A/N I am so, so, so, sorry for this taking so long but it is not my fault! When I turned on my laptop one day, the blue screen of death popped up. I sent it in to the computer shop or whatever it is called and I just got it back yesterday. So I've been working on this chapter for you guys and so I could put it out today.

I'm not sure if I really like this chapter, you guys can be the judge of it.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed and stuff, it means so much to me.

Disclaimer: I don't own Newsies, I only own Sunshine, Storm, Jinx, Clara, Jester, Min, Rogue, Izy, Rumble, Ms. Adams, and Charlotte.

"Jester came to Manhattan about six months ago," Sunshine started. "He was lookin' for a place to stay for a couple of days and Jack allowed him into the Lodging House, of course. Jester never left though and at first it was no big deal but after a month passed, he started to act really strange. He began to disobey Jack and acted like he was the one in charge; at one point I believe he started stealin' from the other Newsies. By the end of the month Jack, and the rest of the Newsboys, were sick of it and Jack decided to kick Jester out of Manhattan. Jester went quite willing and no one heard anything from him for a month and a half so we thought it was in the past.

That was our mistake unfortunately. While he was gone, Jester had went to The Bronx and made friends with The Bronx's future leader, Izy. They formed a group consisting of twenty boys and overthrew the former leader, Min. Of course no one knew Min was kicked out of The Bronx because he had always been anti-social and never let his boys attend any gatherings with the other boroughs unless it was important."

"Why didn't Min go to another borough?" I asked, curious.

"Well for one, Min was too proud to do that," Sunshine said seriously. "Actually, pretty much all the Newsies are too self-righteous to get help when they need it, especially Brooklynites. But anyway, the only reason we found out that Min was exiled was because Queens' Newsies found his body floating the Hudson River four weeks after Jester left."

My mouth dropped open in shock; Sunshine turned away from me and looked out the small window. Sunshine stayed like that for a few minutes before turning back to me to continue the story.

"After they found the body, Izy came out of hiding," Sunshine started up again. "He told the other boroughs he was now the leader of The Bronx Newsies without explaining why Min's body was in the river. Everyone knew it was murder and they knew Jester, Izy, and their group of thugs had something to do with it but the other boroughs got over it quickly because it isn't something new; murder for power is normal around here."

"Didn't the police investigate?" I asked, astonishment written across my face.

"Why would they?" Sunshine countered. "They don't care about Newsies, their philosophy: the fewer street rats there are, the better. Going back to the story, Jack wasn't worried at first because Jester and Izy didn't cause any problems for three months but then Bronx Newsies started to cross into Manhattan territory frequently and always had the excuse they didn't realize they had crossed the border. After a while, Jack was sick of it and decided to call for a meeting between Bronx and Manhattan with Queens as a mediator at Izy's request.

Before Jack could attend the meeting one of Spot's birdies had told him that Queens and The Bronx had formed an alliance and were planning on taking over Manhattan by killing Jack."

"Oh my," I whispered, ready for the story to be over.

Suddenly there was a brief knock then the door swung open to reveal a very displeased Ms. Adams and a scared looking Charlotte. Sunshine immediately stood up and went still when she looked at the two women in front of us. I stood up a few seconds after Sunshine and stared at Ms. Adams

"You," Ms. Adams said icily.

Sunshine opened her mouth but before she could speak Ms. Adams quickly walked over to her and slapped Sunshine. My mouth opened in disbelief, from the corner of my eye I saw Charlotte do the same. Ms. Adams looked over at me and glared. I shifted back a little under Ms. Adams intense look.

"Get that stupid look off your face, child," Ms. Adams commanded. "And you, you are coming with me."

Ms. Adams grabbed Sunshine's wrist and pulled her so hard that I thought she might rip Sunshine's arm out of its socket. Ms. Adams pushed passed Charlotte who had been standing behind the doorframe the whole time. I stood there in amazement for a few minutes before turning to Charlotte who hadn't moved an inch.

"Wh-what was that about?" I asked.

"A bystander saw a couple of Newsboys walking away from the school," Charlotte whispered after a few silent seconds. "When word got back to Ms. Adams, she knew that Felicity had been sneaking out and now she believes she has proof. She called the School Board; she scheduled a meeting to get Felicity expelled."

