Disclaimer: You know how it goes. I just write about newsies...dream about newsies...make a fool of myself all because of newsies...but I don't own them. Allow me to introduce you to the mega corporation Disney...
Also, don't steal cause I'll know who took it you only reader you!

Chapter 6

The world of dating had its struggles in the tight circle of newsies. And with the average newsie between the age of 14 and 18 there was a fair amount of dating. Most boys teased each other over the specific girl, or the possible girl, the girl who could never be got and the girl who never left. Sometimes the younger ones shied away because of this attention. But for most boys, the remarks were seen as encouragement. And, as Jack had learned, there would always be remarks.
Watching from Spot's single cot, Jack thought of all the whispers he'd heard about him and Evie. The rumor at the dance in particular. He didn't know what to think of it but he knew that it was the encouraging type.
Will ya pay attention? I'se askin ya a question. Spot kicked at his feet and Jack swung them off the side of the bed. And get ya feet off da bed.
Jack shook his head so that his hair moved out from in front of his eyes. He needed a haircut. Spot had turned back to the mirror and was combing his hair, retouching the greasy hold he'd created. He looked different without the brim covering his brooding eyes. A little younger, a little more innocent.
Tonight was his first official date with Charlie, although they'd been pretty exclusive since before the dance. Every newsie in New York certainly knew not to go near her. He was wearing a clean shirt that Jack had never seen before and slacks, of course the suspenders. Surprisingly, the cane had been placed gently on the bed and his hat along with it. Do I'se look okay?
Jack nodded while standing, pushing his hands within his pockets after checking his hat hanging on his back. He looked outside and noticed that the sun was getting lower. He needed to get back to Manhattan.
What time are you picking her up? Spot asked, still fussing over one ruthless strand of hair. Jack sighed. Her meant Evie, and picking her up meant their very first date. Chance had made the two couples pick the same day and comparing the two pairs made Jack smirk. He hadn't known Evie for nearly as long as Spot had watched Charlie but their relationship felt as smooth and sure.
Yea, I'm gonna go He motioned towards the door and caught Spot's eye in the reflection of the small mirror. Getting in one last tease, Jack pretended to primp his hair, mimicking Spot. The boy blushed and dropped his hands to his side, watching stubbornly as Jack sauntered out the door.
Back in Manhattan, on the third floor, a similar scene was unfolding. Charlie spun her dress for the millionth time, checking out her profile in the full-length mirror that the girls had pieced together on one side of the room. The cracks weren't as distracting when not focused on. She was wearing one of Evie's dresses that they'd mended. Gone was the under petticoat that made it bulge, along with some of the extra frill. But lace still graced the scoop neckline and the bottom hem. It fitted her waist and flowed to her ankles, just showing the tips of her old boots.
She scoffed, kicking her feet. I wish I had some new shoes. Dese look awful.
From her position on the bunk, Evie smiled. He'll be too distracted to notice. She too was ready, but a little plainer. Her blouse was tucked in to hide a stain on the edge and the green skirt certainly didn't have any lace. But the colors flattered her light complexion and Charlie had assured her that she could wear mud and Jack would gawk.
I should see if Jack is back. Evie said, sliding to the floor. She caught her reflection one last time, her lashes dark and framing her eyes, making their normal brown seem more dramatic and bold. She held her head a little higher descending the stairs and stopped to talk with Skittery and Race, blushing when they commented on her evening plans. Slipping away before anymore of the boys could tease she waited outside on the stoop, watching the younger boys sword fight and feeling like a mother hen. One boy in particular had the energy Brody had always possessed. She wondered about her beloved brother, how big he had grown in the months she'd been gone. He would love the city, its excitement and the whole atmosphere of living with the newsies. She laughed as the boys tumbled in the dirt, kicking up a dust across the street. Following the mini tornado with her eyes she caught sight of Jack crossing towards the lodging house. He had his hat on and was squinting into the dust. She smiled when he caught her eye but did not stand.
As he skipped up the steps he bent to kiss her cheek. I'll be down in a second. I'se just gotta grab a couple tins.
she whispered, turning to watch him disappear under the doorframe. He did indeed return promptly, smelling of a quick rub of soap and wearing a fresh new undershirt and buttoned shirt. It was her favorite one he owned and she took this as a good sign.
You hungry? He asked, moving down the street and reaching for her hand. She rubbed her thumb over the back of his hands, tracing the muscles and knuckles quickly, nodding her head enthusiastically. They hadn't spoken of specific plans that evening, both content with walking and the company.
As they headed towards an unknown destination, they spoke of the other newsies, Spot and Charlie in particular. Jack told his story of Spot combing his hair and Evie recounted the number of times Charlie had twirled. Grabbing a quick bite to eat just before the side carts began to close for the night, Evie realized how late it was. They finished eating and Jack found his sense of direction. He pulled her down a specific street and Evie questioned his move.
I'se been waitin ta bring ya hea. It's a nice night and you ain't cold, right? It was half way through September but the nights still stayed as warm as the sunny days. And with Jack's arm around her, Evie was perfectly warm. She tried to get him to tell her where they were headed, but he kept mum, changing the subject and making her giddy.
Surprises had never been part of her life before Jack. He seemed to have surprises planned for the rest of his life. Some days she'd find a little picture on her pillow, a flower, or a quick note. These surprises were simple but showed his affection, making Evie blush. Everything he'd given her was stored in the box with the dresses, hidden underneath Charlie's bunk or secured to the pages of her new journal.
By the time they reached the train depot it was dark, the moon lighting a path through the fence and among the tracks. Stepping lightly so that they didn't get hurt, Evie finally persuaded Jack to explain. I've been coming here often. I can't go anywhere on dese trains but I can imagine where I'd go. He whispered, leaning against a boxcar. The moonlight lit his face from a specific angle, making his features softer.
The sound of someone approaching stopped his story and before Jack could even ask, Evie was by his side. They waited silently, listening as the figure's steps became closer. Jack whistled suddenly, low and long, waiting for a reply that came soon afterwards. He relaxed then, dropping his arms from around Evie and pulling her to the other side of the car. The figure turned, causing the light from his lantern to fade and a new shade of darkness to envelope where the two stood. That's Henry. He's been a watchman here for almost the beginning of railroads. Or so he says. Even in the dark, Evie knew Jack was smiling. He doesn't mind if I come around. He knows I won't cause any trouble as long as I'm left alone.
Moving over the rails cautiously, Evie could tell by Jack's footsteps that he had in mind a specific place in the train depot to reach. Only a couple mintues after their first scare, another figure began to be heard. Pulling Evie under the nearest box car, Jack whispered. Now Procket on the udda hand. He don't like me. Says he'll put me in jail one of dese days. They waited silently until the large man waddled by. 'Corse, he's gotta catch me foist.
In the time it took the two to slowly pick among the rails and rocks to where they stopped in front of open box car, Evie listened silently to the wind and Jack's movements. He pushed the side door wider, a low rumbling spreading through the station. Already, they had heard the sound of trains running and Jack had explained that they were switching tracks and positioning the trains for tomorrows schedule.
Pulling himself up into the open train car, he turned to help Evie. But she had already scurried up the side and stood next to him, hands on hips and surveying the inside. It seemed that no drifters had found the hideout so it was just Evie, Jack and packed vegetables. As she moved to sit on a crate the train lurched forward.
Jack was leaning against the side of the door, peering out so that the wind ruffled his hair. He turned back to where Evie sat nervously on the onions. Come hea, you can see the lights of da city.
Shuffling over to the edge, Evie hesitated in looking over. The train wasn't moving fast but the sense of falling seemed too strong. She gripped the side of the door and relaxed slightly when Jack wrapped an arm protectively around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder, a gesture that seemed to reassure her that nothing was going to happen. As the train they rode curved around the station, Evie closed her eyes and enjoyed the wind. Strands of her hair broke free, tickling the side of Jack's face and causing his stomach to turn in new ways.
