Disclaimer: Unfortunately I do not own any of the original Newsies characters. I do own Chris as well as some other characters that might develop down the line. Enjoy!!! And PLEASE: let me know what you think!!

A special shoutout to Racesgoil: Pretty Boy and Snipeshooter WILL take us to prom!!!

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Ya coulda been a little bit nicah to Chris back there, Blink, Jack said as they hurried down the street to the Distribution Center, She's been through a lot, ya know.

When Blink didn't respond Jack sighed, Blink, ya gotta git ovah it. It's been two weeks!

Blink looked solemnly at his friend, How'm I spose ta git ovah it? She was everyt'ing ta me, he paused rubbing the back of his neck w/ his gloved hand, Jack,....I think I was in love wit

Jack froze, Blink! You'se can't be serious! In love wit HER! he spat out the word, THAT SLUT?!

How'se can ya say dat, Jack? She was me goil. Ya always acted nice round Blink looked as if he might break down and cry, but he made himself look tough, not letting his emotions get the better of him.

Because she was ya goil, Jack said, remembering Blink's last girlfriend, but none of us boiys trusted he told his friend honestly, It's pro'ly best if ya just forgit bout

Blink stared in disbelief at Jack, JACK! How'se can ya say dat?! How can I just forgit bout he practically screamed. He lowered his voice as they neared the Distribution Center, I'se tryin' to, ya know...

I know, Blink, Jack put his arm around his friend's shoulders in support, We'se all here for ya, ya know dat, right?

Blink put on a smile, Now let's go sell some papes! he said all-to-cheerily. He playfully punched Jack in the arm and ran off to the group of shabbily dressed boys huddled together for warmth outside the Distribution Center.
Jack sighed watching his friend run off. Suah, Blink, he thought. His mind drifted back to the strange girl at the Lodging House. Chris....I wondah if it would woik....? Jack smiled to himself, his mind beginning to form a plan......


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It's amazing how the true realization of a situation doesn't always hit fully until after the fact. In Chris' case this was exactly what happened. If she thought her panic before was bad....

Chris' mind was racing as she awoke later that day. What the HELL is going on?! This can't be real! How do I get home?

A knock on the door brought her back to reality, Miss Chris, Kloppman called from the hall.

Chris' head was spinning again, C-come in.

Ah good, you'se awake. Now we'se need to discuss the terms of ya staying---

Chris whispered, How....how do I get home?

Chris turned to face him, a single tear running down her pale cheek. Kloppman's heart went out to the poor girl. How lost she must feel. If only I could tell her about.....He paused before answering, Now I'se not exactly suah bout that, but he said kneeling down beside her, I jist want ya to know dat you'se safe here. Now, he smiled, we'se need to git ya settled in. I'se not exactly suah what ta do wit ya. I don' think I'se want ta make ya a newsie jist yet, but maybe.....if ya's be willing ta help wit some of da woik round here. You'se can read an' write?

She nodded.

Good, good. You'se can help me wit da books an' some of da cleaning, organization, etc. I'd be willin' ta let ya stay here free o' charge. Dat ok wit ya?

That's more than fair! Chris was so relieved. At least I know I have a safe place to stay. When do I start?

Kloppman smiled as he headed to the door, Right aftah we git ya some different clothes. Those ones are even more ratty lookin' dan what mosta da boiys wear. I'se don' got any skirts, but if you'se willin' ta wear pants....?

Chris laugher, Of course! In 2003 girls wear pants everyday!

Kloppman looked at her rather amused, We'se got a lot of in-for-ma-tion ta exchange.

And with that the two began their work of getting Chris aquatinted with life in 1900.


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A/N: Ok, I know that this is REALLY short, but I ve had no time at ALL this week. I just wanted to give you guys something before I go to a three day dance workshop this weekend. I'm planning on the next chapter being really long w/ more shoutouts (I just don't have my list right now). Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this. Happy Presidents' Day!!

patch:)