Chapter 11
"Whooa! What's going on?" David's jaw dropped wide open as the boys around him snickered. There were 10 of them, and they were all very big. Standing in a line, the boys all started to whisper while shooting knowing glances in his direction.
"Wait, a sec, what's happening here? Someone please tell me what's going on!" he pleaded.
The line of boys parted down the middle, allowing the leader to come into view. He was dragging someone along behind him. David gasped as he realized that it was Ashley. She stumbled to the front of the line and looked up at him, fear in her eyes. "Help," she whispered feebly.
David grabbed her hand.
"Well, well, well, what have we here?" the leader sneered. His face was covered so that he was unrecognizable, yet his voice seemed familiar. "The two educated pigs dat tried ta hide from me. Whatcha think about dat one, boys?'
The boys all laughed. Slowly, they started to form a circle around David and Ashley, a large one at first, then they gradually started to make it smaller. The leader stepped through into the middle. "Whatcha gonna do 'bout it?" he sneered
The circle was getting smaller and smaller. Ashley and David tried to run, but they couldn't. Besides, there was no place to go to. They were surrounded by thugs. The circle stopped shrinking.
"Who are you?!" Ashley whispered angrily.
"Your woist nightmare," the leader said. He started to pull off the mask he was wearing; a deep, evil laugh started to come out of his throat. Ashley screamed…
"ASHLEY! Wake up!" Ashley woke up with a start. Skittery was standing over her with his arms on her shoulders, trying to shake her awake.
"What happened?" she asked. "What's going on?"
She looked around. The sun was just beginning to peek through the window, and the boys were just getting up. Most of them were staring at her with compassionate expressions.
"You had dat nightmare again, Ashley. I t'ot dat youse had stopped wit dose." His voice was laced with genuine concern.
Ashley sat up and gave him a quick hug. "So did I, it's da foist time in 2 weeks since I had dat one. Was I screaming again?"
"Yeah, ya were. But it' ok, I mean, we understand. You need ta get ready, c'mon"
Ashley got out of bed and stepped to the floor. On her way to the washroom, Race stopped her.
"Hey, think about it dis way," he said with a grin, "youse is our signal ta get up. Kloppman hasn't even gotten up da stairs yet!"
"Thanks, Race" Ashley said gratefully, giving him a hug. Just before she let go, he whispered in her ear.
"If ya evah need ta talk, ya know I'm heah."
Ashley smiled as she continued on her way to the washroom. Race really was a sweetheart. One thing that she had learned about these guys in her stay at the Lodging House was that they were the best, most loyal friends a girl could have.
Washing her face, she thought about the past few weeks. It had been almost a month since the scare at Tibby's. Ever since then, she had started having that nightmare. Each time it was the same thing. One of her friends would be standing there, the line of boys would part, and she would be dragged out. Her friend would grab her hand, the boys would form a circle, and the leader would start to laugh evilly. It always ended the same, too, with her waking up right before she saw who was under the mask. Every time she had that dream, the friend would be different. The first time, it was Skittery, then Spot, sometimes Jack or Race, but never David.
Recently, the dreams had stopped. She had told Skittery, Jack, and Race, but none of the other boys. Somehow though, things seemed to get around very quickly. The only person who didn't know was David, or at least that was the way it seemed.
"Dear God," she prayed silently, "give me peace."
"Hey, dere, Lucky," Skittery said, coming up behind her. "Feelin' bettah?"
"Yeah, t'anks for askin'," she replied. "Just kinda shook up."
"Dat's normal, don't worry 'bout it," he said lightheartedly. "Just remember, nuttin' is gonna happen to ya, we's is here and we's is gonna protect ya."
"T'anks," she whispered.
She turned around and walked over to her bunk. Lately, things had been going from friendlier to friendly between herself and Skittery. She was finding that she loved him, not in a soul-mate way, but in a family way, almost like they were brother and sister. She hadn't said anything to him as of yet, and didn't know how he felt. She would have to say something soon. 'Oh, well,' she thought, looking over at him pulling on a shirt, 'it will all work out somehow.'
Later that day, Ashley and Skittery were selling together. They had run into each other around 10:00, and decided to sell with each other for the rest of the day. Walking along the roads of Manhattan, they were talking to each other and laughing.
"Yeah, dat was da woist ting dat could've happened ta you taday," Ashley teased.
