"Why are you so happy?" He asked.

"Oh...no reason, just thought you might like this letter that came for you today."

Kidblink sat up in his seat. "A letter? For me?"

Jack nodded and handed him the letter. Kidblink's eye scanned over the envelope and he ripped it open.
He noticed right away that it was Rosie's handwriting. It said:

Kid Blink,

I'm coming to town cause Pennsylvania got boring. Meet me
at the train station on March 10, at 1:05 pm.
See ya soon Kid!

Rosey.

"Rosie's comin on da 10th."

"Who's Rosie?"

"My sistah."

Jack's eyes widened. He remembered her, and he still remembered how she flared up when someone called her by her real name...Gueniveer.

"Did you say da 10th?"

Kid Blink nodded.

"That's today."

Kid Laughed. "Well, at least we still have an hour."

Jack left to tell the others of their company that was to arrive. A few boys followed him back into the bunk room.

"Okay fellas, let's clean this place up. A lady's coming and we don't want her to get the wrong impression!"

Kid Blink laughed. "Rosey? A lady?"

He put his cards away and left for the station. On his way he ran into David.

"Heya Dave! How's it rollin?"

"Not good. Can ya take Les? I gotta run some errands..."

"Sure..."

David thanked him and ran off into the crowded streets.

"Where we going Kid Blink?" Les asked.

"Da train station."

"Why?"

"To pick up me sister, Rosie."

Les seemed satisfied and followed along quietly. As soon as they reached the crowded platform Kid saw a familiar figure in the distance.

"Rosie!" He called. She didn't hear him and kept walking the opposite direction.

"GUENIVEER!" He shouted. She snapped around with a look of murder plastered on her face. It seemed to melt away when she saw her one-eyed brother.

"Hey Kid!" She walked over to him and hugged him.

"I see you're still wearing pants..."

Rosie rolled her eyes. She looked down at Les. "Who might this be?"

"Les." He answered for himself. Rosie tapped his cap and made him smile. Kid Blink always knew she had a way with kids...too bad she hated them.

They approached the market and Rosie went to her usual work. She found a stall she liked and stole enough food for Thanksgiving.

"Hey Kidblink." Les said.

"What?"

"She reminds me of Spot." He laughed. "Who's Spot?" She asked between mouthfuls.

"Some guy..." Kid said. Rosie handed him and Les some food.

"Yeah!" Les continued. "He's the leader of the Brooklyn Newsies!"

"Is that right?" She asked. Les nodded. "I'd like to meet him sometime!"

Kid Blink nodded. "You two would go swell together."

"I otta soak ya for that." She threatened with her fist.

He knew she was playing with him. The thought crossed his mind though...Spot and Rosie...Spot wasn't much for tomboys and Rosie didn't think of guys in that way. Maybe that's why he thought it was a perfect match.

"KIDBLINK! Hello?"

"Huh?"

"Ya was lost in ya thoughts. I asked how much farther. I can't remember."

"Oh...he...sorry. We’re almost there."

Kid Blink lead them to the brick building and took her inside. Jack was the first to greet her.

"Jacky-boy!" She exclaimed. The two hugged.

"You don't look too much different...ya look older!" Rosie said.

"Yeah...well...ya look different. I mean...you've filled out more."

Rosie rolled her eyes. She examined the crowd for someone she might know...

"Racetrack!" "Hey Guen-Rosie."

She glared at him playfully. They hugged and a few others came to introduce themselves.

"Hey Kid, is Tibby's still around?" Kid Blink nodded. "Can we go?"

"Is grass green?"

She laughed and put her arm around his shoulders. "Lead the way!"

Everyone had finished selling their papes and decided to go with them.

Rosie met all the other Newsies at the restaurant. She made really fast friends with everybody. Kid Blink wasn't surprised. She was just that way. By the end of the night, everyone agreed- Rosie and Spot were a lot alike. Rosie had a sling shot, she swam, and she loved to boss people around.

"Got your sling shot with ya?" Race asked.

"Yeah-why?"

Race and a few others took her outside. They were going to put her to the test.

"Only Spot can nail that one window at the very top of that building." Snipeshooter said.

"That little thing?" She asked pointing to the top window of a building down the street. Race nodded. Rosie took out her sling shot and let it position itself in her hand. She took a marble and pulled back the rubber. She aimed and let go...CRASH! She hit the window. Everyone was amazed-except the few that knew her from before. She knew that was nothing compared to what she could do-but she left it at that. They went back inside to finish their food.

"Good one."

"Thanks Kid."

"Heya Rosie?" She looked up at her brother. "Can we talk when we get back."

Rosie nodded slowly. She knew he was gonna ask questions. She ate her dinner slowly and tried to make good conversation with the people at her table- But when she saw Kid Blink waiting so patiently, she decided to go. Rosie stood up and motioned for Kid Blink to do the same.

"See ya fellas!" Kid Blink said as he walked out the door with his sister. The two walked a block before either of them said anything.

