I woke up late. All the guys were gone. Even Mitts! I was still kinda mad about last night, but now, I'm really mad! How could they just leave without me?! And take Mitts too? He's my responsibility! Oh and when I see Spot!
I managed to get ready and out the door without causing any problems. I get pretty klutzy when I'm mad you see. I rushed to the circulation expecting a long line, but there was no one there! What on earth could be going on? I went up to the window and knocked on it as hard as I dared to get Mr. Pickens' attention.
"Mr. Pickens!"
"What?!" he yelled.
I shrank back. He didn't sound too happy. "Ummm... Has Spot and the guys come by yet?"
"Do you see 'em?! Dose brats are goin' on strike!"
I blinked. "Strike?"
"Yes!" he roared. He shook his fat finger at me. "No good will come out of dis!"
I nodded so he would stop yelling at me.
"Now you gonna buy any today?"
Should I? But then if we are on strike... Bother you, Spot! "Um, I'll take five."
Mr. Pickens frowned at me, but hey! I'm giving him some business, little it may be.
After getting my papes, I darted out of there as fast as I could. No need to hear any more ranting from Mr. Pickens for me! I wanted to find out where everyone was, and when I did, it wasn't going to be a nice meeting up.
But then... maybe I should put a cap on my anger and just let it go. I mean, it is my fault I woke up late. I sighed through my nose. I didn't really feel like letting it go. It was due time for Spot to know how I was really feeling.
(Spot's POV)
It was a beautiful sight.
Bam! Right on the headlines was yours truly. It really made up for last night. Eh... I hope Stubs isn't too mad at me. Oh well... once we get back from this little party, I'll tell her what happened yesterday. It should simmer her temper down a bit. I just didn't want her to get hurt. If I'm lucky, maybe she'd still be asleep. She looked rather awful last night.
No matter, this was the time to enjoy the spotlight! I'd worry about Stubs a little later.
(Stubs' POV)
They were gone. There wasn't a single Brooklyn newsie to be found! I swear I looked everywhere in Brooklyn! Where would they be when going on strike?
Oh duh... Manhattan.
I slapped my forehead. Duh, duh, duh! After all, that was where this stupid strike business started.
I smirked to myself. It would only be a couple of minutes before I found those Brooklynners. Oh Spotty-boy, you are going to get it now!
Just like I thought, it didn't take me long to find my fellow Brooklyn newsies. I was almost cooled down and about to actually forgive Spot when I saw them. They were in Tibby's having the time of their lives. If I hadn't of had such a bad night, I would just join them. But nooo, not today!
(Spot's POV)
"To our man Denton!" we all cheered.
I sipped my coke and laughed with the guys. Tonight was going to be great.
Ring. Ding. Ding.
I glanced at the door. Hmmm probably just another newsie joining in or something. I turned to talk to Race when I felt a chill run down my spine. I gulped inwardly and turned to find a pair of cold looking green eyes.
"Spo-ta."
I forced a casual smile. "Hiya, Stubs. What brings you-"
Smack!
(Stubs' POV)
I regretted it as soon as I did it, but it was too late. I had slapped Spot.
He looked a bit dazed. He didn't look angry though.
He opened his mouth to reply, but Mitts snagged my attention.
"Stubs!" he called out happily and glomped me.
I blinked. "Mitts."
He grinned wide. "Are you coming tonight?"
I blinked again. "To what?"
"Rally," Spot explained. "A newsie rally. Would you like to come with me and Mitts?"
(Spot's POV)
Insert foot in mouth... Why on earth did I just ask her that? Am I nuts?
She narrowed her eyes at me. For a moment I thought she was going to slap me again and say no.
She glanced down at Mitts. "I guess I can go."
I plastered a fake grin on my face. "Good."
Man oh man... This isn't good. I mean, I don't mind her coming to the rally. It's just the scene we just caused. Ugh... I can just feel the glares from Blink and Mush. I'll have some explaining to do.
