Sandy's Saga

Chapter 4

Running

XXX

Weeks had passed since that evening in the pecan grove. We'd tried to go out again, but between his work schedule, my school schedule, and social services showing up a time or two at his house (once expected, the second time on the spur), we'd been successfully kept apart.

As far as I could tell, he'd kept his promise and told no one of our making love. Steve gave me the same bored glances he always did both at school and at the DX, while Ponyboy would pass me in the hallways with his typical "hey" without breaking stride.

And I had told no one either. My friends were good friends, but they would spill it somehow; and that was the last thing I needed to have circulating around the school. It was bad enough Miranda thought I'd been sleeping with him since first meeting him, but no one believed her anyway.

I lay in bed again, having the hardest time sleeping. My thoughts as I lay here were of him; his body, his hands on me, feeling him in me..... It was almost as if I could still feel him there, aching for some sort of completion. It was frustrating to think something that was supposed to have happened, some fireworks going off in the sky above had somehow fizzled and I'd missed out. A girl only gets one first time, and mine had been with the man I loved, yeah; but... somehow it missed the mark of what I'd expected. So, instead of sleeping pleasant dreams, I lay here wondering what I'd done wrong, what I'd missed.

*

"Sandra....!" I woke with a start, my mother's high pitch jarring me out of my troubled sleep.

"I'm on my way, Mom!" I yelled down before she got all riled up; getting dressed and ready in a whirlwind of motion. I grabbed my things and ran out the door, not bothering with fruit this morning. Jane hadn't bothered to come in, idling her car in my drive as I hopped in.

"What's got your panties in a wad?" Jane asked, smacking gum as she drove.

I leaned on my arm against the car door. "Why? Does it show that badly?" I snapped.

"Yikes! Back off, or I'll call the fuzz! I'm only your best friend; out with it, what's bugging you?"

I pulled my hair up into a ponytail, tired of messing with it and not really giving a damn about it today. "Nothing. Just not sleeping well I guess."

She turned to look at me. "Sandra, what is wrong with you? Your cycle come early or something?"

I gave her a shut the heck up look, rolled my eyes and refocused on something else on the road.

"Oh hell, you and Soda had a fight. Right? That it?"

"No, we didn't." I said, nervously shifting my weight in the seat. Her questions were hitting a little too close to home.

"Uh huh. I can tell something's going on and he's involved somehow. For months it's been Soda this and Soda that, now you won't even mention his name unless I drag it out of you. What gives?"

"He quit school," I said, tossing out the lesser of the two evils, hoping this wasn't old news to her. "And you know how important I feel school is. It's just... disappointing, is all."

"His loss, not yours." She said, disconcertingly. I looked at her, shocked at her callousness. "Oh really, Sandy? You really expected something different? Honey, I hate to be the voice of reason, but he's a grease! Very few of them finish school, and even you have to admit, Sodapop Curtis wasn't making the grade even when he was here."

"Jane, pull over. Let me out." My fury was tempered only by two things; first, she's my best friend, and second, I also knew she was telling the truth. Still, Soda is my boyfriend and I haven't given up on him.

She pulled over, not that it made much difference - we were already on school property.

"I'm telling you this as your friend, Sandy. He's eye candy, but not …."

I didn't let her finish, not wanting to hear it. I wiped my eyes and headed toward my building. My eyes blurred as I went inside, tears obscuring my vision.

"Hey, you okay?" Some guy asked as I instantly ran headlong into him.

"Sorry, sorry... my fault. Wasn't looking...." I looked closer, the blood draining from my face. Of all the people to run into, it had to be this group. "Hey Two-Bit, Steve. Morning, Ponyboy. Excuse me, class...." I tried to blend into the crowd, but the guys caught up and sort of surrounded me. I wiped my eyes hurriedly, but the looks on their faces told me they'd seen.

"Who's bothering you, Sandy?" Steve looked around, ready to fight.

"No one. Really. I think a gnat got in my lashes, stupid bugs. I do have to go, guys. I don't need the guidance counselor calling my folks about another tardy." I managed to break free of their circle but not their voices.

"You want lunch later? Meet us in the parking lot – our treat!"

I didn't turn around, dodging obstacles here and there until I managed to find the girls room at the far end of the hall near my class.

