Eruptingfender9 – I'm going to copy your idea and post the thank you things at the bottom. :) And thank you to everyone who's been reading and reviewing.

Anyways – so one person reviewed saying that so many characters being added was taking away from the story being about Pippa. That's actually something I've been a little worried about. So in this chapter, I decided to re-center the focus on Pip. I just want to get everyone who requested to into the story. You guys will be there, but the story's going to focus more now on Pip and what she goes through. Let me know how you think I do with that, if you love it, like it, or hate it.

Also – maybe I'll write a sequel with the stories of each of the girls or something? I already have a sequel to Pip's story in mind…but I could kind of make a story that goes with it about the other girls. Let me know what you think about that as well.

So…onto this chapter. Oh, and I'm going to try and get another out by tomorrow. Because I'm really sad to say that Saturday morning I leave for camp, and won't be back 'till July 7th or so. I'm so sad. But I'll get lots of Stars ideas while I'm there.

I don't own the newsies.

--

She looked surprised and quickly snatched her hat back. "It's better for business," she muttered.

"And what kind of business is that?" Spinner asked, joining me. The others followed with smirks and folded arms.

Snapshot shifted uncomfortably. "It aint none of your business."

"Alright…well why don't we just go ask that cop?"

She looked at us for a minute before giving in. "I steal stuff." She turned her eyes down, almost ashamed.

"Hey, dat aint nothin' ta worry about. I used to ta steal stuff," Spinner said.

Midnight scoffed. "Used to. Ya, a real long time ago. This morning."

Spinner playfully socked her in the shoulder. "Well, it seems like a long time ago. And I wasn't gonna steal from you," she reasoned. She turned back to Snapshot. "Anyways – it seems like so long ago 'cause I's a new person! I's part of Pippa's gang. And we's gonna make money legally, by bein' newsies."

Pippa's gang. That didn't sound right. "It's not my gang. The newsies leader is Jack Kelly."

"Her bruddah," Spinner said.

"So that makes you almost the co-leader," Midnight added.

I shook my head. "Jack's the only leader. Listen, Snapshot – you can stay here if you want. We just made a newsgirl room. I'll see you later if you do, and the rest of you."

I turned and headed up the stairs and away from the group.

--

Them calling me 'co-leader' and Jack's sister had brought my guarded side up. They still didn't know the whole story. I'd told them the facts, not the emotions or Jack's betrayal. I couldn't tell anyone that. I still didn't know who I could trust.

I went into the newsboy's bunkroom and just looked around. There was so much on my mind.

I took a long deep breath and lay down on Jack and my old bed. I squeezed my eyes shut and wished that I could just go back to being eleven. Being so innocent and happy. With nothing to worry about, everything to live for, and everyone to look out for and for me.

I opened my eyes and found emptiness.

I took a long, deep sigh and got up. I wandered over to the window where the fire escape was. I climbed out. Resting my elbows on the ledge I looked out. There wasn't much to see. The sun was nearing it's time to set and the sky was a dull blue slowly fading to darkness. My view was obscured by neighboring buildings. Some noises and yells from the always bustling city reached my ears.

I climbed higher and jumped onto the roof. I had to sort out my thoughts – just me, myself, and I.

I laid down on the roof. In the exact spot that Mush and I'd slept in so often so long ago. It was so odd being up here. This was my kingdom, 'Rooftopland'. The 'dragon' – or radiator – was still there and still dripping.

And of course…my thoughts first drifted off to Mush. He was so confusing. Already. Did I like him? Did he like me? Why did he not say anything to me before he left?

I hoped he wouldn't become like he'd been before. Like all nice one moment and then next so distant.

Stop! Already, I was being dramatic. What would be best for both of us is if I don't like him. Er…act like I don't. The newsies don't need the drama I bring. And I bring drama whether I mean to or not. And I usually never mean to.

In doing this – I realized – I was doing exactly what I always did. Avoiding close relationships in order to avoid getting hurt. I'd been hurt too many times. One more and I think I would break.

I knew life wouldn't go back to how it was. The newsies were grown up, now. The 'Prince of Camelot', 'Prince of the Seas', 'Prince of the West', 'Prince of the Races', 'Prince of Brooklyn', and 'Prince of Happiness' were gone. For good.

But I just had to put on a smile and act like I was okay. That way I wouldn't be a burden to everyone.

And I would have to apologize to Jacky and actually say hi.

One thing I knew I would have to think about soon was my father. I knew in the back of my mind that the school had probably notified him by now. And that he was most likely looking for me. Or sending people to look for me. But most of all, I knew that I'd have to take the key and…leave. Me being here put the newsies in danger. This time, I'd find some way to tell them. Some way to say goodbye. Because who knew what would happen to me once I left?

--

After what felt like a while (but I knew it wasn't since the sun still hadn't set) I heard someone jump onto the roof and walk towards me. I sat up and saw that it was Jack.

I stood up quickly. I had to apologize for not being too nice earlier.

But to my surprise, once he reached me he pulled me in and held me tightly. This sudden display of affection brought tears to my eyes. I squeezed my eyes shut and held him tightly.

"I know you's mad at me right now, Pip, but –" his voice broke.

"I'm not mad," I said back.

We stood there like that for a minute or so. A little family reuniting.

We pulled away and sat against the wall of the roof.

He sighed. "Ya have every reason ta be mad at me, Pip. I –"

"Listen, Jack. I'm not mad. I'm just surprised. Pleasantly surprised," I paused. "You got your family, Jack!"

