“Heya Cowboy” Race said smiling

Maybe things are looking up Jack thought to himself.

“Heya Race”

Jack stepped up to the window of the distribution office.

“ Heya Weasel” Jack scowled. Jack threw his bits on the counter. “A hundred papes” He started to walk away.

“ Jack!” Jack whipped his head around and realized David was scrambling to get his papers and catch up to him. David had black curly hair and green eyes. He smiled.

“Hey Davie lets sell uppa east side taday” Jack half ordered half asked, he wanted to get rid of his papers as fast as possible. He was supposed to meet Spot in Brooklyn.

The selling was good that day and Jack only had fifteen papers left to sell and was ready to head to Tibby’s and finish selling near there. David on the other hand wasn't so lucky.

Jack was staring at the paper when he finally looked up he saw three very well dressed and refined young ladies looking at him. To Jack they were unusually thin, but carried themselves in a way you couldn't keep your eyes off them. Jack was staring mostly at the one is a pale pink dress with matching gloves and a parasol. Her hair was intricately done up and her golden highlights shone in the sun. Her eyes were the deepest brown he’d ever seen, and she was staring right at him.

“Wow!” David walked up behind jack and put his hand on Jack’s shoulder. “ Have ya ever seen more pretty girls in ya life?” No response from Jack. David started waving his hands on front of Jack’s eyes. “ Jack, hey ya there, Good mornin!”

“ Um... yea... wha?” Jack stuttered.

“ Jeez Jack, Neva seen ya like this before!” David laughed.

“ Aw shut up.” Jack punched David playfully in the arm.

“ Chrissa! Chrissa!” Jacklyn was practically screaming at her friend.

“ Um... yes” She finally took her eyes away from the most handsome boy she had ever seen. His eyes were an everlasting sea of brown, kind of like her own, his brown hair was slightly longer than it should be, but it suited him.

‘ Ok Chrissa stop it, he’s a newsie and besides.’

“Chrissa! Jacklyn was starting to lose her patience.

“ What Jacklyn?”

“Well,” Jacklyn replied. “If you’re so interested in him, why don't you go over there and buy a paper?” As she said this Jacklyn nodded her head at Jack and David.

“ Do you dare me?” A mischievous look appeared in her eyes.

“ If that's what it takes, I dare you.” Jacklyn replied.

Chrissa looked at her friend, turned around and walked towards Jack and David.

By that time Jack was almost through selling and David was pretty much done also.

“ Heya” David said tapping Jack on the shoulder. “ Cowboy!”

“What Dave?” Jack answered flicking David’s hand away.

“ She’s comin over here!” David practically screamed.

“Wha! Oh Davie don’t be so excited, she probably just wants a pape.”

“Yea from you.” David batted his eyes and laughed.

“Tess! She is really going over there!” Jacklyn stared in disbelief

“ Well Jackie you dared her, and you know Chrissa she always does things like that.” Tess answered coldly.

“ Hello may I have a paper please?” Jack was just staring blankly into her beautiful eyes.

“ Uh um... yea a penny.” Jack answered with a smile.

“ Here you are.” She gave Jack the penny and turned to walk away.

“ Um... Wait a sec”

“ Yes” Chrissa sung sweetly.

“ I’m Jack Kelly dis ‘hea is David.” At the mention of his name David turned around.

“ Well I didn't know all newsies were this good looking... I’m Chrissa Terraine.” Jack smiled.

“ Do all classy goils ‘ave beautiful names like dat” he asked sarcastically but also flirty.

“I’m afraid not.” She said laughingly and walked back to her friends.

“Hey David lets go ta Tibby’s I’m hungry.”

“Yea well with all the droolin ya been doing I would think you was just thirsty.” David started laughing and Jack joined him, as they started walking to Tibby’s

When they walked into the restaurant Jack and David were greeted with tons of hellos. They took a seat at their usual table. Tibby’s was crammed with tables and booths lined the walls. The only business they really had was the newsies so they needed room to accomodate all of them.

Jack couldn't think or talk; he kept seeing her face.

‘Man I’m in trouble...why am I... naw I cant be fallin for ‘er... she’s... and I’m...’ His thoughts were all mixed up and jumbled together.

Race was chatting merrily with Mush and Blink had just joined them. David had the same look on his face as Jack that’s when they realized something was up.

“ Heya Jacky-boy, what's goin on?” Race asked concerned

“Um... wha... oh nothin.” Jack replied.

“It’s about a girl.” David answered for Jack.

“Who woulda dout dat.” Mush said laughingly.

“Aw leave ‘im alone.” David said. “She was on the Upper East Side while we’se was selling today.”

“ Aw Jack ya didn't fall fer ‘er did ya?” Race asked surprised.

“Naw... all a you’se shut up.” Jack said standing up. “I’m goin ta Brooklyn.” As soon as he said that they all became silent. “ Leave da window open fa me, I’ll be back late.” He walked out of Tibby’s and then took off at a run towards Brooklyn.

‘God Jack what are ya doin? Ya can’t fall fer ‘er! Ya jus met ‘er! She was beautiful dough.’

When he reached the middle of the bridge he leaned over and screamed over the side. It relieved some of the tension but not nearly enough. He kept walking until he reached the pier.

‘ Boy will it be good ta see Spot.’

“ Where ya goin Kelly?’ A huge Brooklyn newsie with angry green eyes and blonde hair breathed down at him.

“ Tricks I ain’t in da mood, Where's Spot?” Jack said looking like he meant business. Tricks backed down.

“E’s in da lodgin house playin poka.”

“T’anks.”

When Jack walked into the lodging house all the Brooklyn newsies looked up. The Brooklyn Lodging house was different from Manhattan’s in every possible way. The lobby wasn’t as homey as Manhattan’s. There was an old worn out rug on the floor, a huge old arm chair, and something you could call a couch. The walls had painted targets on them. There was an old wooden table in the center of the room which was covered in empty or half full beer bottles. All of the Brooklyn newsies were big with beady eyes. They looked him up and down like he was a prime piece of meat. This was nothing new to Jack, it was the same way every time he came to Brooklyn, that's why he didn't come so often, so Spot was always visiting Manhattan.

He ignored the stares and walked straight to the bunkroom. Bunks lined the walls and in the center of the room all the boys were crowded. Everyone looked up from the poker game.

“If it ain't Jack be nimble Jack be quick.” A blonde haired boy with ice blue eyes said.

“ Heya Spot.” Jack said. He then spit in his hand and held it out to Spot. Spot did the same and they shook.

The bunkroom returned too normal. They dealed Jack in which was unusual because Jack didn't usually play poker. Spot noticed something was wrong. He didn't say a word to Jack, Jack would tell him when he wanted to. Jack finally stood up said goodbye and started to walk back to Manhattan. Spot followed.

“ Jacky-boy something's wrong.” Spot said accusingly.

“It’s nothin.” Jack said leaning against one of the posts of the Brooklyn side of the bridge.

“ Ya dirty lyin scabbah; I know when somethins wrong wit me best friend! Spill it.” Spot jumped down Jack’s throat. Jack proceeded to tell him everything about that day.

“ Jack yer hopeless.” Spot said.

“T’anks Spot really appreciate it.” Jack said as he walked across the bridge.

“ Heya Jack!” Jack turned his head around.

“ Yea.”

“She’ll see ya again, trust me.” And Spot walked away.

Jack slowly made his way back to the lodging house. He climbed up the fire escape and in through the window. He climbed his bunk, and started thinking, he didn't fall asleep until late, and when he did it was a restless one.

The next day Jack decided to sell in the same spot as the day before. He didn't tell anyone it was in hopes of seeing Chrissa again.

‘ No luck, how could ya t’ink she’d be back.’ And then he saw her. Alone. She walked right up to him.

“ Hi Jack.” She smiled

“Heya Chrissa.” What he really wanted to say was I couldn't stop thinking about you.

