Author note: My computer hates me, and if it didn't then these chapter would be updated quicker.

I awoke remembering the events of the night before, and smiled to myself as I rose from my bed. I quickly washed up and changed into a pair of clean clothes, and merrily skipped downstairs.

The Christmas stuff was still up, making my smile widen. I turned into the main room and glanced at the Christmas tree. Mistletoe was still hanging everywhere, making me cautious as to not step under one with one of the boys. I'll make an acception with Spot, though.

Speaking of Spot, the great newsies leader sat at the round table, turning the pages of a book.

"Hey!" I said, taking a seat beside him. Spot cocked an eyebrow as he looked up from his book.

"What has youse so happy?" he asked, turning another page.

"I don't know," I replied, glancing over at the book. It looked to be a novel, and it also looked as if he were skipping pages. "What're you doin?" I asked. Spot raised his eyebrows, and looked back down at the book.

"Jus' findin somethin ta do," he replied. I shrugged as somebody entered the room. I looked up, and my smile faded as I saw Art. He smiled meekly at me.

"G'mornin, Sage," he said with a slight bow. Spot sighed and rolled his eyes, going back to turning the pages of the book. I slightly laughed and turned towards Art.

"Good morning, Art," I said, giving him a fake smile. "Is there something I can help you with?" Art glanced over at Spot, and then turned his attention fully on me.

"I was wonderin if youse came up with an answer yet…" he said, hope ringing in his voice. I sighed and stared down at the floor. I hadn't even thought about it; I couldn't think about anything but that kiss when I'm around Spot. Spot didn't make any movement as he listened to our conversation.

"I, uh, need more time," I lied, looking up at him. Art sighed and nodded.

"Okay, I guess. Take as much time as youse need." He then sent me a smile before walking into the kitchen, leaving an awkward silence behind. I looked over at Spot, who was boredly flipping through the pages of the book.

"So," he started, not looking up. "What's goin on with youse and Art?" he asked, as if he didn't know.

"He, uh, asked me to be his girl," I said, hoping to find a look of jealousy on Spot's face. Instead there was amusement.

"Really now? Is he da one you spent all yer money on and starved for?"

"No!" I snapped, glaring at Spot. A smirk appeared on his face as he turned over another page.

"Well, it looked like it was ta me," he said, yawning. He leaned back in his chair and placed his hat onto the table. His messy brown hair fell into his face as he tried to comb it out with his fingers. His deep, crimson suspenders were at his sides, and his shirt was only half buttoned; it looked as if he was too sleepy to dress completely.

"Well…you don't know what you're saying!" was all I could come up with. Spot chuckled and rose from the table. He looked down at me with his grey eyes, and seemed to be studying my face. I instantly looked away as his smirk deepened, and his lips were tempting. I pushed a strand of blonde hair behind my ear and studied the wall.

"Well then," Spot said, causing me to snap out of my trance like state. "We should get some food." He grabbed the hat off of the table and slipped it onto his head. He then finished buttoning up his shirt, and pulled his suspenders over his shoulders.

"C'mon Matthews," he motioned me to follow. I rose from the table and followed him out into the foyer. He pulled his dark brown coat off of the coat rack, and pulled it on. He then pulled another off and tossed it to me.

"Who's is this?" I asked, slipping to too large coat onto my body. I remembered wearing it twice yesterday; the first time when we left to pick up some stuff for Wades, and the second time when Spot took me out to that restaurant place.

"It's mine," Spot said, holding his cane in his right hand, as he used the other to open the door. I followed him out into the cold weather, and shivered underneath the thick jacket. Spot walked at a slow/fast pace, easy enough for me to keep up with.

A strong breeze brushed by, blowing my hair, and causing me to shiver even more.

"It's cold!" I whined, slowing my pace to keep warm. Spot didn't seem to react to the cold air and kept his easy pace. My feet sunk deep into the snow, and I pulled my feet up to walk. I sighed in frustration as the snow flooded my shoes, and melted against my feet. Great, I thought. Now I'm going to have frost bite!

