Reunited (A Newsie Fanfiction)

Chapter 7

"So kid- where we headed?" Jumps asked Isabella after walking for a while.

They were almost to Manhattan, and Isabella was starting to see places that looked familiar. Although she'd thought of the answer to Jumps' question the whole way here and most of the night before, she still found herself not knowing what to do.

"I...um...I'm supposed to be meeting someone. Katherine..? Do you know her?" Isabella looked up at the tall newsie with fear.

The boy looked down and raised an eyebrow for a moment before replying, "you have any idea 'ow many Katherines there's gotta be 'ere kid? I'm gonna need more information if I'm gonna help ya."

Isabella couldn't hold back a small giggle as she listened to the older boy speak. His Bronx accent was clear as he struggled with words like 'how' and 'you'. She quickly covered her mouth to hide her laughter, but she was already caught. Jumps looked down at her, glaring, though even the tough looking boy beside her couldn't help but crack a grin.

"Well kid? Ya gonna answa or just stand there 'n giggle?" Jump attempted to sound tough and frightening, but Isabella was no longer intimidated.

"Sorry- her last name was, um, shoot! I forget. Pluh- no. Ple- still no..." The girl grew more and more frustrated as she desperately tried to remember the name.

"Could it be Pulitzer, maybe?"

"I- uh- wait! Yes!" She exclaimed happily.

"You're in luck kid, I know just where to find 'er" He turned down a different street and Isabella followed.

"Wait? You do? Hoooow?" She giggled.

Jumps continued with a blank expression, not even looking at the girl.

"OOOOOH!" She laughed more.

He sped up some, looking aggravated. The smaller girl hustled to keep up with him, still amused.

"Look, I only know 'er because of da strike- turn here- she helped us out a lil. Got us in da papes. Kelly and her 'ad a thing. They might still, I dunno. Turn here. Ya know- Joseph Pulitzer? Newspaper giant? Dats her father. That's all I know 'bout her though."

"Oh. So you guys didn't have anything? That's boringgg."

Jumps sighed and stopped in front of a giant building. Isabella turned to look at it. The building was fancy looking, with big elegant doors and perfectly spotless windows.

Isabella gasped a little.

"Go on. Knock." Jumps ordered.

She looked at him in disbelief. Here? This building? This was where Katherine Pulitzer was? He nodded at her and she stepped up timidly and knocked.

The door flung open to reveal a tall, wiry man with glasses.

"Hello. Can I help you?"

Isabella was still afraid. She was at a loss for words.

"She's here for Kath. She asked for 'er." Jumps spoke up.

The man looked past the small girl to the dirty looking boy behind her with disdain. Jumps raised an eyebrow at the man. Isabella turned back to look at the man, but he was gone. The door shut with a loud thump.

She turned on her heel to leave. Jumps beckoned her on, looking sorry for the disappointed girl. Just as she started down the steps, she heard the door reopen, quickly followed by Katherine's soft voice.

"Isabella?"

"Hi" She turned around to see a smile stretch across the older girl's face.

Katherine hurried over and gave Isabella a hug. Isabella couldn't help but wince as Katherine's arms pressed against a bruise on her ribs. The older girl quickly pulled away.