“Um... how many papers you have left?”

“T’ree, why?” Jack replied.

“ Well when you done do you want to go for a walk in the park?” She asked shyly.

“ Yea, hold on.” He quickly scanned the paper. “ CORPSE FOUND IN EAST RIVA!” He instantly sold out.

“ I didn’t see that story anywhere?”

“ I’se was just improvin da truth a little.” Jack said.

“ Improvin da truth huh?” Chrissa said questioning him and mimicking perfectly.

“Yea.” And they started laughing.

At the end of the day they decided to meet tomorrow. Jack realized he really liked her but there was something he couldn't put his finger on he didn't like. He figured it out, she was lying about something, he could tell. After all he had lied his whole life until the truth came out at the strike about his parents and that his real name was Frances Sullivan. He knew what someone looked like when they were keeping up a lie.

Over the next month Chrissa and Jack became best friends. That's the way it belonged. While they were walking one day he decided to ask her what he had been dying to.

“ Hey ya wanna go ta da lodgin house wit me?” Jack asked hopefully.

“ Oh Jack I can’t... I um my parents will be worried.” Chrissa said hoping he would believe her.

“ Alright. Da guys just wanna meet ya dats all.” He said sounding very disappointed.

She put her head on his shoulder and they walked. She felt safe around him. He was her protector, like a big brother. To Jack she was his little sister.

“Shit!” Jack looked at her amazed that word slipped her mouth. He couldn't believe it. “What time is it?” She yelled at him.

“Uh eight toity why?”

“Oh no I... I have to go!” She kissed Jack on the cheek and ran in the other direction.

“ Dat was weird.” He said to himself.

“Hey where's Chrissa?” Race called out to Jack.

“She couldn't come” Jack said. “Somethin strange is goin on wit ‘er. I know it.”

“Jack if ya don't mind me sayin, I t’ink it’s a little weird dat a wealthy, classy goil like ‘er is hangin around wit a newsie.” Race said.

“ Yea me too.” Jack agreed. “Dere’s somethin goin on.”

“Jack!”

“Huh?” He turned around and saw Chrissa running towards him.

When she reached him she gave him a hug that meant ‘ I’m so glad I found you, you saved me.’ With that hug his heart melted and all aqusations disappeared.

“Hey Chrissa.” He said this with a goofy smile on his face. She started laughing

“What?”

“Well you looked funny”. She said still laughing. “Hey do you think I could meet the guys now?” She asked not sure if he would agree.

“ Shoa!” Jack said and he took off towards Tibby’s.

“ Hey wait up!” Jack laughed to himself as he saw her scrambling to catch up.

When Jack walked into Tibby’s a chorus of hellos ensued followed fastly by whistles and hollers.

“This is Chrissa.” He said over the noise. Immediately they all became quiet. Jack pointed at a short boy with brown hair and a cigar in his mouth.

“Dat’s Racetrack.”

He then pointed at a boy with dark almost black curly hair and brown eyes and the best body she had ever seen.

“Dat’s Mush.”

He then pointed at a blonde haired boy with an eye patch over one eye; the other was as blue as the ocean.

“And dat’s Kid Blink.”

“ Hello nice to meet you all.” She said showing off her beautiful smile, so the boys could gape at her. Suddenly Jack noticed Spot.

“ Oh Chrissa in da corna ova dere, dat’s Spot Conlon. The most famous and respected newsie in New Yawk, and da leada of Brooklyn. ‘es also me best friend, aside from you.”

Jack was a little nervous about her meeting Spot. He was dangerous when he didn't know you and you didn't know him.

“Hi dea.” Spot put out his hand and she respectfully shook it.

“ Hello I’m Chrissa.” She was looking him up and down the way Brooklyn newsies usually looked at everybody else.

Spot laughed “Dis goil belongs in Brooklyn Jacky-boy.” Then Jack and Spot spit shook.

“ Jack I’m stayin in Manhattan tanight.”

“Yea Spot, a course.”

Chrissa had a great time with the guys and was grief stricken she has to return home.

“Jack she’s some goil. I mean she’s uppa class but ‘as fun like us.” Spot said.

“ I know whatcha mean.”

Then they went to sleep.

Three nights later she spent the night at the lodging house and went back home in the morning, soon this became a regular occurrence and the boys looked forward to seeing her there at night. The guys all loved her, even Spot looked amused when she was around.

One night she started humming the most beautiful music any of them had ever heard.

“ Hey Chrissa where’d ya ‘ear dat?” Spot asked.

“Yea Chrissa, it’s beautiful.” Jack replied wanting explanations, Spot looked at Jack knowing exactly where he was going with this.

“um.. it’s Sleeping Beauty.”

“Sing some more.” Jack asked.

She continued and in ten minutes everyone was asleep but Spot.

“ Deres somethin yer not tellin us, I’ll figure it out.”

“Oh really Spot, just because you’re the leader of Brooklyn doesn't mean you lead everyone, and besides I’m not a newsie or did you forget that?” Chrissa said.

Spot couldn't say anything he was too surprised that somebody went back at him.

“Well yer highness whateva ya say goes.” and he tipped his hat at her and started laughing, so did she.

Jack hadn't seen Chrissa for a couple of days and he was starting to worry, so he decided to go back to the spot where they met. When he arrived he heard music, he followed it. When he looked up he saw where it was coming from.

Instead of a brick on the third floor of the building there were windows almost floor to ceiling, so you could see in. Jack watched amazed as he realized all the girls were dancers, and his was the ballet school’s boarding house. Then he heard it, Sleeping Beauty. As he kept staring he saw a girl who looked exactly like Chrissa staring at step into the middle of the floor and begin to dance on her toes. Finally he tore his eyes away and started walking down the street he ran his fingers threw his hair.

‘ it couldn’t be her, where would she find time for me, for da guys, and da nights at da lodging house.’

“ Stop! Stop! Stop ze muzic!” Madame Serine screamed.

She was a short Old French woman with her gray hair pulled back into a bun so tight he eyes bugged out a little. She slowly walked over to the girl in the middle of the room.

“Tess take her place!” Tess beamed with excitement, she had been an understudy for far too long, but gasps went up throughout the studio.

“Can I see you in my office please?” Madame Serine pointed at the torn dancer.

“ Yes Madame.” The slowly walked to her office.

“You have no focus, no, no.. nothing, you’ve lost your inspiration.” Madame Serine said coldly.

“ No Madame please I haven't!” She creed helplessly.

“Chrissa you are discharged from the ballet your done. I don’t care where you go. I know you have no family, you did this to yourself.” Madame spoke without emotion.

“ You frigid old woman how can you not have a heart! I will never dance for you again, you will never see or hear from me ever!” Chrissa cried out as tears filled her eyes. “You are the one making the mistake! I’m the best dancer here and your throwing me away!”

“listen to ze music inside. It’s Sleeping Beauty, your favorite.” Madame hissed.

‘My God she knows about the newsies! Who told her! Tess! What am I going to do?’

The door to the lodging house flung open and in walked a soaking wet girl with her hair in a bun a tight fitting long sleeve top and a skirt that only fell to her knees. Ever newsie in the room lifted their heads to look at the strange girl who entered the lodging house. To top it off none of them even knew it was raining.

“Where’s Jack Kelly?” A vaguely familiar voice cried out.

“ Who wants ta know?” Race confronted her.

“Tell him Chrissa needs to see him now!” At those words Race thought he saw tears in her eyes.

“Chrissa?” Race half questioned.

“ Where is he?” The tears were pouring out in a long stream.

“ ‘es in da bunkroom.” She started to run up the stairs, when race grabbed her arm. “ Spot’s dere too.”

“Do you think I care?” With that she left the newsies downstairs with open mouths and questioning eyes.