After a comfortable silence had lapsed between the two, the train began to brake. Evie moved her free hand from where it rested on top of Jack's to the side of her face. Her cheeks were cold from the rush of air and rosy with happiness. Turning to face Jack she placed both hands on either side of her face and leaned against the side of the car. Letting them sit there momentarily, Jack rested his own on top of hers before moving them to his face. The cool feeling was the same and Evie imagined that Jack had been expecting the feeling. The whole ride, from the wind to the dark landscape gave the allusion that one could go wherever they wanted to.
Her fingers slipped from underneath his and she blushed at how long they had held each other's eyes. There was still a proper lady within her that clucked at her behavior and made her question herself. But really, watching silently as Jack placed his hands back on her face, she knew she would never be able to deny herself any amount of Jack. He seemed to overrule all common sense.
Their kiss was light and soft, thanks to some restraint on Jack's part. He could tell by her quick heart and the twinkle in her eye that it had been her first and this knowledge made it more special to him in an unexpected way. He'd certainly had other girls in the past, had been their first also, but those moments had never been quite like that brief train ride.
Hey! Kelly! What are ya doin! Procket's gruff voice and the light from his lantern startled the two. Tumbling off the edge of the now motionless box car, Evie hit the ground with a thud and rolled. Jack was right next to her moments later, giggling boyishly and tugging her to her feet. Grasping his hand she ran with him, dodging behind the trains and hiding in the shadows as they ran from Procket. Laughter overwhelmed her soon after and the two tried to control their chuckles as they continuously outsmarted Procket. Finally reaching the edge of the property, they turned to look at the train lot, the sound of a moving freighter in the distance drowning out the shouts of the angry watchman.
The walk back to the Lodging House seemed shorter to Evie than normal and as they approached the well-known street, Jack pushed his hat to his back. I'm gonna stay in Brooklyn tonight. He whispered.
They stopped in front of the entrance, standing slightly apart and facing each other. Jack's chin hung towards his chest and he didn't raise his eyes. Although she focused on Jack, Evie knew that some of the younger boys were watching from the windows. She asked, letting him take her hand in his.
So dis can be like I real date, ya know. I'se walk ya to ya door. Kiss ya goodnight He did just that, tilting her chin at an angle to meet his. This kiss was a little deeper than the first and Evie parted with a smirk on her face. And ask ya out again tomorrow.
She whispered, preventing him from leaving by grasping the front of his shirt. With one last kiss, surprisingly instigated by Evie, she let him float back towards Brooklyn.

What do you think it would have been like if I'd just showed up hear, without the disguise. What would Jack have done? Evie swung her legs over the edge of the roof, now comfortable with the distance it was to the ground. She turned to Charlie and handed her a piece of the apple they were sharing.
Her friend shrugged as she chewed. Ahs, Spots right. It woudda been strange. I cointainly wouldn't have trusted ya. You'se bein' rich and all, it would have been a big wall to break down. And Jack, well I think he would have been too shocked to do much.
Well den, what's he going to say when I finally tell him who I am?
Do you have to? Charlie asked, finishing off her last slice. I mean, you two seem to be doing great just da way you'se are. Evie nodded. Since the first date they'd been out on one more and Jack had walked her home just like the first, skipping off to Brooklyn at the end of the evening. He liked to play the game that they were normal kids, dating each other, possibly sweethearts in school, and Evie wasn't one to complain. Since their last date, two days ago, she'd seen Jack only in quick passing. Yesterday he'd stopped by quickly and apologized for having to cancel the third date. Something had come up in Harlem and his advice was needed to solve the argument. And last night he'd stayed again in Brooklyn with Spot so the two could discuss the Harlem event.
