Disclaimer: I don't own Newsies, or any of the non-fictional places mentioned in the story that exist or have previously existed. Any characters you don't recognize from the movie Newsies, are my own.
Chapter 1: Dreams of their own
The lights dimmed, and the thick red velvet curtains opened revealing the Italian Cora Deluna, the most famous showgirl in all of New York. The audience roared and the sound of applause, and whistles pierced through the air.
With her curly mass of walnut brown locks piled high on top of her head, bright green eyes that drew in all who saw, and lovely figure, she was the epitome of Victorian beauty.
The music began and she started to sing as her clear and vibrant voice echoed through Irving Hall. As she began to dance her hips swayed and her legs kicked high as she dazzled the audience with her talent.
Eleanor Grace Colley or Ella as some called her, was 10 years old. She watched her mother perform in awe, her own big brown eyes wide with excitement.
"Wow Ella! Your mudda sure is something!" her good friend Francis Sullivan shouted over the music. Francis was 10 years old like Ella, and his father had been a regular customer at Irving Hall, and knew Medda Larkson the owner of the hall quite well.
"She sure is Francis! And one day I'll be a famous singer too!" Ella responded proudly. She was still quite young and naive to the ways of the world, and sure she couldn't stand some of the older filthy men that drooled over her mother's every move, but none of that mattered when she saw her mother sing. Ella knew that one day she could be a star too…
Ten years had passed since Ella's days as a child at the theatre, and it was now late October in 1902.
Eleanor Grace Colley awoke to the sun shining brightly through the window pane at the Manhattan Home for Girls, a girl's shelter, and boarding house in Manhattan New York where she now worked.
She was now 20 years old, and aided in teaching English, Typewriting, Religious studies, occasionally Fine Art, and her passion Music of course.
It had only been a month since she had been fortunate enough to get the job. She had volunteered her time and became a teacher in training, or classroom apprentice as some would call it over the past few months, and now she was officially a teacher.
The sound of the morning bell filled the hallway as Mrs. Jones, the home's superintendent rang it loudly, and made her rounds to awake the girls for the day ahead.
"Ugh…" Ella grumbled pulling her pillow over her face, she was never a morning person.
She began to recall a strange dream she had about her mother. It had been a little while since she had seen her. Her mother had run off with her newest husband, a high-class gentleman, although he was merely a gentleman. Ella knew the kind of man he really was, and there was a reason why she rarely visited.
She missed her younger brother Michael who was 16 years old, born from another father. Michael was currently living with their mother and her new lover. Still, she loved her mother dearly, and hoped and prayed that one day she'd come to her senses.
As Ella lay in bed she began to drift into a deep web of thoughts, and couldn't help but wonder what life would have been like if her parents had stayed together.
Clarence Colley was an Immigrant, who's family travelled to an island in the West Indies from India, to work in the sugar cane plantations where he was born. After his father's sudden death his mother, Ella's grandmother Alice Colley, made their way to America in hopes of freedom and more opportunity.
Years later he would meet the Italian beauty Cora Deluna and fall head over heels. Their story was one of joy, sorrow, trials, risks and true but forbidden love, due to their interracial marriage, and class difference that was often frowned upon in that time.
Ella loved hearing their story, as her mother told it, but the past was in the past and now Clarence held a factory job in Brooklyn, and had remarried 14 years prior. He lived with his now wife, Anna Marie Colley, and Ella's two half siblings Nathan who was 14 years old, and Eliza who was 12 years old. Ella would try her best to visit them as often as she could.
Ella snapped out of her thoughts as she looked at her father's old pocket watch that rested on her bedside table. It was quarter to eight and she had to be down for breakfast in 10 minutes. "Oh No!" she shouted aloud to herself. Upon realizing the time, she jumped out of bed. She had let her thoughts get the better of her again, she had always been known for daydreaming.
She threw off her night gown and grabbed a white blouse from the armoire, along with a dark blue skirt. She quickly got dressed, and headed towards her mirror and began to hastily brush out her long locks of dark brown hair that had tangled overnight.
She quickly parted her hair down the center, and pinned it back into a fairly thrown together version of the famous "Gibson roll" which rested at the nape of her neck.
She then proceeded to pour some water into her basin as she splashed the cold water onto her face. She dried up, and added a touch of powder to her naturally tanned face.
Then she put a bit of light rouge on her cheeks to improve her weary appearance, which gave her a "healthy glow". Makeup was worn by most women secretly, but it was put on quite sparingly, as natural beauty was key.
Lastly, she placed the golden heart-shaped locket her mother had given her around her neck.
As Ella smoothed out her skirt, she looked in the mirror for a final glance at her appearance, and observed her face and slender figure. She had grown to be around 5'6 in height, and quite pretty, but didn't quite know it. She considered herself to be of average appearance.
Sometimes she wished she inherited her mother's bright green eyes, but was still content with her overall appearance. She figured she'd be thankful for what she did have after all, everyone was made unique in their own way.
With that she took her key locked up her room and headed downstairs where the chatter of Women and Girls filled the dining area.
"Glad of you to finally join us Miss Colley." said Mrs. Jones, her sharp blue-grey eyes eying Ella as she entered the room. She was a widowed older lady who stood tall and proud, her silver-grey hair perfectly in place. She wore her typical black high collared dress which elegantly framed her figure.
"My apologies Mrs. Jones, my thoughts seemed to have gotten the better of me again." Ella replied, as she sat down next to another teacher and friend Miss Nora Robertson.
"Yes well, every lady must learn the art of self-control Miss Colley, please try to be on time tomorrow." Mrs. Jones responded.
"Yes, Mrs. Jones." Ella replied.
Mrs. Jones nodded in approval and went to take her seat at the matrons table.
"So what were you really thinking about that caused you to be late for breakfast?" Nora taunted, her hazel eyes wide with interest. Nora Robertson was a vivacious woman near her mid Thirties, with fiery auburn hair. She never married, and had been teaching for quite some time. Ella admired her independence and friendship. She had learned almost all she knew about teaching from her.
Ella laughed aloud, knowing what she was alluding to. "No certain gentleman in particular." She replied, and continued "Mostly just my mother, my family, and life in general." Ella replied.
"I see, how is your family doing these days?" Nora asked, as breakfast was being served.
"Fine I suppose, I'm not too sure about my mother though, I'm hoping to see her soon."
"How are your classes going?" Nora asked.
"Very Well! I'm hoping to convince Mrs. Jones to allow us to do a Christmas concert, the girls have been doing such a fantastic job in Music, and I'm sure they'd love to perform what we've been working on." Ella replied excitedly.
"Sounds like a swell idea!" Nora encouraged.
"Thank you! I'll ask Mrs. Jones about it in the next couple of days." said Ella.
"Sounds great, if I can assist you in organizing anything, let me know." Nora replied.
"Thankyou Nora! I'm so glad I can count on you to help! And sure, I'll let you know." Ella said smiling, grateful for her mentor and friend.
"You're very welcome." Nora replied smiling, as the two proceeded to eat breakfast.
The chatter in the dining hall continued till breakfast was over, and then they parted ways to start their work and school for the day.
Later that afternoon, Ella had just finished teaching her type writing class, and it was now time for lunch. She headed down to the stairs, and saw the Head Cook, Mrs. Burton. She was an older, kind and plump widowed woman, who had a hearty demeanor, and jovial blue eyes. Her rounded face framed her warm, and earnest smile.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Burton!" Ella chimed.
"Good afternoon dear!" Mrs. Burton replied, carrying a couple large bags of goods to bring to the kitchen.
"Can I assist you in carrying those?" Ella asked noticing Mrs. Burtons struggle with the bags.
"That would be wonderful! thank you kindly my dear!" she said passing a bag to Ella to hold.
They proceeded down the stairs towards the kitchen. "You can place them right here." said Mrs. Burton, as her and Ella placed the bags on the large wooden table that sat in the middle of the kitchen. The table was often used for food preparation, and cooking classes.
"Do you mind checking to see how many eggs we have left in the cold closet?" Mrs. Burton asked.
"Sure, it looks like only four left." Replied Ella as she looked inside before shutting the cold closet door.
Mrs. Burton began to make a mental list on what she needed for the week. "Looks like I'll have to drop by The Pantry Stop for some things."
Upon hearing this Ella grew excited and said "May I come along as well?" The Pantry Stop was a small convenience and grocery store with basic necessities for great prices, owned by her best friend Josephine's father.
Josephine Marinos and her family lived above the shop, and Ella never passed up an opportunity to visit her best friend when she could.
"Oh yes dear, as long as it doesn't interfere with your work day of course."
