Disclaimer: All of the original characters (Jack, Spot, Boots, Racetracks, snipes shooter and Kid Blink)
are fully owned by Disney. Gena (or Skye-Blue), Gordon, Corey, Collin, Jason and Valerie are owned by Mystic Chick. Anyone who wants to us my characters please e-mail me first.

Some Things just cannot go away...
By Mystic Chick

My name is Gena Makly, but I got the nickname Skye-Blue when friends with the Newsies. I have learnt
that something's in life happen for a purpose and we should live through the bad and good times. I grew up in
Manhattan in a lonely house with my father(Gordon), brother(Corey) and mother(Valerie). My father and
mother said I was a 'mistake' and they would have preferred a kitten or a puppy instead of me. And so that's how
they treated me, like I was the worst mistake they had made. Along with being kept in a bunk in the old shed out the
back of the house, I was constantly beaten up by my father when he came home from a stressful day at work. So
you want to hear from when I escaped? Well here goes... For a strange reason I was admiring the rain which pattered
down on the rusty tin roof. I could hear Gordon my father yelling at Valerie who just yelled back in defence.
Although I could not hear the exact words they were saying I knew Gordon would soon come out to me and hurt
me to relieve the stress and anger. An hour past and still no sight of Gordon I became very confused when he
did not come out. The yelling was hard to hear as the rain grew heavier and soon I thought that they had stopped.
It was becoming dark and I knew that I would not be fed tonight for Valerie would go out of her way to walk in the
rain with a piece of bread and water and get saturated just to feed me. So I decided to go to bed, which took me
awhile, because I pondered over why he had not come out like he usually did, rain, hail or shine.

The next morning I heard Valerie leave for her job at the bakery and Corey go off to school. But I knew
Gordon did not leave because usually he would come to me and tell me to stay in the shed until he came home again.
Soon I saw faintly out the front a man come with a message. He opened the door and I heard most of the conversation:

'Would Gordon Makly be there?' said the man.

'Yes, you are talking to him,' Gordon replied. 'I have a message from your boss at the factory,' he continued

'Yes?'

'He wants you to come and talk to him in a private meeting this afternoon'

'What time?'

'4 o'clock pm'

'Okay thank you' Gordon said and slammed the door on the messenger.

Some how I knew this was not good news to Gordon because I saw him come out. I prepared myself for a
beating while he unlocked the lock on the shed door.

'So Gena, I hope you are feeling bad, I think this will make you better' he whispered to me. I could see his anger
in his eyes as the starred at me. I was scared, so scared. First I thought it was not so bad, he had only slapped
me and pushed me around the room. Then he punched me in the jaw, stomach and got a plank of old wood and
started to hit me on my back and behind the legs. Tears were falling just like the rain the night before hand. With a
blow to my head by the plank of wood I blacked out. I think he hit me more with the wood on my back while I
was lying down, because I woke up with a very sore back that night. Because I was so hurt and weak from that morning,
I did not move when Valerie brought in 2 pieces of bread and water that night. 'Get up now you lazy slug,' she yelled
while smacking me on my head. She soon gave up and left then I rolled over to try and eat. I had only left half when
I remembered Gordon had gone to the meeting. I thought a lot about how it went then just feel to sleep.

Next morning I woke up to the sound of Gordon unlocking the shed door. I knew this was not good. He yelled at me to get
up and to follow him, which I did because I did not want to risk being beaten up more than I knew I was already
going to be. I could hear Valerie yelling from the kitchen 'don't hurt her to much' but I knew he did not follow
her idea because he yelled back at her to get into the house and do not watch. For once I was able to be outside and
smell fresh air I stopped and took a risk to enjoy the air when he soon grabbed me by my torn shirt and leaded me off
down the road. I did not know where he was taking me but I knew it was not good. Soon we reached the docks
where we walked out to the end of a pontoon. Gordon grabbed a piece of metal and held it up while he yelled 'don't
you even think about running. You deserve this and no one is going to help. I hate you and so does everyone else so lets
get this over and done with' I just stood their as his hand clenched my arm and he moved me over to the edge. 'This is
for using the bread, water and shed' he yelled as the metal rod flung around to hit me on the side of my leg. I screamed
in pain and the tears fell again. 'This is for making your mum and I fight' he yelled again while whacking me with the rod
in my back. I screamed again and noticed in the corner of my eye 5 boys looking at me from over on another pontoon.
'And this is one for being born' the metal rod flung around in the air again to hit me in the stomach when I fell back
into the chilly water and screamed again while trying to regain my breath because I was winded. Gordon soon realised
I was very badly beaten and was satisfied and soon walked away dropping the metal rod into the water. I was trying
to do too many things at once. I was trying to swim (which I had never done before), trying to regain my breath and
crying at the same time. Soon I brought myself to slowly pulling myself up onto the pontoon where I laid half over
the edge coughing and crying until I blanked out again.

I felt a lot of hands picking me up. I was too tired and sore to open my eyes, or even to move. I just let them carry me away to where ever they wanted to torture me.

* * * * *

I soon woke up and knew it was not the shed, I looked around the room. Their was about 5 bunk beds
in the room and two chairs. Noticing no one was in the room, I stood up and very slowly walked over to the
window. I didn't realise how high up in the building I was until a small pigeon flew past the window. Amazed
at the beautiful scenery of the Manhattan, I was too foolish to hear food steps growing louder and louder
until the door opened. I ran and jumped back on the bed and curled up into a ball the furthermost place from the boy.

'Please don't hurt me' I whispered unknowing what the boy was going to do. Tears formed in the corner of my eyes and I just hid my face not knowing where or who it was.

'I's won't hurt ya. Jack 'n Spot will 'av me soaked if I's hurt a goil.' the boy said. I looked up and wiped the tears
off my cheek. I saw he was more than a boy, more like seventeen. He had short curly brown hair and noticed
I was looking at him, I soon looked away. 'I'sa Mush. Nice ta meets ya, what'sa name?' He held out his hand to
shake but I was still too scared to go near him, I pulled back in fear. He noticed how I reacted and placed his
hand in his pocket immediately. 'awwww I'm not goin' ta hoit ya! Spot will be 'ere soon. Dey saw ya gettin' soaked
by a man down at da dock. Ya blanked out and dey went n got ya and brought ya 'ere! Yous been outa it for 2 days.'
I looked at Mush and noticed that he had a concern look on his face. I did not know what to do. Because
I just sat their, he gave up and said 'look, I'ms goin' down to get Spot. He won't hoit ya. Promise,' then he left the room.

Silence filled the small room while I waited for this boy named 'Spot'. I did not move one bit, but somehow
a tear rolled out from my eye again. I could hear two sets of footsteps coming towards the door,
which soon opened and Mush and another boy walked in. The second one being much thinner boned than Mush.

'Dis is Spot, like I's said. He won't hoit ya' Mush said while sitting down on an oppisite bunk.

'Hiya their. Me names Spot. What' yours?' Spot smiled not knowing my next reaction. I got up and
pushed the window open trying to escape by climbing out, I was tugged back in by Mush and Spot trying
to stop me. I soon was held either side by them and was placed back down on the bed.

'No ways yousa getting out der, very long fall!' Mush said while Spot moved closer.

'Look, all I want ta know is ya name and if ya trust me?' I looked into Spots eyes, they looked so innocent
and I could not refuse to reply to his question, but I seeled my lips. Until the sun came out behind a cloud
and shone into the room. I was amazed at how warm the sunshine felt and I looked at the beautiful blue sky.
I was brought back to reality when Spot asked again 'ya name miss, whose lookin' at da blue sky?' I turned
my face to find him closer than he was, then I answered back 'Genavive, Gena for short.'

'Ahhh okay. Well you knows dat dats Mush and I'm Spot. Do ya trust me?' I was not sure about anything
at that time. I just looked at both of them and somehow I knew I was in no trouble so I whispered 'yes'
and I started to cry. Spot soon came over and sat closer and put his arm around me, somehow I fell into his hug
and cried a lot. About 15 minutes later I looked up at Spot who just was stroking my hair. I noticed Mush
had left the room and I could hear a lot of Noise downstairs. It was getting dark and I thought of what
Gordon would be doing right now.

