Chapter 9

That night Spot had gone back to Brooklyn, to see how things were at the lodging house, and to check on the Brooklyn Newsies.

Meanwhile back at the Manhattan lodging house, the Newsies were doing their usual hobbies, trading marbles, and playing poker while Starlight and Notebook were having another one of their deep discussions…

"So how did it go with you and Prince Charming when we left?" Notebook asked. Star giggled, at Notebook's remark.

"Well there was an awkward silence, and then I couldn't take it any longer so I spoke up, and told him that I really liked the nickname he gave me. I gave him a friendly hug, and then I went back to selling the papes. It was really unusual, he seems so hard to figure out, but when he looks at me with those sparkling eyes, and pulls one of his charming witty lines on me, I can't help myself, he always has these ways of luring me in, and then when that happens he gets so distant" Sarah said.

"Well, Star love…life isn't easy." Maddie informed.

"Very true" Sarah said collapsing on the bunk. "Not even in fairytales, there's always some kind of obstacle, like a dragon to beat." Sarah replied.

"Exactly, as our famous saying goes only time will tell " Notebook replied with a yawn.

The Newsies sustained hobbies for the next couple of hours. It was now 10:00 pm and Kloppman began to shout " Lights out! You gotta carry in the banner, and sell the papes you got a big day ahead of you tomorrow!"

Not too long after this was said there was shuffling of feet, scuffing of chairs and complaints as the Newsies headed toward their bunks. "There's a chance he may actually really like me, I'm going to try and figure it out, I'll pay a visit to him tomorrow after Medda's, and see what happens." Sarah thought, as she lay in her bunk. The lights dimmed, and the room became dark, except for the small window that offered the moon's pale, sinister glow …

The next morning Notebook awoke with a start, as she grabbed a pillow that had been thrown from Starlight's top bunk, and flung it to the floor.

"That pillow landed on my head!' Notebook cried. She then heard a giggle from above her. Sarah leaned her head over the bedside, long locks of her hair hung loosely over the side of the bunk. Notebook opened her eyes to see the locks of Star's dark hair flailing in her face, and Starlight's big brown eyes staring into her drowsy green ones.

"Rise and shine!" Sarah chanted, laughing at Maddie's weary expression.

"You're in a good mood this morning, must be love" Maddie mumbled. Star moved her head back up and jumped out of the bunk, excited to start a new day.

Notebook sluggishly got out of bed mumbling to herself, suddenly she felt Takoda's strong arms around her, then being picked up and spun around, she turned and was then greeted by his dark eyes. "Morning my tigress' he said warmly. He placed a sweet gentle kiss on her lips and all her morning miseries seemed to fade away.

"Where's my cigar!" Racetrack called from his bunk, causing the Newsies to laugh about the Race's usual morning ritual.

The Newsies then prepared to start a new day of carrying the banner; Star began to walk to Medda's for the first day of practice…

Star loved the feeling of freedom that filled her when she danced, and lived through the motion of every step she took. She was twirling, turning, and jumping, three favorite things she loved to do.

"Excellent!' Medda complimented, watching Starlight dance. As the time passed it was soon time for Star to leave. "You did an excellent job, today you danced, tomorrow you sing…' "With your talent you'll light up my show, thank you very much!' Medda said.

"Thank you, if it weren't for you allowing me to be in your show none of this would be happening!' "My dreams are finally coming true' Starlight said gratefully.

"Aww…well aren't you just the sweetest thing there ever was. No problem honey!' Medda replied.

Starlight packed up her things, and said her goodbyes. She then left for her journey to the Brooklyn Bridge.

As she walked she thought of the infamous Spot Conlon. "His cerulean eyes…His confidence self-righteous and stately…his mysterious ways…His quixotic manner…I wonder what it would be like to kiss him…I shouldn't be thinking about that, I don't even know if he feels the same yet". Thoughts of Spot continued to cascade through her mind.

Back at the Brooklyn docks slowly sinking into the blackened East River. The sunset was like a painting on canvas filling the sky with colors, the splashes of pinks, purples, gold's, oranges, and crimson, The sun itself a great ball of light against the horizon.

Spot stared into the sunset aimlessly, thoughts of Starlight flowed into his mind, "Dere's sumtin about her, her voice like an angel, her eyes always searchin for adventure…And dose lips, I wonder what it's like ta kiss her?' Spot sat pondering for a while more, he then made up his mind to go see her, but little did he know she was headed his way…

Spot ambled down the Brooklyn Bridge, and there in the distance he saw a figure, her hair flowing in the wind like the gentle brush of a frothy wave. Starlight then noticed another on the bridge

"Spot!' Star called running up to him and playfully prancing on him. Spot picked her up spun her around, and jokingly motioned to throw her over the bridge.