But Evie wasn't that worried. Charlie was right, things were going great. But the idea of not telling Jack who she really was didn't sit right. It don't feel right to keep it from him. She whispered. I mean, it's big news but it doesn't change the relaionship we have nowSo why am I so nervous to tell him!
Before Charlie could offer a word of advice, Frankie tumble off the ladder onto the roof. Gasping for breath, he still tried to speak. Frankie! What's wrong? Evie helped him to a crate so that he could sit and catch his breath.
he said, well Jack'sJack's found da Central Park goil
Frankie, what are you talking about? You know, well, that I'm her.
The boy took one long deep breath. I know, but last night Jack comes in and tell Spot dat he's found herwell youbut not you'se cause he don't know you're her
Charlie bent in front of the flustered boy as Evie paced back and forth. Frankie had important information, this was obvious, but he wasn't making it clear for anyone to understand. Franks, just tell us what happened. Did Spot tell you to come?
The boy nodded fiercely. I would of come last night but it was real late. Spot said it wasn't safe and that there was notin we'se could do til morning. But Jack left early today to sell and den he said he was meeting with the girl he's been looking for. The girl from Central Park. Supposedly she came up to him the day before, dressed all proper like. And last night he could scarely sleep he was so excited. He turned to face Evie. Now Spot tried to talk to him, tell him that it must have been the wrong goil cause we all know dat you'se who he's been looking fo. But Jack wouldn't hear it. He got all upset, yelling and stuff. Really, I'se never seen him dis mad
Frankie, where is he now, Evie asked, moving to climb down the ladder.
The two others scrambled after her, swinging into the window in the girls bunkroom. In da Park. Dat's where Spots goin right now. To try and find what's up.
Just then, the door opened and in stalked Spot. Evie, did Frankie
Yes! Now why ain't you in the Park! Evie's hands were shaking. For some reason deep within she was sure that this would tear her apart from Jack, despite all that they'd shared in the last couple weeks. Nagging also was the idea of someone pretending to be her. She didn't understand it.
What's goin on? Teeni asked, coming out of the washroom. Jazz followed behind, rubbing her wet hair with a towel. They looked curiously between everyone in the room, sensing the urgency.
I sent one of me boys to follow Jack today and dey come back to say dat he's in da Park wit dis goil who looks like you, but ain't you. I go down dere and see dat it's Diamond! Dressed like you, wearing does dresses sent to you
Teeni shrieked.
At the mention of the dresses, Charlie rushed to beneath her bunk and sure enough the box was gone. I can't believe it. How I mean, it must have been Button. I knew it was strange dat she stayed. Charlie mused, referring to the only one of Diamond's girls that had stayed at the lodging house.
Damn it. Dat lously Diamond. I knew she'd overheard. Evie started towards the door. I just gotta go dere myself andand, well I don't know what I'll say but Rushing down the stairs she lost her footing and fell, calling the attention of almost every newsboy below.
Jesus, Evie. You'se okay? Jazz and Charlie were right behind her on the steps but Skittery reached her first and tried to help her stand. But she'd twisted her ankle and cried out in pain when putting any amount of pressure on it.
Come on, He picked her up and was about to carry her over to his bunk. We'll get Kloppman to look at it.
No, Skittery. I'se.,, Tears started to fill Evie's eyes and she cursed her luck. I gotta get to Central Park. Jack's dere and Charlie interjected, ordering Skittery to move Evie outside. Spot and Frankie followed, along with Race, Blink and Mush, caught up in the energy of the party but not exactly sure what was happening. So groups were split, Frankie explained to the three newsboys who Evie really was while Spot and Charlie ran ahead for some sort of transportation. And Skittery, still holding Evie, tried to stop her tears and get his own explantion.
Faster than expected, a farmer heading towards the park offered to carry the group, Mush, Blink Race, Teeni and Jazz opting to walk and digest the startling new information.. The girls tried to explain a little more thoroughly than Frankie had about Evie's past to the other boys. It was shocking but for some reason sensible And with the problem of winning Jack away from Diamond, they were all hoping that Jack was as understandable.