"What," I choked.

"The meeting isn't until next Tuesday," said Charlotte. "Until then, Felicity will be spending the next week in solitary confinement."

Storm

Storm, Race, Blink, Spot, and Jack had finally gotten back to the Manhattan after dropping off Sunshine and Clara. The trip was quiet, with each boy lost in their own thoughts. As the boys climbed the stairs, Storm listened for the usual noise of Newsies talking and playing poker coming from upstairs but tonight it was silent. When they reached the room, they saw that every Newsies was sitting quietly, not even the normal loud mouths were talking. As soon as the group took a step through door, every eye turned to the returning boys. Storm shifted his eyes away and took a small step back; his sister was the one who liked the attention, not him.

Jack paused to look at his boys before heading to his bed but before he could reach it a Newsie ran out and grabbed onto Jack's legs; it was Rogue, a small, six year old girl Newsie. Rogue looked up at Jack with tears in her blue eyes; Storm could tell she was frightened for whatever reason. Jack looked down at her and his hard expression turned to a gentle, compassionate one. Though he'd never admit it, Jack had always had a soft spot for little kids.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Jack questioned.

"Rumble said dat Jester is comin' back ta get me," Rogue sniffed, now holding onto Jack's arm.

Jack's eyes snapped up and looked over at the Newsie in question with a cold expression on his face. Rumble, a large, twelve year old Newsie, face turned cherry red when Jack's icy eyes turned to look at him. Jack looked back at Rogue and his eyes softened again.

"Now why would he say dat?" Jack asked.

"Because I wanted ta play poker with his cards," Rogue said. "And I took dem without askin' first. He said dat because I took without askin', Jester will get Jester really comin' back ta hurt us?"

Storm saw Jack swallow hard before standing up with Rogue in his arms. He looked down at Rogue for a second before gazing at every Newsie in front of him. Storm did the same and saw that each Newsie had at least some level of fear in their eyes; it was amazing how much panic one Newsie could cause. Jack turned around to face Blink, Race, Storm, and Spot, Storm could tell that he didn't know what to say. Jack then turned his sole attention to Spot as if asking for help from the Brooklynite.

"He ain't no threat," Spot said loudly and confidently, a smirk appearing on his face. "It's just like you 'Hattaners ta freak out over nothin'."

Spot's words caused an uproar of disagreements from the crowd of Newsies which, Storm guessed, was exactly what Spot wanted. Jack put Rogue down after whispering words of comfort into her ears before turning to face Spot again. The two exchanged a silent look then they headed back down the stairs to talk in private. Storm watched them completely disappear before turning around to see Jinx standing three feet away from him. Jinx's honey brown eyes were filled with worry and her light blonde hair, that was usually pulled back, was falling onto her face. Storm smiled reassuringly at the girl in front of him.

Storm had met Jinx a week after his parents died; she had seen him and Sunshine sitting on a street curb, Storm was holding Sunshine while she cried. Even though Storm is Sunshine's brother, he didn't know how to comfort his grieving sister when he was still grieving himself. Jinx had come over and sat with them while Sunshine told Jinx how she knew it was her fault their parents were dead. Sunshine had tried cooking without the supervision of their mother and soon after the kitchen quickly went up into flames. Their parents told Storm to get himself and Sunshine out of harm's way while they tried to douse the flames. They didn't get out of the house in time and perished in the fire.

Jinx had comforted Sunshine after the story was told and kept telling his sister that it wasn't her fault and bad luck played a part in their parents' death. She then offered Sunshine and Storm a place to stay for a while until they were ready to make it on their own. Jinx had taken them to the Manhattan Lodging House and convinced Jack to let the siblings stay. Only a few days after arriving at the Lodging House, police had turned up to take custody of his sister and bring her to the academy because she was only fifteen. They left Storm because they considered seventeen old enough to survive the streets of New York. Jinx had let Storm cry in her arms over his lost parents and sister. That was the first and only time Storm had ever cried.

"Heya Jinx," Storm said, as a smile developed on his face.

"What's goin' on Ryan?" Jinx asked solemnly.

Storm's smile disappeared and was replaced with a frown. Jinx never calls Storm by his real name unless she was serious or scared. He opened his arms wide for Jinx to jump into, which she did with no hesitation. Storm immediately closed his arm around the small sixteen year old and stroked her hair soothingly.

