Chapter 16: What If?

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"Alright. Do you understand the plan Sam?" Race asks from outside the bathroom door.

"I'm not sure about this Race. Isn't this kind of risky? I mean, what if it doesn't work?" I reply as I zip up the zipper on the back of my dress.

"It will work. I know it will. Oscar and Morris are easily distracted."

I poke my head out around the door. "And you know this how?"

"Um...I may or may not have spent a few nights in the refuge myself," Race says, shifting his weight.

I roll my eyes and shut the door once again. "Why do I have the feeling you are making me do this for your own pleasure?"

"I'm not...for the most part. Look, this is about your brother. Now hurry up!" Race shouts.

I take a deep breath and look at myself in the mirror. My hair is lightly curled into a pony tail. I'm wearing a sparkly red dress that only goes down to my knees with black heels.

"Wait, Race where did you get all these clothes? None of this stuff belongs to me," I call out.

"Um...that's a story for another time!" Race yells.

I poke my head out. "Racetrack Higgins, if you weren't helping me get my brother back, I would kill you immediately."

Race smirks. "Good think I'm helping you then."

I roll my eyes and open the door. "I feel stupid."

"Well you look hot," Race replies kissing me.

I push him away. "Stop. I'm doing this for Ross, not you. But, how is this suppose to work?"

Race sighs dramatically. "I told you already. You go into the refuge and find Oscar and Morris to 'apologize' about making a scene at Medda's. Then do whatever you can to distract them."

"So, why do I have to wear this?" I say, motioning to my outfit.

Race shrugs. "It will help you distract them."

I cringe but quickly shake it off. "Alright fine. What about Ross?"

"I will sneak into the refuge while you are with Oscar and Morris. I'll find the cell Ross is in and pick the lock."

"Wait," I interrupt. "You can pick a lock?"

"Do you know me, Sam? Yes, I can pick a lock. Anyways, I'll pick the lock, get Ross, and bring him here. It's easy!"

I raise an eyebrow. "And how will I know it's safe for me to leave?"

"Um...take a guess?"

"Race!" I yell.

"Ok fine. Once I'm out I'll knock on the door of the refuge before I run back here to signal it's safe," Race says.

I nod. "Race, are you sure this is safe?"

"Well I hope it's safe," Race says with a laugh.

I frown a bit. "I'm being serious. I see so many red flags with this plan involving either Ross or me."

"So, I'm not special enough for your 'red flags'," he replies sarcastically.

I sigh, a bit annoyed. "I just don't want any of us getting hurt!"

Race steps back. "Ok. Listen, as soon as I take Ross back here, I'll go back and look for you. If I don't find you on the streets I'll go into the refuge and get you."

"What if I get out and you just don't see me?" I ask.

"Why do you ask so many questions?" Race smirks but quickly wipes it off when he sees that I'm not smiling. "Than I'll come back here when I realize you're safe."

I look at him before finally giving in. "Fine! Let's go."

"One more kiss?"

"Race. Walk. Now," I say pointing to the door.

"Geez, your no fun today," Race mumbles as he heads out the door.

"I'm sorry. My brother is currently in the worst place in New York and I'm a bit worried," I reply sarcastically as I follow him.

"I told you Sam, everything is going to be fine."

"But what if it isn't?" I ask looking down. Race stops, causing me to run into him. "Hey!"

He turn around. "I wouldn't be making you do this if I wasn't sure this would work. I wouldn't put you or Ross in that type of danger."

I smile as I hug him tightly. "I know you wouldn't. I'm just really scared."

Race hugs me back. "I know. But you can do this. Now, are you ready?"

I look up at him with nervous eyes. "I guess so."

He reached for my hand and squeezes it. "You can do this. I swear everything is going to be alright."

I nod as we continue to walk the short distance to the refuge. From the outside, it looks the perfect place to send homeless kids to get help, but all of the newsies know the real truth that hides behind the metal gates.

I let go of Race's hand and take a deep breath before walking towards the entrance.

"Hey, Sam?" Race calls. I turn around to face him. Just by looking into his eyes, I can tell her is just as nervous as me. "Be safe."

I smile before turning around and walking through the gates. This was it. I can't turn back now.






(Happy Christmas Eve everyone🎄So, this story is slowly coming to an end. Don't worry, there are still more chapters coming, but it is starting to come to a close. However, I'm currently planning a sequel to this book. I'm even starting the first draft of the first chapter. When it comes out, would you guys read it? 🦄🦄)

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