Not Want, But Need (A Racetrack Higgins Love Story) COMPLETED

Chapter 38: Planning

Meg P.O.V.
I wake up in the Brooklyn Lodging House. Wait... the Brooklyn Lodging House? Last time I checked I was in 'hattan crying in a closet??? What the hell?

I get up and notice Race sleeping on the opposite side of the bed where my feet lay. I mumble some curses under my breath. "Aye, iz ain't good ta speak like dat." Race groans. "Yeah yeah yeah, shut it Higgins." I pull up my suspenders. "Oh, now me name is Higgins? No Race?" I snap at him, "I'll call youse what Ise wanna call youse understand?" He rolls over facing the wall. "Now get ya lazy ass up and attem cause taday is da day wese been waitin for!"

After the Bronx Bums... oops, I mean heh, the Bronx Newsboys came and tried to scare us, Mick, Jack, and I decided to get them back for it. In two days Ace, and two dozen newsies from each of the defending burrows will go to Long Island. I'm thinking of sending Race, less time he will be here.

Now I stand at the top of the staircase and I whistle loud enough to wake up my boys. Grunting and groaning they all come out. They're not complaining, because I taught them some manners (not like how Spot teaches them.)

Five minutes later, Ace is leading the Newsies down the steps, me counting each one, making sure there are exactly 48, including Mr. Duggen, the owner of the place. Him and his wife live downstairs. There children are all grown up and have moved out, with kids of them own. Mrs. Duggen has retired to her bed, but with recent doctor visits have been able to aid herself, and can walk over to the restroom.

Walking to the circulation center, I ignore Race. Instead I talk to Muddy. "Heya Mud how's ya sleep?" He shrugs, "Iz was fine Ise guess, woke up to a foot in me face!" I laugh, "Ya know, there's this Newsie from 'hattan, names Itey, youse would be great friends." "I'll keep dat in mind, thanks Meg!" He runs off. Finally the bell rings and everyone piles in. Since i'm the leader, I go first and cut everybody.

"Heya Mr. Nugget!" I ask for a pape to look through. "My name is Mr. Nuggitt! (Nu-g-eyt)"
"Sure Nugget, jus gimme da usual." He rolls his eyes and shoves the papes to me. I blow him a kiss. He "flips the bird" on me (aka middle finger). "I know ya love me Nugget!" I yell from behind. "Yeah sure Baletti!"

I wait for the other Newsies and the leaders meet at Tibby's. I meet the leaders from Midtown, Flushing, Richmond, and Woodside. We all plan on surrounding the Bronx Lodging House and soak 'em except for the little ones.

We spit shake and plan to meet at 5pm there.