She opened the bunkroom door slammed it shut behind her and slid down against it to the floor and cried her eyes out. Simultaneously Jack and Spot whipped their heads around to the door annoyed they were interrupted, but when they saw Chrissa in the floor they both got up and ran to her. Which was unusual for Spot who never showed any emotions.

When Jack knelt down beside her she folded herself into his body she was racking with sobs. Jack turned to look at Spot who had a scowl on his face.

‘ I’ll ask ‘im bout dat lata’ Jack thought. ‘ right now dis is more important.’

Jacks emotions showed on his face. Spot backed off from Jack but not from Chrissa. For Chrissa she was home and until now she hadn't realized I. She also realized her heart was now torn in two. Jack and Spot were both at her side and both held places in her heart.

The three of them sat there for what seemed like an eternity. The emotion was too much for Jack and tears came to his eyes and spilled out as he kissed her head. Spot wrapped his arms around her and she saw a tear drop for his eyes onto his sleeve. The next tear that came to his eyes he wiped away hastily.

‘ Spot Conlon neva cries.’

What none of them realized was that Jack wasn’t crying for her, his silent tears were for his dead mother, his imprisoned father and his dreams of Santa Fe. Spot’s two tears were for everything that ever happened to him that gave him a hard heart. His father’s suicide, his mother going insane, the fight that paralyzed his brother, his sister running off with some guy, his brother’s suicide, and his girlfriend throwing herself in the East River. These were Spot’s reasons for bitterness. When he realized what made him shed these two tears he looked down at Chrissa and for one time in his life his heart melted and his eyes turned to crystal clear water instead of them being cold as ice.

“ Chrissa ya gotta tell us what’s goin on.” Spot pleaded with her in a voice that Jack had never heard him use.

Chrissa explained the events of the day.

“ Guys I’m so sorry. I couldn't tell you I was a ballet dancer, I just couldn't.” She was still sniffling.

“ Where are ya parents?” Jack asked worried, Chrissa shook her head.

“ Jack she doesn’t know here dey are, can’t ya see it in ‘er face?” Spot stated.

“Dey left ya didn’t dey?” Chrissa nodded yes.

“ When I was five they realized they didn't want a “snotty rat nose girl with no future” then they dropped me off at the boarding house and left me screaming after them.”

“ It’s gotta be harda watchin someone leave ya den knowin dey’re dead.” Jack whispered to Spot, Spot nodded in agreement.

All three of them stood up from the door and started to walk to the middle of the room, when there was a loud crash as all the Manhattan newsies, led by Race, fell through the door onto the floor face first.

“Can’t ya respect dat we wanted privacy! All a you’se outta hea now before a soak ya til ya can’t breathe!” Spot has to hold Jack back.

Looking at Jacks face right then reminded Spot of how he felt when Jack turned scab during the strike. Chrissa just stood there staring at the boys.

“ Jack stop it, Now! Dey ain’t scabs!” Finally when Jack wouldn’t calm down Spot punched him in the chin. Jack flew backwards and landed on the floor.

“ All a you’se out. ya lucky I ain’t sendin ya ta Brooklyn. Yer all sleepin in da lobby!” Spot screamed at them.

“Spot come on.” Mush started to protest.

“Don’t start Mush, I’ll soak ya so hard you’ll be in Brooklyn!” with that all of the newsies went downstairs stared at the lobby and crammed in to find a place to sleep. Spot turned and walked over to Chrissa.

“Chrissa ya alright?” Spot looked very concerned.

“ I don’t think you should be asking me that.” She said pointing to Jack who was on the floor rubbing his jaw.

When Chrissa was finally asleep in her bunk Jack turned to Spot.

“What was dat look fer?”

“What look?” Spot replied dumbly. “I’se still dun know whatcha tawkin about.” Spot shot back.

“Spot stop tryin ta hide it, ya got a t’ing fer ‘a don’t cha?” Jack asked expecting to be punched again.

“Wha?” Spot nearly screamed.

“Ssh! you’ll wake ‘er!”

“Jack it dun matta anyways she’ll neva be wit any ‘a us and ya know it.” with that Spot turned opposite Jack and closed his eyes. Jack did the same, the only difference was jack fell into a peaceful slumber while Spot dreamed.

He kissed her ever so slightly it was one of those kisses that makes you go weak in the knees.

“ I’ll see ya tamorra right Anne?” He smiled at her.

“ ‘a course Spot, I love ya.”

“I love ya too.” Spot said smiling as he walked back to the pier.

She started to walk across the bridge and stopped in the middle. She couldn't take it anymore. It wasn't Spot’s fault she was doing this it was all her brother’s fault, she couldn't stand the threats anymore. She leaned over the side to judge how far down. She climbed up the railing, stood on top and jumped. A blood-curdling scream escaped her lips, and then ‘splash’ . When Spot heard the scream he ran over to the middle of the bridge and couldn't find her anywhere.

“Anne! Anne!.”

He looked everywhere in fear, avoiding the truth. Then he saw it, her body float up to the surface.

Spot shot up in bed covered with a cold sweat and barely breathing. Chrissa heard his rustle and called to him.

“Hey Spot are you alright?” She asked calmly in a whisper.

“Yea I’m fine go back ta bed.”

In reality he wasn't fine. He hadn't thought about that day in two years.

Anybody that he loved or cared for left him.

‘ What’s da point of losin someone else.”

He lied back down and tried to fall back to sleep.

Tess crept out of the boarding house that night to two boys waiting for her underneath the fire escape.

“Why if it isn't the Dalancy brothers.” She said coolly.

“In da flesh.” Morris replied.

She was looking at two extremely disgusting faces with crooked noses, from Jack beating the crap out of them. Oscar and Morris had a pure hatred for Jack Kelly. It was even stronger now that the newsies had won the strike. The Dalancy’s always gave the newsies a hard time and Jack always intervened and Oscar and Morris usually wound up with broken noses.

“I have a wonderful proposition for you.” They nodded their heads.

“ I have a little bug I want to squash, I’m tired of being second rate and if she is still alive I’ll always be second rate. I know where she is. That’s where you boys come in. I know for a fact she is in the care of Jack Kelly.” Oscar and Morris both got angry distorted looks on their already ugly faces.

“I know you wouldn't mind getting you hands on him. Do what you like to him, but make sure you get rid of her!”

Jacklyn was scared out of her mind, she heard the whole thing. She had to see Chrissa.

The next day was Chrissa’s first day selling and she wasn't doing to bad considering the fact she was selling with Jack Kelly. She was more relaxed and more comfortable in Jacks old shirt and hat and Spot’s extra suspenders and pair of pants. Hey hair was tucked up in the hate to keep it off her face and neck.

“Excuse me may I have a paper please?” a girl asked Chrissa.

“ Here you are mame.” Chrissa replied, but when she looked closer, she realized it was someone she knew.

“Jacklyn!” She screamed half shocked and her eyes widening with disbelief.

“Chrissa!.” She hugged her friend.

“I have to talk to you and Jack right away!.” With that she repeated the entire night before to Jack and Chrissa.

“Chrissa dey know yer in Manhattan, ya gotta gut outta hea til I find a way ta get rid of ‘em.” Jack thought out loud.

“ Oh Jack where am I going to go?” She almost started to cry. With that the Bunkroom door swung open.

“Neva fea Brooklyn is hea!” Spot Beamed with excited. Jack and Chrissa looked up towards the door.

“ That’s it! Brooklyn! Oh Spot!” Chrissa ran into his arms, and he hugged her back.

His eyes melted to clear blue water. Jack saw it, but nobody else knew Spot well enough to notice.

“Hey Kelly let’s get goin before it’s ta late ta get ‘er der.” with that the three of them ran to Brooklyn.

When they reached the bridge, they looked out across. The fog covered it with an eery, creepy look.

“Spot get ‘er der safe.” Jack stuck out his hand.

“I will, no doubt bout dat.” Spot stuck out his hand and they shook. Jack started walking back.