"What? Why you little…" Skittery threatened, then started to chase her.
Giggling, Ashley streaked off down the road, dodging people and carts. Suddenly, she ran into someone and fell backwards.
"Oh, excuse me, Maam," she mumbled, standing up.
"No matter, dear," the lady replied.
Ashley quickly looked up. Her eyes grew large and round as she stared at the lady.
"Are you all right?" the lady asked.
"Yeah, yeah, uh, would ya like ta buy a pape, maam?" Ashley stammered.
"Yes, thank you," the lady replied, handing Ashley a penny.
"Here ya go," Ashley thanked her, then ran off. Skittery had been watching the entire thing, and upon seeing Ashley race off, became worried. He raced off after her. Finally, he caught up and grabbed her by the waist.
"Ashley, what's wrong?"
As she turned to him, he could see that she was crying, and hard at that.
"Ashley, what's wrong?" he asked again.
"That-- was-- m-- my—MOTHER," she choked out between sobs.
"Oh, man," he whispered, reaching out to hug her.
She continued to sob while clinging to him. "I miss her so much. I wasn't there for her when she needed me, and now that I'm not there, she must not need me anymore. I miss her so much, Skittery, I really do!"
"Ssshhh," he whispered softly, stroking her hair. "It's ok, she needs ya, she really does, don't worry 'bout it."
"She didn't even recognize me!" Ashley wailed, looking up at him.
"Well, is dere any reason dat she should? Look atcha, Lucky. Youse is doity an' dressed like a boy, an' rough an' tough an' mean lookin'! it's no wonder. I mean, unless you'se is lookin' for dat beautiful goil down dere, you'se ain't gonna find 'er."
"Thanks, I think."
"C'mon, let's getcha home. It's almost time ta quit anyway."
"Yeah, youse right," Ashley said, trying to stop crying. "Let's go."
They walked back to the Lodging House, neither one of them saying a word.
Elise Jenkins walked down the street and back to the apartments. She found herself thinking even more than usual about Ashley, her daughter. It had been over two months since she had last seen her. When she had recovered from her sickness 5 weeks ago, she had missed Ashley's presence almost immediately. Elsie had questioned her husband.
"She's gone, Elise," was all he would say for about 2 days. But Elise wasn't satisfied with that. After questioning him relentlessly, she found her answer.
"Fine, I'll tell you. She ran away and was discovered posing as a Newsie…"
He had told her all that he knew.
From that day on, she had been trying to find her little girl, to try to see her selling on the streets, and with no luck. But today had been different. That boy who had run into her, that one that she had bought the paper from, had seemed like he recognized her. The way he had torn off down the street like that, not to mention the bug-eyed look he had given her, had triggered something in her mind. His eyes…
"Those were Ashley's eyes!" she said aloud. Several people stared at her as they passed by. "Excuse me," she mumbled, cheeks turning scarlet.
She kept walking. She could see the apartments by now. Almost home. Then she could talk to her husband about the strange boy whose eyes reminded here so much of their daughter.
At the lodging house, several of the boys were hardly able to contain their excitement. It was the final showdown, the time of year where Jack and Spot were to have the poker game of the world. Whoever won got to run the other's territory for one day. It was always a showdown to… well, not to the death, but just to the point where death would be a nice option, as Race liked to say. The game wasn't to start for two more hours, yet the Lodging House was already full of newsies from Manhattan and Brooklyn. This year, of course, the game was in Manhattan. The location was always different every year.
"Where are they?" Ashley asked Blink nervously.
"Aaww, dey don't show up till 'bout 5 minutes before da start," he answered.
"Yeah, da noives start doin' weird t'ings ta your mind," Race added.
Ashley looked over at Skittery sitting next to her. He was laughing and looking around. Today's events seemed to be lost in his mind. Ashley felt herself tearing up, but quickly blinked the tears back. She didn't want to ruin this night for anyone. She would cry later.
"You ok?" a soft voice spoke at her side.
"David!" she squealed, jumping up and throwing her arms around his neck. He laughed and spun her around. Putting her down, he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"It's good to see you," he said.
"It's good ta see you, too, David," she said, her dream coming to mind for a brief instant. "Ya have no idea, where've ya been da last few days?"
"Whoa, when did you start talking like the rest of the boys to me?" he teased.
"You know 'bout dat, David. You're stallin', why haven't ya come around for 2 weeks?"
