Cherry POV

Right now I was nowhere near Johnny which was a good thing. But I wanted to talk to him, needed to talk to him and Pony both. I didn't know when would be an appropriate time to bring it up. Ruining everyone's time at the movies wasn't the right time. I still needed to get this off my chest. I took a deep breath.

"Pony, Johnny come with me to get some popcorn?"

You would think I just said I saw the president. Everyone was looking at the in shock.

"Ugh, sure Johnnycake?" Pony said looking at him.

"Yeah sure."

I smiled thankfully as I stood up and they followed me. I could feel the other's eyes on us. It didn't matter what I told Delilah from this point. I needed to tell them and do it now.

"Johnny Pony, it's very hard for me. I know it wasn't your fault what happened to Bob. It's going to take me a while to get over losing him. That's why I've been kind of avoidant of you guys lately. That being said I'm going to try harder. And I don't want the rest of your lives ruined over something that wasn't your fault."

I had said all I wanted to say. Went over exactly what I said in my head thousands of times. Suddenly it didn't seem like enough. At the same time, it didn't seem like I could think of anything more to say.

"Thank ya Cherry," Pony said smiling.

"Yeah thank ya. I really needed to hear that from you."

I looked at Johnny in surprise. I didn't expect him to actually respond but boy was I glad he did. I assumed he would be too guilty to say anything back. I realized it might have been even more important for him to hear that then Pony.

"Just to let ya know Cherry we don't blame you either. We know it wasn't your fault being his girlfriend and all. We are sorry."

I smiled at Pony but felt the urge to look at Johnny and see if he felt the same way.

"Yeah Pony is right we don't blame ya."

I felt hope maybe they wouldn't blame Delilah for being his sister. I felt better as we went to get the popcorn. I almost wanted to tell them who she was myself. I realized that wasn't my business to tell. She'd have to tell them when she was ready. We headed back to our seats and everyone seemed to sense how relaxed we were. Delilah and Pony and Soda kept making jokes causing us all to laugh.

Listening to Pony and Delilah I realized they were just so funny together. After the movie, we all walked out together.

"Oh, crap." Pony said.

My heart plummeted when a car full of Socs began pulling up. It was like that night all over again and I looked at Johnny. His eyes were wide as well. I hoped they would pass by us but they stopped and about for Socs got out. I realized I didn't know them. Thankfully that meant they couldn't know Delilah. But they were looking for trouble that much was certain.

"What are you good looking girls doing with these bums?"

"Who you calling bums pal?" Soda said reminding me of when Twobit said it.

I was nervously hoping a fight didn't break out. I had no leverage with the guys. Oh no, what would happen?

Soda POV

I watched them carefully. This was a dangerous situation though I didn't recognize any of these guys from the rumble. I trusted in Pony and Johnny though I wished I had Steve or Dally with me. They had both been a bit put off on fighting since Bob's death. Then there were the girls being here. These guys apparently didn't know them or they would have said something. We didn't need the fight to happen this close to the girls.

"Grease I ain't even talking to you. How about you girls get away from that trash and come hang out with us?"

"The only trash I see right now is you," Delilah said venomously.

I admired her spunk but right now she might just make things worse for herself if this went badly.

"Wow, you're a little mouthy honey."

"She looks like one of them Greaser girls to me," another guy said squinting at her.

I briefly looked at both Johnny and Pony signaling them to get ready if something happened. I knew they both had blades as since everything happened they always carried at least two of them. Though Pony wouldn't use his and I knew Johnny wouldn't.

"What about these two lovely ladies? I know their all Soc. Look at the cute redhead. How about it babe lets ditch these losers."

"I'm very happy where I am," Cherry said in annoyance.

I could also tell she was a little tense. Must be hard for her and Marcia both.

"What about you cutie? You interested?" He asked looking at Marcia.

For some reason that set me on fire. My fist clenched in anger. I couldn't lose my cool here no matter what.

"No thank you," She said tensely.

"Dang you must have these girls scared to death,"

"The only ones who are scaring them right now is you," Pony said surprising me.

