Author's note: Charm, Butterfly, Jade, Mista James, an any of da indians belong to me, Fantasia. All other newsies (ex. Spot Conlon, Jack, Mush, Snipeshooter, Jack, Kid Blink, Racetrack, ect.) belong ta da Disney company. I am in no way associated wit em in any way. So please don't sue me for copyright because I ain't makin no money off dis (or any of me otha) stories. An if ya did sue me all ya'd get is me Newsies video an bout ten bucks. Also, since some of da stuff ain't historically accurate, I'se sorry.

Dutchy's Goyl
By: Fantasia/Charm


Dutchy an Skittery walked down da streets of New York, callin out da headlines. It was gettin late an when Dutchy sold his last pape, dey walked back towards da Lodgin House.

"What's dat?" Skittery ast, pointin ta somethin in an alley behind da Lodgin House.

Dutchy walked ova an replied, “It’s a goyl! Hey! Hey! Wake up!” Dutchy nudged da goyl’s arm.

Da goyl slowly opened her eyes an groaned, “Huh? What? Who are ya?” Da goyl ran her hand through her dirty blonde hair. She rubbed her sky blue eyes wit her other hand.

“I’m Dutchy an dat guy ova dere is Skittery. Who are you?” Dutchy replied, holdin out his hand. Da goyl took it an Dutchy helped her up.

“I’se Charm. How are ya?” Charm smiled at Dutchy.

“Fine. Why are ya out hea at night Charm?” Skittery spoke up.

“I-me fatha kicked me out of da house cuz we had too many kids ta feed. I’ve been all ova New York, a coupla nights ago I was in Brooklyn, before dat da Bronx an Harlem. I’se been wanderin from place ta place fer a while now.”

“Come with us. If ya can woik wit us as newsies tamorrow, Jack’ll let ya stay wit us at da Lodgin House.” Dutchy suggested, almost too eagerly.

“All right. Are ya shoa ya don’t mind?” Charm shook out her hair. It fell jist past her shoulders in blonde waves.

“Mind? Nah, c’mon let’s go.” Dutchy started ta walk towards da Lodgin House an Skittery an Charm followed.

“What do ya t’ink of Dutchy?” Skittery ast, noticin Charm starin at him.

“He’s great! I mean, as far as I know him. He wit anyone? I mean, does he got a goyl?”

“Dutchy?! Got a goyl?! No, he ain’t got one. Why, ya like him or somethin?” Skittery teased laughin.

“I t’ink dat if I knew him betta I might.” Charm replied seriously. Den she ran ta catch up wit Dutchy, leavin Skittery standin dere shocked.



Dutchy, Charm, an Skittery walked in. “Hey! Who’s da goyl?!” Jack ast.

“Dis is Charm, she wants ta woik wit us tamorrow. Is dat okay Jack?” Dutchy shot Jack a look dat said ‘Ya-better-say-yes-Jack’.

“Shoa. T’ink ya can handle it?” Jack held out his hand.

Charm laughed, spit in her hand, an shook Jack’s. “Yea, I t’ink I can handle it.”

Racetrack smiled an said, “I like her. Good goyl ya found Dutchy.”

Dutchy blushed. “I didn’t find her.” He protested.

“Yea ya did Dutchy. An I t’ank ya fer it.” Charm leaned ova an kissed Dutchy on da cheek. Den she gracefully got up an walked inta anudder room.

“Whoa, dat’s one goyl ya got dere Dutchy.” Crutchy said.

“She ain’t me goyl Crutchy!” Dutchy paused, starin afta Charm, “I ain’t dat lucky.”

Skittery spoke up. “Actually, Charm told me dat if she knew ya betta, she’d like ya. She told me earlier.”

“Really?” Dutchy ast hopefully.

Skittery nodded. “Yea, have I eva lied ta ya before?”

“Should we answer dat or jist let it be?” Kid Blink ast.

“Shuddap Blink!” Skittery yelled. Everyone laughed ‘cept

Dutchy. He was too busy wonderin if Charm really liked him or if Skittery was jist bein stupid – again.



Da next mornin, Dutchy ast Charm, “Charm! Do ya wanna sell wit me taday?”

Charm smiled warmly at him an said, “Shoa.” Den she ruffled his blonde hair. He quickly put it back in place. Charm laughed, “Do ya hafta keep ya hair perdy fer some goyl?”

“Shuddap Charm!” Dutchy messed up her hair. She yelped in pain an he stopped. He brushed back her hair an saw a long dark bruise on her scalp. “What happened Charm?”

She looked down at da ground an replied slowly an softly, “Me fatha did it before I left da house. He-he did it cuz I came home witout any money one night. He usually sent me out ta steal from people but I wouldn’t. He slammed me against da wall when I got home an I hit a brick stickin out f da wall. I’se okay though.”

“Are ya sure?” Dutchy ast, pushin her hair behind her ears. Charm nodded. Den she started ta cry. Dutchy put his arms around her. “C’mon, let’s go Charm.”

Charm walked wit Dutchy ta da Distribution Center. He said ta her, “Do ya t’ink dat ya know what yer doin?”

She nodded. She pulled a bag out of her pocket an put down two bits. “Fifty papes Weasel.”

“Fifty papes for da new goyl!” Weasel yelled. When Dutchy stepped up ta da window, Weasel ast, “What? Are ya tellin everyone ta call me Weasel now?”

“We didn’t tell her nothin bout ya Weasel, she jist knew.” Dutchy said, gettin his papes.

Dutchy walked ova ta Charm. “How didja know Weasel’s name? We neva told ya.”

She looked at him confused. “I-I-I da other day I was watchin youse sell an I hoid one of ya call him Weasel, I was jist listenin. Sorry.”

“Dat’s okay. By da way, how didja sleep last night?”

“Awful, no offense or nothin cause ya live dere an ya let me stay wit ya but, I t’ink dat I broke me back on da mattress.” Charm smiled at Dutchy.

“Ya can have me bunk tanight den, I’ll sleep in dere.” Dutchy quickly offered, da gentleman dat he is.

“No, I couldn’t put ya out of ya bunk.” Charm protested.

“Den, we can both sleep in me bunk - I mean, if dat’s okay wit ya.” Dutchy stumbled ova woids.

“Shoa it’s okay wit me, it’s you I’m worried bout.”

“Why me?”

“Cause ya might end up gettin all embarrassed dumb jokes dat Race’ll make. C’mon, let’s go.”



Charm an Dutchy walked down da street, Charm was havin a good foist day. She had sold all fifty of her papes quickly an went back ta da Distribution Centa a few times. Dutchy, on da otha hand, had a hard day. He barely sold twenty of his fifty. “Man!” Dutchy cursed. “I don’t believe dis!”

