Author note: Well, here's Chapter Seven…

I awoke the next morning, jolting up in my bed. I sighed and was relieved to find myself still in the girl's bunk room. I pulled the sheets off of my body and rose from the bed. I stretched and made my way to the washroom.

I was worried sick about the others. Have they gotten back yet? After washing up and changing, I left the bunk room and peeked into the boy's room. Nobody was here. I gulped and ran downstairs, searching for any life forms. I found none, and ran a hand through my hair. Oh God please let them be okay, I prayed.

I ran back upstairs to my room, and grabbed a piece of paper and a writing utensil. I began to sketch out the first thing that came to mind. It was Central Park. Central Park is so peaceful, and you could just forget all of your problems there. I wanted it to be peaceful. I wanted all of my stress to go away, and to know that all of my friends were okay.

I moved from my bed and sat on the windowsill, hoping to see the Brooklynites return from their fight. I was praying every second I could for a safe return, but they weren't showing up.

Maybe I should go see if they're okay…I thought. I glanced around the room to find anything that could help me forget about my friends. Nothing. Nothing around. I glanced out the window, and I couldn't believe my eyes.

"They're back!" They were walking up the sidewalk…Somebody was being held up by Dice and Tick. He seemed to be in bad condition. I couldn't tell who it was, so I ran downstairs to let them in. I opened the door as the boys filed in, bloody and tired. I held back my tears of joy, sadness, and worry.

I then turned to Dice and Tick to see who it was they were helping. I gasped and stared at Art. He was beat up pretty bad, and his bloody form made me gag. I wanted to help him, but blood sometimes makes me queasy. Sure, a little blood is okay, but that much just makes me want to throw up. I looked away. Somebody was missing.

"Where's Spot?" I asked. Spark appeared beside me.

"He should arrive soon, he's makin sure Jack and da udder Manhattaners are okay." I sighed in relief, and began to help the boys that didn't make me want to throw up. I bandaged wounds, and disinfected scratches. Some of the boys just left to the boy's bunk room, probably to clean themselves up.

"What happened?" I asked Dice as I "healed" his wounds. He winced, and responded,

"We beat 'em. Dem suckas didn't know what hit 'em when da udder Brooklyn newsies showed up," he laughed.

"So why did it take you so long?" I asked. He shrugged,

"Dey put up a good fight." I nodded, and heard the front door open. I twirled around to face a very tired looking Spot. He looked bad, but not worse than Art, who was getting assistance from one of the other newsies. I finished with what I was doing, and ran over to him. He looked at me with drowsy eyes, and then collapsed. I gasped, and immediately dropped to my knees. He seemed to still be awake.

I gently laid his head in my lap and ordered one of the boys to bring me the first-aid kit. He obeyed and tossed it to me. I tried with all my might to not hurt Spot, and succeeded…kind of. At times he would wince, or whimper.

It took forever for me to finish fixing him up, but that was only because I didn't want to hurt him. The boys gently picked him up and carried him up to the bunk room. I stayed where I was.

Thank you, God…I stood to my feet and went back up to my room, washing my hands. I felt like flying now. I don't know why, but I believe I earned my wings. It felt good knowing that everyone was safe. I lay on my bed, breathing steadily. Maybe I should check on him, just to be safe…and maybe he can tell me if the others in Manhattan are okay.

I got out of my bed, and walked over to the boy's room. I knocked softly, and heard someone tell me that it was safe to come in. I opened the door slightly, and peered in. In the bunk closest to the door lay Art, unconscious. I looked over at Splinter. He sat on the windowsill, reading a book.

"Hey," he said.

"Hi." I looked for Spot, and found him somewhere in the middle. His eyes were now closed, probably sleeping.

"Is he going to be okay?" I asked Splinter.

"Sure, hope so. Why do you care so much about him?" he questioned. I didn't take my eyes off of Spot.

"Because he saved me," I said. Splinter raised an eyebrow.

"From what?"

"From life." I glanced up at Splinter, who looked to be a bit confused.

"Whateva," he said, leaving the room. Maybe I should leave…I turned towards the door, but before I could get anywhere, I heard a voice.

