So, after a nice long summer...we are back to disclaim Newsies once again. Torture of tortures. But...we don't own Newsies.Sadness.
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The next morning they met at a favorite cafe, a small, fairly cheap place named Tibby's. All the girls were there, but none of the guys. Christin and Emilyanne were still grumbling about this part of "the plan".
Jewell cleared her throat, "As most of you'll know by now, Spot has denied our request for support temporarily. But," the others looked hopeful, "he said he would join if we showed how dedicated we are. So, we need to decide what to do, and help the newsies do it."
Spazz popped up from her bench enthusiastically, "Let's soak 'em! Soak the scabs!"
Erin sighed exasperatedly. "You can't solve everything that way." She looked at Jewell, "Believe it or not." Jewell glared at this veiled insult, than turned to the rest of the group.
"Any other suggestions?"
Ellen called out, "Whatever we do, I will be there!"
"Thank you, Ellen, for stating the obvious," Jewell said impatiently. Ellen grinned.
"You're welcome."
Sage spoke up hesitantly, "I think we should confront the World employees. I mean, the scabs, or whatever they're called. "
Christin nodded, "But we need to talk to Jack first. He is the leader."
Daydream and Ashley groaned, but Jewell was all for it. "Okay, let's go find them," she paused, "where do you think they'll be?"
All the girls chimed in at once. "Newsies Square!" They laughed, linked arms, and went out into the bright sunshine.
They arrived to an utter chaos of song. Newsies were everywhere, singing and dancing. It wasn't exactly the reaction to Jack's news that they expected to see.
Neighbor to neighbor
Father to son
One for all and all for one!
Open the gates and seize the day
Don't be afraid and don't delay
Nothing can break us
No one can make us
Give our rights away
Neighbor to neighbor
Father to son!
One for all and all for one!
David took Erin and began dancing with her, jumping all over the place in his excitement and singing loudly. Erin could only laugh as she watched Skittery claim Emilyanne, the pair twirling around the square like they were practiced ballroom dancers. Skittery dipped Emilyanne then spun her around quickly. Her pink skirt flashed around her like petals on a flower. Nearby, Daydream clapped along with Racetrack's harmonica playing and tried to keep up with his fancy, tap-dancing footwork. As Erin turned around again, she spotted Jack grabbing Christin around the waist and throwing her into the air. The brunette let out a small scream and was thoroughly relieved when Jack, Dutchy, and Specs caught her together in their web-work of arms. Kid Blink and Ashley had linked arms and were dancing around in a hoe-down fashion. Every so often, Mush would steal Ashley away and leave Blink to dance around in circles by himself. But what was really funny was seeing Ellen and Crutchy making up some interesting dance moves involving his crutch. Suddenly, a bell was heard ringing. There was a pause, as the fact that it was the circulation bell ringing registered in their mind. Jack spoke a few words that Erin couldn't understand than all of the sudden everyone was rushing towards the building. David and Erin looked at each other, than Erin shrugged, "Oh well," she pulled him towards the building. They got there just in time to see Jack give a huge punch to a scab, then hop up next to the window, to tease Weasel, still trapped inside.
Christin started laughing, relieved that Jack had survived the fight with the scabs. Now he was making faces at Weasel and the Delancey brothers. She saw Ellen and Crutchy sitting on a pile of boards, madly tearing up papers and laughing. Ellen, spotting a group of newsies run by pretending to be Indians, got up and joined them. Christin's laughter was broken off by Jack, who had out his arm around her waist and was leading her towards the gates.
"What…?" she began.
"Everyone out! The bulls are here!" he hollered, waving his arms in the air like a warning beacon. Christin needed no further encouragement. Picking up her skirts she began to run with Jack, passing Ellen and Emilyanne on their way out. Ellen was trying to stop, calling, "Crutchy!", but the crowd pushed her forward.
As they reached the safety of nearby buildings, Christin turned and saw Crutchy being dragged away by the Delancey brothers. She turned at the sound of sobs, and saw Daydream comforting Ellen. Ellen looked up with tears in her eyes and whispered, "Crutchy…"