I could hear my fake enthusiasm easily. And I could feel how uncomfortable Jack was. I didn't blame him. It was an uncomfortable situation. "They're real nice people."

"I'm sure they are," I said quietly. "I'm happy for you, Jack. You're happy. So I'm happy."

"Pip, you was my first family. You'll always be the best one I evah had. And I hope you'll still be now," he said softly.

"Jack, you're my only family 'sides Manny. And I don't want any other. I'm not so much into the whole trust thing anymore."

Jack looked a bit relieved. "We's gotta talk 'bout that night, too. And you have so much ta tell me."

I gave him a brief summary of my kidnapping. Once again I told facts, not details. But Jack has always been able to read me very easily.

I looked over at him. He looked shocked and very sad. I even saw a hint of tears. So I snuggled up to him.

"I…you went through this all alone…I wasn't there for ya," Jack said in a tight and distraught voice.

"It wasn't your fault, Jack," I said. "It's just my father's."

And my own, I thought. I was an accident. The newsies wouldn't have had any of that happen – Books and Magnet dying – if I hadn't been born. And all in all, that boiled down to my father. If he hadn't raped my mother. But still, I was an accident.

"When I get my hands on him…" Jack suddenly was fuming.

I almost laughed. My brother's back. My overprotective but loving brother.

--

The moment we came in from the window, Race ran over and people yelled, 'hey!'.

Race threw his arms around me dramatically. "Oh, Pip! You are heah!"

I laughed. "Ya, Race…it's me."

He pulled back grinning. He ruffled my hair. "I was beginnin' ta think you was just a figment of me imagination."

I smiled back. "How was sellin' today?"

Skittery joined us, putting a hand on my shoulder. "You brought luck with ya. There was a real good headline today."

I smiled again and searched the room. For no one in particular…

The girls were scattered around the room. I saw Snapshot in a conversation with Flyer – she'd decided to stay.

I saw Manny and Boots. Mans waved to me excitedly. I grinned back. He could tell I'd made up with Jack.

Finally I found who I was looking for. Mush was by his bed, pulling on his shoes. He looked to be in a heated discussion with Spot. I frowned and wondered what they were talking about.

I watched as Mush tied his last lace and the two turned towards the stairs. Mush looked behind him as he was about to go down the stairs. We made eye contact. Ooh. I know, what a development in our relationship.

"Pip! Pip? What you lookin' at," Race's loud voice brought me out of my little trance.

"Wh – what?"

"I said could ya tell us the story?"

"Oh! Ya…sure," I said.

I told them. My mind wasn't on it, at first. Mush and Spot had left. But – the newsies, being themselves, always interrupted to ask questions or just threw in random comments. Despite the graveness of the story, it was actually quite amusing to tell it.

--

Half an hour later, we walked into Medda's. Race immediately grabbed my arm and said, "Look! Dat's her! Skittery's goil."

I looked. There was a slim girl in with reddish looking hair carrying a tray of drinks. Skittery blushed profusely and glared at Race. "Tonight's da night. I can feel it. It's been a lucky day today."

Race just shook his head and laughed. "Remembah – slick as oil. Slick as –"

Race's eyes suddenly got wide. Medda had just announced that 'Brooke O'Reilly' was singing her debut song. And Race had seen her.

Everyone chuckled at the trance Brooke – who was a very good singer – was putting Race into.

"Go for it Race," Skittery said quietly to him. "She actually looks…shortah than you."

Race didn't even answer or acknowledge that he'd heard. Usually he takes on anyone who makes comments about his height.

I sat next to Jack. After a minute or so Jack said, "Oh! There's Sarah! I's gonna go get her. I want you ta meet her."

I nodded. She'd better be nice.

I looked around for Mush. He wasn't at our table or at any other I could see.

Suddenly I saw him. On the dance floor. Dancing. With a girl. She was giggling as he was talking to her. And he was smiling.

Oh boy. This was going to be a long night.

--

Poor Pip.

Let me know how you thought I did with Jack and Pip in this chapter. So Pip 'forgave' him, but obviously didn't tell him her true feelings about his new family.

Eruptingfender9 – Well, you first! Wow! Thank you so much for reading my whole story! And for leaving the multiple reviews. I'm glad you like this story and my writing :).

Spinner – Haha actually no, we didn't plan it. I know – it's weird that we both wrote that. Cool, though.

Lavender26 – I'm glad you think I wrote Mia well! And I got the background, but I accidentally deleted it. I think I remember most of it, though.

SilverConlon – Thanks for the review! So Brooke made a brief appearance in this chapter.

jammer587 – Thanks for thinking I did a great job with them. I hope you're okay with how I'm cutting back on how much they're in the story.

Trignifty – Snapshot actually belongs to burnt-mufn. But anyways – thank you again for reading my whole story and leaving so many reviews!! I really was glad to hear your questions, and hope that the answers helped. :)

Anonee-Moose – Hahah I'm glad you picked that up ;). Thanks for the review, as always!

NarniaRulz – Thanks for reading my whole story and I'm glad you like it. I hope what I sent you helps explain sort of. But I'm really glad you pointed that out, because I was actually thinking that a lot too. So let me know if you think I did a good job cutting back on that this chapter. Thanks for reviewing!

burnt-mufn – aww I'm so happy you love my story :). And that's right, great minds do think alike. Thanks for the review!!