"Goin somewhere?" I turned around and looked at Spot. He was smirking, his eyes wide open.

"Were you awake this whole time?" I asked. He nodded, and chuckled.

"Yup, I was." I sighed and shook my head.

"How are you doing?" I asked.

"Better than before," he responded. I nodded and pulled up a chair beside his bed.

"Thanks," he said. I tilted my head,

"For what?"

"For getting help and fixing my wounds." I shrugged,

"It was nothing," I told him. He shook his head,

"It was everything. Well, maybe it wouldn't be to some spoiled, rich brat, but not to a newsy," he said. I smiled,

"Well, in that case you're welcome." He smiled, as the door to the room opened. The both of us looked to see who it was.

"Hey," Dice greeted us. Spot nodded, and I responded,

"Hey, Dice. How are you feeling?" Dice grinned,

"Better than ever, me love." Spot rolled his eyes, and I laughed.

"Good," I said. He bowed and then turned his attention to Spot.

"Jack was askin 'bout youse. Wanted to know if youse were okay."

"I'm fine, I can handle anythin," he responded, putting on that bad boy look. I shook my head,

"When will you give up?" I asked. He looked at me,

"Spot Conlon never gives up. On anythin!"

This boy has pride…a lot of pride. Dice chuckled and strolled over to my side,

"And how 'bout you, Sage? How is you feeling?" I smiled,

"I'm okay, knowing that you guys are safe."

"Yeah, youse know what happened when youse left last night? After dat Harlem jerk kissed you, Spot and me beat 'em up." He smiled, and looked proud.

"Why thank you, my prince charming," I said. He blushed,

"Welcome, Cinderella." I laughed, and turned to Spot.

"Thanks," I told him. He raised his eyebrows,

"Don't thank me, thank yer boyfriend there. He did a good numba on da poor guy." I glared at him, and Dice blushed even more.

"Boyfriend?" I questioned. Spot shrugged,

"Youse two act like youse is a couple, so I assumed-"

"Well maybe you shouldn't assume!" I snapped. Spot flinched,

"Gees, Sage. I was jokin," he said. I got up, and walked towards the door,

"Whatever," I said, before leaving. I was so upset that I had forgotten to ask about Jack and the others. I'm sure that they were safe, but I still needed to know.

I wondered downstairs where some of the boys still were. Some were playing poker, and others were doing other unimportant things. Guess they don't want to rest, I thought.

I found Splinter still reading his book, sitting in a chair beside the table where the other boys were playing poker.

"Hey, Splinter," I said. Splinter looked up, and grinned,

"Hiya, Sage." I sat in the chair beside him,

"Tell me something. Is Jack and the others okay?" I asked. Splinter closed his book, and glanced over at me.

"Yeah, dey were okay. Jack wasn't too bad, and Scout was okay. Probably 'cause Spot and Jack kept interfering with her fights. Dey was worried dat she'd get hoit."

"Good. I'm glad everyone is okay," I said, with a sigh of relief.

"So, how's Spot doin?" he asked me. I shrugged,

"Still the same bad boy of Brooklyn," I responded, rolling my eyes. Splinter laughed,

"Spot has too much pride."

"Exactly! What's up with that?" I asked. Splinter shrugged,

"I guess being in control of da newsies does dat to you."

"But Jack doesn't act like that."

"True. Maybe it's just Spot," Splinter said, chuckling. I looked away, and responded,

"What's his real name?" Splinter raised his eyebrows,

"Dunno. I don' think anybody does," he said. I turned my gaze back to him,

"Why hide your names?"

"We newsies have our reasons," was Splinter's reply. I nodded, and rose from the chair.

"Where ya goin?" Splinter asked me.

"Don't know. Probably to the docks," I told him. Splinter nodded, and continued to read his book. I left the Lodging House, and prayed that I could remember the way.

My memory wasn't bad, but then again… I was surprised that I had actually found my way. I mentally patted my back and walked on the docks, feeling the cool air rush by me. I wonder what's going on in California. I wonder what my fathers doing right now.

