Straying - S.C

Part 6- Denton

SHIFTYS POV

Winning one part of the strike was one thing but continuing on with it was another. My mind pondered over different things with nothing to do. Sitting in Tibbys restaurant while my head rested on my balled up fist was definitely the definition of doing nothing. I hated having nothing to do because overthinking things was not my strong suit.

My head was clouded with thoughts as my eyes were studied on the table. It was the most interesting thing at the moment. After a few seconds it ended up not being the most entertaining thing and Catch made his way into my mind. I hadn't seen him after we had beaten the scabbers. Hopefully he hadn't been hurt and had come along with everyone else, it was just weird I haven't seen him. Then the worst thing is he could have been taken by the bulls.

Almost all the hattan newsies sat and stood around the dinner, waiting on whatever everyone else was. Though my patience was running out and sitting down all day wasn't on the agenda. Nothing was back in the Bronx now, staying with hattan meant we had a better chance to work everything out. But only if we were to win this thing then of course we'd all have something to go back for.

With a sigh I leaned back into the booth crossing my arms. Overlooking the area my eyes caught no other than Spot. Although he wasn't completely facing me I had a good angle to overlook all his features. His newsboy cap remained on the table letting his hair loosely fall around as the sun shone through the window making it appear almost blonde. He smiled at something the newsie in front of him joked about. Without realizing it a smile made its way to my face, it's not everyday you get to see Spot Conlon smile. His jawline stood out and seemed to distinguish everything else as his side profile faced me.

I watched and slowly regretted when a smirk made its way onto his lips. My eyes closed hoping he would think I was just looking around as I mentally cursed myself for staring and even more when my cheeks started to heat up. A sharp kick to the leg made me wince, before looking up ready to punch someone only to see Catch.

"Sorry," He smiled.

"That was damn well on purpose an a witness would take my side."

"Who? Spot?" Crossing his arms a small laugh left him.

Quickly getting up my shoulder roughly hit his while my attention remained on Jack. Placing my palms on the table he remained at, staying in his own world.

"So uh, what are we'se even waitin for cowboy?" I questioned him.

"You'll see don't worry bout' its," Jack shrugged not even looking up.

With a scoff Mush patted my back from the seat next to me.

"Yeah don't worry bout' it, if Jacks says theres something theres something!"

"Heres hoping.."

I wanted to believe Jack although who would want to even pay attention to orphaned street kids selling some news for lunch. Half of me agreed and half didn't, still when the man with the camera had come to see us at the gates and take a picture it must've not been for nothing. Having your own picture in a pape is something pretty special so winding up in one just to be recognized for a minute would be fine for me.

The ring of bell caught everyone's attention as someone had pushed open the door to come into the diner. Realizing it was the reporter from before had me standing straight. He was the one at the strike who had lined us up to take a picture of everyone. Walking in he carried a newspaper in his hand raising it up to show it off.

"See?" Jack quickly shot towards me.

"Yeah I'se not blind," I shot back before sending him a fake smile.