Straying - S.C

Part 2- Prices

SHIFTY'S POV

Rolling over to my side and slowly opening my eyes I caught a bit of light pouring through the window. Guessing I overslept a bit my only hope was that the rest of the boys were up by now. Stretching my legs out then sitting up there was no motivation to get up. With a sigh I got up and rubbed my eyes from sleep.

I threw on a new pair of clothes and brushed my hair and teeth. Having my own room away from the guys was nice so I wouldn't have to be with them every moment and other reasons. On the way out I grabbed my cap before making sure everyone was already up and outside. Some of the younger boys waited till everyone left so they didn't get trampled. I rolled my eyes at the thought of how reckless they all are.

"Hey Mop," I ruffled up one of the little kids hair.

"Aye Shifty!" He hugged my side which caught me off guard.

I only stared blankly still a little stunned by the gesture, until yelling could be heard off in the distance, "That's me'se cue boys."

Heading outside to where yelling came from it just looked like they could've been arguing over something stupid. Probably who could sell the most papes, there had been side bets with that one. Mostly they made them with just Mr. Williams.

"Aye Shifty!" General yelled  impatiently.

"Yeah what?" I asked.

"They jacked up the price!" Walker practically screamed.

Furrowing my brows I could only make out one word, "What!"

"You hear that Shifty! Sixty cents a hundred!" Walker swung his arms around while trying to exaggerate his actions.

"You know it's bad enough we don't eat what we don't sell!" Catch added in with a matched tone.

"Were all gunna be back sleeping on the streets!"

"This will bust us Shifty!"

"Aye pipe down its just a gag!" I yelled back.

Walking up to Williams my anger raised with every step I took towards him, slamming my fists down in front of him, "So why'd they jack em!"

"I don't know why you don't ask Mr. Publizer himself! Surely he'd like to have a nice chat with you," I gave that asshole a glare before walking into the complaining Newsies hoard.

"What are we gunna do Shifty?" They all asked.

I sat on the wooden steps as nothing came to mind. Rubbing my temples my eyes squinted with everyone shouting and crowding around demanding the same thing.

"Why does Shifty have to make all the rules," Multiple 'ooooo's came from around the area hearing that.

I snapped my head around and saw Connor with his arms crossed and a cheeky smirk plastered on his face. Sighing all I could think was 'why did I take this kid in'. I got up and walked over to him, his smirk dropping.

"Listen kid I'se the Bronx leader I'se thought I already made that clear, and jus cause you'se can talk don't mean people are gunna listen ta ya," I stepped closer to him and could see all the expression on his face drop.

"Ain't no one gunna stand up an protect you'se here, and from what I'se saw you don't know how to use your fists!" I lightly jabbed his stomach and he stumbled back.

Hunched over he hid his face not looking back up and keeping it down, his arms wrapped around himself. The boys laughed while some only stared. Maybe it was a bit much?