There was barely anybody on the docks, so everything was peaceful. I liked quiet. I'm not quite sure as to why, but I just do. I guess after Sam died I just needed to be alone. Maybe it was my fault that she died. Maybe she'd still be alive if I hadn't have bothered her.

I sat down, and let my legs hang over the side. This time I kept a close eye on the people passing by me. I didn't want a repeat of last time.

I don't know how long I stayed out there exactly, and I didn't really care. It's probably been a couple of hours. I felt somebody's presence near me. I looked up to find Scout grinning down at me.

"Hey," she said, taking a seat next to me. I smiled,

"Hey."

"Watchya doin?" she asked.

"Waiting for the world to end," I joked. She let out a small laugh, and took off her gray cabby hat.

"How's Spot doin?" she asked me. I shrugged,

"He's okay I guess." She nodded, and closed her eyes and responded,

"I'm gonna kill him and Jack." I laughed,

"Why?"

"Because dey kept 'rescuing' my ass, like dey were all dat or somethin."

"Well, at least you have family, and a friend who cares for you." I looked down, and studied the water.

"Yeah, well, sometimes dat ain't a good thing," she said. I glanced at her,

"I wish my uncle still cared for me. I didn't have any cousins, and my sister died when I was seven." Scout lowered her head.

"I know how ya feel."

"What do you mean?" I asked her.

"My little brother died, too. I think that's why Spot is always actin like a brotha to me." I frowned,

"I'm sorry to hear." Scout shrugged,

"It's all in da past."

"So, what did you come here for?" I asked her. She smiled, and rose to her feet,

"Ta check up on me stubborn cousin." I also stood, and smiled at her. We soon headed for the Lodging House.

We talked all the way there, becoming more acquainted with each other. She reminded me so much of Sam, because Sam was always tough and pretty.

We entered the Lodging House, and were greeted with people running up and hugging Scout. She laughed,

"Hiya, boys. Where's me cousin?" Tick led us up the stairs.

"He's in dere," he said, pointing to the door. Scout nodded, and opened the door. She looked surprised when I didn't follow her.

"You comin, Sage?" she asked. I shook my head,

"No, you go ahead. I'm just going to go to my room." I turned around and walked off. Scout shrugged, and entered her cousin's room.

Audience P.O.V

Scout scanned the bodies in the bunks, until she came upon her cousin. She rolled her eyes, and sat down in the chair beside his bed.

"Wake up, you lazy scab!" she said. Spot opened his eyes, and glared.

"Go home," he told her, pulling the sheets over his head. Scout shook her head and pulled the covers down.

"Hey!" Spot protested.

"What? Can't yer cousin check up on ya?" Spot shook his head,

"No, now leave!"

Scout placed her hands on her hips,

"Quit being lazy, you ain't hoit dat bad," she told him. Spot groaned, and rolled over to his side.

"Don't you have other people to bother?" he asked.

"Sure I do, but I put dat on hold so I could come ova and check up on my cocky ass cousin!"

"Speak for yerself," Spot responded with a slight laugh. Scout rolled her eyes,

"You may be older dan me, but I can still kick yer ass!" Spot grunted,

"Yeah right," he said. Scout shrugged,

"Okay, maybe I can't, but I'm sure Sage can…" Scout said, trying her best to hit her cousin's soft spot. Spot turned over and peered at her.

"What are you talkin about?" he asked.

"C'mon, Spot. We's all know dat you wouldn't hoit a goil, unless it was yer cousin," Scout said. Spot rolled his eyes,

"Whateva." Scout glanced at the window,

"So, why are you still in bed? Don't youse have papes ta sell?"

"Do I look like I wanna sell papes?" Spot growled. Scout shrugged,

"Sure ya do! Now get up!" Spot groaned and reached for his cane. He grabbed it off the floor and swung it at his cousin.

Scout stepped back, and laughed.

"Okay, youse stay in here all day. I don' care. I'm gonna go hang out with Sage. Bye." And with that said Scout left the room, whistling a soft tune to herself.

Author note: I don't really think that this chapter had a purpose, so hopefully the next one will. If this starts to get boring, just tell me and I'll try my best to fix it.