Soda's Second Chance
Summary: Grievous over Johnny and Dally's deaths, and still heartbroken over his love, Sandy, Sodapop Curtis searches for an emotional outlet—and returns to school for his senior year. But when he needs tutoring, he meets a girl, and wonders if it's possible to let go of his previous love.
This was an idea that struck me during school. I'm not sure where it's going, or how long it'll be continued, but I've got a good feeling about it. :] This is my second Outsider's fan fiction.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Outsiders.
PS: Comment in a review if you think Soda's character is OOC. xP I often have trouble with that, so it would help if you told me when you think I'm not writing him correctly. [: Though, he will be somewhat OOC, because he's supposed to be extremely confused and upset in this story [well, at least, for now.]
And, yes, this is a Soda&OC fic.
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[Soda's POV]
"See?! I'm failin' every class!" I exploded. I didn't usually get angry like this. But this teacher wasn't making me feel real great about myself. He was making me feel downright stupid, actually. I already knew I was dumb. No one had to assure me of it.
"Sodapop, calm down," Mr. Brown, my homeroom teacher, scolded. "It's all right, Soda. I'll help you catch up—"
"I can't catch up!" Mr. Brown seemed shocked that I was yelling at him like this, because I never yelled. Never got upset much, frankly. But everything had been mixed up since I'd lost Sandy, and two of my closest friends, Johnny Cade and Dallas Winston. I'd come back to school hoping it would get my mind off things, and maybe make me feel better about myself, but it wasn't doing anything. Just making things harder, because, again, I was failing everything except P.E. "I'm stupid, and I ain't ever gonna catch up! I don't even know why I came back!"
"Sodapop!" Mr. Brown was losing his temper quickly. I was sighing deeply to try and calm myself down. "It's only the middle of the semester. You can still catch up and pull through. You just need a little extra boost. You're not stupid, you're just—challenged, in some areas." He smiled warmly, as if that was supposed to be a compliment. But I didn't see it that way. I saw it as half an insult.
"All right." I nodded my head and brushed my hair out of my face with one hand, which was sweaty. "What's your idea?—" I swallowed, "sir?"
My teacher grinned at me, his patience slowly returning. He seemed happy that I had soothed myself a little bit. I didn't like getting upset like that. I missed myself. I wanted to be the Sodapop that was the happy peacemaker again, but when I looked in the mirror, I didn't see that guy anymore.
"Well, Sodapop, we have a list of volunteer tutors at this school. Most of them are graduates, but we have some twelfth grade tutors that excel in most subjects—and I found one you should know, if you're up to the idea," Mr. Brown explained. I considered it for a second. A tutor. I'd tried that back before I'd dropped out of school, and it hadn't helped one bit. But maybe it was worth it to try again…?
"Who is he?" I asked.
Mr. Brown's lips curled into a smirk, eager that I was thinking about his offer.
"It's not a he," he emphasized. "It's a she. Her name is Calli Baker."
Calli Baker? I thought warily. I didn't know anyone in this school by that name. All I knew is that "Calli Baker" sounded like some sort of nickname for hot weather. But who was I to comment on names? Actually, I sort of liked it. It was a cute name.
"Do you know her?" Mr. Brown asked, noticing the confused look on my face.
I shook my head, and Mr. Brown frowned.
"Well, that's okay," he said brightly. "Usually you learn faster from people you're familiar with, but you two should get along nicely. She's an intelligent girl—she takes her work seriously—and she's friendly, too."
I shrugged my shoulders. I'd get along fine with her. I got along fine with most everyone.
"So you'll stay late after school tomorrow afternoon, Sodapop?" Mr. Brown assured.
I shrugged my shoulders again. I'd been doing that a lot lately. But when Mr. Brown gave me a "look", I finally used my words to respond.
"Sure," I said, trying hard to be my optimistic past self. "Let's go for it."
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That's just the beginning. xP Yes, I realize Soda isn't "himself" right now. That should change as the story progresses. Oh yes, and this is probably one of the only times this story will be in Soda's POV. Normally it'll be in Calli's—or possibly third person.
Please review. [: