Thank you to all those loyal reviewers. I want to let you know I'm
changing the year, a few months is not enough time to have lapsed for the
changes I'm looking for. I'll fix the previous chapters bear with me
please. Thank you again!
P.S. Here you go Chelci.
I managed to get back to the Lodging House long before the boys were due home. I wanted a bath and I didn't want to be disturbed by nosy newsboys who were hoping for a peek.
"Hey Kloppman, I'm going to take a bath, keep the savages away for a little while." I called as Kloppman poked his head out from his office. I should have plenty of time, but it never hurt to be cautious. I knew Mush and Blink might come looking for me, I had left Mimic with them knowing he would be well watched after.
"There's a new set of clothes on ya bed Cameo." He said "I found some that might fit ya a little better."
"Bless you." I cried in glee a bath and clean clothed I had died and gone to heaven. I gave Kloppman a hug that nearly knocked him over and smacked a kiss on his cheek. He gave me a blushing smile as I glanced back at him while trying to run up the stairs at the same time. Big mistake, the stairs were old therefore not entirely even and very steep. I earned myself a few bruises as I managed to keep myself from tumbling down when I tripped. Kloppman just shook his head as I tried to ignore the embarrassed feeling that invariably follows a clumsy moment. You just can't help it
I surveyed the washroom as I entered it taking note of the messiness of the area. Shaking my head I made my way to the tub and began pumping water into it from the hand pump that was positioned above. I had found the clothes folded neatly on my bed. An off white colored shirt that was obviously a little warn, but still serviceable, a pair of black trousers and a dark green vest seemed like an evening gown. Somehow though Kloppman had managed to find a camisole. It appealed to my femininity in a way the other clothes could never compete with. It too was warn, it was cream the embroidery had been picked out of it, but the lace was still intact. A matching set of pantaloons that would fit nicely beneath my trousers made me practically swoon with joy. I didn't mind wearing men's clothes, but sometimes I ached for something pretty. I set my treasures on a stool I had dragged into from the other room. There was no way I was going to put my new clothes down on that dirty slab of wood the boys called a counter. I contemplated the water for a moment knowing that it hadn't been heated and I didn't have the time to heat any on the stove downstairs. Nor was I feeling that industrious anyway. Okay, Okay I'll admit it I was being lazy.
"It can't be that bad." I murmured as I stripped off my clothes and stood for a moment looking down at it. Taking a deep breath I stepped inside and the air froze in my lungs.
"Good God!" I cried when I could finally get air back into my lungs, I immediately started shivering, quickly I grabbed the bar of softly scented soap I had bought earlier in the day and began scrubbing with a vigor hoping to get the blood flowing through my veins again. No wonder the boys looked so grubby half the time I was glad I had had a father that liked to do outdoor activities. I had been on many long backpacking trips and knew how to rough it. I had to admit it had to have been the quickest bath I have ever taken though. No lounging around the tub with a glass of wine for me. Not that I could have lounged in a tub that I had to sit on my knees to get into. Finally I took the coarse fabric of the meal sacks the boys used for towels and rubbed myself dry, still not sure if it was worth it. I took the bit of fabric I had rescued from going into the rag bin and wrapped it around myself to offer what support it could, what I wouldn't have given for a bra. A corset just wasn't practical in the life I was living, I needed to be able to bend and move. Though I longingly thought of feminine clothes as I pulled on my pretty camisole and pantaloons wishing I had a dress to go with. What can I say? I'm not a girly girl, but I do like to look like a woman every now and then. I heard thundering on the stairs and Kloppman yelling as I finished buttoning up my shirt. Hurriedly I tightened the leather belt that had been added to my new wardrobe just as the door flew open and six guys peered in with wide expecting eyes. Their faces dimmed as they saw I was fully dressed.
"Ya bums!" I heard Kloppman yelling as he entered the bunkroom as swiftly as his arthritic limbs would allow.
"You were too late." I chuckled as I pushed past Jack and another newsie that I remembered being called Skittery. They groaned and dispersed some going into the washroom, others turning for their bunks.