Reaching Central Park was a triumph in midday traffic but tracking down Jack among all the people proved to be a challenge, especially with Evie limping along next to Skittery who was still helping to support her.
Franks, run ahead and find dem. Don't let em go far and don't let dem be alone. The boy ran ahead with the purpose of distracting and Spot returned to help Skittery.
Running through Evie's mind was the horrible conclusion that she'd lost Jack for good. And that even if they reached him in time, he wouldn't believe her, or worst, would hate her because of the fact.
When they reached the pair Frankie was darting in and out between them, tugging on Jack and overall trying his best to be annoying. Evie pushed off the help of Skittery and Spot, hobbling best she could towards the three. Jack's back was towards her and she called out to him, trying not to sound as helpless as she felt.
He turned around quickly, surprised to see her so soon. He'd been worried about how she'd react to his news but he'd assumed he had more time to figure out their situation. I, what are you doing here? Now, with her standing right in front of him, her appearance was drastically different than the woman to his left. Her hair was wild and curly, blowing every which way from the wind and her eyes, large and observant were watching him intently, as if trying to read the thoughts within his head. She still looked beautiful and he found it strange that he wasn't more attracted to the frills and combed appearance of the other female who was currently pawing at his arm somewhat desperately.
Evie, not saving a glance for Diamond, whispered, Jack, I'm her.

She's pretending to be me. She whispered, still maintaing eye contact with him.
It was broken when Diamond tugged Jack roughly, her nerves noticing the power Evie had over him. Jack, don't listen to her. I think she's crazyI mean, look at her. Her clothes! She's street trash. Evie was taken aback by Diamond's speak. She had masked her strong New York accent, changed the shade of her hair and applied make-up. She looked about ready to go onto a comedy stage, the dress of Evie's hanging ridiculously around her stick thin torso.
Standing behind Evie, Charlie had to be restrained by Skittery and Spot. She too had noticed Diamond's costume but it seemed simple enough to her. Ring the girl's neck and get her to admit that she was lying. But catching Evie's eye, she knew not to get involved. So she stayed silent among the group, Race, Blink, Mush and the other girls having arrived shortly after Jack had been found.
Now that Evie was looking directly at Diamond, her competition for the evening, she didn't feel as worried. Focusing intently on Jack she threw her hands to her side in defeat and frustration. Jack, I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner.
Tell me what? Jack asked through Diamond's tugging. She was failing at distracting him, becoming desperate enough to place herself directly in Jack's line of vision. This seemed to alert Jack to some sort of trick. Why was she so concerned with him speaking to Evie?
Evie. He dodged Diamond and stepped closer to her. She was glancing shyly at her hands and it reminded him of the first time he'd seen her, that day on the stoop, when her eyes had triggered something within him. She peeked up from underneath those heavy lashes and Jack felt it again. I'm her, Jack. She whispered. I'm the girl you've been looking for. That day, when you saved Brody
Before Evie could continue, Diamond pushed her hard to the ground, about to pounce on her or slam a foot in her face. But Jack restrained her promptly and Evie rolled to her knees, balancing precariously on one foot as she stood. Jack looked at Diamond harshly, her hair now slipping out of place and a familiar scowl on her lips as she continued to glare at Evie.
You're lying.
No I'm not. She snapped too quickly.
Jack shook his head. He still couldn't remember her name but he knew that she was the girl who'd made Evie upset at Tibby's and the one Charlie had kicked out of the lodging house. If he looked close enough he could still see the last remainder of the black eye Evie had given her also. I can't believe dis He shoved her in the opposite direction of him and Evie.
Jack, waitI'll explain.
Disgusted, Jack turned away, not exactly facing back to Evie but so that his vision was only of trees. Don't even try. What did you tink you'd do when I found out you ain't rich. And dat you'se used ta live in da lodging house! He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, the only symbol of her departure being the loud sigh and the quick footprints fading in sound. She turned back, as if to plea one more time, but the growl from Charlie stopped her abruptly.
