Bright sunlight streamed in through the large windows of the Lodging House. Raindrop sleepily opened her eyes and sat up. For a moment she couldn't remember where she was. Then it all came back to her. She was with the newsies. Which would explain all the boys running around and shouting all thorugh the large room. A reluctant few were still fighting for a few minutes more sleep. Most, however, were half dressed and tearing around the room. She watched for a while, listening to their conversations about someone named Weasel, and The World, which she assumed was the paper they sold for. A few early risers left, shouting for others to meet them at Tibby's for dinner. Raindrop stood as Kid Blink walked over to her.

"Heya Raindrop! Ya ready fer yer fiost day o' sellin'?" He smiled his wide smile. Raindrop shook her head.

"I'se not heah ta sell." Blink nodded slowly, not really understanding.

"See ya latah den? At Tibby's?" he asked hopefully. Raindrop grinned.

"I wouldn't miss it fer da Woild," she said, hoping he'd find it funny. Blink grinned and started out of the room with Mush in tow. Raindrop sat down again thoughtfully. So far the newsies were really great.

Jack sleepily dressed and walked to Raindrop's bunk.

"Mornin' Lissa. Ya sleep awright?" he asked. She nodded, and he took a deep breath. He really didn't want to force this on her, but he had to know.

"Okay. Good, good. Look, um, hey, I have ta ask ya a question."

So far, so good.

"Well, um, some ah da boys is wond'rin' what youse doin' heah an' all, an' since I'se da leadah an' all, dey wanted me ta ask youse." She stared hard at the floor.

"Well, ya ast me ta come...so I did." she said quietly. Jack sighed.

"Raindrop, you knows what I mean. What was ya doin' out dere in da rain last night?"

"It ain't sumpt'in' wanna tawk about, Jack." Jack stood up and paced a bit.

"C'mon, we ain't gonna hoit ya. Is someone aftah ya 'r sumpt'in'? We kin soak 'em 'r sumpt'in'. C'mon. Jist tell me." She took a deep breath.

"Me muddah and me faddah was killed. Da bulls t'ought it was me sistah dat killed 'em. So dey t'rew 'er in jail. Den me bruddah dis'ppeahed an' I didn' have nobody else, an' I'se spent days loikin' fer Bev, cause I know she didn' do it." She glared at floor. Jack frowned. Most of the newsies' life stories were cruel. Raindrop's was obviously no different. She also was very guarded about what she said. She hadn't said a word about how she felt about any of it. Jack nodded soberly.