So the next few days were hard. Well…not as hard as weird. It was awkward when I'd go to pick Matt up at his place. None of the newsies really talked about my dad and I was thankful for that. Eric would try to bring it up so we could talk about it. He's one of those problem solvers. Other than that the next few days were just like they used to be. I'd go sell by Brooklyn with Eric nearby selling his own papes. After awhile I think both Dave and Eric got tired of Dad and mine's problem so the two banded together and forced me and my father to try and work things out.
I was against it all from the start. I didn't want to have anything to do with this man ever again. So we were forced to go to Dave's place and "bond". When I got there my Dad was the only one there. He gave me a nervous smile as I walked in and fell into a chair.
"Where's Dave?" I asked after a few minutes of silence.
"Out, said he was going to leave us alone to talk." Then there was silence again. I was to into starting this thing but I did want to get out in time to go watch a show over at Irving Hall.
"Ok, you'se know how I feel…so let's talk bout how you'se feel," I said, my voice toneless. Jack was surprised by this. Well he looked it. I don't think he thought I'd get this going. He then sighed.
"I don't know how to say it," Jack muttered under his breath.
"Well words might help," I replied smirking. I couldn't help it. The comment just popped outta my mouth. My Dad looked at me but when he saw that I was smiling his face broke into a grin.
"Ok…well I feel…horrible. Kelly, I never meant to hurt you and I know I have. The whole getting married thing…well that kind-a sprung up and little Jack…oh yeah, I donno where he came from…"
I cut my dad off smiling. "Man pop, even I'se knows dat, but if you'se need me ta explain it to you'se…"
My dad laughed and looked at me funny. "You know, you really are a great kid. I'm sorry about everything. I know I messed up…I mean I know I messed up-you haven't let me forget that yet-but I want to make it up to you. I know you love it here in New York, but I want you to come with us back out West. Now before you say no please listen to me. It won't be forever…you can come for however long you like. And this way we can make up for lost time. I really want to be your father."
Before I even knew what I was saying I had already answered. "Yes, I'll come wid you'se."
How could I say no? He was my father none the less and I had a little half brother I wanted to see grow up. Plus Matt and Mary were nice people. All I had ever wanted was my dad and now I had him and a family. Sure I would miss New York, I mean I belonged here but I belonged with my dad too.
Suddenly my dad had me in a huge hug. It surprised me but I let him hug me and I got to hug him back. It felt good to be someone's little girl. Sure, Mr. Higgins and Dave had been like my father but they hadn't been him. We stayed and talked at Dave's place for awhile longer before I went back to the Lodging House to pack and tell the others the news. Dad had given me an address to give everyone so they could all write me.
As I ran towards the Lodging House I thought about Eric. I knew he would be upset about me going…or at least I hoped he would be. I ran into the lobby out of breath but grinning wildly. Everyone was there. All the newsies, Mr. Higgins, Matt, Eric and Dave, who must have come over here while dad and I were talking, were all crammed into the lobby. Before anyone could say anything I shouted out my news.
"I'se going wid Dad ta Santa Fe!"
Matt was the first one to say anything. He jumped up from his seat grinning almost as big as I was. "Really? That's great!" He came up and gave me a huge hug.
"It won't be forever though, I'se can come back whenever I'se want, but…I'se get ta stay wid me dad!" I was practically bouncing.
"Kelly I'm so happy that you two worked things out," Dave said as he caught me in a hug. I pushed him away and glared at him.
"What'd you'se say?" He grinned.
"I'm sorry…I meant to say 'Fingers…I donno where that Kelly came from."
"You'se gonna have ta send me letters everyday!" Cards shouted. "Man dis is so great! You'se get ta go ride horses! And well yeah live with you dad but…horses!" I grinned at Cards. Everyone else all began to ask questions and wish me good luck…everyone but Eric. After all the noise had died down I went over and sat next to him.
"Do you really have to leave?" He asked. His voice sounded a bit choked up and his head was bent over.
"Eric," I said softly rubbing his back. "It ain't forever. I'se can come back whenever and look," I pulled out the address that Dad gave me. "You'se can write me here. I'se leave in two days, but still…it ain't forever."
Eric took the piece of paper from me and looked at me with his eyes shining with unshed tears. "I want you and your dad to be together and all but…why can't it be in New York? I'm really gonna miss you Kelly. I love you." Tears began to slip down his face and I couldn't help but begin to get choked up myself.
"I'se love you'se too, but I need this. You'se know I'se need dis. Don't worry, I'll write you'se everyday." I pulled Eric into a hug and he began to cry softly. As I felt his tears soak my shirt I couldn't help but start to cry too. This was going to be the hardest thing I had ever done but it was going to be the best.
Note: OK maybe a little sappy but we all knew it was coming. Hope you all liked this chapter…only one left! But then there's the sequel…I mean if you all want a sequel. Lol even if you don't want it I'm gonna write it. Well review please and hopefully I'll be able to add the final chapter soon.