Chapter 12

The water enveloped my body, caressing my skin and flowing through my unbraided hair. I swam up to the surface and gasped for air. The oxygen entered my lungs sweetly as I breathed in and out rhythmically.

I reached both my hands to my head and pushed my soaking wet hair out of my face. I opened my eyes and looked around, no one was insight.

I had never felt so free before in my life. I dunked my head underwater and stayed there for a moment.

It was so peaceful. I could hear the small waves over my head, and the water surrounded my entire body. I wish I could stay here forever, but alas, my lungs soon burned for sweet air and I emerged once again for air.

I opened my eyes and gasped. What was that? I though as I saw a figure walk on the other side of the crates. The sunset made it hard for me to be clear, but I could tell the silhouette was that of a person, a boy to be exact.

I let out a sigh of relief, realizing it was probably just Spot. Then I gasped. I was naked.

The figure rounded the crates and looked down at my clothes. He looked out to the water and spotted me.

"Spot?" I called out.

"No," a deep voice replied, one I had never heard in my life. I was instantly frightened.

"Who are you?" I asked in a strong voice, but on the inside I cowered.

The figure just stared at me for a moment, "Phantom," he said.

I let out a sigh of relief, but immediately sucked it back in, "Whadda ya want?" I asked.

"I was looking for you," he said without an accent.

"Why?"

"Come out here, I have to talk to you about something," he said in a serious tone.

I blushed and swam over to the docks, "I can't exactly do dat at da moment," I said looking down at the water.

"And why is that?" He asked.

"Well, um, ya see," I paused, "I was stupid and decided ta go in the river."

"And?" He questioned in an annoyed tone.

"I'se is skinny-dippin," I blurted out.

He looked slightly taken aback, "Oh, well. I guess I'll just tell you from here," he said deeply.

I gave him a questioning look and motioned with one hand for him to continue, "I'm here to warn you," he said, "about Sinker."

My eyes widened, "What could ya have ta stay ta warn me about? His ovahwhelming kindness?" I said sarcastically.

"Let me finish before you start making obnoxious comments," he said meanly, "He's a spy, from Midtown. I wouldn't trust him if I were you. Don't get too close him, or you'll regret it," he said seriously.

I was amazed, my mouth hung open. Why was Phantom here, telling me lies about Sinker? Oh right, he's nuts. "Ya know, ya betta shut ya mouf before ya spread a rumor to da wrong person and dey soak ya," I growled.

"Think what you want," he said before turning and walking away from the edge of the dock. He stopped before he rounded the crates and turned back to me, "but when he betrays you, and all of us, you can bet your sorry ass I'll be telling you I told you so," he said meanly, leaving me alone in the water.

I got out after I was sure he was gone and dressed as fast as possible.

I walked down the long dock, passing newsies who were just arriving to take a dip. I passed Spot who was now alone.

"Cross," he said shortly as I passed. I ignored him, not even giving a second glance as I passed him.

He must have followed me, because after I passed him, I heard footsteps following me. I felt a hand grab my shoulder and turn me around.

"You'se okay Cross?" he asked shortly, as if he didn't care, but something in his eyes told me otherwise.

I shrugged his hand off my shoulder, "Yea, I'se fine," I lied before turning and walking away. I could hear that Spot hesitated to follow after me, but chose against it, walking the opposite way.

I walked back towards the lodging house, all the while thinking about what Phantom said.

Could Sinker really be a spy? For Midtown?

No, I concluded, it was impossible that he would lie. In fact, I decided then and there that it was Phantom, not Sinker, that was the spy, if anyone.

I made my way back to the Newsboy's LH and yawned loudly. I had a long day, and figured I should just go to bed.

No one was home, and I walked up the stairs and passed the bunkroom door. It was slightly ajar and I peeked in, seeing Sinker sitting on his bed with his tin box open.

I squinted trying to read the box and covered my mouth to muffle a gasp. The side of the box said 'Midtown.'

I brushed the thoughts of his possible betrayal aside. I mean, he could just have a box that read that.

I yawned audibly again and walked to my and Spot's room. I shook my hair dry and took off my breeches and shirt, as well as my shoes.

I climbed into bed, and the last thing I thought about before falling asleep was Sinker.

End of Chapter!

Please REVIEW! I know there isn't any action in this chapter, I'm sorry, it's a filler chapter, what are ya gonna do?