Chapter 11

The rest of the day had been filled with card games, complaints of being bored, chicken noodle soup, more complaints of being bored, mountains of tissues, and, yet again, complaints of being bored. And don't forget the chills, aches, and headaches, and coughing fits that occupied the rest of the gaps. So, to say I was extremely relieved when I saw David and Les walk through the door, along with the hope of a change of scenery, was an understatement. My prayers were answered when David explained to me that he could take me back to the lodging house. Of course, not before we were met with Sarah's "reminders" and "instructions" for the boys on how to take care of me in my ill state.

"Oh and make sure to drink plenty of water," Sarah added in last minute attempts to make sure I knew everything that I needed to know.

"Okay, thanks again for everything Sarah," I thanked her with my slightly hoarse voice.

The walk itself to the Newsboys Lodging House went rather quickly. And being in the fresh air outside after being cooped up in the tenement all day overcame how unpleasant I had been feeling. My thoughts then changed to the date I was going on with Cryptic in a little less than a week. I had been out with a boy before, but only for a couple of times. I also thought about Julian, the boy from the library help desk, he had been really nice and I thought we hit it off pretty well. But chances are, we will never see each other again. He told me he was only working at the library for winter break.

The closer we got to Duane Street, the more nauseous I felt. I was kind of scared to see the boys again after what happened. At least I knew all the boys weren't mad at me anymore, and hopefully they talked some sense into Jack while I was gone. And then there was also the fact that he reported that there was a girl living in the lodging house to the state housing authorities who ran the lodging house. If they did find out that I now secretly lived there Kloppman could have lost his job, I could have end up in the Refuge, and the state would stop funding for the lodging house. So, it wouldn't have of affected just me.

"It'll all be fine," David reassured me, sensing my unease. Boy, I sure hoped so. I didn't get the chance to ponder on it for too long because we had just arrived at No.9 Duane Street, the address to the lodging house.

"Hey Kloppy," David greeted the old man with his usual amount of cheerfulness.

"The boys are upstairs," Kloppman informed us, already knowing what we would ask.

"Thanks," David replied, leading the way up the old and creaky stairs. The butterflies in my stomach where now flying around crazily as we heard the chatter coming from the bunkroom. I honestly just wanted to climb back in bed and fall into a dreamless sleep.

"Kate!" Snipeshooter exclaimed as he came running with arms wide open and every intention to give me a bone-crushing hug, but David stopped him before he could reach me.

"You should stay away from Kate unless you want to get sick," he suggested. Snipeshooter held a look of disappointment, but only for a moment. David turned and addressed me, "You need to get rest and stay in bed. No selling papes until you feel better."

I made my way awkwardly through the room, a lot of the boys giving me looks of sympathy.

"Glad you're back, kid," Crutchy whispered into my ear. For some reason, this made me feel a ton better. It was the first time the boys had been civil when talking to me since the article had come out. I just nodded in response, and sat down on my bunk. Jack signaled for all of the boys to leave the bunkroom, and came and sat down beside me.

"I don't know if I want to stay here anymore if every time something bad comes up from my past, you guys go off and we get in this huge fight," I told him with a scratchy voice.

"I wasn't just mad at ya for stealing the money from the newsie. I was mad at ya because that newsie you stole from was me," he explained, his voice steadily rising. He gave me an apologetic look, and softened his features. It took a moment for what he said to really sink in.

"Wait, you were that kid?" I asked in astonishment.

"Yeah, that night I had to stay in the alley because I lost my day's earnings," I was heavy with guilt as his eyes bore into mine.

"But did you really have to call the housing official on me?" I fired back, which just led me into another coughing fit. "Did you even think of the consequences of what could have happened if he really did find out that I lived here?" I interrogated once I found my breath again.

"How did you find out?" he asked, a grimace appearing on his face while rubbed the back of his neck.

"I overheard Mush and Race talking about it. They thought I was asleep," I conveyed.

"Listen, we all have things from our past that we are not proud about, and I shouldn't hold a grudge about something that happened eight years ago," Jack apologized. "I am just so glad you'se okay. I got worried when you weren't back before dark," he added. Huh, so even though he was mad at me, he was still worried about me.

"I'm tired of fighting. Can things just go back to the way they were?" I asked weakly.

"Yeah," he said. Cheers could be heard from outside the doorway. Of course, it was just like the boys to eavesdrop on our conversation.

"Awwww," Mush cooed, barging in on our moment, along with the boys who all flocked into the room and returned to their usual shenanigans. At this point, the atmosphere in the room had lightened dramatically. Specs, Crutchy, Jack, Race, and Skittery stayed by me and we continued on with our conversation.

"I neva' should've done what I did to you. I never should have gotten mad at you, I never should have told the housing inspector on you, and I never should have pushed you into the wall. I mean, think of all the things that could of happened, especially after that article. Word could get out that it was 'bout you, and then you could have ended up hoit," Jack ranted on.

"Well, you see," I began. It was hard to put into words. I thought carefully about how I should explain the situation.

"You know the other day when I was late to Tibby's coming back from the pharmacy?" I asked. Jack nodded, remembering how he had asked me about this.

"It wasn't because of a long line," I said lamely. "The Delanceys had cornered me and were trying going to soak me-"

"Those sons of a-" Race interrupted.

"Let me finish," I said hastily, wanting to get my story over with as soon as possible. "Fortunately, Daze showed up at the right place and the right time, and saved me. My old boss is offering a five dollar reward for anyone to takes me to him for what happened at the factory. Then, on the way to Tibby's, Daze told me that the guys that who had beat him up in the alleys were looking for information on where I was." I finished.

"So ya lied to me, Kate?" Jack pointed out.

"I only did it because I didn't want you guys to worry," I defended, even though I knew my argument wasn't the strongest.

"From now on, you've gots to be one hundred poicent honest with me. Got it?"

"Yeah," I responded. I understood where he was coming from.

So everything is all happy again! Yay! Any suggestions, comments, concerns? Just leave them in the review box below. J They make me happier than a good headline makes Jack Kelly.