The Strike (A Newsies fanfiction)

Betrayal at it's Finest

"And here's Jack!" Davey said, a big grin spreading across his face. The other newsies cheered and clapped. As Jack made his way on to the stage, I noticed something. He seemed... off. He was slouched over, his usual grin replaced with a slight scowl. Something was definitely wrong.

"Alright, alright!" he called, quieting us down. He sighed, sticking his hands in his pockets as he faced the crowd. "Pulitzer raised the price of papes without so much of a word to us. That was a lousy thing to do," I noticed that he was staring at the ground rather than the audience, avoiding eye contact. The other newsies didn't seem to notice.

"So we got mad and let 'em no we ain't gonna be pushed around," he continued, earning another round of cheers from the crowd. "So we go on strike! Then what happens? Pulitzer lowers the prices so's we'll go back to work!" Jack sighed.

"And a few weeks later, he hikes them prices back up again, and don't think he won't. So what do we do then? And what do we do if he decides to raise his prices again after that?" I exchanged a confused look with Spot. This was not going the way I had expected it. The other newsies began to murmur, looking confused.

"Fellas, we gotta be realistic! We don't work, we don't get paid. How many days can you go without makin' money? However long, believe me, Pulitzer can go longer," the newsies began to boo. Was Jack... was he siding with Pulitzer?

"But I have spoken to Mr. Pulitzer, and he has given me his word: if we disband the union, he will not raise the prices again for two years! He will even put it in writing!" The boos began to drown out Jack's voice. David looked disgusted by Jack's betrayal, and poor Les was on the verge of tears. Spot's face was growing red with anger. I felt like punching Jack in the face.

"I say we take the deal!" he sounded desperate, and he was yelling to be heard over the booing. "Go back to work knowin' that our price is secure. All we need to do is vote "NO" on the strike. Vote "NO"!" The boos overwhelmed Jack. Spot started towards him, looking about ready to beat him up. I grabbed Spot's arm, holding him back. Jack began to retreat towards the right wing, where a wealthy looking man was waiting. The man held out a wad of cash, which Jack pocketed, looking guilty.

"He's a sellout!" Mush called out angrily. Les reached out towards Jack, but was shoved away as he began to walk away. Spot once again starts towards Jack with a look of murderous rage, and this time, I don't stop him.

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