"I could neva do dat ta such a pretty goil like you, especially since ya still wearin me clothes" Spot said teasing her, and gently placing her down.

"Well if I go down, your hat's coming with me!" Star tantalized.

"Well den I'm jus gonna have to come down wit ya" Spot said slyly. From the corner of her eye She could see his cavernous blue eyes staring down at her, and abashed by his remark, and expression, she quickly changed the subject.

"Race ya to the docks!" Star shouted dashing across the bridge, not giving Spot a chance to retort at her statement.

Running after her, Sarah could hear his footsteps gaining on her. Star suddenly felt a splatter of cold water at her back, she cringed and turned around to see Spot snickering with satisfaction, and in his hands he held an empty pail.

"Your gonna pay for that!' Star cried, shoving him into the East River. He fell into it with a spatter. Realizing he hadn't come up for air, she began to worry and yelled out "Spot…Spot! Spot?' The third time she called her voice quivered with apprehension.

All of a sudden his arm flew out of the water, and pulled her in.

They rose to the surface, both gasping for air. "Why did you do that?" Starlight said, enraged.

"Remamba, if you go down, I go down wit ya, and when I go down you'se do da same!" Spot said, grinning irrationally.

"What'cha gonna do about it if I don't" Star replied, giggling impishly.

"It's a little to late for dat now." Spot taunted, splashing Star, in the face.

"Ok! Ok! It's a done deal!" Star exclaimed agreeing to it.

"Good, I'm glad ya finally agree wit me on sumtin" Spot said chuckling, and endorsing on their agreement.

"What!" I loved that nickname you gave me, I have to admit, and it was really romantic of you." Starlight said staring avidly into his luminous blue eyes.

Spot suddenly looked edgy, as his cheeks grew hot with embarrassment. He then gave a curt nod, filled with pride and self-appreciation.

For the next two hours they splashed and played in the dim waters of the East River, as the sun vanished from sight bringing night in it's trail…Getting out of the water to dry off, Starlight sat with her back against the pier. Spot followed and gathered his belongings.

Sarah was looking up at the stars she sighed, "It feels as if I'm in a fairy tale where love conquers all…even dragons'

"Dat's quite a fairytale ya got goin on in dat head of yours" Spot said chuckling, Star giggled at his comment, and got up to gather her shoes.

Spot gently held Sarah's arm and slowly moved her towards him, He placed his hand under her chin and softly, tilted it up so he could look deep into her eyes. Spot once again saw the spark in her eyes that she always seemed to have, the lively, glimmer that would never fade. He had a desire, a need, a longing to feel her gentle lips caress his own, he leaned in toward her, as he moved closer to her lips he could feel and hear her breathing soft against his face. Sarah's heart pounded hard against her chest.

She felt his lips brush against her own, The warm sweetness motioned from his lips to her own, making Star tingle, Butterflies filled her stomach, her knees weakened, she felt as if she were going to melt into his arms, and be carried off to the sparkling stars above, she felt as if she hadn't a care in the world. She ran her fingers through his sleek, wet hair; he then pulled her closer and felt her body against his own. Her breasts, thighs, and stomach compressed against him.

There was a dominant consciousness of all the places, there bodies contacted.

As Spot kissed her, it felt as though liquid fire surged through his veins, Sarah made him feel incredible, as if he was soaring high above the earth, like the eagle, regal and free, Sarah made him feel something he had never felt for any other girl before …it was love, perhaps true love. But only time could tell…

They broke the kiss, and gazed into each other's eyes, filled with emotion. That kiss was special and definitely unlike other kisses with others, they had experienced with their previous partners in their lives. Spot had a yearning to feel Sarah's precious lips against his once more, but before he could attain the kiss Spot heard footsteps coming toward them.

"Spot!' "Spot!' a newsboy called.

"What?' Can't ya see I'm in da middle of sumtin here Speed?' Spot yelled back clearly annoyed.

"Da crips!' "Youse gotta come quick, they've got some of da Brooklyn Newsies!' Speed cried.

Spot turned to Star, "Youse stay here, and dat's an orda!' Spot said, running after Speed, not giving Star time to retort.

