1 – Conflict

“Look where you going you lousy little shrimp.” Oscar Delancey pushes the boy out of the way.

“Ya betta not be talking ta me ya big ox. It’s ya who’s not looking. Look how ya scattered me papes!” Apparently the skinny one does not know whom he’s talking to.

Oscar bends down a bit looking straight into the golden flecked, brown eyes. “Excuse me, squeaky. Not grown up yet are ya. Still waiting for yer voice to crack.” He throws his head back and laughs. When he regains himself, he is surprized by a fist right in the eye.

“Try dat on fer size.” The little one laughs, grabs his papes and run away before Oscar knows what happened.

“You betta run squeak! You don’t want me ta find ya!! Better not be from Manhattan!” But he is already far-gone and only a swelling eye explains his presence.

----

“Hey Jackyboy.” Race walks up to Jack where he is waiting at the distribution office. “Did you get to Oscar, Cowboy?”

“Hey Race, no why?”

“He’s got a nice shina. Wonder who gave it to ‘im. That one needs a handshake.” Both of them laughs.

“Mr Weasel,” Jack knocks on the window of the office, “sleeping time is over.” Just then a very grumpy face appears. “So Weasel, did ya miss me?”

“Don’t start Cowboy.” Oscar’s face appears behind Weasel and Jack can’t help sniggering at his eye, which is already turning green.

“Ya know Oscar, if ya wanted to redecorate yer face, ya should ‘ave just let me know.” Apparently that was not the right thing to say as Oscar tries to grab Jack through the rails. “Stop it. Yer just making trouble Cowboy. How many?”

“Da usual.” He says as he slams down the 50c.

“100 papes, next.”

Jack waits as Race collects his papers and then they sit down at the Horace Greenley statue to “peruse the merchandise”.

“Nothin’ good dis morning Jacky. Dey should seriously consider firing dem headline writers.” But Jack didn’t hear a word Race said. A pair of golden flecked, brown eyes, which he is sure he’s seen before, captures him. As he squints to inspect the little boy, he is rewarded by a tongue that is stuck out at him. The next moment the face is gone.

“Did ya see dat?!” He looks at Race, amazed at the skinny boy’s cheekiness.

“What?” Race mumbles through the cigar that is halfway in his mouth.

“Dat liddle bugger gone stuck his tongue out at me.”  Race looks at Jack and sniggers. “Let’s get sellin’ da papes, Cowboy. Da races are waiting and I got my heart set on the 3rd.” He tips his cigar and walks away shouting phony headlines.

2 – So it begins

As Jack lies down to sleep that night, he still hasn’t figured out where he’s seen those eyes before and only a few streets from the lodging house those eyes blink tiredly as the little boy take of his cap revealing sandy brown hair. He gets ready to sleep and pulls part of his left over paper over his body to keep a little of the heat inside.

As so often before he starts talking to himself, to keep the loneliness from spreading like the cold. “Could it be mama? His face looks so familiar, but he has changed somehow. I’ve been looking for 7 years mama, could it be I ‘ave finally found ‘im, is it possible?” He turns around and a bit of the moonlight is reflected in a gold locket that he slowly closes. In the locket is a piece of memory, the only thing that he has left of his family. As he yawns sleepily he says “I’ll get ta know ‘im and find out.” With that he falls asleep.

-----

“Youse lousy street rat, get outta here! Ya think ya can just laze about everywhere, get!!” The woman still yells at the boy as he disappears around the corner.

“Geez lady, I just borrowed yer step to get a bit outta da wind, no need ta get on my case.”

Silently he continues down the street, pulling his hand through his hair and then placing the cap firmly on his head. As he looks up at the raising sun, there is a determined look in the brown eyes.

A few minutes later he stop outside the Manhattan distribution center. A handful of boys are standing around the person that will stand out in any crowd. He has his cowboy hat on his head and is gesturing wild with his hands. Probably telling about a fight that he had the previous night or something like that. As he looks up he notice the boy standing by the gate, looking totally lost, and gesture him forward.

“Hey Squirt. Yer new ‘ere aren’t ya.” The boy nods and then Jack looks into the same brown eyes that stunned him the previous day. “Hey it’s ya. Why ya stick yer tongue out at me yestaday?” He grabs the boy by the collar and pulls him towards Race. “Dis liddle devil is da one dat stick his tongue out at me yesterday. What ya think I should do with ‘im?”

There is a sudden fear in the boy’s eyes before he breaks loose and stares at Jack moving into a position ready for a fight. “Don’t ya dare touch me. I ain’t done nothing.”

Just then Oscar appears behind the rails and recognizes the boy. “Hey you, wait till I gets ya.” The door to the distribution office flies open and the next moment the boy sprints away from Jack, leaving him and Race to stare at the scene running before them.

“Ya don’t think …” Race starts.

“Ya think dat is da one dat gave Oscar dat shina? He was ready to do da same ta me.”

“Well bugger me, dat one deserves a reward. Liddle bottles with da big poison.”

“Dere’s something about dat one Race. He reminds me of someone but I can’t quite place it. Well I guess we should try and find ‘im and see if Oscar did any damage.”

After running a few blocks they come across the boy where he is hiding behind some boxes.

“Come on out fellah, we won’t hurt ya.” Glancing around he slowly comes out from behind the boxes.

“Well now, I’m Race and dis ‘ere is Jackyboy – Cowboy we call him, because of the hat ya see.”

“An’ because I want to go ta Santa Fe and become a real one. So, what’s ya name kid.”

“… Mike.”

“Just Mike, no nickname?”

“Somethin’ wrong wid Mike.”

“No Mike is fine. So was it ya who gave Oscar dat shina.”

“He ran me over an’ was buggin’ me. I just gave ‘im somethin’ ta think about.”

“Well may I shake da hand dat did dat decoration.” Jack spits in his hand and holds it out to Mike.

“Disgusting habit, but well …” He also spits in his hand and shakes with Jack and then with Race.

“So, ya new ta dis parts Mike?”

“Yeah. I’ve been travellin’ around and ended up ‘ere?”

“Why youse been doin’ travellin’?”

“I’ve been lookin’ for somethin’. So, do ya guys knows of a place I can bunk at. I am tired of bein’ chased of front steps and it is getting quite chilly out.”

“Sure, Kloppman won’t mind another lodger. Come on Squirt, this way.”

Jack’s last remark gets an angry face, which slowly turns into a soft smile. Silently he whispers the name again and then stares at Jack’s back, that is turn toward him.

3 – Life

It has been three weeks since Mike moved in with the newsies and has become part of the group within the first few hours. Although every now and then he will be ready with his fist at some remark, he realized that no one meant to harm him and started to enjoy having friends.

Every evening Mike would disappear and then close to midnight Jack would find him on the rooftop, watching the stars. Jack realized that it was so easy to talk to Mike and they became great friends. It is on one such an occasion that Jack got a glimpse of Mike that he never seen before.

He was on his usual route to check if all the newsies was in and then headed towards the roof. As he neared the roof he could make out stifled sobs. He stop halfway, not wanting to intrude on his friend’s private time.

