As Devyn struggled to complete her practice test, all the mathematical figures seemed to swirl around the page. Try as she might, she couldn’t keep her mind on algebra. “Ok, time’s up. How’d you do?” Jared asked. She showed him the paper, which only had one problem completed…incorrectly. “Devyn, what’s wrong?” “Aidan and I had a really bad fight. We broke up.” Jared gently held her as she started crying. Sobbing into his chest, Devyn realized how much she really missed Specs. She always fit perfectly in Specs’ arms, but felt so awkward in Jared’s. She wept and wept as the events of the day whizzed by in her mind. Devyn surprised Specs with a picnic in his favorite spot in Central Park, the same place they kissed for the first time. What started out as a romantic lunch turned into a horrible fight. “I can’t believe it, you’re jealous!” “It’s only because I never see you anymore. Jared likes you. He’s trying to take you away from me.” “That’s ridiculous! I’m lucky he agreed to tutor me.” “He wants to be much more than your tutor.” “And you think I’d just fall into his arms, just like that?” Specs remained silent. “That’s exactly what you think, isn’t it!?” “I don’t know what to think. You always run off to him whenever he snaps his fingers, you might as well be his girlfriend.” “It’s got to be better than being yours.” Devyn ran off, leaving Specs alone. He just sat there and thought about the past six months he and Devyn shared, and came up with an idea to get her back. As Jared held Devyn in his arms, he knew this was the chance he’d been waiting for. With Specs out of the way, he could finally make his move on Devyn. She deserved someone better than that newsboy. He held her face and wiped her tears. “It’s going to be alright, I promise. He doesn’t deserve you anyway.” Devyn was thankful she and Jared had become such good friends; she needed someone to be on her side. But then she realized that Jared was staring at her mouth and leaning in. She couldn’t think, couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe as he placed his lips on hers. “Specs, are you sure you have to do this?” Dutchy asked. “It’s the only way. I can’t lose her.” They were in the bunkroom and Specs was changing into a new suit he’d just bought. “I know you love her, but…” “You’re not going to change my mind, Dutchy. I don’t have any choice.” Just then, the door to the bunkroom opened, Devyn ran in and threw her arms around Specs’ neck. She was shaking like a leaf. The other newsies left the room so they could be alone. “Dev, what’s wrong?” “I’m sorry…I’m so sorry.” “It’s ok. It’s going to be alright, I promise. Tell me what’s wrong.” “You were right about Jared. He kissed me…it took me a second to realize what was going on, but everything about it felt so wrong…I’m sorry Aidan.” “It’s ok, it’s alright. I’m sorry too, love.” They stood there just holding each other for what seemed like forever. When Devyn finally pulled away, she noticed for the first time how Specs was dressed. “I’m sorry, were you going somewhere? You look very handsome.” “Thanks. Actually, I was on my way to see your da. I’m going to ask him for your hand.” “What!?” He pulled a ring out of his jacket pocket. “I wanted to wait until I got another job to ask you, but you were slipping away from me, Dev. I didn’t know what else to do.” She touched his cheek. “I love you so much.” “Then you’ll marry me?” “I can’t, I’m sorry.” He took a step back from her. “Oh.” Specs turned his back on her, embarassed. “No, Aidan, you don’t understand. I do love you, but I’m just not ready for marriage yet. It’s just not the right time.” When Devyn took his hands, the ring fell into her palm. She put it on and it was at least two sizes too big. She smiled at him gently. “See, it’s not even the right size.” Specs took the ring from her hand and put it in his pocket. “Well, I guess I should take you home before your da starts to worry.” He walked to the doorway, stopped and reached behind for her hand. She took it and they walked for a while in silence. “Are you mad?” “No.” “Aidan, look at me.” Specs sighed and stopped walking. “No, I’m not mad, but… are you still my girl?” “Always. I know you’re the one for me, I just need a little time. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.” They walked the rest of the way in silence, and when they reached Devyn’s building, she got an idea.  “Aidan, give me the ring.” “Why? It doesn’t even fit.” “Please?” Devyn felt around her neck for the clasp of her necklace, took it off and put the ring on the chain. “I’ll always be your girl, Aidan.” Specs put his arms around Devyn and knew that someday, when she was ready, he would make her his bride.