"Did ya see anythin?" Mush cried as he stumbled into the room an irritated Crutchy had tripped him slowing his progress as best he could. I gave him a grin in thanks.
"Na, she was dressed already." Blink called from the other side of the room.
"What an ego booster I feel like Marilyn Monroe." I said shaking my head.
"Who's Marilyn Monroe?" Mimic asked as he pushed his way to me. I smiled and ruffled his hair before replying.
"Never mind." I sighed " You'll know about her if you're lucky when you're in your sixties."
"Why do I have to wait so long?" he questioned as I took Crutchy's comb from it's spot and began working the tangles out of my hair. It was long, past my waist and tangled at the thought of water so trying to get the comb through it was proving to be an irritating endeavor.
"Just trust me." I told him trying not to cuss at a large knot that I was working on. My hair was still wet and was soaking my vest. "Damn it where's the scissors?"
"Ya ain't gonna cut it are you?" Mimic asked his eyes giving me a sad look. "It's pretty."
" Okay squirt for you I'll keep it." I told him. I wouldn't have cut it anyway, it was a idle threat that anyone who knew me would have recognized. I had been threatening to cut my hair for the three years it had taken me to grow it out. It just made me feel like I had some control over it I suppose. I had always related to Amy's comment in Little Women though, when she had called Jo's hair her one true beauty. I had been blessed with thick black hair that waved if I didn't brush it right away. I watched Mimic meander off and laid back against Crutchy's bed. It was nice to have a moments quiet, well maybe not quiet, more like a moment to relax. Fifteen noisy teenage boys trying to get ready for a night on the town is never quiet.
"Mimic stop it." an irritated voice broke me from my thoughts.
"Mimic stop it." I heard my little friend say in return. I rolled my eyes well at least I knew where he had gotten his name. Kids, they loved to annoy those they liked the most I wondered if I should let Race know that little secret.
"Mimic." I saw Race come around the corner " if ya don't cut it out I'm gonna soak ya."
"Mimic." My little charge replied in perfect cadence and tone " If ya don't cut it out I'm gonna soak ya."
"Mimic." I called as Race turned on him. Mimic grinned at Race and dodged past him to stand in front of me. So much for a moment of relaxation. "Stop."
"Mimic." He started. I clapped my hand over his mouth and gave him that look that all women know how to give, that warned him exactly how dire a punishment he was going to get if he finished his sentence. It is commonly referred to as the "Mom" look, but older girls learn it as soon as they have little kids to boss around. He shut up and Race gave me a thankful look. I choked as Mush walked past me reeking of cheep cologne.
"Mush you're not supposed to bathe in the stuff." I gagged.
"Ya think it's too much?" He asked worriedly. " I don't want the girls to avoid me."
"Honey with that stuff, they'll run before they see you." I replied with watering eyes. He shrugged and headed back into the washroom to wash some of it off I hoped.
"Ya ready?" Jack asked me as he finished buttoning up his shirt and wrapped his red bandanna around his neck. I stood giving Mimic a hug as I nodded.
"Do ya have to go?" Mimic asked " Can I come?"
"Yes and no." I chuckled as I stood.
"Please don't go." He looked at me with fearful eyes. " What if the nightmare comes?"
"Then you'll go get Kloppman." I replied worried that maybe this kid might get too dependent on me. I wasn't going to be around forever, just until I could figure out how to go home. Right? What was wrong with me was I loosing myself in this time. Was I forgetting where I came from? " I'll be home later, you can sleep in my room if it makes you feel better."
He nodded and watched me walk away his face looking as if his dog had just died; I felt my heart squeezing and was just about to turn back when Jack grabbed my arm.
"He'll be fine." Jack told me as he steered me out the door and down the steps. " Spot wanted ya to come tonight and I ain't gonna have ya turnin the boys into mama's boys. They needs some comfortin, but they gotta stand on their own feet too."
