I don't own Newsies.

Chapter Five

Flora hadn't been herself lately. She was constantly sniffling and cranky. Jack knew something was wrong with his little girl from the start. But when she didn't want to be held or touched this drew the line.

"Hey, Flo, what's wrong?" Jack asked gently.

She burst into tears. "My head hurts! My neck hurts! I siver! My nose is sick! I don't feel good, Poppy!"

"Shh. I'll take you to Uncle Davey. He'll know what to do," Jack promised.

Jack bundled Flora up tight; it was December. After getting himself ready Jack carried Flora to David's apartment. After Jack had knocked on the door, to his surprise, David's six year old daughter (and Flora's best friend), Nellie opened the door.

"Hi Nellie," Jack said, confused, "Are you suppose ta answer da door?"

Nellie shrugged. She noticed Flora. "Hi Flora!"

Flora only whimpered in reply.

Pearlie came out of the kitchen wiping her hands on a rag. She smiled at Jack and Flora. A flicker of confusion ran across her face when she saw Jack holding Flora.

"Hello, Jack," Pearlie greeted, she looked down at Nellie, "Nellie you know you aren't allowed to open the door."

"Sorry, Mama," Nellie whispered. She slumped her shoulders.

"Is Davey here, Pearlie?" Jack cut in, "It's a bit of an emergency."

Pearlie nodded. Her eyes narrowed. "Are you alright, Jack?"

"Flora ain't," Jack explained.

Pearlie's brow furrowed in concern. "I'll go get him. Hang tight." She disappeared into the kitchen.

Jack laid Flora on the couch. She was still shivering like crazy. Nellie went over to them. She tilted her head.

"Are you okay, Flora?" she asked

"Don't feel good, Nellie."

David came into the room with Pearlie following him. Pearlie opened her arms up. This had become the family's way of saying "Come here". Nellie skipped over to her mother.

"Somethin's wrong with Flora!" Nellie informed David.

Pearlie took Nellie out of the room after a sympathetic glance at Flora. They could hear Nellie talking as those two left the room. David took a seat by the sofa.

"Do you think she's sick?" David questioned.

Jack nodded. "I'm real worried about `er, Davey."

David turned to Flora. "What doesn't feel good?"

"Everythin'," she whispered. Jack took her hand.

A flash of concern washed over David's face. He held his hand to Flora's damp forehead. He thought for a moment before removing his hand.

"What is it, Davey?" Jack questioned his friend.

"The flu."

"No! How could she have gotten it? I never let her play outside, I make her wash her hands," Jack informed him, "How?"

"Didn't Mrs. Baker watch her once while you were at work?" David wondered.

"Yeah, so?"

"Her youngest son just came down with it. I think that's where Flora got it."

"What can help `er?"

"Sleep. Lot's of sleep. Make her eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. I'll bet you she'll be fine in a week," His friend instructed, "And try to get her fever down."

"Thanks, Davey. I really owe you one," Jack said as he stood up from the sofa.

"No problem, Jack. Anything for my brother," David replied.

Jack scoped the now sleeping Flora up and walked home deep in thought. Jack ended up spending most of his day patting a cold cloth on Flora's head. The few times she woke up Jack made her drink some cold water.

Flora was sick for almost a week. Jack was starting to get worried she'd never recover. But one day, Flora woke up and held out her arms.

"I feel better, Poppy," whispered Flora.

That was the best news that Jack had heard that year.

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