"It should be fine! My next class is in a couple of hours, I'm on lunch break." Ella replied.
"Alright, I'll let Mrs. Jones know, besides I could use some extra hands." Mrs. Burton said smiling as they proceeded to head upstairs to let Mrs. Jones know they'd be doing some shopping for the home.
They informed Mrs. Jones and received the amount they needed from her, and headed out grabbing their hats, shawls, and coats along the way.
The autumn air was cool as October was coming to an end, and the streets were bustling with people busy at work heading to and fro. Ella enjoyed getting out and going for walks when possible. There were rare days when she would use Nora's bicycle with Nora's permission. It still seemed to be frowned upon though by some, but embraced by others, due to the fact that women on bicycles were still viewed by some as controversial.
Despite certain opinions, Ella enjoyed riding a bicycle greatly because with it she could travel on her own accord. She wished she could do it more often. It was hard when she had to be chaperoned by a family member, or an older woman when travelling by foot for proper etiquette of the time.
As they walked Ella continued to observe her surroundings. The sky had turned partly cloudy, but the trees were vibrant with bursts of colors. The leaves on the trees ranged from reds, to oranges, to bright golden yellows. City carriages and trollies filled the cobblestone streets that were worn and tattered after many years of use. Many people were out running errands, and the street vendors and merchants stood outside selling fresh produce. Flower stands filled the air with a sweet floral aroma.
"Good morning Mrs. Burton." A street vendor called out as they walked by.
"Good morning Mrs. Wilson." Mrs. Burton replied as Ella smiled and nodded.
Mrs. Burton walked over to some fresh produce and began to choose some lovely red apples from the stand. "These will be great for a nice apple pie." Mrs. Burton said choosing the loveliest apples she saw.
"Yes, they sure will be!" Ella agreed.
They continued walking and reached The Pantry Stop, Ella couldn't wait to see her best friend Josephine. Josephine's father Niccolo Marinos was a Greek immigrant, and her Mother Maria Marinos, was an Italian immigrant. They met in New York, married, and ran the shop together. Maria Marinos would often help with book keeping. Josephine's older brother Louis was 22 years old, and her younger brother Niccolo Jr. also known as "Nico" was 14 years old and would help run it too, along with Josephine who would help when she wasn't busy studying her nursing books, or training in the hospital.
Mrs. Burton and Ella entered the shop, and the all too familiar smell of the shop brought back memories of Ella's childhood, when Ella would visit Josephine as a child. They had met when they were both 8 years old, and were both new to the school. They became inseparable ever since. Ella laughed to herself as she remembered when Josephine would sneak treats from the back of the shop for her and Ella when no one was looking, and they'd run to her room upstairs to eat it.
Mrs. Marinos had been at the front counter helping a customer and looked up to see Mrs. Burton and Ella walking in.
"Good Afternoon Mrs. Marinos!" Ella exclaimed happily. Mrs. Marinos had always been kind to Ella. She had a warm smile, and rounded face, with a rosy complexion. She had always worn her brown tousled hair in the same pinned up do, and Ella smiled at the familiarity.
"Good Afternoon Ella, and Mrs. Burton." Mrs. Marinos replied.
Mrs. Burton smiled and said "Good Afternoon!" as she proceeded to head towards the shelves to find what she needed.
"So how have you been? It's been a while since I've seen you." Mrs. Marinos said to Ella as she approached the front counter.
"I've been very well! How are you?" Ella asked.
"Good Thank you, Josephine told me you're working as a teacher at the Manhattan Home for Girls now!" Mrs. Marinos said as her brown eyes glimmered with curiosity.
"Yes, I am and I'm really loving it!" Ella responded.
"Good! I'm glad to hear that." said Mrs. Marinos.
"Thank you, I was wondering is Josephine upstairs? I wanted to say a quick hello." said Ella.
"Yes, she is there, I'm sure she'll be glad to see you." replied Mrs. Marinos.
"Great thank you! Mrs. Burton do you mind if I run upstairs to say a quick hello to Josie, I promise I'll be back to help you a in few minutes." Ella reassured.
"Yes, Yes, Go ahead." Mrs. Burton replied smiling, and shooing her along.
Ella quickly made her way up the wooden stairs skipping steps, as she figured Josephine would be in her room.
Along the way she saw Josie's younger brother sitting at the table having bite to eat. "Hey Nico!" Ella said as she passed.
