Back to the Past (Newsies)

14. Stretching the Truth

((Hey guys, hope you had a great 4th of July to my fellow Americans. I loved watching the fireworks ^,^ Anyways here's the next chapter, thanks so much to those who have been consistently voting and commenting ILY <3 Keep it up, and anyone else dont be afraid to comment your two-cents and vote. Enjoy the chapter! :) ))

Chapter 14

"When sellin' papes, don't be afraid to stretch da truth a lil', " Jack explained to Kit, "for example: Extry! Extry! Half Lizard half human baby eats muddah an' all da family!" he belted while waving a newspaper above his head. 

Kit shook her head and rolled her eyes at how incredulous his headline sounded. No way people are going to believe that, Kit thought to herself. But then to her suprise, a few people heard what he said and quickly flocked over and bought some newspapers. Kit stood up straighter and peered at the exchange of money for newspapers as her eyebrows furrowed. He sold ten papers and said thank you to the customers. He even winked at one of the girls that bought a paper who blushed and giggled in return. 

"Wow, it's only been like five minutes and you already sold seven newspapers." Kit said, nodding her head, an impressed look on her face. 

"Dey don't call me da best for nothing. And it was ten papes." Jack corrected smoothly with a crooked smile. Kit mumbled 'whatever'. 

"Now you try." Cowboy said, extending his arm out as a gesture that he's giving her the stage. 

Kit sucked her teeth, doubtful that she would be able to sell any. He gave her an encouraging look, and Kit reluctantly walked a few steps to a new spot, not wanting to be in the shadow of the Jack Kelly. She was intimidated by how good Cowboy was at selling, and she felt a lump in her throat due to the nerves. Kit has never had to sell something before and instantly regretted not taking her mom's advice in being a girl scout because at least then she would have some selling experience. Given cookies are a bit different from newspapers. Same difference. 

Kit looked at her papers, flipping through the papers and skimming through the articles. She saw an article about how some dispute in the South will affect the shipment of chicken products to New York and that some chickens were diseased. Kit quickly pondered an interesting and captivating headline, a thought coming to her a minute later. 

"Extry! Extry! Chicken shortages in New York may be caused by da chicken flu dat is highly contagious!" she yelled, waving around her paper like Cowboy did and copying the newsies accents that she has become so accustomed to hearing. 

It wasn't the best lie, and she knew she would get better, but it was definitely better than the original headline. A middle aged man came to her and bought a newspaper. Kit graciously said thank you, a sense of accomplishment flooding through her, trying to contain her excitment as she handed the man a newspaper. I did it!!! she praised herself in her mind . It was nothing compared to the seven Jack sold in five minutes, but that didn't make her any less excited. 

"Did ya see dat, Jack? Did ya see dat? I just sold my first papah!" Kit said exuberantly, jumping on the balls of her feet and wearing a broad smile on her face. 

The edges of Jack's lips curved upwards as he gazed at her evident excitement and enthusiasm. He noticed that she was even picking up a bit of the newsies accent, which made him smile more. 

"Yea. Good Job. Now go sell s'more. I'll be right 'ere." Cowboy said proudly. 

"Okie Dokie." she responded, still wearing a bright smile. 

She practically skipped to a new spot on the street to sell more newspapers. She read a few other articles and contemplated other lies she could make up. Kit skimmed through an article about an alarming number of dead squirrels found at Grand Central Station. A headline immediately popped into her head. She glanced up from the newspaper and saw that was a good amount of people walking around the street or just loitering.