Title: I'm working on one, but suggestions are welcome!!!
Author: Moneybags
Part: 3/?
Rating: PG-13 for language so far Summary: when things happen, who knows what the results are? someone wanna let me know how that summary fits the story so far??? Email: babygrand917@yahoo.com and FB is always appreciated Disclaimer: I don't own the newsies, or any of the other characters besides Moneybags and Hothead, the rest belong to their respective owners. People in this fic: Mills/Katie, Fire/Felicia, Books, Feisty, Princess, Moneybags, Bitter, Mask/(stripes' character), Slash, Spadey. Mischief and Reeney, you WILL be in this fic, I just haven't gotten that far.
It was 2 am, and shortly after the clock in the hall rang, Moneybags woke up. Immediately remembering her plan, she reached around for her bag. She got a hold of it and made an attempt to bring it up to her without making to much noise. Damn bunk, good thin' dat most o' da goils are heavy sleepahs. The next thing was to get out of bed without making too much noise. As she was doing this, she only heard someone turn over. Before she headed for the window, she took one last look at her bunk to make sure that she hadn't left anything behind. Okay, I think I'll go back ta Jersey, maybe visit a couple o' my old friends . hopefully they'se still there .
Moneybags slithered to the window, avoiding the biggest creaks, but only to find out that some one had shut the window. Luckily, they didn't lock it. But that window was hard to open, and squeaky. I coulda sworn that I left it open a crack, hope I don't wake nobody again . Unfortunately, as Moneybags opened the window, she heard a bunk squeak and someone stir. Moneybags froze, hoping that they wouldn't get up and go for a mid-night stroll. Apparently, whoever it was went back to sleep, and after several minutes of waiting, Moneybags finished opening the window and slipped into the cold night air.
She raced down to the Train Station, hoping that she would have enough money for a ticket. "Excuse me miss," an officer said who was blocking the entrance, "ticket please."
"Where do you get the tickets, sir?" Hopefully this guy was nice and he'd tell her.
"Over there," he pointed to a little black box. "Just ring the bell."
"Thank you sir." Moneybags said as she headed over to where the policeman had pointed her to. It was dark, but she saw the bell and rang it. Presently a light came on, and a man came out and asked her, "A ticket to where?"
"Umm," she paused for a moment. "northern New Jersey, please?"
"Okay, but you'll have to wait, the train that's going that way doesn't leave till 7:30 tomorrow morning."
"That's fine." She smiled as he handed her the ticket. "thank you." Then she went back to the gate where the officer was standing. "Here's my ticket."
"Okay. You're clear." He said as he turned to go. "Platform three, by the way. Track 2."
"Thank you so much." Moneybags turned to go to find a bench near platform 3. Just her luck there a bench right by it, and she curled up, holding her bags tight and fell asleep.
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"Get up, get up! Ya bums!" Came Kloppman's wake-up call. He was attempting to wake up the girls and was having little trouble this morning doing it.
Princess had gotten up as soon as Kloppman had walked in the door. She had woken up a lot last night, not getting a lot of sleep. Sleepily, she rolled out of bed and helped Kloppman wake up some of the girls. As soon as Kloppman saw that Princess was up, he left, knowing that she wouldn't let her girls sleep for long. So leaving Princess to finish up his work, he went across the hall to wake up the boys.
"Hey . uh, anybody see Moneybags yet?" Feisty asked anyone who was in earshot.
"Naw." Came several replies from some newsgirls that heard her and were kind enough to answer, namely Mask and Bitter.
"I think she mighta gone ta gone sellin' already." Books suggested. "She does sat sometimes, especially when she's mad."
"Okay . " Feisty trailed off, continuing her search for a selling partner today. "Sar- err, Holiday ya sellin' wit anyone tiday?"
"Well, I was gonna sell wit Bumlets and Jake today, but I'd be glad ta have your company." Holiday said brushing her hair.
"Okay, I'll cya after I get me papes today."
"Hey Princess, is it just me imagination, or did you'se make anudda bet wit Jack again?" Spadey said worriedly.
Princess stopped dead in her tracks. "Oh shit! I forgot!" In a strained effort, Princess urged her girls to hurry up and get down, but it was pointless. The boys had to be down there by now. But as they all reached the lobby, they were shocked. It was empty. Dis means one o' two things. They left already, or they'se still upstairs. And dey probably already left. I mean, we'se couldn't o' won . could we? All of the newsgirls went outside, taking slow steps, only to discover that all the newsies were outside, waiting quietly. But the silence didn't last long, because as soon as the girls came outside, they boys erupted into laughter.
"Oh Princess" Jack called in a singsong voice. "I believe dat you'se got somethin' o' mine!"
Princess unwillingly reached down into her bag, and pulled out two bits. Reluctantly she placed it in Jack's outreached hand. "Here. At least we're even now."
"Yup." Jack smiled. "Now where is Moneybags so I can pay her back?"