“Wait! Jack your not coming across!” A look of pain flashed across Chrissa’s face.

“I can’t da Dalancy’s’ll massacre me boys. Don’t worry, Spot won’t let nothin ‘appen ta ya.” He hugged her, gave her a kiss on the head and waved goodbye. Her and Spot ran the whole way to the Brooklyn lodging house.

Spot walked into the Brooklyn lodging house. Chrissa followed. Whoops, hollers, and catcalls echoed throughout the building.

“Hey all ‘a ya quiet! dis hea is Chrissa, none a you’se will touch ‘er, got dat.

Da Dalancy’s are afta ‘er and I promised Jack Kelly she can stay hea fer ‘er own safety. Undastand?” No objections.

‘Why did I explain meself ta dem?’

Spot motioned Chrissa to follow him. they walked up a flight of stairs where there were three doors. Two on the left and one on the right.

“Dat’s my room, but it’s yers now. I’ll stay in da spare. Da boys are in da bunkroom.” Spot opened the door to his room. Helped Chrissa get settled , then he went to bed himself.

At about three in the morning Spot heard his door creak open and someone walk over to his bed.

“Spot.” Chrissa whispered.

“Wha?” Spot said sleepily.

“Do you mind if I sleep with you. I’m a little scared. I mean...” He cut her off.

“Yea come on.” Spot smiled. Chrissa got into bed next to him, and laid her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her and they both drifted off to sleep feeling a security neither one had felt in a long time.

“Hea dis is fer you.” Spot tossed her a slingshot.

“What am I going to do with this?” She asked quizzically and just stared at the weapon in her hand. Spot just stood there and laughed.

“Come on I’ll show ya!” With that he took off for the pier, and she followed barely keeping up.

They walked to the back towards the docks. On crates there were lines of glass bottles. A few newsies held their sling shots out, aimed and fired. The marbles went flying and crashed into the bottles. The bottles broke at the same time.

“Dats whatcha gonna loin ta do.” Spot said with a smirk on his face. Chrissa just stood there with her mouth hanging open.

“Come on.” Spot practically yelled at her

“All a you’se outta hea.” He pointed at the newsies that were there. They didn't argue and just left the docks.

He dragged her to the middle of the row of bottles. He put his hands on her shoulders and walked back with her about three feet.

“k. Now hold it up.” She did as told.

“Wow, ya really need some help.” He laughed.

“Hea.”

He stood behind her put his hand over hers and lifted the slingshot up to eye level. He lifted hey other hand and placed it on the elastic of the slingshot. He pulled a marble out of his pocket and placed it between her fingers and the elastic, with his fingers covering hers and pulled the elastic back.

“See like dis.” He said softly.

She turned to look at him. They leaned in slowly. At the last second Spot turned his head and looked at the target. She stared at him blankly.

“Alright let go.” They both released their fingers and the bottle splattered into a million tiny pieces. Spot walked away leaving a dazed and confused Chrissa behind.

Spot marched up the stairs of the lodging house and slammed the door to his room closed so hard the whole house shook.

“Whoa ‘es in a rea mood taday huh boys?” Tricks stated.

“Hey go tawk ta ‘im.” A newsie with red hair and wide hazel eyes named Wise stated.

“Are ya nuts! Trust me ‘es not afraid ta soak ‘is own newsies, ‘e actually enjoys it.” Tricks added scornfully and he rubbed the bruise on his cheek from last time.

“Ya name don’t reflect ya brains dere Wise.” The room erupted in laughter, but to Wise it wasn’t so funny.

Chrissa sat down on a crate and was thinking about what happened.

‘Could he really feel like that about me? He could have anyone he wants. Why am I so special?’

Spot was pacing the floor smoking a cigarette.

‘God what am I doin! I haven't had a real goil since Anne! I can’t do dis, I can’t.’

He sat down on the bed and put his head in his hands and just shook his head.

Chrissa returned after about an hour of thinking on the pier. She just walked into her room and looked around in the dark and saw a boy sitting on her bed with his head in his hands. She smiled and walked over to him and lifted his chin so he had to look at her.

“I don’t know what ta say ta ya.” Spot said sadly.

“You don’t have to say anything.” Chrissa answered him honestly.

“ I know, but ya don't know what I didn't... and ya should.” He leaned back on the bed.

“I can’t tell ya Chrissa. I just can’t.”

She laid down next to him and they both fell peacefully to sleep.

The days passed in Brooklyn and the weather became increasingly hotter.

“Chrissa hurry up!” Spot screamed.

“I’m trying! My shoes keep falling off!” Chrissa yelled ahead. The she heard a splash.

“Spot?” She was looking around but couldn't see him anywhere.

“Where are you?” Then he popped up out of the water and splashed water in her face.

“Got ya.” He laughed.

“Spot Conlon when you get out of there I’m going to show you!” She joking threatened him.

“Why doncha show me now huh?”

“I can’t.”

“What don’t wanna get wet. A little too late fer dat.” He was lookin at her damp clothes.

“Come on!.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her over the side “splash” She went headfirst into the water.

“Spot! I can’t swim! Spot! Spot!” She was screaming at the top of her lungs in fear.

He immediately swam over to her and put his arm around her fragile body and dragged her under the dock where he could grab hold of something. He held her tight never wanting to let her go.

“Ya ok.” He was truly concerned.

“ I’m fine, just shaken up that’s all.” She smiled at him.

He looked into her deep brown eyes. She drowned in his clear water blue eyes.

Their lips started to inch towards each other and...

“Spot!” The moment was over.

“Whose dere?” Spot was very annoyed. He led Chrissa to the ladder and they both climbed up.

“Tricks whadda ya want?” Spot was aggravated.

“Uh.. Kelly’s hea.” For once Tricks looked like he wasn’t annoyed Jack had showed up, but very concerned.

“ Chrissa go ta da lodgin house and wait in da lobby.” Chrissa immediately rushed off.

“What’s goin on Tricks?” Spot said giving Tricks his tell me everything look.

“Da Dalancy’s got ‘im, ‘e got soaked pretty bad. He barely made it ova da bridge, when he got ta da pier he looked at me and said ‘git Spot’ and passed out. He still hasn’t moved.” The look on Tricks face showed it was hopeless.

“Ya mean ‘es still lyin dea on da pier?” Spot screamed.

“Yea we didn’t wanna move ‘im ‘es pretty bad.”

“Outta me way!” Spot pushed Tricks aside and walked quickly to the pier.

Spot knelt down next to Jack. He was barely breathing.

“Git ‘im ta me room.” They did nothing.

“NOW!”

Immediately two newsies picked Jack up and carried him to the lodging house. Spot stood up.

“Tricks dis wasn't just da Dalancy’s. Jack can take dem on ‘is own. When did da Dalancy’s git friends? While he said this he turned and faced Tricks.

“Find out who dea friends are, and don’t come back til ya do. Got it?” Tricks then ran off grabbing Wise.

You never roam Brooklyn alone, or in another territory for that matter.

Spot walked past Chrissa who had a horrified look on her face.

“Ya can’t come up Chrissa.” Spot said to her. She started to protest, but Spot stopped her.

“No. I don’t wantcha ta see ‘im like dat.”

He walked over to her and placed his hand on her cheek. He turned around and walked to his room. He started to put his hand on the doorknob. His palms were sweaty. He didn’t want to see Jack like that either. Finally he opened the door and walked in.

Jack was laying on the bed with a black eye forming, a broken nose, and a busted lip. What Spot didn’t see was the sprained wrist and that Jack had a concussion from being slammed into the brick wall. Spot pulled up a chair and sat there for at least three hours. Jack started to moan and move. Spot jumped up at the rustling of the sheets.

“Jacky-boy.” Spot whispered while rocking him lightly.

“Spot.” The name came out as barely a whisper.

