Back to the Past (Newsies)

19. Les Miserables

((I don't even want to talk about it 🙈 just look at my profile pic and that'll explain everything))

Cowboy casually walked into the Jacob's household as if it were his home, too. He has been there so often, he might as well be living there. Kit could see how comfortable he seemed there, especially when Sarah was in the room. Kit observed how much calmer and happier he looked when he was there, as if a giant burden was lifted off his shoulders.

Jack's body language was more relaxed than at the newsies lodging house, or selling, or with any of the other guys. It warmed Kit's heart to see him so at home with the Jacobs, and she couldn't help but be happy for him.

Cowboy deserved to have this stable family in his life, especially when the life of a newsie is anything but. One bad headline and having a few extra papers left over at the end of the day could be a killer, costing a missed meal or a night in the streets if you don't make enough of a profit to afford the board at the lodging house.

"Kit, Jack! Welcome!" Mrs. Jacobs exclaimed and gave the two tight squeezes.

"Hi, Mrs. Jacobs. How's everythin' goin'?" Kit said with a smile.

"I told you already, Kit, call me Jane!" she replied, with a fake stern look and putting her hand on her hip. Kit chuckled in defeat.

"Alright, alright, Jane." Kit put her hands up in defense, and with a stern nod, the Jacobs mother went back to the stove to finish making dinner.

Cowboy walked over to Sarah, who was reading a book in the corner. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek, and they started talking animatedly. Mr. Jacobs peeked his head out from behind today's newspapers and greeted Cowboy and Kit. He then proceeded to yell: 

"Boys! Kit and Jack are here! C'mon out."

Les and David appeared from their bedroom. David seemed focused on a book he held in his hand while Les strolled out of the room with his usual bounce in his step.

"Hey Kit! Hey Jack" Les said excitedly.

"How's it goin'." Cowboy replied. "You'se grown so much since I'se last seen ya, at least 'alf a foot!" He continued to ruffle Les's hair.

Les exasperatedly pushed Cowboy's hand off his head. "What are you talking 'bout, Jack? I saw you earlier today!"

Kit and Sarah laughed.

"Nah, I agree wit' Jacky boy. You'se been growin'. Whadda been eatin'?" Kit added.

"Yeah, my little boy is growing up too quick." Sarah agreed while squeezing Les's cheeks.

"C'mon, he's a man, Sarah." Cowboy said, winking at Les. Les beamed in response. A smile warmed Kit's cheeks.

"Hello to ya, too, David." Cowboy aimed toward the boy with his nose stuck in a book.

"Mm," was the only sounds heard.

Cowboy scoffed and continued his conversation with Les and Sarah, making sure to include Les's interests.

Kit rolled her eyes, walked over to David, and playfully shoved his arm to get his attention. This finally broke his trance, and he looked up from his book. His eyes finally rested on Kit who raised her eyebrows at him expectantly.

"Heya Kit." he said, straightening his posture.

"Well hello to you'se too, Davey."

He gave her a crooked smile.

"What cha reading?" Kit asked, glancing at the large book  that looked to be at least 1,500 pages.

"Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. I've been dying for a decent translation, so once I had enough money I had to buy it as soon as I could." David gushed, pronouncing the title in a perfect accent.