"Guen, Why did you go?"

She looked up at the sky and smiled. The afternoon sun was so warm and New York was humid from the rain it had the day before. "I guess I wanted some change is all..."

Kid Blink studied her. "I don't believe it sis."

Her smile faded. "Listen! If you gotta a problem wit it-TOO bad! It's not your business anyways!" Rosie stomped down the sidewalk with her hands in her pockets. Kid Blink wasn't about to let her get away. "Rosie! Don't get so mad!" He grabbed her arm and she slowly turned to him.

"Listen Kid, I've always been able to tell you my secrets, right?" He nodded. "Well, why don't we talk about this tomorrow? I wanna get settled in."

Kid Blink sighed outwardly. "Alright. But tomorrow you tell me."

Rosie nodded. The two walked to the Lodging house.

"I'm gonna go and sell some more papes, I'll see ya later."

"Ok, Hey Kid."

Kid Blink stopped in his tracks. "Yeah?"

"Thanks fer lunch. I haven't been in a restaurant in a LONG time."

Kid Blink smiled half-heartedly and continued to walk down the street.

Rosie whistled to herself as she walked up the stairs to the bunk room. When she reached the top, she was surprised to see someone in there reading a newspaper. She tried to ignore him, and walked over to the window.

The newsie with the newspaper was sitting on the top bunk, he was watching her with his peripheral vision. Rosie felt the tension and turned to see if he was watching...she couldn't see his face.

The newsie smirked and lowered his paper. "Yer new." He said.

"I'm an old friend." She said going back to the window.

"I didn't catch yer name."

"That's cause I didn't throw it atcha."

The boy smiled at her wit. "Well, my name's Conlon."

Rosie recognized it, but she couldn’t remember seeing him at Tibby’s. "I'm Rosie." She stated, not looking away from the window.

"Kid Blink has a sister named Rosie." He said more to himself than to her.

"I am his sister." She said turning around. Spot smiled at her.

"You don't look a thing like him! You'se got brown hair!"

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, well CONLON, I don't really see how that matters."

He sighed and went back to reading his paper.

"Shouldn't you be selling?" She asked sitting on a bunk across the room.

"I'm done, why aren't you selling?"

"I just got here."

Spot looked up at her half surprised. "Is Kelly almost done?" He asked.

She nodded her head. "He was finished when he came into Tibby's."

Spot put his paper and walked to the door, and began to walk away-but he stopped and turned back around. "Oh, tell Race that our regular poker game's gonna be at my Lodging house."

She shrugged and layed back. Spot rolled his eyes and went outside.

Rosie woke up around seven o'clock that night, when a few boys were coming in.

"I must've fallen asleep..." She mumbled. She spotted Race walking in the door. "Racetrack!" she called. He walked over to her.

"Yeah?"

"Dis guy Conlon said that yer poker game was gonna be at his place."

Racetrack nodded. "You wanna come?"

"Not tonight."

Race nodded and picked up a deck of cards. "See ya tomorrow."

She smiled at him and went to her bunk. Kid Blink walked into the room with Mush. They were laughing about something.

Rosie walked up to Kid Blink. "What's so funny?"

He looked at her and started laughing hysterically. Mush followed suite. They fell to the floor laughing themselves to tears. When they finally got their breath back, Kid Blink took her arm and led her out of the room.

"Spot...Spot was here today..." He panted.

Rosie shrugged. "So?"

"He was...was the one you were talking to!"

She looked at him a little confused. "He said his name was Conlon."

"It IS Conlon, SPOT Conlon."

Her eyes widened a little. She had just talked to the leader of Brooklyn? "Yeah so what? What's so funny?"

Kid Blink looked up at her and smiled. "Spot was talking ta me taday, and I think he likes ya!"

"So a guy likes me? Big deal!" She walked back into the room, but Kid Blink grabbed her.

"Don't you get it? Spot hasn’t really been for girls!"

"Yeah, well I'm not for Spot-so he's gonna have to get over me."

Kid Blink shook his head and let her walk back to her bunk. Rosie stopped and turned back around.

"What did he say? About me that is."

Kid Blink smiled devilishly. "I knew you'd come around."

She threw a pretend punch at him.

"Well, Guen, He came to my usual selling spot and started asking me all these questions about you! Then he said you'se was a really cute girl..." Rosie cringed at the word 'cute'. " ...and he always seemed to light up when I said yer name. Why don't you and I go to Brooklyn...so we can see him..."

Rosie smirked. "Yeah, like I'm goin to Brooklyn..."

Kid Blink looked at her. "You don't wanna? It's a really beautiful place."

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, well ok. But if your plan is to set me up with Spot-it wont work." She walked back into the room. Kid Blink smiled and went over his little plan with Mush.

Racetrack crossed the bridge into Brooklyn and walked to the Brooklyn Lodging House. He went to the door where he was met by a little kid.

"Spot's on da docks! He said ta go dere."