“Who did dis ta ya!” Spot was thinking out loud. Jack started to say something but Spot interrupted.

“ I know it was da Dalancy’s, but who else?” Spot was pacing the floor, he was hoping Jack was comprehending what he was saying to him.

“De othas looked like dey’se was from Brooklyn.” Jack passed our, leaving Spot with a look of disbelief on his face.

‘ If dey’se was from Brooklyn why hasn't dey gone afta Chrissa. I’m always wit ‘er dough.’

Spot stormed out of his room and down the stairs. The lobby was silent.

“Chrissa come hea.” She walked over to him.

He explained how bad jack was and Chrissa burst into tears. Spot pulled her close kissed her head and whispered into her ear the same thing over and over. “ ‘es gonna be alright.” But he wasn't even sure of it himself.

Brooklyn wasn't the same that night and Manhattan was missing a leader.

Tricks and Wise walked down a dark alley with one thought. ‘ Find da Dalancy’s.’

No sooner had they thought it they’re mouths were covered and they were pulled to the side. When they were released Tricks turned around and saw Morris Dalancy staring at him. When Wise did the same he saw Oscar.

“ Hey dea Morris.” Tricks spit in his hand, Morris did the same and they shook, Oscar and Wise followed the example.

“Spot ‘as no clue what’s goin on!” Tricks laughed.

“Kelly was so messed up it’s a wonda ‘ell make it.”

“Good, what bout da goil?” Morris grinned.

“Spot neva leaves ‘er side.” Tricks said.

“ ‘e told me n Wise not ta come back unless we found ya friends. Well hea we are.”

“Hey Tricks.” Wise finally opened his mouth.

“Wha?” Tricks glared at Wise.

“Spot’ll probably be taken a trip ta Manhattan, we can take care a ‘er den.” Tricks was surprised.

“ Well dea, ya finally live up ta ya name.”

Race was wide-awake in his bunk. It wasn’t like Jack to be out after curfew and not tell them where he was going. In fact Jack was usually up waiting for them at night. Race kept thinking and he finally realized he hadn't seen Jack since that morning, he hadn't even shown up at Tibby’s.

“Mush.” Race called out in a whisper.

“Wha?” Mush replied.

“Did ya see Jack at all taday?” Race asked worried.

“Naw.” Mush replied.

“Come ta t’ink a it nobody has.” Blink chimed in.

“Sumthin ain’t right, he wouldn't just go off without sayin nothin.” No response.

“Right?”

“Yea.” Mush and Blink said in unison.

Little did they know that the whole bunkroom heard their mentors concerns and were wide-awake and worried. None of the newsies felt safe without Jack there.

Spot woke up with Chrissa cuddled tightly against him. When he looked down he saw her tear stained face. He gently got out of bed so he didn't disturb her. He had a different idea for the newsies. He entered the bunkroom looked around and realized this wasn't going to be easy. He then started upturning mattresses and for the stubborn ones a bucket of water over the head worked perfectly. When Chrissa heard the commotion she dressed and realized it was an hour earlier than the newsies usually woke up.

‘What is he doing?’

“Everybody in da lobby!” Spot yelled. Moans and groans were heard throughout the room. He turned and saw Chrissa in the doorway.

“ you too.” He pointed at her and started downstairs.

“Brooklyn is on lockdown, no newsies outta Brooklyn, and no newsies in undastood?” They all nodded to sleepy to argue.

“I have ta go ta Manhattan ta tell dem what happened. I’m da only one allowed ta leave Brooklyn and re-enta, got it!” Spot looked at Chrissa.

“Dat means you too.”

“What?” She screamed. “Spot are you nuts, your going to leave me here all alone, locked into Brooklyn!”

“Yea I am.”

“I don’t think so! Spot, what if they come for me? You not thinking!”

“You will do as I tell ya ta do!”

“No Spot I will do as I damn well please!”

She stormed up the stairs only to have Spot chase after her. When he grabbed her arm she smacked him in the face, in front of all the newsies in the lobby. Spot turned beat red and looked like his head was going to explode. He never let go of her arm. He dragged her up the stairs and into the room opposite the room Jack now occupied.

“You stupid uppa class brat! How dare ya embarrass me like dat? I outta soak ya!”

“Spot if you lay one hand on me...” He interrupted.

“You’ll what, tell Jack, he can’t do a damn t’ing right now can he?”

“Why you disgusting, conceited, selfish, egomaniac bastard!” She screamed in his face.

“Screw you!” He said violently

She ran over to the nightstand picked up the sling shot with a marble and aimed. Spot ran over grabbed her wrist and shook the sling shot away. He grabbed the other wrist and slammed her down on the floor.

“aaaagh” She screamed.

The both of them had no idea that the newsies downstairs heard all the noise and that Jack was listening too.

They wrestled each other until she wriggled free and bolted for the door. Spot was faster he grabbed her hair and pulled her back towards him. He flung her around and slammed her against the door.

With that the fighting stopped leaving the newsies downstairs fearing the worst and Jack very nervous since he was now listening next to the wall and couldn't hear anything next door.

Spot laced his fingers into hers and smacked her hands against the door. She never once took her eyes off him. He stared at her brown eyes full of defiance and she was looking into his flames full of fire and passion.

With the last smack of noise Jack winced in pain, he didn't know if Spot hit her or if she hit Spot.

The staring continued neither one backing down. Then Spot leaned in and brushed her lips with a kiss. To Spot it was like a lifetime of waiting was over. To Chrissa it was pure magic. He looked at her. They kissed again, but it was deeper and more intense and they were entangled in each other, like one. With something so simple as a kiss all anger diminished and he hugged her close.

The newsies downstairs began to get restless and so was Jack.

“I still ain’t lettin ya leave Brooklyn wit me.” He stated finally.

“If you leave I’ll just follow you.” She looked up at him.

“Listen.” He said pushing her away from him.

“Jack’s hea you’ll be fine. I’m just gonna tell Race dat he got soaked and ‘ell be back in a few days, den I’m comin right back.”

“You promise.” She said sadly

“Yea I promise.” He smiled at her, picked her up, spun her around and placed her on the floor. She kissed him on the cheek and opened the door. Right in front of her eyes was Jack Kelly.

“Jack!” She squealed and gave him the biggest hug, he winced but only Spot noticed.

“Heya Jacky boy nice shina.” Spot said pointing at his back eye.

“Not funny Spot.” Jack stated.

“ Are you two alright?” As soon as Jack asked the question Chrissa and spot burst out laughing, leaving Jack perplexed and annoyed he didn’t know what happened.

Spot walked up to he Manhattan lodging house and opened the door, and stepped inside. As soon as the Manhattan newsies heard the knob turn they expected to see Jack Kelly come in, not the leader of Brooklyn.

When they saw Spot every face in the lobby went chalk white. Something was very wrong.

“Where’s Race?” No Replies.

“Do I have ta ask you’se again?”

“I’m right hea.” Race stuttered.

“Come hea.” Spot pulled Race aside and told him everything the Dalancy’s did to Jack.

“Listen Race, watch out fer da newsies, alright? I’ll bring Jack back in about four days.” Race nodded.

“Alright-Spot good ta see ya.” And for the first time Racetrack Higgins and Spot Conlon spit shook.

As Spot took off down the street he didn’t notice the beady eyes staring at him from the alley. He also didn't know there was a good set of ears listening too, and those ears heard everything.

“Tess.” The yell came out more as a whisper. No answer.

Tricks, Wise, Oscar and Morris stepped out of the dark and started throwing tiny pebbles at the window. Finally the window opened and Tess peeped her head out just barely missing a pebble.

“What do you want?” She called down.

“Spot came ta Manhattan alone, we ain’t gonna touch ‘im. In four days ‘es comin back with Jack and probably Chrissa. We get ‘em den.” Morris said hoarsely.

