"We never should have moved back to this dirty city in the first place!" My father ranted as he paced back and forth in the living room.

"Jonathan dear," My mother said trying to calm him down. "please relax."

I sat in my chair quietly not making a sound. I chewed on my bottom lip. It was bad habit I had whenever I felt awkward, uncomfortable or nervous.

"Coming back to Manhattan was a huge mistake!" He said.

I stared at my legs. My father was obviously having some problems with being back in Manhattan. We had only moved back here for his work. I didn't see the problem. But than again there sometimes was no reason for my father on have a rant... no reason at all. He continued to pace back and suddenly my father stops than and looks down at the floor.

"I forgot to get the newspaper this morning." He said.

This was how my fathers rants ended, he'd just think about something else and forget about his rant. It was almost as if nothing ever happened.

"Maria darling would you be so kind as to go and get the paper?" My mother asked me.

"Yes mother."

I rose from my seat and walked out of the apartment. I tried to shake the awkward feeling I had felt. I pushed my way through the crowded sidewalks searching for a newsie. Manhattan was always crowded. I pushed my way through crowds of people hurrying the tother way. It seemed strange, usually there was a newsboy on every corner. I continued walking until finely I heard

"Extra! Extra!"

I look and see a boy who is about my age carrying a huge bundle of newspapers and screaming out the headline. I studied him for a moment. He was a handsome boy with tan skin, brown hair and hazel eyes. He was also wearing a cowboy hat... okay.

"I'll take one!" I said walking over to him.

He passed me one of his newspapers and smiled at me. I smiled back and handed him the money I owed him.

"Thank you." I said.

I turned around and started to walk away.

"Wait!" He said.

I turned around.

"I didn't catch your name."

"Never through it." I joked.

He smiled. "Well mines Kelly, Jack Kelly."

Jack held out his hand.

"Maria." I said shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Yeah... a pleasure."

He looked at me his eyes never leaving mine.

"I should be getting home. Hopefully I'll see you soon Jack."

"See you soon."

I walked away. I read the headline as I walked away. As long as my dad had the newspaper and some coffee things he would stop ranting for a bit. The newspaper would take things off his mind, it always did. I looked back at Jack.

At least I knew someone now. But to be fair I don't remember knowing anyone when I was young ether. We used to live in Manhattan until I was twelve. My parents would keep me inside most of the time, teaching me to be a "proper lady". They would teach me things that are really useless in life like tea edict. It's not important to anyone but rich snobs (I guess that you could call my mother that). We'd moved to New Jersey for my fathers business. But now his business has just brought us back.

I walked to the apartment building. It's a nice day out with a summer sun and a cool breeze. I walk up to my building and saw a girl who looked to be my age or a little younger smoking a cigar outside. My mothers words rung like a bell in my head "smoking for a lady like yourself is improper and strictly for men". But the girl didn't seem rich with her tattered and old cloths. She also didn't seem to have a problem smoking in front of everyone. She had beautiful brown curls and brown eyes. She was also wearing a key around her neck... Strange sure but I have no reason to question it. I felt a hand on my shoulder interrupting my thoughts. I jump once I feel the coldness of the hand.

"Maria where on earth have you been?" My mother asked sternly.

"I had trouble finding a newsboy."

"No excuses! Now get inside!" She barked.

I hurried into the lobby.

"What were you doing? You had us worried sick!" She rambled.

I rolled my eyes.

"I was just looking for a newsie, that all!" I said.

She led me upstairs lecturing me the whole time. I just ignored it.

"...and Maria watch your posture!" She said in conclusion.

I stepped inside of my apartment.

"Father your newspaper." I said.

He already had his coffee out and ready. I handed him the paper. Now that he had his paper he seemed more calm.