Where's that get ya?

[Jenson Lowmer]

Midtown...how in God's name did he end up here? He knew how. Once again he'd been being stupid and not thinking. Jens had casually walked into a store just to look around. Then he'd decided he wanted a nice deck of cards. Why pay? Glancing around to see that no one saw him he dropped the deck into his pocket. However Just as he did so the man at the counter looked up and saw him. Jenson knew the drill, he'd been through this before, as quickly as he could he booked it out of the store into the streets and ran for his life. As the coppers chased him he laughed. Jens loved making trouble. As he ran he raced down every back ally he could until he lost the cops. Then he realized he was lost.

He'd hear of this place. Everyone said stay away from Midtown, but here he was. Jens walked close to the building walls. He had his blue Union hat pulled down over his eyes. He looked down. All he could see were his old boots and the ground in front of him. He just wanted to go on unnoticed. He knew which way he had to go, he just hoped he'd make it there in one piece.

Jenson looked up for a moment. The sky was overcast making it seem darker than it really was. Two rough looking men across the street stared at him menacingly. Jens knew he looked out of place. He tried to hide his fear, but he knew they could see it in his dark blue eyes. Quickly he pulled his cap back over his eyes.

"Where you think you're goin'?" the one man shouted. Jens picked up his pace and continued walking.

[Bella Braxton]

Bella Braxton leaned back against the cold filthy wall, squeezing her emerald eyes shut, trying to block everything out. She was still shaking violently, from both the scare and the chill of the night. The day that had began as a beautiful, romantic dream, had monstrously transformed into a dark chilling nightmare. She fought back the tears, she hated herself for crying. She'd never been so scared her entire life.

Mike.

When Bella first met Mike D. Greaser, by ironic chance, he was like a dream. Tall, dark, and handsome, the guy was a real Adonis. Sure, his accent had spooked her a bit. He was English, just like Camden. She squeezed her fists in anguish, feeling the pain and betrayal swell up in her heart, mixing together in a heavy concoction of sorrow. Never, would she have guessed just how much Mike would turn out to be like Camden, her relentless tormentor. It was impossible! Mike had been so wonderful and gallant, buying her roses, kissing her forehead, softly caressing her hair. She felt the tears well up again, streaming down her cheeks, trickling down her neck.

She hadn't cried in awhile. At least not like this, out in the open and all. Bella was a sweet girl, but she was tough, and was usually real good at hidin' her feelings. Well... most of 'em anyway. Mike had been a real charmer, and after hurting so much over her true love, Jack Kelly, she prolly would have followed him anywhere... He coaxed her and charmed her all the way to the dark shadows and hazy smoke of Midtown. He'd brought her down this danged ally shoved her violently against this very wall, its jagged surface digging painfully into her back.

He'd let his lips run wild. Evil, feverish kisses on her full lips and pale neck. She shivered at the memory. God! How could she had been so gullible! She trusted this guy, the minute she met him, she told him stuff, shared laughs, and even felt herself falling for him. Trust. Where's that get ya? she thought bitterly. Nowhere. She could still hear his smooth voice and those awful words drifting through the haze of cigarette smoke. "You were right to fear the English, my dear," he pressed his finger to her lips as he placed a torn rose blossom in her hair. "We are a dangerous breed." She hadn't seen the wickedness in his smile until that moment.

Painfully, she pounded her first hard against the wall, and screamed into the night. "You were supposed to be different Mike! You were supposed to save me, and help me forget!" But, instead Mike had thrown his lot in with Camden. An alliance of evil if she had ever saw one. Mitch had been waiting in the shadows and the two of them were to deliver her to Camden, in exchange for Camden's aid in the heartless massacre of the man she truly loved, Jack Kelly. When scolded by Mitch for kissing "the skirt," as he had called her, Mike had grinned at Bella daringly, "Consider it my commission." If it wasn't for the sighting of Jack in Manhattan, Bella Braxton would be forced into Camden's cold, iron arms this very minute.

She sighed deeply, and crumpled to the ground, laying her head back against the jagged wall. Course her current situation wasn't much better. Mike had handcuffed her during the violent kissing, and Mitch had tied her ankles, convincing Mike that they would come back for her after "dealing" with Jack. God! She would give anything to save him! Even after choosing Sarah Jacobs over her, Bella realized her heart would forever belong to Jack Kelly. She hugged her knees, miserable.