I nodded and waved at Mimic who had gone to the window to watch us leave. It will be good for him. I thought, I couldn't let him get too close; I needed to wean him off onto someone else. I turned my attention to putting one foot in front of the other and followed Jack. Mush and Blink eventually caught up both excited; thankfully Mush had toned down the cologne.
"Brooklyn's bashes are the best." I heard Mush tell me as my mind a million miles away as I thought about the future. My hand rested on my necklace and I distantly heard a familiar ringing noise, my heart leapt.
"Cameo, what's wrong with ya?" Blink asked as I felt a warm light on my face. They seemed to be fading and I quickly dropped my hand. The ringing faded, the light disappeared and Blink and Mush were looking at me with fear in their eyes. Damn it why had I dropped my hand?
"Cameo?" Mush questioned cautiously. "What was that?"
"Nothing," I mumbled and pushed ahead of them. I was confused, I knew what had been about to happen and I had stopped it. Why? I had just been thinking about how I needed to go home. I didn't belong here. Did I? Was the gypsy lady right? Was I meant for this time? No, no I cannot let myself do this. I need to go home. For what? A little voice in my head asked. To a father that stopped loving you five years ago? To a stepmother that hates you? To a family you don't belong in? To a home you feel like a stranger in? The only person you ever were close to is dead Briar, gone has been for the past five years. I felt the tears gathering in my eyes and stopped my head dropping into my hands.
"Are you okay?" I head Blink ask the fear gone from his voice, only worry and concern were present. I looked up to see a look similar to his voice on his face. Blink was right behind him
"I'm fine." I said softly raising my head and blinking back the tears. " I'm fine, I don't know what happened."
Mush looked at me I knew there was fear in my eyes as I realized I really didn't want to go home. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and gave me a hug I didn't know I needed. I let him hold me for a moment then broke free, shaking my head and letting my thoughts clear a little.
"Come on boys, we have a party to attend and Spot Conlon to annoy." I said giving them a wan smile. "Dog boy's going to wish he never gave me that personal invitation."
"Dog boy?" Blink laughed " Oh that's great, bet ya she never actually says that to his face."
"Are you challenging me?" I raised an eyebrow and grinned evilly. " You think I won't?"
"Blink did ya have to open ya mouth?" Mush cried as he followed me inside the Brooklyn Lodging House. It was full people, reminding me sharply of a fraternity house in the midst of a party. Things sure didn't change, everyone had a cup of something in their hand, cigarettes made the air swirl in odd patterns, and a few couples wondered around. I knew though looking at a few of the girls these weren't cheerleaders. They had a look in their eyes that was hard and I chuckled to myself as I tried to picture them with pom-poms and pony tails.
"Well, well if it ain't the great Cameo herself." I heard him say, I turned slowly casually and leaned against the wall. I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow in a look that used to drive my mother crazy. She often threatened to shave my eyebrow to keep me from looking at her like that. It was a cocky, arrogant look that I had coined from my father and she hadn't liked it on him anymore than she did on me. I felt my look slipping as I thought of my mother, my rock, my guiding star, the greatest person I had ever known. She was lost to me now I had to move on and the day I lost her I had lost my father. It was how it had happened, how it was meant to be, nothing I could do about it.
Spot sat in a throne like chair, a few feet between it and the wall. Everything beyond the chair was in shadow. My eyes locked with his and I felt my face become a mask, hiding the fact I usually felt like a boat being tossed about in a storm. I was good at masks they were my salvation, my only way of keeping people at bay. Well my smart- assed comments usually did the trick as well, but the hardest part was there was still a part of me that wanted out. Wanted acceptance, wanted love, wanted someone who would miss me if I were gone. I shook my head; I could see the understanding in his eyes.
"Hello Rover, how are you doing?" I asked my face still frozen in the look my mother hated. I let my eyes wander lazily up him, his strong legs encased in faded black trousers, his red suspenders that I was sure at one time had been bright, his dingy white shirt rolled up to his strong biceps, his sexy sullen smirk. I found it hard to believe that Mush had told me he had been scrawny only a year ago. He wasn't rippling like Mush, but he wasn't what I would call scrawny. Lean and strong, more tone than bulk. There were murmurs through the crowd as everyone waited to see what Spot would do.
