Humbling Spot Conlon (A Spot Conlon Love Story)

Ch. 6: The Greatest Secret Spiller on the Vaudeville Today

Once again, I was woken up by Mush in the middle of the night. This time he didn't fall out of bed, he just kicked me in the face. I was debating throwing him off the bunk but I decided not to. I didn't want to have to deal with him. So I just climbed out of bed and sat on the floor.

I heard a creaking sound from across the room and scrambled up from the ground. I squinted my eyes to try to see who it was. "Hello?" I whispered, "Who's dat?"

First I saw his eyes. The ice blue ones that I got lost in so often. Then he emerged from behind the bunks. He gave me an awkward wave. "Hey."

"What're you doin' here?"

"I couldn't sleep."

I raised an eyebrow. "So ya came ta Manhattan? From Brooklyn." I couldn't quite see his face but I could tell he didn't have an answer.

"What? That's why I'm here."

I was skeptical, but I went along with it. "Alright, if ya say so."

"What're you doin' up?"

"Mush kicked me in the face," I said, still annoyed. I heard him trying to stifle his laughter and I shot him a glare. One he probably couldn't see, because it was dark. "Yeah, yeah, it's hilarious. Are ya just gonna stay here or what?"

"I dunno."

"It's kinda weird that yer just in here ya know."

He poked me with his cane. "Fine, I came ta talk ta Jack about the strike but he ain't here so I guess I'll go."

"Kay, bye." I waved him away. He didn't move. I sighed. "Ya wanna do somethin'? It's not like I'll be able ta sleep anyway."

"If ya insist." I rolled my eyes. What was with him and his stupid pride. He couldn't just ask?

"Whateva. Let's just go outside or somethin'."

"I think Medda Larkson's doin' a late show," He suggested. At this time of night? It seemed really late. "We could go ta that."

"What time is it even?"

"I dunno. Probably not as late as ya think it is. Now, are we gonna go or not?"

"Whatever."

We walked in silence. Why had I suggested we do something? So far the only interactions we'd had were angry and annoyed. I guess neither of us could sleep though. Well, I could, but Mush is the worst bunkmate ever so I didn't really want to.

I let him lead. I really had no idea where we were going. I had only been to Medda's place once with my mom when I was like eight. And of course the other day, but I wasn't exactly paying attention to where we were going then.

I honestly had no interest in going to Medda's show right now. I was just bored, and Spot seemed the same. I decided to go for his sake.

Finally I saw the familiar building. I planned on telling Medda not to spill my secret anymore last time we were here but she left before I could. I would have to tell her now. I wondered if she realized what she was doing. Like, obviously I'm dressed as a boy for a reason.

We stepped inside. I was expecting it to be quiet and dark. Instead I heard cheering. We followed the sound until we saw the stage and Medda performing.

We watched without a word. I wanted to say something, but I didn't know what I would say. I hadn't exactly talked to him much. Most of our conversations were just insult battles.

After the show was over I finally said something. "Medda's a great performer." I hated small talk, but I felt like I needed to say something.

"Yeah." He grinned like an idiot. Just like David had the other day.