"Thanks kid."

Race turned around and walked to Spot's perch.

"Heya Race."

"What's goin on? Did I do sometin?"

Spot chuckled. "Nah. I just wanna talk is all." Race looked shocked. "Why doncha sit down."

Race sat on a crate. "So what do ya wanna talk about?"

Spot sighed. "It's about a girl."

Race smiled. "Don't tell me you like a girl!"

Spot rolled his eyes. "Yeah...so what!"

Race shrugged.

"Never thought I'd see the day..."

"You might not eader if you keep on talkin like dat!"

Race quickly shut his mouth.

"Now...I wanna know if you can get Rosie to..."

"ROSIE?"

Spot glared at him. "Yeah, ROSIE! I wanna know if you can get her ta stay here a couple of days."

Race's eyebrow went up. "Why don't you ask her yourself?"

"It wont mean the same coming from me..."

Race shook his head. "Listen Spot, we're good friends and all, but she's like me sistah..."

"But she's NOT yer sistah! She's Kid Blink's..."

"Rosie don't listen to nobody but her bruddah. You want her ta stay here without asking her-talk to Kid Blink."

Spot heaved a sigh. "Fine." He turned his back to Race, giving him the sign for him to go.

The night turned into morning and the newsies all crawled out of bed-with the help of Kloppman. Rosie put on her hat and walked outside. She didn't even want to bother with the washroom. She knew that was suicide, so she decided to wait for her brother next to the steps.

After a few minutes, Kid Blink emerged from the Lodging House and the two of them went to buy their papes. When they had bought their newspapers, Kid Blink led them to Central Park.

"You still sell here?" She asked smiling.

"Yeah, I'm glad you remembered."

They went on selling their papers till noon.

"So, can we talk now?" Kid Blink asked sitting on a bench.

Rosie sighed. "Sure, why not." She sat next to him and pulled her hat off her head.

"Why did you leave?"

"Well, leave where? Here, or Pennsylvania?"

"I'd like to know both."

Rosie nodded. "I left here 5 years ago because I wanted an adventure. When I got to there, I became a newsie...but I didn't make friends until 3 years later. That's when I became da leader..."

Kid Blink looked a little surprised. "Why did you come back here?"

"I came back cause I was chased out by dese jerks. Dey almost killed me...they said a girl shouldn't lead a bunch of guys..." She looked down.

Kid Blink didn't know what to say. " I guess I should never have left."

Kid Blink pulled her into a hug. "Yer always welcome here."

"I know..." She whispered.

Spot walked around Central Park till he came to Kid Blink's selling spot. He was surprised to see Rosie with him. He began to walk over then stopped. Rosie was leaving. Spot felt a bit disappointed but decided it was better to talk to Kid Blink alone.

"Heya Kid Blink."

Kid Blink smiled at him devilishly. "Heya Spot...you been here two days in a row..."

"Yeah..." He laughed. He was gonna say more but Kid Blink cut him off.

"Would you mind if I brought Rosie to Brooklyn fer a couple a days? Of course I'll be dere...and Mush too..."

Spot's mouth dropped open. "Uh...yeah, sure...I was jus..."

"Okay, good. I'll see ya tomorrow." Kid Blink turned around and left.

Spot stood there a bit shocked. He wasn't expecting that, but he was glad there wasn't any blood-shed.

Rosie walked down the street toward the Lodging house. On her way she found a stall with a bunch of bracelets on display.

Rosie looked around to see if there were any policemen near by. She didn't see any so she put her hat on the table and faked a stretch. When she reached for her hat she grabbed one of the bracelets. The man sitting behind the table saw her and shouted for the police. Rosie's face went pale, and she began to run. She heard police from behind her, but she knew she was in the clear. Within seconds she rounded a corner and crashed into somebody.

"Watch where ya goin!!!" The raspy voice came.

She looked up into the face of Morris Delancey. "Why don't you pay attention to where odda people are goin?" She stood up and dusted off her pants. Morris stood up and grabbed her arm roughly. He shoved her against the wall and put his face right up next to hers. She could smell the alcohol on his breath.
"You wanna keep dat face pretty? Den don't get nasty!" He shoved her to the ground.

"Ya wanna run dat by me again, scabba?"

Morris slowly turned. "I thought so..." Rosie mumbled. She ran up to him and punched him in the face. Morris fell down and grabbed his bleeding nose. "Watch it next time." Rosie growled.

Morris stood up and ran at her blindly with his fist. She ducked and punched him in the stomach. Morris fell down again, but Oscar showed up around the corner.

"What da..."

Oscar looked down at Morris and then at Rosie. He glared at her and she glared back. He took a swing at her and hit her in the chin. She fell back two steps and hit a wall. Oscar punched her in the stomach and she doubled over. Morris stood back up and kicked her in the side.

Spot was rounding the corner when he saw Morris and Oscar beating up on someone. He walked up to Oscar and pushed him out of the way. He was horrified at the sight of Rosie on the ground.

