Hidden ( A Newsies Fan Fiction)

Chapter 27: Guy Talk

"What are ya doing here?" Crutchie asked softly. Mikey jumped up from the bed, blushing and wiping the tears from his cheek. "What's wrong?"

Mikey sighed and handed him the note. He read it to himself. "Oh," he whispered.

Mikey stared at the floor. "I'm sorry," he said in a barely audible voice.

Crutchie smiled sadly. "Ya don't need ta apologize." Mikey looked up. He had been expecting him to be angry. "Ya really love her don't ya?"

"Yes," Mikey replied.

Crutchie grinned. "She really is somethin', isn't she?" Finally, Mikey smiled.

"Yeah!" he exclaimed. "When we first met, she punched me in da face!"

"What?" Crutchie laughed.

"I had come up behind her ta ask her somethin', and she spun around and hit me!" They both laughed. They could picture her doing that with ease.

"She saved my life," Crutchie whispered, suddenly serious. He told Mikey about their first meeting. His eyes widened as he listened.

"Do ya think she loved ya then?" he asked.

"Nah," Crutchie shrugged. "She got put in da refuge 'cause of me. If anythin' she probably hated me."

"She didn't hate ya," Mikey said with certainty. "I've known Julie for years. She ain't got it in her ta truly hate anyone, unless they try to hurt someone she loves." Crutchie smiled. "Besides, she knew the risks. She knew how you felt, since she'd been abused as well."

"So what are ya gonna do now?" he asked, cautiously.

Mikey's smile disappeared. "Well, I think I'm gonna head out ta Brooklyn for a little," he said. "I can see Spot."

Crutchie nodded. "I think that's a good idea. Give each other a little space," he said, putting a hand on Mikey's shoulder. "Everything will be fine."

Mikey smiled. "Thanks," he said.

Suddenly, they heard the sound of footsteps outside the door. "Go!" Crutchie whispered urgently. "They can't catch you here!" Mikey rushed over to the window, gave Crutchie a little wave, and hoisted himself out of the window and vanished from sight.