Disclaimer: I don't own Newsies (though it would be nice) but any added characters are mine.

The morning light spread across the floor. I could feel its warmth so near, but I was so cold. As I tried to sit up, pain shoot through my whole body and I collapsed to the floor again.

Confusion engulfed me and I tried to recall what had happened. Then I heard it.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Instantly, I knew what was wrong. My father was coming and knew I wouldn't be able to defend myself. A door near me burst open and, looking over, I saw the livid face of my father. He was screaming at me, but I wasn't listening; I was bracing myself.

But his blow never came, instead he grasped my shoulders and shook.

"…umlets. Bumlets, wake up!"

I opened my eyes and found my best friend Swifty shaking my awake. His Asian features reminded me of a Jackie Chan movie.

"How'd you getin?" I slurred, still half asleep.

"Your aunt let me in. Besides, you gotta hurry so we can get to school on time."

I groaned as I pulled myself out of bed and kicked Swifty out so I could get ready.

Twenty minutes later, my aunt dropped us off at school on her way to work.

"Be good, now boys." She hallered and waved.

We turned and ran into the school. Rushing to our locker, we ran toward the office. I froze as a lady in a red suit loomed into view.

"What's wrong, man?" Swifty asked, bumping into me.

To my further shook, and horror, a big man stepped out of the office and walked over to the woman. He was at least 6'2", very muscular, and balding. The suit he wore looked like it would pop if he moved the wrong way.

"Sssh!" I hissed at Swifty, putting my finger to my lips.

The big man's voice drifted down the empty hall, "That was a waste of my time! If she can't behave in class then send her to detention. Stop wasting my time!" he bellowed at the principle, who, along with a girl, had joined the man and woman in the hall.

I inched alittle closer to get a better view, with Swifty right beside me. The girl had long black hair and brown eyes. She wore pants that were at least two sizes too big for her and her shirt looked just a tad too small.

"Hey, she looks like you." Swifty whispered.

The man and woman turned, leaving the school. As the woman reached the doors, she turned and looked right at me. Shock showed on her face as she quickly looked away.

"You can go to class now, Jazzmine." We heard the principle say to the girl.

As Jazzmine passed us, she glanced over to us and shoot a quick smile before hurrying on.

"We should hurry; we're already going to be late." Swifty said.

As if on cue, the late bell rang.