Pony's POV

It was the Friday night that Autumn was coming over and watching Darry pac the room showed me that he was nervous as hell. I could understand why. The gang had never had dinner with a socy girl or even really talked to one. Johnny and I would be good, or quiet at least. Dally was my biggest fear. While Soda set up the dinner table Darry rounded up the guys in the living room

"Guys, I want to go over a few things before Autumn gets here. Dally, you will be polite and treat he decent," said darry in his freaky, I mean it voice.

"Yeah, sure Darry. Get off my back ," said Dally. If Darry hadn't been struggling to stay calm he would have slugged dally right there. Then the guys started getting rowdy. I knew Darry was getting a headache so I decided to give him a hand.

"Come on guys. Darry wants to help soda make a good impression," I said.

"Alright, we'll clean up our acts," said Steve, only cause he and the rest of the gang loved Sodapop. Johnny even spoke up

"I'll try to talk more. Make her feel welcome," he said. Two-Bit cracked a joke which caused Johnny to say

"and Two-Bit you better not make any jokes that will offend her." Wow. Johnny never talked that much. He wanted Soda to be happy. I wanted Soda to be happy too, but I didn't see how I could be polite to Autumn. At the time I hated her.

Soda walked in, dressed real sharp. Then there was a knock at the door.

Autumn's POV

A boy I recognized as Ponyboy answered the door.

"Hi," I said trying not to sound fake and overfriendly. Ponyboy looked as if he didn't like me much. He had no reason to dislike me so I figured I was just being crazy.

"Hi," he said flatly. Then Sodapop appeared next to him.

"Hey Autumn. Please, come in."

Last time I had been in the Curtis house there had been junk everywhere and a horrible mix of aromas. Now it was tidy and smelled of cinnamon air freshener. I was greeted by the gang kindly.

After some small talk we went into the kitchen for dinner. Soda cooked! Guys that cook are so hott! He had made chicken, mashed potatoes, and rolls. It smelled way too good for guy cooking.

"Soda, whats up? No colored mashed potatoes,"Two-Bit laughed. Colored mashed potatoes? Soda elbowed Two-Bit in the ribs.

"I thought I'd be crazy and make em regular."

At the table things were pretty awkward. That Johnny Cade sure was quiet! At least he didn't look at me as if I had three heads like Ponyboy. I could see Soda sweating. Finally I was tired of the politeness. I took a breath and said

"Dammit guys! Now I know you guys wouldn't be acting like this if I wasn't here." Two-Bit grinned.

"I like this girl. Lets show her what we're really like. Steve jumped up from his chair and said

"Well then lets take this food in the living room." I giggled as the guys stood up and started for the living room, Dally almost tripping over his chair. Soda exclaimed

"I'll get the food coloring!" Ponyboy smiled for the first time all evening.

Then I came to a shocking realization. Ponyboy was jealous of me! I had to make him like me because any part of Soda's life was a part of mine.

Once the guys started being normal things were fine. Two-Bit made me laugh till I was crying. Dally was nice and Darry was very nurturing of our wild ways. I'd always been a very tame, Virgin Mary type girl but with the gang I could let loose. While Steve told a story I noticed Soda staring at me with a hint of love in his eyes. I returned it by leaning over and kissing him on the cheek.

At about 10:30 p.m. I had to be getting home. My curfew was 11:00 p.m. and I had to be home on time. My parents were very by the numbers, be home not a second late type people.

At home in the comfort of my room I stared at the wall, not thinking, just staring. It was a state I got in sometimes, I can't explain it.

a/n: sorry it took so long to update. Please review!