“God I miss ya mama.” Mike was looking at the woman in the golden locket, tracing the lines of her face with his finger. “I so need ya to be here an’ help me. I can’t do dis on my own.”

He hears a crack behind him and quickly hides the locket, turning around to look straight at Jack.

“Sorry, Mike. I didn’t mean to intrude. Ya alright?”

“I was just missin’ me family Jack. Ya know everyone needs a family. Without one dere is a sort of emptiness dat can not be filled. I am only 15 years old Jack. It is unfair to be without a family now. Dis is da time in one’s life when one needs a family.”

“Ya ‘ave a new family now Mike. Da newsies, we are all family.”

“Do you have family Jack?”

“I’ve got da newsies.” Thus he ends their conversation and turn back to climb down again. With his back turned to Mike another muffled replied can be made out. “I had a family once, but dat was a long time ago.” Then his head disappears from sight.

Before following Jack downstairs he glances up at the clear, night sky. “I wonder Mama, does he remember dat it is my birthday today. 10 years ago we we’re still a happy family.”

---

Two children, one 7 and one turned 5 that day, are running through the house, causing havoc and filling the dullness of the house with their laughter. “You’re it.” Havoc in the opposite direction. “You’re it”. And so it continues for a few hours until the front door open and a huge, fair-haired man enters the house.

“Out!! Look at this place!! Vera, come clean up this mess the kids have made! I slave all day to provide for my family and I come home to THIS!”

“Joe, please calm down. Don’t you remember we have a birthday today.” Motioning slightly towards the smaller one with her head, there is a pleading glance in her eyes. But this goes unnoticed as the husband starts talking again – loudly.

The older one of the kids takes the younger one’s hand and leads them outside where the calmness is soothing. From beneath his shirt the older one takes out an orange and holds it out to the little one.

Just as the little one is about to take it, he tags and yell “you’re it”.

“Sully, you’re unfair ….”

“Catch an’ it is yours Squirt.”

“Come on Sully! You’re bigger.”

The two kids start wrestling for the huge orange that he is trying to hide behind his back. Running straight at him, the little one receives a slap on the backside as he jumps out of the way.

“Missed.” But he is surprised as he gets tackled and tickled. Curling with laughter, he gives in, peels the orange and hands it to the 5-year old. “Here you go Squirt, happy birthday!”

Astounded by the luxury, the little one strokes the juicy fruit and without hesitation breaks it in half and hand one part to the older brother.

“Thanks Sully.” Both of them look back at the house were the rising voices can be heard from. “I wish he would just go away. He ruins everything.”

“Don’t talk like that Squirt. He is our father.”

---

He is our father. The words repeat itself through Mike’s head, causing him to toss and turn in his sleep because of past nightmares. He awakes suddenly and sits up straight, slightly wiping the sweet of his forehead. He is breathing heavily as if he has run for miles. He gets out of his bunk, softly as not to wake any of his friends and pulling on a pair of pants, disappear through the window.

Half an hour later he is dwelling through the silent streets of New York. There is a few families stirring. Mother’s waking kids to finish their work before they are send of to school. Sadness overcomes him once again.

‘So that’s what they call a family. Mother, daughter, father, son. Guess that everything you heard about it’s true. So you ain’t got any family, ain’t you glad you ain’t that way …’

“I had a family.”

He is our father.

“He is no father, he is a liar and a murderer.”

---

“Hey Jack, how’s da headlines t’day.”

“Hey Mike, nothing we can’t fix wid a little improvin’.”

They laugh together as Jack slams the coin down and say ‘da usual’. Jack turns around after he picked up his papers and is just in time to catch a quick glance as Mike bites his lip and a flash of pain in his eye.

“Ya alright Mike.”

“Yeah, I just twisted my ankle on the step. Nothin’ ta worry ‘bout.” With that explanation he picks up his papers and they join Race were he is biting of the tip of his cigar.

“Hey, we got a group of slow pokes among us. Hurry up fellahs. Da sun ain’t waiting for us. An’ I still wanna get to Brooklyn t’night for da poker game. Da way youse guys are goin’, we ain’t neva gonna get there.”

“Cool it Race. Are you in a hurry to lose money. Don’t worry, dey won’t start da game without us. So, are ya comin’ along t’night Mike. If you ain’t meet Spot yet, you ain’t meet da newsies. He is da most fearsome of all da newsies. But don’t worry, is just a image ta fool us. I hear some girl gave ‘im a black eye a week or so ago.”

“Sure, I always figured me-self a rather good poker player. As long as you don’t cheat dis time Race.”

“Hey, who’s cheating? It was you who had the ace up yer sleeve da last time.”

“I learn from da best.” He replies as he grabs Race’s hat and runs away, dumping it in a barrel of water.

“Squirt, wait till I gets ya!” Soon all three the boys are ducking in and out of streets stopping every now and then to shout a headline and make a penny.

4 – Introduction

“Well if it ain’t Jack be nimble, Jack be quick. How have ya been Jackyboy?” A skinny boy, no older than 16 pokes his head over a sideboard. “Hey Race. Ready ta lose yer day’s work?”

“Not dis time Spot.” So this is Spot, Mike thinks by himself, “I’ve been on a lucky streak lately, but I’ll watch out for this one if I was you.” He gives Mike a slap on the back of his head.

“Hi.” He hesitantly step forward, not knowing what to expect from this much talked about leader. “My name is Mike an’ you must be Spot Conlon, the most famous newsie in Brooklyn an’ da rest of New York.” He spits in his hand and hold it toward Spot.

“You learn dem quick hey, Jackyboy. So you are da one dat gave Oscar dat nice shina. You sure it was this one Cowboy.”

“Yip, an’ believe me, I almost had a bruise myself ta prove it. He might be little but he packs quite a punch.”

“So, how old are ya Kid.”

“Da name is Mike, not kid and I am 15.”

“Fifteen hey. You don’t seem it. Well I guess younger sell more papes. Shall we join da group and shuffle da cards!” It is more a command than a request and immediately Spot turns around and leads the three Manhattan newsies to an empty factory warehouse were the weekly poker game takes place.

As Spot leads his friend toward the warehouse he is constraining himself not to look around at the new newsie. He has the strangest feeling about this boy. And somehow he immediately knew that they might become good friends.

Where Mike is walking with his head down, the same feeling pass his head. “This guy isn’t as tough as he wants everyone to think he is. There is more to him than just the tough guy image.”

They enter the warehouse in the middle of a mock brawl. “Hey, what yer think yer doing!” Spot shouts at the top of his voice and immediately there falls a silence over the lot, some much bigger than Spot but with a definate fear in their faces.

Mike can see, without a doubt, that Spot is the leader of this tough lot and realize that it is no wonder he has such a touch guy image. Without it, none of these would respect him and most certainly be able to overpower him and take over his famous leadership.

---

“Royal flush fellahs, read ‘em and weep.” Mike sits back with a smug expression on his face. It is the fifth set in a row that he has won. And from the faces of his opposers he is sure that they think he is cheating.