He gave her a sheepish look. "Well, uh… Mama and Sarah went to Baltimore, and I've uh… been helping out around the house." He looked at the floor, suddenly having an abnormal fascination with his foot.
"You've been doin' housework?" Ashley said incredulously. "On a normal basis?!"
"Hush your mouth!" Davis said quickly. "I don't want to boys to know. I told Jack cause he's my selling partner, but that's it."
"Yeah, David, sure. That's really nice of you though," Ashley said sincerely.
From across the room, Skittery glared at David. As soon as Ashley had seemed so happy to see her friend, Skittery had slipped away unnoticed. He knew that something was going on, that Ashley didn't like him anymore, at least not in the way that he liked her. But why hadn't she said anything? Girls.
He knew that she didn't like David, at least that was what she claimed, but when she was happier to see David than she was to see him, well… it was just a big mess.
Ashley was looking over at Skittery now, trying to get his attention. He caught her eye and started to walk over to where she and David were standing.
"Breathe," he willed himself, forcing a smile onto his face.
"Hey, guys," Skittery said cheerfully.
"Hi, Skittery, long time no see." David offered his hand. Skittery looked at it a minute then reluctantly accepted it.
"This is the first time I've been to something this big," Ashley said, looking around the room. "I don't really know what to expect."
"I know dat you'll like it," Skittery said, forgetting for the moment that he was angry. "It's really awesome, ya know what wit da boys from Brooklyn heah and everyt'ing."
"This is my first time to one of these games," David said. "I know it'll be… interesting."
"Hey, youse guys! Jack and Spot is here!" A voice came from somewhere in the room. All of the boys cheered as Jack and Spot walked in, decks in hand.
3 hours later, the game was close. It was Brooklyn on one side, Manhattan on the other. Jack and Spot looked exhausted from the intensity in which they had been playing. It was the last hand.
Ashley was sitting between Skittery and David. She was holding hands with both of them, leaning forward, and having to remind herself to breathe. This was it.
"Full house," Jack smirked. "I guess I'll be spendin' a little time in Brooklyn soon."
Spot looked at him knowingly. "Don't get too cocky dere, Jacky-boy." He laid down his cards. "Flush."
Jack's face fell. The Brooklyn side started cheering loudly, while the Manhattan side tried to smile. Ashley felt crushed. She let go of Skittery's and David's hands and went to Jack.
"Hey dere, Cowboy, good game," she said.
"T'anks, Lucky. I guess though dat I ain't youse feahless leadah no more, huh?" he smiled wanly.
"Nah, just not tomorrow, or whenevah Spot comes ovah ta... rule, I guess," she joked.
Jack smiled broadly and picked her up, slinging her over his shoulder.
"Youse is gettin' ta be pretty sassy dere, little goil," he laughed.
"Hey, c'mon, put me down!" Ashley pleaded. He ignored her and started to spin around. Ashley felt her hair start to come loose. She panicked.
"Cowboy! Jack! Stop!" she commanded.
He slowed and stopped, then out her down. "Sorry. I didn't mean ta scare ya," he apologized.
"It's ok, I wasn't scared 'bout spinnin', my hair was just startin' ta come loose, and I didn't think dat would exactly be da best t'ing in da woild," she whispered.
"Ah, ok. Why don'tcha go talk ta Spot? He likes ya, and would probably feel more… egotistical if ya went and said something ta him." Jack winked at her.
Ashley just laughed. "OK, fine! I'll do it!"
She started to walk over to Spot.
Before she reached him, she felt a hand on her arm. Turning, she saw Icy, one of the Brooklyn Newsies girlfriends. "Hey, Icy," Ashley said cheerfully. "Congrats about Spot's winnin'."
"Oh, t'anks, ASHLEY," Icy said sardonically. Ashley's face paled considerably.
"What did ya just call me?" she asked.
"Oh, you hoid me. I know everyt'ing, and I know Benny. You'se bettah not say anyti'ng, or you'se is gonna get hoit. You an' da rest of da boys. But I'm on your side. I'm just warnin' ya dat ya need ta watch your back." With those words, Icy turned around and walked away.
Ashley turned around slowly and saw Spot. She started shaking and tried to walk over to him to congratulate him… she never made it. The room started swimming and she fainted.
A.N.—I have no idea what's going on, I tend to write as I go, so if anyone has any suggestions, they'd be appreciated! Thanks!
