Bird Turned Queen

By: Cards Songbird

So this is my first story that I'm putting on . It is not my first Newsie story. I've written a lot of them, but I'm not publishing them because they are so terrible. I have a bunch of things planned for this story, and I'm really excited about it. I will try really hard not to make you (if there is anyone even reading this) wait that long for updates. I love this movie and all the characters, and I will try super hard not to ruin it. I will try and do it justice. By the way, not in this particular chapter, but later on I will have some songs in the story. Most of them will be sung at Irving Hall by Songbird, but a couple of them will be by the Newsie characters. Don't be alarmed! I love them too. And I'll only put them in if needed to the plot. But, anyways, I KNOW that they are from (most of them) the 21st century. Just pretend they aren't! Songbird is going to write a couple songs in the story, and I know they were written by other people. I'm not trying to take credit for them. Please remember that and don't sue me please! Now then, Onwards Ho!

Disclaimer: Newsies is an amazing movie. If I owned it (and all of its rights ), I would sit at home all day, patting myself on the back and being super proud of myself. I would also being talking to Max Casella ALL DAY! But, alas (*tear,tear*), I don't. The only person I own in this story, so far, is Songbird.

P.S. The ;-) sign means 'end of chapter'.

'Good, very good, girls. I think ve'll call it a day." I quickly changed out of my sweaty dance dress and into my regular trousers and blouse. I tried to put my super thick hair up in a ribbon, but it just kept falling out, leaving my hair messier than before. I really needed to learn how to do it better. I finally just pulled it back in a knot, and I went out to thank Medda. She had been so kind to us girls for teaching us dance lessons in return for us singing every Saturday night at Irving Hall. She may not know it, but it has always been my dream to perform (sing and dance) in front of an audience. And to get too, every week, plus have dance lessons, all for free, I sometimes felt like we were cheating her.

"Thank you so much Medda! You are such a wonderful teacher!" Medda smiled down at me and patted my cheek.

"You're velcome, my little songbird." I smiled at her nickname for me. She had called me that since the first time I sang for her. She also had said that with enough training, I might have a chance at being famous. Of course, she was probably just saying that to be nice, but a girl can dream, can't she? Especially since that is my dream. I don't really care if they know my name, it's just my voice that matters. I want them to remember my voice.

Medda wave a hand in front of my face. "Is anyvone home? Songbird?" I blinked hard at the rush of air from her hand and she laughed. "Is somevone dreaming about Saturday? Are you excited?" I giggled happily.

"I can't wait! You know, this will be the first time I'll be performing. The last two weeks it was the other girl's turns, and the week before, I was sick." Medda smiled brightly.

"I am sure you vill leave them callin for an encore. Vich, by ze vay, you probably should have ready, just in case." I hugged her.

"Thanks for everything, Medda. You really are great." Medda patted my head. It was a nice moment until my stomach had to go and ruin it. That just sent Medda into gales of laughter.

"Vhy don't you go down to Tibby's and get something to eat. And vhile you're at it, could you pick me up a sandvich?" I nodded, thoroughly embarrassed. "Oh, and if a Jack Kelly happens to be there, could you tell him I'd like to speak with him?" I smiled and nodded again. "Zank you, darling, I'm sorry for turning you into an errand boy… er… girl." I shook my head.

"No, it's fine! I owe you so much!" Medda looked me over suspiciously. Then she smiled again.

"Even so, how about I buy you lunch? Here's two dollars. Get my sandvich, and you can have za rest of it." Before I could protest, she had me out the door, and on my way to Tibby's.

I'd never been to Tibby's before, and I had stupidly not asked Medda the way. I thought I might have passed it before, and I walked in the direction I thought it was. While I was walking I realized I had no idea what this 'Jack Kelly' looked like. Oh well, maybe next time.

It was a nice day out. With only a few clouds and a nice breeze, I wanted to sit outside all day. We rarely got sun and a breeze at the same time in New York. It was either broiling hot or freezing cold. Maybe I would eat my lunch outside. That is, if I could find Tibby's. I looked around as I tried to figure out where I was. I couldn't Great, I was lost. Just what I needed when I was getting Medda's lunch. I should've just asked her. I spotted a newsboy shouting out headlines a little ways down the street and I hurriedly approached him.

"Um… excuse me, but do you know how to get to Tibby's?" The boy turned to me and laughed.

"Do I'se evah, miss! I only eat dere every day of da week. I'll be headin dere in bout five minutes. Can ya wait?" I nodded, immensely relieved that I would get to Tibby's after all. The boy held out his hand.

"Me name's Jack Kelly, or some some people calls me Cowboy." I jumped in surprise. "You're Jack Kelly?" The boy smiled proudly. "Ya hoid of me?" I laughed at that.

"Well, sort of. It's just that Medda wanted me to tell you—"

"Ya know Medda?" I sighed inwardly and rolled my eyes. I did not like being interrupted.

"Yes, I do know Medda, and she told me to tell you that she'd like to talk to you." Jack nodded pleasantly. "Thanks fer da message… what was yer name again?" I smiled. I thought for a second before I answered. "Some call me Songbird." Jack raised his eyebrow. "And what do udders call you'se?" I frowned at him before replying, "A pain in the ass." Jack laughed hard at that one.

"You'se alright, kid." I smirked up at him. "Well, gee, thanks, I do try." He smiled again.

"Let's go. I can't wait till de udders meet you'se. Dey'll love ya. 'specially Race. You'll give him a run fer his money." I had no idea who he was talking about, but I did get the part that we were going to Tibby's now, so I followed. ;-)

Okay, so I'm really sorry that was SO short, but hopefully it sparked your interest. It would have been longer, but out of all that I've written so far, this is the only stopping point. The next chapter will be much longer (hopefully). I know you're all probably bored out of your wits, since the only people you've met is Medda and Jack (don't worry all you Racetrack and Spot lovers). We're going to meet Racetrack, Spot, and Skittery for sure in the next chapter. I haven't finished the next chappie so I don't know who else will be in it. Well, I promise to update soon. Love you! Oh, by the way, I know there isn't much to review on, but it would be nice if you did. Thanks a bunch! (I felt so bad when I was reading all of your guy's amazing stories but couldn't review cause I didn't have an email).