Somewhere // Spot Conlon

Chapter 35.

I scramble down the steps and out of the Lodge ignoring Spot's cries. Spot sobs of my name get more and more distant.

I sprint through the streets of Brooklyn as fast as my feet can carry me, just trying to just away him.

I can't go back home, that's the first place he'll look and Sarah's. The Manhattan Lodge! He won't go there because of Blink!

Soft little drops of rain start to fall on my head as I cross the Brooklyn bridge. But little drops turn into buckets of rain as I become soaking wet. I could probably wring out my hair and dress for an hour and they would still be soaking. The wind starts to push against my side, making me topple over into a small puddle. My back feels like someone's stabbing me. This is just great, I got hit, I'm soaking wet, and now I'm covered in mud. My day can't get any better.

Finally! In Manhattan!

I should just go back. Maybe I can help Spot. I'll get him to maybe not drink as much. You can always change your ways. I miss him so much. Right now, he'd probably wrap his arms around me and kiss me while telling me it's going to be okay.

Someone from Brooklyn starts calling my name. He's still looking. I start to briskly walk across the bridge faster than before as the calls get closer.

"Allyson! Finally! I found ya!" Dash's voice cuts through the silent air.

"Just go home Dash, I'm not going back," I snap at him.

He grabs on to my arm," Come on, Ally. Spot really misses ya. I'se heard the screamin' match. Is dat what dis is about?"

"No, this is about him slapping and pushing me against a dresser," I spit pulling him into Manhattan.

"Spot wouldn't do dat, he's a nice guy. He would nevah do dat, I knows him," Dash rushes out.

"Yeah, well, you and your buddies have turned him into an alcoholic that would do that," I sneer pulling my arm away.

I start to sprint to the Lodge with Dash on my tail. I run through back and side streets, quickly losing him.

Then, I'm there. It's like heaven's light. I stumble and stagger towards the door. Probably looking like a drunk. I pull myself up the steps as tears starts to run down my cheeks.

Mush and Race are just sitting outside the door smoking.

"What happened to you, Allyson?" Mush asks.

"Pouvez-vous obtenir des clignements?" I reply.

"What?" Race asks.

"Blink, can you get Blink?" I whimper.

"Come in, you'se soakin' wet," Mush coaxes me.

I take the hand Race offers me as we climb the stairs. All the boys take off their caps as Race and Mush lead me to Blink. I must look like actual death right now.

"What's wrong?" Blink asks holding me.

"Il m'a frappé! Spot m'a frappé!" I cry into his chest.

"She won't tell us," Race explains to him.

"Ya want us to get your bradda?" Skittery asks.

"No, I just need somewhere to stay for a couple days," I sigh sitting down on Race's bunk," Il m'a frappé! Spot m'a frappé!"

"Some English, please?" Race asks.

"Il me cherche. Il me trouvera si je rentre à la maison. J'ai juste besoin d'un endroit où aller pour quelques jours," I sob out.

"English, Al," Jack orders me.

Al, that's what Spot always called me. Spot.

My violet sobs start to make my body shake as they become the only sound in the room.

"Good job Jack," Skittery says sarcastically.

"He's looking for me. He will find me if I come home. I just need a place to go for a few days," I explain while tears rush down my face.

"Who are ya runnin' from?" Blink asks putting his arm around my shoulder," Does Spot know somebody's aftah ya?"

"Don't you get it?" I ask raising my eyebrows," Spot's the one after me. I ran away from him."

"Why did ya leave Spot?" Race asks in almost utter disbelief.

"He's been drinking too much, too often," I snap," And he hit me tonight."

"I'se swear I'll kill 'im!" Jack sneers.

"Why would he do dat? Especially ta a goil like yaself?" Mush asks rhetorically.

"Allyson? Allyson, we know you're in Manhattan! Allyson?" Oh, no Kit. And that means Dash isn't far behind.

"Please don't let them find me," I plead.

Blink and Jack lead me into this bathroom stall. Jack places me in the corner beside the door," Stay here till someone comes to get you."

I nod quickly as a shove myself even further into the corner.

Blink's hands grip onto my shoulders as his blue eyes stare into mine," I won't let 'im find ya. You'se gotta be quiet no matta whatcha heah, okay?"

I nod again quickly before Blink closes the door.

Blink's eyes are different than Spot's. Spot's are mostly cold and never inviting, but Blink's are warm and caring. I guess the same eye color can mean different things on different people.