A/N: Hey sorry this took so long, college apps are killing me right now, but anywho thanks a bundle to Sparks Kelly my sole reviewer (that is sooo sad) anywho. One more chapter, then on to the next book in the series. I promise there will be more in-depthness to the characters. Anywho, on the story...
Everyone was sitting in Tibby's when Denton brought in the paper. After a celebratory round of drinks everyone began planning the big Newsie Rally that Jack had suggested. Because the Sun was the only paper printing any strike news the boys realized that they had to do something so big that the other papers would feel stupid not covering them. I was in a booth with Jack, Dave and Spot discussing the rally, all the boroughs would be invited and they planned on asking Medda if they could use Irving Hall. The boys eventually drifted out, Jack and Dave were deep in conversation, which left me with the Brooklyn newsie. We hadn't really gotten a chance to talk much, I knew that Spot was rather surprised I was so involved in the strike, and even more impressed when he heard the song I wrote.
"So yer brudda is that little kid dat hangs 'round Jack huh?"
"Yes, Daniel idolizes Jack, he was the one that took him under his wing when he first started out."
"Yeah Jacky-boy allus did have a soft spot fer da younger kids. Even when it was us on the bottom he allus helped them out."
"I have a hard time picturing you and Jack on the bottom of the pile Spot."
"I know 'mazin' ain't it?" he smirked, "we was little once too tho, had ta fight ahr way ta da top but we knew we'd make it in da end."
"That must have been difficult growing up like that, I don't know what I would have done if Jack hadn't taken Daniel in, I'm so afraid something will happen to me and he'll be alone."
'Da newsies take care a' der own, don't ya worry 'bout dat"
'I think I'll probably always worry, he's all I have left"
"Well if he don't take ova fer Jack den he can 'ave my place when da toime comes fer me ta step down. Brooklyn's a little different den he's use to but da kids got brains, 'e'll know what ta do."
"Yes he does have brains, which is why I'm trying to save up enough money to send him to school, but from the looks of it he'll be selling papers and I'll be sewing dresses for a long time."
"Well from wat I seen ya both are smart kids, ya'll make it outta heah, both o' ya."
"I hope so Spot, I really do."
The period of time after the rally was full of bad news for the strike, the rally had been broken up and while Ashlyn, Sara (David's sister), Daniel and Les all managed to escape the boys were all arrested. 'If it wasn't for Denton they would still be in the Refuge' Ashlyn thought to herself. Then they got the notice from Denton that he had been reassigned. 'There goes our number one ally'. After word of Denton's move came the biggest and worse shock happened. Everyone had been standing on the picket line when suddenly Jack appeared dressed as a scab. It was a good thing that the police were there, Ashlyn could barely restrain Spot from soaking Jack right there and the other boys were equally as angry. 'Old man Pulitzer really knows how to break down the enemy's morale'. Jack's defection was one of the biggest blows to their cause yet. At the same time it also helped pull the remaining newsies even closer together.
One Saturday morning Ashlyn, Spot, Dave, Les and Daniel were all sitting in Central Park. Les and Daniel were running around mock-fighting and doing all the things young boys do while the older three sat and discussed the strike.
"Ash we can't keep dis up much longa, ma boys need ta eat."
"I know Spot and I'm trying to think of a way to get everyone--all the kids in the city--together. I just don't know how."
Eventually they tired of talking about the strike and Dave went to check on the younger boys leaving Ashlyn and Spot alone. They sat in silence for a few minutes each with their own thoughts before Ashlyn turned and found Spot regarding her quite closely. The minute he saw her turn he looked away but she caught the look and the blush, making her own cheeks darken. Trying to ease the tension she thought about for another topic of conversation, "So Spot what are you planning to do after all this is over?"
"I dunno, really I neva plan too fa' in advance, life's too uncoitan"
"But you've been the leader of Brooklyn for awhile haven't you?"
"Yeah sure but ya neva know wat could 'appen tamarra, besides I might meet some goil an' decide ta become respectable an' all"
"Ha! Somehow I think it would take a lot more than a girl to get you to settle down Spot"
"Ya neva kno, she'd hafta be sumtin' special ta be shoah but stranga' tings have 'appened, besides a boy like me needs a good goil in 'is life"
"Yes well it would take a strong girl to keep up with you and your responsibilities, I hope you find her"
"Mebbe it won't be as 'ard as ya seem ta tink Ash"
"Oh do you have someone in mind for the position?"
"I'm allus on da lookout Ash"