“Lady Luck is on yer side t’night, Kid. Or is she up yer sleeve!” A huge Brooklyner graps Mike’s arm very roughly and starts shaking vigorously. A second later he is on the ground with Mike on top of him. Before the other’s can pull them apart, the Brooklyner is greeted with three lefts, one on the jaw and the other on the eyes, which is sure to cause a black eye.

“Wow, Mike, slow down!” Jack pulls Mike up and the next moment Mike collapse on the floor.

“Mike,” Jack slaps him softly in his face and then splash a glass of water over his face. As Mike opens his eyes, Jack is overcome by an immense emotion to make sure that nothing is wrong with his young friend. “Mike, are ya okay.”

“I’m fine!” Roughly he shakes Jack’s hand of his arm, turns around and strolls out. At the door he turns around to Spot and says “Try ta educate yer boys a bit better!” And with that he disappears.

“Mike.”

“Let ‘im go Jack, he needs ta calm down. Fish, you need ta learn not ta be such a bad loser. Ya are gonna have a black eye for sure.”

----

Mike is sitting at the pier casting pebbles and humming softly. He can kick himself for running out without his winnings. Perhaps Jack and Race will bring it along for him but he is not sure.

He looks up at the starlightened sky and within there is a strange feeling stirring. “Mama, what have I done. I have ta learn ta control me temper. I am becoming just like him. I don’t wanna be just like him. Help me get through dis. Just help me ta make my way without turnin’ like ‘im. I am so close. I am almost dere.” As he looks down at his hands, he sees the tears that are softly dripping down his cheeks.

“I can’t give it all away now. I have ta find da right time, da right way. Not like dis. He can’t find out like dis. Dis whole thin’ is gonna ruin my plans. I have ta avoid it. I have ta keep it hidden.”

After forcingly calming down, he heads towards the lodging house again. When he arrives he sees that Kloppman has already locked up and starts up the fire escape. Just as he climb through the window, he is greeted by half a dozen faces.

“Where on earth have ya been!” It is Jack that starts the scolding immediately.

“Thinkin’.”

“Well it is a hell of a thinkin’ ya have. We’ve been waiting fer hours. Ya didn’t looked too well when ya stormed out of the warehouse.” Race adds to Jack’s scolding.

“I just needed ta cool down okay!” He can feel the heat of the anger rising up again. “What is it with you guys anyway! Ya act like ya are me older brudders! Well I’ve got news fer ya – ya ain’t! Now leave me alone and leave me be!”

He heads back out the window. A few minutes later, as he is making himself comfortable on the roof, Jack’s head appear poking over the top.

“Peace …”

Mike can feel the anger draining, nods and gives a slight smile at Jack. “For now.”

“Sorry Mike. It’s just we newsies look out for each other an’ ya really didn’t look good back at da wearhouse.”

“Cowboy,” Mike gives Jack an angry look, “drop it. Don’t ruin da peace ya just made.”

He nods and makes himself comfortable next to Mike. “So Mike, you talked about older brudders. Did ya ‘ave any.”

“I had a family Jack. But that was a long time ago. I lost them about 7 years ago. Destiny as dey say.”

“Well ya ‘ave da newsies now an’ ya have ta get use ta dem lookin’ out fer ya.”

“I once had a brudder dat did things like dat. It felt good.” With than he gets up and walk back ta da fire escape. “Ya think I can try goin’ back now.”

“Sure, dey know I came ta talk to ya.”

“G’night Jack.”

“G’night Mike.”

5 – Revelation

Another week gone by since the incident in Brooklyn and for Jack it seems that Mike has just gotten more quiet, shrinking away behind a newspaper if anyone dare look at him. And he hasn’t been looking very well a fact that Mike just made off as a flu that has been going around.

It is on this issue that Jack corners Mike one evening coming back from selling.

“Now we talk.”

“’Bout what Jack.”

“You, I think you should go see a doctor.”

“Goodness sake Jack. I’ll be fine. I’m use ta it.”

“Ya sure?”

“Sure. So do we have a poker game t’night or are da rest headin’ ovah to Brooklyn.”

“No, we are havin’ it ‘ere. Spot will probably drop by later.”

At the mention of this name, Mike grows cold and gives a noteable sidder. Knowing that Jack noticed it he says “It is quite chilly outside, lets go in.”

---

Retiring early to bed, Mike just missed Spot entering.

“So where’s da Kid t’night.”

“He ain’t feelin’ too good. Flu.”

“Good, so me money is save because I am sure dat Race here,” he pokes his friend in the side, “ain’t not gonna take me money.”

After the game has finished Jack accompanies Spot to the Bridge. “What is dis whole thin’ with Mike. He’s got this strange feelin’ about ‘im.”

“You noticed it too. I feel as if I know ‘im.”

“Poihaps some distant cousin comin’ ta haunt ya.” Spot jokes and spitshake before he heads over the Bridge.

“G’night Cowboy.”

“G’night Spot.”

---

The same time as Spot and Jack part ways, Mike is still lying in his bed, unable to sleep. It has been getting harder and harder to fall asleep and the circles under his eyes caused by this, makes him look even worse. A sudden flash of pain makes him bite his lip and the next moment he takes fresh blood.

“Shit.”

Slowly he gets of his bunk and head toward the washing room to see what damage he has done. As he comes to a standstill in front of the mirror, he gazes up and sees not his eyes but the eyes of a brother and friend and knows suddenly what to do.

About an hour later Jack enters the lodging house through the open window and looks straight into the eyes of Mike and once again gets that feeling that he knows this person.

“Jack …”

“What are ya still doin’ up Mike. I thought ya went ta bed hours ago. And fully dressed to top dis. Are ya plannin’ ta sneak out and meet a goil.”

“Jack …” A sadness crosses the younger boys complexion and for a moment he wager whether he should uncover his secret or not. But then he gets a determined look in his eyes.

“Jack, don’t you know me?”

A confused look crosses Jack’s face. “Sure, yer Mike.”

“I know I’m Mike, Jack. But dat’s not da real me. Look at me Jack, look at my eyes.”

For the first time he look directly into Mike’s eyes. And there, in the mirror of his own, recognition flickers in his eyes.

“It can’t be … you died. He told me ya died.” Jack’s face is a mixture of emotion and disbelief.

Taking of his hat, Mike pulls Jack towards a mirror. Standing side by side the likeness can easily be noticed, although the one is a bit smaller, paler and slimmer.

“Look at dat Jack an’ tell me I am lyin’. Look me in da eyes and tell me I am lying, Sully.”

“Emee.” Her name comes as a whisper from some faraway corner of his mind.

“Michelle Emmare Sullivan, daughter of Joseph and Vera Sullivan, sister of Francis. It is me Sully. It has always been me.”

The next moment brother and sister is in each other’s arms with tears on both’s cheeks.

“He said you died!”

“Pa said many things Sully, little of which was true. To spite us, he put me into an orphanage and told you dat I died. I’ve been looking for you for 7 years wid only a memory of an older brother who was always there for me. And dis.”

She carefully takes the locket from her pocket and shows it to him.

“Mama.”

“It was all I had left from our family an’ even the times when I passed out for lack of food, I couldn’t get it over my heart to sell it. It is as much part of me as you are.”

“But why did ya become a newsie?” They were now sitting on her bed and still Jack wouldn’t let go of her hand.

