Here is chapter 10! I can't believe I have actually gotten this far. When I started this I didn't even think I was going to get past three chapters at the most. But I hope you enjoy this one. It isn't my greatest but I still enjoyed writing is. Chapter 11 will be posted next weekend. Keep reviewing and let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: I do not own anyone or anything from the Newsies movie. I wish I did, but I sadly don't. So I will just have to stick with my character, Hanna. Who belongs entirely to me.

Chapter Ten

As I laid there that night I thought about many things from my past. I brought back the painful memories of my parents and the times we spent together when I was a child. I remembered my house and the garden my father had built me in the backyard by the pond. I could smell the fresh sent of the newly washed linens on my four poster bed and see the faces of all the people who had once been apart of my life.

Then I looked upon the present day and shuddered as reality washed over me with the fierceness of a tidal wave. I was drowning in the sorrows of my life feeling completely helpless and unbearably alone. There seemed to be no escape as each day a new troublesome circumstance was weighted down upon me.

Every time I closed my eyes to sleep I would see Spots face. His voice lingered in my ears and the bruise on my wrist ached ever so often. He haunted my every move and my every step. There was no escaping his presence. I knew I would get no rest that long and dreary night so I snuck out my window and made my way up to the rooftop. I would not be heard because most of the boys had not returned from Brooklyn and those who had were to drunk to care.

To my surprise I found Racetrack sitting with his feet dangling over the edge of the building. He turned around and looked at me questioningly. We stood there staring at each other for a few minutes before he smiled weakly. "Ya shouldn't be up here; da roof is a dangerous place."

"Neither should you but here we are," I replied and walked over beside him. There was as short pause but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. Finally Racetrack spoke.

"I come up here every so often when I want ta think," he said looking up at the sky. "It's a nice night."

I tilted my head upwards and watched the stars shimmering in the dark black oblivion. I felt as if I could get lost in it forever just float away from the troubles and sorrows of life. But unfortunately I faced the fate of every human to remain bound to the cold, hard earth. To wait until my time has come when I will be buried beneath its deep rich soil to rot away for the rest of eternity. Lately I had found myself wondering if I should just end it now and meet my fate earlier than was planned. But something deep within my heart was holding me back.

"Race," I asked as I tore my eyes away and looked at my friend. "What was your life like?"

He looked at me for a few minutes and then motioned for me to sit down beside him. I did as he asked and then waited expectantly. Racetrack took a deep breath and then sighed. "There isn't much ta tell. Me parents died when I was seven years old and I've been living here ever since."

"What were your parents like?" I asked with sincerity.

A slight glaze appeared over his eyes as he stared out across the skyline. "I don't remember much about dem. Just that I used ta go to da horseracing track wit me fatha a lot. He was da one who taught me how ta gamble," Race laughed as he looked back on this fond memory. "Dey were respectable people. Not wealthy like your parents but well known around da town. Me mudda…she used ta cook for da local church. Every Sunday she would make me get all dressed up to go sit in some room where an old man stood and talked about god for an hour. She was a beautiful person and was always helping people. I don't think I ever met anyone like her. Actually ya remind me of her sometimes," Race replied and I smiled.

"They sound like they were wonderful people," I said and he nodded.

"Now tell me about your parents," Racetrack stated. "It helps ta remember dem sometimes." I still didn't feel up to talking about them but somehow I found myself pouring my heart out to him.

"It's just…that there isn't much to talk about, because really I don't think I knew them all that well. I don't have any fond memories with them like your parents… only because of them," I said sadly.

"Yes, but I'd still like to hear about dem," Race replied.

"Well my father was always working or at a business related function. The only time I had the chance to see him was at dinner every night when we would all sit around and discuss my future prospects. Sometimes I would see complete strangers on the street more often than I would see my own father. My mother was a very high maintenance women who loved to shop. It was simple for her of course because all she did was stay at home and run the household. As for me I was free to do as I wished most of the time except for an hour out of each day which was reserved for me and my mother to talk about my life. If I shall need a new wardrobe or who's house I would be having tea over that night. It sounds selfish but it was as if their entire world revolved around me. I couldn't even ask my father how his day had gone without being scolded for talking more than I should," I sighed and looked over at Race.

"Was ya life really dat bad?" Racetrack asked.

"Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I was rich of course which meant that I never had to want for anything. I had clean clothing to change into every morning and a full stomach every night. So in that aspect I was fairly well off. But to be rich means to be alone. Because everyone is so consumed by there own problems and greed that they don't have the time to care about others. I had no friends to confide in or parents that I was permitted to talk to. I was raised that only the strong survive. Which meant that if I was falling apart and couldn't hold onto my position in society there would be no one there to help me back on my feet. It just meant that another girl would come along who was stronger or in my case, more rich and beautiful who would take my place."

