Chapter 12: The Masterplan
After Bits went to sleep, I went downstairs to tell Dragonfly what I'd learned. It was decided that Bits would go to Manhattan to stay, and neither of us would sell. Each day one other newsie would stay with each of us, and dinner would be delivered to the lodging houses.
I spent three silent days in the lodging house, mainly reading. I was reminded of the years I'd spent trapped in my father's house. The only difference was the company I had. The first day Dragonfly stayed with me. We each read for a couple hours, then spent a lot of time talking about anything that popped into our heads. The second day Kiwi stayed with me. I finished my book while he slept until noon. When he finally woke up, we tried to carry on a conversation, but couldn't think of anything worthwhile to say. Instead, he taught me how to play poker. The third day, Dream, the girl I'd seen the other night, stayed with me. I'd never talked to her prior to that day, but was happy to find her to be a very sweet girl, and a good friend.
On the fourth day, I was surprised to find that Kid Blink had come from Manhattan to stay with me. When I woke up at 7, he was sitting propped against the door to my room, ready a copy of the days newspaper.
"Heya, Soaker! How are ya doing?" He greeted me, getting up from the spot where he had fallen when I opened the bedroom door.
"I'm
the best as can be expected, considering that I've been stuck here for three
days. Add the fact that I've got someone who wants to kill me. I'm sure you can
see how good I'm doing."
"Ah, you'll do fine. I promise,
when your allowed out, I'll take you to Medda's to celebrate."
"Medda's?"
"You've never heard of Medda Larkson? That settles it; I'll take you as soon as I can."
"Speaking of settling, how is Bits settling into Manhattan?"
"Well, she definitely likes being the only girl. She flirts with all of us, but seems to like Mush the most. It's kind of sad because Boots really seems to like her. But she seems to be fitting in very well."
"Good, I'm happy for her." I sighed. "Has anyone seen Jonathan at all?" Kid Blink shook his head as Dragonfly returned from her day selling.
"Hey Blink." He smiled a hello, before responding.
"Dfly, Race said he'd be coming to visit you tomorrow." She smiled before turning to me.
"Soleil
was looking for you today. I told her to stop by here tonight."
"Thanks."