“I didn’t know were to find you an’ I had to survive after I escaped from the orphanage an’ I remembered you always said dat da newsies look so happy an’ carefree. I just didn’t know were to start. But dat day I saw you at da statue, I knew it was you. Dat’s why I stuck my tongue out at ya. It was a kind of recognition.”

“An’ unknowingly I’ve been calling ya ‘Squirt’ which has always been my nickname for ya. Perhaps I knew it was ya after all.”

“You did know, Sully. You were just afraid to admit and perhaps get disappointed or hurt.”

6 – Family

“He is what!!!” Racetrack looks at Emee in disbelief.

“Race, I would like ya ta meet me sister, Emee.”

“But dis is Mike, Jack!” Blink and Mush adds in simultaneously.

“I know ya know ‘er as Mike, but dis is me younger sister. We were separated when she was and me 9. My fadder put her in an orphanage before he went ta jail an’ he told me she died. Remember I told ya Race dat it feels I knew Mike previously. I didn’t immediately recognize her because I didn’t expect ‘er ta be ‘ere.”

“So ya mean we’ve been livin’ wid a girl for 3 months an’ we didn’t know it! Wow!” Blink and Mush look at each other, shrug and then smile. “So, we’ve got a goil under our roof.”

“Don’t even think of it. Not only is she my sister but she can pack quite a punch an’ ya should know dat. Anyway I asked Kloppman if we can move her stuff into da upstairs bunkroom. Then she can at least a liddle privacy. And don’t ya dare go peeking when she is in da shower.”

A evil grin pass there faces before they look solemly at Jack. “Of course not Jack, why should we do dat?”

Their innocent faces causes a uproar of laughter through the lodging house and Jack and Emee can’t help but join the laughter.

“Guess I should take a shower when you guys ain’t ‘ere, like I’ve been doin’ for da past months.”

“Ah bummers, an’ we missed dat!!”

“So, what are we suppose ta call ya now?”

“Just what ya want to. I actually gotten quite use ta Mike so why don’t we stick ta dat one.”

“Or Squirt!!” Race yells from a safe distance.

“Hey, dat one is reserved for ‘er older brudder only!” Jack yells back and makes his way towards Race but he has already disappeared safely down the stairs.

---

“Medda, but ain’t dat one of Pa’s friends.” Jack is urging her towards Irving Hall. He has decided she needs clothes to look more like a girl and decided that Medda is the best way to go.

“She was more Mama’s friend an’ she has been lookin’ out fer me after Pa got arrested. She is really a wonderful friend Emee, you’ll see.”

“Kelly, how’ve ya been kid.” Jack gives a meaningful look at Emee.

“See, ya don’t have to feel left out being called kid.”

“So, who’s dis young fellow ya brought ovah t’day.”

“I do believe ya know dis one Medda. But I think ya might recognize HER better if she takes of her cap an’ get inta a skirt. Dat is why we’s here. Ya think ya perhaps have something dat might fit her. Da lot at the lodging house won’t believe she is a goil.”

“You’ve been staying with dat lot.” Emee smiles as Medda laugh at the innocent look on Jack’s face. “So, lets go an’ see what we can gets ya. And you sir stay here.” She scolds Jack as he want to follow them.

A few minutes later they reappear and Jack is amazed at what the change of clothing has done for Emee. She look radiant in the soft pearl coloured shirt and lightbrown skirt. For the first time he sees the outlines of the delicate womanhood about her and inside have a feeling of certain proudness.

“Ya look beautifull.” He turn to Medda, “So, do ya have any idea who she is.”

“She looks so familiar but I can’t quite place it.”

“Perhaps I should give ya a hint. Look at her eyes an’ den look at me.”

Medda look from the one to the other and then a recognition comes over her. “Jack, why does she look so much like yer mother.”

“She is my sister Emee. Pa told me she died but ‘ere she is alive and kicking. She has been living with us at da lodging house for 3 months and I only found out last night. I am an idiot, hey Medda.”

“No doubt. She looks just like you Jack. But didn’t any of da newsies notice?”

“Nah, she always had her cap on, pulled halfway over her face. Dey could barely believe it when I told them dis mornin’.”

“I can imagine.” She pulls Emee into a hug, “Now you come and visit me again. I always thought of your mother as a sister and I would really love to spend time with you.”

“I’ll make sure Jack brings me around ‘ere again. Thanx Medda. You really are a great person.”

“Jack,” he turns to her as they leave Irving Hall, “do you think we can go over to Brooklyn? I would really like to see Spot’s face when he realize I am a girl. I wonder what he would do.”

She knows that she should not be doing this but her heart keeps telling her to go for it. From the moment she saw the notorious Brooklyn leader, she felt her heart stirring every time she thought of him. And now he will meet her as a girl and not as an aggressive boy. Would he still see her as the same person or might things change between them.

“I can just imagine what Spot is gonna say when he finds out yer a goil. He is gonna freak. Being beaten at poker by a goil!!” Jack laugh and only then does Emee realize he has been talking to her.

“Sorry Jack, what ya say.”

“I said Spot is gonna freak.”

“Let’s hope not too bad.”

“Don’t worry, ya’ll make a good impression as a goil. You really do look lovely.” He hooks his arm around her shoulder and she her’s around his way and it is this sight that Spot sees when he looks down from his lookout a while later.

“Hey Kelly, gots yerself a new goil.”

“Actually no, she is quite an old one.” This rewards him with a jab in the side. He turns to Emee and whispers. “Sorry, older brudder embarrassment, it is part of da deal.” At this she smile and they walk closer.

She can see the flicker of amazement in Spot’s eyes but he doesn’t immediately know who she is.

“So, whose da goil Jack.”

“Spot, I would like ya ta meet me sister, Emee.”

He sees the look of amazement on Spot’s face and also a bit of attraction from Spot’s side. Then he comes through with his shocker. “You might know her as Mike.”

“Mike! Why ya dressed up like a goil.” The embarrasment makes him turn red. A moment ago he was attracted to this … thing.

“Dat might be because I am a goil Spot. As Jack said, I am his sister. I’ve been disguising myself as a boy until I was sure dat it was ‘im and then I told him. He thought I died. Believe me he was just as surprized.”

“Well bugger me. I do believe dis is da better part of yer family Jackyboy.”

“I do believe it is Spot. So are ya goin’ ta join us at Tibby’s or what.”

“Sure, lead da way Cowboy.”

Spot trails a little behind the brother and sister who is still chatting. He cannot believe that this beautiful creature he see before him was just another skinny newsboy just a few days ago.

“Well bugger me!”

“Sorry Spot, what ya say.”

As she turns around to him he is struck by a feeling of fondness and liking. “Nothin’,” and then to himself, “no wonder I had dis strange feeling about ‘im. She has been a ‘er all da time.”

7 – Love

“Hey Mike strike us a song will ya. We need somethin’ to liven up dis poker game.” Even though they now know that she is a girl and to top that Jack’s sister, they still call her Mike.

“No, no!” Jack stops Race. “You don’t want to do dat. She use to sound like a crow.”

But instead of a croaky voice, it is a sweetness that fills the air as she starts singing.

