I don't own Newsies.

Chapter Two

One night, Julia brought home a man. Patrick immediately disliked him. No. Wrong word. Hated him. He didn't move from his place in front of the door, with his arm wrapped proactively around Nora's waist. Little Nora believed in giving people chances. She walked over to the man and said,

"Hello, me name's Nora. Who are you?"

"I'm Earl Butler. Your mother's beau," the man said.

"Earl, I never agreed to that," Julia whispered.

They bubbled up inside Patrick. No one could ever love his mother as Sean had. Sean was the only rightful person to be in love with Julia.

"Shut up, Earl," he snapped.

Earl looked Patrick straight in the eye. His black eyes were full of anger. If looks could kill. But Patrick wouldn't let Earl see his fear.

Julia went to Patrick and placed her hands on Patrick's shoulders. Nora slid behind her mother's skirt. She was afraid of Earl, too.

"This is my son, Patrick," Julia said.

"You spoke so highly of him before. You may need to look through some different eyes, Julia," Earl snapped.

"Mam," Nora whispered, "I don't like this man very much. He scares me."

Unfortunately, Earl had heard her.

"You wanna a reason to be afraid?" Earl dragged Nora out of her hiding spot. "I'll give ya a real good reason to be afraid."

Before Julia could get to her, Earl had slapped Nora. Nora clutched her stinging cheek. Patrick ran to his little sister. He needed to protect her and he had failed. He had failed not just Nora, but his father too.

"Earl! She's only a child!" Julia exclaimed.

"A Child that needs ta lean better!" Earl shouted, "I need me a beer, now. have the boy get me one."

"We don't have any alcohol," Patrick replied, a matter of factly.

"WHAT!" Earl screamed, making Nora cover her ears, "Didn't you have a husband?!"

"My Pa, wasn't stupid, like you!" Patrick exclaimed.

"Boy!" Earl had his hand ready to soak Patrick.

Patrick didn't wince. He would not let his guard down.

"EARL! DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT TOUCHING MY CHILDREN!" Julia screamed.

They went into the kitchen. Patrick and Nora could hear their mother screaming. It was conforming to know that their mother loved them so. Nora embraced her brother. Patrick squeezed her tightly.

"Patty, that man makes he scared," Nora said, quietly.

Patrick rubbed her back.

"Don't worry, Nora. I'll always protect you."

I think Nora is freaking adorable. Spot is too. I love how he only wants to protect his little sister. Who's your favorite?

I really love reviews. I might need a few to motivate me to do the next chapter...

Thanks for reading!