"Well there's no way I'm gonna stand here, while Spot and his boys are being beaten by the crips' Sarah thought defiantly.

Although she knew it was dangerous she was willing to take the risk to help out, she put on her shoes and ran down the Brooklyn Bridge, her wet hair whipping wildly in the wind with every step she took, her lungs burned for air, but with every breath she took all she got was a sharp pang of cold air, it stung like winter's chill and numbed her lungs like hoarfrost biting at her skin.

Quickly, she charged down the winding roads of brick and stone, down to the familiar lodging house. She pulled at the door and began taking the stairs two at a time.

"Cassie! Jack! Takoda! Maddie!' Sarah shouted, banging on the bunkroom doorway. When Maddie opened the door and saw Sarah's face she asked,

"Sarah why so frightened?'

Jack, Takoda and some other Newsies looked up to what they had been doing, confused expressions crossed their faces.

Maddie led Sarah to a chair, but Sarah refused to sit,"The crips they've got them!'

"Who?' the group chorused.

"Spot and the Brooklyn Newsies' "They just left, come on we've got to help them!' Star exclaimed, heading toward the door. Jack gathered the rest of the Manhattan Newsies and followed Starlight as they headed off to rescue their friends…

Three blocks down the road, in the distance was the scene it was a dark, alluring, alleyway cluttered with rubbish. Cries were heard in the vastness of the alley "Get off me you stupid street rat!' a crip yelled.

"Watch ya mout' ya dirty, rotten scabba!' Spot insulted.

Hearing this, Starlight, Notebook, Blaze, Tiger, and Cowboy, and the rest of the Manhattan Newsies darted toward the alley intent on beating the crips…

"You girls stay back' "Me and Jack and da guys will take care of this' Tiger said.

"Are ya nuts' "You want me to stand here and watch all the fun?' "I don't think so!' Cassie exclaimed, she dove into the scene; she grabbed one of the crips by his collar and punched him in the eye. And Jack head-butted another, and Tiger struck one in the nose, breaking the cartilage that held it together, Tiger then shook his wrist and mumbled,

"Bone against flesh doesn't work…it hurts!'

"Alright, alright I give up!' Race said in mock submission, he then kicked the crip in the groin causing him to collapse to the ground. Kid Blink took his fist and struck the crip, Crutchy, took his crutch, grabbed onto a wall for balance and swatted another crip across the back of one of his legs, sending his knees buckling to the ground.

Spot whacked one with his cane, leaving a deep gash across the crip's cheek; Spot turned his head and noticed Starlight and Notebook, standing not too far away. His eyes widened in shock and terror

"I told ya to stay in…' Before Spot could say more, he was then clouted in the jaw by the same crip he had gashed, Spot fell to the cobblestone surface the crip took advantage of Spot's temporary position and kicked his stomach, causing Spot to double over in distress. Star gasped, and ran toward him hastening to assist him.

Spot realized this through the corner of his eye and managed to shout through gritted teeth "Don't worry about me, jus get out of here!" Sarah ignored his protests, and continued to assist him. Suddenly she felt a large strong arm surround her chest, and lift her up. She then noticed the glint of a knife press against her frail neck, her breath caught in her throat.

Starlight knew exactly what to do. She elbowed him harshly in the ribs, slammed on his foot, spun around and kicked him in the groin, followed by a push sending him sprawling into a pile of junk.

"You better watch out you stupid street rats, we'll make sure your sent to the refuge by morning!" Oscar said bluffing. The Delancy's and the crips then fled from the Newsies in horror.

Spot stared at Starlight in disbelief, shocked and very impressed at what she had just done. Getting up, Spot's temper then snapped like a twig. "What da hell are ya doin here?"

"You should be thanking me for saving your life!' Star exclaimed.

"She's right Spot, If it wasn't for Sarah we wouldn't have known to come and help you guys out." Takoda said.

"Dere were more crips then mine and your Newsies put togetha' Jack added.

"We could've still handled it ourselves, us Brooklyn Newsies neva lost a fight." Spot said stubbornly.

"Well deres a first time for everytin, aint dere Spot" Jack replied. Spot gave Jack his deadliest glare.

"What da hell is da big deal? We beat dere asses, so jus forget about it!" Cassie shouted, trying to lighten things up.

Spot turned away from Jack and pointed his cane in Sarah's direction "I told you'se to stay in Brooklyn! You could've gotten hurt, or killed for dat matta!' "Doesn't dat mean anythin ta ya?' Spot roared in anger, his face slightly red from both anger, and humiliation, because he reluctantly knew that if it weren't for them, it would be quite difficult to beat those crips, especially because there was so many of them.