‘Oh, the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof. And your shoes get so hot, you wish your tired feet were fireproof. Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, on a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be.’

She looks at Jack and smile at his astonished expression.

“Hey no stopping now, we want more.” Mush adds his two bits to the conversation.

‘From the park you hear happy sounds from the carousel. You can almost taste the hot dogs and french fries they sell. Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, on a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be.

Out of the sun. We’ll be havin’ some fun. People walkin’ above. We’ll be fallin’ in love Under the boardwalk, boardwalk.

Oooh, la la la la la la. Oooh, la la la la la la la la la’

“Help me somebody, sing some la la’s with me.”

The whole newsie group sings with her and even Jack joins the jollyness.

‘Under the night, under the stars by the raging sea.

Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, on a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be. On a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be.

Out of the sun. We’ll be havin’ some fun. People walkin’ above. We’ll be fallin’ in love.

Out of the sun. We’ll be havin’ some fun. Everybody walkin’, walkin’, walkin’. We’ll be under the boardwalk, boardwalk.’

A loud applause comes up as she finish the song.

“Hey Squirt. I didn’t know you could sing like that.”

“There’s many things you don’t know ‘bout me Sully.” Sadness cross her eyes as she says this but Jack doesn’t notice anything because right at that moment Spot enters.

“Who’s da song boid in ‘ere?”

“Emee discovered a talent Jack didn’t think she had.”

“She didn’t use ta ‘ave it. She use ta screech my ears of when she was little.”

“Ain’t I man suppose ta get a kiss from ‘is lady.”

Shyly Emee walks closer and place a soft kiss on his cheek.

“WOW!!” All the Manhattan newsies are watching as the next moment Spot takes her in his arms and gives her a proper kiss.

“Now dat is da way it is suppose ta be done. Ya scared dese fellahs ‘ere might laugh.” She nods slowly and Spot smiles. “Dey won’t dare. Not wid a punch like yers and mine.”

They have been seeing each other for a couple of weeks now and it has been the talk of the lodging house. One of the good things was that he had a calming effect on her and that she didn’t feel the need to constantly soak anybody. And for this she has been grateful. The newsies has also seen another side of this fearless Brooklyn leader. His whole face lightens up when they are together and he has become less boasting and more bearable.

“So, ya wanna go fer a walk. If I may please sir.” Spot first looks at Emee and then at Jack.

“Ya bring ‘er back save an’ not too late. She ought ta be in bed wid dat flu.”

“I’m fine Jack. We won’t be long, I promise.”

Hand in hand she and Spot leaves the lodging house and in silence but perfect union they walk towards the park. There they sit down among the trees and start to chat. As they are talking Emee have a feeling of longing and sadness pass her. “God, I will miss this.” She look at Spot and he notice the sad smile that creeps over her face.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” He pulls her into a tight embrace and she let her head rest on his shoulder.

“Nothing.”

“Don’t tell me nothin’, ya are sad, I can see that.”

“I’d rather not talk about it Spot. I don’t want to ruin this perfect moment.”

She can’t stop the tears from forming in the corner of her eyes and when he feels the wetness touch his shirt he lifts her face with his hand and gently wipe the tears from her cheeks with his finger. “Tell me what is wrong, please.”

“I can’t, not yet. Just kiss me and take away my fear an’ hurt.”

With this she offers her lips to him and without hesitation he accept that what is offered and hold her tightly, feeling the wetness of her cheeks on his.

“I will tell ya someday. I promise.” He hears her whisper before she get up. “We have ta go. It is getting’ late and Jack is gonna worry.”

---

“Jack,” Spot pulls Jack along as he is on his way out the door. Outside he first look to see if anyone is around, “what’s wrong with Emee?”

“She has a bit of a cold.”

“Not dat. When we were at da park earlier she started cryin’ an’ she didn’t wanna tell me why. Somethin’ is not right. You should talk ta ‘er. Perhaps she’ll tell ya.”

“I don’t know Spot. She has been closed as a book da last few days. She doesn’t talk much to anyone an’ especially not to me. I thought she was mad at me but it seems not.”

“Well we have ta find out what is wrong. Dis is not good.”

“I’ll try talking ta ‘er again. Perhaps she’ll tell me.”

“Well I gotta go, see ya in da mornin’.”

“Bye Spot.”

8 – News

“How much longer?”

“A month, maybe two. I’d start sorting out my things if I were you.”

“It can’t happen, not now.”

“My dearest girl, it will happen, unfortunately, and if you don’t calm your lifestyle, it will happen sooner than you planned for. I know you are still young and need to enjoy what time you have left. But quantity may sometime turn out to be better than quality. All I am saying is sort out what needs be and don’t go through this alone. You need moral support.”

The doctor turns from where he was standing by the window and look into the tearfilled eyes of the young girl. It is so unfortunate that something like this happens to ones so young. “Please, tell your parents and have someone help you through this time.”

“My parents are dead.”

“Then tell a friend, just tell somebody, somebody you can trust and who will help you.”

“But I can’t tell Jack.”

“Why?”

“He cannot know. I just found ‘im and I don’t want ta lose ‘im. Not like dis. He is me brudder an’ we was separated 7 years ago. He is so good to me, I don’t know what he will do if he finds out.”

“He sounds like the perfect person to tell. He is your family. I am sure that he will understand.”

“Perhaps, I’ll see.”

“Please, tell him.”

With that the girl leaves the doctor behind. He walks back to his microscope and with a worried look on his face glance through the eyepieces.

---

‘Leukemia’s common symptoms include fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms: weakness and fatigue; frequent infections: loss of appetite and/or weight loss; swollen or tender lymph nodes, liver, or spleen; easy bleeding or bruising; tiny red spots under the skin; swollen or bleeding gums; and bone pain . Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood. It was first known as “Weisses blut” or “white blood” but the term has recently been changed to “leukemia” which is derived from the Greek words “leukos” meaning “white” and “haima” meaning “blood”.

“Hey Emee, what’s ya reading.” She quickly pushed the brochure under her pillow when she heard someone coming up the stairs but apparently not quickly enough.

“Just something I found. What’s ya doin’ back so early? Ain’t da fellahs at Tibby’s?”

“Dey are still dere but me leg is killin’ me t’day so I thought I’d come back and lie down for a while.”

For a moment she want to spill everything on the understanding shoulders of Crutchy but something is keeping her from doing that. If anybody should be told, it should firstly be Jack. He is her family after all.

“Crutchy, I’m gonna take a walk. If Jack is looking fer me tell ‘im I’ll be back later.”

She walks towards the river and, without intending to, she heads toward Brooklyn Bridge. She need to see Spot. She need him to hold her and tell her that everything is going to work out fine. She know it won’t but she just need to hear him say that.

“Hey Sweetheart.” Spot notice her before she even sees him and immediately he knows that something is wrong.

The moment the are within a few feet of each other she can’t keep the tears any longer and starts crying. He takes one step and then she is in his arms, soaking her shirt with her tears. “Shuu, what is wrong. Did da guys hurt ya or made ya angry. Emee, please tell me what is wrong.”

