"Alicia, I don't see why you're putting up such a fuss!" her stepmother Martha said to her 15 year old stepdaughter Alicia. Alicia rolled her blue eyes, and turned to her mother.

"Because mother! You and papa decided out of the clear blue sky to pack up and move to New York! I don't wanna leave Pennsylvania! New York City is..." she exclaimed. "Dirty! And, and I don't belong there!"

"Alicia, you're being childish. We wouldn't move us to the 'dirty' section. For Heaven sakes, continue packing, and put everything into the coach when you're through." And with that, Martha left her daughter's room in their Moore Hills' home.

Alicia Wayton sighed, and plopped down on the bed. She didn't understand why they had to move. And to make things worse, her older brother Jeffery got to stay in Pennsylvania. 'This isn't fair!' she thought to herself. She pushed a piece of her dirty blonde hair, out of her face, and put it behind her ear. She looked around in her room. HER room. The room she grew up in. A few tears began to form in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. She wouldn't cry. She couldn't. Ever since her real mother Debra died, she hasn't cried. 'This is why I don't want to move. This was our house. Mine, papa, Jeffery, and mama's house.' Debra died when Alicia was 7 years old. It destroyed her. For 2 years, she went motherless, and it felt like the loneliest time in her life. That's when her father Robert decided she, and her brother needed a mother. He met Martha at a dinner party, and they wed a year later. Her father, was a high class lawyer, her real mother a performer, and Martha, she said home..and did nothing. Martha grew up in more money than a person could ever dream. Alicia at times think she carried her laziness, and "class power" as she referred to it over to the house and it rubbed off on Alicia. Alicia was never the type to care about one's social status. She didn't even think NYC was dirty! She just didn't want to leave her house, and all the memories in it with Debra.

She sighed again, this time getting up to finish packing. The last thing she wanted was Martha to go off on one of her tangents. She finished packing, and brought her suitcases downstairs.

"I've got it Ms. Wayton." their butler Fredrick said.

"Thank you Fredrick." she said, with a gentle smile.

"You look so much like your mother when you smile." Fredrick said, thinking about Debra. Alicia looked at the ground, and then back at Fredrick.

"You..you are coming with us. Right?"

"And leave my little starlet in New York City all alone? Are you bloody insane dear child?" he joked. Alicia laughed a little, and nodded.

"At times I think so." she replied.

"Go into the coach Starlet" he said. Alicia smiled, at the special nickname he christened her when she was very young, for her love of performing. She put on her coat, and walked outside. Her brother was waiting for her.

"Well, you take care of yourself. I'll come visit within the next few weeks." he said, hugging her.

"Good-bye Jeffery. Behave yourself." she commanded, jokingly. He smiled, and kissed her forehead, then helped her into the coach.

"Are we all set?" Robert asked, as he and Fredrick left the house, carrying three more suitcases.

"Yes!" Martha exclaimed with glee.

"Let's get moving then!" Robert said. He hugged his son good-bye, and got into the coat, followed by Fredrick. The four waved farewell to Jeffery, and began their journey to New York. Their new home. A new place to make memories. All Alicia could think about was what the future held for her, as she watched their house disappear as they progressed down the road further, and further.

"So Jacky-Boy. Was da deal for tanight?" Spot Conlon asked as he looked as his cards.

"Medda's havin' a concert at seven. We's all invited." Jack Kelly responded, putting down two cards, and picking up one. "I win." Spot rolled his eyes and tossed his deck on the table.

"One lucky hand. Big whoop." Spot said. "Aiight. I'm gon' head back ova ta Brooklyn. See how everythin' is goin' on. See ya tanight." he said, getting off the stool of Tiddy's Restaurant. He and Jack spit shaked, and he left.

Spot walked through New York City, all the newsies that were out selling their papes or doing whatever gave a wave or a hi. Spot smiled to himself. He loved having this sort of power. Everyone respected him. That's just the way it went.

"Ohhh Robert! Isn't it beautiful!" Martha exclaimed as the coach pulled up in front of their new home. The house was all brick, and two stories high. The windows were framed in white finish, with matching shudders.

"Very! Fredrick, Alicia, what do you think?" Robert asked, helping Martha out of the coach.

"Very nice sir!" Fredrick asked, his British accent ringing. "Starlet, isn't it lovely?" Alicia looked up at the large house.

"Yeah.." she said, sighing. Fredrick noticed the hurt in her ocean blue eyes, as she got out her suitcase. She walked inside the new house, following after her stepmother.

"You're room is the first door on the left upstairs." Martha informed her. Alicia went up the stairs, and entered her new room. It was the same size as her old one, with a balcony overlooking the street. She placed her suitcase down, and walked over to the balcony stepping on it. It was only 2:30 in the afternoon, so the street was filled with people. She looked around, and examined them all, wondering what they were all like.

"Heya Spot!" Mush called to Spot. Spot looked over at the tan, built, and tall newsies.

"Hey Mush. How's it rollin'?" Spot asked, shaking the hand of his friend.

"Okay. Comin' ta Medda's tanight?" Mush asked, fiddling with the brown suspenders attached to his shorts.

"Course I am. See ya dere. I gots ta get back ta Brooklyn to make sure everythin' is in orda." Spot said.

