Back to the Past (Newsies)

26. Parallels

((Hello to all my new readers! Thanks for taking an interest in this story, voting and commenting. You guys are the best <3. I recently got a hold of my aunt's Disney plus account and rewatched Newsies and boy, I forgot how much I love that movie. Next up, I'll watch the musical. This chapter and the next is just something I thought would be so interesting to explore lol. More exciting stuff coming soon! Anyways, enjoy!))

Chapter 26: Parallels

"You guys are back so soon?" Kloppman asked, looking up from the paperwork on his desk. He checked his pocket watch for the time.

Cowboy and Kit walked towards the lodging house owner who doubled as a quite efficient alarm clock.

"Yeah, Kit was a mastah mind out dere today." Jack stated as he leaned on the desk. He was filled with pride.

Kit approached Kloppman and handed him some coins. The older man nodded in response silently. Cowboy was curious about their interaction as he watched Kit quickly walk up the stairs to the bunk room.

"What was dat all about?" 

Kit sat on her bunk, taking off her vest and hat. Jack leaned against the bedpost, waiting for a reply. She safely stored her money away and reached for the ridiculously large book David had lent her. She had read through a considerable chunk of the book so far. Cowboy saw the only use of the book was using its large mass as a weapon.

"Oh. I use my extra money tah help pay for da stay o' others." she shrugged nonchalantly as she stood back up.

Cowboy followed her up the stairs to the roof. She was full of surprises today.

"I'se didnt know you'se did that." he replied as she held the door open to him.

Cowboy was more proud of her taking care of his newsies than her earlier scam and performance. A large smile took over his face as he swelled with pride.

"Yeah." she responded with disinterest. Jack didn't take it personally. He saw that she didn't do it for any acknowledgment of praise. She solely did it to help out and take care of her friends.

Kit made herself comfortable on the platform and opened her book. She pushed away the memories that flooded her brain of her and Blink that happened at the very spot only hours prior. Nonetheless, she felt blood rush to her cheeks

Jack laid down next to Kit, crossing his legs and shielding his face from the sun with his cowboy hat. The sun was still high in the sky as it was still early afternoon. This was one of the earliest times that Cowboy had finished selling all his papers.

If Kit wasn't in such a bad mood or less hungover, he would have tried to convince her to pick up any extra papers from the circulation center with him. They've had some long days, and he wanted to relax. They made a huge profit today and yesterday and deserved a break.

The two sat in silence for a few minutes.

Jack suddenly burst out in a hearty laugh. "I'se had no idea you'se could cry on command. Dat was brilliant."

Kit couldn't help a soft smile as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yeah, I learned from my community art center's production of Hamlet."

Cowboy had no idea what that was, but was still impressed.

"And da way you'se ruined ya papers wid ya tears so dey would buy 'em. Sheer genius" he continued his praise.

Kit mimed a curtsy. Making the both of them laugh.

"I also can't believe those airheads believed that we was siblin's! I'm liter'lly Asian an' you'se as white as dey come!" she replied.