“Just hold me Spot. Hold me an’ tell me everything is gonna be okay. I just need ta hear ya say dat. Please.”

He looks into her eyes and cannot bear the sadness he sees in them. He holds her head on his shoulder and while stroking her hair he says: “It’s gonna be okay. I promise it is gonna be okay.”

It feels like hours has gone by before he finally lets her go. “Ya wanna tell me what is wrong now.”

“Spot. I so much wanna tell ya. But what you would do when ya know is what worries me. I love you so much and I am so afraid dat dis will cause me ta lose ya.”

“Nothing will make me leave ya Emee, I promise you.”

“Spot, I … I am dying.” As she looks into his eyes she sees first amazement and then something which she mistake as rejection. Before he can say a word, she turns and run away and leave him behind, still in shock and unable to stop her.

“Dying …” The word cross his lips but still he feels that this news is unreal, that she is only playing a joke on him. But she sound so serious and he saw the sadness. It has to be true. “But why didn’t she an’ Jack tell me earlier. Did he want me ta find out after she is gone. I’ll kill da bastard if he didn’t allow me ta say goodbye.”

And it is his anger that keeps him from heading over to Jack, who is still unknown to the fact that he might soon lose his sister who he has barely gotten to know as a person.

9 – Silent Tears

“Dat’s my cigar.” Race looks at Snipeshooter who has swiped his cigar while he was sleeping.

“You’ll steel anudda.”

Blink gets down from his bunk above Race and try to intervene in the fight. “Hey bummers, we’ve got woik to do.”

“Since when did you become me mudder.”

“Hey stop yer bawling.” Cruthcy puts his finger to his lips to quite the boys down.

“Who asked you.”

One by one the fellows are awakened by Kloppman and heads towards the washing room. In the door Mush stops Jack.

“How’d ya sleep Jack.”

“On me back Mush.”

“Hear that fellahs, hear what Jack said. I asked him how’d he sleep an’ he said on me back Mush.”

“Oh shut up wise guy.”

“Hey Jack, when I walk, does it look like I am faking it.”

“Who says you’re faking it?”

“It’s just dere’s so many fake crips on da street dat a real crip ain’t got no chance. I have to find myself a new sellin’ spot.”

“Try Bottle Alley or da Harbor.”

“Try Central Park, it’s garanteed.”

“Try any banker, bum or barber …”

“They almost all knows how ta read.”

“I smell money.”

“You smell foul.” Crutchy has given up to quite them down.

And just as Blink want to slap him, Mush turns him around. “Met dis girl last night.”

“You meet a new girl every night. Hey, what are ya bummer arguing about t’day. Ain’t a girl aloud to get her beauty rest.” Mike enters the washing room, already in her pants and a cap on her half wet hair. She pulls a face at Mush who doesn’t seem very impressed with her wiseness.

As she is about to join the boys, Jack holds her back until they are out of sight. “An’ were do ya think yer goin’?”

“Sellin’ papes.”

“Ovah my dead body. I told ya dat you should stay in bed.”

“An’ do what?” The golden sparks in her eyes lighten up the paleness of her skin.

“Squirt, please. I just found ya, I don’t wanna lose ya because of your stupidness. Yer not well and ya are gonna stay in bed. I’ll drop by at noon an’ den we can head ovah ta Tibby’s. The guys won’t even know you weren’t sellin’.”

“Jack …”

“Don’t argue, please.” He pulls her close to him and holds her tight. “Please.” He slowly lets her go and she turns back to her bunkroom.

“Just for you Jack.” He can hear the sadness in her voice and want to call her back, but he knows that it is for her own good.

---

“Hey Race, how was yer day at da track.”

“Rememba dat hot tip I told ya about?” Jack nods “Nobody told da horse.”

The two are laughing when they enter the living room but it is stopped abruptly when they find Kloppman still awake.

“Hey Kloppman, ya waiting up fer us now. Well we’re here now so ya can go to bed.” Jack smiles but the look on Kloppman’s face begins to worry him. “What’s wrong Kloppman?”

“Jack, I’m sorry. It’s Emee …”

“What, what happened to her?!” He starts to run up the stairs but Kloppman calls him back.

“Jack, she’s in the hospital.”

“Hospital?” Race also begins to worry. Emee has been a sister to all the newsies. “But she was fine dis mornin’. She look alright at Tibby when we had lunch.”

“She and the guys were playing poker and she just collapsed. They couldn’t bring her to so we send for the doctor and he took her to the hospital. You should go there and find out what is wrong Jack. You are family, they will tell you.”

“I know she hasn’t been feelin’ good, but she said it was just a cold that seem to keep bugging her. I made her stay in bed t’day an’ came by later ta take ‘er ta Tibby’s. She did seem quite pale dis mornin’. God, I need to go and find out what is wrong! Where is she at Kloppman?”

Kloppman explain to him were she is, and a few minutes later he and Race are running down the streets to the hospital a few blocks away.

“If anything is wrong wid her, I will nevah forgive meself.”

“But it is not yer fault Jack.”

“I shouldn’t have let her come out t’day. She should have stayed in bed.”

“Ya think she wouldn’t have come if ya told her ta stay in bed?!”

“She probably won’t but still Race, I should ‘ave seen dat dere is something wrong. She hasn’t been feeling well an’ she’s been eating like a bird. I should ‘ave taken ‘er to da doctor ages ago.”

“But she were at da doctor’s just da udder day.”

“When?”

“Well I was selling near some doctor an’ she came by. About an hour later she came out an’ her eyes was red. Now dat I think of it, I am sure she was crying. I wasn’t very observant though. Dat is why I didn’t tell ya.”

Jack gives Racetrack a slap on the backside of his head.

“Hey, what was dat for?”

“You idiot. Why didn’t ya tell me? She is me sister, I should know if anything is wrong wid her.”

“Dat is just da thing. I though she would ‘ave told ya.”

They stop in front of the hospital door, both too scared to enter and find out why lies beyond, what is hidden.

“Should we …”

“After ya. I pray she is okay.”

After waiting for a few moments at the front desk, a nurse finally helps then.

“Oh, the little news girl. She is on the first floor, room 103. Are you family?”

“I’m ‘er brudder and dis is one of her friends.”

“Okay, you can see her, but just for a while. She needs her rest. The doctor would like to talk to you though. I’ll tell him you are here. The stairs is over there.”

---

The two friends enter the dark room and is shocked as they look at the frail image of Emee. She looks terrible pale against the white sheets and the circles under her eyes makes her look almost ghostly. The slight movement of the cover shows that she is sleeping. Race stays at the door as Jack makes his way to the bed. After a few minutes he turns around and leave, not wanting to intrude on this family moment.

Taking her hand in his, Jack sits down on the chair next to the bed. He gently strokes away the piece of hear that is softly falling over her eyes. She looks so breakable and vulnerable and he has a desperate urge to take her in his arms and never let him go. He just hope that she will be okay and can come home soon. He just found her and have no intention of losing her.

And it is to the sight of a sleeping Jack Kelly that Emee wakes up a few hours later. Every bone in her body is aching and there is a bruise on her head where it hit the table when she fainted. Her movement makes Jack wake from his light slumber.