Spot soon looked at me and said 'ya okay? Do you want sum food? Drink? Cause we I'ma goin to Tibby's to meet up wid da rest of da Newsies. Cowboy wants ta meet you!'

'Whose Cowboy?' I asked quitely.

'Jack. His da leader of Manhattan Newsies'

'Oh. Will they hurt me?'

'No! Dey won't hoit a goil! Especially you!' Spot answered back smiling. Some how I knew it was going to
be okay. Spot walked over to grab his coat and I got up and walked behind him. We went downstairs
to meet Mush and two other guys waiting for us. 'Dis is RaceTrack and KidBlink, der friends. Dey won't hoit ya.' Spot
said as he pointed them out. Mush smiled at me and I smiled back at him and RaceTrack and KidBlink.
We all walked out onto the street and walked to the restaurant Tibby's. I had not been out in about 3 years
and was amazed how many things have changed. Nearly every new street had something happening in it and
I always pointed them out at Spot who looked at me in confusion in my way I had acted. But he smiled
and took in my interests. Soon we reached Tibby's and we went in. I loved the smell of the food and could not
wait until it was served. We walked over to a table where sat three other guys around the same age wearing
similar outfits. I guessed the one with the Cowboy hat in frount of him on the table was Jack, but I did not know
the other faces. They all moved around for Mush, Spot, Racetracks, KidBlink and I to sit. The three boys starred
at me and I felt uncomfortable when they did. I looked at them and they knew I was scared so they began talking
to the other boys. I sat their for a while just minding my own business when one of the boys suddenly said loudly

'So Spot, whose ya goil. Haven't seen her before.' Spot looked at me hoping I wasn't hurt
and said 'shes da one I wasa tellin yous bout. Her names Gena. Me and Jacky-boy saw her get beaten up by a man.'

Mush noticed me trying to keep my tears back when he said 'dis is Jack, Boots and Snipeshooter.'

Jack soon stood up and said 'I wanna tawlk to Gena alone, you guys just play ya game of poker.' I went over with
Jack and sat opposite him in another booth. He ordered drinks and we started to talk. 'So, ya names Gena hey.
Mines Jack Kelly, but people call me Cowboy, Jacky-boy or any other stupid name they can think of!' Jack
laughed. I smiled, he saw I smiled and continued 'ahh so that's how I make da beautiful goil smile!' I blushed,
and I knew he saw it cause he smiled. I lifted my head up and looked into his eyes and said 'thanks.
I really need someone right now. Its hard.'

His smile then turned to a concerned look and asked 'yous don't av ta tell me, but who was da man
and why was he soaking ya?' I looked down. I knew that he would find out sooner or later, so I told him.
After I had finished, I looked at Jack again and saw his shocked face. 'I'm so sorry Gena. I didn't know. You can live
wid us if ya want. We won't hoit ya. Promise. Were Newspaper boys. So you can start sellin papes to earn
some money.'

I nodded my head understanding him then said 'why have the others got unusual names like Spot and RaceTrack?'

'Well, we nickname everyone. You need a nick name if ya goin to stay wid us!' He stopped for a second
looking at me to think of a nick then continued 'You can be Skye-Blue. Cause your eyes are as blue as da big
sky and they sparkle like the stars at night.' I nodded again and blushed. 'How abouts we join the others?' he
said breaking the silence. I agreed and we both joined the rest who sounded and looked like they were into
a intense poker game. Noticing it was becoming later, we soon all walked back to the place I was at earlier.
I learnt that they called it the Lodgin' House. I met up with some other Newsies' and soon became friends
with them. That night I went to sleep with out being beaten. I heard no yelling or arguing, and I have the reassurance
that no one would hurt me.

The next morning Jack woke me up by pulling off my covers and pulling my onto the ground I looked at him
and smiled while I heard Spot and RaceTrack yell out 'hurry up or we'll be late!'