"Don't worry 'bout it Evelyn," Storm said, also using Jinx's real name. "Everyting will be okay. I'se promise."

Jinx smiled slightly before letting go of Storm and trying to pull out of his hug. Storm in turn tightened his grip of Jinx, refusing to let her go. She laughed and finally got free of Storm's grasp; she then bounced away from him and mouthed the word 'come with me'. He smiled at her and nodded his head but put up his index finger signifying he'd be there in a minute. He turned around to see Spot and Jack had returned from their 'meeting'. Storm walked over to the two leaders who were now talking to Race and Mush.

"Hey Jack," Storm said as soon as he reached the group. "Can I go see my sister tomorrow?"

"I'se don't know, Storm," Jack said, rubbing his chin. "I don't tink it would be a good idea ta brings Sunshine out of da academy at da moment."

"I'se wouldn't make her leave," said Storm quickly. "I'd talk ta her from da fence or someting."

"Okay," Jack said after a moment. "But take some boys with you."

Storm nodded before turning to Race and Mush.

"You guys wanna come?" Storm asked.

"I'll come," Spot said before either Mush or Race could speak. "I'se stayin' here tonight and have ta head back to Brooklyn tomorrow, might as well go with ya."

Storm narrowed his eyes at the Brooklyn king, not sure if he could trust him. Even though their boroughs were allies, Storm just couldn't bring himself to like the fearless Brooklynite after he tried to get with Storm's sister soon after arriving with the Newsies. Finally Storm nodded slowly and turned his attention back to Race and Mush.

"Why not," Mush said, shrugging his shoulders. "It'll be nice ta see Sun again."

"Sure," Racetrack said, letting out a puff a smoke. "Now who wants ta play some poker?"

The boy surrounding Race all groaned and shook their heads. The Newsies had played a big poker game last night and Race had ended up cleaning out most of the boys in the Lodging House. Needless to say, no wants to play poker with Racetrack anytime soon.

"What?" Racetrack questioned innocently. "Youse scared your gonna lose or someting?"

"I'll play ya Race," Spot said boldly. "Don't get to upset when I beat ya."

Racetrack laughed and shook his head before pulling out a deck of cards. Spot and Racetrack headed to a table and sat down, Storm, Jack, and Mush followed closely behind. Newsies started to gather around to watch in anticipation of the game. Storm grabbed Jinx's hand from behind and pulled her so she was standing next to him. She smiled brightly at him before turning back to the upcoming game.

"Ise don't tink I'll be welcome in Brooklyn after dis game," Race laughed.

Spot smirked and reached in his pocket, he pulled out ten cents and slammed it down on the table. Racetrack also pulled out ten cents and then slowly put it on the table.

"Good luck, Race," Spot said sarcastically.

Clara

I was currently pacing up and down the hallway of the academy thinking about how I could help Sunshine. I wasn't able to sleep last night after finding out that my only friend at this horrible place might be expelled. Charlotte tried to reassure me that the School Board wouldn't expel Sunshine over something that had little proof but I didn't believe her. Even though I've known Ms. Adams for less than three days, I already knew that the woman was a terrible person and would do anything to get her way. I had tried to convince Charlotte to let me see Sunshine but she stood her ground and refused to let me talk to Sunshine. Charlotte had said it's called solitary confinement for a reason.

Suddenly I heard knocking coming from Sunshine's room; I paused in mid-step and turned to Sunshine's half closed door. The knocking started again but this time is was somewhat louder. I glanced around me quickly before heading into Sunshine's abandoned room. I shut the door behind me and walked rapidly towards the window, which was covered by curtains. I opened the curtains to see Storm standing on the ledge, his hand in the position to knock. My mouth fell open in surprise and I immediately opened the window.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned.

"Ta see Sunshine," Storm said. "Can I'se come in? I'se don't feel like fallin' ta my death today."

I ushered him in quickly and was about to shut the window when a pair of legs come into my view. I looked up and saw Racetrack and two other boys, whose names I couldn't remember.

"Storm!" I said panicky. "What is this?"

Storm didn't answer me, he just watched outside the window in case one of his friends fell. I stayed silent while the three more boys crowded into the small room without any trouble. When everyone was in and the window as shut, I turned to Storm with hands on my hips and I questioning look on my face.