"You are not my controller! I choose my own life, and I make my own decisions!" Sarah yelled.

"Our parents were bad enough, the last thing she needs to deal with is you and your temper! Now stop being so pig headed and be a gentleman! She wanted to help Spot, and she did, expect it and accept it!" Notebook shouted.

Star and Notebook left everyone speechless, including Spot himself. Notebook, normally the shy one of the group that kept to herself surprised them all with her statement.

Notebook turned on her heel and walked off heading towards the lodging house. "Well I neva could have expected that!" Kid Blink said surprisingly.

"I could." Starlight said happily, proud of what Notebook did, following her friend.

"Unbelievable" Spot grumbled, clearly annoyed. " Well fellas, let's get back ta Brooklyn, I gotta tink some tings trough" Spot headed back toward the Brooklyn Bridge, with the Brooklyn Newsies following.

The Manhattan Newsies then walked back to their lodging house.

Spot sat out on the fire escape, he felt an ache in almost every part of his body; he once again was contemplating over his thoughts. "Starlight just seems to blow my mind…she did kinda help me and da newsies out dere…I shoulda known she wasn't gonna stay in Brooklyn while we was at risk of getting hoit …I really like dis goil she's beautiful, nice smart, amazing. I could go on forever… Conlon what's a matter wit you? I aint in love I jus met dis goil a few days agobut she's like no one I ever met before…and when I kissed her… dat was sumtin… I hope she aint mad…I guess I owe Star an apology…mine as well jus get it ova and done wit." Spot dreaded apologizing, but he knew he had to, tomorrow he decided that he would go to Manhattan, and apologize for his stubbornness and lack of co-operation.

Back at the Manhattan lodging house…

Notebook and Star walked inside the lodging house followed by the Newsies. As soon as the door was closed, Notebook was pestered with comments and questions, "Looks like our quiet Notebook has come out of 'er shell!' Boots called from one of the far bunks.

Looks like dat little voice inside of ya decided ta come out!' Mush called from one of the bunks.

"It seems like she put those words inside that creative head of hers to good use' David replied.

Notebook rolled her eyes, "Boy, news sure does travel fast!'

"Of course we're the Newsies' Les cried, as he stood beside his brother David.

The chatter and laughter continued, Star and Notebook were having yet another profound conversation…

"So, how was your night with Spot, before this altercation of course' Notebook asked.

Sarah sighed, and a look of joy rested upon her face. "Well…I kissed him'

"You kissed him! That's a start, he must like you' "How'd it feel, probably romantic or amazing!' Notebook replied

"It felt amazing alright' "It felt like I was gonna melt in his arms and together we would float up to the everlasting starry sky.Just thinking about it gives me butterflies' Star said as chills jolted down her spine.

"Yes, if you put it that way, definitely romantic' Notebook responded. "What about when you kiss Takoda how does that feel?" Star asked interestingly.

"Well…hmm how can I word this?" Notebook asked, blushing deeply.

"Word it like you would if you were writing a book!" Starlight suggested. Then Maddie remembered how she described it in her notebook, and said

"Okay, well, it felt as if I was soaring through the sky like a bird, and at the same time drowning, unable to swim up to the surface and breath a sweet breath of air. I felt trapped or encased in a world where my feeling's were reality.' "This world felt blind to me, I felt weak and small to the outside world but to Takoda I suppose I was strong…'

"That was beautiful' Star gasped.

Notebook shrugged, "it was nothing…' "Are you still angry with Spot?" Notebook questioned.

"I really don't know… when I kissed him I hadn't a care and the world. And he seemed so sweet and kind…" Star said trailing off into an amorous gaze.

Suddenly her sentimental look turned cold. "Then the next thing you know he's yelling in my face, telling me what's right and what's wrong! I don't need him doing that, I can think for myself" Sarah replied grimly.

"Sounds like your slowly starting to fall in love." Maddie stated.

"What makes you think that?" Star asked. "Well for one thing, you can't get your mind off each other, another you don't mind spending a whole night with him!" Notebook said slyly.

"Madelaine!" Starlight shouted diffidently, causing Notebook to leap and nearly tumble off the bed.

"What?' "I was only stating the obvious!' Notebook cried.

Star and Notebook laughed blissfully, and continued their unfathomable talk, and not before long it was time for bed.