"I dunno. She wasn't here dis mornin'. I'se hoping dat she's at da Distribution Center already." Princess looked around once more to see if she had possibly missed her. Nope. No sign of her.
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Moneybags had been waken by a loud whistle. "All aboard!" came a cry. She jumped up and went to the conductor and asked him if this was the train leaving for northern New Jersey. "Yep," he said. "better get on board."
Moneybags got her things and headed on the train. The last thing I need is for some newsie to come and see me leave, she thought. Hurriedly she walked up the steps and got on the train. Here I go, I'm going home . or what's left of it.
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The group of newsies reached the Distribution Center not long after they made their daily stop to get breakfast from the nuns. "Holiday," Princess shouted, "who ya sellin' wit today?"
"Well, Feisty, me, Bumlets, Jake, and Snitch were all gonna sell tagetda. Dat okay?"
"Sure is. Just checking. See ya later." Princess went off trying to get everyone, making sure that no one was left behind. Damn that Moneybags for leaving early, making more work.
"Hey, you'se seen Moneybags around?" Snoddy asked her, interrupting her thoughts. "Books thought dat she mighta left early, but I was just wondering if maybe you knew somethin' dat she didn't"
"Why would I know somethin' about her?" Princess snapped back. "Sorry, I didn't mean ta snap like dat . she just made things a little harder tiday. But I haven't seen her."
"A'aight, and I know da feeling, I snap all da time." So Snoddy went off to find Books, he was gonna sell papes today. It wasn't his turn to play at Rich's bar. Then he got an idea. "Hey Princess," Snoddy yelled and turning back around to her. "Ya think day she mighta gone to Rich's Bar? It's her turn ta play today."
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Race sighed as he got inline to get his papes. Now she's avoiding me. Just great. Mush came over to Race and slung his arm over Race's back. "How's it goin'?" Mush said cheerfully.
"Whadda want?" Race snapped looking down and counting his money.
"Hey, ya get up on da wrong side o' da bunk today or what?" Mush said, taking Race's comment a little too hard.
Race glared at him for a moment, then coldly said, "Shaddup, Mush!" then Race moved up in line and put his money down on the counter, not saying anything to Weasel.
"No hot tips tiday, Race?" Weasel asked tauntingly. But Race still kept his silence and waited for his papers. Weasel had been waiting a long time to annoy Race, and this was his chance. But he looked at the long line of newsies and changed his mind. There'll be another chance . Unwillingly, Weasel handed Race his papes and shouted, "Next!"
Aggravated enough and he hadn't even gotten out of the Distribution Center, Race sat down to browse the headlines, hoping that Mush wouldn't sit down and bother him again. But Mush, being the good and caring friend that he was, followed Race to see what was really wrong.
"Mush! Willya leave me alone?" Race practically yelled. And with that, Race got up and headed for the tracks.
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"So how much did Jack teach ya yesterday?" Bumlets asked Holiday.
"Wait, you mean ta tell me dat Jack actually teaches?" Feisty joked. "and all dis time I thought it was an act, or some pick up line ta get girls."
"Well, I don't think dat Mask would be too happy about dat ..." Jake suggested. The five of them were having a great time selling papers together, joking the time away. So much better den yesterday . thought Holiday, getting temporarily lost in her thoughts. Even though Feisty and Snitch were together, they didn't leave her, Bumlets or Jake out. Jake was cute in his own way, his brown eyes and hair. But Bumlets . Holiday just melted when it came to him. Every so often she would look his way and catch him looking at her.
Another thing Holiday loved about being a newsie was the freedom. It may not seem like a lot, but to her it was. She could talk, come and go as she pleased. One of her favorite things to do was to look at all the interesting things, people and places and smells. Out of nowhere, she was two familiar faces appear out of the crowd. One belonged to her best friend next to Michele, and the other one was a girl that she saw working on the factory. "Katie?" Holiday called to see if this was really her friend.
The brown haired girl spun around as she heard her name being called. "Who is it? Wait ." she searched the crowd, and then she saw Sara, or Holiday, running towards her. "Sara? Is dat really you???" Katie was in disbelief.
"Yeah!" Holiday ran up to her friend and gave her a hug. "I didn't think that anybody made it out!"
"Well, we were on break." Katie explained. "And you remember Felicia, right?"
"Of course! I spotted you first actually."
"Yeah . I remember seeing you around.
"My name is Sara," she said as she reached out to shake her hand. "So where are you guys staying?"
"At my cousin Byron's house. He's got a place not too far from here." Katie smirked as she saw the group of newsies, she guessed, looking at them from behind. "So, ya gonna introduce us ta your friends?"
"Uhh ." Holiday turned around and saw her friends looking at her. "Oh, them. Well, it's a long story, and I'll tell you later. But for a brief summary, they are newsies and they offered if I wanted to be a newsie with them. And that was right after the factory incident . so I accepted. Oh, and they gave me a nickname, so my new "name" is Holiday, everyone calls me that."
