Chapter 23

I woke up early in the morning. I was laying in my bunk, tears dried on my face. I was still in my wet clothes, but they seemed to have dried. I was covering in a thin, wool blanket and my shoes were off.

My brows pulled together in confusion. I didn't remember falling asleep in my bunk, and come to think of it, I certainly did not remember walking down here in the middle of the night.

My heart beat crazily and a smile formed on my tear streaked face as a realization came to my head. Spot must have carried me down back to the bunk room last night, taken off my boots and tucked me in. I was so flattered.

I hung my head down to look at the bunk below me, my hair hanging down wildly. There I saw Spot Conlon himself. He was shirtless and his hair was slightly damp. Snores emitted from his slightly ajar lips. He laid on his stomach, the thin sheet covering his lower half, and his face was looking toward me.

I lifted myself up and put my hand over my heart. I was drumming a beat I had never heard. A beat I was afraid I would never hear. The beat of love.

It was not that I loved Spot, no. But I certainly did have feelings for him that a friend shouldn't have. I wanted to throw up as I realized I had a crush on Spot. My first ever crush was on an arrogant, mean, jerk, who is also sweet and protecting and- what the hell am I saying?

Me being who I am, I stupidly brushed aside my feelings and pulled myself over the edge of the bed, landing quietly on the wooden floor, giving one more glance at Spot before making my way to the washroom.

I had no clue what time it was, but I figured I had time to take a quick bath. I pumped the freezing water into the bucket and gathered the soaps, putting them near the side of the tub. I stripped myself of my clothes and quickly dunked myself into the ice water.

Gasping as I emerged the surface, and shivering immediately. I washed my body, the water a soapy blur and began washing my hair. I did not notice the door open, but in a moment I noticed a person in the room with me.

I gasped and submerged myself, coming up again, making sure I was covered by the white water. It was Spot, who stood there slack jawed. I scowled "Get out!" I said as I threw a bottle of soap at him. He flinched and soon turned and shut the door behind him.

I blushed, clearly embarrassed and decided it was time she got out and dried off.

I continued to feel hotly embarrassed as I dressed and combed my hair, braiding it.

I exited the washroom and hid my face as I went down stairs, not wanted to face any of the boys after the ordeal that had just occurred.

I left the lodging house and gasped as I came face to face with Spot.

"Hey Spot," I said, immediately looking to the floor, feeling his eyes on me.

"Heya Cross," he replied, moving down a couple steps, and began walking away. He turned back to me and gave a confused look, "Well? Ain't ya comin'?"

I gulped and nodded, chasing after him and he walked in wide strides, his cane tapping aimlessly on the cobblestone road. Hi key hung from his neck.

What was the key for any ways? I had always seen it, but never thought if it had a meaning until right now. "Spot?" I queried as we walked alone. He looked my way and raised his eyebrows, "What is the key foah? How did ya get it?"

He kept walking, "Listen Cross, dere is something's I'se jus' don' feel comfortable talkin' about," he said simply.

I didn't push further, and continued to walk alongside him. I thought about what happened earlier and couldn't help but blush.

Spot looked at me, "What?" He asked.

"Nothing, jus' thinkin' about what happened tahday," I said.

Spot laughed softly, "Sorry bout dat, but hey, it ain't nothing I hadn't seen before," he said with a cocky smile.

I gasped and hit him in the arm, crossing my arms after, "Ya pig," I muttered.

He laughed as we rounded the corner to the center.

We bought out papes and with Spot's help, I sold twenty papes in record time. We went to lunch at the diner. He sat with me for once, and it was nice, because we were along.

At that moment, I could not help but smile truly.

I had a crush on the Spot Conlon. The one and only.

End of Chapter

Please REVIEW! Finally Cross admits she has feelings for our boy! Yay!