Dark Alleys, Light Papers

Chapter 1

There ain't nothing like running through the streets of Lower Manhattan at night from two sick brothers. The streets are like a maze, only with more bait. Let me introduce myself first.

Hi! I'm Dot, Dot Kelly. I am 15 years old, purple eyes, blonde hair, and a nose for danger. I spend most of the time with my head in a book or writing. I also doodle! I'm an orphan and I was told I had a brother, though I don't know where he is now.

Anyways, back to the point. I was running from the Delancys. You know, two brothers who are just jerks. They make sure the newsies are doing what they are supposed to be doing. Like most people who had a good brain, I ran. As I ran, I dodged many of the other folks that were making their way back home after work. I almost ran into two newsies, one had a crutch, but I turned down an alley before I could hit them. I kept running till I saw the wall, a dead end.

I watched in fear as the brothers advanced. I puffed my chest out and tried my best to look tough but I'm pretty sure I look like a stupid girl who wanted to be a wrestler. 

"There she is." One brother yelled. I clenched my fists till I could feel my nails digging into my skin.

"Oh, hey boys! Long time no see?" I yelled back. One grabbed my arm and I bit him as hard as I could. I punched and kicked and screamed too. I had managed to sock one in the eye and nose but was return with the same. I kept hitting them as hard as I could and eventually, I overpowered them! I let my guard down for a millisecond and was greeted with a backhand slap, causing me to fall to the ground. One kicked me in the stomach and I groaned. I covered my face as I braced for more when somebody spoke.

"Hey Oscar! Looks like you needs fighting lessons from the kid." The newsie from earlier called out. "It must be so disappointin' for you to lose to someone half your size, and a goil none the less. Youse two is losin' yer touch." Oscar growled and started walking toward the newsie while the other brother picked me up and held me to the wall by my throat. I grabbed at the hand and clawed at my throat with no success. The newsie behind him with the crutch seemed to whisper something to the other. The newsie in front punched Oscar hard in the face and caused him to crumple to the ground. As blood began to flow, the other brother ran over to help Oscar and the newsie smiled, "Get outta here before I soaks both of youse."

The brothers growled and ran out the alley. "This ain't over yet." Oscar yelled. Once they left, I tried to stand up but slid back down. I sighed.

"Thanks." I gasped. The one with the crutch sat next to me and looked me up and down.

"You looked like youse was holdin' up pretty well without us." He smiled.

"Well, I would've been out sooner or later if you didn't show up when you did." I smiled. The boys carefully helped me up and we started to walk. I sighed. "So, what are your names?"

"My name's Jack and this here's Crutchie. What about you?"

"Dot. Do you have last names?" I asked kindly.

"Kelly. Jack Kelly. Crutchie ain't got one. Not one I know about, anyway."

"What a coincidence! My last name is Kelly too!" I smiled but coughed. "That hurt." Jack chuckled softly.

"Going anywhere?" Crutchie asked kindly. I stared at the ground.

"The street. In a bad neighborhood." I explained.

"Youse can stay with us tonight." Jack recommended.

"That'd be great! Thanks so much!" I smiled, this time I didn't mind the pain.