"Oh, that's cool. Well, we are looking for work, do you think that we could possibly join them too?" Katie hoped that her and Felicia could . that would help Byron so much.
"Of course! I don't see why they would say no. There is a whole bunch of girl newsies, and everyone is so friendly!" Holiday started to lead her newfound friends to meet the newsies. "Guys," Holiday stated to Bumlets, Jake, Feisty and Snitch, "these are some of my old friends from da factory. Dey were wondering if dey could get jobs as newsies."
"And do ya friends got names?" Bumlets joked.
"Well now dat ya mention it, I believe dey did. Dis is Katie, and dis is Felicia." Holiday introduced them with a nod to each of the girls. "And Katie and Felicia, dis is Bumlets, Jake, Feisty and Snitch." She pointed to each as she said their name.
"Well," Bumlets teased, "if Jack allowed you ta join our ranks, den I don't see why anybody else couldn't."
"Aww, I'se a good newsie. Bettah den you!" Holiday stuck her tongue out at him.
"How so?" Bumlets pressed.
"I sold more papes den you!" Holiday showed Bumlets her disappearing stack of papers.
"Dat's because I got more papes den you!" Bumlets pointed out as Holiday began to run. Bumlets seeing that this was turning into a game, chased after her.
"Look at dose two!" Feisty remarked. "I'se gonna bet dat dey'll be together by da end o' da week."
Snitch, seeing that the two "newbies" were uncomfortable, tried to make some conversation. "So, you'se ever sell papes before?"
"No, but I've seen it done." Katie spoke. "does dat count for something?"
"Well," Snitch pretended to think about it. "I guess . whadda ya say, Jake?"
But before Jake could open his mouth, Feisty interrupted. "So ya ask Jake first now instead o' your own goil? What is dis world comin to?" Feisty rolled her eyes and pretended to be mad at Snitch.
"So I didn't catch your answer, Jake." Snitch smiled and looked down at Feisty, who punched him, all in play.
"You talk about Holiday and Bumlets being a couple . "Jake commented. Felicia laughed. "Naw, seriously though," Jake addressed Felicia, "Am I right?"
"Yes, you are." Felicia said, in between little bursts of laughter while watching Snitch and Feisty.
Out of nowhere, Holiday came running up between Jake, Felicia and Katie. "Jake!!" Holiday squealed. "Help me!!!" She ducked behind Jake, who just turned around and gave her a look that said, 'what makes you think that I'm gonna protect you?' and so when Bumlets came running up, he had no trouble in taking Holiday away from Jake and tickling her. "A'aight!!! Stop! I give up! You win! You'se a bettah newsie den I am!"
Upon hearing this, Bumlets stopped tickling her and returned to Jake, Katie and Felicia. "What's up wit Snitch an' Feisty?" He motioned to the two, who where off on their own.
"Well, ya don't except for them to be sellin all day an' not take a break at least once." Jake suggested.
"True, true, my friend." Bumlets said, as Holiday joined them. "it's about time you cam over here and paid attention to your friends. Jake bites ya know." Bumlets teased the two girls.
As Jake heard this he just said, "Not harder than you Bums, no harder than you."
"What? You bite, Bumlets?" Snitch asked, him and Feisty joining the conversation.
"Ha. Ha. VERY funny." Bumlets glared at Jake.
"So whaddya say dat we go ta Tibby's, it's about lunchtime an' I'se sure dat Jack will love ta meet da new friends." Feisty ordered rather than suggested. But that was okay, nobody else was really taking charge anyway. The group of now 7 agreed, and headed for Tibby's.
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Moneybags was almost to her hometown, and she had only stopped once because she found a nickel on the ground and stopped to get some food. It was quite weird, going back here. It was something that Moneybags never hoped that she'd have to do it, but recent events left her no choice. So . I wonder where all my friends are now . I guess I'll find out soon enough. This place is so different from the city . too many trees and no sidewalks or street venders. That was true enough, it was the country out here. Moneybags sat down for a break. These hills are killin me! I hope I'll be there soon.
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It had been an interesting morning, to say the least for a group of four wandering Central Park. Snipes, Hothead, Spadey and Specs had all been selling together. Spadey was off today again, but tomorrow she had to work. Right now, Spadey was playing one scene over on her head and kept looking at Specs. It was earlier that morning, ever since Specs had asked her if she would sell with him. Of course she said yes, and they had been spending their whole morning together. When they got to Central Park, Specs had taken Spadey away to a little park bench. "Spadey," he began, "I've been wondering dis for a long time now, an' I'se shoulda ast you a long time ago, but I've been to shy. So I'se asking ya now. Will ya be me girl?"
And when Spadey got to that part, she always blushed. She was shocked, he was actually asking her, she thought that this day would never come true. She said yes, and from that moment on, she and Specs were budding up. Since they were buddy-ed up, they excluded Snipes and Hothead. And they weren't getting along that morning, which was unusual.