'Late for what?' I asked.

'Late for sellin papes' Jack replied putting his shirt on. 'Remember? Were Newsies we sell papes. And today yous
are gonna learn how ta be one!' I followed Jack out with excitement and we met up with RaceTrack and Spot
downstairs. We reached the distribution centre and Jack asked '100 papes for me and 50 papes for me friend
ere.' Jack and I separated from the others and went to Jacks own selling spot. He showed me how ta sell the
papers and how to get the 'accent' right. Soon I had finished selling all of the 50 papers and Jack finished
selling his 100. Jack and I agreed to go to Tibby's for something to eat and on the way back we talked a lot
about Jacks past life and more of my own. It was only about 2 blocks from Tibby's when I saw my brother
Corey and his friend. I knew I had to hide but I could not see anywhere. By the time I finished looking they
had seen me and started to run.

I grabbed Jack's arms and said to him quickly 'My brother and his friends have seen me, I gotta run..' Jack
was left standing while I ran for my life down the street. I don't know what Jack did, if he tried to stop them
or run after me to help but I did not look back until I came to a dead end in a small ally. I collapsed from
the long run and noticed how dark it was. I could hear yelling that gradually became louder as it came
closer to me, then distinguished the voices to be Corey and two other friends that I did not know.

'She went this way' Corey yelled.

'Hey can I have her first before we give her back to your father?' One boy asked.

I was scared. I moved behind a wagon and sat their as quietly as I could hoping they would not hear or suspect
me to be here.

'Whoever finds her gets her first. You check up that alley way while I'll go to this one,' another yelled. Soon
I could see the shoes walking around from underneath the Wagon. I a rat soon ran across into a hole and made
a noise which drew the boys attention over my way.

Then he saw me... 'Ahhh, so that's what you look like!' He said with an evil voice. 'Hey guys I found her!' He
grabbed me out from behind the wagon and brought me out into the light to see me. They blindfolded
me and took me to an old run-down factory. They took the material away from my eyes and the first
glimpse I saw was not a good one. There was a small mattress in the corner of the room with one sheet of it,
a table and chairs and a window high up on the wall.

The boy who found me said 'I found her first so I get her first.' The others nodded and walked outside and l
ocked the door. 'So, Gena. My name is Collin. Now I want you to get on that bed and stay their or something
very bad will happen. Okay?' I knew I could not escape. Soon he told me to take of my clothes, which I
did not risking a soaking and he took off his. I was screaming for help, but no one heard. It was to isolated a
nd to late.

Afterwards, the other boy came in and talked to me 'My name is Jason how was Collin? Good? Just stay still.'
A nightmare ran through my head and I felt like I could have died. I screamed again for help but no one came
until everything was over. Corey was about to soak me when they heard a knock on the door. Collin went
over to the door and opened it. Their stood Jack, Much, Spot, Race Track, Snipeshooter, Boots and the rest
standing at the door. Spot yelled 'go' and they ran in. Mush, Spot, Racetracks, Boots, Kid Blink and Snipeshooter
ran for Collin, Corey and Jason. While Jack ran for me and gave me my clothes to put on, he hugged me
tightly and then asked if I was okay. Although I was crying and yelling to take them away from me,
Jack helped me put my clothes on and we ran out. The othes by this time had totally bashed up Jason,
Collin and Corey. They were left stranded on the floor because they had all been blacked out by punches
to the head. Soon Spot, Mush, Race, Boots and Snipe shooter ran out behind us cheering. Jack hugged
me and put his arm around me all the way home kissing my head saying it was okay. But tears and screaming
just came out of me.

Soon we reached home and jack layed me on my bed. My crying had dwindled down and only few
tears rolled down across my cheek.

'I'm goin ta stay wif ya tonight. I'll watch over ya all night okay?' He said while stroking my head softly.
I just nodded and said 'Thanks'. Soon I fell to sleep which was invaded by nightmares and screams.
Every dream consisted of either Corey, Collin or Jason and this reminded me how close I was in
being back with Gordon.