"Bye." Mush said, as he continued walking. Spot walked a few more feet when he noticed the coach, and a tall man, taking out some suitcases. He looked around at the house.

'Great. Even more rich snobs movin' inta our city.' he thought to himself, as he kept on walking.

Alicia was still standing on her balcony overlooking everything.

'My God. What am I gonna do here?' she thought to herself. She watched back inside of her room, and went downstairs.

"I'm going for a walk." she told Fredrick. Before he could even respond, she was out the front door.

Alicia walked around the street for a few minutes, taking in all the sites.

'My God. I'm gonna be so alone here!' she thought to herself. She looked around, and noticed a lot of boys, all various ages, selling papers to people in the street.

"Well, hello there sweet thing." a male voice said. Alicia whirled around to see a teenage boy standing there. "The name's Oscar Delancey." he said, taking her hand, and planting a kiss on it. Alicia pulled her hand out of his grip, and continued to walk away. "What's wrong?" he said, coming after her. She turned to see he was behind her, and she began to pick up her speed, which soon turned into a dash.

"Help someone!" she called, as she heard him drop his papers. "Help!" she cried.

Spot wasn't too far ahead. He walked, twirling his black cane around, when he heard a female voice in the distance.

"Help!" she cried. He turned around, and started to run back in the direction where it was coming from. As he got closer and closer, the voice got louder and louder. He turned into an alley way, to see Oscar holding onto some girl's arm tightly.

"You'se ain' goin' no where." Oscar laughed. Alicia, now even more scared then before, had a million things running through her mind.

"Please! Don't hurt me!" she exclaimed.

"Let go of 'er Delancey!" a voice commanded. Oscar turned around to see Spot standing there. He let go of Alicia's arm, and approached Spot.

"Well, well well. If it ain' Spot Conlon. Shouldn' you be in Brooklyn?" Oscar said.

"Leave 'er alone unless you'se wan' a problem." he demanded.

"And what are you'se gon' do 'bout it Conlon? What?" Oscar said, pushing Spot a little. Spot gave him a sticky sweet grin, then right hooked him in the jaw. Oscar tumbled, and held his jaw tightly.

"You'se gon' pay for that one Conlon. Jus' wait!" Oscar said, getting up, and running of.

Spot looked at Alicia and stared.

'Wow, she's beautiful.' he thought to himself.

"You'se okay miss?" he asked.

"I'm fine. Thank you." Alicia said. 'Wow, he's handsome.' she thought to herself, with a small smile.

"You sure?" he asked again.

"Positive. Thank you. I don't know what might've happened if you hadn't come." she said, gratefully.

"No problem. The name's Spot Conlon." he said, extending out his hand for her to shake it.

"Alicia Wayton." she said, shaking it, in return.

"You'se not from around here are you?" he asked, taking notice in her fine clothing.

"No, we just moved from Pennsylvania." she informed him.

"Lemme guess. To that brick house ova' on Moore Street?"

"How did you know?" she asked, impressed.

"Jus'a lucky guess." he said. "Well, I gots ta be goin'. I'll see ya around." he said.

"Okay, and thank you again Spot." she said, as the two walked out of the alley and went their separate ways.

"Ya welcome Alicia." he said, with a smile. She smiled back and walked in the direction of her house.

'I wonda if I'll see her around again.' he thought to himself.

"Alicia, don't make plans for tonight" Martha said, as Alicia walked into the house.

"Why?" she asked, curiously.

"There's a big concert and dinner over at Irving Hall. Our neighbors, the Johnstons invited us to go, to get to know more people. Dress appropriately. Be ready by 6:45." Martha informed, not even looking up from her novel.

"What if I decline?" Alicia asked, not really wanting to go.

"You won't. Or else you'll be punished for two weeks. Now go get washed up." Martha said. Alicia rolled her eyes and walked upstairs.

Alicia went up to her room, and laid on the bed. She decided to take a short nap, to make the time go faster.

'I don't want to go to this concert tonight.' she complained to herself. She closed her eyes and napped for about 45 minutes, when the knock at the door disturbed her slumber.

"Starlet?" Fredrick's voice asked.

"Come in Fredrick." she said, sitting up. Fredrick entered her room, holding a black satin dress on a hanger.

"You're stepmother informed me to give this to you." he said, handing her the hanger.

"Thanks Fredrick." she said, sighing, taking the dress and placing it on the bed.

"Why so glum Starlet?" he asked, knowing whenever something was wrong with Alicia.

"Fredrick, I've been here for what? 5 hours? I hate it. I almost got attacked before. I don't want to go to this concert thing tonight. I just want to go home." she said.

"Back up. You almost got what??" Fredrick asked, making sure he heard correctly.

"Attacked. But some boy saved me." she said, her facing lighting up when she said 'some boy'.

"Uh-huh. And does this boy have a name?" Fredrick asked.

"Yes. Speck. Or Dot..or Smudge? I don't know. Something along those lines." Alicia answered, yet, confusing herself. Fredrick chuckled to himself.

"Well I suggest if you ever see him again, you just address him as 'kind sir' or 'young man'."

Alicia laughed. "I'll do just that Fredrick."