"Whooa! What's going on?" David's jaw dropped wide open as the boys around him snickered. There were 10 of them, and they were all very big. Standing in a line, the boys all started to whisper while shooting knowing glances in his direction.
"Wait, a sec, what's happening here? Someone please tell me what's going on!" he pleaded.
The line of boys parted down the middle, allowing the leader to come into view. He was dragging someone along behind him. David gasped as he realized that it was Ashley. She stumbled to the front of the line and looked up at him, fear in her eyes. "Help," she whispered feebly.
David grabbed her hand.
"Well, well, well, what have we here?" the leader sneered. His face was covered so that he was unrecognizable, yet his voice seemed familiar. "The two educated pigs dat tried ta hide from me. Whatcha think about dat one, boys?'
The boys all laughed. Slowly, they started to form a circle around David and Ashley, a large one at first, then they gradually started to make it smaller. The leader stepped through into the middle. "Whatcha gonna do 'bout it?" he sneered
The circle was getting smaller and smaller. Ashley and David tried to run, but they couldn't. Besides, there was no place to go to. They were surrounded by thugs. The circle stopped shrinking.
"Who are you?!" Ashley whispered angrily.
"Your woist nightmare," the leader said. He started to pull off the mask he was wearing; a deep, evil laugh started to come out of his throat. Ashley screamed…
"ASHLEY! Wake up!" Ashley woke up with a start. Skittery was standing over her with his arms on her shoulders, trying to shake her awake.
"What happened?" she asked. "What's going on?"
She looked around. The sun was just beginning to peek through the window, and the boys were just getting up. Most of them were staring at her with compassionate expressions.
"You had dat nightmare again, Ashley. I t'ot dat youse had stopped wit dose." His voice was laced with genuine concern.
Ashley sat up and gave him a quick hug. "So did I, it's da foist time in 2 weeks since I had dat one. Was I screaming again?"
"Yeah, ya were. But it' ok, I mean, we understand. You need ta get ready, c'mon"
Ashley got out of bed and stepped to the floor. On her way to the washroom, Race stopped her.
"Hey, think about it dis way," he said with a grin, "youse is our signal ta get up. Kloppman hasn't even gotten up da stairs yet!"
"Thanks, Race" Ashley said gratefully, giving him a hug. Just before she let go, he whispered in her ear.
"If ya evah need ta talk, ya know I'm heah."
Ashley smiled as she continued on her way to the washroom. Race really was a sweetheart. One thing that she had learned about these guys in her stay at the Lodging House was that they were the best, most loyal friends a girl could have.
Washing her face, she thought about the past few weeks. It had been almost a month since the scare at Tibby's. Ever since then, she had started having that nightmare. Each time it was the same thing. One of her friends would be standing there, the line of boys would part, and she would be dragged out. Her friend would grab her hand, the boys would form a circle, and the leader would start to laugh evilly. It always ended the same, too, with her waking up right before she saw who was under the mask. Every time she had that dream, the friend would be different. The first time, it was Skittery, then Spot, sometimes Jack or Race, but never David.
Recently, the dreams had stopped. She had told Skittery, Jack, and Race, but none of the other boys. Somehow though, things seemed to get around very quickly. The only person who didn't know was David, or at least that was the way it seemed.
"Dear God," she prayed silently, "give me peace."
"Hey, dere, Lucky," Skittery said, coming up behind her. "Feelin' bettah?"
"Yeah, t'anks for askin'," she replied. "Just kinda shook up."
"Dat's normal, don't worry 'bout it," he said lightheartedly. "Just remember, nuttin' is gonna happen to ya, we's is here and we's is gonna protect ya."
"T'anks," she whispered.
She turned around and walked over to her bunk. Lately, things had been going from friendlier to friendly between herself and Skittery. She was finding that she loved him, not in a soul-mate way, but in a family way, almost like they were brother and sister. She hadn't said anything to him as of yet, and didn't know how he felt. She would have to say something soon. 'Oh, well,' she thought, looking over at him pulling on a shirt, 'it will all work out somehow.'
Later that day, Ashley and Skittery were selling together. They had run into each other around 10:00, and decided to sell with each other for the rest of the day. Walking along the roads of Manhattan, they were talking to each other and laughing.
"Yeah, dat was da woist ting dat could've happened ta you taday," Ashley teased.
"What? Why you little…" Skittery threatened, then started to chase her.