The whole surrounding audience held their breath as Jack turned, his head titled against the strong evening sun to look at Evie. You're her? He asked, voice unusually soft. Evie nodded, about to speak but silenced by the look of confusion and pain on his face. I don't He slipped the cowboy hat onto his head and sighed.
Jack, where do you think I found the hat? He turned at the mention. It wasn't hidden behind your bunk. The police gave it to Papa after the fight. After you'd been taken to the hospital. Brody had it at home and when I leftwell, I thought you'd like it back.
As if a part of the scheme, Jack took off the hat and fingered the rim. The whole idea seemed out of place, like money in his pockets or free papes for a week. It was ridiculous to think that someone of the upper class had actually ventured beyond that world in search of him. And to have lived as one of the newsies for almost two and a half months!
But as he considered the idea, he realized that it had been just what he'd wanted. He'd been hoping to find her, hoping to find trying to find him. And now, standing right in front of his face was a girl he already adored, claiming to be just that person. He thought quickly of Diamond, her trick and scowled. Why didn't you'se tell me before?
Sensing the sudden amount of resentment in his question, Spot chose this chance to step forward. Ah, dat was my idea Jacky-boy. See, she came ta me lookin fo ya. And well, I'se just wasn't gonna let her waltz right on it. I had ta keep my eyes on her.
If possible, Jack seemed more surprised. Who else was involved?
So, me and Franks dressed her in da clothes, made up da story and taught her how to act. Charlie came in half-way. We figured Evie needed a goil's advice on how winning ova a guy like you'se would woik.
Evie blushed at the mention of her pursuit of Jack. He was looking at her, lips pursed in thought. All of you knew? He asked, addressing for the first time the awkward group in the back. Charlie nodded, the only one smiling brightly. She locked eyes with Jack and sent him a message: Don't blow dis, Jack.'
Race spoke next, fiddling the end of his cigar between his finger tips. All I'se known Jack, is dat you and Evie should be together. All dis otha stuff about her bein da rich goil and all Race looked at the other boys. Nah, we didn't know. But if we had, I tink I would've been goin along wit Spot. He tried to lighten the mood. Damn, do you know how much money I coudda made on dis!
The joke seemed to remind the friends of how comfortable they were with one another. Skittery spoke next, slapping his suspenders and watching Evie as he spoke. Jack, I didn't know. Butwell, I guess it makes sense. I mean, if she woudda just come looking for ya, we woulda known right away who she was. But not who she really was, ya know. Evie beamed at Skittery for his kind words. Turning nervously to look at Jack, she realized she was holding her breath.
Jack looked between his friends and Evie. Removing the circumstances he would be with her. They we're a couple as far as the other newsies were concerned. But the question he asked himself was whether or not this new information changed that.
She seemed to sense his thoughts and nodded in understanding. Don't think for a second Jack that the past two months weren't real. I might not of told you where I was from exactly, but you got to know who I was.
The group of friends had slowly backed away from the pair, allowing them the privacy they deserved. Jack noticed this suddenly, looking around him quickly before focusing back on Evie. She was watching him silently, head held high but chin trembling slightly. He couldn't be mad at her. They had a lot to talk about.
He reached her in two steps before wrapping his arms around her tightly and resting his chin in the crook of her neck. She collapsed against him, gripping her fingers into the back of his jacket. Everything about him seemed newer, from the smells to the feel of his hair brushing her neck.
With his lips right by her ear he whispered, Is everyone staring?
She opened her eyes and stood on her tip toes to see over his shoulder. And sure enough the group was dancing around each other, hugging and cheering, but silently. The sight was amuzing, only the slightest sound but the largest movements. She figured they hadn't wanted to disturb. Returning her head to Jack's chest, she nodded.
He released her from his arms, providing one arm for her to lean on as he blushed proudly and returned to his friends.