“Emee …”

“Hi Sully.” Her voice is soft and strained. This is the moment she has been fearing for so long but she can not keep this news from him any longer.

“I was so worried Emee. I told ya to keep calm and stay in bed.”

“Dat would not ‘ave changed anythin’ Sully. I prefer spending my time with quality than being boring an’ havin’ more time.”

“What are ya talkin’ ‘bout Emee.”

“Jack, remember I told ya I ‘ave a cold dat doesn’t wanna clear up. Well it was not true.” She takes a deep breath and then with a quiver of her voice starts talking again. “Jack I ‘ave leukemia. It is a kind of cancer an’ dere is no cure. Jack, I am dying. I don’t have much longer an’ I wanted ta spend all dat time wid ya. But I was so afraid ya will push me away if ya knew. Like Spot.”

“What about Spot?”

“I let it slip to him two days ago an’ I could see in ‘is eyes dat he doesn’t want me anymore. I didn’t want to let dat happen with us.”

“So dat was what Spot was babbeling about him not bein’ able ta say goodbye! God sake Emee. Da guy loves ya. He was shocked is all. And angry at you for not tellin’ him earlier. We would never hate or reject ya, we love ya too much.”

As the tears start rolling down her cheeks, Jack takes her in his arms, desperately holding on to this piece of human being which he now know that he will have to say goodbye to soon.

10 – Strike

“Dey jacked up da price. Ya hear dat Jack? Ten cents a hundred! It’s bad enough we have ta eat what we don’t sell, now dey jack up da price.”

“Dis will bust me.”

“I’ll be back sleepin’ on da streets.”

“It make no sense Jack. With all da money Pulitzer is making, why would he gouge us?”

“Because he’s a tight wad, dat’s why.”

Jack try to calm down his friends but it is no use. He walks over to Weasel and ask: “So, why da jack up Weasel?”

He sticks his finger in his mouth and then holds it up into the air. “Why not? It’s a nice day.”

This motion brings up only more frustrated shouts and Jack sit down among his friends. “Dis is da last thin’ I need now.” He thinks to himself.

“Jack, so what are we gonna do?”

“Give him some room, let him think.” Les tries to clear out the people to make a bit of space around Jack. Jack met him and his older brother David the previous day. God, how right thing still was then and now everything is turned around.

“Jack, ya done thinkin’ yet?”

“Hey, hey, hey!! World employees only on this side of the gate!”

And that is just the straw that breaks the camel’s back. “Ah shutup!!” He turns back to the newsies. “One thing for sure, if we don’t sell papes, then nobody sells papes. Nobody comes through dat gates ‘til dey put da price back to where it was.”

“Like a strike? Jack are you crazy.” David gets this real serious look on his face. “Jack we can’t strike. We don’t have a union.”

“But when we go on strike den we are a union right?”

“No, we’re just a bunch of angry kids. Jack, Jack don’t do this.”

But Jack is already of and sweeping up the masses. Finally David gives in when he realize there is nothing more to do than join this idiocy of Jack. They can’t win. They are just kids and they are up against the most powerful man in New York.

“Right Davie, we organize. Guys, ya gotta be ambastards …” everyone around him sniggers, and for a moment the comic relief of the situation gets to Jack and he also smiles, “and go tell da odders we’re on strike.”

Everyone shouts out a name of where they will go. At last all of New York is covered except Brooklyn. “So, what ‘bout Brooklyn. Come on, Spot Conlon’s territory. What’s da matta? You scared of Brooklyn!”

“We ain’t scared. Spot Conlon just makes us a little nervous.”

“Well he don’t make me nervous, so you and me Boots, we’ll go ta Brooklyn and Dave here can keep us company.”

“Sure, just as soon as you deliver our demands to Pulitzer.”

“Me? Ta Pulitzer?”

“You’re the leader, Jack”

“Well, maybe da kid will soften him up.” He grabs Les by his collar and they disappear inside the World Building.

---

“So dis snooty mug says to me, ‘Ya can’t see Mr. Pullitzer. No one sees Mr. Pullitzer.’ Real hoity-toity, ya know da type.”

Her laughter fills the stuffy room and for a moment he sees again the old Emee. But that lasts only a second before she doubles over with nausea. He holds on to her as her whole body shakes vigorously and a flash of life without her suddenly passes his mind.

“No.” He utters the word without realizing it.

“What’s da matter Sully.”

“Sorry, I was just thinking. I should make ya laugh so much. I guess ya just lost all yer food.” She smiles back at him weakly.

“Dat doesn’t matter. I prefer da laughin’ ta do food anyday.”

A figure at the door makes them look up.

“Spot.” The name pass both sister and brother’s lips.

“Didn’t expect ya ‘ere Conlon. Not after dis mornin’ anyway.” Jack look at his friend with anger on his face.

“What ya talkin’ ‘bout Cowboy. I was just bein’ reasonable. How do I know if ya won’t turn an’ run da first time someone comes runnin’ at ya with a club. Anyway, we done talkin’ dis mornin’. I came ta see Emee.”

He turns and looks at her and can barely believe that a few days ago she was in his arms, him without a care in the world. She looks so small and vunerable with the coverlet pulled up to her chin.

“Ya mind Cowboy, I’d like ta talk to ‘er. We needs ta sort things out.”

He ignores the pleading expression on Emee’s face because he realize that what is gonna be said, have to be said. Even if he would like to stay with her, he couldn’t.

“Don’t tire ‘er Spot. She needs ‘er rest.”

Spot looks grateful at his friend and before Jack exits he stops him, spits in his hand and holds it out to Jack. Without a moment of hesitance Jack does the same and they shake hands.

“Friends …”

“Always.” With that he leaves behind his sister and the only person that loves her just as much as he does.

“Emee.”

She wants to open her mouth in reply but he shuts it for her before she can utter a word. When he finally lets her go she is close to tears.

“Please let me explain. I would nevah reject ya or hurt ya or leave ya. I nevah would. Yer my angel an’ I don’t know what I’ll evah do if ya didn’t enter my life. I was shocked, is all. How would ya have acted if someone just blurted dat out ta ya. I can see now ya understand. Emee I love ya.”

With those words he takes her in his arms again and kiss her like she’s never been kissed before.

11 – Farewell

“Where dey takin’ ‘im Dave.” They are standing just inside the Refuge walls and have just seen Jack getting into a carriage with Snyder.

“Only one way to find out. I’ll meet you guys at the square.” David takes Les by the shoulders and hands him over to Race. “Racetrack, watch him.” Then he disappears into the shadow and moments later he is hiding in the back of the carriage, which end up at Pullitzer’s house.

Snyder leads Jack into the magnificent house and while they are not looking, David carefully takes out the carriage pin.

In Pullitzer’s study Jack is looking around when Joe enters. He show towards the chair. “Sit. Know what I was doing at your age, boy? I was in a war.”

“I heard, so didja win?”

“People think war is about right or wrong and not power.”

“Yeah, I heard of that too. I don’t just sell yer papes, Joe. Sometimes I read ‘em.”

“Power of the press is the greatest power of them all. I tell this city how to think. I shape it’s future.”

