8 Days, 8 Letters; Spot Conlon

Got a Bad Feeling About This

Songs: Nothing You Can Take From Me (Boot-Stompin' Version) from The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

High Times, Hard Times from Newsies 1992

A/N: Hey everybody. I hope y'all enjoy the next chapter of 8 Days, 8 Letters.

Present Day: July 1899

Jaime's POV

Jack called for the newsies to settle down, but they didn't see or hear him.

I let out a loud whistle, the same one I used to get the newsies out of bed.

Everyone quieted down and looked at the stage.

I headed backstage and met Skittery and Tumblr who were getting their instruments ready. Mush handed me my guitar and I threw the strap over my shoulder.

"Now to kick off our evening please welcome The Queen of 'Hatten herself, Jaime 'Books' Kelly!" Jack announced.

The curtain opened revealing us to the crowd. That was a much bigger crowd than earlier.

I took a deep breath and stepped up to the microphone. I made eye contact with Spot, Jack, and Race who were in the crowd.

"You got this," Spot mouthed.

I nodded and took a deep breath, strumming my guitar.

Tumblr: You take my past, you can't take my history

Skittery: You can take my Pa but his name's a mystery

I looked back at them to see Jack and Race giving me a thumbs up. I smiled at them and began singing.

Jaime: Nothin' you can take from me was ever worth keepin'
Oh, nothin' you can take was ever worth keepin'

I made eye contact with Spot. He was focused on me. I blushed and looked away, trying to focus on the chords.

Jaime: Can't take my charm
Can't take my humor
Can't take my wealth
'Cause it's just a rumor
Nothin' you can take from me was ever worth keepin'
No, nothin' you can take was ever worth keepin'

"Come on!" I said.

The newsies began to dance around and I smiled at their joy. I wish they could get to stay this happy forever, but I know that's not possible.

Jaime: Thinkin' you're so fine
Thinkin' you could have mine
Thinkin' you're in control

I saw Malik leaning on the back wall of the theater. I blinked twice to see if he was actually there. He glanced over at me before looking at Skittery. What was he doing here?

I kept my eye on him and continued playing.

Jaime: Thinkin' you'll change me
Maybe rearrange me
Think again if that's your goal
Ooh

I gave Spot a look and motioned towards where Malik was leaning.

He got up and whispered to Ace and Mac to take care of it. I hope Skittery's alright since I'm sure he saw him.

Hopefully Bumlets and Specs didn't see. They came to 'Hatten to get away from him and now he's showing up to 'Hatten for who knows what reason. I can't put my finger on the reason, but I know the reason can't be good.

I continued singing hoping to divert attention from Malik.

Jaime: Can't take my sass
Can't take my talkin'
You can kiss my ass
Then keep on walkin'
Nothin' you can take from me was ever worth keepin'
Oh, nothin' you can take was ever worth keepin'
Nothin' you could take from me is worth dirt
Take it, 'cause I give it free, it won't hurt