I guess you could say one reason was because most of the newsies were curious to know what happened yesterday, and why Moneybags wasn't there this morning, and why Race was a little grumpy. Many had went along with the fact that Moneybags was probably at Rich's, playing the piano. But there was no real reason as to why Jack, Holiday, Bitter, Spot and Moneybags came home in such rotten spirits last night. Snipes kept asking Hothead why Moneybags like this, and Hothead was getting a little annoyed. "I told ya once, an' I'll tell ya again. I don't know what happened yesterday. I don't know what's the matter with Race, and frankly, I don't care."
"A'aight! I was just-" Snipes was cut off by one angry Hothead.
"I KNOW." Hothead's temper was reaching its peak. And she could be heard from across the park, because Spadey and Specs snapped out of their little world. They saw Hothead walk away from Snipes, to try and go sell her papers, they guessed.
"Do ya think dat we should head ta Tibby's soon? Ya know how mad Jack and Princess can get sometimes if their orders ain't followed." Spadey really wanted to see if she could dump Hothead and Snipes with someone else so that her and Specs could spend the day together.
"Yeah, dat's a good idea." Specs leaned in to kiss Spadey one more time before they went to go round up the two little newsies. "Hey!" Specs bellowed. "Snipes, Hothead! We'se gotta go ta Tibby's!"
Upon hearing her name being called by someone other than Snipes, Hothead turned around and yelled, "I'se comin'!"
"Yeah, me too!" Snipes came running as he heard his name. So the 'happy' bunch headed out of Central Park to Tibby's.
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The walk back to Brooklyn was a quiet one, Jack didn't know what to say, Spot just kept on walking and Bitter followed him. "Listen, Spot." Jack established. "I gotta get back ta Tibby's far lunch, I gotta talk to a couple o' people and things ain't lookin' too good back in Manhattan. Is dat a'aight?"
"Well Jackey-boy, dere ain't much I can do ta stop ya, is dere?" Spot was still a little annoyed at the previous day, but there was nothing that could be done now. He had to get back to Brooklyn anyway.
"Okay Spot, what did ya want me ta do? Wait, I ain't getting inta dis conversation again. And I am sorry dat I snapped at ya last night, things weren't going great last night, an'-"
"Jack, it's a'aight, I understand. And I was mad last night, you shouldn't hit a goil anyway, no mattah how bad she gets." Spot looked to Bitter. They we're talking last night, about this, and she made a good point. Bitter just smiled at Spot.
"Now guys. Kiss an' make up." Bitter said, glad that he and Jack were making up.
"I'll leave dat ta you, Bittah." Jack laughed. "Don't think dat Spot would appreciate me kissin' him."
"Or Mask." Spot added.
"Oh crap, I gotta go, I told Mask dat I'd meet her earlier before lunch today." Jack spit shook with Spot. "well, see ya around!'
"See ya Jack!" Spot waved to Jack, who had already turned his back and headed off to Tibby's. Spot put his arm around Bitter, kissed her and they headed back to Brooklyn.
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Mask was waiting outside Tibby's for Jack to come. He said he'd be here by now . she thought.
"Maybe he's running late." Slash suggested. She was waiting outside Tibby's for Dutchy, who was selling with Mush and Blink today. "Brooklyn is a ways away. And it's hot. Who wants to run in the heat?"
Mask thought that this was a reasonable excuse. It was hot, and Brooklyn is far away. Maybe him and Spot are making up, they were pretty harsh to each other last night .she only saw the looks on their faces, not a single word.
"Oh look. Here comes Dutchy, Mush and Blink." Slash stated. "I'll tell ya what, I'll go in an' order my food, den I'll come out here and wait wit ya until My food is ready. A'aight?" Slash waited for an answer as Dutchy came over to her.
"Sure, that's fine. An' I'se grateful dat you'd wait wit me." Mask tapped her foot, and asked Dutchy "what time is it?" even though it sounded more like a demand.
"Uh ." Dutchy looked down at his watch. "1:17. Nice to see you too Mask."
"Sorry Dutchy. I'se waitin' for Jack, he said he'd be here by now, but ." she trailed off.
"No problem. I'se just kidding'." Dutchy said and held the door into Tibby's open for Slash.
"I'll be right back, Mask." Slash called before she waltzed through the door with Dutchy. Jack never does that . I wish he'd be a little more romantic sometimes . Mask wished. And suddenly, as if on cue, Jack appeared from around the corner.
"Sorry I'se late, Mask." Jack seemed out of breath.
"What's wrong?" Mask asked, regretting her last thought. As long as Jack was okay, she didn't care how long she would have to wait.
"Nothin', I was runnin' a little late, I left Brooklyn not dat long ago, an' I came as fast as I could."
"Did you run da whole way here?" Mask's eyes clouded over with worry, and were very apparent to Jack.
"Well, not da whole way .." Jack went over to give Mask a hug.
"Promise me dat you'll never do dat again! You coulda passed out!"
"Yes, ma'am." He said, pretending that she was a captain and he saluted her. Se playfully pushed him and he put his arm around her and they walked into Tibby's.
