The Crutch's Sister

Troubles

 Kicks' POV

I broke free from Morris's grip and kicked Oscar in the groin. I dove in the water and swam to Les, who was having trouble treading water.

"Kicks! Help!" Les shouted, crying violently. I swam faster and looped my left arm beneath his underarms. I paddled back to the dock using my right arm.

"It's okay, Les. I got ya." I said, breathing heavily and shivering in the cold water.

Davey's POV

I punched Morris and rushed up to Oscar and proceeded to push him into the choppy water. I looked from the dock and saw Kicks and Les bobbing helplessly. Kicks grabbed Les and stared paddling back. Morris put me in a headlock from behind. I reared up and flipped him into his back and off of mine. I ran to the edge of the dock and watched as Kicks and Les grew closer.

Kicks' POV

Les was holding tightly onto my left arm as I paddled back to the dock with my left. We reached the dock and Davey reached out for us.

"Take Les!" I shouted as a wave engulfed me. Davey grabbed a shivering Les and reached out for my hand. I reached for his when an arm went around my neck and pulled me away from the dock. I was able to catch a glimpse of Oscar when was shoved underneath the water. I was screaming for help and swallowing the salty water. I heard Davey shout my name when my head briefly touched the surface. I was running out of air and too quickly. I heard a splash and felt someone remove the arm from my neck and pull me out of the water. I closed my eyes and rested, but as I did this, I could hear shouts of protest.

Spot's POV

After Kicks had run away, I followed her and Davey to the docks. I watched as the Delanceys threw the little kid into water. I moved into sight when I saw Kicks jump in after the kid. Davey grabbed a hold of the him, but Kicks was being shoved underwater by Morris. I ran up the dock and jumped in. I knocked Morris away from Kicks and swam with her as fast as I could to the dock.

"Take 'er!" I shouted, lifting Kicks' limp arm up. Davey grabbed her arm and pulled her up. I hoisted myself up onto the dock and bent next to Kicks. She looked very lifeless and pale. I entwined my fingers together and started pressing the palms of my hands onto her chest. Davey was watching with the little kid under his arm.

"C'mon, Kicks." the little kid whispered.

Kicks' POV

My eyes opened wide and I took a huge gasp of air. I coughed up water and lifted my head to the side. I took long, slow breaths and looked at who was around me. I saw the relieved faces of Les, Davey, and Spot.

"Kicks!" Les shouted, throwing his arms around my neck. I fell back and hugged him tightly. Davey joined our hug and sighed. I looked over at Spot, who was soaking wet from head to toe. I stood up and threw my arms around his neck.

"Thanks." I whispered.

"You damn newsies are gonna have hell ta pay! Ya hear me?!" Oscar shouted from a neighboring dock. I looked over at the two brothers and proceeded to flip them off. We walked away from the dock and back into the city.

"We gotta head home. The others will be wondering where we are." Davey said, shaking Spot's hand. "Thank you." He took Les's hand and started walking.

"I don't know what would happen if you didn't follow us." I said, turning to Spot. His face turned pink.

"How did ya know that I was following ya?" he asked.