"Well, I'll let you get ready. I have to go press Mrs. Wayton's gown." Fredrick said, getting off the bed, and leaving the room. Alicia got up, went to her suitcase, and pulled out her bathrobe, and headed to the bathroom.

An hour and fifteen minutes later, Alicia was ready for the night. Her dirty blonde hair was pulled back into a bun, with ringlets hanging loose from it, some curls framing her face. She had on pale blue eye shadow, that really accented her ocean blue eyes, which were outlined in black eyeliner. Her lips were a pale red, that complimented the little blush that was on her already rosy cheeks.

"Alicia, are you ready darling?" her father called.

"Yes daddy." she replied, as she put in her diamond stud earrings. Robert knocked on her door, and opened it. "May I come in?"

"Sure." she said.

"You look lovely! Here, let me fasten your necklace." he said. He took her diamond choker, and fastened it on her.

"Thank you." she said.

"Shall we?" he asked, extending his arm to her.

"Surely." she said, graciously taking it, and they walked downstairs.

"Jacky-boy, you'se almos' ready?" Spot asked, impatiently as he waited at the Newsboys

Lodging House for Jack and the rest of the fellows.

"Calm yaself Conlon. I'm here." Jack said, walking into the office. "Do I looks okay?" Spot looked at Jack, who was wearing a white shirt, brown overjacket, and brown pants.

"You'se looks fine! Lemme guess. Sarah gon' be dere?" Spot asked.

"Yeah." Jack said, smiling.

"Let's get goin'. I wants good seats." Spot said.

"Fellas' we'se goin'. We'll meetcha at Medda's." Jack called up the stairs to Race, Mush, and the others.

"Okay Jack!" he heard Crutchy reply, as the two walked out and headed off to Irving Hall.

Irving Hall was packed from top to bottom, filled with local towns people, Newsies from all over New York, and most of the regulars.

"Look at this place!" Robert said as they walked inside. Alicia looked around, half excited, half bored.

"Isn't it breathtaking Starlet?" Fredrick asked. Alicia gave a small smile and looked at the floor.

"Look, there's William and Claire." Martha said, seeing the Johnston. The four walked over to a high class looking couple.

"So nice that you could join us!" William said, shaking Robert's hand, and kissing Martha's cheek. "This must be the famous Alyssa." he said, extending his hand out to shake her's.

"Alicia..." she corrected, shaking his to be polite. William smirks.

"Right. And this must be Fredrick."

"Nice to meet you Sir. Hello Madame." Fredrick said, shaking William and Claire's hands.

"Please, have a seat. The show is going to start in a few minutes." Claire said. Claire took off her mink shall and handed it to Fredrick. "Be a dear would you?" Alicia looked at Fredrick and rolled her eyes.

"Of course Madame." he said, hanging it up for her.

"So uh Spot, you'se been in a good mood since you'se got to da lodging house. Whatsa matta'. You'se meet a goil or suttin?" Jack said, as he and Spot entered Irving Hall. Spot smiled to Jack.

"In fact I did. Taday when I was walkin' back ta Brooklyn. Oscar Delancey was pickin' on some goil. Real pretty. Sweet soundin' voice. Kinda likes an angel." Spot explained.

"I don' think I eva' hord you'se talk like dat about anyone eva'. You'se gon' see her again?" Jack asked.

"I donno. I hope so." Spot said, with high hopes.

"So Alice, how do you like New York so far?" Claire asked, sipping her white wine. Alicia could feel her blood boil.

"It's Alicia, and it's fine thank you." she said, gritting her teeth. Martha shot her a look and she cleared her throat. "If you'll please excuse me, I have to use the restroom." she said, getting up, and going down the stairs to the main lobby.

"So what was her name?" Jack asked, as the two walked around the lobby.

"Alicia..Alicia Wayton." Spot said, his green-blue eyes sparkling as he said it.

"Yes?" Alicia said, turning to where she heard her name. Spot recognized that voice anywhere.

"Alicia?" he said.

"Speck?" she said, grinning. Jack stifled a chuckle. Spot laughed.

"Spot." he corrected.

"Right. I'm sorry. It's been a long day." she said.

"It's aiight. Wow, you'se look beautiful." Spot said. Alicia could feel her cheeks turning a shade of red.

"Thank you. You look nice as well." she complimented.

"Thanks. Oh, by the way..this hea' is Jack Kelley. Da leada of the Upper East Side Newsies." Jack stepped foward and held out his hand.

"Pleased ta meet ya' miss." Jack said, shaking her hand.

"Likewise." she said. "Well I better be getting back to my seat. I just needed a breath of fresh air. I hope to see you after the show." she said, looking at Spot.

"Oh, definitely. Enjoy!" he said.

"You too. Bye Jack." she said, walking back to her seat.

"Wow, she really is nice. And pretty." Jack said.

"I know. I can't wait til the show is over now." Spot said. Jack laughed.

"C'mon Conlon. Les' go get our seats and wait for da othas'." he said.

Alicia returned to her seat and sat down.

"What's this I see on your face? A smile perhaps?" Fredrick whispered. Alicia blushed.

"Spot's here!" she said with a giant smile.