"YOU dirty rotten SCABBA!"

Spot punched Morris and smacked him in the head with his cane. He kicked Oscar in the groin and hit him in the face with all of his might. "Get outa here!" He screamed. Oscar and Morris collected themselves, and they ran down the street.

"Jerks..." He mumbled.

He knelt down next to Rosie who was holding her stomach. "You ok?"

She looked up at him with evident shock. "I...I just lost my breath...I'll be fine though." She stood up and almost fell over-but Spot held her up.

"Here, why don't I walk ya back?"

She didn't like the idea, but she knew the lodging house was just around the corner. "OK."

Spot held her by the waist for support and she held him by his. They reached the lodging house and he watched her walk in.

"Ya sure you'll be ok?" Spot asked.

"I'm positive." She said, not turning around. She walked up the stairs and fell down. Spot sighed and ran in when he heard the clattering bang of her fall.

"Here, let me help." He grabbed her arm and he practically pulled her up the stairs. He took her to the bunk room and led her to a bunk. "I'm gonna get ya some ice."

"No..."

"Yes!"

He walked out the door and returned a few minutes later with a pack of ice. "I'm gonna stay till someone gets here."

Rosie rolled her eyes. "I'll be fine!"

Spot glared at her. "You got a nasty bruise on yer chin, and yer head's bleedin."

Rosie moved the icepack and flinched at the pain that shot through her skull.

"See...I'm staying." Spot sat down on the bunk across from her and began to hum.

Rosie looked at him, she was more than annoyed. "I gotta head injury...ya wanna be quiet?"

Spot smiled. He loved her wit. "Sorry." He layed back and stared at the end of the bunk above him. Rosie closed her eyes, she was intending on opening them, but she slipped into unconsciousness.

"Hey fellas...she's comin around."

Rosie opened her eyes to see Jack sitting next to her on the bunk. Kid Blink hurried over.

"Hey, Spot told us what happened. Are ya ok?"

"My head hurts..."

Kid Blink laughed. "No kidding. Mrs. Jacobs came by ta see ya. She said ya got some damage on yer head. You'll be okay though..."

Rosie tried to smile. She tasted dry blood in her mouth. "Is Spot still here?" She asked.

Kid Blink smiled at her. "Nah. He went back to Brooklyn last night."

Rosie looked shocked. "How long have I been out?"

"Two Days."

Rosie sat there a little stunned. "I'm starved." She whispered. She tried to sit up, but her head was throbbing too much. She lay back down.

"Don't worry. Mush went down to Tibby's to get ya some soup."

Rosie forced a smile. "You need to rest, Guen." Rosie nodded. Mush came in the door with the soup. Kid Blink helped her eat it and tucked her in her bed.

"Yer too good ta me, Kid."

"I know." He smiled.

Kid Blink kissed her forehead and let her fall back asleep. His Brooklyn plan was going to be delayed a day.

By the morning, Rosie was walking around and feeling much better. The injury on her head had almost healed. Kid Blink and the others were glad to see her doing so well-But they all new, Oscar and Morris had to pay.

"Ya ready fer Brooklyn?" Kid Blink asked.

Rosie looked at him slightly confused, then she remembered. "I guess so." She sighed.

"We'll leave after selling papes."

Kid Blink loved to be in Brooklyn. His girlfriend lived there. Most of the reason for wanting to go there was to get Rosie with Spot. He just wanted to get his sister to find someone...instead of getting into fights. Spot wasn't exactly what he had hoped for, but he was good enough.

"Rosie, do you hate Spot?" He asked out of subject.

She looked at him odd. "I don't HATE Spot...I don't like him that much. If that's what you mean..."

Kid Blink sighed. "What's wrong wit him?"

She shrugged. "He's too..."

"Much like you?" Kid Blink finished for her.

She glared at him playfully. "Maybe." She answered. Kid Blink smiled at her and led her to their selling spot in the park.

Rosie finished selling her papers faster than her brother-mostly because the people felt sorry for her with her bruise on her face. When they both finished they met Mush on the corner of 15th ave.

"Ya ready ta go?" Kid Blink asked him.

Mush nodded and smiled at Rosie. "Ya look nice today Rosie. Dress up for Brooklyn?"

She looked at him strangely. "No."

"Oh, so you dressed up fer Spot."

Rosie glared at him hard. "Why would I do something like that?"

Mush and Kid Blink laughed. "Just teasin ya sis."

She rolled her eyes, like always. The three crossed the Brooklyn Bridge and were soon in Conlon's territory.

"Heya fellas, Rosie." Came a voice.

Within a moment Spot jumped out of nowhere. "Follow me." He led them to the lodging house, It was a three story building. Inside they could see the beautiful wood floors and stairs. The stairs led to the second floor, curved and went to the third floor.

"Rosie, ya get yer own room since yer a girl." Spot said ignoring her objection.