Giggling, Ashley streaked off down the road, dodging people and carts. Suddenly, she ran into someone and fell backwards.
"Oh, excuse me, Maam," she mumbled, standing up.
"No matter, dear," the lady replied.
Ashley quickly looked up. Her eyes grew large and round as she stared at the lady.
"Are you all right?" the lady asked.
"Yeah, yeah, uh, would ya like ta buy a pape, maam?" Ashley stammered.
"Yes, thank you," the lady replied, handing Ashley a penny.
"Here ya go," Ashley thanked her, then ran off. Skittery had been watching the entire thing, and upon seeing Ashley race off, became worried. He raced off after her. Finally, he caught up and grabbed her by the waist.
"Ashley, what's wrong?"
As she turned to him, he could see that she was crying, and hard at that.
"Ashley, what's wrong?" he asked again.
"That-- was-- m-- my—MOTHER," she choked out between sobs.
"Oh, man," he whispered, reaching out to hug her.
She continued to sob while clinging to him. "I miss her so much. I wasn't there for her when she needed me, and now that I'm not there, she must not need me anymore. I miss her so much, Skittery, I really do!"
"Ssshhh," he whispered softly, stroking her hair. "It's ok, she needs ya, she really does, don't worry 'bout it."
"She didn't even recognize me!" Ashley wailed, looking up at him.
"Well, is dere any reason dat she should? Look atcha, Lucky. Youse is doity an' dressed like a boy, an' rough an' tough an' mean lookin'! it's no wonder. I mean, unless you'se is lookin' for dat beautiful goil down dere, you'se ain't gonna find 'er."
"Thanks, I think."
"C'mon, let's getcha home. It's almost time ta quit anyway."
"Yeah, youse right," Ashley said, trying to stop crying. "Let's go."
They walked back to the Lodging House, neither one of them saying a word.
Elise Jenkins walked down the street and back to the apartments. She found herself thinking even more than usual about Ashley, her daughter. It had been over two months since she had last seen her. When she had recovered from her sickness 5 weeks ago, she had missed Ashley's presence almost immediately. Elsie had questioned her husband.
"She's gone, Elise," was all he would say for about 2 days. But Elise wasn't satisfied with that. After questioning him relentlessly, she found her answer.
"Fine, I'll tell you. She ran away and was discovered posing as a Newsie…"
He had told her all that he knew.
From that day on, she had been trying to find her little girl, to try to see her selling on the streets, and with no luck. But today had been different. That boy who had run into her, that one that she had bought the paper from, had seemed like he recognized her. The way he had torn off down the street like that, not to mention the bug-eyed look he had given her, had triggered something in her mind. His eyes…
"Those were Ashley's eyes!" she said aloud. Several people stared at her as they passed by. "Excuse me," she mumbled, cheeks turning scarlet.
She kept walking. She could see the apartments by now. Almost home. Then she could talk to her husband about the strange boy whose eyes reminded here so much of their daughter.
At the lodging house, several of the boys were hardly able to contain their excitement. It was the final showdown, the time of year where Jack and Spot were to have the poker game of the world. Whoever won got to run the other's territory for one day. It was always a showdown to… well, not to the death, but just to the point where death would be a nice option, as Race liked to say. The game wasn't to start for two more hours, yet the Lodging House was already full of newsies from Manhattan and Brooklyn. This year, of course, the game was in Manhattan. The location was always different every year.
"Where are they?" Ashley asked Blink nervously.
"Aaww, dey don't show up till 'bout 5 minutes before da start," he answered.
"Yeah, da noives start doin' weird t'ings ta your mind," Race added.
Ashley looked over at Skittery sitting next to her. He was laughing and looking around. Today's events seemed to be lost in his mind. Ashley felt herself tearing up, but quickly blinked the tears back. She didn't want to ruin this night for anyone. She would cry later.
"You ok?" a soft voice spoke at her side.
"David!" she squealed, jumping up and throwing her arms around his neck. He laughed and spun her around. Putting her down, he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"It's good to see you," he said.
"It's good ta see you, too, David," she said, her dream coming to mind for a brief instant. "Ya have no idea, where've ya been da last few days?"
"Whoa, when did you start talking like the rest of the boys to me?" he teased.
"You know 'bout dat, David. You're stallin', why haven't ya come around for 2 weeks?"