"The young man who saved your life?" Fredrick asked.

"Yes!" Alicia exclaimed.

"Alicia! Please. Lower your voice!" Martha exclaimed in a low, stern voice, then turned back around to watch the show. Alicia rolled her eyes.

"I'm going to talk to him more later. Would you like to meet him?"

"I most certainly would. Now, let's hush before the big bad wolf throws another fit." he said, turning to face the stage. Alicia giggled and nodded, doing the same.

"Heya fellas" Racetrack said, as he, Mush and Crutchy sat at the table next to Jack and Spot.

"Heya." Jack said. Spot just stared out into space.

"Uh..Jack, wasa matta' wit Spot?" Mush whispered. Jack smiled.

"He's in love Mush." Mush's eye grew wide.

"Spot?? Conlon? IN LOVE?!"

"Yeh me in love. Gots a problem wit it Mush?" Spot said, defensive. Mush put his hands up in defense.

"No Spot! I'm happy for ya!" Mush said. Spot smiled and smack him on the back.

"Thanks Mush." Mush smiled, then looked at Crutchy and Race.

"Phew!" he said, breathing a sigh of relief, just as Medda came out. The whole audience clapped and cheered, as the Newsies all howled. Medda smiled, waved, and began her song.

Alicia looked around the venue for Spot.

"Alicia, sit still!" Martha commanded. Alicia sighed, and sat back.

"Looking for Prince Charming?" Fredrick whispered.

"Yeah, but I can't see him." Alicia said, sadly.

"Alison!" Claire said. "Be quiet!"

"Alicia. MY NAME IS ALICIA! UH-LEE-SEE-UH!" she exclaimed standing up.

"That does it. Young lady, you're attitude and behavior tonight will not be excepted. Fredrick, take her home." Robert said, sternly. Alicia gasped.

'If I leave there's no telling when I'll see Spot again.' she thought. "But daddy!" she started.

"No but anything. You will not ruin the night for your mother and I. We'll continue this discussion at home." Robert sat back down, not wanting to hear what she had to say. Fredrick looked at Alicia with pity in his eyes. He knew exactly what she was thinking.

"Come along Starlet. Let's get you home." He handed her her jacket and the two left the performing room.

"Oh Fredrick, how will I ever see him again?" she asked, her voice cracking as they got into the coach and started for home.

"You will Starlet. Have a little faith." he said, hugging her as they rode home.

"Spot, sit still! Gawd, you'll see Alicia durin' intamission!" Jack scolded to a fidgety Spot. Spot looked at Jack and sighed.

"Yous'e right. I'ma just sit and enjoy da rest of da show." He sat back in his chair and looked at the stage, although all the fellas knew he had Alicia on his mind.

"You really think I'll see him again Fredrick?" Alicia asked as they pulled in front of the house.

"Do you believe in your heart of hearts you will?" Fredrick asked. Alicia nodded. "Then yes Starlet, I do." Alicia smiled and hugged him.

"Thank you Fredrick. Enjoy the rest of the show. Sorry you had to miss some of it." she said, getting out of the carriage and going inside. Fredrick smiled to himself as he rode back to Irving Hall.

"Ahh, young love." he sighed.

Before Spot knew it, it was intermission. He quickly got up and ran down to the lobby. He looked around for Alicia but didn't see her.

"Maybe she's in da restroom." he thought to himself. He continued to walk around when he bumped into a lady. "Oh, excuse me ma'am." he said, tipped his hat to her. The lady turned around and looked at him disgusted.

"Watch where you're going, you filth!" she spat. Spot looked at her and was about to say something but bit his tongue.

"Claire, is something wrong?" a female voice said. It was Martha.

"No, just this newsie bumping into me. Pay no mind to their kind." Claire said, pulling Martha away.

"The noive of some people!" Spot thought to himself.

Fredrick made his way through the crowd when he saw Spot standing in a corner, looking for someone.

"Alicia." Fredrick thought, walking over by him. "Mr. Spot I presume?" Spot looked at Fredrick.

"Who wants to know?" he questioned, his guard up. Fredrick chuckled a little to himself. "Hey, who yous'e laughin' at?" Spot demanded.

"I come baring news from Miss Wayton." he replied. Spot's _expression softed up a little.

"Alicia? Where is she?" he asked.

"She was sent back to her house. If you care to see her again, my advice to you would be go to her home as soon as the show is over. Her parents will be going out for a drink with the neighbors. Go over to the side balcony and call her name." Fredrick instructed. Spot smiled.

"And yous'e sure she'll come out?" he asked. Fredrick nodded.

"You have my word." Spot stuck his hand out. Fredrick accepted and the two shook.

"Thanks Mister...uhh...guy who knows Alicia." Spot said. Fredrick laughed.

"Just call me Fredrick." Spot smirked.

"Thanks Freddy." Fredrick rolled his eyes and cleared his throat a bit.

"FredRICK." Spot smiled and nodded.

"Fredrick"

Alicia sat in her room, combing her hair, thinking of Spot. She sighed, putting down her brush on her vanity. She got off her chair and walked over to her bed and looked out the window at a shining star above her room.

'Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish, I wish tonight.' she said in her head. 'Please let me see him again..' she closed her eyes, and placed her head on her pillow and looked out the window at the twinkling star. As she closed her eyes, she envisioned him and smiled.

Spot walked through the quiet streets, whistling a tune from Medda's to himself. He finally approached her house and walked under her balcony. Looking around, making sure the coast was clear, he quietly called out her name.

"Alicia!" he said. No reply. "Alicia!!" he said a little louder. Still nothing. He picked up a small stone and placed it in his slingshot. Aiming at her window, he sent the stone flying in the air and directly onto her window.

Awaken by the tap, Alicia sat up.

"What the.." she said looking outside. A big smile crept across her face to see Spot standing there. Opening the window and climbing onto the balcony she looked over. "How did you know this was my room?" she asked.

Spot smiled. "Fredrick tol' me. I hadda see ya again." Alicia smiled again.

"I'm glad you did. I'm sorry I left without saying good-bye. My wicked stepmother and father sent me home." she said rolling her eyes.

"Can you come down?" he asked.

"I'm in my nightgown!" she exclaimed with a hint of laughter. Spot bit his lip.

'Then I'm comin' up." he said. Before Alicia could say anything, he was climbing up the side of the house. He took hold of the railing to the balcony and pulled himself up. "Gawd. Even in ya nightgown you'se looks like a hundred bucks." Alicia blushed and looked down.

"Thank you.." she said. Spot put his hand on her chin and gently lifted it up, looking into her eyes.

"You'se got the most prettiest eyes I've eva' seen." he said softly. Alicia gulped.

"So do you.." she said, as Spot leaned in more. Closing her eyes, she to leaned forward, meeting his lips. The two shared a bittersweet, gentle kiss, then pulled apart. "That was...umm.." she started.

"Ya firs' kiss?" Spot said. Alicia nodded and laughed. "You wouldn't know." Spot said. Alicia smiled as Spot moved in and kissed her again. They deepened the kiss a bit and were really getting into it, when they heard a horse and buggy stomping. The two broke apart and Alicia looked.

"Oh no! They're home! You have to get out of here!" she exclaimed. Spot was about to go back over the railing when Alicia pushed him down. "They'll see you! Just wait. Get inside the window." she commanded. Spot did as told. As Alicia fixed the curtains, Martha called up.

"Alicia, just what are you doing?" she questioned as she and Robert stepped out of the coach.

"I, uh, it's such a lovely night out. I was just taking in the evening breeze..." she said, with a big smile plastered across her face.

"Well, it's getting late and cold out young lady. Go back inside." Robert said.

"Yes daddy." she said, climbing in the window.

"Phew. Talk abous' close." Spot said. Alicia put her finger to his lip and listened for the door to open and close. Knowing her parents were inside, she took Spot's hand and pulled him out onto the balcony again.

"When will I see you again?" she asked as he climbed over.

"Tomorrow. Meet me at Tibby's. It's down the road by the Newboys Lodging House. In the middle of the square. Meet me at 1." he said. He quickly kissed her good-bye one last time as he continued to climb down.

"Okay, see you tomorrow! Sweet dreams Spot." she said as he began to walk away, making sure no one was looking.

"They'll only be'se sweet if you'se in 'em." he said. Alicia smiled and blew him a kiss. He pretended to catch it and placed his hand over his heart, then ran off. Alicia smild and sighed, as she climbed back into her room. She closed the window and got back into bed. Looking up at the star she smiled to herself.

'Wishes really can come true.' she said to herself as she closed her eyes and fell into a peaceful sleep.

Alicia woke up the next morning with a smile across her face.

"Starlet, are you awake?" Fredrick called, knocking gently on her door.

"Yes Fredrick." Alicia replied, putting on her robe. Fredrick opened the door and looked inside.

"Well someone seems to be in better spirits." Alicia smiled even larger and ran over to him.

"Thank you!" she said, throwing her arms around his neck. Fredrick smiled and hugged her back.

"No need to thank me Starlet. I do what I can." he said.

"I'm going to go meet him today." Alicia explained.

"Really? Where about?" Fredrick asked.

"Tibby's. It's in the square." Alicia replied.

"What time?"

"One o'clock. What time is it now?" Fredrick took out his pocketwatch.

"Almost ten." Alicia sighed.

"Three more hours."

"It'll go by fast. Maybe you can run a few errands for your stepmother and help fix around the house."

"I suppose. I'm going to go shower and get dressed." Alicia got off her bed and walked out of her room to the bathroom.

Spot crossed over the Brooklyn Bridge and walked around the Upper East Side. All the Newsies out took sight of him, and tipped their hats in a sign of respect.

"Heya Spot!" a voice called. Spot turned around and saw tall, lanky, and gimpy Crutchy walking over to him.

"Heya Crutchy." Spot said shaking his hand.

"What brings ya to dese parts of New York?" Crutchy asked.

"I figured I gotta' come here lata' on taday to meet up with Alicia, so why not walk ova' now. Catch up wit' some of da fellas'." Spot explained.

"You'se really likes this Alicia goil dontcha?" Crutchy asked. Spot smiled and nodded.

"Yes. I do."

"Well, den dat's good for you Spot." Crutchy said. Spot held out his hand and smiled. Crutchy placed his in Spot's and the two shook.