Suddenly she heard the rough yelling of two men. But, it couldn't have been Mike and Mitch! They had just left! Maybe they changed their minds, she thought fearfully.

"Where you think you're goin'?"

Well, whoever it was, sure wasn't talkin to her. Bella wasn't going anywhere... Then she saw a boy run in front of the ally into view. He looked to be her age, with short messy sandy blond hair, tan skin, and navy blue eyes that matched his weathered union cap. He looked scared, but Bella could easily see he was trying to hide it, as he threw a glare back at the hidden threats. It was the night for trouble she thought. Maybe they could help each other she thought hopefully. He looked like a good guy anyway. Bella was wary to talk to any strangers after the nightmare with Mike, but she was runnin' out of options. Here's hopin' Mr. Union Cap was friendly. Softly she called out to the blond-haired runner.

"Hey pal, Looks like trouble found you tonight too. What say we help each other out, huh?"

[Jenson Lowmer]

"Hey pal, Looks like trouble found you tonight too. What say we help each other out, huh?"

Jens turned quickly to see who exactly was speaking to him. He was astonished to see a girl his age sitting in the dark ally tied up. Then again, this was Midtown; why should he be surprised by that? Jens wasn't sure weather to run to the girl and help her or run the other way. He wasn't sure where helping her would get him. It could be a trap. He looked back at the girl. Jens felt his heart drop when he realized she was crying. He was such an idiot- there was no way he could turn his back on the poor thing.

"Hey are you ok?" He whispered running to her side. "What happened?" Jens quickly got her ankles untied. He realized that getting her hands uncuffed wouldn't be as easy. "Uh... do you know how to get these unhooked?" Jens asked. He felt so stupid. As he looked into the girls sparkling green eyes he froze. There was something so familiar about her. He'd seen her before, but where? He figured he'd just passed her walking in the street one day.

Jens's hands were shaking from the cold. He looked back to the street. A chill of fear went down his spine. He prayed that no one would bother them. He didn't want to get killed not tonight. Things were finally workin' out ok for him...

Only a few days before this whole incident Jens had made a new friend. Mr. Drake Camden. Not only had Jens befriended the man, but he had agreed to help the man in finding a lost friend of his. A girl named Bella. Jens was so happy to help Camden and reunite the two friends. He thought a moment of Camden. That was it! That was where he'd seen this girl before. Not just on the streets of New York, but also in the pencil sketch Camden had given him. Jens could barely contain himself.

Suddenly he remembered in the state he'd found Bella and that she was still handcuffed. Camden would hate to hear this about his friend. "Bella, who did this to you?" Jens asked with great worry and sadness.

[Bella Braxton]

"Hey are you ok?" He whispered running to her side. "What happened?"

Bella was shocked by the stranger's immediate compassion, and the true kindness reflected in his dark blue eyes. She wondered what such a swell guy was doin' in a creepy place like this...Likewise, waves of relief washed over her, as she heard the guy's voice. An All-American, True Blue, Brooklyn Accent. Yep, this was one a the good guys! Lately all she'd been hearing was arrogant English accents from Mike and Camden. God, she could happily live the rest of her danged life without hearin' another one! Sure, there had to be some good English fellas out there, but she sure ain't met any.... Suddenly, Bella remembered that she'd been crying. Quickly she wiped her tears on her shoulder. Ain't nobody gonna think I'm weak, she swore to herself.

"Well, I ain't doin' to good, pal." She offered a sad smile, as he went about untying her ankles. "What happened? Well, let's just say this ain't the way I normally spend a Saturday night..."

Suddenly her ankles were free, and the stranger studied her handcuffs.

"Uh... do you know how to get these unhooked?"

Bella laughed softly. "Yeahh I do. Bang in Greaser's head, and rip the key outta his hands."

It was all so strange. Only hours ago, Bella Braxton had been falling for Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome. Mike had seemed almost like a saviour with his coy smiles, and smooth words. She entertained the thought that maybe, she wouldn't have to run anymore. Maybe this dark-haired Adonis could take her away from it all. Away from a broken heart, away from a crazed stuffed-shirt stalker. Away from a haunting past. What a joke. Greaser was nothin' less than a devil in disguise. How the heck had she been so dumb?

