Author note: Heh…been awhile, huh? Terribly sorry for the misery and waiting and whatnot. I'm going back to the hospital Tuesday so hopefully I can get some chapters in.

Drenched in my cold sweat I pushed myself to my knees and looked over the bed, finding the space empty and unoccupied.

A loud banging noise from outside my door echoed through my ears and I jumped from the fearful quietness turning into a loud racket. I looked towards the door, swallowing the lump in my throat shortly after and regaining my composure.

"Anomie!" a voice boomed from the hallway. "Anomie, are you alright?"

I glared at the door and retrieved one of my shoes from the floor and hurled it at the closed entrance to my room. "Go away, Spot!" I snapped.

My shoe hit the door and landed on the floor, the desperate knocking stopping. "Open da door," the Brooklyn leader demanded.

I got to my feet and looked once more where a child once was, finding it to still be empty. The boy had miraculously disappeared, only to remain in my memory, leaving me to feel foolish and angered.

"Anomie, I said open da door," Spot's voice said once again.

"Nomes, are you okay?" Daniel's voice asked, worry easily recognizable.

My feet patted across the wooden floor and I fumbled with the lock. I swiftly opened the door and glared intently at the newsie leader who stood firmly with his arms crossed. His stare was cold and worried.

"What do you want?" I inquired, mimicking his posture.

"Is everythin' okay?" he asked with no care in his question.

"Why should you be concerned?" I questioned.

Spot narrowed his eyes but kept his cool. "Why are you such a pain?"

"Goodnight Spot," I said through gritted teeth as I closed the door and locked it once more.

I took in a deep breath and returned to my bed, only to be greeted by a dreamless sleep.

The sun arose and tried desperately to beam its light through my closed curtains, and only managed to barely dance over my face. My eyelids slowly opened and a yawn escaped my mouth. I sat up and my sheets slid off my body.

I swung my legs over the side and stood, blinking my eyes to gain my sense. The events of the night played in my head as I washed up and changed into clean clothes. I was just as confused with my imagination as I was with Spot. My eyes made me believe I saw a child sobbing beside my bed, and my ears forced me to believe I heard his short cries.

I let myself get lost deep in my thoughts as I descended the stairs, my eyes fixed upon the floor. The maids passed by me like I wasn't there and Donna ran past my feet, not even bothering to bark at me for love.

"Anomie," someone said, grabbing my arm from behind.

I jolted back to reality and twirled around, my hand accidentally smacking into the person's face. I gasped and opened my mouth to apologize but closed it instantly once I noticed the jerk I was seeing.

"Ow!" Spot whined, rubbing his cheek.

"Well next time you should be more cautious when you approach people," I said, feeling the satisfaction of causing him some pain.

"With you I always have to be cautious," he shot back, removing his hand from his face to show a red mark.

I smirked and continued down the stairs. Spot's feet echoed behind me as we stopped on the first floor.

I walked into the study, ignoring the boy following close behind.

"Why are you following me?" I asked, turning towards him with a stern glare.

"Why do you have to assume I'm followin' you? Maybe I wanna read a book," he replied.

"You…read a book? I think you almost made me laugh," I insulted him.

Spot furrowed his eyebrows and leaned against the wall, shoving his hands into his pockets. "What's yer problem?" he asked.

"You!" I hissed.

"What did I do?"

I opened my mouth but closed it in a clueless manner. What did he do? I was exploding on him for no reason, and he did nothing to deserve it. All of the events of yesterday were already forgotten, but my anger towards Spot remained, yet I didn't know why.

I wasn't exactly being a good person to him I suppose. Everyone has secrets, and I merely went overboard because Spot wouldn't spill his guts to me. The feeling of guilt instantly rushed over and I looked up at Spot apologetically. He did rush to my room last night, so that meant something, right?

"Spot," I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. "I'm sorry."

Spot raised his eyebrows, lowering his head slightly as if he heard me incorrectly. "What?" he asked.

"I'm just- everyone is- too much stress- Erica…." I mixed up my words as I mixed up my emotions, but it was enough for Spot to understand.

He pushed off the wall and approached me. "It's okay," he said, placing a rough hand on my shoulder. "I should've known you were tense."

I sighed through my nose and allowed Spot to pull me into a hug, taking in his familiar scent in which I missed so much. I felt his chin resting on my head and closed my eyes, trying to relieve the stress and worry bottled up inside of me.

Spot released me and tenderly kissed my forehead. "Maybe you should eat," he said, directing me towards the door. "Let's go to Joy's."

We exited the house after making sure Daniel was alright, him and his friend Edward playing with Donna. Spot and I headed towards Joy's, silence taking over.

We entered the small diner and took a seat at a vacant table. Just as we were about to order the door burst open and Blade zoomed in.

"Spot!" he exclaimed, running towards our table. "Spot…a fight…Jersey…New…people…hurting…argues…"

Spot rose from his chair, trying to comprehend what his second-in-command was trying to say. "One more time," he said. "Slowly."

Blade took in a deep breath and began again. "New Jersey sent over some goons, and dey started an argument with some of yer newsies, and den a fight broke loose."

Spot pulled on his hat and pulled his cane out of his belt loop. He placed some coins on the table and looked at me. "Dat should get it," he said, leaning down and planting his lips on mine quickly. "Sorry I can't stay," he said.

I shrugged and smiled weakly. "Go help them," I said, nodding towards the door as a gesture to go.

He smirked and he and Blade left immediately, leaving me alone. I ordered breakfast and patiently waited for it to arrive.

I felt awkward, letting Spot leave, heading towards danger. What kind of girl does that?

Author note: Yes, it's short, but it's an update.