“Perfect. Just get rid of her!” Tess yelled nearly waking up everyone in the boarding house.

“What are you still doing here? Get out!” She slammed the window shut, leaving the boys outside to use their twisted minds to make up a horrible plan.

Jack recovered fastly from the beating. Chrissa, Jack and Spot caught up on current events and it felt like everything was back to normal, but all three of them knew better.

Neither Spot of Chrissa mentioned the kiss and nothing changed between them, just Spot smiled more and he wasn’t angry all the time. Jack saw the change and knew something went one between then, but never said anything.

By now all the newsies had stopped swimming since it was late august and the river was turning ice cold.

Chrissa was seriously confused. ‘Is Spot my boyfriend?’

Spot also didn't know what was going on. ‘ Should I ask ‘er ta be me goil?’

Spot had been with many girls but that had stopped when he met Anne, after she died, he had no use for girls except for what he wanted. They would come and go and he wouldn’t care. He felt differently about Chrissa, it scared him, this was real, maybe even more real than him and Anne.

The time came for Jack to go back to Manhattan. They tried to put it off as long as possible, but Manhattan needed their leader. It was exactly four days when they decided it was time.

“Chrissa I have a feelin ya shouldn’t come.” Spot said to her.

“Spot you and Jack won’t be here. I don’t feel safe without the two if you and you know it.” She pleaded.

“I just got a bad feelin bout it dats all.” Spot frowned.

“She should come wit us.” Jack finally chimed in.

“She can’t stay hea I swea Spot de otha two was from Brooklyn, who knows what dey’d do ta ‘a. Jack argued.

“Yea ya right Jack. I wouldn't forgive meself if anythin ‘appened ta ‘a.” Spot was shocked he actually said that out loud. But Chrissa was the most surprised , he never said anything like that before.

“Come on Spot I gotta get back ta me boys.” Jack interrupted the awkward silence.

“Yea I’m comin. Hurry up Chrissa.”

“I’m Coming!.” She said.

They walked out of the lodging house and walked away from the pier. Chrissa turned around and stared at the Brooklyn lodging house and had a strange feeling it would be the last time he saw it. Spot grabbed her hand and held it lightly, like it was a precious jewel and if he grabbed it too tight it would break in half. They started walking to Manhattan. Jack finally realized what was going on and smiled to himself, he remembered the words shared the night Chrissa ran into the Manhattan lodging house.

“Spot stop tryin ta hide it, ya got a t’ing fer ‘a don’t cha?” Jack asked expecting to be punched again.

“Wha?” Spot nearly screamed.

“Ssh! you’ll wake ‘er!”

“Jack it dun matta anyways she’ll neva be wit any ‘a us and ya know it.” with that Spot turned opposite Jack and closed his eyes.

They all walked in silence sensing something wasn’t right. When they reached the bridge they all stopped short. A shudder ran through the three of them. Spot shrugged it off.

“Come on it’s nothin.” They still hesitated.

“Spot’s right, it’s nothin, ya just don’t want me ta leave dats all.” They started to laugh.

When Spot felt Chrissa’s chill he put his arm around her. They started to walk across the bridge when they were almost to the middle Spot heard a noise.

“What was dat?”

“Spot! AAAaaaAAHHHHH!” Chrissa screamed.

Jack and Spot couldn't believe what happened standing right in front of them were Wise and Oscar holding onto Chrissa.

“Wise ya rotten bastard!” Spot lurched forward/

“Where’s Tricks?”

“Right hea!” At that moment Tricks punched Spot in the face.

“No!” Chrissa bellowed.

At the same moment Morris grabbed Jacks arms and pulled him backwards. Jack head butted Morris and stepped forward, turned around and punched him in the face. Spot punched Tricks in the face and kneed him in the stomach. That didn’t stop him. Morris slid backwards. While Tricks was recovering Spot tried to get to Chrissa. Tricks had a different idea, he grabbed Spots arms and pulled Spot into him. He pulled the knife out of his pocket and held it next to Spot’s throat. Spot gasped. Jack turned to look at Spot as he did Morris grabbed the back of his head and dragged him to the side of the bridge and slammed his face over the side so he was staring at the East River. Morris started kicking and punching him in the stomach.

“So Spot looks like she’s gonna watch ya die.” Tricks laughed.

“ Yea tricks, ya t’ink ya can ken get rid a me dat easy, obviously scab ya don't know me ta well.” Chrissa felt helpless she couldn’t do anythin, anytime she tried to move Oscar and Wise gripped tighter.

“Naw I know ya Spot, Seeing somebody else die because a ya would really kill ya.” Tricks beamed dat Spot.

In a split second of each other Spot elbowed Tricks in the stomach and slammed his foot on Trick's instep. Tricks dropped the knife and before it hit the floor Spot slid out from under himself and caught it. He then kicked Trick's legs out from under him and Tricks landed on the floor with a thud. Jack was still hanging over the side close to losing consciousness, he didn’t know what to do to get Morris off of him. When suddenly Morris turned around realizing things turned for the worse.

“Jack catch!” Spot screamed.

Spot flung the knife over to Jack and he caught it, pulling Morris into the same position Spot was in not so long ago.

“So Morris, what should I do ta ya?” Jack said.

“Should I kill ya?” Morris was about to wet his pants with fear when he felt the JK being etched ever so slightly into his neck

“Dis is so every newsie in New Yawk know who ya re and what ya done.” Jack said through gritted teeth.

Spot was now on top of Tricks punching him over and over. Oscar and Wise saw they were losing,. They started to pull Chrissa to the edge.

“Spot! They’re going to throw me over!!! Spot! Help me! Spot!”

The sounds of dozens of footsteps were heard on both sides of the bridge. A Brooklyn newsie had heard the screams and knew something was going on and ran to get help. The exact same thing happened in Manhattan. As the approaching newsies drew in closer, Oscar and Wise realized they only had a few seconds to get her over the side. Spot and Jack were now running towards Oscar and Wise. They were too late, Oscar and Wise flung Chrissa’s dainty little body over the bridge. Spot ran and dived off the bridge after her. Chrissa saw the water rushing at her face.

‘I’m going to die.’

Spot couldn't even look at the water, his mind was set on getting Chrissa out before hypothermia set in.

By this time Jack had Oscar and Wise knocked out Tricks and Morris weren’t going anywhere. Brooklyn was pleased to get their hands on Tricks, and Manhattan was thrilled with the prospect of getting at Morris Dalancy. Every newsie heard the simultaneous splashes. Jack was the first to rush to the side to look. All the newsies followed, leaving the four criminals moaning and groaning on the floor.

Spot found Chrissa splashing around in the water, he put his arm around her and dragged her to the bank of the river. She started coughing up water.

“Spot?” Spot didn't move.

“Spot!” She started shaking him

“You can’t die! You can’t! Don’t give up! Spot, you never give up! Don’t start now! I need you!” She screamed out in a tortured voice and tears sprawled from her eyes in a never-ending flow. She hugged his body close to her, rocking him back and forth.

“No! No! No! No! No!”

Jack ran past all the newsies and down to the bank of the river. He came to a halt five feet from Chrissa.

‘No, not Spot.’

Jack didn’t know if he could stand being without his best friend.

“Spot wake up!” He screamed running over to Spot.

“Ya dirty pig! Are ya gonna leave Brooklyn ta me! I’m not gonna clean up yer mess!”

By now every newsie who was involved in the fight was near the bank. One by one they all started to take off their hats out of respect.

“Who is gonna be able ta take yer place! Spot if ya let yerself die you’ll be a scab!”

Jack pulled Chrissa into his arms and was crying himself. None of the other newsies could believe it. This was just a bad dream, it wasn’t happening, none of them ever met Chrissa and Spot wasn't taking his last breaths on the bank of the East River.

“Spot please don’t go Who’s gonna argue wit me huh? Who’s gonna give me a hard time about everythin? Spot open yer eyes.”

