[Disclaimer] Obviously (and sadly), I don't own Newsies..
Alright, this is my first real Newsies fic, so be kind! Haha, okay, so here goes:
~*~
The cobblestone streets of Manhattan, glazed with freshly fallen leaves, shone brightly under the new morning sun. The harsh summer weather had finally let up and all that was left was a cool, light breeze, signaling the arrival of autumn. Days were shorter, nights were longer, and everywhere you looked were the glistening golden and bronzed leaves of the gracefully fading trees.
At this time of year, the newsboys of Manhattan would wake up early, without the help of Kloppman, to deliver their papers, and sleep late, savoring each shortened hour of each autumn day. To them, this was a time of relaxation and fun, going out to watch an afternoon flick or just enjoying each other's company at the local diner, Tibby's. All the newsies loved autumn. All the newsies, save for one.
The only reason he woke up early with the rest of his comrades was because they caused such a row while getting dressed, any normal person would have trouble sleeping. So, this morning, like the mornings of last autumn, he woke up with the other newsies, listening to their cheerful plans of how their day would be but never joining in. No, to him, autumn was not a time for play and happiness. Of course, he wanted to join his friends in their joyous manner, but he couldn't help but keep to himself.
All because of two autumns ago. The memories the year before last gave him were enough to drive him insane. The guilt, the regret, the remorse, the memories that were pushed into the back of his mind during spring, crept slowly upon him in summer, hit him in autumn, and left him abandoned and lost during winter.
He didn't even want to believe in love anymore. He had let his chance at love slip away when he knew he could have saved it just by saying those three little words. Those words that could have made all the difference. He wouldn't have to hide his emotions under the façade of his rebellious attitude, and he'd never have been alone. And being alone was all that he felt at autumn, despite his numerous friends that always seemed to be near him. As much as he wanted them to, they couldn't fill the empty space in his heart that had been ripped away.
He continuously told himself that it had been his fault, that if he hadn't just stood there and watched her walk away from him, that none of this repentance would be felt. He knew he couldn't go on this way forever, but he also knew that he couldn't move on, either. Not after seeing her cry. Not after knowing he was the reason.
Moving over to the sink, he splashed cold water onto his face and looked into the dusty mirror in front of him. Staring back was the reflection he was not afraid to look at any other time of the year, but this one. He looked away quickly and grabbed the nearest towel to dry his face. Not bothering to change out of his sleepwear, he pulled on a pair of dark brown pants and a light blue shirt, rolling up the sleeves despite the fair weather. Just as he was pulling on his brown cap, he heard a familiar voice call to him.
"You comin', Skittery?" said a boy from the doorway. Skittery nodded.
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm coming."
~*~
Okay, yeah, I know this is a bit short, but hey, it's the prologue! So, review, tell me what you think... and I'll give you mookies! Haha, okay, that's cookies and muffins...