"You picked the wrong punk mate!" I yelled after them; the Delancey Brothers. Morris was running with one hand under his bleeding nose, and Oscar didn't even look back. As soon as they're out of sight I stumble back against the wall, I'll definitely have a black eye tomorrow. Ever since I first arrived in this city those two have been getting on my nerves, and when I caught them trying to steal my last few pennies things got a little out of hand.
"Ya got some fight, kid." I looked up to see a boy leaning against the wall near the opening of the alleyway. "Those Delanseys can be a real pain in the ass if you don't stand up for yourself. " I noticed his clothing is old and dirty, similar to mine, and an old cigar was hanging of his lips.
"Ah, well, thanks?" I said, a little unsure what to make of this stranger.
"So, who'se you?" He asked with his thick New York accent, taking a few steps in my direction.
"Who are you?" I asked back. If I learned anything trough living on the streets these last few weeks, it's that you never trust a stranger, ever.
"A little defensive maybe? That's alright, I don't need'da know if you don't wanna tell. The name's Racetrack Higgins, pleasure to meet ya." He stepped forward and extended his hand, which I gladly took. As we shook hands he pressed something hard and cold into my palm. "Come by the news wagons tomorrow mornin' and I'll introduce ya to my friends." He squeezed my hand a little and let go. "See ya, kid." And with that, he left. I looked down to see that the cold object he placed in my palm was a copper coin. Who was that boy?
I woke up the next morning with a big bruise on my cheek and a decision that had been keeping me awake all night. I couldn't stop thinking about the mysterious boy I met yesterday. Who was he? Well, he told me who he is, Racetrack Higgins, but what is that for a name? I'm just not sure if I should really go and meet with him. He seemed nice, and it's not like I've got anything better to do anyways. But what if they're just like the Delanceys? I'll just get up and decide on the way there, I can always go back. I crawl off the floor and pick up the old blazer that I used as a mattress tonight. It's slightly too big and as dirty as can be but it's the only thing I've got left. I stretch my back and start climbing down the ladder of the fire escape. Sure, it hadn't been the most comfortable place to spend the night but it was the best I could find.
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When you've got Friends
FanfictionAfter a long time struggling at home and running away, Kith ends up alone in the big, noisy streets of New York. That's where they meet a boy named Race, who introduces them to the newsies; a group of wild teens selling newspapers to get by. Kith q...