Jack said this as soft as a mother cooing to her newborn baby. Chrissa couldn’t say anything. She just cried her eyes out. Finally Chrissa screamed in anger.

“Spot if you die who am I gonna to love? I love you! Wake up now! I don’t care who you think you are! You can’t do this to me! If you die, I’m going with you!”

“No yer not, ya staying right hea.” A voice that was so distant and far away you barely heard it said.

Jack looked down and saw Spot’s eyes wide open. Chrissa saw the same and gave him the most passionate kiss either one has ever shred in their eyes. Time stopped at that moment, the earth and all doubts, pain, and suffering ended with one ultimate kiss.

“I’m freezin.” Spot said with his teeth chattering.

“Git ‘im inside now!” Jack screamed.

“Wait!” Spot put up his hand.

“What are we doin bout dose scum up dea on da bridge?” Spot asked.

“Well whateva ya like Mr. Conlon.” Jack said coolly.

“Send em ta Brooklyn. I wanna deal wit em.” Spot said with pure hatred in his voice.

“Becomin a traita ain’t taken lightly, ‘specially in Brooklyn.”

Two Brooklyn newsies dragged Tricks and Wise to Brooklyn. While Race and Blink followed dragging the Dalancy’s. Jack went to pick up Spot and carry him to the lodging house.

“No!” Spot commanded Jack.

“I won’t be carried nowhere!”

He put his arm around Chrissa and around Jack and they walked him slowly thru the huge crowd of newsies, who moved out of the way as the three of them passed. When they reached the lodging house Jack turned to Race.

“Race tell all da newsies, even Brooklyn ta wait in da lobby, drop da scum in da middle of da room. Tell dem I said not ta lay a hand on em.”

“Alright Jack.” Race responded.

Chrissa and Jack carefully led Spot up the stairs. When they entered his room, they laid him on the bed.

“Chrissa leave me and Jack alone.” Spot ordered.

She shot him a look. Spot squeezed her hand and she gracefully obeyed. Jack pulled over a chair and sat down.

“What Spot?”

“Tie dem up ta da docks, I’ll deal wit em tamorra.” Spot grimaced.

“Got it.” Jack stood up and walked out of the room. Spot laid there and was out cold in two minutes.

Jack walked back down stairs scanned the room for Chrissa when he didn’t see her he ran his fingers through his hair, and sat down on the bottom step in silence. Race-walked over to him.

“ Go git Chrissa, take ’er back ta Manhattan, she shouldn’t see what Spot’s gonna do ta dem.”

After Jack said this Race went upstairs into the bunkroom and told Chrissa to come back to Manhattan with him and Jack’s newsies. For once she didn’t object. Jack followed Race and the rest of his newsies with his eyes as they exited the lodging house and started the hike to Manhattan. Finally Jack stood up. The Brooklyn newsies were silent, you could have heard a pin drop in the room. The older, stronger newsies had their eyes on the traitors in the center of the lobby. The rest had their eyes on Jack.

“Tie em ta da docks, leave em dea and git ta bed!” Jack ordered.

Tricks, Wise, Oscar and Morris heard the footsteps coming at hem and their hearts jumped to their throats.

“Hi dea boys.” Spot scowled.

“What can’t look at me when I tawk ta ya.” Spot stopped in front of Tricks.

“Can’t look at ya own leada Tricks?”

He punched him in the face. Jack had come with Spot and was now leaning on a crate smoking a cigarette. Spot continued down the line.

“Wise, how did ya git dat name, cuz ta me ya shoa are stupid.” Spot passed Oscar up he wasn’t worth his time.

Finally he stopped in front of Morris Dalancy.

“Morris, how’s it feel ta be branded like cattle?”

Spot sat down on a crate. He kept telling himself he was fine, but he couldn’t walk around for long. If he did he felt lightheaded and dizzy. Spot started fingering marbles in his hand. Tricks and Wise’s eyes widened in terror, they knew too well how much the marbles hurt. The Dalancy's had no idea what was coming. Spot took the slingshot out of his pocket, placed a marble between his fingers and the elastic, aimed and fired. The first one hit Tricks right between the eyes. The next hit the JK on Morris’s neck. Spot kept firing until little red marks were all over their faces and forming bruises. Jack stayed right where he was, everyone felt his presence. Jack finally stirred and walked over to Spot.

“Gimme da knife.” Spot handed it to Jack.

“Geez I daught you’se was scared when Spot pulled out da sling shot.” Jack laughed.

“Calm down I’m not gonna kill ya, I’m not a mudera like you’se.” Jack continued playing with the knife in his hands. This was the first time Spot ever saw Jack this angry and full of pure hatred for someone. It scared Spot a little, because he knew the feeling.

“Finish it Jacky boy.” Spot whispered to Jack.

All Jack felt was rage. These four idiots has almost killed his two best friends, all he wanted to do was kill them. Jack walked over to Tricks, slammed the left side of his face into the pole and etched an SC into his neck, he did the same to Wise, and he did the same to Oscar the only difference, he etched a JK.

“Now ya all cattle. Dis is so ya can’t show ya face in New Yawk. If any a you’se come back hea, we’ll fins ya and kill ya. I’m sure no newsie will mind dat.” Spot was smiling.

“We ain’t goin nowhea.” Tricks looked right at Spot.

“No, ya right. We’se gonna leave ya tied up, right hea.” Spot said those words like he was ordering lunch. He stood up and spit in Trick's face. Jack and Spot walked back to the pier.

“When’s da train comin.” Spot asked Jack.

“T’ree O’clock.”

“Tell da boys ta git dem dea on time, I can’t stand lookin at dea faces.” Spot said.

Then Spot walked into the lodging house and upstairs to bed. The morning exhausted him. Jack saw it and was very worried. The lobby was full of noise as Jack walked in

“Ya know what ya have ta do.” Jack yelled above the noise.

“Hey Tricks ‘es really gonna leave us hea?” Wise said shaking.

“I dun know.” Tricks was scared, real scared.

The four traitors heard the footsteps. They didn’t know what was going on. A Brooklyn newsie stood in front of each of them. They heard Spot count out 1-2-3 all four of them were punched in the face so hard they passed out immediately. When they came to they were being thrown into a cargo car of a smelly old train. All the newsies watched in triumph as the train pulled away.

Chrissa couldn’t help being upset. She missed Spot and Jack. Race couldn’t even comfort her.

“Race, Jack should he here by now.” he wined.

No sooner had the sentence escaped her lips the bunkroom door opened and Jack Kelly entered the bunkroom. All the newsies said “Jack” in surprise. Chrissa jumped up and ran into his arms.

“What? Did ya t’ink I wasn’t comin back or somethin?”

“Is Spot alright?”

“Yea.” He was lying through his teeth.

“Where are the Dalancy’s?” She questioned.

“On a train, ta Santa Fe.” She looked at him funny.

“Just kiddin Chrissa, I don’t know where da train is takin dem.” Jack laughed.

She smiled knowing she was safe. For the first night in a long time she slept peacefully through the night. Everything was back to normal. Jack controlling Manhattan, Spot controlling Brooklyn, and Chrissa splitting her time between both. Jack and Spot had worked it out where she could be a newsie in Brooklyn and Manhattan. She loved it.

Spot still wasn’t the same, he always went to bed earlier then everyone else and didn’t do much physical activity. He would never tell anyone he frequently experienced shortness of breath, or that he sometimes got dizzy. He was Spot Conlon. He didn’t need anybody to take care of him.

Chrissa and Jack were selling in their usual selling Spot and were almost done.

Jack was walking Chrissa to Brooklyn later so she could be with Spot. Spot hadn’t visited Manhattan since the fight, Jack wanted to talk to him about it. When Jack went to Brooklyn Spot’s newsies no longer looked him up and down, they all had a new respect for the Manhattan leader after that day, and after hearing what he did to traitors on the dock.