I had actually been planning to say something similar. Pony wasn't known for his snappy comebacks. I noticed his hands were clenched and he seemed to have moved closer to Delilah. I would tease him about that later but we had bigger things to worry about.

"Say that again," The guy said threateningly stepping forward.

I stepped in front of him and eyed the guy up and down.

"What you a tough guy?" He taunted.

"You would probably have a better chance sending in one of those girls in to fight for you. So how about it?"

"Okay," Delilah said as she began to step forward.

She was very serious. I put my arm in front of her about the time Pony put a hand on her shoulder.

"Let's stop wasting our time man I want to see the movie," A guy complained.

The guy looked me in the eyes as we stared each other down.

"Whatever," he said walking past me.

Once they were a few feet away we all relaxed. That could have gone a lot worse.

"You alright Johnnycakes?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Delilah, what were you thinking?" I asked turning to her.

"What? They said they wanted a fight? I wasn't gonna let em bully me cause I'm a woman."

I shook my head in both amusement and exasperation.

"That's Delilah for you," Cherry said shaking her head in her on amusement.

"Johnny are you sure you're okay?" Cherry asked.

Now that was interesting.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

I guess she hadn't forgotten what happened either. At least things seemed to be better between them now.

"Well, I'm glad that didn't end badly."

"Me too," Cherry agreed.

I felt the need to talk to Marcia and ask how she was even though she seemed fine.

"Hey, Marcia are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

I smiled at her.

"Better that you were here."

"Say would you let me buy you a coke sometime?"

I didn't know why I asked. I figured she would probably say no."

"Yeah, I would love too."

"Say Pony since your brother is getting Marcia a coke how about you buy me a coke? As friends?'

"Yeah sure," Pony said after a second.

"I was kidding it's alright."

"No, I want too."

"With what money little man?" I said jokingly.

"I have some allowance. I will get a job soon."

"I could buy you a coke," I heard Johnny say quietly.

Wow, that was a big surprise. I figured he was just trying to be nice. Either way that was amazing.

"Oh, Johnny are you sure?"

"Sure I'm sure. If not I wouldn't have asked."

"Alright, can you girls meet us at Harry's then?"

"Sure."

I figured that would be best as I didn't know if it was a good idea to take the girls to the Dingo. When we got in the car I was all smiles.

"Wow who knew we'd get to take those girls for some cokes huh? I never realized Marcia was so cute before. I really like her I think. Weird since I barely know her but I want to know her a lot more."

"I think Delilah is real pretty," Pony said making me smile.

"Figured you did kid."

"I think Cherry is pretty," Johnny said quietly.

"And you asked that pretty girl out for a coke. Knew you liked her," I joked.

"I don't know about that yet. She's nice though," He mumbled.

"Exactly you should go for it."

"Bobs girlfriend? I don't think that's smart."

"You can take her for a coke though. Nothing wrong with that."

"If she even likes coke."

Pony and I burst into laughter. Johnny sure was something.

Delilah POV

"I can't believe I agreed to this," Cherry said from the driver's seat.

"Cherry you know they're all good guys."

"Yes Delilah I know and I agree with all that. But you saw what happened earlier tonight. What if we'd known them?"

"But we didn't."

"We know plenty of them in this town. I am being a horrible example by doing this."

"You know I don't follow anyone's example."

"She's right Cher," Marcia agreed.

"Yes but were placing them in danger. What will Bob's friends say if they know I'm dating Soda?"

"I'm his sister and I say Bob's gone and you have to move on. I will always hate it but it's the truth. I wish I could date Pony. But he doesn't know who I really am."

"Being Bob's sister isn't who you really are. If he knows Delilah then he knows the real you. I apologized to him and Johnny tonight. I told them I didn't blame them and they didn't blame me. Even though I'm his girlfriend. Maybe he would feel the same about you."

I was surprised by her change in tone all of a sudden.

"He did?"

"Yes."

I smiled feeling a sense of relief. Though this didn't mean I would be telling him anytime soon. I wanted to get to know him better before that. I thanked God I didn't look like Bob that much. People might start guessing that we were related.

