From The Journals of Katherine Plumber

August 2nd, 1899: Part II

It took me nearly 45 minutes to get across into Manhattan, then another 10 to get to Newspaper Row. I couldn't help but smile at the brave boys and girls who had come out to support the strike. They were all cheering and carrying the Newsies Banner. I heard some familiar cheers and looked into City Hall Park. Standing on the statue of Horace Greeley was Jack. I smiled at him and ran towards him and the boys, "Jack!" I shouted, waving.

Jack saw me and jumped off the statue and ran to me. As we met in the crowd, he picked me up and spun me around before placing my feet back on the ground, "Youse it. Ya actually wrote a papa' dat stopped da city." Jack chuckled.

"We did." I smiled, "And, it even got the Governor's attention."

"Really?" He asked.

I smiled and nodded, "They're on the bridge trying to get across."

"Race, Al, go help 'em through." Jack said as the boys nodded and ran off.

I smiled softly at them, then back at Jack, "We did it. We're gonna win this."

"Hopefully." He said.

"The city is probably breathing down my father's neck right now, trying to get him to end this for the sake of the city. He'll have to give in." I said.

"Well, we ain't gonna take any chances. Davey and I are gonna go see him." He said.

"Jack, last time you did that, he practically had you arrested." I said.

"If dats what Ise gotta do ta help da fellas and all dose otha' boys and girls, I will." He said. I looked down, my head now spinning from worrying. I felt his rough hand gently place itself on my cheek, "Ise got dis. And, when I come back down 'ere, Ise will hold ya close, and love ya, and protect ya from anythin' dat comes ya way. Got it?" He asked.

I nodded, holding his hand on my cheek, "I'll come with you."

"Ise think havin' you and me in a room ta'gether in front of 'im will make him want ta kill me more." He chuckled softly. I sighed, knowing he was right, "Stay 'ere, please. Youse could watch Les or wait for da Governor." He said.

"Fine." I said, softly.

"Ise love ya, Ace." He said, softly.

"I love you, too, Cowboy." I said, softly.

"Cowboy?" He asked.

"I heard some of the boys call you it. I kinda like it." She smiled.

He chuckled, "So do I." He smirked.

"Jack!" Davey called, nodding towards The World building.

Jack sighed and walked over to him as Les ran over. I put my hands on Les' shoulders and held him close. As Davey opened the doors to the building, I saw Jack sighed and look back at me. He ran back to me, pulling me close and kissing me deeply. I smiled softly, holding him tight in my arms as he ran a hand through my hair. I blushed, hearing the crowd 'awwww' or cheer us on. I giggled softly as we pulled apart. He smirked at me as I placed a hand on his cheek, "You got this." I said softly. He nodded and ruffled Les' hair before running back to Davey and into The World. I sighed softly, but still had a faint smile on my face, with hope that everything will work out.

Seconds felt like hours that they were in there. About 2 minutes later, I felt a small tug on my skirt. I looked down to see a little girl, no older than 6 looking up at me with a huge smile, her big eyes sparkling, "Well, hello. What's your name?" I asked, getting on her level.

"Nellie!" She giggled.

"I am so sorry! My daughter insisted on coming over here." A very pregnant woman said, picking up Nellie as she had a hand on her stomach.