“Hea, lemme try an sell em for ya Dutchy. I’se all outta mine.” Charm took Dutchy’s remainin thirty papes.

“Again?! You sold bout t’ree hundred taday!” Dutchy exclaimed.

“T’ree hundred fifty. It’s a gift. Um, lemme t’ink of a new headline. Let’s see, mayor’s daughter in unknown area wit aunt. I got it! Mayor’s sista kidnaps her niece!” Charm yelled. People came up ta her an in a few minutes, she had sold all thirty.

“Well, I’ll be.” Dutchy said softly. When Charm walked ova ta him, he said, “If ya ain’t almost as good as Jack.”

“Thanks. Ya ain’t so bad yaself, everyone has an off day. I’se jist had beginner’s luck.” Charm smiled.

“No way, dat was in no way beginner’s luck. Youse jist a natural.” Dutchy thought bout it fer a second an den ast, “Do ya wanna go ta Tibby’s wit me?”

“Do ya mean wit everybody or jist you?” Charm shifted uncomfortably.

“Wit jist me. If ya don’t wanna dat’s okay but if ya do den tell me.” Dutchy stood tall but inside he was shakin.

A slow smile spread across Charm’s face. “I was jist wait fer ya ta ask. If ya hadn’t, I might of ast ya meself!”

“One thing before we go, didja really tell Skittery dat if ya knew me betta ya’d like me?”

Charm blushed. “I knew dat he couldn’t keep his mouth shut.”

“So, it’s true?” Dutchy raised his eyebrows.

Charm nodded. “What bout me? When ya ast me didja mean it cause ya knew dat I like ya or cause ya like me?”

“I ast ya cause I like ya. Skittery told me how ya ast if I had a goyl, would ya be me goyl?” Dutchy ast nervously. He had neva been dat good wit goyls like Jack or Spot. Dey had goyls practically throwin themselves at em.

Charm leaned ova an kissed Dutchy. “I’d love ta.” Den Dutchy put his arm around Charm’s waist. Dey walked ta Tibby’s tagether. When dey got dere, none of da otha newsies were dere, dey was all at Medda’s.

Dey sat an ate an laughed. When dey were leavin, Charm saw a little goyl standin by da door cryin. She walked ova ta her wit Dutchy an said, “Hello. Who are you?”

Da little goyl, who wasn’t so little, maybe nine or ten, had dark hair an dark eyes. “Me fatha kicked me out afta me mudder died. Foist he made me sista Charm leave an den he made me leave.” Da goyl said, half cryin.

“Buttafly?!” Charm exclaimed.

“Do I know ya?” Butterfly looked at Charm an den Dutchy.

“It’s me, Charm! What happened?!” Charm hugged Butterfly.

“Charm! I missed you! Afta ya left, he started ta make me steal too! When I took a stand like you did, he kicked me out! So I’se jist been hea for a coupla days. Who’s he?” Butterfly pointed ta Dutchy.

“Buttafly, dis is me boyfriend Dutchy. Dutchy, dis is me sista Buttafly. I’se been livin at da Lodgin House fer a few days. Hea, come wit us. I’m shoa dat Jack’ll let ya stay if ya sell papes wit us tamorrow. Do ya wanna?”

“Okay. I’se been so scared Charm!” Butterfly cried.

“Hello Butterfly.” Dutchy said. He smiled as he watched Charm hug her sista again an walk wit her ta da Lodgin House. It didn’t botha him dat his goyl wasn’t walkin wit him. He t’ought ta hisself, She’s amazing. Look at da way she cares fer her sista. She jist dropped everythin she was doin ta help her. I am so lucky ta have her be me goyl. I love her. I jist don’t know how ta tell her.



Dutchy, Charm, an Butterfly walked inta da Lodgin House. When dey did, Jack joked, “Dutchy, is it jist me or have ya been bringin in alot of stray goyls lately?”

“Shuddap Jack! I ain’t no stray!” Charm yelled. She hit Jack on da side of da head. “Dis is me sista, Buttafly. Buttafly, dis is Jack, Racetrack, Kid Blink, Crutchy, Snipeshooter, Boots, Mush, an Specs. Listen, Jack, can I talk ta ya fer a second? Buttafly, stay hea wit Dutchy an da rest of da guys. Guys, jist don’t get her arrested. An Buttafly, don’t play poka if Racetrack, or any of em, asks.” Charm pulled Jack off inta a side room an said softly, “Jack, can she stay hea wit us? She’s only nine an doesn’t have anywhere else ta go. I can pay fer her ta live hea. Please let her stay Jack, she ain’t got no where else ta go. Please Jack.”

“Sure Charm, she can stay. We wouldn’t wanna separate ya family or nothin. What didja t’ink I’d do? Make her leave? Of coise she can stay, jist as long as she ain’t as much trouble as you are.” Jack smiled an so did Charm. Dey walked out ta find everyone tawkin ta Butterfly.

“Okay Buttafly, don’t tawk deir ears off. C’mon, um, dere’s a bed ya can sleep in. One warnin, it’ll pry hoit ya back a little.” Charm hugged her sista again an dey left.

“What were we talkin bout before dey came in?” Jack ast.

“Goyls, as usual, an our lack of em. Da only goyls around hea right now are Charm an Buttafly. Buttafly’s only nine an Charm’s-” Racetrack got cut off by Dutchy.

“Wit me.” Dutchy finished. Everyone toined ta look at him in total shock.

“She’s ya goyl Dutchy?!” Crutchy ast.

As if ta answer dat question, Charm walked in an said, “Guess what Dutchy. I hafta share ya bunk tanight cause me sista needs her own bed. Go figure. Da foist night she gets off da streets, she demands her own bed. Go figure.” She paused. “Why’s everyone starin at me like dat?”

“We jist found out youse wit Dutchy.” Kid Blink said.

“Oh I see.” Charm walked ova an stood close ta Dutchy. Dutchy put his arms around her an kissed da top of her head. She said, “I gotta go help me sista now. Bye fer a little bit.” She kissed Dutchy’s cheek an den Charm ran out of da room.

“I told ya she was wit me.” Dutchy said.

“Ya know,” Snipeshooter said breakin da tension dat had settled, “Her little sista’s pretty.”

“Sniper’s got a crush on Buttafly! Sniper’s got a crush on Buttafly!” Specs teased.

“Shuddap Specs! I do not!” Snipeshooter hit Specs ova da head.

“Shoa ya don’t Snipeshooter.” Jack said. “Shoa ya don’t.”



Dutchy was layin in his bunk when Charm walked ova. “Dutchy, I hafta share ya bunk tanight cuz me sista needs her own bed. Is dat okay wit you?”

Dutchy nodded an stood up. He let Charm get in closest ta da wall. He lay back down an she curled up beside him. He put his arm around her waist an she lay her head on his chest. He held up a book an started ta read. Charm ast, “Do ya read alot?”

