Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not own the newsies. Disney owns them. I do, however, own Aslyn and anyone related to her (her mother, father, and brother, etc.) or anyone you don't recognize from the movie Newsies. Please don't sue.

Author's Note:

This is my first fan fiction…so go easy on me. I hope to get lots of reviews and I do accept criticism…though I would rather have reviews consisting of things like "I love this story!," "you're such a wonderful writer!," and "please update soon because the suspense of not knowing what is going to happen next is killing me!!!" (just kidding!…although reviews like that are welcome ::winkwink::) I attempted to write using the New York slang, but as you'll probably be able to tell when you read this story…I'm not very good at it. I put in a few translations for help (*). Please don't get mad at me over the slang…I tried. Also, I apologize for any spelling/grammar mistakes in the story. I don't think there are any, but as my crazy English teacher says…"errors creep in." (but she's an English-nazi, so I don't listen to her…hehe)

Prologue

Dearest Aslyn,

If you are reading this then it must be April 16, 1890: your sixteenth birthday. Happy birthday, darling! I hope this letter has found you well, and I hope your father and brother are well, also. I miss you, dear. I'm sorry that I couldn't be there for your birthday, but I hope it's good all the same. I apologize for leaving you, love, but I didn't really have a choice. Just try to be strong for your father. I'm sure he's not taking this well. Oh, darling, I know you're probably crying, but please don't. We'll be together again. Look on the bright side—today is your birthday! You're finally sixteen! Oh, I'm sure you're such a beautiful young woman. But I won't gush too much, as it is not the fashion these days. Well, darling, I really must stop writing now. Have an excellent birthday.

All my love,

Marmee

P.S.-Give all my love to your father and brother, and try not to be too hard on your father, dear. I'm sure he's doing his best.

Aslyn folded the letter and shoved it into the pocket of her dress. "Doing his best." That was a laugh. Ever since her mother had died all her father did was hit her. "Don't be too hard on him." Mother, for Heaven's sake, the man beats me! Aslyn's mind screamed. She wiped away her tears, and brushed her hair out of her face. She wasn't going to stand for this anymore.