"You guys get yer usual bunks.” Rosie looked up at the ceiling, only to be looked back at by a dozen guys on the second floor. She was starting to feel better about having her own room.

"Where's my room, Conlon? She asked with emphasis on the Conlon.

He looked at her a little amused. "On the third floor."

"Isn't that where you sleep?" Mush asked. Rosie went pale.

"Yeah. In a different room of course."

Kid Blink smiled. "Aren't they connecting bedrooms?"

Rosie glared at her brother and then at Mush.

Spot was getting flustered and extremely nervous. "Well, I'm gonna go get something to eat...wanna come?" He changed the subject.

Rosie shook her head and so did Mush.

"Well, Mush can show ya yer room, Rosie."

Spot turned with Kid Blink and they left. Mush started to ascend the stairs. "Why are we here again?" Rosie asked following him.

"To see Brooklyn, Spot, ya know...that stuff."

"Oh."

Mush led her up the stairs and got an evil grin on his face. What if he accidentally switched the rooms? "Here's yer room, Rosie." He said pointing to Spot's door.

"Thanks. I'm really tired so I'll go take a nap."

Mush's smile brightened. "Ok, see ya around."

Rosie nodded and entered the room. She walked over to the bed that was by the widow. She looked around and saw a few pictures in the room. One was of a little boy being held by his father and his mother. She assumed it was Spot, but she didn't know why it was in that room. She looked around some more and found a Chest. She opened it, revealing a pair of pants, a hat, under things, and other interesting trinkets.

"Hmmm. Must be spare..." She said quietly to herself. She put her bag down. It contained a brush, a pair of clothes, and some of her money. She unbuttoned part of her shirt and laid down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Within moments she fell asleep.

An hour later, Spot and Kid Blink entered the lodging house. The afternoon had passed and the air was darkening.

"I'm gonna go see Mush." Kid said to him entering their room.

"Ok, see ya."

Spot walked up the stairs to his room. He wanted more than anything to check on Rosie. He sighed and walked into his room, without looking up. He walked to his Small dresser and began to undress when he saw a reflection in his mirror.

Spot turned around, stunned out of his mind. Rosie was sleeping on his bed. He walked over to her and stared at her. Her hair was over her shoulders, the shirt had been unbuttoned at the top, and her arms were resting on her stomach. He didn't know how long he had been standing there, until she opened her eyes.

"Spot? What are you doing?" She asked groggily. Her anger was still evident.

"What am I doing? What're you doing? This is MY room!" he said with a little flare.

"But...Mush..." It dawned on her what happened. "Oh, sorry." She stood up and Spot led her to the connecting door.

"This is your room." She nodded her head and felt a little blush rise to her face. "Sorry." She repeated. Spot smiled and shut the door.

It wasn't long before she started knocking on his door.

"What?" He asked.

"Open!" She hollered.

He was a little surprised by her tone, but he eventually opened it.

"It's about time!" She glared at him and entered the room.

"WHAT?!" He asked. She was glaring at him for no reason-it seemed.

"There are RATS in that room. Did you want to KILL me?"

He looked shocked. "I...didn’t know. Sorry." He shut the door to her room and let her sit down on the bed across from his.

"You can sleep here."

"Where are YOU going to sleep?"

"Over there."

H pointed to the bed near the window. He saw her paranoid look and added:
"I'll behave myself don't worry."

"It's not that...it's what the others'll think."

"You can exit through your room in the morning." He said scratching his neck.

Rosie sighed. "Oh, alright."

She laid down and watched Spot mozey around the room. He wanted her to watch him. He wanted her to see the real him, not the cruel leader of Brooklyn.

"Do you mind if I open the window?" He asked.

"No."

Spot opened it half way and took off his shirt. Rosie's eyes widened but quickly went back to normal. Her face went red so she turned to face the wall. Spot smiled. He loved to see people make that face. He turned off his light and crawled into bed. A few minutes later he realized he couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't stop thinking about HER. So he crawled through the window and sat on the fire escape. Spot stared up at the sky and felt a little tension. He didn't know why, but he knew she was watching him through the window. He stood and went to the roof to sit. Spot was surprised to see Rosie ascending the stairs to the top.

"Hey. Mind If I join ya?"

Spot shook his head and stared at the building across from him. He was incredibly nervous now. The girl he couldn't get out of his mind was sitting right next to him. He looked at her and turned away when she looked at him. It happened many times before Rosie stared at him intently.

"Spot. Why did you help me? When the Delanceys were hurting me?"

He looked at her. She had tears in her eyes. "Why are you crying?" He asked turning his body to face her.

"Don't try to leave the subject. I want to know!"

Spot sighed. "I dunno. Because I care..."

Rosie looked at him stunned. "About what?"

"You."

Rosie shut her eyes and let one last tear roll down her face.

"Now, why are you crying?" She didn’t answer for a long time. "I feel like I'm in debt to you..."