"Thanks Crutchy. I'm gonna go walk aroun' and see how business is handlin' ova' here. I'll talk to ya soon." Spot said.

"Okay. Bye Spot." Crutchy said. Spot waved and continued to walk around.

"Spot's ova here?" Jack said, approaching Crutchy with Bumlets.

"Yeh. He said he's gon' meet up with Alicia lata'." Crutchy replied.

"Wow, Spot's really inta dis goil ain' he Jack? I've neva' seen him act like dis before." Bumlets said.

Jack smiled and nodded. "Yeh, he is. I'm happy for him." The other two nodded and the three walked their merry way.

"Starlet, did you happen to check the time?" Fredrick asked, peeking his head through her door. Alicia looked at the clock on her wall and gasped.

"Omigosh! It's 5 to 1! I'm going to be late!" she exclaimed, jumping off her bed and running out the door.

"Have a good time." Fredrick called.

"Thank you!" she called back, running out the door and down the block.

Spot sat in Tibby's looking at his watch.

'Maybe she ain' comin',' he thought to himself. Sighing, he was about to get up when he heard the bell chime at the door. Turning around, he was greeted by Alicia's angelic smile and blue eyes. Spot smiled and kissed her cheek hello.

"I'se thought you'se wasn' comin.'" he said. Alicia laughed.

"Now why on Earth would I stand you up Spot?" she questioned. Spot shrugged.

"I donno." he said. Alicia smiled, and softly kissed his lips. Spot smiled and reached over to the table.

"Here. Des are for you." he said, handed her a bouquet of daisies.

"Aww, they're beautiful! Thank you." she said, smelling them.

"Next ta you, dey look like weeds." Spot said. Alicia blushed and started to pull out her chair. "Allow me." Spot said, moving the chair out. Alicia sat down and put her flowers on the table.

"Look at dem!" Specs said, as he, Mush, and Pie Eater looked in the window of Tibby's.

"I'se neva seem Spot like dis before!" Pie Eater said.

"I don' think none us has." Mush replied.

"So tell me about yourself." Alicia said, taking a sip of her water.

"Well, I'se was born and raised in Brooklyn. Me parents died when I was a baby, so I lived in an orphange til I was 9. After dat, I became a Newsie and moved inta the Brooklyn Lodging House. Despite me size, I was always really tough, on the count I'se was always gettin' inta fights in da orphange. All da otha Newsies was scared of me, so when the original leada of the Newsies left, I took over." Spot explained.

"Wow. Pretty impressive." Alicia said.

"Now you. Tell me somethin' about you." Spot said.

"Well, I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. I have an older brother Jeffery. He stayed there to finish up school. My real mother died when I was 7 from cancer. When I was 9, my father remarried my stepmother Martha." she said.

"I'm sorry about ya mudda." Spot said, sympathetically.

"Thanks. I kind of gotten used to it. Martha tries her best to be a good mother to me and Jeffery, but it's not the same." she said. Spot could see the hurt in her eyes. He put his hand on top of her's and gently squeezed it.

"Jus' rememba dis. Ya mudda's always lookin' down on ya no matta what." Alicia smiled.

"And right now, she's probably thinking 'wow, my daughter has some boyfriend.'" she said. Spot smiled.

"Ya mean it? I'm ya boyfriend?"

"Of course. Aren't you?" she asked.

"Of course!" Spot said. Alicia smiled.

"Good." Spot leaned in and gently kissed her. After a short, intimate kiss they pulled away. Alicia smiled. "I love when you do that." Spot smiled, and kissed her again.

"Fredrick!" Martha called from the living room.

"Yes Mrs. Wayton?" he asked, coming in from the hallway.

"Where is Alicia?" she asked. Fredrick bit his lip.

"She went out to run an errand for me." he said.

"When will she return?" Martha questioned.

"Within the hour or so. Shall I send her to see you when she comes home?" he asked.

"No. I'll talk to her when I get home." Martha said, putting on her coat.

"Where are you off to?" he asked.

"Claire and I are going for a walk, then prehaps a bite to eat." she said.

"Well, enjoy your afternoon." Fredrick said, dusting.

"Tanight would you'se like ta go ta Irving Hall wit me? You'se can meet some of me friends." Spot asked.

"Sure. What time?" Alicia asked.

"Meet me dere around 7."Spot replied. Alicia nodded.

"Claire, this walk was a nice idea. I needed to get out of the house." Martha said, as the two walked the square.

"It was, wasn't it? How about some lunch?" Claire asked.

"Sounds lovely. Where to eat though?" Martha asked.

"How about there?" Claire asked, pointing to the closest place to eat.

"Splendid." Martha said, as the two walked towards Tibby's.

"So did you enjoy last night's concert?" Alicia asked.

"Yeh, it was aiight. Durin' intamission I knocked into this real hoity toity lady in the lobby. What a complete snob." Spot said, reminising about the previous evening.

"I hate people like that." Alicia said. Spot nodded. He drew his attention to the door, as it opened.

"Her! Da one in da beige coat!" Spot exclaimed in a low voice. Alicia turned around to see Claire Johnston walk in, with her mother right behind her. Wide eyed she turned back around. "Wasa matta'?" Spot asked.