"Look I don't know what to do. When Bob good mad he used to say I acted like I knew everything. I don't know if that's true or not. I don't know everything. I don't know if getting cokes with the guys is wrong."

"All I know is I like Soda. Every girl likes Soda because of his movie star good looks. He does look like a movie star for sure. But I realize now what Pony told us about him. His smile is so infectious. He makes me want to smile and laugh. I haven't done that in so long. No one has made me laugh and smile like that since Randy. I've missed that."

I didn't expect that from Marcia and I didn't think Cherry did either.

"You know what's strange?" Cherry said after a moment of silence.

"What?"

"I have such an affection for Johnny. It's weird because I haven't even been comfortable with the mention of his name. Obviously, that's not fair to him and it wasn't because of anything he did. There is this affection for him. He's been through so much. Knowing his scars are from Bob. I can't understand why Bob would hurt someone like him. I know he was drunk that night. I still can't wrap my head around it."

I had known Bob was responsible for the scars on Johnny. Now knowing him I was even more disgusted with his actions. Something else had happened tonight in this car. We'd all admitted we felt something for these boys. All boys we shouldn't. Not because of anything any of us had done. More because of what our society expected of us. What we weren't expected to do. That was not to even associate with each other.

We arrived at the dinner and followed the guys inside. Soda smiled holding the door for all of us. I especially noticed the big smile he gave Marcia. I smiled as I stood beside Pony.

"So Pony the movie was so much fun. I think we should do it again."

"Yeah it was and we should."

"Pony I have to tell you something."

I couldn't hide it. He needed to know and it was better now than later.

"Okay."

I'm Bob's sister. Come on just say it.

"I-"

"Pony, Delilah what do you want to drink."

"I can buy ours. Delilah coke?"

"Um yeah."

I watched as he reached into his pocket and argued with Soda over paying. Once he prevailed he returned.

"Okay sorry, what?"

"Nothing."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

We got our drinks and sat on the stools. I smiled as Pony sat beside me.

"So Delilah I have a question."

"Yeah?"

"Ya like to read?"

"Yeah, actually I do. It's something I don't let too many people know about me. Might think I'm a nerd," I giggled.

"Yeah, the gang picks on me cause I read and take my studies seriously."

"There's nothing wrong with that. It's very smart actually."

"Yeah, I think so too. So ya have a favorite book?"

"Yeah Gone with the Wind."

"What? No way that's my favorite."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, it is."

"Johnny and I both love that book."

"I don't blame ya it's a masterpiece. I could use some recommendation on books if you're willing."

"Sure I don't mind. I'm just glad someone values books as much as I do."

"I know what you mean. I thought I was the only one."

Johnny POV

I couldn't keep my eyes off Cherry. She was so beautiful and I had never noticed that before. Something about her saying she didn't blame me helped me to see the kind of person she really was. I understand now why Pony had such an interest in her. These days he seemed like he had more interest in Delilah. I hadn't ever seen him this interested in some girl before. I could tell she was real special.

"Johnny thank you for the coke," Cherry said suddenly.

I hadn't even realized she was sitting beside me.

"It's not a problem. I hope it's good."

"It is," She said chuckling.

I liked her laugh. It was so carefree.

"So I noticed we had a study period together."

"Yeah."

No, actually I hadn't noticed she was there before. Right now I couldn't picture anyone from it. I only knew there were people in there. Good thing she wasn't testing me.

"I noticed you sit alone. Usually, I do too so I can focus better. If you wanted maybe we could sit together? Only if you want too."

"Uh, sure I would like that."

Something about her expression made me think she regretted asking. But then she masked it and smiled at me again.

"Great."

"Cherry you sure?"

"Of course." She said looking me in the eyes.

"Ya kind of seemed like you didn't really want to ask."

"No, I did I really did."

"It's about what happened? Or being afraid someone will see it."

"Umm kind of both," she hesitated.

"It's okay I get it."

"Well I know we have to be careful but the offer is still open."

"Thank you."

"You are a great guy Johnny. I always knew that and I realize it even more today."

I smiled at her and she gave me another breathtaking smile. Golly, how could someone be this beautiful?

Thank you Chillpillberry and Iconic Star Child for your reviews!