"Oh Rosie...Don't feel that way..." He felt an unusual urge to hold her. He thought twice and kept his distance.

"But I do!" She whispered fiercely.

Spot stared at her. "Geez, you smell good."

She looked up at him. "What?"

"You smell wonderful."

She rolled her eyes, but she felt a bit nervous.

"Could I ask ya somethin?" Spot asked. Rosie nodded slowly. "If it was me on the ground. Would ya have beat up those two?"

Rosie looked down. "Yeah."

"Then you don't owe me anything."

Rosie looked at him and smiled. Her smile caught him off guard but it made his stomach flip.

"Thanks...Goodnight Spot." She said standing up. Spot wanted to pull her down and kiss her more than anything.

"Goodnight."

She stole one last glance at Spot and turned to go inside. He sighed out loud and laid on the roof with his hands behind his head.

A while later he entered his room and found Rosie sound asleep. He walked over to her and smelled her hair. It smelled so good...he found himself with one knee on the bed and his arm on the other side of her while he was bending over her. 'what am I doing?!?' he thought. He stood up and walked over to his bed. He didn't fall asleep, he kept staring at her from across the room.

When morning came he dressed and walked over to her. He put his hand on her shoulder and felt a tingle shoot up his arm and down his spine. "Rosie, wake up."

She woke up and smiled. "Hey." She greeted.

"Hi," He said a little surprised.

"I had a dream about you." She said sitting up.

"Oh, was I my charming self?"

She smiled. "No, you were drowning."

"Oh, did you save me?" She smiled at him wickedly. "Perhaps." She stood and walked into her room.

Spot wanted to follow her so bad. She walked like she owned the world, and she talked like she didn't care. That's what he loved so much about her. He walked outside and saw Kid Blink and Mush walking up the stairs.

"So, guys. What're we gonna do today?"

"How bout we go swimmin?" KidBlink suggested. Mush agreed.

"Did someone say swimming?" Rosie popped out of her room.

"You can swim?" Spot asked.

"Can't everyone?"

The guys laughed and they walked down to the docks. Mush and Kid Blink were taking off their shirts when they remembered Rosie. She saw them glance at her.

"It's ok guys. I'm NOT looking." She turned her back and they took their shirts off. They decided to leave their shorts on. Spot did the same and they jumped in.

"C'mon Rosie! Jump in!" Mush shouted. She laughed and looked down at them.

"You gotta be kidding! The waters freezing this time in the morning!"

They all glared at her playfully. "You scared?" Kid Blink asked.

"It wont work!" She smiled.

Spot swam under the water when a fabulous idea hit him. "ROSIE! HELP! I’M DROWNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

She looked at him in shock and laughed at his body flailing around in the water.

"Nice try!"

He stopped. "You didn't rescue me in your dream did you?"

She laughed then stopped when she saw Kid Blink's curious face. When she was looking at Kid Blink, Spot went on the other side of the dock, climbed on and picked up Rosie.

"SPOT!" She hollered. He laughed and jumped in-Rosie and all. She resurfaced to the sound of laughter.

"If I would have had my shoes on..."

"What? You woulda soaked me?" Spot asked. Rosie smirked and so did the others, then they all went into a drunken laughter. They swam throughout the whole day.

Everyone was dunking each other under the water. Rosie laughed when Kid jumped on Mush and they both went down. She turned to see Spot laughing to. She grew a wicked smile and jumped on him they both fell in the water. Spot wrapped his arms around her under the water and when they came up they were face to face. Rosie was staring at him in shock and he stared at her in wonder. They were so close, yet so far away.

"Sorry," Spot said letting go of her. They had been standing there a long time, because Kid Blink and Mush had already left.

"It's alright." She said without thinking. He turned around and saw her embarrassed expression. "You know what I mean." She said. He nodded and walked to the shore and up the docks. The two made it inside the building and slipped to the third floor.

"Can you grab my bag? It's in yer room." Rosie asked. Spot nodded and returned with her stuff. "Thanks." Rosie went into her room and Spot went into his.

She saw him staring at her and she wondered why. Her thoughts were answered when she looked in the mirror. Her shirt was stuck to her body and her hair was plastered to her face in strands. She rolled her eyes and quickly dressed into some warm clothes. She brushed her hair and walked out of her room the same time Spot did.

"Heya, you look nice." He said smiling. She looked at him thankfully. "Ya wanna go grab something to eat?" He asked.

"Sure." She answered. They walked down the stairs and out of the lodging house.

"It's so nice not selling papes for a day." She sighed. Spot glanced at her and back at the road.

"You don't get too long off do ya?" He asked.

She studied him for a moment then lowered her head. "No, not really."

Spot smiled a little. He wasn't expecting her to answer, but he was glad she did. He was going to ask her to stay with him when someone rounded the corner.

"Well, if it aint da love boids!"

"What do ya want, Delancey?" Spot hissed.