"I don't think I heard ya right, didya just call me Rover?" Spot's face was flushed and his eyes were flashing dangerously. Mush stepped behind me and put a staying hand on my shoulder that I ignored.
"I think I did," I replied my own eyes answering his challenge.
"Ya lucky you're a girl." He hissed as he stood, I had to look up at him.
"So this is the girl that's been givin ya trouble." I heard a female voice say. I watched as she stepped from the shadows moving like a predator stalking it's prey. I fought the urge to take an involuntary step back. Her hair was a honey color, medium brown at the base with soft golden highlights from the sun. Her eyes were a green as they flashed they seemed to be blue. She was dressed as I was, not in womanly clothing, as a man. She was seizing me up I could see it as she circled me, I did not move. I stood my ground and watched her my look a warning in itself.
" I don't believe I've had the pleasure." I said stiffly, my body tensed as I waited for the attack I sensed might be coming. She smiled a slow grin that didn't quite make it to her eyes.
"Glimmer." She replied " the names Glimmer."
"Cameo." I responded neither of us offered a hand, just stared each other down each letting the other know she wouldn't be dominated.
"Ya have a mouth on ya Cameo." She told me looking at her raggedy nails as she said it. " Can ya back it?"
"Would you like to see?" I asked raising my eyebrow further. She gave me that cold smile again, but I saw a glimmer of respect in her eyes.
"Maybe later we'll see what ya got." Glimmer's voice held a little more warmth than it had previously.
"Ya ain't gonna soak her?" she turned on one of the other newsies I didn't know and he took a step back. "Spot's ya brother."
"Not that ya deserve an answer." She responded, her eyes meeting Spots. "She ain't fallin in ya lap, I like her already."
She gave me a lazy grin and disappeared into the crowd. I gave Spot a triumphant grin and decided to allow Mush to pull me away.
P.S. Here you go Chelci.
I managed to get back to the Lodging House long before the boys were due home. I wanted a bath and I didn't want to be disturbed by nosy newsboys who were hoping for a peek.
"Hey Kloppman, I'm going to take a bath, keep the savages away for a little while." I called as Kloppman poked his head out from his office. I should have plenty of time, but it never hurt to be cautious. I knew Mush and Blink might come looking for me, I had left Mimic with them knowing he would be well watched after.
"There's a new set of clothes on ya bed Cameo." He said "I found some that might fit ya a little better."
"Bless you." I cried in glee a bath and clean clothed I had died and gone to heaven. I gave Kloppman a hug that nearly knocked him over and smacked a kiss on his cheek. He gave me a blushing smile as I glanced back at him while trying to run up the stairs at the same time. Big mistake, the stairs were old therefore not entirely even and very steep. I earned myself a few bruises as I managed to keep myself from tumbling down when I tripped. Kloppman just shook his head as I tried to ignore the embarrassed feeling that invariably follows a clumsy moment. You just can't help it
I surveyed the washroom as I entered it taking note of the messiness of the area. Shaking my head I made my way to the tub and began pumping water into it from the hand pump that was positioned above. I had found the clothes folded neatly on my bed. An off white colored shirt that was obviously a little warn, but still serviceable, a pair of black trousers and a dark green vest seemed like an evening gown. Somehow though Kloppman had managed to find a camisole. It appealed to my femininity in a way the other clothes could never compete with. It too was warn, it was cream the embroidery had been picked out of it, but the lace was still intact. A matching set of pantaloons that would fit nicely beneath my trousers made me practically swoon with joy. I didn't mind wearing men's clothes, but sometimes I ached for something pretty. I set my treasures on a stool I had dragged into from the other room. There was no way I was going to put my new clothes down on that dirty slab of wood the boys called a counter. I contemplated the water for a moment knowing that it hadn't been heated and I didn't have the time to heat any on the stove downstairs. Nor was I feeling that industrious anyway. Okay, Okay I'll admit it I was being lazy.
