queen 3 Author's note: I know that Spot's character isn't really true to the movie, but I'm kinda trying to show that he's actually a softy at heart, just wanted to let you know. Well Enjoy! Oh by the way I know this chapter is short, but I just wanted to get something out before you forgot about the story.

Knowing You


Riona


"So tell me a little about yourself Riona," Whesley prompted between bites.

I paused a little, not knowing where to start. "Well, I was born in Ireland and I lived there until about a year ago when I got on a big boat and ended up here."

He nodded his head as he processed my words. "So what possessed you to become a … newsie? Don't you have any family?"

"Well, I had family. My Parents, a brother a year older than me and a sister a year younger."

"What happened to them?"

"I don't know," I replied solemnly. Realizing that the conversation had grown cryptic, I quickly changed the subject. "Enough about me, tell me a little about you."

He smiled and flushed a little. "Hmmm. Let's see. I was born and raised here in New York. The only son of Fernando and Anita Wade." He looked at me expectantly, like I should have recognized the name. I stared back at him blankly until he continued. "Well anyway, I attend Emory Boys Academy. Speaking of which, I have to run. Classes start in a few minutes. Will I see you again?"

I smiled slyly. "Maybe, if you can find me."

"Don't worry I will, It was good to meet you Riona." He tipped his hat and walked down the street toward Greenwich Village.

I watched him disappear around the corner, then headed off in the other direction to join the boy at Tibby's.


Spot

Absently, I watched the smoke from my cigarette dance above my head. Where was she? And who did she go off with? I shook my head, this was crazy! Who Riona associated with was none of my business.

"Spot! Hey Spot!" Jack was snapping his fingers in front of my face.

"Huh, what?"

The diner erupted in laughter. Obviously I'd missed something. Before anyone could explain, Riona walked in, the bell announcing her presence.

"I thought youse said youse were commin to lunch with us," Kid said quickly.

She took a seat next to me at the table. "Something came up."

"More like someone," I muttered under my breath. Her eyes darted up to mine, question filling them.

Before she could vocalize any of those questions, Kid Blink spoke up once again. "Who was that hoity-toity guy you were talkin' to anyways?"

Crimson swept across her face. "Umm."

"Come on Queeny, don't take all day!" Race called from a neighboring table.

She grew even redder, a huge smile pulling at her lips. "Just a nice young man who took me out to lunch."

Saving her from any further embarrassment, I stood up. "I best be headin back to Brooklyn now boys."

A chorus of goodbyes filled the diner as I walked out into the crowded streets. I had only made it a few feet when I heard someone calling my name. Turning, I found Riona walking quickly to my side. "Hey kid, what's up?"

"Just thought that I'd walk you back."

I shook my head as we walked. I knew her better than that, "What's on your mind Riona?"

She stopped and leaned against the railing of the bridge. "You wouldn't want to hear about it."

"Try me."

She launched into an exhausting oration about the boy that she had spent the afternoon with. She was right; I didn't want to hear about it. But I paid close attention to her words, watching in amusement as she rapidly stressed her points with her delicate hands. "I think I really like him Spot," she finished.

I was floored. Riona never seemed to be the type to fawn over boys; especially hoity-toity ones. "Riona, I've really gotta get back."

"Oh, ok well I'll see you later then."

I walked away without responding, my feet carrying me to the docks involuntarily.


Riona

I watched him walk away. That wasn't exactly the reaction that I'd anticipated. I still couldn't interpret the look that had washed over his face. Shrugging it off, I turned back to Manhattan.

As I passed through the threshold of the lodging house, Kloppman motioned me over to the desk. "A young man dropped this off for you."

"Thanks." I took the small envelope out of his hand and bounded up the stairs.

Riona,
I told you that I'd find you. I just wanted to
tell you again how much I enjoyed this afternoon.
Please meet me at the corner of 42nd and
Broadway tomorrow. 4:30.
Sincerely,
Whesley


I tucked the letter safely under my mattress and lay back, vainly attempting to get some sleep.


I checked the old pocket watch that Race had lent me for the day. 4:45. He's late. Becoming bored and annoyed, I turned to leave.

"Riona," a hand reached out and grabbed my arm lightly. "I'm dreadfully sorry that I'm late."

I turned around fuming, but as soon as I met Whesley's dark eyes, all of that anger seemed to melt away.

"I can only talk for a minute. I just wanted to see you again," he continued.

"Hey Wade you coming? We're gonna be late!" someone yelled from across the street.

"Yeah," Whesley called back. "That's my roommate, I have to go." Without warning, he leaned forward and planted a small kiss on my cheek. "I'll talk to you again. Soon." He took off, leaving me standing dazed on the sidewalk.