In the rush of running, I mumbled "for mother." Then, me and Dave quickly turn into the alleyway. Two large guys against one small kid, my blood was up.

"Well, well lookie here, it's Davey boy and no Jack around to save him. Whose the little girl Davey? No one special to ya I hope." One of them said coming close to me and grabbing my arm.

"Let her go" David said slowly.

"We were lookin to make ya worried, but nevah expected ya to bring us somethin to help"

"I said Let her go"

"After she gives me a kiss"

"A big strong guy like you?" I said batting my eyes, "I don't think so." I flipped him over my head. At that moment the face of the other drains, he reaches for the other.

"Come on Morris, it's HIS twin! Let's get out of here!"

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah, who are you?"

"Just call her the Thorns"

I gasped. He knows! Well I guess he would figure it out, it was pretty obvious.

"What did you tell that kid?"

"You are Thorns aren't you, the hero Spot was talking about"

"I'm not trying to be a hero"

"To that kid you were"

"How did you figure it out?"

"Oh come on! The Delancy brothers might have figured you had a twin brother, but you haven't said a word about him. Besides, Rose and her thorns? It's a dead giveaway when you know your real name."

"You won't tell anyone?"

"Spot is bound to find out"

"But you won't tell anyone?"

"No, not if you don't want me to"

"Please, I don't."

"Then I won't" he said simply.

We walked into the night and on to...home.

...............................................................................................................................................

The next day was bright and beautiful and TOO early. It was the best sleep that I had since Cecilia came back to the orphanage. He had been right; his parents were all but overjoyed. It seemed that they really missed their daughter. I tried to find out what had happened to her. Why she had left a family that adored her? Not much was said, and I had the feeling that I was not to know…. at least for now. I helped Mrs. Jacobs with breakfast while Mr. Jacobs, the eternal optimist, told them about a possible job. David had this look on his face, like someone who has had to face the facts and doesn't believe a word said, but he didn't say anything. He just smiled at his father, "Good, dad. That's good."

I think Mrs. Jacobs was a little horrified that I put on pants and hid my hair under my hat.

"But dear, your hair is so pretty. Why would you hide it?" What could I say? How could I tell her the truth? Besides, she was talking about MY hair, I more thought that my hair was like a battle zone.

"It keeps it out of my way, habit I guess," I shrugged.

"Don't hide your soul with it," she warned. What? What was she really talking about it? Les came yawning into the room and morning bustled onward.

"Let's go sell!" Les yowled with excitement.

"Alright, alright. We will see you tonight. Love you." David answered hugging his mom and clasping his father's hand. The look in his father's eye, Mr. Jacobs seemed to be shining with feeling. Thank you, it hurts me so much that you have to sacrifice yourself.

"Ready Ang?" Dave startled me out of thought. Did I really see that?

"Uh, yeah. Thank you so much Mr. & Mrs. Jacobs, I really appreciate what you are doing for me."

"Dear, you can stop thanking us, once was enough. And Please call us Mayer and Ester, we are friends now."

"Thank you," I said softly as we left the apartment.