"What do you mean you want the Manhattan newsies to come to Christmas?" Johnny frowned.

"I mean I want to share Christmas with the Manhattan newsies! It's not that hard a concept," Angela grumbled.

Johnny rolled his eyes. "Dad'll never let you."

"I'll never let who do what?" Richard DeLanci asked upon entering the room.

"Angela have newsies over for Christmas," Johnny said breezily. Angela narrowed her eyes and glared at him. "Brat," she mouthed. Johnny stuck his tongue out in response. Mr. DeLanci watched his children's exchange with raised eyebrows.

"How old are the two of you? Seven?" he asked, somewhat amused.

Angela sighed. "Seriously, could I have some friends over for Christmas eve?" She looked at her father hopefully. Mr. DeLanci looked at his daughter dubiously.

"Angela, I don't think so. We're having family over and..." He shook his head.

"Why not? We haven't planned anything and no one can criticize you for allowing me to do it."

"Oh, really? And why is that?" Richard DeLanci raised his eyebrows at his daughter.

"Because you would look like you were doing something charitable for the, ahem, "underprivileged" children. Anyone who criticized you would appear selfish and heartless."

"Besides, isn't something like this what the holiday is really all about?" Frankie spoke up for the first time.