Spot opened the door to the restaurant that the newsies often ate at, and let me go in first. He followed, and shut the door gently behind him. He scanned the place quickly before walking over to our regular table and sitting down in his regular seat. I did the same, and stared down at the table. I yawned to myself, and felt Spot's eyes on me.

"What?" I asked, annoyance in my voice. Spot didn't respond. Instead, his eyes left me and landed on the wealthy girls who were entering the restaurant. They were talking amongst themselves, and I recognized them to be the girls who were flirting with Spot on my first day of being a newsy.

I rolled my eyes as they saw Spot and began to giggle. I took in a deep breath, and let it out slowly as the waiter approached us.

"Good morning," he said politely, holding a pen and paper in his hands. "What can I get you?" Spot ordered breakfast for the both of us, and two coffees, in which I was thankful for. The waiter scribbled on the paper, and smiled before leaving. I tightened the jacket around my body and shivered again.

"It ain't that cold," Spot said calmly as he admired the ceiling. I sniffed, and looked away.

"Yeah it is. I'm not use to the snow like you are," I told him, glancing out the window. Newsies were already out and carrying the banner. I held back the urge to yawn, and succeeded at the least. I heard giggling coming from the group of girls again, and turned my attention over to them. They seemed to be laughing at…me? I gave them an intense glare, which shut them up quickly. I smiled in triumph and grinned as the waiter quickly came back with breakfast.

"Thank you," I said sweetly. The waiter blushed and nodded. Spot merely rolled his eyes at sipped the cup of coffee in front of him. I bit into my eggs and felt the warmth dissolve in my mouth. Breakfast was probably one of the best parts of the day; I don't know why I adored it so much, I just did.

I didn't take long until I was full. I placed the fork down onto my plate and sipped some more of my coffee. Spot had only eaten a few bites; he looked to be in serious thought. He stared down intensely at the table, and his face was completely blank with a tint of seriousness. He then raised his head and stared at me.

"Sage?" I shot my head up and gave him a questioning look. "Do youse think I'm too bossy?" I smiled, which turned into a grin, which turned into a small laugh.

"Why are you asking me?" I asked, putting my cup of coffee down onto the table. Spot shrugged.

"I dunno…I jus' wanted ta know," he said, propping his elbows up onto the table. I stared at him for a second, and smiled at his serious look.

"Well, you can get bossy at times, but I'm sure it's for the best." Spot sighed and stared down at his food.

"So, what's yer answer?" he asked, not making eye contact with me.

"What?" I asked confused.

"Youse know, yer answer for Art…" My eyes wandered around the room for a minute.

"I, uh, I'm not sure yet," I said truthfully. "Art is a nice guy and all-"

"So he isn't the one youse starved for?" Spot interrupted. I shook my head and continued.

"Art just seems to be taking things a little too fast for me." Spot sighed deeply and peered out the window as if he was disappointed.

"So, who did youse starve for?"

"You'll just have to find out," I said, trying to keep a serious face. I was a bit surprised that Spot didn't know that the gift he was wearing around his neck was from me. I brought my hand up to my locket and a smile crept up to my lips. It couldn't have been from Spot, because he said he wasn't buying anything for anyone. I sighed deeply, and Spot gave me a confused look before noticing the necklace around my neck. He had seen it before, but only smiled.

"Dat looks expensive," he said, picking up his cup of coffee and sipping the warm liquid.

"I would believe so," I said, placing my hand back down onto the table. Spot's eyes twinkled as he smiled.

"Yeah, well, I should know since I got if for youse," Spot said, looking away. My eyebrows rose in confusion as he avoided eye contact.

"What?" was all I could come up with. Spot got me the locket?

"I said-"

"I know, I heard you. What I mean is, why?" Spot sighed and shook his head.

