I do not own Newsies.

Chapter Five

Flora hadn't been herself lately. She was constantly sniffling and cranky. Jack knew something was wrong with his little girl from the start. But when she didn't want to be held or touched Jack knew this drew the line.

"Hey, Flo, what's wrong?" Jack asked gently.

She burst into tears. "My head hurts! My neck hurts! I shack! My nose is sick! I don't feel good, Popy!"

"Shh. I'll take you to Uncle Davey. He'll know what to do," Jack promised.

Jack bundled Flora uptight. For it was December. After getting himself ready Jack carried Flora to David's apartment. After Jack had knocked on the door, to his surprise, David's six-year-old daughter (and Flora's best friend), Nellie opened the door.

"Hi Nellie," Jack said, confused, "Are you suppose ta answer the door?"

Nellie shrugged.

"Hello, Jack," David's wife, Pearlie greeted, she looked down at Nellie, "Nellie you know you aren't allowed to open the door."

"Sorry, Mama," Nellie whispered, "Now can I go play with Flora?"

"Is Davey here, Pearlie?" Jack wondered, "It's a bit of an emergency."

Pearlie nodded. "Are you alright, Jack?"

"Lil' Flora ain't," Jack explained.

Pearlie's brow furrowed in concern. "I'll go get him. Hang tight." She disappeared into the kitchen.

Jack laid Flora on the couch. She was still shivering like crazy.

"What's wrong with Flora, Uncle Jack?" Nellie asked.

He sighed. "I'm afraid I don't know yet, Dot."

All of the children of the newsies had been given their newsie name.

"What is it, Jack?" David asked, running into the room.

"Somethin's wrong with Flora!" Nellie informed him.

"Can you go into the other room for me, sweetheart?" David asked his daughter.

Nellie left the room as David took a seat on a chair near the sofa.

"Do you think she's sick?" David questioned.

Jack nodded. "All these horrible things have happened to her. I'm really worried about her, Davey."

David turned to Flora. "What doesn't feel good?"

"My tummy and my throat and my ear and my neck and my nose," she whispered. Jack took her hand.

A flash of concern washed over David's face.

"What is it, Davey?" Jack questioned his friend.

"A case of the flu."

"No! How could she have gotten it? I never let her play outside, I make her wash her hands," Jack informed him, "How?"

"Didn't Mrs. Baker watch her one time?" David wondered.

"Yeah, so?"

"Her youngest son just came down with it. I think that's were Flora got it."

"What can help her?"

"Sleep. Lot's of sleep. Make her eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. I'll bet you she'll be fine in a week." David felt Flora's forehead. "And try to get her fever down."

"Thanks, Davey. I really owe you one," Jack said as he stood up from his chair.

"No problem, Jack. Anything for my brother," David replied.

Jack scoped the now sleeping Flora up and walked home deep in thought. Jack ended up spending most of his day patting a cold cloth on Flora's head. The few times she woke up Jack made her drink some cold water.

Flora was sick for almost a week. Jack was starting to get worried she'd never recover. But one day, Flora woke up and held out her arms.

"I feel better, Popy," whispered Flora.

Jack had never been one to pray or believe in a being named God, but now he almost wished he knew how to pray. Now he wanted to show gratitude about Flora being better.

"Kathy, I never did believe in angels but if ya there then hear me out. Can ya tell God if there is a God thanks, from Jack Kelly?" whispered Jack.

Jack knew that Katherine was there and delivered his message.

Thanks for reading!