"Mr. Deets," I mumbled as he stood outside his doorway. "I've got a bug in my eye... won't be but a moment late, sir."

"That's fine, Sandra," he answered back, believing me. With my red eyes, he really had no reason to doubt me.

*

"Hey, you okay?"

I looked up. I was avoiding the crowds by hanging out in the library but should have expected Ponyboy to be in here somewhere. Soda's always going on about his bookworm brother.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I sat up in the chair, shoving my books over as he obviously looked like he wanted to sit. He did, immediately kinking one knee to rest his foot on the edge of his chair and looked at me.

"So what gives?"

I looked at him blankly. "Sorry?"

He looked around, pulled his switch from his back pocket and began peeling an apple with it. "I mean, what's wrong. Why the waterworks? Who pissed you off this morning?"

He sliced off a thin piece and popped it in his mouth, waiting for an answer. "No one. I told you, I had a fly...."

"This morning it was a gnat," he pointed out.

"Gnat, fly... it was a bug. I got it out and that was that. Aren't you supposed to be in class?"

He grinned. "You don't lie very well. As for class, it's lunch time." he wiggled the apple in the air for emphasis, then sliced off another piece.

"It's no wonder you're a perpetual stick." I mumbled.

He grinned bigger, his eyes shining like his brothers. "Now that's the Sandy I know." He sliced off more and gestured it to me, but I shook my head. He shrugged and popped it in his mouth.

"You don't know me," I reminded him. He stopped chewing a moment, then nodded some, shrugging too.

"Yeah, you're right. Sort of. But Soda loves you. Come over later, he'll be glad to see you."

He started to get up but I grabbed his arm. He froze - looked at me and I let go fast. He waited. "What do you mean, 'Soda loves me'?"

He gave a lopsided grin. "Heck Sandy, I ain't blind. Anything else?"

I shook my head. He found the trash can a few rows over, aimed his apple core and lobbed it over, making a perfect toss. He flipped his blade back and shoved it in his back pocket.

"Later. Oh, and if anyone gives you static, just find one of us. We'll deal with him."

I watched as he sauntered out the room, passing a group of Soc's who tossed names at him that he promptly ignored. It struck me as laughable, little Ponyboy Curtis 'dealing' with anyone. He was so out of his league; smart as hell... sure, but by being put up a grade, he was physically no match for anyone here in high school. Still, he didn't back down and would defend his buddies, and that was endearing. I gathered my books and headed out as well.

*

So, I skipped lunch and avoided Jane the rest of the day; and opted to walk home instead of asking Evie for a ride. The only other alternative was to hop the bus, and I really wasn't that desperate. So, with my bag on my shoulder, I set my sights on home and started out.

"Hey, there, pretty lady... you need a ride?"

God, now what? The car that was idling my walking pace was shiny and red, with an unfamiliar muffler and way too close for comfort. I moved over, getting a little distance between the car and myself. I also sped up, hoping they'd take the hint. No dice.

I heard laughter, catcalls in my direction. I felt my grip on my bag slip as my hands got slick. Home was still twenty minutes away on foot, and the DX was three blocks over. I had on flats, but they weren't made for running.

"No, I don't need a ride." I shouted loud enough for them to hear. They answered with a rev of the engine as they easily matched my speed. I was nearly at an intersection and knew they would have to stop. That would either be good, since I planned to haul ass and run as soon as I got there; or bad if one or more got out and gave chase.

"We don't mind, do we fellas?" More laughter. Sick bastards. I didn't wait, grabbing my bag in a fist, I sprinted ahead and across the street, hearing horns blaring and brakes screeching around me. A door slammed and footfalls weren't far behind. One of my shoes came off, my bare feet pounding the road as I crossed onto the sidewalk on the other side of the intersection.

Out of nowhere, a blue beaten-up car appeared in front of me, sharply cutting across the opposite lane behind me, blocking the red car in the process. I didn't stop, blindly running as fast as I could until strong arms caught me.

"NOOOO!" I screamed, thrashing about.

"Sandy, stop! It's me, Steve. Hold on! You hurt?"

I quit fighting and looked up. Steve was gripping my wrists but let go - a bit too fast. My knees buckled but he caught me again.