"You were right. I mean my life was hard but I wouldn't be payin' ta trade lives with you either." Race said sincerely. I laughed and patted him on the back as I got to my feet.

I rolled my shoulder around in a circular motion to try and shack out the stiffness that I had acquired during the night. "Well the sun is rising which means that I must go get ready. I am starting my first day working for Medda," Race just nodded his head.

"Alright, I'll be stayin' up here for a little. If ya need anything just let me know," I kissed him on the cheek quickly and went back into my room.

It didn't take long before I was yelling up for Racetrack to help me. "Thanks again Race," I replied laughing as he was helping to tie my shoelaces once more. "I don't know what I would do without you."

"You would probably be walkin' around without any corset on and untied shoelaces." I laughed again as I threw a shawl over my shoulders. "But ya don't need ta go humbling me all da time."

"Don't worry I won't," I said sarcastically and Race pretended as if he was offended, with a mock expression of humiliation on his face. He huffed, "Fine den I'll just leave ya to walk to Medda's all alone and I hope ya get kidnapped."

I laughed again and shoved his shoulder. "Oh Race; I was just kidding around with you. You're the best friend a girl could have."

"Now dat's more like it! Let's get goin' because ya don't wanna be late for ya first day on da job."

We decided to walk out the fire escape so that we wouldn't disturb any of the boys who didn't have to wake up for another hour and a half. The day was cool and quiet as we made our way to the theater. I wondered in my mind what my job would be like and how well I would do. I really had never worked before so I didn't exactly know what I was capable of doing. I just hoped that I would be kept very busy so that I wouldn't have the time to think about the night before.

A soft pain throbbed in my wrist as I looked down at the purple and black bruise. When I looked up I noticed Race staring at it with a look of concern on his face. Finally he asked the question that I had been waiting for. "Doll, what happened yesterday?"

"It was nothing," I said trying to act serious but I knew that Race could see through me.

"It was Spot wasn't it?" He asked but it was a question that he already knew the answer to.

"Like I said before, it was nothing. We just had another one of our stupid arguments. I don't even remember what it was about," I replied in fake sincerity.

"Look at ya wrist! How could ya say dat it's nuthin'?" Race said forcefully.

"It was an accident," I spoke in reply. "It was just me being clumsy."

But Race just laughed. "An' how did ya hurt it then?"

This is where he caught me. "I…umm… I," but I couldn't think of any possible excuse that would be efficient enough for him to believe. So I just gave up and looked at the ground.

"Ya can't keep protecting him Doll," Race said as he put his arm around my shoulder.

But I shoved it off angrily. "I'm not protecting Spot Conlon. Besides I doubt he needs protecting from anybody. I just don't feel like making a big deal out of something so small and inconvenient. We had a disagreement, that's all. The same as we have since the first day we met each other. He was just drunk yesterday so things got a little out of hand. But it wasn't that bad I was just a little worked up, that's all," Race gave me that same disbelieving look but let it go.

"Alright but just do me a favor and stay away from him from now on. Spot's dangerous when he's angry and I've neva seen any goil make him as angry as you do." Race said shaking his head but there was a small smile placed on his face.

When we made it to the doors of the theater Racetrack said goodbye. He told me that he would be back at 10:00 to see how my day went and to walk me home. I thanked him again and went inside. I entered the old wooden doors and made my way into a beautiful lobby with red carpets and tapestries. It looked the same as it had two days ago when I had first come here with Race.

I walked up the rather large staircase and into the actual stage area. There were a few people scurrying around setting up tables and chairs. Other's were sweeping the floors and cleaning out the trash cans. On the stage there was a funny looking man in red suspenders playing a harpsichord. I looked around and spotted a thin, frizzy haired brunette girl with a rather pleasant persona. I walked over to her and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to me and smiled politely.

"Excuse me, but I am suppose to be starting as a waitress today. Could you tell me were I should go because I don't know who I am supposed to talk to," the girl's smile just widened.

"Oh! Of course, you must be Hanna. My name is Olivia I am a waitress here also. Medda told us all about you. Here, come this way. She will be glad to know that you've shown up," The girl's voice was slightly higher pitched than my own and her eyes were a dark hazel. She wore a light brown dress with a white apron tied around her waist.

I tried not to stare but this had been the first time I have spoken to a girl my own age in many days. Except for Rose, although I wouldn't exactly call that a conversation. I followed Olivia up a few stairs onto the stage and then behind the curtains.

In the back of the theater there were many people walking around. Some in costumes that I found rather strange but I just kept my mouth shut. Finally we made it to a door in the back of the building and Olivia ushered me inside. There was Medda walking around the room in a bright pink dress. When she saw me she smiled brightly. "You came!"

"Of course, but I don't know exactly how much help I will be," I said honestly. Medda just laughed and put her arm around my shoulders.

