Chapter 13

July 19, 1892

Alex smiled, glad he was finally eleven. He went over to Jack, and said, "You know what taday is?"

"What?"

"Me birthday," he said.

"Happy birthday, Alex. How old are ya?"

"Eleven." Jack nodded, and said, "Happy birthday, Alex…" Blink walked over, and said, "Heya.." "It's Alex's birthday, taday," Jack said. Blink looked at him.

"Really?"

"Yep."

"Happy birthday. You really do remind me of me sistah cauz dis is her birthday too," he said.

Jack and Alex sat on the statue later that night, and talked.

"Jack, I don' tink dis relationship is gonna work at all," Alex said.

"What?" "I mean us, as a couple. It just won' work," she said.

"Why not?"

"Cuz it's too hard ta be witchu when all ya newsies are around. And you and Crutchy are da only ones who know Ima goil! It's hard ta hug ya, or kiss ya, or anyting like dat when we around people, and we'se always around people," she said.

"I guess your right…you wanna split up, dontcha?" Jack asked, looking over at her.

"Yeah, but its not your fault. It's just too complicated," she said. She kissed his cheek, and headed into the lodging house. Jack sighed sadly, and followed her.

"Hey, Kidah!" he called. She turned around, and said, "Yeah?"

"We'se still buds, right?" he asked.

"Of course."

Alex walked over to Jack, and said, "Dontcha gotta see someone taday?" Jack thought for a second, then slapped his forehead.

"Oh, yeah. You wanna come? I'se goin ta Brooklyn," he said. Alex nodded, and followed him and Race to the bridge.

"C'mon, guys, wait up! It's hard ta run taday!" he cried, going as quickly as he could. He had moved around a lot the night before, making him all sore the next day. Jack stopped, and let Alex catch up. "Tank you," he said, and they continued across the bridge.

Alex froze when he realized that they had gone to see Spot. Being the girl she was, she knew it would be tough to keep it a secret: she had a crush on him. It was killing her! However, her father had taught her to be strong, no matter what, so she did what she could not to make it noticeable. And, by the end of the day, it worked. But Spot knew she was a girl. Jack and Race were standing on the docks, waiting for Alex to catch up, but he was talking to Spot.

"What's up, Spot?"

"Yer Emily, aintcha?" he asked. She looked around, and nodded.

"But, shhh…Jack and Crutchy are da only newsies dat know dat…" He nodded.

"I wanna ask you sumtin…" Alex looked at him.

"What?" Spot looked away, and stepped closer.

"Wouldju be me goilfriend?" he asked. Emmy looked at him.

"Spot, I…" She froze. She was gonna say know, but her mind took over.

What are you, insane! Say yes! Emily smiled.

"Course. Now, I'se gotta get goin'…" she said, patted his shoulder, and took off with Jack and Race.

That night, she lay up and thought.

I'se jist broke up wit' Jack…and now I'm dating Spot? Sumtin's not right 'bout dat…but he's in Brooklyn. No one'll know.

The End