* * * * *

The next morning I woke up later than usual but to my surprise Jack was fast asleep next to me on the chair.
He did not leave me all night and this morning he did not leave to sell papers. I smiled and layed
back down, which made the bed creak and made Jack wake up.

'How are ya Skye?' Jack said sitting up to see me properly.

I knew it was not true but a small 'okay I guess' popped out of my mouth. Soon I started to cry
and ended up in Jacks arms. When we had finished he sat back up and looked at me with concern.

'Ya eyes are all red,' Jack said then realised it was not a good thing to say. He then continued. 'Did
dey hoit you bad? We gave em a soakin. Dey won't be around to touch you eva again.'

'Yes. They did hurt me,Many times. I was so close Jack.' a tear soon fell as I kept on going, ' If you had
not come along, I would have died. I would have to go back to Collin. They raped me Jack. Jason
and Collin. They raped me.' Jack hugged me and repetitively told me that everything was okay now.
Which I found hard to believe, but somehow I was safe with Jack and the Newsies. We talked a lot but
later on Jack told me to wash myself down because it would make me feel better, which it did. I soon
came out to see Spot, Mush, race and boots talking to Jack on the bunk bed. When they noticed me
walk in they all gasped and looked at me in concern.

Spot stood up and ran over to me and hugged me saying 'I'm so sorry Skye, I really am. If ya want ta talk,
just tell me okay?'

I nodded and whisper 'okay' to Spot as he sat down again.

The others were to shocked to talk but I knew they were sorry for me. Jack suggested to go to
Tibby's all together and to get it off my mind, which I agreed to and they all walked with me down there.
They talked for a bit and then asked me if I knew how to play poker, which I didn't, so they started to
teach me. Soon it became dark and we headed back to the Lodgin' house to talk. Jack took me up to the
fire escape and we talked.

'So, how yas feelin now?' he asked.

'I'm much better, I think I might continue learning how to play Poker' I smiled at Jack.
He moved closer and put his arm around my waste.

'Skye-Blue suits you so well.' he paused 'Gena, I know you av been through a lot in the last day or two.
But I was wonderin' do you want to be my goil?' Jack looked at me with his sparkling eyes. I hugged him and then
looked up to smile at him.

'Sure Jack. I would love to. And thank you. Thank you for everything you have done. I love you Jack, I really do.'
Soon as I had finished Jack moved his head closer to mine. He kissed me on the lips and it lasted forever.
But for once I felt something in my heart I had never felt before, it was something so special it could only be
felt when Jack was next to me like he was. He finished and pulled away when we heard whistling and cheering
from behind us. We turned around to see Mush, Spot, Race and Boots clapping and watching us. Jack turned back and smiled. 'You can never get any privacy with dat Brooklyn brat around.'

Spot heard and yelled out 'hey Jacky-boy you comin inside before it gets cold?' We got up and
went back into the bedroom and talked for along time. For once I was smiling and joking about.
We soon became tired and went to bed, dreaming good dreams.

* * * * *

Next morning I woke up with the others to sell the papers. Today I had sold 75 papers and for once
the others did not tease me about not having the 'proper newsie' accent. But I didn't care when they did.
Later in the day all the Newsies met up at Tibby's talked and played poker. We had fun and the best time
until they went into their own conversations with each other. I was looking out the window when I saw
Corey, Collin and Jason walk and stop outside the shop. A cold feeling went up my spine and I felt sick.
Just the sight of them made me cry and I was scared if they would come inside. But soon they all ran off
towards the docks.

Jack noticing my scared look on my face asked 'everythin okay?'

I replied back 'yeah' and he put his arms around me and kissed me. We started another poker game and I actually won.
We soon went back to the Lodgin' house and layed down. So now you know most of my story with the Newsies.
I also realise that Corey, Collin, Jason, Gordon or Valerie will never disappear from my life. And they always will
be in the back of my mind haunting me like a goast. I am scarred from my family and their friends, and I hope that
it never happens to me ever again. Maybe some things may never go away, but for now, I know that I am with a
new family and that I am truly safe.

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