The next week was completely uneventful. Julie, Jack, Crutchie, and all of the other Manhattan newsies spent their days selling papes and joking around. One day, when Julie got to work, a boy she had never seen before was standing with Jack. He was about seventeen, tall, with light brown hair. Standing beside him was a young boy of about ten.
"So who do we have here?" she asked, smiling.
"This 'ere's Davey," he said, gesturing to the older boy. "And this is his brother, Les." The little boy beamed at the sound of his name.
"I'm Michael," Julie grinned. She turned to Jack. "Dat means you can't called me da newbie anymores!"
Jack laughed."Yeah, I guess not."
Crutchie limped over. His eyes sparkled with laughter. "So how's it feel, not bein da newest anymore?" he asked her.
"It's odd!" she exclaimed. "I'm finally not the helpless, unexperienced newbie newsie!" She turned to Davey. "You are!" Crutchie and Jack laughed.
"Davey ain't helpless!" Les protested. Crutchie laughed.
"I know. I'm just joking," Julie grinned.
"Well, I guess we'd better head out," Davey said. "Um, were should we go to sell these?" he asked, holding up his papers.
"Oh, let me do it!" Julie exclaimed excitedly. Jack and Crutchie grinned and nodded. Julie cleared her throat and sang the familiar tune."From Bottle Alley to da harbor, there's easy pickens guaranteed."
Crutchie grinned and sang, "Try any banker, bum or barber, they almost all know how ta read!"
Jack laughed. " It's a crooked game we're playin, one we'll neva loose," he sang.
Just then, Race darted up and sang, "Long as suckers don't mind payin' just ta get bad news!"
Specs joined the group, singing."Ain't it a fine life, carrying da banner through it all."
Mush hurried up. "A mighty fine life, carrying da banner tough and tall."
Romeo tapped Davy's shoulder and sang, "When that bell rings, we goes where we wishes, we's as free as fishes, sure beats washin' dishes."
Everyone together sang, "What a fine life, carrying da banner home free all!"
Jack laughed. "Dat answer your question?"
"I guess!" Davey smiled.
"Anyways, yous gonna be me sellin partner so," Jack started.
"Wait, what?" Davey asked, confused.
"Wow, ya know, Jack's da best of da best," Mush said, awed. "It's a real honor ta sell wit him!"
"Well if he's the best, why does he need me?" Davey questioned.
" 'Cause I,unlike you, don't have an adorable little brother ta help da papes sell," Jack responded. He turned to Les. "How old are ya?"
"I'm ten," the little boy answered.
"Yeah, well, if anyone asks, your seven," Jack said dismissively. "It takes a smile that spreads like butter, the kind that turns a lady's head," he sang.
"It takes an orphan with a stutter," Romeo sang. "Who's also blind...."
"And mute....." Race piped up.
"And DEAD!!!!!" Mush grinned.
"Okay......." Davey said raising his eyebrows. Julie laughed.
"Come on," Jack said. "Let's go carry da banner!"
YOU ARE READING
Hidden ( A Newsies Fan Fiction)
FanfictionCompleted!!! Julie Spear is a 15 year old girl who has spent most of her life hiding. She hid her emotions deep inside of her. When she escapes the refuge where she was living,(being held captive, more like) she becomes a Newsie. She pretends to be...