"It can't be that bad." I murmured as I stripped off my clothes and stood for a moment looking down at it. Taking a deep breath I stepped inside and the air froze in my lungs.
"Good God!" I cried when I could finally get air back into my lungs, I immediately started shivering, quickly I grabbed the bar of softly scented soap I had bought earlier in the day and began scrubbing with a vigor hoping to get the blood flowing through my veins again. No wonder the boys looked so grubby half the time I was glad I had had a father that liked to do outdoor activities. I had been on many long backpacking trips and knew how to rough it. I had to admit it had to have been the quickest bath I have ever taken though. No lounging around the tub with a glass of wine for me. Not that I could have lounged in a tub that I had to sit on my knees to get into. Finally I took the coarse fabric of the meal sacks the boys used for towels and rubbed myself dry, still not sure if it was worth it. I took the bit of fabric I had rescued from going into the rag bin and wrapped it around myself to offer what support it could, what I wouldn't have given for a bra. A corset just wasn't practical in the life I was living, I needed to be able to bend and move. Though I longingly thought of feminine clothes as I pulled on my pretty camisole and pantaloons wishing I had a dress to go with. What can I say? I'm not a girly girl, but I do like to look like a woman every now and then. I heard thundering on the stairs and Kloppman yelling as I finished buttoning up my shirt. Hurriedly I tightened the leather belt that had been added to my new wardrobe just as the door flew open and six guys peered in with wide expecting eyes. Their faces dimmed as they saw I was fully dressed.
"Ya bums!" I heard Kloppman yelling as he entered the bunkroom as swiftly as his arthritic limbs would allow.
"You were too late." I chuckled as I pushed past Jack and another newsie that I remembered being called Skittery. They groaned and dispersed some going into the washroom, others turning for their bunks.
"Did ya see anythin?" Mush cried as he stumbled into the room an irritated Crutchy had tripped him slowing his progress as best he could. I gave him a grin in thanks.
"Na, she was dressed already." Blink called from the other side of the room.
"What an ego booster I feel like Marilyn Monroe." I said shaking my head.
"Who's Marilyn Monroe?" Mimic asked as he pushed his way to me. I smiled and ruffled his hair before replying.
"Never mind." I sighed " You'll know about her if you're lucky when you're in your sixties."
"Why do I have to wait so long?" he questioned as I took Crutchy's comb from it's spot and began working the tangles out of my hair. It was long, past my waist and tangled at the thought of water so trying to get the comb through it was proving to be an irritating endeavor.
"Just trust me." I told him trying not to cuss at a large knot that I was working on. My hair was still wet and was soaking my vest. "Damn it where's the scissors?"
"Ya ain't gonna cut it are you?" Mimic asked his eyes giving me a sad look. "It's pretty."
" Okay squirt for you I'll keep it." I told him. I wouldn't have cut it anyway, it was a idle threat that anyone who knew me would have recognized. I had been threatening to cut my hair for the three years it had taken me to grow it out. It just made me feel like I had some control over it I suppose. I had always related to Amy's comment in Little Women though, when she had called Jo's hair her one true beauty. I had been blessed with thick black hair that waved if I didn't brush it right away. I watched Mimic meander off and laid back against Crutchy's bed. It was nice to have a moments quiet, well maybe not quiet, more like a moment to relax. Fifteen noisy teenage boys trying to get ready for a night on the town is never quiet.
"Mimic stop it." an irritated voice broke me from my thoughts.
"Mimic stop it." I heard my little friend say in return. I rolled my eyes well at least I knew where he had gotten his name. Kids, they loved to annoy those they liked the most I wondered if I should let Race know that little secret.
"Mimic." I saw Race come around the corner " if ya don't cut it out I'm gonna soak ya."