“We must have ya pretty scared, old man.”

“I offer you freedom and money. To your friends I won’t be so kind. Now your partner, David, what do you think the refuge will do to him. And all the others. You’re their leader and you will be the one who put them there. Go back to the Refuge and think about it.”

Jack leaves without a further word. Outside Snyder lets go of his arm for a second and in that moment Dave jumps up holding the pin in his hand. “Jack! Come on! Come on!”

They run into an alley and Jack slows down. “Come on! Keep running!”

“You shouldn’t have done this, Dave. They could put ya in jail.”

“I don’t care.”

“Come here. What ‘bout yer family? What’ll happen to dem if ya go ta jail. Ya don’t know nothin’ ‘bout jail. Now, thanks for what ya’ve done, but ya get out of ‘ere.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I don’t either, but just get outta here!”

“No!”

“Go!”

---

“Emee.” She slowly opens her eyes and smile when she realize it is Jack at her bedside.

“Hi Sully.”

“How are ya?”

Biting on her lip to try and hide the winch of pain, she gives him a small smile. “I’m okay.”

“Please Emee. Don’t hide away from me. Share da pain, I wanna be ‘ere for you.”

A flash of pain runs through her body and she grabs hold of the coverlet. Taking her hand in his, he shares in her pain as she squeezes his hand. A moment later she relaxes a bit again and soothingly he strokes her hand.

“Oh God Jack. Make it stop. Please just make it stop.” She tries to sit up so she can face him better but a wave of nausea hits her and she lies back closing her eyes. In a moment of delerium pain, she sees her mother, stretching her arms out to her.

“Mama … Mama I wanna be with you. Take me away, take away dis hurt an’ fear. Make me whole again.”

“Emee, please! Don’t talk like dat. Don’t ya dare think of leaving me now. I need ya. What am I gonna do without yer help an’ our chats. Dey make my day.”

She slowly opens her eyes and look into his worried ones. “You are strong Jack. You’ll survive. Just remember to fight for what you believe in and everything will work out fine. An’ remember … I love ya Sully.”

“No, don’t talk like ya are saying goodbye! Not now Emee, I don’t want you to go! Not you!”

“If God wants me with him, there is no-one who will stop him. I am not afraid Jack,” she leans closer to him and whispers, “I can be brave like you. But I know I will be homesick for you, even in heaven.”

“Emee … no!”

“Please Jack. Let me finish while I still can. You are my strength Jack but there is also so many more that depends on you, who need your strength to survive. My time is over Jack, go and fight for those who still need ya strength. And Sully … tell the guys I’ll miss them and tell Spot I … I do love him.”

He can see her slipping away before his eyes and the tears rolls freely over his cheeks. Gently, as not to hurt her more, he gets onto the bed beside her and takes her in his arms. “What am I gonna do without ya. I just found ya an’ now yer leavin’ already. I shall miss ya so much Emee.”

She look up at him and smile, the small, soft smile that he has gotten to learn so well. He looks into her eyes and for a moment he can see the sparks that use to lighten up her face in them. He holds her head close to his heart and strokes her hair as he hears her breath more and more easily. “I love you Emee.”

A bare whisper escape her lips. “I love you too Jack Kelly an’ I always will, no matter where I am.”

He can feel the life draining from her and holds her tighter, desperately trying not to let her go. “I won’t allow it Emee, I won’t let you go.”

Her eyes flickers open for a moment and he can see her lips move. He moves his head so that he can hear what she is saying.

“I love ya Sully, you were da best big brudder someone could have.” The room grows silent and he feels her going limb in his arms.

“Emme,” he shakes her slightly, “Emee … no!” Holding her lifeless body close to him he realize that he has lost a wonderful sister and a best friend.

“I cannot be strong without you! You were my strength!”

---

‘Santa Fe, my old friend, I can’t spend my whole life hiding, yer da only friend dat’s guiding me t’day.’ Jack stops singing when he hear something at the door.

“Psst! Jack! Look! I snitched it off Snyder’s plate while I was serving him.” Crutchy call from the little food split at the door. He puts down a huge potato. “It’s the biggest one. Oh, Mr. Snyder was eating food t’night. Ya know da stuff we don’t ever get? He got potatoes, olices, liver, bacon, sauerkraut. An’ guess what I done ta ‘is sauerkraut, huh?

“So, what’d it get ya?”

“Oh, anudder three months, probably, but ya can’t let ‘em beat ya, right Jack? Dat’s what ya always say.”

“We was beaten when we was born.” He closes his eyes and Crutchy frowns at him. When he opens them again, his friend’s face had disappeared and softly starts singing again.

‘Will ya keep a candle burnin’, will ya help me find my way? Yer my chance to break free and who know when my next one will be. Santa Fe, wait for me.’

Once again Crutchy peaks through the slide and a unknown sadness cross him as he look at how broken his friend has become.

The next morning as the newsies are marching in front of the distribution office shouting ‘STRIKE’ they all suddenly quiet down as they see their leader exit the gate. Not dressed in his usual cowboy outfit, without even his hat and bandana which he is never seen without, but dressed as a scabber with his hat pulled halfway over his eyes so his friends cannot see the pain that he is hiding within.

“Just tell me I’m seein’ things. Just tell me I’m seein’ things!”

“Yer not seein’ things Spot. Dat’s Jack, what’s he doing?”

“He’s dressed like a scabber! How could ya do dis Jack? How could ya do dis ta Emee?”

Jack winch at the mention of her name, which is like a stab to his heart. But he holds his head up and walks on. He has to do this. This is the only way to stop the rest of his friends from getting hurt. He has to pull through this charade to come out sane on the other side.

---

“Extry, extry, Joe. Read all about it.” It is with great satisfaction that he puts the Newsie Banner on Joseph Pullitzer’s table. He can see the disbelief in the older man’s eyes and within he also reads what he still has to hear, they have won. They stood up against the most powerful man in New York and they made him crumble. A bunch of angry kids with no money, that they are no longer. A group of young boys that prevailed against all odds and came out hero’s on the other side.

Jack walks over to the window and opens it up to let in the thousand voices that came together outside.

“Close the window! Close the window!” Pullitzer covers his ears and try to close the windows and failing this, steps outside and shout at the masses, “go home! Go home!”

“I don’t hear ya Joe. Dere’s a lot of people out dere an’ dey ain’t just gonna go away. They got voices now an’ dey’re goin’ be listen to. Putting them in jail ain’t gonna stop them! Dat the power of the press, Joe.” He closes the window and turns back to Pullitzer. “So thanks for teaching me about it.”

A few minutes later the cheers of victory can be heard as Jack lifts Les onto his shoulder and yells, “We beat ‘em!”

---

Two days later all of the newsies stand gathered to say goodbye to their friend and companion as Emee is laid to rest next to the grave marked Vera Sullivan.

“We beat ‘em Emee.” Jack leans close to the dark coffin and whispers his last words of goodbye, “Thank ya for given me da courage ta stand up to injustice and da courage ta trust an’ help my friends.” Jack lays a white rose on the dark wood and turns away, clutching a golden locket in his hand. “An’ we will nevah be separated again. No matter what.”