Chapter 2
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not own "The Outsiders" or any of the Curtis' Gang. Sigh. The real owner of "The Outsiders" is my favorite author, the fabulous S.E. Hinton. I also do not make a profit from the stories that I write here on this site.
A/N: If you like it, love it, or even if you hate it, you know what to do. Tell me in a review. I would love it if you favorited, followed, and/or if you gave me (a) suggestion(s). Thank you. :)
Johnny's POV
I had a test today in English that was worth half my grade. I had been studying the material with Julie for a week, but I was still nervous. Mr. Jackson passed out the tests and told us to be quiet.
The first part was easy, just multiple choice questions. Then there was the written part. I struggled to write long, fluent sentences, but my answers seemed okay in my head. Finally, I flipped to the last page. I barely finished the last question when the teacher had us pass them up. I felt my heart sink just wondering what was going to come back on the test. I really couldn't afford to fail; it would mean I might have to repeat the year again.
X
"How'd you do on your test today, Johnny?" Pony asked me.
We were all hanging out at the DX after school. Soda and Steve were almost done with the mustang that was brought in.
"I did alright, I think. We didn't get the results yet, but I think I did okay," I lied, with a shrug. I think I failed to be honest.
"You'll do great Johnny," Pony reassured me. I nodded, but I still wasn't too sure.
Sitting at my desk I waited eagerly for my English test to be handed back. I was surprised to see a mark of 73 percent with a large C written next to it. I hadn't failed after all. Maybe Julie's tutoring really was making a difference; or maybe it was just Julie?
X
Julie had been tutoring me for three weeks now. My overall grade was improving a bit and instead of an average F I was getting a low D. It may not sound like much, but for me this was an improvement.
Fall break was coming up soon and I was glad. Julie was fun to hang out with, but these lessons were going to make my brain explode sooner or later.
"Hey Johnny, how'd you do on your test?" She asked, as I sat down.
"I got a C," I told her, a little bit of pride within my quiet voice.
She laughed softly, but not in a mean way, kind of like she was pleased too.
"That's great Johnny! See, I knew you could do it," she encouraged me.
"Thanks Julie. Man, I can't wait till fall break. A whole week without school," I said.
"A whole week without me," she teased.
"That's the best part," I joked.
She smacked my arm lightly, but I yelped just for effect.
"I guess it'll be fun not to have school. Let's get on with this homework if you want to go home eventually," she said the last sternly.
"Hey, do you want to hang out with my friends and me tomorrow?" I asked shyly.
I noticed her stiffen. I didn't want her getting the wrong idea.
"Not as a date, of course," I reassured her quickly. She was out of my league, that's for sure; too smart.
"Well in that case, sure, I'd love to," she responded.
I quickly wrote down the Curtis's address for her.
"I'll see you tomorrow then," I said to her before leaving the library.
I was actually looking forward to introducing her to the gang; I think they'll all really like her.
Julie's POV
"Hey Gran," I called as I entered the house.
I was met with my Great Dane, Biscuit, licking my face. My Grandma kissed the top of my head as I passed her when I went into the living room.
"Can you please feed Alice for me?" She asked. I nodded and went to my little sister's room.
I picked her up out of her crib and set her in the high chair. I grabbed a container of carrot baby food. She only ate about half of the jar, which was unusual, but I put the lid on it and figured she would eat some more tonight, so place the rest back in the fridge.
"Can I hang out with a friend tomorrow?" I asked my Grandma tentatively.
"Is it a boy?" My brother James asked behind me.
I blushed, which answered his question.
"Ooh. Julie's got a crush," he teased in a sing-song voice.
"Shove it, James," I growled playfully.
"Of course sweetheart, who is it?" My Grandma asked kindly.
"Just a boy that I tutor, and his friends; Lay off, will ya James?"
He was standing behind me making kissing faces.
"And you say that your 18," I exclaimed with an eye roll.
"I'm 18 and loving every minute of it," was his cheeky reply.
I tsked at my brother. "Thanks Gran."
"Just be home to help baby-sit Alice later."
"I will."
I grabbed Alice back out of the high chair and took her back to her crib before I headed off to my room to finish my own homework.
A/N: Wasn't that sweet? A look into Julie's home life. Please review.
I recently watched a video on Ananda Todd, who was bullied in middle school and stalked by perverts online. I could rant for hours on it, but I won't. I do recommend watching it though.