Chrissa had three papers left when he saw her looking at a girl he thought he might have seen before. Chrissa’s face turned beat red with anger.

“Chrissa what’s wrong?” Jack asked.

“That's Tess.” She said angrily pointing at the girl across the street.

At that same moment Tess turned around and saw Chrissa talking to a very handsome boy and pointing at her. Tess’s face went chalk white and she turned and ran down an alley. Immediately Chrissa dropped her papers and ran after her. Jack followed close behind. Chrissa caught up to her in no time. Chrissa grabbed Tess’s hair and flung her around and slammed her against the brick wall of the alley.

“You disgust me!” Chrissa screamed at Tess two inches from her face.

“You tried to kill me out of jealousy! How dare you take it upon yourself to make those decisions!” Chrissa punched Tess in the face.

“I learned that in Brooklyn!” Then she kneed her in the stomach.

“And that too! If I ever see you near me again, I will kill you! Don’t ever show your face here again!” Jack stood there in silence. he pulled Chrissa off Tess.

“Now ya can let ‘er go.” Tess ran off down the alley.

“She ain’t gonna botha ya no more.” Jack pulled her into a hug.

“ I don’t t’ink we’se goin ta Brooklyn tanight.”

“I agree.” Jack and Chrissa started walking back to the lodging house

The newsies were all crowded around Race and Chrissa who were involved in a very heated and serious poker game, which Chrissa was winning. Jack was in the corner smoking a cigarette and reading a Western Jim comic. When they heard the lodging house door open. They all turned their attention to the now open door. Jack stood up and Chrissa dropped her cards as they saw Spot crumple to the floor.

“Spot, Spot are ya ok? Spot.” Jack was standing over him.

“Yea I’m ok.” He tried to sit up as a wave of dizziness washed over him.

“Um... maybe I’m not.” He lied back down and put his hand on his head and closed his eyes.

“It’ll pass it’s nothin.”

“What will pass?” Chrissa finally spoke up.

“Nothin Chrissa.” Spot said.

“Can ya git up Spot?” Jack asked worried.

“I T’ink I can now.”

Spot stood up slowly, Chrissa and Jack helped him over to the sofa. All three of them sat down. Chrissa knew she needed to help but didn’t know how. She placed her head on his shoulder and leaned against him he wrapped his arms around her.

“Time fer bed! All a ya upstairs!” Jack called out to the nosy newsies. They all tramped upstairs.

“What ‘appened Spot?” Jack asked.

“Well I’se wanted ta see Chrissa.”

“Dat’s not what I’m tawking about. I’m tawkin about ya faintin in da doorway.” Jack said.

Spot knew what Jack was talking about but was avoiding the subject.

“Yes Spot you have been acting weird lately.” Chrissa wanted an explanation too.

‘ hea goes nothin’ Spot thought to himself.

“Well afta da fight an everythin, I’ve been feelin a lil out a it.” Spot was trying to explain.

“Out of it how?” Chrissa had a worried look on her face.

“Well a... sometimes I ‘ave a hard time breathin and I Keep gettin dese dizzy spells.”

“An ya didn't tell us!” Jack was outraged.

Spot then continued telling them everything from how he felt the first morning ,up until he walked to the door, he explained how he kept getting worse.

“I know I should ‘ave told ya right away, but I didn’t want ta worry ya and besides I don’t know how ta make it stop.” Spot said honestly.

“I know how.” Chrissa said.

“How?” Spot asked.

“You need rest Spot. Nothing but rest. Your body is overworked and exhausted and you trip into the East River didn’t help.” Chrissa was scolding him like a child.

“Hell Chrissa it was da cause. Anyways I can’t rest, how am I gonna sell me papes? How am I gonna lead Brooklyn?” Spot argued.

“She’s right Spot.” Jack sided with Chrissa.

“Alright Jacky boy I’ll rememba ya took ‘er side.”

“Spot please listen to me. You could die from exhaustion.” Chrissa pleaded with him. Spot squeezed her tighter.

They looked into each other’s eyes and shared a sweet kiss. Jack smiled knowing Spot would listen now that Chrissa mentioned he could die.

“Hey Jacky boy, I don’t know if I can make it upstairs. I’se gonna sleep down hea tanight.”

Jack knew how much strength it took Spot to say that. He nodded his response.

He stood up and went to the bunkroom. He ignored the questions from the newsies, especially the ones from Race, and went to sleep.

“Hey aren’t ya goin ta bed Chrissa?”

“I won’t be able to sleep knowing you here all alone!”

“I’m not even gonna argue wit cha, I don’t ‘ave da energy.” They laughed.

The two of them got comfortable and went to sleep. They always slept better in each other’s arms. Chrissa thought back to her first night in Brooklyn.

“Spot.” Chrissa whispered.

“Wha?” Spot said sleepily.

“Do you mind if I sleep with you. I’m a little scared. I mean...” He cut her off.

“Yea come on.” Spot smiled. Chrissa got into bed next to him, and laid her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her and they both drifted off to sleep feeling a security neither one had felt in a long time.

Spot didn’t move from his bunk in the lodging house for two weeks. He didn’t realize how exhausted he was. He soon realized that if he had just kept going he would have passed out and never woke up. The newsies were restless not knowing what was going on was getting to them. When spot finally got the strength to walk downstairs he was greeted with “Heya Spot” and “How are ya’s?” all through the room. Chrissa instantly ran over to him. He smiled and gave her a kiss. The room erupted in whistles and hollers.

“Shut up! All a ya! Unless ya wanna be soaked!” Spot said finally feeling like his old self. He put his arm around her shoulder.

Slowly Spot was able to get back to normal. When Spot returned to Brooklyn things were a mess, but he quickly ended the fights already existent by finishing them off himself, leaving a considerable amount of his newsies with black eyes and bloody noses.

“Chrissa what are ya t’inkin bout?” Spot asked. Chrissa was in a daze.

“Um.. what? I’m sorry.” She said apologetically.

“It’s alright. Um.. listen I neva really officially asked ya dis, but would ya be me goil?” Spot asked hopefully.

“Yes!” was all she could say.

He leaned over and gave her a deep, passionate kiss like no other.

“I got ya somethin, It ain’t much but...” Spot took out a little silver ring from his pocket and slipped it onto her finger. The ring was intricately carved with flowers and leaves.

“Spot it’s beautiful!” She was in pure shock.

“It’s just so everybody knows ya me goil and won’t try nothin on ya.” Spot said.

She playfully punched him in the arm.

“Chrissa?” Spot said.

“Yes.”

“I love ya.” Spot let himself go, just that one time.

“I love you too Spot.” Chrissa was beaming with joy.

Jack Kelly was running towards the distribution center. He was late and lucky he would get his hundred papers. His newsies had enough excitement in these few months to last a lifetime.

“Heya Cowboy! Hurry up!” Race called to him.

“I’m Comin!” Jack yelled at him.

When he reached the window he slammed his bits on the counter.

“A hundred papes.” He took his papers and walked away.

“Jack!”

“Chrissa! What are ya doin hea?” Jack was surprised to see her.

“I wanted to sell in Manhattan today.” She said this smiling.

“ Alright den. Where too?” Jack asked.

“Upper East side?” She said with a laugh.

“Fine by me.” Jack said smiling, and they walked to their old selling Spot shouting of their version of the headlines.

“Hey Jack.” She said with a Spot Conlon look on her face.

“Yea.” He replied.

“When are you going to get yourself a girl?” He rolled his eyes and punched her in the arm.

“Your going to get it now!.” She said. She ran up behind him and jumped on his back.

“No Chrissa Stop yer hoitin me.” He said sarcastically and he carried her all the way to their selling spot.

PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!! I REALLY LIKE TO HEAR WHAT PEOPLE THINK OF MY STORIES!!!!!

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