When they reached the Lodging House, Spot put Blaze down on the bunk usually saved for him, because he didn't know where she slept, while Snap went to find Kloppman. Jack wasn't back but a small group of boys gathered around them as Spot told what happened. When Kloppman finally arrived (Blaze was worried he'd never come) he ushered everyone but snap and Spot out of the room. He patched her up and then left with Spot to let her sleep, for as Kloppman had said, she wasn't as fine as she looked.
When Blaze woke up, Spot had taken Snap's place beside the bed. The three girls and Spot had taken turns watching her.
"How long have I been sleeping?" Blazed asked.
"You slept through all of yesterday and now it's about nine in the morning." Spot replied, glad that she was finally awake, "Are you hungry? Pixy brought some soup and bread from Tibby's before she left."
"Yes, please. Shouldn't you be selling too? I don't want to take up your selling time."
"Don't worry, I got plenty saved. And Trick'll be back after lunch so I can sell the afternoon papes. Now stay here, I'll go get the food."
As he left Blaze wondered why he, and everyone else was being so nice to her. She had never done nothing for them. Then Blaze thought about Jack, maybe she should be nicer to him; after all, he was just doing what he thought was best. Spot grinned when he saw her worried face.
"Worried about Jack? Don't be, it'll be good for him to have someone not always follow his orders. Now here, don't try to move, let me feed you. I've done this to most of my boys at least once, keeps them loyal to me."
Blaze tried to get up anywise, but collapsed after just raising herself a few inches. She didn't think she'd be so weak after one measly fight.
"We're going to have to teach you to defend yourself once you heal. Now, get some rest." He chided her when she was done. Blaze started to object but once again he was right, so she let herself drift off into a deep sleep.
When she woke up Trick was next to her, but she didn't look so tough. In fact, as she leaned over Blaze, there was worry strewn over her face.
"Hello. Are you hungry? I brought some more food for you." To her surprise, Blaze started to cry. "What's wrong?"
"Y'all are being so nice to me," she explained between sobs, "and I haven't done anything to deserve it!"
"Hey, it's okay, that's part of our job, taking in strays. Besides, that's what friends are for."
"I'm your friend?"
"Of course, all the newsies are your friend. You should've seen Race when her first heard, he looked ready to go soak the Delanceys by himself. And I know one newsies who's extremely worried about you."
"Who?"
"Who! Spot of course! He stayed with you almost the whole time! I basically had to kick him out to get him to go sell! I think he likes you because of what you said to Jack, and yes we all know what you said. Spot's a good friend to have, just don't fall for him because of his looks."
"His looks?"
"Didn't you notice? He's incredibly cute, about half the entire female population of New York is in love with him."
"I didn't pay attention, all I've been noticing is my pain! Though it is more like a dull ache now, but my leg and head still hurt!"
Just then Jack, Spot, Race, and Blink came in. They all looked relieved that she was awake and Blaze was able to sit up as they came over.
"How are you felling?" asked Blink.
"Much better, thanks." Blaze turned to Trick, "Can I have that food you were talking about? I'm awfully hungry."
While Trick went to get the food, Blaze and the boys made small talk. When Trick came back and was satisfied that Blaze could eat by herself, she and the boys left Blaze and Jack alone. Jack looked at Blaze for a moment before he started talking.
"Look, I understand that you want to be independent, but I don't want you, or anyone else to get hurt. I'm the leader of the Manhattan newsies and what I say goes among my boys, okay?"
Blaze looked at Jack, fire in her eyes, "Whatever." Then she lay down and pretended to go to sleep, her back facing Jack.
Jack sighed and left, and Blaze heard him say, "She's asleep."
Then Blaze heard someone come upstairs, but she still pretended to sleep.
"Just give him a chance, Blaze, he deserves it," Spot whispered, then lightly kissed her cheek and left. A small tear ran down Blaze's cheek and she drifted off to sleep.
