Disclaimer: I don't own anything. I am saddened by this fact. Also, the title will probably change. Just an FYI

Chapter 1

Flora's POV

The day was burning hot, unsurprising for the middle of August, but I didn't even care. I was too happy to be free, and running around the streets of Manhattan. I could hear the cries of newsies ringing around me, the conversations of people passing, and other sounds of the city, and it. My friend Eleanor, otherwise known as Elle, trailed me a distance behind, twitching nervously. She was a country girl, no doubt about it. Hated the noise and the smog that New York what it was. Of course, the real reason she was nervous was that technically, we were on the lam.

"Flora, you and both know we shouldn't be here!" She squeaked, finally catching up with me. Her eyes flicked from side to side, trying to catch sight of anything that could bring us back home.

"Oh please," I laughed. "Can't a girl go see her auntie?"

"Well… Yes, but…" she stammered.

"But nothing," I cut her off. "I'm going to visit my only relation, and you can come if you wish!" I whirled on my heel, and stalked off towards Irving Hall. My auntie Medda performed there, and I always came there whenever I managed to slip away from my schoolmistresses' clutches. I had snuck out of an assembly at our convent school today, with her in pursuit. She had no idea how to get back there without me, so I knew that she would follow. I was about to duck through the door, when I heard her footfalls behind me. I turned to face her.

"Fine," she said, "I'll come. But if we get in trouble, it's on you!"

"Me?" I inquired innocently. "Trouble? I am offended you'd even think such a thing!"

She snorted. "After the last time, I'd be stupid if I didn't."

I shrugged expressively, and walked into the theatre.

*****

We took our seats at the very front, right up near the stage, and watched as the showgirls came on. I admired he showgirl numbers, mainly because I thought that would be the most interesting job in the world. Getting to go onstage and perform was a far cry more interesting than being stuck at the convent school all day, stitching handkerchiefs and learning how to sit properly.

"Flora!" Eleanor poked me in the ribs.

"Jesus, Elle, what'd you do that for?" I said, rubbing my injured side.

"Look over there!" Her eyes had gone as wide as silver dollars. I followed her gaze until it hit on a table of rowdy boys. Newsies, I could tell from the caps and hands covered in ink. Onstage, the showgirls' number finished, and they blew kisses to the audience as they walked offstage. The boys all whistled and waved their caps.

"Flora, don't LOOK!" Elle grabbed my elbow and pulled me away from the newsies. "Jeannette says not to look at boys, unless they look at you first!"

"And has Jeannette left the convent since she was seven?" I threw my hands up in exasperation.

"Well, no…"

"My point exactly!" I said, and turned back to look at the boys. They weren't watching the show anymore. They were watching us.

David's POV,

"Ey! Davey!" Kid Blink shouted. "Take a look at dem goils ova dere!" The table hushed up immediately and everyone turned towards the two girls. Their heads were bent together over their table. A tiny blonde girl was shaking her head vehemently, and whispering to her redheaded friend. The other girl threw her hands up, and turned to face us. She met my eyes with a smirk then turned back to her friend.

"Mush, wasn't dey somethin'?" Race said, leaning over to his fellow newsie. Mush was already a goner. He was still staring at the back of the red haired girl's head. "Ey, everybody! Mush's in love!"

"He ain't got no shot with her!" Jack laughed. "Didn't cha see she's only lookin' at Davey?"

The table exploded in raucous laughter, and I blushed scarlet. "Can ya just shut up and talk about somethin' else?"

"No, I wanna keep talkin' 'bout that goil!" Mush said.

"Ah, jus' watch the show!" yelled Boots, and they settled back down.

Medda floated across the stage, singing a song about a lover who'd done a runner. My mind was still on the girl. Who was she? A factory girl, or some one of the showgirls on her night off? I had no idea, and with most other girls, I wouldn't have cared. But with this one... I really wanted to know.

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