He nodded. “Yea. But I don’t advertise it like Specs does, dey make fun of him cuz he reads so much. I know dat it’s kinda weird fer a newsie ta read alot but hey.”

“No,” Charm said softly. “I think it’s cool. What book is it?”

“Um, it’s Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Telltale Heart’. It's bout dis guy who kills dis otha guy an he goes crazy cuz he t’inks he can hear da guys heart beatin. Den he confesses ta murderin him.”

Dutchy moved da book closer ta her. “Do ya wanna read it too?”

“Sure. I ain’t dat good a reader though so, if I read slow sorry.”

“It’s okay. Do ya want me ta read it out loud? I’se a pretty decent reader.”

“Shoa, I mean, if ya wanna.” Charm said tryin ta smile.

“I do, I mean, fer you I do.”

So while Dutchy was readin da book, Butterfly walked inta da room. Charm saw her an ast, “Buttafly, what’s wrong?”

Butterfly replied through tears, “I had a dream dat Kid Blink, Spot Conlon, Mush, an Racetrack soaked ya.”

“Honey, dat was jist a dream. Mush, Kid Blink, an Race are me friends an I neva met Spot Conlon.”

“An Buttafly,” Dutchy said. “I ain’t gonna let nothin happen ta Charm. I’se promise.”

“C’mon, let’s go back ta sleep. I’ll come wit ya.” Charm brushed back her sista’s dark hair.

While Charm walked back wit Butterfly, all da otha newsies was up. Kid Blink ast, “What was dat all bout?”

“Butterfly had a dream dat you, Mush, Race, an Spot soaked Charm. She was pretty torn up bout it. But jist look at Charm. She’s amazin carin fer her sista.” Dutchy replied.

“Ya know Dutchy,” Jack said. “Ya got a little competition. I hoid from some Brooklyn newsies dat Spot has a thing fer Charm even though he neva met her. An I can tell ya a few newsies from otha places – an right hea in Manhattan – who like her. But she’s totally devoted ta you. You’re pretty lucky ta have a goyl like Charm.”

Dutchy nodded. Charm walked back in an said, “I’se sorry, I jist couldn’t let her stay by herself like dat. Hiya everyone, hey listen – who’s Spot Conlon?”

“Who’s Spot Conlon?! Who’s Spot Conlon?!” Jack yelled. “He’s only the most respected an famous newsie in all of New York – an probably everywhere else!”

“I neva hoid of him. I don’t know how me sista did if none of me otha siblings did.” Charm looked worried.

“What otha siblings?” Dutchy ast.

Charm’s mouth dropped, as is she didn’t realize dat she had said it aloud. “Um, I guess dat I should tell ya dat dere were originally five kids in me family. Me, Buttafly, Jack, Mike, an Sam. I was da oldest, den Buttafly, Jack, Mike, an da youngest one was Sam. He was only t’ree, Sam was. Me mudda left when we was young, she came around every once in a while but neva fer long. Me fatha, he-he beat us alot. One night, he came home drunk. He beat us all but he beat poor Sam too hard. Sam died lyin in me arms. Me fatha neva said dat he was sorry fer what he did ta poor Sam. He was only t’ree!”

Charm started ta sob. Dutchy put his arm around her an said, “Charm, if ya don’t wanna tell us da rest, ya don’t hafta.” She cried inta his chest. He kissed da top of her head. “It’s okay, ya don’t hafta tell us.”

“I hafta Dutchy. I’d feel betta if I finally told somebody bout it. Den, lata, me fatha got mad dat Mike, who was five, had spilled wata on da floor. He fed him rat poison! He poisoned me brudda! Ova wata on da floor! Dat left me, Buttafly, an Jack, an Jack was seven. He was sittin on da window sill one day an me fatha got angry, he-he-he pushed Jack off da ledge. Den, dere was me an Buttafly. One day, I came home witout stealin nuttin so he kicked me out of da house. I tried ta go back an get Buttafly but I couldn’t! He neva left long enough fer me ta get her. Afta a while, I felt dat I would neva see her again so I left. I was in Brooklyn – kinda funny, I lived in Brooklyn fer t’ree days an I don’t know who Spot Conlon is – fer a while, den otha places, an den I came hea, met Dutchy – oh an all of you too – an found me sista. I hafta keep watch ova her cuz I didn’t protect me otha siblings. I feel guilty dat dey died.”

“Don’t feel guilty Charm, it ain’t yer fault. Dere was nuttin ya could bout it, it’s yer fatha’s fault.” Mush said softly.

“T’anks ya guys. I t’ink I feel betta now. I jist hafta ferget bout what happened an help Buttafly ferget too.”

“Don’t forget.” Dutchy said. “Just don’t remember the bad.”

“You’re really smart Dutchy, ya know dat? If ya had some schoolin, you’d be a genius.”

“I ain’t neva gonna get any schoolin though.” Dutchy bitterly commented.

Charm put her hand on his arm. “While I ain’t dat good a reader, I’m good at math an science an history. Maybe, if ya teach me ta read betta, I cin teach ya what I know.”

So, Dutchy an Charm woiked out a plan fer both of em ta loin. Both of em loined alot an now Charm could read an Dutchy was gettin smarter by da day.



Da next day, when everyone went ta da Distribution Centa, Weasel said ta Jack, “Hey Cowboy, dat goyl, I t’ink her name’s Charm, sold more papes than you yesterday.”

Jack spun around ta face Dutchy an Charm. “How many didja sell Charm?” Jack yelled.

Charm replied, “I’se bout sold t’ree hundred an eighty.”

“T’ree hundred eighty?! It’d take me ova t’ree days ta sell dat many an ya sold em on ya foist day! She’s a natural!” Jack smiled.

Charm continued ta sell bout t’ree hundred a day. So, coise, she was da newsie wit da most money (which meant treatin da newsies ta dinner at Tibby’s alot!). Butterfly helped her most days, bein able ta sell papes ta olda people cuz she was so young.



Afta she had been dere a week, da guys thought dat she should meet Spot. No one could be a newsie in New York witout knowin Spot Conlon.

“C’mon Charm, ya hafta go meet Spot. No one can be a newsie in New York witout knowin who Spot is.” Jack laughed. Dey dragged her ta Brooklyn an ta Spot.



“Well if it ain’t Jack be nimble, Jack be quick.” Spot scoffed.

“Hiya Spot. Listen, dis is Charm. She’s a new newsie an she neva hoid of ya.”

“She from New Yawk?” Spot ast, jumpin down from da pier.

“I’se originally from Pennsylvania but I moved ta New Yawk t’ree years ago. How are ya?” Charm smiled at Spot.

“Fine. How long ya been a newsie?” Spot stared icily at Charm.