"Look Claire, isn't that the boy who so rudely knocked into you last night?" Martha asked. Claire looked over at Spot.

"It is!" she exclaimed. Martha looked back at Spot and then noticed the girl he was sitting with. Outraged, she called out.

"Alicia Wayton!"

"Your daughter Alicia?! With a NEWSBOY??" Claire exclaimed. Alicia looked jumped out of her chair.

"Mother!" she exclaimed.

Alicia stared at her mother.

"What are you doing here with a newsboy?" Martha demanded to know.

"Having lunch mother. This is Spot Conlon." Alicia said. Spot took off his hat.

"Pleased ta meet ya ma'am." he said.

"I don't care who he is. This little lunch is over. Go home now!" Martha yelled. Alicia got up and began to walk out. She got to the door and looked at Spot.

'Seven' she mouthed. Spot smiled and nodded.

"Alicia. Now!" Martha yelled. Alicia looked at her and left. "And as for you." Martha said, approaching Spot. "You are to stay far away from my daughter. Do I make myself clear?" Spot nodded. Getting up, he grabbed his hat, and left Tibby's.

Alicia ran inside her house and straight up the stairs to her room. Fredrick walked down the hallway and knocked on her door.

"Starlet? May I come in?" he asked.

"Yeah.." she called inside. Fredrick opened the door and saw Alicia laying on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

"What's the matter Starlet?" he asked, sitting at the foot of the bed.

"Mother came to Tibby's." she said. Fredrick nodded.

"And let me guess. She saw you and Mr. Spot there, didn't she?" Alicia nodded and sat up.

"I just don't understand Fredrick. Why does she think Spot is so horrid?"

Fredrick sighed. "Because he doesn't come from money." Alicia sighed as well.

"But that shouldn't matter. He's a wonderful boy. My real mother would have liked and approved of him."

Fredrick smiled. "Yes, she would have."

"I miss her so much Fredrick." Alicia said, in a low voice.

"I know Starlet. I do too." Fredrick said, hugging her.

Alicia spent the rest of the day up in her room. Around 6:40 there was a knock on her door.

"Come in." she called. Her father opened her door and walked inside. "Hi daddy." she said, combing her hair.

"My don't we look pretty." he said, noticing her satin dress and make up was done. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked.

"Oh, there's a concert over at Irving Hall tonight. I'm going to go there for a while." she said. Robert sighed.

"Alicia, Martha thinks it'd be best if you stayed home tonight." Robert said. Alicia stopped combing her hair and looked at her father.

"Please tell me you're kidding." she said.

"I'm afraid not honey. She'd prefer you in tonight." Robert said. Alicia got up.

"Well can't you tell her you said I can go out? I got ready and everything!" Alicia argued.

"Alicia, I'm not going to go against her wishes and I do not appreciate this tone of voice!" Robert yelled back.

"But I have to meet someone there!" Alicia exclaimed.

"You're going to meet that newsboy aren't you?" Robert said.

"No." Alicia lied. "I met this boy last night at Irving Hall." she said.

"What's his name?" Robert asked, not believing her.

"Daniel..." she said.

"Well you'll have to reschedule. Our decision is final." Robert said getting off the bed and leaving.

"Ughhh!" Alicia exclaimed as she collasped onto her bed.

"Starlet? May I come in." Fredrick asked.

"Yes." Alicia mumbled, her face buried in a pillow.

"What's wrong?" Fredrick asked.

"Mother and father said I can't go tonight to Irving Hall, but I'm supposed to meet Spot there at seven and if I don't go, he'll think I don't like him and just..ugh!" she exclaimed all in one breath. Fredrick smoothed her hair.

"I'm sorry Starlet. Maybe you'll see Mister Spot tomorrow during the day."

"I hope. Have any errands for me to run?" she asked, looking up at him.

"Oh I'm sure I can find a few." Fredrick said. Alicia smiled.

"Thanks Fredrick."

"Heya Spot! Whatcha doin' 'ere?" Itey called as he saw Spot standing in front of Irving Hall.

"Hey Itey. I'm waitin' for my goil Alicia." he said. Itey smirked.

"Oh yeah. Jack was mentionin' 'bout her. Said she was real nice and pretty."

"She is." Spot said with a smile. Itey nodded and smiled.

"Well I'se gon' go inside and meet up wit' Jack and Davie. I'll talk ta ya lata." he said, as he entered the building.

"See ya." Spot said. He looked at his pocket watch. "Five ta seven." he said to himself.

"Sir, I was wondering, if you don't need me anymore this evening, would it be alright if I go out for a little bit? The night is so lovely tonight. It's a sin to waste it inside." Fredrick asked.

"Sure Fredrick. Enjoy the evening." Robert said, reading a newspaper.

"Thank you sir." Fredrick said, putting on his coat and hat.

"Hey, any of you'se seen Spot?" Jack asked Itey, David, Boots, and Mush.

"Yeh, he's outside waitin' for Alicia." Itey said. Jack got out of his seat and walked outside.

"Hey, she comin'?" he asked, finding Spot outside, sitting against the building.

"I donno. I hope so." Spot said.