"Mimic." My little charge replied in perfect cadence and tone " If ya don't cut it out I'm gonna soak ya."
"Mimic." I called as Race turned on him. Mimic grinned at Race and dodged past him to stand in front of me. So much for a moment of relaxation. "Stop."
"Mimic." He started. I clapped my hand over his mouth and gave him that look that all women know how to give, that warned him exactly how dire a punishment he was going to get if he finished his sentence. It is commonly referred to as the "Mom" look, but older girls learn it as soon as they have little kids to boss around. He shut up and Race gave me a thankful look. I choked as Mush walked past me reeking of cheep cologne.
"Mush you're not supposed to bathe in the stuff." I gagged.
"Ya think it's too much?" He asked worriedly. " I don't want the girls to avoid me."
"Honey with that stuff, they'll run before they see you." I replied with watering eyes. He shrugged and headed back into the washroom to wash some of it off I hoped.
"Ya ready?" Jack asked me as he finished buttoning up his shirt and wrapped his red bandanna around his neck. I stood giving Mimic a hug as I nodded.
"Do ya have to go?" Mimic asked " Can I come?"
"Yes and no." I chuckled as I stood.
"Please don't go." He looked at me with fearful eyes. " What if the nightmare comes?"
"Then you'll go get Kloppman." I replied worried that maybe this kid might get too dependent on me. I wasn't going to be around forever, just until I could figure out how to go home. Right? What was wrong with me was I loosing myself in this time. Was I forgetting where I came from? " I'll be home later, you can sleep in my room if it makes you feel better."
He nodded and watched me walk away his face looking as if his dog had just died; I felt my heart squeezing and was just about to turn back when Jack grabbed my arm.
"He'll be fine." Jack told me as he steered me out the door and down the steps. " Spot wanted ya to come tonight and I ain't gonna have ya turnin the boys into mama's boys. They needs some comfortin, but they gotta stand on their own feet too."
I nodded and waved at Mimic who had gone to the window to watch us leave. It will be good for him. I thought, I couldn't let him get too close; I needed to wean him off onto someone else. I turned my attention to putting one foot in front of the other and followed Jack. Mush and Blink eventually caught up both excited; thankfully Mush had toned down the cologne.
"Brooklyn's bashes are the best." I heard Mush tell me as my mind a million miles away as I thought about the future. My hand rested on my necklace and I distantly heard a familiar ringing noise, my heart leapt.
"Cameo, what's wrong with ya?" Blink asked as I felt a warm light on my face. They seemed to be fading and I quickly dropped my hand. The ringing faded, the light disappeared and Blink and Mush were looking at me with fear in their eyes. Damn it why had I dropped my hand?
"Cameo?" Mush questioned cautiously. "What was that?"
"Nothing," I mumbled and pushed ahead of them. I was confused, I knew what had been about to happen and I had stopped it. Why? I had just been thinking about how I needed to go home. I didn't belong here. Did I? Was the gypsy lady right? Was I meant for this time? No, no I cannot let myself do this. I need to go home. For what? A little voice in my head asked. To a father that stopped loving you five years ago? To a stepmother that hates you? To a family you don't belong in? To a home you feel like a stranger in? The only person you ever were close to is dead Briar, gone has been for the past five years. I felt the tears gathering in my eyes and stopped my head dropping into my hands.
"Are you okay?" I head Blink ask the fear gone from his voice, only worry and concern were present. I looked up to see a look similar to his voice on his face. Blink was right behind him
"I'm fine." I said softly raising my head and blinking back the tears. " I'm fine, I don't know what happened."
Mush looked at me I knew there was fear in my eyes as I realized I really didn't want to go home. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and gave me a hug I didn't know I needed. I let him hold me for a moment then broke free, shaking my head and letting my thoughts clear a little.
"Come on boys, we have a party to attend and Spot Conlon to annoy." I said giving them a wan smile. "Dog boy's going to wish he never gave me that personal invitation."
"Dog boy?" Blink laughed " Oh that's great, bet ya she never actually says that to his face."
