AN: New stories and everything haven't been kicking around in my head very often what with school and everything. But something about this fall—maybe my classes and overall boredom—has resulted in one story that just can't get out of my head! (It doesn't help that I just got my copy of 'Blood Drips Heavily On Newsie Square' either, hehe). So here's the prologue...I can't promise another chapter very quickly because of some plot issues that still need to be worked out. But check out the Casting Call at the end of this chapter if you're interested.
Disclaimer: No owning of newsies by moi. Sorry.
Show Me The River
Prologue
His feet hit the pavement and the relief was overwhelming. For some reason, opening and exiting through the back door seemed to be the hardest part. The ruckus behind him was retreating, his hands were deep within his pockets and his chin hung low on his chest. Finally, his shoulders relaxed.
With a slam of that back door all the stress came rushing back. He turned at the sound, jumped actually, and his hands flew up in defense. From the dim light of the back alley he could see a small form running towards him, hear the feet echoing up the buildings that towered around them. One of the younger newsies, he thought, turning into what he hoped would be the encompassing shadows. He began to run at that moment, the cowboy hat flying from head to back as he picked up speed. But before he could reach the busy street and the world beyond he was tackled to the ground.
"No!" cried a voice in aguish. "You can't leave. Please…don't go."
He was shocked into silence by the fact that he was lying face down on the cold pavement and by the confession of the body on top of his. But instinct set in a moment later and all he wanted was to survive his escape. Scrambling to his knees, then to heavy boots, it wasn't as easy to remove the weight on his back. They struggled a couple seconds more, both eventually on their own feet.
"It's only been a year…" The voice pleaded. "Things will change, it'll get better…" It was sad to listen to the newsie's reasoning and he silently disasgreed. A year was plenty of time for the strike's affects to wear off, if not completely, then enough to make him realize that he'd never be able to get out of the bottom of the barrel unless he beat his way out. And that was what he'd decided to do.
He struggled out of the tight grasp and swung a left hook towards the newsie preventing his escape. He hated to do it, hit one of his boys, but in the end he had to save himself. In a way, the boy would be saved also. With a grunt the newsie fell, landing on the cobblestones heavily.
"Kit, do yourself a favor." He paused long enough to see the kid push up on his elbows, one hand covering the injured cheek. "Forget you ever knew Jack Kelly."
Casting Call Wonderfulness:
Okay, I need some fellow newsie lovers to submit their characters for later in this story. The basic idea is that our newsies have grown up, some have gotten other jobs, married, kids, family and the like. So really, I'm providing the perfect opportunity: which newsie do you want to marry?
Newsie/husband:
Your name (newsie name if you had one):
Physical description:
Background of how you and said newsie met:
Children (names, ages, etc...):
What you and said newsie jobs are now (I may change this a little bit but I'll let you know before hand and check it with you...):
Any questions? Then submit a review and I'll send you an email...
Oh, and congrats on the wedding!