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Author: Moneybags
Part: 3/?
Rating: PG-13 for language so far Summary: when things happen, who knows what the results are? someone wanna let me know how that summary fits the story so far??? Email: babygrand917@yahoo.com and FB is always appreciated Disclaimer: I don't own the newsies, or any of the other characters besides Moneybags and Hothead, the rest belong to their respective owners. People in this fic: Mills/Katie, Fire/Felicia, Books, Feisty, Princess, Moneybags, Bitter, Mask/(stripes' character), Slash, Spadey. Mischief and Reeney, you WILL be in this fic, I just haven't gotten that far.
It was 2 am, and shortly after the clock in the hall rang, Moneybags woke up. Immediately remembering her plan, she reached around for her bag. She got a hold of it and made an attempt to bring it up to her without making to much noise. Damn bunk, good thin' dat most o' da goils are heavy sleepahs. The next thing was to get out of bed without making too much noise. As she was doing this, she only heard someone turn over. Before she headed for the window, she took one last look at her bunk to make sure that she hadn't left anything behind. Okay, I think I'll go back ta Jersey, maybe visit a couple o' my old friends . hopefully they'se still there .
Moneybags slithered to the window, avoiding the biggest creaks, but only to find out that some one had shut the window. Luckily, they didn't lock it. But that window was hard to open, and squeaky. I coulda sworn that I left it open a crack, hope I don't wake nobody again . Unfortunately, as Moneybags opened the window, she heard a bunk squeak and someone stir. Moneybags froze, hoping that they wouldn't get up and go for a mid-night stroll. Apparently, whoever it was went back to sleep, and after several minutes of waiting, Moneybags finished opening the window and slipped into the cold night air.
She raced down to the Train Station, hoping that she would have enough money for a ticket. "Excuse me miss," an officer said who was blocking the entrance, "ticket please."
"Where do you get the tickets, sir?" Hopefully this guy was nice and he'd tell her.
"Over there," he pointed to a little black box. "Just ring the bell."
"Thank you sir." Moneybags said as she headed over to where the policeman had pointed her to. It was dark, but she saw the bell and rang it. Presently a light came on, and a man came out and asked her, "A ticket to where?"
"Umm," she paused for a moment. "northern New Jersey, please?"
"Okay, but you'll have to wait, the train that's going that way doesn't leave till 7:30 tomorrow morning."
"That's fine." She smiled as he handed her the ticket. "thank you." Then she went back to the gate where the officer was standing. "Here's my ticket."
"Okay. You're clear." He said as he turned to go. "Platform three, by the way. Track 2."
"Thank you so much." Moneybags turned to go to find a bench near platform 3. Just her luck there a bench right by it, and she curled up, holding her bags tight and fell asleep.
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"Get up, get up! Ya bums!" Came Kloppman's wake-up call. He was attempting to wake up the girls and was having little trouble this morning doing it.
Princess had gotten up as soon as Kloppman had walked in the door. She had woken up a lot last night, not getting a lot of sleep. Sleepily, she rolled out of bed and helped Kloppman wake up some of the girls. As soon as Kloppman saw that Princess was up, he left, knowing that she wouldn't let her girls sleep for long. So leaving Princess to finish up his work, he went across the hall to wake up the boys.
"Hey . uh, anybody see Moneybags yet?" Feisty asked anyone who was in earshot.
"Naw." Came several replies from some newsgirls that heard her and were kind enough to answer, namely Mask and Bitter.
"I think she mighta gone ta gone sellin' already." Books suggested. "She does sat sometimes, especially when she's mad."
"Okay . " Feisty trailed off, continuing her search for a selling partner today. "Sar- err, Holiday ya sellin' wit anyone tiday?"
"Well, I was gonna sell wit Bumlets and Jake today, but I'd be glad ta have your company." Holiday said brushing her hair.
"Okay, I'll cya after I get me papes today."
"Hey Princess, is it just me imagination, or did you'se make anudda bet wit Jack again?" Spadey said worriedly.
Princess stopped dead in her tracks. "Oh shit! I forgot!" In a strained effort, Princess urged her girls to hurry up and get down, but it was pointless. The boys had to be down there by now. But as they all reached the lobby, they were shocked. It was empty. Dis means one o' two things. They left already, or they'se still upstairs. And dey probably already left. I mean, we'se couldn't o' won . could we? All of the newsgirls went outside, taking slow steps, only to discover that all the newsies were outside, waiting quietly. But the silence didn't last long, because as soon as the girls came outside, they boys erupted into laughter.
"Oh Princess" Jack called in a singsong voice. "I believe dat you'se got somethin' o' mine!"
Princess unwillingly reached down into her bag, and pulled out two bits. Reluctantly she placed it in Jack's outreached hand. "Here. At least we're even now."
"Yup." Jack smiled. "Now where is Moneybags so I can pay her back?"