“Joshua?!” Charm exclaimed.

“How’d ya know me real name? Bout five people in da whole world know me real name!” Spot exclaimed.

Charm walked up ta Spot an ran her hand through his hair. It made Dutchy nervous. He shifted an watched Charm’s every move around Spot. “Joshua, it’s me … Juliana.”

“Juliana?! You’re Charm?! Dutchy’s goyl?!” Spot exclaimed. He hugged Charm.

“Yea. You’re Spot Conlon?! Leada of da Brooklyn newsies?! Well, who’d’ve thunk!” Charm walked ova an stood next ta Dutchy. He put his arm possessively around her waist. She whispered in his ear. “Don’t worry Dutchy, he’s only a friend. I love ya … believe me.” Dutchy smiled weakly at her.

“Dutchy, ya got one goyl dere. She’s a spitfire at times but she’s woith it.” Spot smiled.

“You was wit her Spot?” Dutchy ast amazed. Dutchy glared at Charm, he knew dat no goyl could be ‘jist friends’ wit Spot Conlon.

“Nah, I wasn’t. One of me friends wanted ta be so bad but she wouldn’t. Da only guy she eva said dat she loved was you Dutchy. When she was hea she always tawked bout dat blonde newsie from Manhattan. Finally, we figured out she was tawkin bout you an told her ya name. Fer a year she neva stopped wishin she was wit ya.” Spot stared up at da sky as he tawked. Dutchy looked at Charm an said, “Is he tellin da truth Charm?” Charm blushed an kissed Dutchy on da cheek. “Coise it is Dutchy. I told ya I loved ta an I meant it.”

Dutchy blushed an den he whispered, “I love ya too Charm.” Dutchy slowly leaned in an kissed her on da lips. He drew away quickly, almost as if he didn’t mean ta do it. Charm leaned forward an kissed him back.

Spot grimaced at da sight. He smiled sadly as everyone watched da pair. Jack sensed Spot’s sadness an said, “C’mon ya guys, Charm met Spot – again, so we cin go back now.”

But Charm an Dutchy was a little busy ta leave jist yet. Race smiled an walked up an hit Charm upside da head. “Hey! C’mon! Come up ta breathe!”

Den Dutchy hit Racetrack upside da head an said, “Don’t eva hit me goyl again, got it Race?”

Racetrack looked at Dutchy in shock. “I-I-I-I’se got it Dutchy. It won’t happen again.” He stuttered.

“Okay, we’ll go now. C’mon Charm.” Dutchy helped Charm up.

Charm stood up an sighed. “Man, youse always gotta ruin it don’t ya? I can’t kiss Dutchy in front of Buttafly!” Charm turned ta face Dutchy. “I didn’t wanna tell ya dis but Buttafly don’t like ya much Dutchy. Your hair,” she paused an ran her hand through Dutchy’s hair. “Looks jist like me brudder’s, Mike. She t’inks dat you’re like him an you’re gonna leave us. I tried ta tell her otherwise but she won’t listen. She doesn’t like me bein wit ya.”

Dutchy replied, “Dat’s okay. Jist as long as ya know dat I ain’t gonna leave ya.” He kissed her slowly. She kissed back an said, “I know.”



When everyone walked in dey found Buttafly an Snipeshooter sittin talkin. “Oh. Hi everybody.” Snipeshooter said when he saw em.

“Hiya Sniper. I t’ought dat ya didn’t like tawkin ta goyls.” Jack said. All da otha newsies surpressed laughs. Charm leaned inta Dutchy an Dutchy wrapped his arms around her waist.

“I don’t like tawkin ta em but Buttafly is a newsie, she’s normal.” Snipeshooter defended hisself.

“Right Snipeshooter.” Specs teased.

Dutchy elbowed his friend in da side. He hissed, “Shuddap Specs!”

“Okay, I’se sorry.” Specs apologized, rubbin his side.

Buttafly glared at Charm an said, “I told you I didn’t like him.” She pointed ta Dutchy. She pouted.

Charm walked ova an said, “So? What do I care if ya don’t like him?”

“Well, don’t go out wit him. I don’t like him.” Buttafly smirked as if her opinion should matta in who her sista dates.

Charm slapped Buttafly across da face. “Buttafly! I ain’t ya daughta! Don’t talk ta me as if I am! Go to bed now! I don’t care what time it is! I am not going to have you reject the hospitality of the newsies who took us in and got us off the streets! Dutchy was the one who found me! If I wish to see him I will! You cannot stop me from doing anything! Got to bed now!”

Buttafly’s jaw dropped an she left, snifflin. Charm stopped an blinked rapidly. Den she started ta sob. Dutchy rushed ova an put his arm around her. “What’sa matta Charm?”

Charm replied through tears, “I sounded jist like me mudda! She said dat ta me when I said dat we shoulda left me fatha a long time ago! Coise, she said it in different words. Now Buttafly’s gonna get mad at me an run away!”

Dutchy wrapped his arms around Charm an said, “No she won’t. She has no where to go and besides, Snipeshooter’s hea. She ain’t gonna leave. An if she does, I promise you dat we’ll bring her back.” Dutchy wiped a tear away from Charm’s face.

“But, I hit her! I didn’t just yell! I hit her!” Charm sobbed.

“It's okay, it’s okay. Ya didn’t mean ta, didja?” Dutchy ast an when Charm shook her head no, he continued, “Den ya gotta apologize ta her. Jist tell her you're sorry. It’s da best ya can do.” He kissed her forehead an she smiled.

She walked inta da room an all da newsies hoid was her shriek.



Dutchy ran in foist an all da newsies followed. Charm layin by da door, knocked out. Buttafly stood wit da Delanceys by da window. “Hiya boys. What? Didja really t’ink dat I was on da streets alone? My sister abandoned me and left me there with me fatha. After I got kicked out, I started ta live with the Delanceys. Then, I wanted to get revenge. She’s dead now. I am the only one left.” Buttafly said in a voice too old fer her age. “I loined alot livin wit em.”

Suddenly Charm sat up. As if possessed, she grabbed Morris by da throat an pushed him against da wall. She punched him an he slumped ta da ground. Den, Oscar ran away. Buttafly stood dere, terrified. Charm fumed, “I cannot trust you anymore. You can stay, wit Jack an Dutchy’s permission.”

Dutchy walked ova ta Charm. He wiped da blood off her face. She was bleedin from a cut near her eyebrow. Charm an Dutchy stared inta each otha’s eyes fer a moment an den Dutchy leaned forward an kissed her. Her eyes started ta wata. Charm hugged Dutchy an he held her fer a while. Finally, Dutchy ast, “Are ya okay?”

Charm nodded. “I’se fine.”

Den, Buttafly frowned. “I t’ought dat ya loved me. Youse me sista.”

