{Insert Title Here} (a newsies fanfiction)

Chapter 6

{Crutchie's Perspective}
     I limped over to Jack's bed. I missed him. I knew he had to have a reason for beating up Davey. But he had been gone for almost a week now. I still couldn't believe Jack would do it. He was the most loyal friend I'd ever had. I was going to find out why he hurt Davey for myself. I looked around the room. The others boys sat sullenly. The lodging house was lonely without Jack. Romeo and Specs were at David's house, so I wouldn't have to worry about them stopping me. Race on the other hand, that could be difficult. He didn't want me leaving the house, since he didn't want anyone else getting hurt. I would have to sneak out. I picked up my crutch and slowly hobbled over to the door, avoiding his gaze. "Crutchie, where are you going?" he asked, taking his cigar out of his mouth. "The bathroom." I muttered. I wasn't very good at lying. Race raised an eyebrow. "Sit down Crutchie. Don't lie to me." Race sighed. "Let me guess, you wanna go find Jack?" I nodded. "Well, I was just thinking the same thing kid." Race smiled, and helped me up. I stared at him in shock. "R-really? I thought you were still mad at him!" I stuttered. "If I know anything about Jack, it's that he's loyal. And he would never, ever hurt David unless it was for a really good reason." he said, grabbing his bag.
     I limped behind Race. We walked down the street, and I accidentally bumped into a larger boy. "So sorry sir." I mumbled, and continued walking. I heard him and his friend whispering behind me. "Is that the cripple? David's friend?" one of them said softly. I walked faster. I heard footsteps behind me. "It's gotta be him." the taller one said. I tried to begin running, but I was grabbed from behind. The blonde one swung his fist into my stomach. Race shouted and kicked at him, but the other boy swatted him to the side. Then he took his foot and kicked me in the shin. I fell to the ground. He raised his fist. I braced myself for impact, lifting my hands above my head in fear. All of a sudden, the boy crumpled to the ground. Jack stood behind him with a rock, which he had obviously hit the boy with. "Take that Samuel." he smirked, then turned to face Clarence. "You have a stupid name." he stated, slamming the rock into Clarence's skull. "Wasn't that a little harsh?" I cringed. "Not for all he's done to Davey." he glowered, pure hatred in his eyes. "Nobody hurts my friends."