Suddenly, Bella noticed that Mr. Union Cap had stopped fiddling with her handcuffs and now stared deep into her eyes. He froze, dead still, as if he'd recognized her from somewhere. She started to feel very uncomfortable. He was one a the good guys right? Bella's mind had been twisted and turned so much that she didn't know what was what anymore. Everybody seemed like an enemy these days. She coughed, trying to bring him back from his reverie, and nervously spoke.

"So, uhh, you're one a Spot's guys huh? Good Old Brooklyn, always commin' to the rescue.... Ya got a name pal?"

But, the sandy-haired boy didn't even hear the question. His eyes clouded over with sorrow, and he looked gravely at the newsie girl.

"Bella, who did this to you?"

"A bunch a English rats, that's who. Do you know a slimeball named Gre-" Bella stopped mid-sentence, as her blood ran cold. Slowly she backed away from the supposed Brooklyn Newsie, casting a fierce, suspicious look upon him.

"Now, wait just a minute... How did you know my name was Bella?"

[Jenson Lowmer]

"Yeah I do. Bang in Greaser's head, and rip the key outta his hands."

Jens gave a weak smile. He admired the girl for being so strong in such a situation. He knew many women and girls that would never be able to hold themselves together like she was. Even in the shape she was in she still had a sense of humor and Jens found that remarkable.

"Now, wait just a minute... How did you know my name was Bella?"

Jens's eyes grew wide as he realized his mistake. What had he done? Drake Camden had specifically told him that he wanted to surprise Bella, and therefore Jens was not to mention his name, but how else was he to tell Bella that he knew of her?

"I...I..." he began. He searched his mind for something that would save him. Anything that would keep him from ruining the plan. "I've heard of ya, uh from other people that know ya," he said. It really wasn't a lie. He crossed his fingers hoping the girl would be satisfied with his answer. He didn't want to upset Mr. Camden- though the man seemed nice enough Jens had a feeling you did not want to be on his bad side.

Jens reached in his coat pocket. He took out a small metal pin he'd found laying on the street earlier. "Here let me try this," Jens said to Bella. He was great at picking locks and saw it as a skill. He'd been practicing this fine art since he was a small child who got locked out of the house by his older sister on numerous occasions. "There!" he exclaimed as the cuffs on her wrists came unhooked. "Well, you're free," Jens said smiling charmingly as he stared into Bella's green eyes. Never had he seen such emerald eyes.

Jens now understood why Drake Camden had been so insistent on getting his beloved Bella back. She sure was a beauty with her long curls and sparkling eyes. "How rude it was of me not to introduce myself, I'm Jens," he said smiling again.

[Bella Braxton]

"I've heard of ya, uh from other people that know ya."

Bella smiled shyly, her face glowing with pride. Of course! It all made sense now. She wasn't exactly an unknown in Brooklyn and Manhattan, being the first girl ta become a newsie. Her romantic involvement with Jack Kelly had also, somewhat, increased her fame among the masses. Everybody used to say there wasn't two people more perfect for eachudder in the whole world. A handsome, playful Manhattan Boy, and a sweet but tough pretty little Brooklyn girl... it was as simple as 2+2 back then... before Sarah Jacobs came along... before Camden caused her whole dang world to come crashing down. Fate brought Jack Kelly and Bella Braxton together in true love's wondrous splendor, but villianous ambition would cruelly tear them apart. He forced his way in. Drake Camden wasn't supposed to be here. He wasn't supposed to ruin her life...

"Well that's just swell!" Bella responded kindly, letting all of her dark thoughts about Camden, Mike, and Sarah fade into the shadows of the smokey Midtown alley. "Sorry, for doubting ya, pal. As you can see, I ain't had the best of luck with strangers lately." She laughed amiably, and watched the boy get to work on her handcuffs. He sure was a neat guy, for helping her and all. The pin rattled around in the lock, and Bella was thankful Mr. Union Cap had come to her rescue.

Bella studied the cap atop the boy's soft, sandy hair, and wondered about the story behind it. Was his father in the civil war or somethin'? It was probably a great story. Bella herself wore a shiny silver piece of eight medallion around her neck, a present for her eigth birthday. Her father would always tell these swell stories that it once belonged to Anne Bonney, the fearless female pirate. It was real neat idea for sure, but whether it was true or not, well only Ms. Bonney knew that.