“I do love ya Buttafly, but I love Dutchy too an if ya don’t like him, well, I really don’t care.”

Dutchy pulled Charm inta a side room. “If I’se gonna cause all dis trubble, den maybe we shouldn’t go tagether no more.” Dutchy spoke slowly.

Charm shook her head. She put her hand on Dutchy’s arm. “No. I don’t care what Buttafly t’inks.”

“I do. I don’t wanna go tearin up ya family Charm! So, ta help yer family, we ain’t tagether no more.” Dutchy left Charm sittin dere cryin.

Race, Jack, Blink, an Mush walked in. “What’sa matta Charm?” Race ast.

“Dutchy broke up wit me!” Charm wailed.

“Now, why would he do a thing like dat?” Blink ast, sittin next ta Charm.

“He don’t wanna break up me family, what little family I have. See, me sista don’t like me cuz she’s afraid he’ll die an leave me like me brudda did.” Charm sniffled.

“Sorry Charm. Dutchy really loves ya an he don’t want ya family split up cuz of him.” Jack said.

“I jist don’t undastand him.” Mush said softly. “I don’t know how he could give ya up. I know dat if I was wit ya, I wouldn’t give ya up fer nothin.”

Buttafly walked in. “Charm,” she started, “I don’t want ya ta be unhappy but I jist don’t like Dutchy. I like all da otha boys but I don’t like him.” Den Buttafly left.



When all da boys went ta sleep (Buttafly slept in an extra bunk by Snipeshooter dat she had fixed up) Charm lay awake in da bed. She walked ova an kneeled next ta Dutchy’s bed. She kissed Dutchy’s forehead an whispered, “I’se gonna do whateva it takes ta get ya back.”

“What?!” Mush whispered loudly.

“Mush?!” Charm grabbed Mush’s arm an pulled him inta da little room. She clamped her hand ova his mouth. “Sh!”

Mush tried ta tawk so Charm took away her hand. “What are ya tawkin bout Charm?”

“Listen, I love Dutchy an I can’t stand ta be witout him. I’se gonna do whateva it takes ta get him back.”

“How are ya gonna do dat?” Mush stared at Charm.

Charm twisted her mouth an replied, “I’se gonna make him jealous.”

“Who ya gonna make him jealous wit?”

“Only da newsies greatest enemies. I’se gonna tawk ta da Delanceys.” Charm smirked.

“No Charm! Please, anyone but them!” Mush grabbed her hand.

“Dere ain't no one else dat would botha him as much. But ya hafta promise me dat ya won’t tell no one bout dis!”

“Oh Charm, I don’t know if I can. I mean, it’s da Delanceys!” Mush cried out.

“Please Mush, for me.” Charm looked at Mush intently.

“Fine. But I ain’t gonna help ya when dis backfires.”

“It won’t backfire. Trust me. I’se gonna go now an find em. Don’t tell no one where I went. Thanks Mush.” Charm kissed Mush on da cheek an den she left.

Mush whispered afta her, “I love you.”



Charm wandered da streets of New Yawk lookin fer da Delanceys. She finally found em, at da corner of 44th an 2nd. Dey was pickin on some kid. Charm yelled out, “Hey! Oscar! Morris! Get ova hea!”

Dey walked ova an Oscar said, “What do ya want?”

“I need youse help. Buttafly, she don’t like Dutchy. So he broke up wit me. I’se need youse help ta get him back.” Charm smirked.

“How?” Morris ast, tiltin his head.

“I’se gotta make him jealous. Dat’s where you come in.”

Morris looked Charm up an down. Den Oscar did. “Which one.” Oscar ast.

“You.” Charm pointed ta Oscar. “Eitha ya help me er I tell everyone dat da Delanceys got beat up by a goyl.”

Morris sighed. “All right. We’ll help. What do ya want us ta do?”

Charm smiled an whispered her plan. Oscar smiled an said, “See ya tamorrow … hon.”



Da next night, afta everyone had sold deir papes, Dutchy an da otha guys noticed Charm gettin ready fer somethin. “What are ya doin Charm?” Dutchy ast.

“It's none of your business!” Charm snapped. “But, since you asked, I have a date tonight.”

Dutchy swallowed hard an grimaced. “Wit who?”

“Again, it ain’t none of yer business but one of da Delancey brudders.”

Dutchy tensed up an said, “One of da Delanceys?!” Charm nodded. “Which one?”

“Um, Oscar. Do ya have a problem wit dat?” Charm smiled ta herself an t’ought, I jist hope dat dis woiks!

“Um, no.” Dutchy lied. “Have fun.” Dutchy left da doorway.

Mush walked ova ta Dutchy an said, “Listen Dutchy, I ain’t supposed ta tell ya dis but I know why she’s goin wit Oscar.”

“Why?!” Dutchy ast excitedly.

“Cause she wants ya back.”

“Dat don’t make no sense.” Dutchy sighed.

“It does. She’s tryin ta make ya jealous. She told me last night. She said dat she can’t stand ta be witout you. It don’t matta none bout Buttafly! She betrayed Charm an tried ta have her kilt! I can tell dat it really botha ya dat she’s gonna go out wit Oscar. Tell her how ya feel er else she might, as gross as it is, like Oscar an den ya’ll lose her fereva.” Mush said quietly.

Dutchy breathed in heavily an replied, “I t’ink I will.” He smiled waveringly at Mush an walked ta Charm’s room.

“Charm,” Dutchy started. “I don’t want ya ta go out wit Oscar.”

Charm turned ta face Dutchy. “An why not?”

“C-c-c-cuz I still love ya an it’d kill me ta see ya wit him. I jist broke up wit ya cuz I didn’t want Buttafly ta be mad at ya but I can’t stand ta see ya wit anyone else!”

Charm smiled an threw her arms around Dutchy. “I knew you’d come around! I won’t go.”

“Are ya shoa? I mean, ya had a date.” Dutchy smiled sarcastically.



Charm ran down da stairs an said ta Oscar, who was outside, “Dutchy came around! Thanks Oscar!” Charm hugged Oscar an he hugged her back.

“Anytime Charm, all ya gotta do is ask.” Oscar walked away. While he was walkin he t’ought, I jist wish dat Dutchy wouldn’t’ve come around so quick. I might’ve liked ta go out wit her.

“Oscar!” Charm called out. Oscar turned around an looked at her. “Maybe sometime we could go ta Tibby’s – I mean, as friends. We are friends, right?”

Oscar stared at Charm fer a moment an den said, “Yea, yea, I guess we are. Maybe we could go – me, you, Dutchy, an maybe Morris.”

Charm nodded, smiled, an kissed Oscar on da cheek. “See ya around Oscar.”

“Yea, see ya.” Oscar walked away.



