FAMILIAR | Spot Conlon

Chp. 26: Camryn's Back

*Jess perspective*

I stare out of the window of the girls orphanage. How was I so stupid? I didn't know watching a trolley strike would have gotten me put in the slammer. I was on my way to see Nick but now I won't see him for a month. Or anyone for that matter. The closest girls orphanage was in Manhattan so guess where I am? The city I grew up in.

"Home sweet home" I look around the room but no one is awake. Who said that? I bring my attention back to the window and see 3 people by the refuge across the street.

"But why are we's here?" Says a boy. I can't really tell in the light but he looks about 16 I think.

"Because Crutchy's here" Crutchy? That name sounds familiar but I can't put a finger on it.

"You sure Jack?" says another figure.

"I'm sure don't worry"

I watch them for a while and eventually one of them comes down from the roof on a rope. They are at the window talking to someone.

"Who are you" says a little boy inside the building.

"I's with Jack Kelly" Oh god. Jack Kelly. I's neva told anyone but I used to be a Manhattan newsie. Oh and that's why I know the name Crutchy. I met him before when I was here. If Jack is here then why don't I know who the other 2 are.

"I don't belie it" That must be Crutchy.

"Theys said a pretty goil was waitin but I's didn't think they meant yous" A girl? That's why I ain't never met them. Cause ones a bloody girl. I thought they would have learned that girl newsies don't fly in Hattan after my accident but I guess not.

"In the flesh"

I still can't get over the fact they have a new girl newsie. Or maybe she ain't a newsie. Just like a school girl or something they met on the streets.

"Ya know who's up on the roof?"

"Who"

"David and Jack" David ain't ringin a bell.

"Really? Is that you? Hey guys how ya doin" The 2 boys on the roof shush Crutchy. They're gonna get caught if he keeps talking so loudly.

"Listen Crutchy go get yer stuff. We's gettin ya outta here" Not another escape plan. Those never fly by Snyder except for one time. Oh.

"Well uh, actually, I ain't walkin so good" This guy really has it tough. Bein a crip and a newsie then getting hauled up in the refuge. I feel bad for him.

"Oscar and Morris kind of worked me over a little" I miss Manhattan but that is one thing I don't miss. The Delancey brothers.

"They hurt ya" Crutchy nods.

"But it's isn't yer fault. You did everythin ya could Camryn" Camryn? There's no way. I mean~ No that's not possible. But what if it is.

"Thanks"

I can't see their face so I'm not sure if it really is Camryn. New York is a big place. And maybe her mom found her and she's back home with her fancy dresses.

"Hey Davey, Camryn you know they still talk about how Jack rode outta here on that coach" Notice how he said on the coach. Jack didn't actually ride inside. He just hitched a ride and that happened to be the ride. I laugh at my joke but quickly quiet down when one of the girls stirs.

"Teddy Roosevelt's right?" The one and only. But of course Jack says he got all buddy buddy with him and rode inside. He likes to "improve the truth" as he calls it.

"Yous already heard the story"

"Yous mean it's true?"

"Of course"

Suddenly Camryn swings to the side of the window and finally faces me. The light form the window illuminated her face. That is Camryn. I never thought I'd see her again after she ran out. She doesn't see me but I still move to the side a bit. I can still see what's happening but I'm pretty sure she can't see me.

Suddenly Camryn slips off the rope and just barely catches it.

"Camryn!" The boy named David yells loudly. The whole street probably heard him. Snyder starts walking to the door but a little boy blocks it.
My hands fall off and they catch the rope a few inches from the bottom. The boys pull her up once Snyder is gone and they go back to wherever they came from.

So Camryn is in Manhattan and she's probably a newsie too knowing her. I gotta tell Spot. He cares about her so he'll want to know shes in Manhattan. Now I just need to figure out how to get out of here.

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I felt bad since they were kinda the same chapter so you guys get 2 today!