CHAPTER 9:

Alyssa slept restlessly that night. She woke up very early and just lay awake in bed, thinking. So much had happened and it hadn't even been a week yet. It felt like a year had gone by. Something was really bothering her, eating at her, making her feel crazy. She couldn't love him. He was violent, arrogant, and heartless. For God's sake: he didn't even call her by her first name! He only called her DeCardo! It wouldn't work out anyway. So there you go. She wasn't in love with him, it was a just her mind messing with her.

But just in case, something had to be done. She didn't want to give him any ideas. Besides, she had already caused enough trouble in Brooklyn. People were talking about her, and Handsome would have a pained stomach for days because of her. Maybe it was time to use one of her lifelines. She'd had plenty of offers from her Manhattan friends. A visit to them would get her away from Spot for a little while

She could sort out her thoughts, make sure she didn't love him, and be positive it would never happen. She could spend time with Blink; he could make her forget about Spot. Well, maybe.

What did she mean maybe? Of course he could. She liked him, didn't she? She kissed him, right?

Alyssa decided to go to Manhattan for a while. She wouldn't mind staying on the floor…or with Blink! All the boys there treated her nicely and didn't order her around all the time. Jack, Mush, Blink, and all her new friends would be there to help her out. She could sell papers there, since Spot had taught her so well.

Ahhh forget about Spot! She started to pack up her few things: the nice outfit she bought for last night, her other personal things she picked up along the way of selling, and a few other things. She considered telling Handsome about this, since he would be worried. But then she decided against it, since she had already gotten him hurt enough. But she did leave a note behind. It said:

Guys: (she didn't want to leave a note for just Spot) I'm going to Manhattan for a little while. Don't worry about me; I'll be fine. Maybe I'll come back. Maybe I won't. It was nice to get to know all you guys. Well, most of you, anyway. Maybe I'll see you soon.

-Alyssa

She left it on her bed. She was glad she wouldn't be around when Spot found it. Even so, he'd probably be happy to have gotten rid of her. She wished she could put something special in it for Handsome. He would be the most upset about her sudden disappearance. But right now it was too risky for him.

Alyssa left and began to walk to Manhattan. Alone.

She had walked this a few times already: when she was first taken to Brooklyn, on the way to and from Medda's. So she knew it pretty well. The entire time she thought to herself about so many things. Did she ever want to go back to Brooklyn? It seemed like she would have no other choice than to eventually return there. But would things ever be the same between her and Spot after this? Maybe leaving wasn't such a good idea after all. It was too late to turn back now. She was already across the bridge, and she could see the last long road she had to take to reach the Manhattan lodging house.

When she got there, the sun was up. Walking towards the door, she could hear the boys awake and bustling around, getting ready for a day of selling.

Should I just go in? Or would that be rude? Maybe I should wait out here for them.

Instead, she went inside, but not upstairs. She waited in the main hall for about 10 minutes before Jack came hurdling down the stairs. When he first saw her, he looked shocked, but quickly, a big smile took over his face.

"To what do we owe this pleasure, Miss Alyssa?" he said, pulling her into a bear hug. Chuckling nervously, she responded with,

"Ah, well Jack I was hoping I could talk with you alone. So I guess now is as good as ever." His eyebrows furrowed in a worried look, so she pulled him into the next room.

"Things are kind of… sticky in Brooklyn for me right now. I was sort of wondering if I could stay here for a few days?" She paused, but then hurriedly added, "I know there isn't a lot of room here, but I don't mind sleeping on the floor, or down here even. I can sell all by myself, and I could even pay you if you want and…"

"Hey, hey, slow down. Relax. Of course you can stay here. It's no problem, we can make room for yah. I gotta warn yah, it probably won't be too comfortable, but if you're really that desperate then it will be fine. Do you want to tell me what happened in Brooklyn?"

"Not right now, but thank you so much Jack! You are the greatest." She grabbed him into a hug and kissed him on the cheek. He blushed a bit but before he could say anything, another person walked in and said,

"Oh, so you don't see me for a few hours, and you already move on?" She turned around in time to see Blink and have him pull her into a hug. She squeezed him tightly, only because it felt good to be around someone who actually may love her. When they went to pull out of the hug, he gave her a quick kiss and said,

"I heard you talk with Jacky. I can't believe you're staying here! This is so great! We can spend more time together now… maybe even go on a real date! And, hey, if you need a bed to stay in…"

"Haha, don't get carried away, now." She said, teasingly, with a smirk and a wink.

The rest of the boys came running downstairs, and were all just as shocked to see her. Mush gave her a look that read 'I can't believe you made it that many days with Spot.' She smiled and punched him jokingly in the arm. He laughed and for the first time all night, she felt safe and happy.

"Okay boys, lets head out!" Jack shouted. Alyssa started to go out the door, but Jack put his arm out to stop her.

"No offense, Alyssa, but you look like you haven't slept in days. Why don't you take the day off, and go sleep upstairs? I'll take care of your papes."

"Jack, how many times can I tell you how amazing you are?" She gave him one more hug before heading upstairs. Finding the beds wasn't hard: they were just as she remembered from when the boys took her up that night… well she didn't want to think about that night right now. That would lead to thinking about Spot and she came here to forget him. For a little while, any how.

She laid down on a bed, and before drifting into sleep, she smiled to herself thinking,

Things are going to be okay.

Sleep tight, Alyssa. Things are going to change. But you won't necessarily be ready for it. ;]

Okay, so sorry to get all gossip girly on the end. :D

Also, sorry it is short. I didn't have time to write anymore, since it's a school night.

The story is coming to an end soon, but not too soon, so don't be sad.

Thanks for all the wonderful reviews. Keep them up, they keep me going!

I will try to post what I was going to finish tomorrow if I can.

Keep R&R, and I'll keep posting for yah.

Don't worry, when this story is over, I'll have a new one starting ;)

Love y'all

-Spunkyy7

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