"Whoa, there Sandy. They touch you?? Did they?"

Behind me, I heard the sounds of a fight going on. I looked; Two-Bit, Johnny and Ponyboy whaling on some guys I didn't recognize. I quickly shook my head. "No, they didn't. They didn't touch me, just … just scared me. I'm okay."

The sounds of squealing tires was heard again as the red car tore out and left. Heading my way were the guys, looking angry yet happy at the same time.

"She okay?" Two-Bit called as they got closer.

"She's fine," he answered back, looking me over. "But I think I'd better give her a ride home."

"No, I want to go to the DX." I implored, dreading walking in my house looking like this. I looked around, not seeing my shoe and my foot bleeding a little from some rocks I'd run on. My foot was sore and I limped as I turned. "Please, I'll call for a ride later."

Steve nodded, helping me to the passenger seat. The guys got my things and hopped in the back, exchanging loaded glances and looking at me worriedly as they got in. The DX was just a block and a half over but I could already feel the tears welling up on the way. I brushed them away silently, not wanting the guys to think me some softie. Thankfully, the station was quiet because as soon as I saw Soda, I dived into his arms – my foot be damned.

"What happened?" he asked me, but I couldn't answer. I felt him turn to the guys.

"She got followed. They scared her, but that's bout it. Never laid a hand on her from what I could tell." Steve explained from behind me. He went on in, his DX jumper in his hands.

"She sure can run though," Two-Bit added with a touch of humor in his tone. I got a grip on myself and let go, but Soda wasn't as willing to release me yet.

"Maybe she can train with you in track, huh Ponyboy?" Johnny teased.

"Not in a skirt, she can't." Ponyboy said in a muted tone. If I wasn't so shaky, I'd have laughed. As it was, all I could do was grin weakly, trying to appreciate their humor. Steve stopped Ponyboy at the door, motioned something, then Pony loped off down the street. The rest turned and went inside. Soda and I were effectively left alone. He led me to one of the nearby benches and sat down.

"What happened? From start to finish, tell me everything. Did they touch you?"

The wrath in his tone was both comforting and slightly comical. I was definitely getting over my scare.

"No, like Steve said, they only scared the bejesus out of me. And my shoe. I lost my shoe. My father is going to have a fit for me losing it! What am I supposed to tell him about that?"

"You could try the truth, that somebody scared you and you ran."

I looked at him as if he had lost his mind. "Sodapop, I go telling him that, do you really believe he'll ever let me back over here without a guard?"

He smiled. "I'll be your guard."

"No offense, but I doubt that's an acceptable solution."

He kissed me on my forehead. "Don't worry. From now on, if you need a ride, you find one of us."

I pulled away. "No dice. I have friends too, don't forget."

"So why weren't you riding with them?"

I sighed, rubbing my foot. "Because... I just didn't want to."

He looked closer. "That doesn't make sense. C'mon, what it is it? Tell me. I can't fix it if I don't know what's wrong."

I grumbled. "I got into an argument with Jane this morning...."

"Over what?"

I looked at him, my face turning sour. "Over you."

This idea seemed to delight him. "And who won?"

"It was a tie. But anyway, I just didn't feel like riding with her – or anyone else. I wanted to walk."

He sighed. A car pulled in but Steve went out to take care of it. I knew Soda had to get back to work soon.

"Well, now you know the reason why you need a ride. Don't let your safety get in the way of common sense." He pulled me up, kissing me on the lips as I rose to full height. "And don't fight over me. I'm yours. All of me. No matter who says what, I'm yours. Always."

I smiled, blushing a bit. From behind the DX, Two-Bit came pulling up to us in that same blue beaten-up car. "Your chariot awaits!" He called with a smile. Soda walked me to the passenger seat and opened the door for me.

"Here, found it," Ponyboy, winded, came skidding to a halt next to us. In his hand was my loafer, he'd gone back and found it for me. He winked and headed back inside with his friends.

"Take her straight home, Two-Bit. No funny stuff."

"Roger that, boss. Ready to go, me lady?"

I had to grin. "Sure, Two-Bit. Home. Bye Sodapop," I called out the window.

"Bye sweets."

He went back to work and I settled in for the trip home.

*

Calla Lily Rose