Sorry its been so long since I updated. I went away for the last weeks of summer then school started and I have been so busy! But here it is, and I'm trying to get on a posting schedule of once or twice a month.

Chapter 18

(In Spots head)

Memmories flooded into my mind. Just can't I believe I didn't know she was Al when we friost met da othera day. Standing on da roof on the Brooklyn, I just looked out over da city.

Maybe I should tell Jack bout how I know Al... No! i can't, he would be crushed ta know it wad my mouth dat landed 'er and two of 'is newsies in da hospital. I already out Al in da hospital once when she was bout five.

(back to the past)

"Al, Come on?" I shaked her. 'Please tell me I didn't hurt ya'. I stood up hearing Mrs. Finch come running over screaming out Alexis's name. The yard started spinning in front of me. I couldn't put my mind together.

"Joe, Ya look like you are gonna be sick. Why don't ya sit down?" Andy came over and grabbed me by the shoulders. He lead me over to thier back pourch and got me ta sit down. Mr Finch came running out of da house hearing Mrs. Finch yellin' for 'im. He had Alexis in his arm and was heading towards da front of da house.

I just keep breathing. "I'm Sorry Andy. Really. I didn't mean- I didn't know-she - I thought she saw me already whem I screamed at her." Words were studdering out of my mouth. I didn't know what ta say. "Don't worryt about it Joe. She is gonna be fine. Ya know that? She got a thick skull, like you." Giving me a small punch in da arm.

"Ah I know she is tough, but I fee horrible bout it." There was a long pause between us. We just listen ta the sound of Mr. Finch's car heading todards da hospital wid Al. "The day Al gets out of da hospital Andy... I'm leaving this town." He started ta say something, but I cut 'im off, "Nothin' can stop me. Sorry Bud, but I gotta go somewhere where I can get a new start."

(Three days laters Al was left out of da hospital with a small concussion & that day was my last day in town for good.)

"Spot! We need to talk now." Jack had appeared behind me interupting my thoughts. I took a deep breath. "What do we gotta talk bout Cowboy?" I questioned him.

"You need to tell me how you are connected to Alexis." He paused. "Now Conlon".

'Shit'

(Race's POV)

I opened the door. And the tears starting falling down my face at the sight I had.

Slowly making my way towards the bed I tried to speak, but no words came out. looking at Klutz was unbarrable. She looks so fragile.

"Ah Klutz, if ya can hear me can you please- pl-" tears were streaming down my face. I took her hand, "sqeeze my hand please. I need ta tell ya something." I let out a big breath.

"So I know Crutchie had some feelings for you, and I'm pretty sure ya like 'm too, But ya see I do too. Not for Crutchie, but for you. I mean. Err well like its more then just some silly feelin' i got." I paused and put a loose strand of hair behind 'er ear. "Ya see Klutz I think I'm in love with you."

Uncontrolable sobbs took over me. I collapsed into the chair next to her bed. I took her hand and let myself cry until I feel asleep.

In Race's dream

"Can I open my eyes yet Race?" she asked me while she giggled. "Not yet" I replied. 'this is it, come on race, ya can ask her ta be yours,' I picked da best stop in central park to tell Sammie how much she means to me.

"Ok, Now you can open your eyes Sammie." Lifting my hand from over her eyes, I revealed the picnic I had set up for the two of us. "Oh, Race you're so sweet." But she was hiding something.

We laughed all night and it was time to make my move. "Um So Sammie, We have been really close for a while now and I-" I started. Sammie inturupted me, "Oh Race, but you should know-" Smacking my lips agaist her we kissed for a long time. It felt like forever and floating over the sun set.

"Will ya be my goil?" I pulled back and whisptered ta 'er. I had the biggest smile on my face but it faded when I saw da look on her face. "Racetrack Higgins. You are an amazing guy, but I can't be ya goil." I broke there, "Race, I found someone esle. Sorry, ya are really nice but we are leavin' town tomorrow mornin'. dats what I've been trying to tell you."

"What? When did dis happen?" "Its been almost two weeks, I know I should of told you earlier but I didn't know how to tell you. Then you go and do dis, it makes ke feel like I'm a really bad person." She started to shout at me.

She started to cry. "Race I'm sorry, So Sor-" I jumped up. "NO! Sammie! NO, I loved ya wid everything I had and dis is what I get!" Wid dat I ran away. after covering at least three blocks before I slowed down and took a breath. "I'm nevera gonna give a goil my heart like dat again. Never."