"'Cause I felt like bein generous." He looked away and stared at the ground. There was a look of sadness on his face as he took another sip of his coffee.

"Spot, I…" I stared down at the pocket watch around his neck. He already knew that I had bought something for someone…someone special. If I told him that it was him, then he'd probably think I was some kind of obsessed freak. He bought me the locket with the goodness of his heart. I bought him the watch with…well, something hard to explain.

I sighed deeply and shook my head.

"I…I have to go," I said, pushing myself out of the chair and laying a few coins down onto the table.

"What? Why?" Spot asked.

"I…I just have to," I said, twirling around and walking for the door. I could feel Spot's eyes on me, and when I looked back I almost felt guilty. He had a look of hurt in his eyes. I then gave him a quick smile and mouthed the words, "Thank you," and I swore I saw him smile.

I quickly walked past people, and tried to keep my thoughts straight. I do not; I repeat do not have feelings for Spot Conlon. It was that damned kiss! It was like he hypnotized me! That damn mistletoe.

Something was tugging at my heart. My mind told me to go to the distribution center, but my heart told me to go somewhere else. I made a decision and followed my heart, which was leading me nowhere.

I turned down a street that looked quite familiar, but then again it was also alien. My eyes scanned the huge, expensive houses. This was the street for those wealthy people; so why was I here? I then came to a sudden stop, and turned to an empty space. My heart got caught in my throat as I realized where I was at. Images of the fire, the screaming, and the pain flashed back into my mind as I stared at the empty space where my uncle's mansion used to sit.

I stepped back a bit, biting my lip so I wouldn't cry. Why was I here? Something moved slightly under a pile of sticks as the wind tried pushing them aside. I looked around at the people passing me, and silently made my way up to the empty space. I kicked at sticks as I tried to walk quickly to that thing. I bent down and pushed a few sticks out of my way and peered down at a crumpled up piece of paper.

The breeze pushed my hair into my face, and I pushed it back with my hand as I picked the piece of paper up. It was an envelope…addressed to me. I traced my fingers over my name. "Miss Sage Matthews." I licked my lips and turned it over, deciding on whether or not to open it.

I shrugged and tore at the envelope; it was addressed to me. I pulled the parchment out of the envelope and carefully unfolded it. I then began to read.

Dearest Sage,

I miss you so, my daughter. In time we shall meet up again. I just wanted to apologize for the pain I have caused you. I didn't mean to hurt your mother; I was out of my mind. I hope you find the will to forgive me. I am writing to you to tell you that I shall soon be released, and I will come for you.

I want you to know that I care for you, and always will. It should be about six more months and I can come back. I noticed your lack of writing. Haven't you gotten my other letters? I must've written to you a million times, and this should make a million and one.

A tear slowly slipped down my cheek as I read on.

I'm sorry if I broke your heart, and let you down. I just want you to know that I love you. I guess after what happened to Samantha, I became a bit depressed. I already lost one of my baby girls, and I don't want to lose my last and youngest one. I've been thinking of you every night before I close my eyes and sleep, and I've also been thinking of your mother.

I keep wondering what life would be like if she were still here. I keep wondering what life would be like if Samantha were here, too. You do not deserve a life like this, and I just want to say that I'm sorry. I am no longer the man I used to be after Samantha's death; I have now returned to being your loving father. I just need to see your face and make sure that you are alright. I haven't seen you in forever!

Give your mother my love in your prayers, and pray for me to get out safely. Just remember this: a father's love lasts forever. Please find it in your heart to forgive me.

With much love,

Daddy.

"That bastard," I whispered before dropping to my knees and letting endless tears fall.

Next Chapter: Sage found a mysterious letter that her father wrote her. Will she find the courage to write him back? Does she still love him?

What happens when Sage meets up with the murderer again? Will she finally tell Spot?

Author note: Sorry I didn't get this one out earlier; my mother was working on the computer. LONG LIVE SPOT!