"I dunno. She wasn't here dis mornin'. I'se hoping dat she's at da Distribution Center already." Princess looked around once more to see if she had possibly missed her. Nope. No sign of her.
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Moneybags had been waken by a loud whistle. "All aboard!" came a cry. She jumped up and went to the conductor and asked him if this was the train leaving for northern New Jersey. "Yep," he said. "better get on board."
Moneybags got her things and headed on the train. The last thing I need is for some newsie to come and see me leave, she thought. Hurriedly she walked up the steps and got on the train. Here I go, I'm going home . or what's left of it.
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The group of newsies reached the Distribution Center not long after they made their daily stop to get breakfast from the nuns. "Holiday," Princess shouted, "who ya sellin' wit today?"
"Well, Feisty, me, Bumlets, Jake, and Snitch were all gonna sell tagetda. Dat okay?"
"Sure is. Just checking. See ya later." Princess went off trying to get everyone, making sure that no one was left behind. Damn that Moneybags for leaving early, making more work.
"Hey, you'se seen Moneybags around?" Snoddy asked her, interrupting her thoughts. "Books thought dat she mighta left early, but I was just wondering if maybe you knew somethin' dat she didn't"
"Why would I know somethin' about her?" Princess snapped back. "Sorry, I didn't mean ta snap like dat . she just made things a little harder tiday. But I haven't seen her."
"A'aight, and I know da feeling, I snap all da time." So Snoddy went off to find Books, he was gonna sell papes today. It wasn't his turn to play at Rich's bar. Then he got an idea. "Hey Princess," Snoddy yelled and turning back around to her. "Ya think day she mighta gone to Rich's Bar? It's her turn ta play today."
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Race sighed as he got inline to get his papes. Now she's avoiding me. Just great. Mush came over to Race and slung his arm over Race's back. "How's it goin'?" Mush said cheerfully.
"Whadda want?" Race snapped looking down and counting his money.
"Hey, ya get up on da wrong side o' da bunk today or what?" Mush said, taking Race's comment a little too hard.
Race glared at him for a moment, then coldly said, "Shaddup, Mush!" then Race moved up in line and put his money down on the counter, not saying anything to Weasel.
"No hot tips tiday, Race?" Weasel asked tauntingly. But Race still kept his silence and waited for his papers. Weasel had been waiting a long time to annoy Race, and this was his chance. But he looked at the long line of newsies and changed his mind. There'll be another chance . Unwillingly, Weasel handed Race his papes and shouted, "Next!"
Aggravated enough and he hadn't even gotten out of the Distribution Center, Race sat down to browse the headlines, hoping that Mush wouldn't sit down and bother him again. But Mush, being the good and caring friend that he was, followed Race to see what was really wrong.
"Mush! Willya leave me alone?" Race practically yelled. And with that, Race got up and headed for the tracks.
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"So how much did Jack teach ya yesterday?" Bumlets asked Holiday.
"Wait, you mean ta tell me dat Jack actually teaches?" Feisty joked. "and all dis time I thought it was an act, or some pick up line ta get girls."
"Well, I don't think dat Mask would be too happy about dat ..." Jake suggested. The five of them were having a great time selling papers together, joking the time away. So much better den yesterday . thought Holiday, getting temporarily lost in her thoughts. Even though Feisty and Snitch were together, they didn't leave her, Bumlets or Jake out. Jake was cute in his own way, his brown eyes and hair. But Bumlets . Holiday just melted when it came to him. Every so often she would look his way and catch him looking at her.
Another thing Holiday loved about being a newsie was the freedom. It may not seem like a lot, but to her it was. She could talk, come and go as she pleased. One of her favorite things to do was to look at all the interesting things, people and places and smells. Out of nowhere, she was two familiar faces appear out of the crowd. One belonged to her best friend next to Michele, and the other one was a girl that she saw working on the factory. "Katie?" Holiday called to see if this was really her friend.
The brown haired girl spun around as she heard her name being called. "Who is it? Wait ." she searched the crowd, and then she saw Sara, or Holiday, running towards her. "Sara? Is dat really you???" Katie was in disbelief.
"Yeah!" Holiday ran up to her friend and gave her a hug. "I didn't think that anybody made it out!"
"Well, we were on break." Katie explained. "And you remember Felicia, right?"
"Of course! I spotted you first actually."
"Yeah . I remember seeing you around.
"My name is Sara," she said as she reached out to shake her hand. "So where are you guys staying?"
"At my cousin Byron's house. He's got a place not too far from here." Katie smirked as she saw the group of newsies, she guessed, looking at them from behind. "So, ya gonna introduce us ta your friends?"
"Uhh ." Holiday turned around and saw her friends looking at her. "Oh, them. Well, it's a long story, and I'll tell you later. But for a brief summary, they are newsies and they offered if I wanted to be a newsie with them. And that was right after the factory incident . so I accepted. Oh, and they gave me a nickname, so my new "name" is Holiday, everyone calls me that."
"Oh, that's cool. Well, we are looking for work, do you think that we could possibly join them too?" Katie hoped that her and Felicia could . that would help Byron so much.