He gave her a sheepish look. "Well, uh… Mama and Sarah went to Baltimore, and I've uh… been helping out around the house." He looked at the floor, suddenly having an abnormal fascination with his foot.
"You've been doin' housework?" Ashley said incredulously. "On a normal basis?!"
"Hush your mouth!" Davis said quickly. "I don't want to boys to know. I told Jack cause he's my selling partner, but that's it."
"Yeah, David, sure. That's really nice of you though," Ashley said sincerely.
From across the room, Skittery glared at David. As soon as Ashley had seemed so happy to see her friend, Skittery had slipped away unnoticed. He knew that something was going on, that Ashley didn't like him anymore, at least not in the way that he liked her. But why hadn't she said anything? Girls.
He knew that she didn't like David, at least that was what she claimed, but when she was happier to see David than she was to see him, well… it was just a big mess.
Ashley was looking over at Skittery now, trying to get his attention. He caught her eye and started to walk over to where she and David were standing.
"Breathe," he willed himself, forcing a smile onto his face.
"Hey, guys," Skittery said cheerfully.
"Hi, Skittery, long time no see." David offered his hand. Skittery looked at it a minute then reluctantly accepted it.
"This is the first time I've been to something this big," Ashley said, looking around the room. "I don't really know what to expect."
"I know dat you'll like it," Skittery said, forgetting for the moment that he was angry. "It's really awesome, ya know what wit da boys from Brooklyn heah and everyt'ing."
"This is my first time to one of these games," David said. "I know it'll be… interesting."
"Hey, youse guys! Jack and Spot is here!" A voice came from somewhere in the room. All of the boys cheered as Jack and Spot walked in, decks in hand.
3 hours later, the game was close. It was Brooklyn on one side, Manhattan on the other. Jack and Spot looked exhausted from the intensity in which they had been playing. It was the last hand.
Ashley was sitting between Skittery and David. She was holding hands with both of them, leaning forward, and having to remind herself to breathe. This was it.
"Full house," Jack smirked. "I guess I'll be spendin' a little time in Brooklyn soon."
Spot looked at him knowingly. "Don't get too cocky dere, Jacky-boy." He laid down his cards. "Flush."
Jack's face fell. The Brooklyn side started cheering loudly, while the Manhattan side tried to smile. Ashley felt crushed. She let go of Skittery's and David's hands and went to Jack.
"Hey dere, Cowboy, good game," she said.
"T'anks, Lucky. I guess though dat I ain't youse feahless leadah no more, huh?" he smiled wanly.
"Nah, just not tomorrow, or whenevah Spot comes ovah ta... rule, I guess," she joked.
Jack smiled broadly and picked her up, slinging her over his shoulder.
"Youse is gettin' ta be pretty sassy dere, little goil," he laughed.
"Hey, c'mon, put me down!" Ashley pleaded. He ignored her and started to spin around. Ashley felt her hair start to come loose. She panicked.
"Cowboy! Jack! Stop!" she commanded.
He slowed and stopped, then out her down. "Sorry. I didn't mean ta scare ya," he apologized.
"It's ok, I wasn't scared 'bout spinnin', my hair was just startin' ta come loose, and I didn't think dat would exactly be da best t'ing in da woild," she whispered.
"Ah, ok. Why don'tcha go talk ta Spot? He likes ya, and would probably feel more… egotistical if ya went and said something ta him." Jack winked at her.
Ashley just laughed. "OK, fine! I'll do it!"
She started to walk over to Spot.
Before she reached him, she felt a hand on her arm. Turning, she saw Icy, one of the Brooklyn Newsies girlfriends. "Hey, Icy," Ashley said cheerfully. "Congrats about Spot's winnin'."
"Oh, t'anks, ASHLEY," Icy said sardonically. Ashley's face paled considerably.
"What did ya just call me?" she asked.
"Oh, you hoid me. I know everyt'ing, and I know Benny. You'se bettah not say anyti'ng, or you'se is gonna get hoit. You an' da rest of da boys. But I'm on your side. I'm just warnin' ya dat ya need ta watch your back." With those words, Icy turned around and walked away.
Ashley turned around slowly and saw Spot. She started shaking and tried to walk over to him to congratulate him… she never made it. The room started swimming and she fainted.
A.N.—I have no idea what's going on, I tend to write as I go, so if anyone has any suggestions, they'd be appreciated! Thanks!