When Oscar got back ta his house, Morris said, “What happened?” “Nothin. Dutchy finally realized what a great goyl he got an we didn’t go out.” Oscar replied, sittin down.

“Ain’t ya mad?”

“Nah, but I got a problem now.” Oscar sighed.

“What’s dat?” Morris ast.

“I'se in love wit Charm.”

“What?!” Morris yelled. “Ya can’t be!!”

“Yeah well I am. I don’t know why eitha.”

Morris stared at his brudder’s cheek. Dere was a trace of pale lipstick. Den, he replied, “Well, it might be cause she kissed ya.”

Oscar briefly touched his cheek. “Yeah, but it didn’t mean nothin. She does it all da time.”

“You’re pathetic.” Morris said, hittin Oscar on da cheek. “I t’ink dat we should get her from Dutchy.”

“Nah, if she loves him den she’s happy an I’m happy.” Oscar sighed again, an touched his cheek.



Da next day, Buttafly walked up ta Dutchy an Charm. “I’se sorry Dutchy, Charm. It’s jist, Dutchy, ya look like me brudder an he died an left us an I was afraid you would too.”

“I promised dat I wasn’t gonna let anythin happen ta you an I ain’t gonna leave ya.” Dutchy smiled at Buttafly.

Buttafly toined ta Charm an said, “Ya know, he is as cute as you say he is.”

Charm gasped an toined bright red. “Buttafly!”

“What did I say? Oh, well, who cares? Oh Charm, I’se gonna sell wit Snipeshooter taday. He’s kinda cute.” Buttafly walked away.

“What did she say bout me?” Dutchy ast teasinly.

“Well, I’se said ta her a while ago, when I used ta know Spot, dat you was cute an she picked da poifect time ta remember.” Charm frowned.

“It don’t matta none, besides, you’re cute when you’re embarrassed.” Dutchy smiled at Charm.

She knocked his cap sideways an laughed, “What an ego, Dutchy. Youse jist lucky youse so cute.”

“Ain’t I?”

Dutchy an Charm both laughed an den Jack came ova an said, “Hey Dutchy. Couldja unglue yaself from ya goyl fer a minute. He’ll be right back Charm.”

Jack an Dutchy walked inta an alley. “Dutchy, I’se jist got woid dat Oscar, Spot, Mush, Race, an Blink are in love wit Charm.”

Dutchy raised his eyebrows. “Really?”

“Yea, I hoid Oscar say it when he was tawkin ta Morris, Spot, well, it’s really obvious, I hoid Mush say it when Charm left one night, an da way Race an Blink look at her, well, deyse more obvious than Spot. Keep yer eye on her. Ya know how Spot is wit goyls, when he wants one he usually gets one. But I really don’t t’ink ya hafta worry wit Charm, she’s completely an totally devoted ta you. I jist t’ought dat ya might wanna know.” Dutchy nodded again. He walked back ova ta Charm, an she was tawkin wit Skittery, Blink, Race, an Mush. He tapped her on da arm. When she toined towards him, he pulled her inta da alley.

“What'sa matta Dutchy?” Charm immediately ast.

“Jack said dat Spot, Blink, Race, Mush, an Oscar Delancey are in love wit ya.”

“What?!” Charm’s jaw dropped.

“He told me ta keep me eye on you. I jist don’t t’ink ta need it. I trust ya.” Dutchy leaned against a wall, pullin a total Blink.

“Dutchy, I love ya. I ain’t neva gonna do anythin ta hoit ya. Believe me.”

“I do.”

“I don’t know how ta act around em now, should I act like I know or act like I don’t?”

Dutchy put his arm around her an said, “Jist pretend dat nothin’s goin on.”

Charm nodded. Dey walked back tagether an Racetrack joked, “Did youse two need a little ‘alone time’?”

“I get more than you get Race!” Dutchy joked right back. Charm giggled an, jist ta prove a point, kissed Dutchy’s cheek. “See?”

“Jist t’row it in our faces dat you got Charm an we ain’t got nobody!” Mush said.

“Okay, he will!” Charm laughed.

Morris an Oscar Delancey walked ova. All da newsies, ‘cept Charm, froze. “Hi Charm.” Oscar said.

Charm grinned. “Hiya Oscar!”

“Um, ya friend Jade told me ta give dis ta ya.” Oscar handed Charm a blue envelope. “She said ta tell ya ‘Da day has come an da time is now’.”

Charm shredded da envelope an a blue flower fell out. She picked it up an put it behind her left ear. She picked up da note wit her right hand an read da note an it said:

Da day has come an da time is now. It is finally time for you to take charge princess, it is time for you to claim your birthright. It is time for you to rule. Return back home to your people. If you must, bring some or your friends. We need you princess. – Jade

Charm gasped as Dutchy said stunned, “Princess?”

“I-I-I-I guess dat I betta explain. I’se a princess. Me mudda was 100% Indian. Dat’s why me sista has dark skin. I jist got me fatha, he’s a white man, I got his skin an hair. We’se been bein pushed out west since we was born. Me fatha took us kids an left me mudda an me olda sista, Jade, at home. She came in an out of our lives but she didn’t tawk much. She always had ta leave cuz of da white men. Me sista t’inks dat me mudda jist left. She ain’t goin an she ain’t neva gonna know da truth. So, now, da white men out west are tryin ta take our land an deyse gonna kill all da me people. I hafta go help em. I was jist wonderin … do any of ya wanna come wit me? I’se goin out west an Jacky Boy, quit dreamin, I ain’t goin ta Santa Fe.”

“I’ll go.” Jack said. “Even if we’re not going to Santa Fe.”

Charm looked at Dutchy. He nodded. “I’se goin too, ya can’t get rid of me.” Dutchy put his arm around her waist an half smirked at Mush, Blink, Race, an Oscar.

Oscar timidly spoke up, “C-c-can I come too?”

“What?!” Jack yelled. “Da Delanceys wanna come wit us?!”

“He do. I don’t.” Morris said bluntly. “But if he goes, den I will too.”

Mush said, “Me, Blink, an Racetrack is in too.”

Spot Conlon walked ova an said, “I’se in.”

“Josh! Hi again!” Charm hugged Spot an den walked back ova by Dutchy. It was so obvious dat da guys was vying fer her attention an Oscar, Racetrack, Blink, Mush, an Spot were jealous dat Dutchy got her complete devotion.

“Me too.” Skittery added.

Charm felt da tension an said, “Thanks you guys. I’se gonna go pack da few things I have.”

She ran inta da Lodgin House. Afta she left Dutchy said menacinly, “If any of youse make a move on Charm, I’ll soak ya so bad you’ll wish dat ya neva even met her.”

“What’sa matta wit you Dutchy?” Mush ast confused.

“I know dat youse are in love wit her. When I say ‘youse’ I mean Mush, Blink, Race, Spot, an Oscar. I swear ta God if ya make a move I will kill you.”