"Of course! I don't see why they would say no. There is a whole bunch of girl newsies, and everyone is so friendly!" Holiday started to lead her newfound friends to meet the newsies. "Guys," Holiday stated to Bumlets, Jake, Feisty and Snitch, "these are some of my old friends from da factory. Dey were wondering if dey could get jobs as newsies."
"And do ya friends got names?" Bumlets joked.
"Well now dat ya mention it, I believe dey did. Dis is Katie, and dis is Felicia." Holiday introduced them with a nod to each of the girls. "And Katie and Felicia, dis is Bumlets, Jake, Feisty and Snitch." She pointed to each as she said their name.
"Well," Bumlets teased, "if Jack allowed you ta join our ranks, den I don't see why anybody else couldn't."
"Aww, I'se a good newsie. Bettah den you!" Holiday stuck her tongue out at him.
"How so?" Bumlets pressed.
"I sold more papes den you!" Holiday showed Bumlets her disappearing stack of papers.
"Dat's because I got more papes den you!" Bumlets pointed out as Holiday began to run. Bumlets seeing that this was turning into a game, chased after her.
"Look at dose two!" Feisty remarked. "I'se gonna bet dat dey'll be together by da end o' da week."
Snitch, seeing that the two "newbies" were uncomfortable, tried to make some conversation. "So, you'se ever sell papes before?"
"No, but I've seen it done." Katie spoke. "does dat count for something?"
"Well," Snitch pretended to think about it. "I guess . whadda ya say, Jake?"
But before Jake could open his mouth, Feisty interrupted. "So ya ask Jake first now instead o' your own goil? What is dis world comin to?" Feisty rolled her eyes and pretended to be mad at Snitch.
"So I didn't catch your answer, Jake." Snitch smiled and looked down at Feisty, who punched him, all in play.
"You talk about Holiday and Bumlets being a couple . "Jake commented. Felicia laughed. "Naw, seriously though," Jake addressed Felicia, "Am I right?"
"Yes, you are." Felicia said, in between little bursts of laughter while watching Snitch and Feisty.
Out of nowhere, Holiday came running up between Jake, Felicia and Katie. "Jake!!" Holiday squealed. "Help me!!!" She ducked behind Jake, who just turned around and gave her a look that said, 'what makes you think that I'm gonna protect you?' and so when Bumlets came running up, he had no trouble in taking Holiday away from Jake and tickling her. "A'aight!!! Stop! I give up! You win! You'se a bettah newsie den I am!"
Upon hearing this, Bumlets stopped tickling her and returned to Jake, Katie and Felicia. "What's up wit Snitch an' Feisty?" He motioned to the two, who where off on their own.
"Well, ya don't except for them to be sellin all day an' not take a break at least once." Jake suggested.
"True, true, my friend." Bumlets said, as Holiday joined them. "it's about time you cam over here and paid attention to your friends. Jake bites ya know." Bumlets teased the two girls.
As Jake heard this he just said, "Not harder than you Bums, no harder than you."
"What? You bite, Bumlets?" Snitch asked, him and Feisty joining the conversation.
"Ha. Ha. VERY funny." Bumlets glared at Jake.
"So whaddya say dat we go ta Tibby's, it's about lunchtime an' I'se sure dat Jack will love ta meet da new friends." Feisty ordered rather than suggested. But that was okay, nobody else was really taking charge anyway. The group of now 7 agreed, and headed for Tibby's.
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Moneybags was almost to her hometown, and she had only stopped once because she found a nickel on the ground and stopped to get some food. It was quite weird, going back here. It was something that Moneybags never hoped that she'd have to do it, but recent events left her no choice. So . I wonder where all my friends are now . I guess I'll find out soon enough. This place is so different from the city . too many trees and no sidewalks or street venders. That was true enough, it was the country out here. Moneybags sat down for a break. These hills are killin me! I hope I'll be there soon.
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It had been an interesting morning, to say the least for a group of four wandering Central Park. Snipes, Hothead, Spadey and Specs had all been selling together. Spadey was off today again, but tomorrow she had to work. Right now, Spadey was playing one scene over on her head and kept looking at Specs. It was earlier that morning, ever since Specs had asked her if she would sell with him. Of course she said yes, and they had been spending their whole morning together. When they got to Central Park, Specs had taken Spadey away to a little park bench. "Spadey," he began, "I've been wondering dis for a long time now, an' I'se shoulda ast you a long time ago, but I've been to shy. So I'se asking ya now. Will ya be me girl?"
And when Spadey got to that part, she always blushed. She was shocked, he was actually asking her, she thought that this day would never come true. She said yes, and from that moment on, she and Specs were budding up. Since they were buddy-ed up, they excluded Snipes and Hothead. And they weren't getting along that morning, which was unusual.