"Are you challenging me?" I raised an eyebrow and grinned evilly. " You think I won't?"
"Blink did ya have to open ya mouth?" Mush cried as he followed me inside the Brooklyn Lodging House. It was full people, reminding me sharply of a fraternity house in the midst of a party. Things sure didn't change, everyone had a cup of something in their hand, cigarettes made the air swirl in odd patterns, and a few couples wondered around. I knew though looking at a few of the girls these weren't cheerleaders. They had a look in their eyes that was hard and I chuckled to myself as I tried to picture them with pom-poms and pony tails.
"Well, well if it ain't the great Cameo herself." I heard him say, I turned slowly casually and leaned against the wall. I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow in a look that used to drive my mother crazy. She often threatened to shave my eyebrow to keep me from looking at her like that. It was a cocky, arrogant look that I had coined from my father and she hadn't liked it on him anymore than she did on me. I felt my look slipping as I thought of my mother, my rock, my guiding star, the greatest person I had ever known. She was lost to me now I had to move on and the day I lost her I had lost my father. It was how it had happened, how it was meant to be, nothing I could do about it.
Spot sat in a throne like chair, a few feet between it and the wall. Everything beyond the chair was in shadow. My eyes locked with his and I felt my face become a mask, hiding the fact I usually felt like a boat being tossed about in a storm. I was good at masks they were my salvation, my only way of keeping people at bay. Well my smart- assed comments usually did the trick as well, but the hardest part was there was still a part of me that wanted out. Wanted acceptance, wanted love, wanted someone who would miss me if I were gone. I shook my head; I could see the understanding in his eyes.
"Hello Rover, how are you doing?" I asked my face still frozen in the look my mother hated. I let my eyes wander lazily up him, his strong legs encased in faded black trousers, his red suspenders that I was sure at one time had been bright, his dingy white shirt rolled up to his strong biceps, his sexy sullen smirk. I found it hard to believe that Mush had told me he had been scrawny only a year ago. He wasn't rippling like Mush, but he wasn't what I would call scrawny. Lean and strong, more tone than bulk. There were murmurs through the crowd as everyone waited to see what Spot would do.
"I don't think I heard ya right, didya just call me Rover?" Spot's face was flushed and his eyes were flashing dangerously. Mush stepped behind me and put a staying hand on my shoulder that I ignored.
"I think I did," I replied my own eyes answering his challenge.
"Ya lucky you're a girl." He hissed as he stood, I had to look up at him.
"So this is the girl that's been givin ya trouble." I heard a female voice say. I watched as she stepped from the shadows moving like a predator stalking it's prey. I fought the urge to take an involuntary step back. Her hair was a honey color, medium brown at the base with soft golden highlights from the sun. Her eyes were a green as they flashed they seemed to be blue. She was dressed as I was, not in womanly clothing, as a man. She was seizing me up I could see it as she circled me, I did not move. I stood my ground and watched her my look a warning in itself.
" I don't believe I've had the pleasure." I said stiffly, my body tensed as I waited for the attack I sensed might be coming. She smiled a slow grin that didn't quite make it to her eyes.
"Glimmer." She replied " the names Glimmer."
"Cameo." I responded neither of us offered a hand, just stared each other down each letting the other know she wouldn't be dominated.
"Ya have a mouth on ya Cameo." She told me looking at her raggedy nails as she said it. " Can ya back it?"
"Would you like to see?" I asked raising my eyebrow further. She gave me that cold smile again, but I saw a glimmer of respect in her eyes.
"Maybe later we'll see what ya got." Glimmer's voice held a little more warmth than it had previously.
"Ya ain't gonna soak her?" she turned on one of the other newsies I didn't know and he took a step back. "Spot's ya brother."
"Not that ya deserve an answer." She responded, her eyes meeting Spots. "She ain't fallin in ya lap, I like her already."
She gave me a lazy grin and disappeared into the crowd. I gave Spot a triumphant grin and decided to allow Mush to pull me away.