“We won’t Dutchy. We promise.” Oscar said slyly.

Charm came back out. “Okay, now, me sista sent me money fer a train ride so, c’mon!”

“We’se comin Charm.” Dutchy walked behind her. Everyone else followed.



When Charm, Dutchy, Skittery, Oscar, Morris, Spot, Jack, Mush, Race, an Blink got ta da train station, dey found out dat Jade had already paid fer the biggest room dere. Charm laughed an said, “I don’t believe her.”

Dutchy helped Charm up inta da train, givin all da otha guys stern glances. Dutchy put his arm around Charm an dey walked down da hall wit all da otha guys trailin behind em.

When Dutchy opened da door, dere were nine beds. Charm smirked an said, “Why I outta – dat goyl is impossible!”

Dutchy raised his eyebrows at her an she replied, “You’ll get it lata.”

“Get what?” Race joked.

Everyone laughed, Dutchy an Charm included. Afta da laughter died down, Charm replied slyly, “Wouldn’t you like ta know?”

“Hey now,” Jack said, “Don’t be givin Racetrack any ideas.”

“It’s in his own mind Jacky Boy.” Dutchy said. “Not dat I don’t like dat idea.”

Everyone looked at Dutchy in shock. “Did ya hear dat fellas?” Blink said.

“No Blink, we’se all deaf!” Oscar said.

All da newsies looked uneasily at Oscar an Morris. Morris frowned but Oscar smiled. Den, someone knocked at da door. When Blink (da doorman) opened da door, a goyl wit long black hair an dark skin ast, “Is Opal here?”

“Who’s Opal?” Blink ast, confused.

Charm ran ova an hugged da goyl. “Jade! How are ya?!”

“I’m fine. Why doesn’t this boy know your name?” Jade looked at Charm sternly.

“Oh, see, I’se go by Charm now – or if ya want a real name, Juliana. I’se a newsie in New Yawk, well, technically in Manhattan. Dat ‘boy’ is Kid Blink, ova dere is Jack, Mush, Racetrack, Skittery, Oscar, Morris, Spot Conlon an Dutchy.” Each newsie waved when Charm said deir name.

Jade whispered, “They’re white men.”

“Really?” Charm said sarcastically.

“But, you know the rules!” Jade protested.

“What rules?” Dutchy ast, walkin ova an standin next ta Charm.

“Neva mind Dutchy. Jist neva mind.” Charm said harshly. Dutchy looked surprised but didn’t say anythin.

“You haven’t told them yet? Well, I see who’s been keeping secrets. Maybe you should tell them, you know you shouldn’t lie to them.” Jade sneered.

“I haven’t lied ta dem cuz I ain’t told em a thing bout it. If I had told em somethin den it would be lyin, I ain’t told em nothin an I ain’t gonna an you ain’t gonna eitha.”

Jade laughed. “I think you’ll have to tell them now, they know that something is going on but they don’t know what. Good night Charm, everyone. I’ll see you in the morning.” Jade walked out da open door.

As soon as she was gone, Charm cursed. “Where’d ya hear dat woid Charm?” Blink joked.

“You.” Charm paused while everyone laughed. “Do ya wanna know what Jade meant?”

Dutchy looked Charm ova an replied, “Yeah. What rules?”

“Okay, ta tell ya, I’se’ll hafta tell ya da whole story. It might take a while so sit down.” Dutchy sat next ta Charm an put his arm around her. All da otha newsies sat near her. “Okay, me mudda an me fatha had seven kids. Jade, Opal – oh, dat’s me since all of ya might not have hoid Jade, Ruby – which is Buttafly, Diamond – dat’s me otha sista who I’se neva told youse bout, Mike, Jack, an Sam. When da Indians got pushed out west, dey let me fatha take me, Buttafly, Diamond, Mike, Jack, an Sam. See, our skin was lighter than everyone else’s. Me an Mike were da pale two, we look like white children, Buttafly, Jack, an Sam had – or have in Buttafly’s case – tan skin but not so tan. But Diamond an Jade were dark Indian children so dey had ta stay. When I was little me mudda told me neva ta become friends wit white men – or let it become anythin more if ya must be friends. Oops. Den, when me fatha took us, he was mad. He said we looked too much like our mudder. Den, when we moved from Pennsylvania to New York, I’se ran away. I lived in Brooklyn, well, Spot knows dis part. See, he neva told me dat he was Spot Conlon, I jist knew him as Josh. Den, when me fatha found me, I left Brooklyn cuz I knew dat he’d hoit Spot if he knew dat I was in Brooklyn wit him. I went home an lived dere but when I refused ta steal, I got kicked out an dat brings us up ta where youse come in.”

“What rules Charm?” Dutchy ast again.

“Okay, I’ll tell ya. Rule number one: never speak with a white man. Number two: Never become friends with a white man. Number three: Never fall in love with a white man and if you do, make sure he doesn’t love you back. Number four: Never go out with a white man. Number five: Never sleep, ya know what I mean by sleep right, wit a white man. Number six: Never marry a white man.” Charm spoke wit poifect grammar when she said da rules.

“Oh, an you broke em?” Mush ast.

“I broke numbers one t’rough four.” Charm replied, puttin her head on Dutchy’s shoulder.

“What’s gonna happen ta ya cuz ya did?” Spot ast.

“Well, I was supposed ta be da chief of our tribe cuz Jade don’t wanna an she’s da oldest an now I can’t. I ain’t shoa why Diamond can’t. So, dat would leave Buttafly, but she can’t. She broke rules one, two, an half of t’ree.” When everyone stared confused at her, she replied, “Buttafly loves Snipeshooter.”

“She do?!” Kid Blink exclaimed.

Charm nodded. She sighed an said, “I’m gonna be in so much trouble when I get home. I don’t know if I even wanna go.”

“Coise ya do! C’mon, it’s late. Let’s go ta bed. G’night everyone.” Dutchy helped Charm stand up an she left.

Racetrack said, “Hey Dutchy!” Dutchy toined around an Race continued, “Couldja do somethin fer us?” Dutchy nodded. “Okay, find out what Charm don’t like an likes bout guys. Jist so we know.”

Dutchy stared at em an nodded. “I’se’ll do it.”



Dutchy an Charm were layin in da bed when Dutchy ast, “Hey Charm, what do ya t’ink are turn offs?”

Charm looked ova at Dutchy an whispered in his ear, “Did da guys ask ya ta ask me dat?” When Dutchy nodded, Charm replied, “Well, foist of all, I hate smokin. I love da guys, ya know what I mean by love right, but, I hate it when dey smoke, especially Race an dose cigars. Dey make me sick. Den, I hate guys like Spot who have had a million goylfriends an it neva seems like dey love any of dem. But besides dat, Spot’s fine but I hate it every time one of youse says dat Spot has a new goyl. I also hate guys who tawk too much.”

