Newsies One Shots ✯

Tuck Everlasting Au ➸ Jack/Katherine

For eleven year old Katherine Plumber, life was far from exciting. Ever since her father passed away a few years ago, her mother confined her to the house. Every day was just like the one before, nana would sit in her rocking chair and knit, and mother would make sure she did all her chores. But today was different, she could just feel it. Today was August 1st, and the fair had finally come to town. Perhaps she could convince her mom to let her go.

***

"But mama!" Katherine exclaimed, clutching the sides of her blue dress she had changed into. "You know we can't have people thinking that everything is fine and dandy, ever since your father..." her mother trailed off. "That was four years ago, and I know papa would've taken me!" She pleaded. Something flickered in her mother's eyes, as if she were to say yes. For a moment Katherine felt hopeful, but her mom just shook her head. "Oh come now, Kate," Katherine's nana chimed in from her rocking chair, "Can't you see Kathy's been desperate to do something fun?" Her mom looked appalled, "But we have lots of fun!"

"No we don't! We've never done anything remotely fun in forever!" Katherine said defiantly, slowly losing her patience and her argument. Her mother scoffed, "Don't be silly." That did it for Katherine. "I'm sorry I want to actually have some joy in my life! You can't expect me to live like this," she said passionately gesturing around to the living room, "forever!" Her nana nodded in silent agreement, though not wanting to be in an argument that could go downhill quickly. "I don't like this attitude you're giving me. No means no, now go to your room young lady!" Her mother said crossly. "No I won't! I hate you!" She hadn't meant it, but she didn't have time to think about that as she ran to open the door leading to the yard. Katherine heard her mom calling her, but was shushed by her nana. "Just give her some time, you were kind of harsh on her." She said softly as they saw Katherine's head of coppery brown hair fly past as she ran.

Katherine stopped at the white picket fence encircling her house. She narrowed her eyes at it, kicking it slightly. "Stupid fence! Stupid mom!" She laid down and looked up at the sky. It was a wonderful day out, the wind blew slightly and it was warm. Her hair was sprawled out on the grass and her dress was dirty, hardly noticeable against the beautiful royal blue, but still noticeable none the less. For a second she forgot how mad she was as she took in the moment. It wasn't often she felt as free as she did right now.

The noise of a toad greeted, and startled her a bit. It was sitting only a few inches away from her and had gotten in through a small hole in the fence. She sat up and gazed at it with bright, curious eyes. "Hello toad! You must be lost, we don't get very many visitors around here. But I will give you some advice: looking for fun? You won't find any here." She said somewhat bitterly. It looked at her, croaked loudly and hopped away. "Wait toad! Don't go!" It hopped off into the woods, her woods. She stared longingly at the magnificent trees and all the new things to explore. If only, she thought, if only I could go back there.

Her eyes trailed to the lock on the gate, and as if she were in a trance she got up and started to unlock it. She turned around to see if her mother or nana were looking through a window, but they must've resumed their conversation in the living room. She cringed as the gate squeaked loudly, prompting her to open it quicker. She took a step out and her face broke into a grin as she ran to the forest. Katherine Plumber glanced up at the tall trees and the overwhelming feeling of freedom. She heard the familiar croak of her toad friend as she cried out with glee, "Toad!"

***

She had to have been walking for at least an hour and would be lying if she said she wasn't lost. She treaded lightly, careful not to trip over roots when her eyes landed on a huge tree. It had a small T carved into it and there was a small spring at the foot of it. Katherine bounced over to it and kneeled down when she heard a frantic voice. "Hey! You don't wanna drink that water!" She whipped around to see a boy with dark hair, big brown eyes, and a bag slung over his shoulder. He was quite a bit taller, but not intimidating by any means.

"And who are you to tell me what to do?" Katherine asked triumphantly, marching over to him. He looked at the spring for a moment, shifting on his feet, before answering. "Just trust me." Katherine almost laughed at that "I don't even know your name, why should I trust you?" He looked at her levelly, "The name's Jack Kelly. Now might I ask who you are and what the heck you're doing out here?" She gave a slight smile, "I'm Katherine Plumber. And my family owns these woods."

***

Maybe Katherine was right about the day feeling different. It just didn't go quite how she wanted it to.

(A/n- Leaving it on that cause I didn't know where else to go with it. I'm a million times sorry for not uploading in almost a month. I assure you guys I'm tryin'. I can say, however, once it's summertime I'll be posting a looot more. And be writing stuff other than one shots. That is all for now, again 'm sorry ;-;)