Chapter 3 What's With Spot?

Note from the author: If you haven't guessed by now, all of the characters thus far are not any creation of mine-with the exception of petite, violet- eyed Philippa. The others all belong to Disney. Also, don't hesitate to review! I love to hear what you all think. If you've enjoyed it so far let me know! If you haven't-well, let me know, but don't be afraid to soften the blow! Hehe.I know it isn't all that excited yet, but I promise, its getting there!

Yours Fondestly, Meadowlark

What was Phil going to do now? Watching Spot as he paid the cashier for their supper, she got the feeling that she wouldn't get rid of him too easily. What was worse, however, was that she wasn't so sure she wanted to anymore. Her original plan--as dastardly as it may seem--was to use him to get a good meal, then be on her merry little way. That plan had two major flaws from the get go. First off, she was not so cold-hearted as all that, and secondly, Spot was turning out to be a decent guy. He was a little rough around the edges, but so was she.

As Philippa sat pondering over this new prediciment, Spot had finished paying the cashier and was stopping to chat a bit with his friends. They circled around him, wanting to know more about the girl.

"Where'd ya find da new doll, Spot?" Skittery punched him playfully on the shoulder with an unmistakable "You're-a-lucky-guy" grin etched upon his not unhandsome features.

Spot shot Skittery his most intimidating look. No one would disrespect Philippa in his presence. The other boy backed away. Spot was not a big fella. At first glance, some fools might even label him scrawny, but the truth was that Spot could fend for himself and do it well. One didn't become the leader of the Brooklyn newsies without proving themself first. "Don't call her that." He practically growled.

Jack was on his feet and between the two in a matter of seconds. He put an arm chummily about Spot's shoulders to calm him down. "C'mon, Spot. He didn't mean nothin' by it. If the goil's off limits, den just say so." He grinned when he noticed a group of three walking into the establishment. "As fer me..Well, I'se got me own goil." He waved the newcomers over.

"Cowboy!" The youngest of the three exclaimed, running over to Jack. The kid was Les. The other two were David and Sarah, Jack's best friend and girlfiend. The three of them were siblings.

Jack tossled Les' hair. "Heya kid." Sarah and David weren't far behind Les, and Jack siezed Sarah about the waist, hugging her as she kissed his cheek. He released her to turn to David. Both boys spit on their hands and shook in greeting. "How's it goin', Davy?"

"Not too bad. Papa's arm is finally completely healed." David responded, turning to exchange the same handshake with Spot.

"He says they're gonna hafta give him his job back now." Les piped up. At that, Sarah and Davy exchanged worried glances, but neither dared to speak out loud about it. They knew the chances of their father returning to the factory were slim to none.

Jack drew Sarah into another hug. "Don't worry about it, Sweetheart. It'll all woik out." He grinned with reassurance.

At about that time, Davy squinted, seeing Phil across the room where Spot had left her. He couldn't hide the admiration in his voice as he asked. "Who's that? I don't think I've ever seen her before."

"A friend of Spot's." Specs said, his tone a warning one if Davy had ever heard one.

Spot glanced over at Philippa thoughtfully before finally saying, "I think she's a runaway or sumpin', but somebody must still be afta her 'cause she's awful antsy."

Sarah followed Spot's gaze with her own eyes. She took a few steps toward her, feeling almost drawn to her. It was probably because females in this bunch of well-meaning ruffians were few and far between. Without another word, Sarah approached her. "Hi, I'm Sarah." She smiled warmly when she was standing next to the table where Phil sat.

Phil looked up, suddenly brought out of her thoughtful revelry. "Hi..." After another moment, the girl regained her full senses. "I'm Philippa, but you can call me Phil."

"I thought you might like some company."

Phil shrugged casually, though secretly she was anxious to have another girl to talk to for a change. "Sure."

So, Sarah sat down across from her, and they talked amiably for some time. They became fast friends, but though Sarah tried to learn more about Phil, she skillfully avoided answering personal questions. The boys all stayed back, though the curiousity was enough to kill them. If anyone could find out more about her, they knew Sarah could.

It was a little after 8 o' clock by the time, Phil's eyes wandered to the clock that hung on the wall. It was past time for her to have been out of there. Hating to lie to anyone--especially anyone as nice as Sarah seemed to be, Phil reluctantly excused herself to go to the ladies' room. Sarah pointed it out to her, and she forced a smile to her lips as she left the table. She made it a point not to look at Spot as she left the room, but she could feel his gaze upon her until she was out of his sight and into the ladies' restroom.

Sarah soon found herself surrounded by her newsie friends. "What'd she tell ya?What'd ya find out?" They all asked anxiously.

She frowned. "Nothing really. She avoided saying much about herself at all."

"Where'd she go?" David was the one to voice the question plaguing Spot's mind.

Sarah hit David's shoulder lightly. "Must you boys know everything? If you must know, she went to the ladies' room." She scooted over in the booth, allowing Jack to sit down beside her. She was just snuggling into the crook of his arm when Spot suddenly pushed his way through the group of newsies and dashed outside, cursing, "Damn her!"

Race watched him go and shook his head as he looked around at his other buddies and asked what was on everyone's mind. "What's with Spot?"