I guess you could say one reason was because most of the newsies were curious to know what happened yesterday, and why Moneybags wasn't there this morning, and why Race was a little grumpy. Many had went along with the fact that Moneybags was probably at Rich's, playing the piano. But there was no real reason as to why Jack, Holiday, Bitter, Spot and Moneybags came home in such rotten spirits last night. Snipes kept asking Hothead why Moneybags like this, and Hothead was getting a little annoyed. "I told ya once, an' I'll tell ya again. I don't know what happened yesterday. I don't know what's the matter with Race, and frankly, I don't care."
"A'aight! I was just-" Snipes was cut off by one angry Hothead.
"I KNOW." Hothead's temper was reaching its peak. And she could be heard from across the park, because Spadey and Specs snapped out of their little world. They saw Hothead walk away from Snipes, to try and go sell her papers, they guessed.
"Do ya think dat we should head ta Tibby's soon? Ya know how mad Jack and Princess can get sometimes if their orders ain't followed." Spadey really wanted to see if she could dump Hothead and Snipes with someone else so that her and Specs could spend the day together.
"Yeah, dat's a good idea." Specs leaned in to kiss Spadey one more time before they went to go round up the two little newsies. "Hey!" Specs bellowed. "Snipes, Hothead! We'se gotta go ta Tibby's!"
Upon hearing her name being called by someone other than Snipes, Hothead turned around and yelled, "I'se comin'!"
"Yeah, me too!" Snipes came running as he heard his name. So the 'happy' bunch headed out of Central Park to Tibby's.
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The walk back to Brooklyn was a quiet one, Jack didn't know what to say, Spot just kept on walking and Bitter followed him. "Listen, Spot." Jack established. "I gotta get back ta Tibby's far lunch, I gotta talk to a couple o' people and things ain't lookin' too good back in Manhattan. Is dat a'aight?"
"Well Jackey-boy, dere ain't much I can do ta stop ya, is dere?" Spot was still a little annoyed at the previous day, but there was nothing that could be done now. He had to get back to Brooklyn anyway.
"Okay Spot, what did ya want me ta do? Wait, I ain't getting inta dis conversation again. And I am sorry dat I snapped at ya last night, things weren't going great last night, an'-"
"Jack, it's a'aight, I understand. And I was mad last night, you shouldn't hit a goil anyway, no mattah how bad she gets." Spot looked to Bitter. They we're talking last night, about this, and she made a good point. Bitter just smiled at Spot.
"Now guys. Kiss an' make up." Bitter said, glad that he and Jack were making up.
"I'll leave dat ta you, Bittah." Jack laughed. "Don't think dat Spot would appreciate me kissin' him."
"Or Mask." Spot added.
"Oh crap, I gotta go, I told Mask dat I'd meet her earlier before lunch today." Jack spit shook with Spot. "well, see ya around!'
"See ya Jack!" Spot waved to Jack, who had already turned his back and headed off to Tibby's. Spot put his arm around Bitter, kissed her and they headed back to Brooklyn.
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Mask was waiting outside Tibby's for Jack to come. He said he'd be here by now . she thought.
"Maybe he's running late." Slash suggested. She was waiting outside Tibby's for Dutchy, who was selling with Mush and Blink today. "Brooklyn is a ways away. And it's hot. Who wants to run in the heat?"
Mask thought that this was a reasonable excuse. It was hot, and Brooklyn is far away. Maybe him and Spot are making up, they were pretty harsh to each other last night .she only saw the looks on their faces, not a single word.
"Oh look. Here comes Dutchy, Mush and Blink." Slash stated. "I'll tell ya what, I'll go in an' order my food, den I'll come out here and wait wit ya until My food is ready. A'aight?" Slash waited for an answer as Dutchy came over to her.
"Sure, that's fine. An' I'se grateful dat you'd wait wit me." Mask tapped her foot, and asked Dutchy "what time is it?" even though it sounded more like a demand.
"Uh ." Dutchy looked down at his watch. "1:17. Nice to see you too Mask."
"Sorry Dutchy. I'se waitin' for Jack, he said he'd be here by now, but ." she trailed off.
"No problem. I'se just kidding'." Dutchy said and held the door into Tibby's open for Slash.
"I'll be right back, Mask." Slash called before she waltzed through the door with Dutchy. Jack never does that . I wish he'd be a little more romantic sometimes . Mask wished. And suddenly, as if on cue, Jack appeared from around the corner.
"Sorry I'se late, Mask." Jack seemed out of breath.
"What's wrong?" Mask asked, regretting her last thought. As long as Jack was okay, she didn't care how long she would have to wait.
"Nothin', I was runnin' a little late, I left Brooklyn not dat long ago, an' I came as fast as I could."
"Did you run da whole way here?" Mask's eyes clouded over with worry, and were very apparent to Jack.
"Well, not da whole way .." Jack went over to give Mask a hug.
"Promise me dat you'll never do dat again! You coulda passed out!"
"Yes, ma'am." He said, pretending that she was a captain and he saluted her. Se playfully pushed him and he put his arm around her and they walked into Tibby's.
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