Chappie 1: Deep Thoughts

"So, we'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, tomorrow." Jack smiled. "Oh and, hey, say ga'night to ya family for me."

"Will do." David whispered as he ducked under the windowsill, into his family's quiet apartment.

Everything was quiet that night as Jack slowly made his way back toward Kloppman's place. A soft, cool breeze stirred the curtains in upper windows as a lamp lighter went about his work and the distant sound of a mother singing an old Irish lullaby drifted through the air. Jack's foot caught on a tin can and he watched it bounce its way down the cobblestone street. Leaning against a street lamp he paused to light a cigarette, cupping his hands at his mouth as the match blazed to life. Sighing, he took one slow drag and looked up to the night sky.

"When's it my toin…?" He whispered.

With another soft sigh, he pushed himself away from the light and sauntered down the street. He was so close! Almost there…almost part of a real family. He and Sarah were serious about each other, and everyone knew it. Her parents even seemed to approve, but there was always that glimmer of doubt…Jack saw it in her fathers eyes every time he looked at Jack and Sarah together. He took another drag and erupted in a smoke laced, bitter laugh. Jack thought about it all the time.

"Who would wanna marry a newsie? What kinda life is dat for a goil…"

He knew it couldn't last forever. He needed more than a job, more than a lousy ten cents a day…he needed a career. Real work.

"Enough to support…a family."

Rubbing a hand across his tired eyes, Jack pulled his cowboy hat low on his brow, sat on the damp curb and let his thoughts roll. He couldn't stay a kid forever, and there would come a day when being a newsie was no longer an option. What about the boys? His boys…the Manhattan newsies…

Jack's head shot up from his hands and he leaped from the curb, straining his ears.

…Silence.

There it was again! A piercing cry, followed by laughter. Flinging his cigarette to the side, Jack ran into the darkness, his jaw set and fists clenched as he approached the fight. Someone was getting' soaked, and Jack was not in the mood…

R&R please!!!!