(Stubs' POV)
I only said 'I would go' for Mitts. If it weren't for him, I would have said a big, fat no to Spot.
"So where is this um rally thingy gonna be?" I asked Spot.
"Medda's."
Ah... but of course. All the guys are crazy about her. She's all right I guess.
This rally is going to be interesting...
At the rally...
"MEDDAAAAAA! MEDDA! MEDDA!"
I sighed as I slumped in my seat between Spot and Mitts. Why did I come to this place? My ears are killing me from all the shouts of these crazy boys! At least Mitts and Spot aren't crazy about her. I will still have some of my sanity by the end of the night thanks to them.
"Hallo, newsies? What's new?"
I groaned inwardly. Corny... corny, corny, corny!
I slumped further down in my seat as Medda started to sing. Boy... this was going to be a long night.
(Spot's POV)
Stubs started to get an irritated look as the rally went on. She was looking especially irritated when Medda got on stage. I couldn't help but chuckle when I looked at Stubs. If I didn't know her better, with that look on her face, I would have thought she'd charge Medda. Haha, poor Stubs. She really didn't have to come. Although... I'm kinda glad she did. Maybe in a little bit, I could talk to her privately and apologize for last night and earlier today.
I gave her a light nudge.
"What?" she snapped.
I rolled my eyes. "You want some more coke?"
She shrugged. "Sure."
I stood up to get her another glass when I saw him.
Warden Snyder.
I frowned deeply and hurried over to Jack. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Davey. I'm guessing he spotted Snyder too. After warning Jackie-boy, I better tell Stubs and Mitts to get out of here.
*Sharp whistle!*
(Stubs' POV)
What was that for?
I stood up to try and see where that whistle had come from only to be greeted by a bunch of newsies fleeing.
"What's going on?!" I tried to yell.
I pushed some guys away from me trying to find Mitts.
Someone grabbed my arm.
"AAAAAaaaagh!" I screamed.
"IT'S JUST ME! For cryin' out loud!" Snipes hissed in my ear and started dragging me through the crowd.
"What's going on? Where's Mitts?!"
"No time! We gotta get out of here!"
"Why?"
"Stupid! The bulls are here!"
I gulped. The police? Why? We weren't doing anything really. Right? Right?
"Where's Mitts?"
"Don't worry about him! We gotta get out of here!"
I pulled myself out of Snipes' grip. "No! I'm finding Mitts!"
"Stubs! We need to go now!" He tried to grab me again, but I managed to slip away and enter the crowd once more.
"Mitts!" I yelled as I dodged fleeing newsies and a few policemen.
"Mitts!"
"Stubs!"
I spun around. My heart nearly stopped as I saw a policeman dragging Mitts away.
"MITTS!" I screamed and attacked the policeman.
Not the brightest thing to do. That's going on my record now...
Regret was sinking in as the policeman turned on me.
Which way to dodge? Left or right?
Left.
I should have gone right...
(Spot's POV)
I had almost gotten to Jack when the whistle blew.
Darn it! I hissed through my teeth.
I need to get Stubs and Mitts out of here first.
I turned back to the table where I had left them.
Both of them were gone.
Where could they have gone?! I was suppose to get them out of here not lose them!
I glanced back at Jack. He seemed to have his situation under control. His boys could help him. I have to find Stubs.
I carefully dodged and slipped past a few cops and made my way into the lobby. Where was she?!
"MITTS!"
Oh darn it! I should have kept a better eye on the kid!
I'm coming, Stubs!
I darted toward her scream only to find her getting clubbed by the bull.
I could feel my temples nearly bursting with anger as I charged the bull. I knew I'd regret it later but it felt good to get him back for conking out my girl.
(Stubs' POV)
Several hours later...
I grimaced and opened my eyes. I wasn't too surprised to find myself in jail, but I was rather surprised to wake up to see Spot, Kid Blink, and Mush.
"Stubs? You all right?" Spot asked.
I pushed myself up. "What do you t'ink? I got conked in da head."