“What bout turn ons?” Dutchy smiled.

Charm giggled. “Well, as wit most of me friends, I like blonde haired blue eyed quiet guys. Pretty much you in a nutshell Dutchy.”

Dutchy smiled at da t’ought of his friends hearin dis. A goyl actually loved him, not like Jewel who had used him ta get ta Skittery. He said, “So how bout breakin rule five?”

Charm looked at him an said, “Who are ya an what have ya done wit Dutchy?!”

Dutchy frowned an said in mock annoyance, “You are so annoying!”

“I’se sorry Dutchy, it’s jist dat I didn’t expect ya ta say dat. But … rules are meant ta be broken right?” Charm said, stiflin a laugh.

Dutchy kissed Charm an said, “Right.”



Da next mornin, when Charm an Dutchy came out ta eat, Skittery said, “So Dutchy, did youse break rule numba five last night?” Everyone laughed until Dutchy said, “Yeah.”

Mush’s mouth dropped open an no one said nothin til dey hoid Jade call out, “Open the door please!”

When Blink opened it, Jade walked in an walked right ova ta Charm, she ignored everyone else in da room. She said ta Charm, “All right sister. I’m supposed to ask you how many, and which, of the white man rules you have broken.”

Charm smiled an replied, “One t’rough five.”

“One through five?! You broke rule five?!?! With this,” Jade pointed ta Dutchy, “White man?!”

Charm nodded. “I love him Jade an dere ain’t nothin youse can do bout it!”

Jade frowned an said, “Are you willing to lose your family for him?”

Charm glanced at Dutchy an said, “Dat depends, are ya willin to lose me cuz I love him.” Jade nodded an Charm said, “Den dis is good-bye.”

Jade said, “Are you sure?”

Dutchy held Charm’s hand as she said, “I’se shoa.”

“Very well then, I envy you sister. For you have found someone, although a white man, and he appears, and most likely does, love you very much. I guess that you should tell mother for I fear her wrath when she finds this out.”

“Aw, speak in English Jade!” Charm laughed. Dutchy wrapped his arms around her.

“This is how we speak Opal, and it is how you used to too. But, I believe that you are happier with them. Our mother has told everyone that the newsies are evil and they are destroying you. I believed it at first but now, well, I don’t. Did you warn them about the girls there?” Jade smiled at Blink.

“I didn’t. But … I t’ink dat we should warn da guys bout you!” Charm joked. Jade playfully punched her sista in da arm an laughed.

“Okay, da goyls like guys wit blonde hair, pale skin, an blue eyes. Dutchy, youse got alot ta worry bout. All of ya do, unless ya ain’t as dark as Jade hea, ya have somethin ta worry bout. Um, Mush an Dutchy, man Dutchy you got tons ta worry bout, youse two got a problem cuz dey love quiet guys. We’ll help ya out as best we can. Um, nothin much else, jist don’t an I mean don’t fall in love wit any of em, ‘cept maybe Jade hea.” Charm laughed an Jade punched her. “Seriously, if any of ya are caught wit any of da goyls, dey’ll kill ya. I cin explain what I did, when I slept wit Dutchy, but if ya slept wit em, any of da goyls’d blame youse an say dat ya raped em. Jist be careful.”

“We will Charm, we promise.” Oscar said. Morris jist stared at Jade.

Charm giggled an whispered ta Dutchy, “I t’ink Morris has a thing fer Jade, look at him.” Dutchy looked at Morris an nodded. He kissed her an you could see everyone, ‘cept Morris, Jade, an Jack, looked away fer a second or two.



Dey got off da train an Jade led Jack, Oscar, Morris, Spot, Mush, Blink, Racetrack, Skittery, Dutchy, an Charm ta a carriage. “I just hope they aren’t too mad.” Jade sighed.

Dutchy helped Charm inta da carriage. She was squeezed in-between Dutchy an Mush. Dutchy put his arm around her cuz he didn’t want her too close ta Mush – an he didn’t want Mush ta get any ideas while dey was in da carriage.

When dey pulled up at her motha’s home, her motha was outside waitin fer her. “Opal!” her mother yelled an ran up ta hug her. “How are you?!”

“Mother! I’m fine.” Charm hugged her mother.

Her motha looked past her at da boys gettin out of da carriage.

“Who are they?” she ast sternly.

Charm lifted her head an stared defiantly inta her motha’s eyes. “My friends.”

Da guys walked ova an Charm’s motha narrowed her eyes. “I see that you’ve broken at least rules one and two. How many more?”

Dutchy put his arm around Charm’s waist as she replied, “One t’rough five.”

“You broke rule number five? You do remember what five is don’t you?” Midnight stared at her daughta.

“Rule number five: Never sleep with a white man. I know rule number five motha an I broke it.” Charm breathed in an waited fer her motha ta yell.

“You realize now that you will never see us again, correct?”

Charm nodded an said, “I love Dutchy an dere ain’t nothin dat youse can do bout it.”

“Very well, before you leave, tell me what’s become of my children. You were told that Diamond died, correct?” Midnight led everyone inside.

“No one told me dat. I guess dat no one told you dat Father killed Mike, Jack, an Sam den.”

“HE DID WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!” Midnight shrieked.

“He beat Sam ta death foist, den fed Mike rat poison, an finally pushed Jack out a window. He tried ta make me steal fer a livin but I wouldn’t so he kicked me out of da house. Dat’s when I met dese bums an I started woikin as a newsie.”

“What about Ruby?” Midnight ast, concerned.

“She’s back in New Yawk at da Lodgin House wit all da otha newsies. She’s fine. Motha, me name is Charm now an Ruby’s is Buttafly.”

“Okay, Charm, how is your father?”

Charm leaned against Dutchy, “I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in a while. I’m afraid ta go home cause I don’t wanna endanger Buttafly.”

Midnight looked Dutchy up an down. She narrowed her eyes at him. “I see that your taste in good people has not faded, even with breaking the rules. He is a good person. I trust you Charm.” Midnight hugged Charm an den said, “You better go back and see Butterfly for me. Tell her that I’m sorry for leaving her.”

All da newsies an Charm got up ta leave. Finally, Jade spoke up, “I’m going too.”

Blink toined an looked at her in shock. “What?!” he said.

“Mother, I’m going too. I wanna be a newsie.”

“So ya wanna be a newsie, huh?” Blink ast. Author’s Note: Okay, if you don’t get this then, well CHECK AND SEE WHAT WEB SITE YOU’RE ON!!!!!!!!

Jade nodded. Midnight said, “Fine. I bade you farewell.”



Part 2
Back to Newsies Fanfic
Back to Brooklyn and Echo's Newsie Junk