it wasn't till I woke up early the next morning that I had my regrets. I had done this before, just not to this extent. Sure I had ran away, sure I had packed up my bags and said I was never to return. But never had I been so completely resolved that I cut my hair and left without a single belonging.

I sat up and rubbed my eyes and quickly stood up, I took me a moment to realize where I was. I was about three blocks from the orphanage and must have climed a second fire escape to the roof of this building.

I picked up my cap and turned my head up towards the newly awakening sun. The rays warmed my cheeks and I felt like standing there forever. I quickly snapped out of it. Boys wouldn't dream about sunshine and rainbows, and I had to be one of the boys, I had to play my part.

It wasn't till around what I suppose was 5:30 that I got up and headed down the fire escape. It was so strange not to be noticed. Usually on the daily walk from the orphanage people would stop and smile and wave. Now they looked away in disgust, hurried their kids by a little faster. The kind people tossed me a nickle, the unkind spat in my direction.

I didnt care though, I didnt care what anybody thought. I headed toward the news stand to pick up my papes. There were more Newsies there than I thought existed in the world. there they all were, waiting eagerly at the gate, waiting to get to work. With a grin on my face I happily waltzed over to the back of the line. 

A few guys came over and looked me up and down.

"Where you's from shrimp?" they asked. I gulped, I was guessing these weren't the best representatives the Newsies community.

I didn't answer them but kept looking forward. A couple of newsies were starting to watch. The taller of the two boys pushed me. 

"You better answer me!" He said bitterly, "I dont think you know who your dealing with."

I turned to walk away but he grabbed my arm. "I was talkin kid, you askin for a soakin."

A couple of Newsies darted off to find the leaders.

I started to pull away but he tightened his grip and slapped me across the face. I bit his arm and started yelling. 

"Hey! Whats goin on here?!" I heard a voice yell. The two boys let go of me and took off like lighting.

I held the tears back in my eyes and brushed off my once white shirt. I reached for my hat which had fallen on the ground but was to completly exsasted to bend over. Instead I leaned against the wall, trying hard to catch my breath.

The boy walked over to me, he was a handsome guy, about 5'11 I'd say. His hair was brown and unruly. You could tell he'd tried to make it presentable without much sucsess. He had a red banadana tied around his neck.

"Thanks," I smiled extending a hand, which he shook heartily. I looked at him closely, I could have sworn I recognized him.

"Aw no sweat. Them Delencys try to make them impressions on all the newbies round here. But you ain't from these parts are ya? Whats your name?" He said  picking up my hat and handing it to me.

Almost in reflex I said my real name but the words caught in my throat and all that came out was "Ja-"

"Ja- what?" the boy laughed confusedly. He looked so familiar.

"James," I said quickly hoping to cover up my blunder. I also tried to imitate the accent which I had heard the Delencys speaking earlier.  "James or Jamie which is what me Mudder called me." 

He nodded and grinned, "Names Jack, Jack Kelly. Pleased to be makin your acquaintance." 

I froze and my words choked in the back of my throat. Was it him? It couldn't be! Not the Jack Kelly?!

"Jack Kelly?! The strike leader?!" I gawked. 

He clearly enjoyed the look on my face because he smiled a big cheesy grin full of pride. "The one and the only. Say James, I think you's would fit in real well with the rest of my crew. And well, alot of them has grown up and moved on We need young new recruits. What do you say Jamie, you wanna sell papes with us?"

He laughed as I bit my lip and nodded enthusiastically. In a daze I followed him to the front of the huge crowd and barley could see as he introduced me to each Newsies one by one.

I was sellin papes, with the Jack Kelly. There were so many things I wanted to tell him! So many questions I wanted to ask! I couldn't get the fact that he was real and right here in front of me out of my head it was to brilliant, to amazing! I was half anticipating to wake up at any moment.

I knew right then and there that the adventure of my new life was just beggening.