dat fer?”



Da next mornin, Buttafly was tawkin wit Boots an Snipeshooter while Charm was tawkin ta Jive. Jive ast Charm, “So, what did happen when you was Jewel?”

“Okay, I know dat it all makes me sound kinda evil but, hea it goes.” Charm took a deep breath an den started, “Me fatha knew dat Skittery’s parents owned a company in Maine. He wanted me ta go wit Skit so dat I could rob him. But, I fell in love wit Dutchy an I didn’t wanna go wit Skit no more. Afta a while, me fatha was gettin suspicious bout me so, I had ta break up wit Dutchy. Me fatha killed me t’ree brudders an at dat point he had already killed one. I knew dat if he knew I was goin wit Dutch an not Skittery dat he’d kill Dutchy. I love Dutchy too much ta let dat happen ta him so I had ta break up wit him. Den, when he caught me kissin Skittery, I left cuz I couldn’t live wit meself cuz I hoit him. Actually, he didn’t even tell me he was Spot Conlon. He jist told me his name was Joshua an we really weren’t in Brooklyn. I know I must have been thick not ta know he was Spot but no one eva told me. I went ta Brooklyn an lived wit Spot Conlon fer a while but I wasn’t wit him. Den, I came back an I started ta go wit Dutchy. Fer a long time he didn’t know dat I was Jewel. Dere ain’t much more than dat.”

“Wow.” Jive said. “Why didja come back?”

“Cuz I love Dutchy an I had ta see him again.”

“You really do love him, don’t ya?”

Charm nodded an smiled, “He was da only t’ing dat kept me alive when I lived wit me fatha. I almost killed meself an den I met Dutch. I love him.”

“Oh.” Jive replied. “I see.”

“Yea ya do.” When she gits a blank look from Jive she shakes her head an says, “Neva mind. So how’d ya become a newsie?”

“Me parents abandoned me an I’se been a newsie all me life. Fer da last eight months t’ough, I’se lived in da Bronx. A lot had changed hea since den, like dere used ta be a goyl’s bunk room. Now dere ain’t.”

“Jive, tell me da use of a goyl’s bunk if dere ain’t no goyls.” Charm smiled an laughed.

“Well, do ya know where Sunshine, Rag, or any of da otha goyls went?” Jive ast.

“No, I don’t. When I got hea, dere weren’t any goyls hea. Ask one of da guys.” Charm shrugged.

“I guess I’se’ll ask Blinky lata.” Jive sighed. “I jist wanna know where dey went.”

“Hey, we’se’ll find out. Anyway, youse hea now.” Charm said, smilin at Jive.

The End

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