Morris looked at Rosie and smiled. "Ya know..." He reached his hand to touch Rosie but she backed away. "Fine! Be a brat! It'll get ya inta more trouble!" He smirked. "See ya!" Morris whispered. He turned and was about to be clobbered by Spot when Rosie stopped him.

"Don't it'll just make him mad."

Spot sighed and led her to a restaurant. They didn't talk much, but they were wanting the same thing. When they finished they slowly made their way to the Lodging house.

"It's kinda cold, ain't it?" Rosie asked crossing her arms for warmth.

Spot took off his vest and laid it on her arms. She smiled at him, sending a shocking pulse through his body.

"I'm really tired. So I'm goin to bed.” Spot told her. She nodded and watched him go up the stairs. Kid Blink and Mush were watching behind a door and were very excited about their results. They only had one more day, and they had to go back. They weren't sure of their next plan, but they knew it had to be good. Rosie played cards with a few boys until she felt a bit tired.

"I'm gonna go ta bed." She said standing up. She got a few goodnights and see ya’s from the guys and she went upstairs. She walked into her room and entered through the connecting door. She looked down at Spot on his bed. She could tell he was exhausted. She took off her shoes and socks and placed them next to her bed. She put her hat on the knob of her bed and pulled her pony tail down to her shoulders. She unbuttoned the top button on her shirt and crawled into bed. She glanced over at Spot and fell asleep.

The next morning came fast for everyone. Kid Blink and Mush sat in their room and began to plan.

"Ok kid. We gotta get them to..."

"Yeah. But how?"

Mush sat back and thought for a while. "I got it!" He shouted. Kid Blink sat up and stared at him with hope. "Never mind...that's too stupid."

They both sighed and laid back. "I know!" Kidblink shouted.

"What?"

"Um...never mind."

"Why don't we just wing it? Well do sometin if dey get close."

"That woiks."

They stood up and met Spot on the bottom of the sstairs.

"Where's my sistah?" Kid Blink asked.

"Shes still sleeping."

Kid Blink nodded. "Wait. How do you know?"

Spot was about to tell, but he caught himself. "She didn't answer her door when I knocked. So I just figured..."

Mush sighed. "So what're we gonna do today? The LAST day?"

"Whatevah ya want I guess."

"Well, Mush and I want to sell papes...we're goin to a poker game and we need da extra cash so why don't you take Rosie...around..."

Spot thought for a second and agreed. He was trying not to let his excitement show. When Kid Blink and Mush left, he walked up the stairs to his room. Rosie was awake and brushing her hair.

"Good Morning." Spot smiled.

She looked at him and smiled back. "What's for today?" She asked.

"I'm given ya a tour of Brooklyn."

Her face lit up for the slightest moment and went back to normal. "Oh, sounds great."

Spot shook his head. "If you don't wanna..."

"I DO!" She said a little to fast. She blushed.

"Ok. Let's go."

He took her to the Bridge and they shouted off of it a few times.

"Gotta place to shoot one of dese?" Rosie asked holding out her slingshot.

Spot's eyes widened. "You have a slingshot?"

"Of course."

He loved the girl!

"Yeah. I know jist da place."

He led her to an old deserted building. On the inside cans were everywhere.

"I set this up for training my newsies."

Rosie nodded in awe. She took out her slingshot and nailed the first can on the left.

"Good aim." Spot told her.

"Thanks."

The two went at it for a few hours, hitting every can at least 5 times. Rosie laughed and sat down on the ground. "I'm dead tired."

Spot laughed too and sat down beside her. "It's getting late. Ya wanna head back?" Spot asked.

"Sure." They stood and walked out, only to be greeted by Jack. "Heya Spot...Rosie?"

She glanced at Spot, who wasn’t giving an explanation for them being together-so she did.

"Spot was showing me his shooting range."

"Oh. I see. Well, Conlon, I need ta talk to ya a sec."

"Ok, Kelly. Hang on a sec Rosie." He walked with Jack down the alley a ways.

"So, Spot...puttin da moves on Kid's sistah?" Spot glared at him.

"You haven't?" Jack asked curiously.

"I've been trying! Ok? Now-MOVE ON!"

Jack grinned. "Ok, ok. We got a threat from the Delancey-idiots, They said dey was gonna get da Shreddahs or somethin like dat and bust our heads..."

"SO what?"

"SO, their whole reason is because of HER!"

Spot glanced at Rosie. "They sure take tings poisonal."

"No Kidding."

"Maybe she should stay here a while..."

"Nothin-doin. She's coming back wit me tonight. Kid Blink insisted. I'm not gonna get Kid on my bad side. Ok?"

Spot rolled his eyes. "Lemme say goodbye to her."

"Well...why don't you bring her to our lodging house? It'll give ya more time with her."

Spot nodded. "I'll see ya later, Kelly."

"Carryin da Banner!" And with that Jack was gone.

"What was that all about?" She asked.

"I'm takin ya back to Manhattan."

"Does Kid Know?"