"I don't think she'd stand ya up Conlon." Jack assured him. Spot nodded.

"Ya right I guess. You can go inside. I'll be in when she gets here."

"Aiight. See ya inside." Jack said, going back inside.

Fredrick walked to the square and down the road to Irving Hall.

'Outside, just like I thought.' he said to himself, seeing Spot outside.

"Mister Spot?" he called, walking over to him. Spot looked up.

"Who wants ta know?" he asked, getting up. Fredrick removed his hat. Spot stared at him, then realized who it was. "Hey Fredrick. Where's Alicia??"

"I'm afraid to tell you Alicia is punished and not permitted out this evening. She hopes to meet you somewhere tomorrow." Spot's face fell and he kicked the curb.

"Why can't she come? 'Cause she was wit' me taday right?" Fredrick nodded.

"I'm afraid that's part of the case. Her stepmother is a very prestigous woman." he explained.

"Jus' 'cause I don' got no fancy clothes and live in a rich house don' mean I don' care about Alicia. I really do." Spot said. "And for me, to care about just one girl says a lot!" Fredrick looked at him. "I know dat sounds bad, but you gotta believe me. I really do care about her!"

"I know you do. That's why I'm here." Fredrick said.

"I'm listenin'..." Spot said.

"Here's what we're going to do..." Fredrick said.

Alicia sat on her bed, looking out the window, sighing. The moon shined brightly in the clear sky, and the streets were quiet. Her concentration was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Alicia, may I come in?" Martha asked.

"Yes.." Alicia mumbled. Martha entered, with a tray.

"I brought you a snack. Some apple slices, and water." Martha said. Alicia kept looking out the window.

"Thank you.." she replied.

"Alicia, I hope you aren't going to spend the remainder of the night in this state because if you are, I strongly suggest you go to bed." And with that, Martha left. Alicia climbed off her bed and walked over to her dresser. Opening the top drawer, she took out a small box. Closing the drawer, and sitting back on her bed, she opened it and picked up the picture inside it.

"I miss you mama.." she said to herself, staring at the picture of her mother. She quickly blinked away whatever tears were forming and closed the box. Putting it back in her drawer, she turned the light off in her room and laid on the bed, staring out into the stars.

"What's Alicia put to?" Robert asked, smoking a pipe. Martha sat in the love seat and looked at the roaring fire that was burning.

"Sitting up in her room, moping." she replied.

"I still think we should have permitted her to go out." Robert said.

"Well, we didn't now did we? I do not want her hanging around with street rats Robert!" Martha yelled.

"And how do you know this boy is a street rat? Does he live in a sewer? Do you know anything about him?" Robert asked. As Martha opened her mouth to replied to the questions, the doorbell rang. Robert got up and walked through the foyer to open it.

"Hello sir. My name is David Jacobs. I'm here to pick up Alicia." David said. He was standing at the door, wearing a beige button-down shirt, brown overcoat, and brown slacks. Robert stared at him puzzled.

"Are you the boy she met yesterday?" he asked.

"Yes sir." David replied.

"Well please, come in..." Robert said, stepping aside to let David in.

"Thank you." David stepped inside the house and looked around.

"Umm, Martha. Come here for a minute please.." Robert called.

"What is it?" Martha said, irritated as she walked into the foyer. She gave Robert a quizzical look as she glanced at David.

"Good evening ma'am. I'm here to pick up Alicia for our date." David said, kissing her hand.

"Hello. I'm Mrs. Wayton, Alicia's mother. Let me go get her."

Martha made her way up the stairs and knocked on Alicia's door. "Alicia? A young man is here to see you..." Alicia sprung up off her bed with a smile and ran out of her room. Flying down the stairs, in hopes it was Spot, she stopped short when she saw David standing there.

"Hello Alicia. How are you this evening?" David asked, walking over by her and kissing her cheek. "My name's David. I'm here to take you to see Spot." he whispered in her ear.

"I'm doing very well David. Thank you. Um, please, excuse me for a moment to go get freshened up." She said. She smiled at David and walked up the stairs to go put back her dress on.

Within 5 minutes she was done and walked back downstairs.

"My, you look beautiful." David said. Alicia smiled and blushed.

"Thank you. Shall we go?" she asked, getting impatient. David opened the door for her.

"After you." he said.

"Bye daddy. Bye mother. See you in a bit." Alicia said.

"Have a good time sweetheart." Robert called.

"We will." Alicia called back.

"Nice meeting you. Take care." David called.

"Goodnight David!" Martha called.

As soon as the two were out of hearing range of the house David spoke.

"I'm a good friend of Jack and Spot. I'm also a Newsie." David explained.

"Ohh, I see. But how did you know..." Alicia started.

"...that you weren't coming? Your butler walked over to Irving Hall. He saw Spot waiting outside for you. He explained the situation and that's when they decided to send one of us to come get you. We figured your parents might have saw Jack last night at the concert, so we didn't want to chance anything so they sent me." he finished explaining.

"Wow. Smart idea." Alicia said, impressed.

"I thought so too. Now, let's get you over there. Your boyfriend is going insane waiting for you." David said, taking her hand and starting to ran. Alicia laughed and ran right along with him.

more to come