Author's note: This is strictly a "what if" story, I'm aware that it's basically impossible that Pulitzer had a daughter (although I didn't look into it). So just be warned, there's no historical value in this.
Uptown Girl
Chapter 1: Lunch
Evolyn Pulitzer sat glumly in the window of the study, staring out at the bustle of the city before her. She then turned to the stack of papers sitting idly on the desk beside her. She let out a frustrated sigh and returned to her work.
"Latin," She said into the silence of the room. "What's the point of learning Latin?"
"Because it is proper for young ladies to speak it," Seitz spoke up from behind her. "Your father would like you to join him at his office for lunch Miss Evolyn."
"Well this will be interesting," Evolyn said sarcastically.
Hearing this, a small smile pulled at the man's lips. "The carriage will be out front Evy." She smiled back at Seitz, the man who had practically raised her while her father worked.
Evolyn made her way through the giant house to the front steps where a carriage sat waiting. She crawled in and rode quietly downtown. When they came to a stop outside the 'World' offices, she slowly made her way outside once more. Standing outside the office doors, voices caught her attention. She turned to see a group of boys about her age gathered in the square. She slowly scanned the scene before her. Some of them were gambling or fencing with sticks. Suddenly something caught her attention, one of the boys stood in the background holding a sign that read 'STRIKE'.
"Seitz, what's going on?" she asked as he climbed out of the carriage behind her.
"Nothing that a young lady of stature such of yourself should…" he trailed off as he noticed that Evolyn was shooting him a deathly glare. He let out a sigh, knowing full well that she'd find out what was happening somehow anyway. "Your father has raised the price that the newsies pay for their newspapers. Needless to say, they're a little upset."
"Well they have a right to be!" she replied pointedly.
Seitz nodded his head as he headed up the stairs. "Yes they do Evolyn, yes they do."
She made no move to follow him as he entered the building. Instead, she made herself comfortable on the stairs and watched the boy intently. The crowd began to grow as newsies filed in from all directions. She was about to make her way into the building when three boys caught her attention. Evy studied them as they drifted to the center of the group. The tallest of the three seemed to be the leader, although for some reason he reminded her of a kid playing cowboys and Indians. He wore a worn red bandana around his neck and a tattered cowboy hat hung lifelessly on his back. Evy's gaze quickly shifted to the boy standing next to him. He had a mop of copper curls carelessly flying in every direction. He seemed to possess an innocence that had long faded in the newsies that surrounded him.
She watched them a bit longer as they began to discuss something that she couldn't decipher. Then, realizing that she couldn't postpone the inevitable forever, Evy rose from her spot on the step. As she did, her view was blocked by the chest of none other than Oscar Delancy.
"Well good afternoon Miss Pulitzer," he said tipping his hat. Evolyn rolled her eyes and turned to enter the building. There she saw Oscar's brother Morris blocking her path.
"Long time no see," he added in the sweetest voice a Delancy could manage.
"Not long enough," Evy replied. "Now if you'll move out of my way I have to go see my father." Surprised by her sternness, the brothers sulked off in the direction of the distribution center.
"That was rather rude of you Miss Pulitzer," Seitz spoke up from the doorway where he had watched the scene. "Evolyn, you really must start acting like the young lady of stature that you are."
Evy shrugged her shoulders and passed through the great doors before her. She was beginning to get extremely sick of this argument; acting like a 'young lady of stature' was the last thing that she wanted in her life. She made her way up to her father's office, pausing quickly before turning the knob. She took a deep breath and entered the office.
"Hello Father," she said to the back of his chair. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she cringed at their coldness. Not so long ago, six years to be exact, such coldness would have never passed between the two of them. But then, the unthinkable happened, her mother became ill and soon after died. After that day, Joseph Pulitzer closed himself off from everything in the word, including his ten-year-old daughter. She was then basically raised by the people that her father employed, mostly Seitz, who took pity on her.
"Good of you to join me Evolyn Rose," he responded in the businesslike tone that the pair now seemed to converse in, using her full name as always.
Food was brought into the office and father and daughter ate in silence. About a half an hour later, Evolyn stood to leave, "Thank you for having me for lunch."
"Goodbye Evolyn Rose," he replied simply.
With that, she walked out of the office, brushing past Seitz in the process. "Ready to go home now Evy?"
"Actually can I-" she started.
"May I," Seitz corrected.
Evolyn rolled her eyes and continued, "May I walk around the city for awhile?" she asked, her curiosity of the newsie strike getting the best of her.
"I don't think so Evy, you have lessons to be done," Seitz answered in a fatherly tone. "Besides it could be very dangerous for a young lady like yourself."
"But Seitz," she whined, flashing him a sad pleading glance that she knew he couldn't resist. "Please!"
He seemed to ponder for a moment, then said, "Alright, here's a compromise, you finish your Latin lessons by one, and you can stay out until supper."
At this, a smile spread across her face. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"But," Seitz continued, "you can't go alone. Katelyn must go with you."
Evy nodded happily and made her way outside again. Once more, she began to study the newsboys. Her gaze fell yet again on the curly-haired boy. She studied him carefully, taking in his worn blue clothing and a smile that radiated across the distance between the office and the square. Suddenly, his eyes shot up and met hers. Evy flushed, embarrassed for being caught staring. Quickly, she climbed into the carriage and headed home.
What do you think? I have almost all of the story doe so if anyone wants to have the rest just let me know and it'll be up asap!! I just wanted to get something posted before I went insane!!