Chapter Four

Chapter Four:

The door chime rang as Dad stepped inside. "Hey Dad." I said as he shoved his work bag onto the top of the table. "Hey, darlin'." He replied, not using his normal cheery voice. "There's some news I've gotta tell you." Knowing this was serious, I walked to the table where he sat, legs crossed. "Something's happened at work and they've had to lay me off." He sighed. "If I can't find another well-paying job, we're gonna have to move outta this city." I was horrified. The one thing that the both of us shared with mom was at risk. The place I've grown up in, the frequent horns of cars, the bright lights in the distance, all at risk. I couldn't imagine living in the small-town places Dad always tells me about. I live here, in the city. New York is where I belong. 

"Why don't you head off to bed, I think we both need a little sleep." Dad said. 

I drifted off easily, the thoughts of newsboys and Dad's job stirring in my head.

--

The following day wasn't any better as it was yesterday. Clouds were dark, declaring a storm brewing towards the Big Apple. I had just woken up and already knew, Dad was off trying to find a new job, and I was here yet again alone. I got out of my bed and walked to the kitchen to find another note.

Someone stopped by to see you. They said something about a chase and meeting at the bagel shop near first street. There's a few dollars on the counter, love Dad.

Visitor? We hardly got those since Mom died. Was it the guy from last night? Why would he want to see me? 

Well I guess there's only one way to find out. And with that, I grabbed the money on the counter, grabbed my coat, and headed out the door.

Chapter Three

Chapter Three:

Voices suddenly came, interrupting my thoughts. "Aye, get yo' hands off my 'papes!" A male voice said. I turned my head toward the conflict. "Aye, I paid for those!" The same voice said. "Ah, darn it!" He took his hat and threw it at the ground. The man who was being chased turned the corner, still holding the man's papers. "A weeks worth a 'papes all gone!" The man said. "Hey, you okay down there?" I asked, curious of the night interruption."Whose there?" He said. "Up here!" I said with a quick wave. The man saw me and gave a quick smirk. "Darn civilians, don't trust us newsboys."  Newsboys.. danger.. suspicion.. "I'm sorry about that." I answered. But he was already gone.

Chapter Two of my Newsies Fanfic

Chapter Two:

         Sorry, hun - late work duties. I'll be home soon! Love, Dad

     Correct I was. Dad and his late night work, I swear. "Well, I guess I'm home alone." I said out loud to myself. Talking to myself - one habit that I never could get rid of. Chewing nails, not brushing my teeth, smacking while chewing, all those that I could get rid of. This one stuck though, even today I'm not entirely sure why.

      "A whole apartment all to myself and I have no idea what to do." I said. And of all the things I could've done, I chose to waste my night on the fire escape. I opened the door leading to the cool, elevated platform overlooking the street. I smiled. This was the one thing that reminded me of the times I had with Mom when she was still here. Back in the times when Dad never worked, that was "Mom's job" he had always joked. When Mom died, he freaked. He'd worked very few hours in his life and didn't know where to start. He thought we'd have to loose the apartment. We were lucky we didn't.

       Few voices lingered in the air. It was one of those nights where the news boys, or whatever they called themselves, would be out, doing whatever they did. Dad didn't like them. He bought his paper straight from the shop. When I was young, I asked why he didn't buy from them.  "Eliza,"  He told me. "There are people out there who you shouldn't trust, you never know what you could get yourself into."Part of me was suspicious though. Like they say, something you don't know can always interest you.