"Well?" I asked.

"I'se told ya," Storm said. "I'se came ta see my sista."

"All of you had to come?" I asked, looking at each boy in turn. "I could get in huge trouble if someone catches us in here."

"Don't worry 'bout it," said the boy with icy blue eyes. "We ain't stayin' long."

"And you are?" I asked.

"Spot Colnon at your service," he said with a mock bow.

I stared at Spot for a few second before twisting away from him and turned my attention back on Storm to break the bad news to him.

"Sunshine got caught sneaking out," I said slowly, unsure how to tell Storm gently. "Some man saw you guys walking away from the academy yesterday and reported it to Ms. Adams who in turn told the School Board."

"What," Storm said, his face pale.

"Ms. Adams called a meeting," I continued. "It isn't until next Tuesday so Sunshine has to spend the next week in solidity. I tried to get Charlotte to let me see her but she refused and said she wasn't going to help me break anymore rules."

Storm stared at me for a few quiet seconds before turning away in anger. Racetrack, Spot, and the other boy stayed where they were but looked away from me. I noticed Spot would glance at me a couple of times but the looks would only last a few milliseconds. After a few minutes of painful silence, Storm finally turned around to face me again.

"Do youse know where they'll send her," Storm asked. "Ise mean, if she get's expelled."

"No," I said honestly. "But when I first met Sunshine, she said they gave her two options; either come to the academy or somewhere else. She never told me what the other place was. Maybe you know?"

"No, Ise don't," Storm said.

"They'll take her to an orphanage," Spot spoke up. "Dat's where they take all da orphans."

I watched as Storm clenched and unclenched his fists several times in anger. I wanted to reassure Storm that his sister wouldn't go to an orphanage but to be honest; I didn't know what would happen to Sunshine and I didn't want to ease Storm's worries if I didn't know for sure.

"I'll come back tomorrow," Storm said. "Find out as much as youse can."

I nodded my head and watched Storm head back to the window and hopped out without another word to me or his companions. After watching Storm leave, the three boys turned back to me.

"Later Clara," Racetrack said, pulling me into a quick hug before following Storm.

"I don't tink we met before," said the dark haired boy. "I'se Mush."

"I'm Clara," I said. "See you around"

Mush nodded before following Racetrack and Storm out the window. Spot stayed for a few more seconds before nodded his head at me and following the other Newsies out the window. I closed the window and curtains before walking out of the room. I shut the door and stayed still for a moment before turning around to go back to my room. Just before I was about to shut my door, someone put their foot out to stop it. I looked up to see Tally sneering at me.

"Don't think you got away," Tally said.

"Excuse me," I said, genuinely confused.

"I heard male voices coming from Felicity's room," Tally said, with a stupid look on her face. "It was probably her brother, right? Well, you can tell him that his sister will be going to the orphanage where she belongs after the board is through with her. And don't worry; you'll get to go home to Pennsylvania real soon."

With that, Tally left down the hall, her nose stuck up in the air and her hips swaying a little. I closed my door slowly in shock. I think this is the first time I have ever truly been scared of another human being.

A/N Well that's the end of this chapter. What did you guys think? Did you like it? I'm sorry that there isn't a lot of Clara/Spot yet, I just don't want to rush things and make a crappy story. Oh and I started school two weeks ago so chapters might be slow for the time being. But I'll try updating every week or so if I can :)

But anyway, today is the tenth anniversary of 9/11 :( I can't believe it has been that long since that horrible day. When I see images from that day, I always want to cry because it is so hard to believe someone could be capable of doing such a terrible thing to fellow human beings. I know I'll never can or will forget 9/11 and I hope you guys never will too.

I also like to dedicate this chapter to those who lost their lives on September 11th and the brave souls who went into the towers and the Pentagon to save people. This is also for the brave passengers of Flight 93 who gave their lives trying to regain the plane and protect more American lives.

"How could we have known what would happen that day? When our Nation's freedom was tried? A hateful act brought our buildings down and innocent people died."

God Bless America and Freedom

Fun Fact: Ms. Adams is named after my ninth grade English teacher. She isn't as cruel as Ms. Adams in this story but she was up there.

Xoxo

RealityIsNegotiable