"Don't worry dear. If you do your best I'm sure you'll be fine. But since your arm is injured I don't think it would be wise to start you off carrying drinks. So you will begin my taking the orders and bringing them back here to Olivia who will carry them out to the customers." I just nodded my head nervously.

"I will try my hardest," I replied.

"That's all I ask of my employees. Come dear, don't be so afraid. You may find that there will be many more uses for you around here," I smiled graciously as I followed her out the door.

Medda left and Olivia showed me were the kitchen was located. She also introduced me to a few very interesting people all of whom were most kind to me. The first show was to start in an hour so I helped as much as possible around the theater in order to get things set up.

"Here, now put this on," Olivia handed me a brown dress much like her own except that the apron I wore was a dark emerald green.

My hands began to shake as I heard the sound of people filing into there seats and the soft sound of music playing. Depressing thoughts began running through my head of failing and disappointing yet another person who had risked giving me a chance to succeed at something. Of continuing on with the life that I had been so willing to leave behind.

"Come on we must get going," Olivia replied as she ushered me through the wooden doors.

I had found that all of my fears disappeared as I made my way through the massive crowd. With a fake smile on my face and laughter in my voice. It felt as if I was back at my house hosting a rather large dinner party.

"Would you gentleman care for a drink?" I asked sweetly to the first table of men that I had been ordered to serve.

"Well sweetheart as a matter of fact we do," said an old man with shoulder length gray hair and a long beard. "You must be new."

"It just so happens I am," I responded brightly.

"Well we hope ta be seeing more of your sweet face around here," I tried not to blush as I thanked him and went to find Olivia. But for the rest of the day I had a smile on my face more genuine than it had been in many days. Maybe I would be able to do this after all.

The hours flew by and soon the last act was on the stage. I had only one more table to serve before it was time for me to leave. I was tired and my feet were aching but when I saw the familiar faces sitting at the table in the corner, I laughed loudly.

Staring up at me was Racetrack, Mush, Jack and Kid Blink. Walking over I leaned up against the wall casually. "How may I help you gentleman," I asked.

"Ya see were lookin' for dis goil. She's about my height, blonde hair, kinda sassy. Have ya seen here around?" Race asked.

"Nope sorry can't say I have, but I'll go and check for you." I replied sarcastically as turned around to leave but Race grabbed my hand.

"In dat case I guess you'll just have ta do." he said pulling me backwards.

"And what exactly are you planning on doing with me?" I asked leading into his little joke.

"Well ya know we could go back to my place," He raised his eye brows and nodded his head towards the door. I started laughing and shoved him playfully.

"Enough…now hold on a minute while I go tell Medda that I'm leaving." The boys were still laughing when I returned.

"So how was ya first day on da job?" Mush asked.

"It was good actually," I replied joyfully as we walked down the street.

I was so happy that I started singing a song. The boys stared at me strangely and asked if I was all right. But I was more than alright because I had finally found an escape from the pain of my life. I had been so consumed with work that Spot Conlon had completely slipped my mind. I guess that it was exactly what I needed to rekindle my hope that there still remained even the slightest bit of happiness in the world.

Thank you to:

Padfootismyhero-I swear, your reviews make me so happy. I am very glad you enjoyed the last chapter. I was afraid that I rushed it to much but I guess not. That's funny that you were going to have a scene like that in your new story. I know that this chapter wasn't that good but I still hope you enjoyed it. It was sort of like a filler chapter. Thanks again and I hope to hear from you soon.

Coin- You finally get me the beta'd chapters, which by the way you did a great job and now I haven't had the time to post them. Don't worry I will get them up soon. It's just that I barely have time to even post the new chapters. Review and let me know what you think of this chapter. Yeah If I was Hanna I would have beat the crap out of him like you said. But I decided it would be best to leave that out of the story. Oh and you will be seeing a lot more of Booker later on.

NadaZimri- Yeah I know…I just had to have Race be like a brother figure to Hanna. Because he is just such a fun character to write and it just kinda turned out that way. I felt bad about making Spot drunk in that chapter. Its just that I had to make Hanna hate him somehow. But don't worry she wont hate him forever. I know this chapter wasn't as good as the other one's I just had to have a kind of filler chapter. To get her started working at the theater. I hope it wasn't to bad, review and tell me what you think.

Splashey- That's ok that you didn't have time to review. Like I said to everyone else. I have been so busy lately also. I have finals for school and my teachers have been working me to death. I barely had enough time to write the chapters. Let alone read other fan fiction stores. Well I hope you like this chapter and don't worry there will be more Spot to come. Hanna won't stay mad at him forever. Keep reviewing and I'll keep updating for you.

Emotions- Yes, I was rather disappointed in Spot myself. But I had to write it not matter how upset it made me. Lol I hope you like this chapter. Oh and its ok that you haven't had the time to review before. I understand completely. I have been so busy with school and everything that its hard to get the chapters written.

Luv ya lots,

BlackWiltedRose