Disclaimer: I do NOT own Newsies! XP I just own this story idea and the OCs.

Intro: Flashback

It was always screaming and yelling between us.

If I knew it was always going to be like this, I would have left a long time ago.

But... did I really want it to be always like this?

Running.

That's what I seemed to be always doing, but not just running.

Running away.

Mum had told me to face my problems, but she isn't here now to help me.

I have to run... I can't face him anymore.

Chapter One

It's been a few days since the Delancy brothers first locked me down in this basement/cellar thing. I guess they're really mad at me this time. Why, you ask? I tried to run away for the like hundredth time. I'm just the "lucky" girl that they got to take home one night. I should have been more careful that night, but nooooo I decided to go out and check out the ruckus the newsies were making at the theater and landed in the grasp of the worse brothers in the history of Manhattan. I thought that once they got a good look at me they'd just let me go. I'm no beauty, but I wouldn't say I'm downright ugly but then I know I'm no rose either. Anyways, they took a strange liking to me and have kept me locked up in their house. Apparently, their Uncle Wiesel is a terrible cook, and I am an excellent cook. Because of that I'm guessing, they never let me go out, like ever. So you can understand why I've been trying to run away (being their cook and servant is not a piece of cake let me tell you). It gets worse each time though. Oscar and Morris get really mad and sometimes they beat me up. The last few times, instead of just locking me up in the cellar, they tied me up. But today, today's different. I managed to find a loose rusted nail down here that I can use to untie my hands. The moment they come down, I'm going to attack and get out of here once and for all. It's a long shot, but trying can't hurt, can it?

Thu-thud.

I stiffened. I think they're finally coming down to get me. Perfect timing too. I just managed to get the ropes loose enough to slip my hands out. As soon as one of those two pop down, I'll give him a good kick in the face and then run like mad out of there. It'll probably turn out like every other attempt, but at least I'll be out of the cellar thingy for a little bit.

Thu-thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!

I rolled my eyes. No need to stomp so hard. Sheeeeesh, just hurry up so I can get out of here!

Creeeeeaaaaaak.

Ah, finally! I crouched down.

"Hey, Jack, I don't think-"

I gave the guy a good kick in the jaw knocking him over. Didn't think it'd be that successful but I suppose I caught him by surprise. I quickly darted up the stairs and took a quick glance at the him. Huh?! That isn't Morris... and it definitely isn't Oscar. Who in the world did I just knock out? Well... I don't have time for that. I need to get out of there before the Delancys come after that guy.

"What was dat? I didn't hear ya!"

Yikes! There's two of them!

I nervously poked my head out of the basement. Eh heh... Right smack dab in front of me was a nice pair of feet, and they didn't belong to either of the Delancys. I gulped as I slowly looked up into the eyes of a somewhat familiar newsie. I don't think I ever caught his name but I remember he's important in Manhattan. The girls at work are always going nuts about him. But no matter, I don't want a thing to do with this guy. I just want to get out of here.

"Hey." The newsie looked a bit surprised to see me (obviously... I doubt any newsie would not be surprised at the sight of a tiny seventeen year old girl popping out of the Delancy's basement) but he offered his hand to help me out.

I was a bit nervous since I don't even know the guy. I accepted his help anyways.

"What were you doin' down there?"

I pushed him hard in the chest and rushed toward the kitchen door.

He grunted but my force wasn't that great so he was able to grab me (gently though which was a nice improvement compared to the Delancys) and pull me back to him.

I panted nervously, desperately wanting to get away.

He gently brushed a bruise on my right cheek (he probably chose the right since I always keep my bangs over the left side of my face). I winced slightly and jerked away.

"Did Oscar do dis to ya?"

I wriggled in his arms. I hate being so tiny... and so weak... Basically, I hate being a girl at this moment.

He loosened his grip a little and glanced back down at the basement. "Kid? You down dere still?"

"Yeah," was the muffled reply.

"Come up 'ere."

Aha! A chance! I jabbed my elbows into him and made a speedy getaway out of the kitchen. Just another turn and voila! The door! Freedom is in my grasp finally!

Oh snap... someone's right in front of the door.

"You finally done, Jackie-" he stopped short once he saw me.

I froze as I looked up at the last face I had ever expected to see in Manhattan.

Spot Conlon.

My mouth went dry as I just stared at him. He didn't seemed to be real thrilled to see me either. He just grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the house.

"Hey, Spot! Wait! Where are you takin' the goil? She probably needs ta see a docta!" the one who had me in his grip earlier yelled.

Spot glanced behind him but said nothing. He picked up his speed and gripped my arm tighter. At first I thought he was just going to get away from the house and then start asking me questions but no... he kept going and headed straight to Brooklyn. The place I thought I'd never ever go back to again.

As soon as we got to the lodge (I'm guessing this is where the Brooklyn newsies reside), he forced me to sit on a bunk.

"Okay now, Rebs. You've got a lot of explainin' ta do."