"Yep. He should be dere now."

She stood up from where she had been sitting and followed Spot to the Lodging house. "I'll be a second." She said as she went to get her stuff. She came back with her bag and a few other things.

"Ready?" He asked. She nodded a reply and they set out.

"So, why did ya leave..."

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"I mean, leave 5 yrs ago?"

"I was a kid...wanted adventure...that's all."

He seemed satisfied. "Rosie. Can I ask ya somethin?"

"Yeah."

"If you could, would you stay in Brooklyn with me?"

She was so shocked by the question that she dropped her bag. "Clumsy me." She grumbled.

Spot took that as a sign.

"Because, I think yer special…and I’d love ya to stay..."

She looked at him slowly, inspecting every facial feature. Spot continued.

"Ever since I met you in dat bunk room, I've been wanting nothing BUT you. I've stayed up thinking about you and I'd always hope to see ya around da corner..."

He was planning on saying more but Rosie cut him off with her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck and their bodies moved together. Spot's hat fell off and Rosie almost fainted from the incredible dizziness she got from their kiss. Kid Blink, Jack, and Mush were all watching very happily from a close-by alley. When Rosie and Spot finished they slowly made their way back to the lodging house. Spot took her hand and held it the rest of the way. They didn't say much-they were thinking about the wonderful kiss they shared. They reached the stairs to the lodging house and Rosie kissed him on the cheek.

"See ya, Conlon."

He smiled at her. "See ya goil"

He left and she entered the house. She went directly to her bunk and closed her eyes. She was dreaming of Spot before she even fell asleep.

A week had passed and the Delancey's threats remained. Rosie felt miserable. She hadn't heard from or seen Spot since that one night. Kid Blink could tell she was being torn apart.

"Sis, if ya wanna go to Brooklyn-then go."

She looked at him surprised. "Really?"

"Sure." He smiled.

He was surprised when she jumped on him and squealed. "THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!"

Kid Blink sighed.

"You're loosin it Guen." He teased.

She punched him playfully. "I'll go get my stuff. I'll see ya latah, Kid."

Kid Blink smiled as she ran off. 'I've created a monster.' He laughed to himself.

Around midnight Spot burst into the Manhattan Lodging House.

"GUYS!!! WAKE UP!" He shouted.

"Wassamatter?" Jack quickly jumped out of bed.

"Rosie! The Shredders got her and she's at my place really soaked!"

Kid Blink couldn't believe it. He felt horrible. It was all his fault.

"What do ya want us ta do?" Race asked.

"Get dressed and we’re gonna kill em!"

There were a few cheers. Jack dressed quickly and rushed over to Spot.
"We don't have enough guys!"

"Da Brooklyn boys are waitin outside."

Cowboy grinned at him. "You've fallen head over heals…haven't ya."

Spot didn't answer. They all ran out of the Lodging House. Spot in lead.

They reached the Shredders' usual hideout and started attacking. Spot couldn't find Morris or Oscar.

Kid Blink ran up to an ugly brute. "Where's Oscar and Morris?"

"Let's just say dey had a burning desire to see Rosie." The man laughed and was punched afterward.

"SPOT! THEY WENT TO SEE ROSIE!!!" He shouted over the crowd.

He heard him and was out of there in a flash. Jack was right behind him with a look of determination.

Jack saw Spot blast through the first floor door. He couldn't let him do this alone. Everything in him wanted to run the other way. He knew it wouldn’t be long before the fire began dropping embers to the other floors. This building couldn’t be saved. Jack stood on the walkway, leading to the back door. Cowboy shielded his face and charged into the building like a crazy man, not knowing whether he was there to drag Spot out or help him with Rosie.

Jack ran up the first flight of stairs and turned just in time to see Spot barging up to the 3rd floor where the heat and flames were so oppressive he couldn't imagine how anyone could breathe, let alone survive. His instincts screamed at him to turn back, but he wouldn't let Spot do this by himself. When Jack caught up to him, Spot stopped. The fire billowed, flames devoured the ceiling and melted fixtures. Slats of wood fell around them.

"We can’t go any farther!" Jack shouted.

"She's just in dere!" Spot pointed to the door.

They raced to it. Spot ripped off his shirt and wrapped it around his hand to open the door. The knob was so hot it caught his shirt on fire. They went in and found Rosie on the floor. They picked up both sides of her and shuffled out. Jack's eyes burned and Spot had burned his arm. Spot could tell Rosie was still breathing so he moved a little faster. Huge pieces of wall fell all around. They made their way to the last steps when it suddenly fell 3 feet, it knocked them all to the burning floor. Spot grabbed her legs and Jack grabbed her arms. They left the building just as it collapsed.

A few weeks later, the guy's blisters were gone and Rosie was able to walk around a little. Kid Blink sat next to her and thought how everything turned out fine. Spot sat next to her and laid his head on her shoulder and whispered:

"Yer gonna be just fine...You are like me after all..."