Note: This is my first ever Newsies fic, but I hope you enjoy it. This story is going somewhere. Please let me know what you think. If you would like to be a character in my story, just post a comment describing you, or the character. I will find a place for you.
Place To Belong - Chapter 1 - The Idea
Lillith Reynolds sat in a chair in her room, deciding what to do.
" I can't stay here, I can't," she said to herself, biting her lip, trying to weigh the alternative. Lilliths father had become rich in the way that some disdained. He had been a poor boy, but with much hard work and saving, he had earned himself a good amount of money. Paul Reynolds had, however, died at a young age, in the prime of life. He left his wife, and nine year old daughter.
Lillith sighed, remembering the day her mother had married Breman Mcdugal, a wealthy land owner. It is known that the more you have, the more you want. This could certainly be said for Mr. Mcdugal. Lillith guessed that he didn't like her, but he had kept the girl around up until now because of her mother. Lillith had to leave, she knew this. If she didn't she would be kicked out. The girls mother had died. It had been a sudden sickness. It was quickly over. The Doctors were still puzzled. Lillith now had to wonder where she would go.
" Lillith!" The sixteen year old jumped out of her seat, grabbing the small canvas bag she had packed, knowing what would happen. Mr. Mcdugal burst into the room.
" Yes?" Lillith asked, doing her best to smile. The man let his breath out, ending in a deep sigh. He sat down in the chair Lillith had previously occupied.
" Come child," he said softly. Lillith walked to his side, not trusting him in the least.
" These are - hard times," he said, trying to sound apologetic.
" I have my children to feed, and bills to pay." he stopped, staring at her. Lillith nodded, knowing what he was building up to.
" I just can't support you any longer. You'll have to find another place to stay." Lillith lifted her finger. Mcdugal nodded at her to speak.
" What about my inheritance?" Lillith asked, knowing she haden't received it. Mr. Mcdugal stopped, still as could be.
" You don't receive that until your older," he said, shakily. Lillith bit her lip.
" So if I'm gone, how will I get it?" Mr. Mcdugal waved his hand.
" We'll figure something out. Here," the man pulled three dollars out of his pocket.
" Something to help you out some." Lillith looked at the money, disbelieving. It was hard to believe that he would give her one red cent, much less three dollars.
" Well.. Good bye," Lillith said, turning to the door. Mr. Mcdugal didn't even say any word of parting to her. At least he hadn't kicked her out in a mean way, that was one comfort. Lillith clutched her canvas bag, going into the unknown world.
" Papes!" Lillith awoke from the alley she had slept in. She had found a little spot where no one could see her, and now the morning light shone out, and the paper boys were already making their rounds. The girl stood up, patting her hair, trying to have the illusion of being tidy.
" Oh well," Lillith sighed, opening her bag to pull out the little hand held Bible she kept inside. While she was reading, a shadow was cast over her page. Lillith jumped up, for fear of a robber, or gang member. Instead, there was a curious looking boy, probably around seventeen or eighteen years old. He had brown hair, and wore a bandanna and cowboy hat.
" Ello!" he said, pushing the hat back. Lillith stared up at him, eyes wide. He must have noticed her discomfort, for he laughed, and pulled a stack of newspapers higher on his shoulder.
" I'm Jack. I'm a newsie, and I'm out selling my papes." Recollection flickered in Lilliths mind.
" Oh, you're the boy who was in charge of the newsies strike, right?" Jack nodded, giving a bow.
" That's me, so, who are you?" Lillith paused uncomfortably. She didn't want to tell this stranger who she was, besides, didn't newsboys call people like her scabbers? Jack must have to took her silence to mean something, for he started off, waving a good bye.
" Wait!" Lillith cried. Jack turned, waiting expectantly. " Where are you going?" she asked, not knowing what else to say.
" Well, to sell the rest of my papes. Then the Newsboys Lodging House," he said, curiosity in his face. After Jack left Lillith found herself feeling a little sad. He had seemed friendly and now he was gone. Then an idea popped into Lilliths mind, and idea that some would say was crazy.
Lillith needed a place to stay. She couldn't sleep on the streets all the time. Lillith also knew that she needed a way to make money, even if just a small bit, in order to keep herself on her feet. Lillith stood by a building watching as pedestrians walked by. After a few minutes, a boy who seemed about her size walked past. The girl overcame her fear, and walked up to him.
" Excuse me, do you have any more clothes?" Lillith asked. The boy stared at her, his mouth wide open. Lillith squirmed, realizing how she sounded.
" I mean, if you have any other outfits, I would like to buy them." The boy studied her a moment, then nodded his head.
" Stay here," he said, taking off. After half and hour he was back, carrying a bag.
" Here's all you'll need," he said. Lillith looked into the bag, seeing a baggy pair of pants, baggy shirt, and pair of boots. Perfect. The boy held his hand out for money. Lillith remembered the three dollars her father had given her.
" How much do you want?" she asked, waiting to hear what he said. The boy thought for a moment.
" Two bucks," he said. Lillith pulled out the money, thankful that that was all he wanted. Lillith asked the boy directions to the Newsboy Lodging House, then started off, hoping to get there before nightfall.