Kid cracked a small grin. "She's fine."
"Where's Mitts?" I asked when I realized he wasn't beside me.
"They put him in the cell beside us," Spot replied.
I rubbed my head a little. "How is he?"
Mush glanced over at the cell beside us. "He's okay. He finally fell asleep a few hours ago."
I sighed in relief. "Good... I don't know what I'd do if he got hurt."
"You got quite a shiner dere, Stubs," Spot commented.
I rubbed my head a little harder. Ow, it definitely felt like a big shiner.
I pulled my cap off to get a better inspection of my bruise.
"Eeew..." Blink made a face.
"Is it that bad?"
Blink nodded.
Meh...
"Did I bleed?"
Blink nodded again.
I fingered my head. "OW!"
Spot jumped. "You okay?"
"Just beyoootiful," I replied sarcastically. I mean, it was kinda his fault we were in here.
Although, he does look quite upset. Guilty, maybe? Eh, I guess I'll go easy on him. My head hurts too much to stay angry at him right now.
Awkward silence...
"Sooo er... how long will we be in here?" I asked.
Blink and Mush just shrugged. Spot didn't seem to have even noticed that I had asked a question.
Meh...
Thud. Thump. Thud thump.
I sat up straight. "Someone comin'?"
Blink scooted closer to the door. "Cops. Probably just checkin' on us or somethin'."
I nodded.
The policemen came in and took some of the other newsies out of their cells. The jingling of their keys sent chills down my spine. I can't wait to get out of here.
After a few minutes, the policemen finally came to our door.
Clash. Jingle, jingle.
Squeaaaaaak!
I winced. I guess the policemen don't unlock this cell very often. I shivered. What a comforting thought!
The policemen entered our cell and started to push us out the door when they noticed me.
"Wait a minute! She's a girl!" One of the policemen grabbed me roughly by my left shoulder.
"No!" I screamed.
"Let her go!" Kid yelled but was held back by another policeman.
(Spot's POV)
"Stubs!" I yelled and charged at the stupid bull.
The cop wasn't as stupid as I thought and easily knocked me down and locked us back in.
I clenched my fists.
I had lost her.
Just like I did Anne.
I slammed my fist against the hard floor. Why did I invite her to the rally? I should have known something like this might happen. If I hadn't been so stupid earlier... maybe Stubs would be okay.
A few minutes later, the cops came back and herded us away to meet up with the other newsies. I'm guessing we're going to court. I just wish I knew where Stubs was and if she was all right.
Author's Note: This chapter is especially for Ealasaid Una! :D Thanks to her I was able to pick this story back up and post this chapter. I hope everyone liked it. X3 I wasn't expecting to swap between Stubs' and Spot's POV so much but it happened. By swapping between the two POV's, I found it easier to keep this story going so please don't be too mad. Heheh.
Author's Response to Reviews:
To bE mY HEaRt:YAY! so happy this chapter got up... especially the same day as I read the ENTIRE story! _ reading this stuff makes me happy! anyways keep writing (so I can be happy). lol. BTW Stubs is getting jumpy over the delancy brothers and... e.e so am I. -Quirk PS thanks for the shout out thingie. I feel special! XD (Chapter Six)
Teehee! I'm glad you liked it. I'll do my best to keep you happy. And you're very welcome for the shout out. ;) Tis fun doing it.
Ealasaid Una:is someone following stubs? i mean with everyone so focus on the strike, are they worry about anything else. keep writing. (Chapter Six)
Hmmm is there? ;) I hope to reveal that soon. Please keep reading and reviewing. :D
Ealasaid Una: Who's anne? is Stubs ok? well done chapter. (Chapter Seven)
Awww... I can't tell you who Anne is quite yet. Buuut the next chapter for sure will have some clues to who she is. ;)
To bE mY HEaRt: Great! who is anne? O.o (Chapter Seven)
Thanks! :D I hope to tell you in the next chapter so keep reading! ;)
