*Chapter 36*

Bottle Cap knew Spot wouldn't approve of her selling alone, but no one would sell with her without questioning her. She decided it was best to stay on her own for awhile, then head over and talk to Silver Fists. She couldn't help but wonder whether she had done the right thing by revealing her secret to Dibs last night, but it was done now and she couldn't take back her words. She had been nearing Silver's selling spot almost unknowingly when someone came up from behind her.

"BC!" Silver exclaimed, catching up to the half-frightened girl. "Boy, am I glad ya came ovah heah. We got a slew of things to talk about..."

"I told him." Bottle Cap said, looking down at the ground.

"Told who. What did you tell?" Silver inquired, not understanding.

"I told Dibs everything last night, Silver. It just wasn't fair for him not to know." Bottle Cap said, though really talking herself into agreeing. "I love him." Silver looked into her friend's hurting eyes and frowned before pulling her into a hug.

"I know it's hawd, BC." She comforted gently.

"Listen, Silver." BC pulled away, "Last night, when we were talking, I figured out a lot of things about this whole mess I've gotten myself into. I have to face Ben, and you can't let the boys stop me."

"Bottle Cap Conlon, you'se tawkin' crazy!" Silver objected, "What are ya tryin' ta prove? I don't wanna lose you on account a some stupid..."

"It's the only way I can go home, Silv. Don't you see that?" BC said softly. "I never thought that I'd even want to...but I do. I miss them so much." Silver Fists stared at Katie astonished, remembering the horrid dreams where she had watched her friend go through unnecessary abuse night after night. Why would she want to go back to that? Especially when she had Dibs and Spot and...Silver.

"I can't undahstand ya, BC." Silver shook her head at last, trying not to let emotions get the better of her. "But I gotta respect ya, so I'll do me best."

"Thanks Silver." BC threw her arms around her, "You're the best friend I've ever had, in any time period! Well, except for Jessica...but no one comes close to her." Silver laughed inspite of herself as they pulled apart.

"Ya know, you'se me best friend, too, uddah den Blink. But, no one compa'es ta him neiddah."

"What's that look in your eye, Silv? Looks like someones mad at Blink...." BC said sneakily, a glint of suspicion in her eyes.

"Was. Now I'se his goil...thanks ta you."

*

"What's a mattah, Jake?" Jack took a seat beside the newsie at a table at Tibby's. Jake had seperated himself from his usual crowd and found a secluded table in a corner. He didn't look up from the empty glass he was studying as he answered.

"Did ya know about Spin?" He asked, his voice sounding pained and lonely. Jack studied him curiously for a moment, not sure what he had meant.

"Uh, can't say dat I know what ya tawkin' 'bout." Jack responded as the bell over the door tinked and Spin entered, all smiles. "But she's heah now, if ya wanna tawk to 'er." With that, Jack stood and walked back toward Chipper, stopping Spin on the way.

"Somethin's up wid Jake, seems a little mad at ya." He whispered fair warning. Spin furrowed her brow and continued, acting as though nothing were out of the usual. She plopped down beside Jake and reached up to stroke his head, but he moved away angrily.

"Get away from me." Jake snarled at her, in no mood for her false affection.

"What's a mattah wid you?" Spin asked, a bit agitated.

"Oh, I dunno, buttahcup," Jake looked at her sarcastically, "Guess I'se a bit jealous."

"Jealous?" Spin repeated, "Of what? What are you tawkin' 'bout?"

"I know all abut Caps, Spin. Quit playin' stupid. Did ya really think dat no one would tell me? Dat I'd nevah find out about ya?" He exclaimed, standing and slaming his chair down.

"Jake, I..." Spin sputtered nervously, "Who tol' ya?"

"Does it mattah!? I don't wanna tawk ta you, so don't follow me." Jake added, heading outside and toward the Lodging House. Spin stood speechless, not even noticing the staring faces around her. What had she done? She pursed her lips determinedly and started for the door.

"Best let 'im cool off, Spin." Specs suggested from his table, wanting to save some heartache.

"I ain't goin' aftah him, I'se goin' aftah Bottle Cap." She threw over her shoulder as she marched outside.