"There!"

Bella grinned brilliantly as she felt the cuffs unhook, and release the iron grip on her wrists. She sweepingly shook them off, along with her every worry and care. Her arms stretched out finally and the nagging pain in her back subsided.

"Wow! Heyy you're a good guy to have around pal! God, that feels nice! Them cuffs ain't good on the back, ya know what I mean?"

"Well, you're free."

Bella grinned, her heart soaring. "Yeahh I am, thanks to you pal! Good old Brooklyn."

Jens smiled and stared deep into her emerald eyes. "How rude it was of me not to introduce myself, I'm Jens."

Bella smiled and gave him a pat on the back. "Well Jens, pal I could just hug ya for saving me from them English goons! I really owe ya one." She straightened her newsie cap and grinned.

"Haha I mean it, anything you need help with, I'm your go-to-girl now. We newsies got ta stick together, huh."

[Jenson Lowmer]

"Sorry, for doubting ya, pal. As you can see, I ain't had the best of luck with strangers lately."

“Ah, I know how that can be,” Jens laughed. “Lately though I must say that hasn’t been a problem for me.” Jens thought about Camden. Nope he hadn’t been having bad luck at all. He was now a friend to a strong rich man in this city, and maybe just maybe Jens could make a name for himself. Now he’d found Bella, and in no time at all he would be reporting back to Camden. Then, Camden would be happy and Bella would be too.

"Well Jens, pal I could just hug ya for saving me from them English goons! I really owe ya one."

“English goons, huh? Who did this exactly?” Jenson asked. Whoever it was deserved to pay. Who would do such a mean thing to such a kind and beautiful girl? Jens didn’t understand.

"Haha I mean it, anything you need help with, I'm your go-to-girl now. We newsies got ta stick together, huh."

“We sure do! If we don’t stick together this city will kick us down. See, but when we are together they can’t touch us!” Jens said grinning.

[Bella Braxton]

“We sure do! If we don’t stick together this city will kick us down. See, but when we are together they can’t touch us!”

Bella grinned even brighter at Jens' encouraging words. Lately things had just been so rotten, what with Mike, Camden, and Mitch and all... She felt like she was always runnin', never quite sure where she was supossed to go. To hear those words were really swell, even if she wasn't quite out of of the woods yet. It was just the sorta thing Jackie woulda said... "They can't touch us Bells. This danged city can drag ya down, but Santa Fe and freedom is just waitin' for us. Just past that golden horizon. Things are gonna change for us, Beautiful, you just wait!" Things had changed, but not exactly how Jack had imagined. Bet you never predicted none of this would happen, Cowboy Bet you never thought we'd be ripped apart by some stuff-shirt psycho. Bet you never thought Sarah Jacobs would be your girl 'stead of me... I know I sure never did...

"Haha you got that right pal!" Bella offered a smile to Jens, as Jack Kelly's words faded into the smokey night. She patted him on the back. "They ain't ever gonna get us down, cuz we're newsies! And the newsies ya just can't beat! You hold on to that, pal and don't let anybody tell ya no different..."

She smiled real proud, and kicked away the cuffs farther back into the muddy pool of an ally, secretly cursing Mike D. Greaser and all of Camden's minions. Greaser, ya better hope I never see your snyde, trickster face again, cuz if I do, I'll be happy to mark it up real good for ya. Next time, it'll be you in the cuffs, pal...

"So, Mr. Union Cap, whattdya say we case this joint, and scurry back to our own turf, fore trouble can find us again?" Bella started to head out of the ally with Jens, happy someone had come to her rescue, and even happier that she'd found a real good friend. She sure ain't had the best of luck when it came to meeting new friends, these days. She thought back to what Jens said earlier about him havin no problem with luck. Kinda strange for him to say after being chased by a buch of big bruisers... but still, Bella was ready to hear some good news for a change, and she'd like to know more about her new friend. Most importantly, the story would keep her mind off of where she was, and the horrors of tonight...

"So had a good run with lady luck, have ya Jensy?" Bella smiled sweetly. "She sure ain't smiled on me none in a while. But I'd love to hear what she done for you. Its always good when us newsies get that rare stroke of luck..."