I don't own Newsies.

Chapter Two

The world seemed to stop. No one moved there was not a sound.

But soon everything went back to normal. Flora was crying. Jack looked down at the child, who was still in Katherine's arms. He felt an instinct to hold her, but he was numb. Mrs. Pulitzer came into the room.

Jack hated to have to tell her the truth. How would he say it? Hey, by the way your daughter's dead. No. This was unimaginable.

"Mrs. Pulitzer, Katherine's dead," Jack told her.

Tears came into Mrs. Pulitzer's eyes immediately. To Jack's surprise the first thing Mrs. Pulitzer did was take Flora from Katherine's cold embrace and try to sooth her. Jack could only stand there dumfounded.

"Can I be with her alone?" Mrs. Pulitzer asked Jack.

Jack nodded. Mrs. Pulitzer gave him Flora. Jack went out of the room.

When Jack looked down the last thing he thought was that he would tear up looking at his daughter for the first time. Flora was beautiful and so peaceful. She had long dark eyelashes, soft cheeks and small pink lips. It was clear when Flora was older she would develop Jack's dimples. There were a few little auburn hairs on her head.

"Is Mrs. Kelly…?" Mrs. Baker started as she wiped her hands on her apron.

"If you'se askin' if she's dead, then yeah," Jack answered.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Kelly," Mrs. Baker said. She did look sorry.

Jack didn't answer her.

There was one very important person who didn't know of Katherine's death. And when Jack told him he said that he wanted to raise his granddaughter instead of Jack. Flora's own father.

"But, Joe, I'm perfectly capable of raisin' my kid on my own," Jack told Mr. Pulitzer.

"Says the boy who had to sell newspapers to make a poor living and only three years ago got a real job. You have no experience with children," Mr. Pulitzer replied.

"I do have experience with kids," Jack persisted, "I had two younger siblings and I've raised several newsies."

Mr. Pulitzer sighed. "Let's make a deal then, boy."

Jack laughed. "I believe I've made too many deals with you, Joe."

Mr. Pulitzer started Jack down.

"If you cannot give my granddaughter the life she deserves, I'm taking her," Mr. Pulitzer said, "I do not care if you agree or disagree with my deal, Jack Kelly. This is just the reality."

"Fine then, Joe," Jack snapped.

Katherine's funeral was a week later. Even after all the guests had left, Jack lingered on at her grave. Now Katherine's death was a reality.

Mr. Pulitzer's words rung inside Jack's head.

"It's alright, Kath. Don't worry 'bout Flora," Jack whispered, "I'll be the best fudda there ever was."

Thanks for reading! Please review!