"Oh, Hey Ella!" he responded, as he got up to greet her.
Ella was surprised at how much he had grown. He stood tall and robust, with light brown hair, and hazel eyes.
"Oh my goodness! You've grown so much since the last time I saw you!" said Ella as she stood on her tip toes and embraced him. She still remembered when he was a small child, and would always try to sneak into Josie's room to hang out with them.
Nico chuckled, and said "Yeah, it's been a while, Josie is in her room."
"I figured." said Ella as she headed there.
She then got to Josephine's bedroom door, and knocked.
"Yes, just a minute!" called Josephine as she fixed her hair. After her shift at the shop was done, she was planning on heading to the Sheepshead Races with her brother Louis.
"It's me Ella!" She called.
"Oh my Goodness! Ella?" Josephine yelled, and ran to open the door.
When she opened it, the two childhood friends joyfully embraced each other.
"Welcome! I was just fixing my hair, I'm going to the races later with Louis!" Josephine exclaimed.
"The races? That'll be fun! I just came with Mrs. Burton to pick up some things and wanted to say hello, but I only have a few minutes." Ella said, as they walked into Josephine's room where they could chat a bit and briefly catch up.
Ella sat on Josie's bed and Josie proceeded to get ready infant of her mirror.
"So how have you been? And how is teaching going?" Josie asked as she continued to fix her thick locks of dark hair pinning it into a "Gibson Girl" top knot, while leaving some stray strands to loosely hang down. She stood to be 5'4 and was now 20 years old. She had a fair complexion with kind brown eyes, and a pleasant smile. She had always been a spirited girl much like Ella, and the two had always got along, often getting into some kind of mischief as children, and equally knowing how to get out of it as well. Now they had grown into kind, smart, and independent women with dreams of their own.
"Teaching is going really well! and I've been doing good, work has definitely been keeping me busy." Ella replied
"Yeah I bet!" said Josie
"How is nurse training going for you? Do you like training at the hospital?" Ella asked.
"Yes, it's been a really good experience, there's a lot of sad things you see and deal with, but I do really like helping people feel better." Josie said adjusting her blue dress. She then walked over to sit beside Ella.
"Oh for sure, I bet that makes it all worth it right?" Ella asked.
"Yes, it really does" said Josie.
"So how are things with Mr. Cullins? Ella taunted changing the subject, Mr. Cullins was a regular customer at the store, that had been attempting to pursue Josie for the past year, but Josie wasn't interested at all. He was a Middle Aged man who was quite lonely and desperately wanted a wife, and Josie wasn't ready for that yet.
"Oh Goodness!" Josie said exasperatingly as she plopped back on her bed laying there, arms stretched out helplessly.
Ella giggled at her reaction. "Well?" Ella persisted.
"Well you know Mother, she would like nothing more than for me to finally get married and settle down and give her some grandchildren, but I'm just not ready for that yet, besides Mr. Cullins? Ugh." she replied with a hint of dread in her voice.
Ella laughed at her remark. "Well there's your studies that you are trying to finish too, right?"
"Exactly!" said Josie as she sat back up.
"I know how you feel, being a teacher takes a lot of mental and physical capacity too." Ella said agreeing.
"What does your dad say about all this?" Ella asked.
"He just wants me to be his little girl forever." Josie replied laughing.
"Who wants to grow up anyway?" Ella joked.
"I know! Growing up is no fun." Josie responded playing along.
The two ruptured into a fit of giggles and chatted a bit longer before Ella said her Goodbye, and headed downstairs to help Mrs. Burton with the groceries.
Mrs. Burton paid for the groceries, and Ella and her grabbed the bags.
"Thank you kindly Mrs. Marinos." said Mrs Burton.
"Goodbye Mrs. Marinos! It was so very nice to see you again!" called Ella as she headed out the door.
"Goodbye Ella! It was nice to see you too!" replied Mrs. Marinos.
Mrs. Burton and Ella then walked back to the home to put the groceries away, and grab a bite to eat before heading back to work again.
Hello Everyone!
Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to read my story :). This first chapter was more like an intro to the girls' lives so you all get and idea of their characters, then of course the Newsies enter the story in the chapters to follow. This is my first time posting a story on here so reviews and comments are very much appreciated!
I hope you enjoy the rest of the story:)
-xDreamBigx