Two weeks later I am hanging out at the DX for lunch. Pony had a project to work on and Two-Bit hasn't been in school that day so it's just Steve and Soda.
"So what's going on with Shepard?" Soda finally asks as I try unsuccessfully to sneak one of his cookies.
"Same old same old." I hadn't told them about the Wade incident and Soda could tell I was hiding something.
"What he just decided to hate you again?"
"He doesn't hate me." I'm surprised at how snappy my response it. Why should I care if Tim hates me or not? Soda grins.
"Admit it you liked having someone look out for you." Steve sneers.
"I already have enough people looking out for me. In case you haven't noticed." I glare at the both of them, "Not to mention that older brother of yours." I glare at Soda. Darry had found out about my wild weekend and lectured me for an hour on the dangers of drinking and hanging around places like Buck's. I'm sure that Soda had told him it was the first time any of us had been there and him and Steve had been listening in the whole time trying to contain their laughter.
"Yea but we ain't around all the time. It's not like we can do anything about your dad." Steve stares at the wall and Soda looks off. My dad has always been an uncomfortable subject. I'm sure they are expecting me to tell them off about how it's none of their business.
"Steve's right. Your Dad is getting worse too. It ain't safe..." he trails off waiting for me to argue. I don't know what to say though. He's right and I'm scared because I've thought about what's going to happen when Tim's not around to pull him off; but I can't put that on him –Soda has enough on his plate - so I just shrug.
"We got to get back to school. Lunch is almost over." Steve grabs my shoulder and helps me off the hood of his car.
"Alright see ya guys later." Soda makes to leave but then looks at me, "Amy try talking to Tim. Just apologize or something." I nod and Steve speeds away we only have 5 minutes before we're late to English.
"I'll drop you at the school but I'm not going back today and I'm not going to be around this weekend." Steve waits until we are in the parking lot to tell me this, I assume so I don't have time question him.
"Where are you going?" I pry anyways and he frowns.
"Just don't tell anyone. I've got stuff to do."
"Steve. You sound like a drug dealer just tell me." He smiles.
"It's nothing bad just something I don't feel like sharing right now."
"Alright well when you do decide to tell I better be the first to know."
"Sure Ames." I punch him in the arm and rush out the car before he can retaliate.
The rain had started beating down once I was beyond the school parking lot. Curly was back at school but he hadn't offered me a ride and I wasn't going to ask. When I wasn't even a quarter way home and soaked to the bone I was starting to wish I was a little less stubborn. I wish Steve would have told me sooner so I could convince Darry or Soda to pick me up, but I guess that was probably the point he didn't want anyone knowing. On the upside the walk gave me time to think about my Tim problem.
Before I had always just figured I was stuck on my own; but then for a couple days Tim had cared and it had felt good. I had pushed him away telling myself he would want something in return, but now I was starting to think that was just an excuse. Even though I hated myself for it I needed his protection and wanted his approval – I finally understood why Curly was always acting like such a fool around him.
I spooked when I noticed the car slowing down behind be but then recognized it as Tim's. Curly rolls down the window grinning and dry.
"Too bad you don't need us and our warm car." Tim leers. I think about telling him off but decide that's not in my best interest and try to look pathetic instead. The thunder starts rumbling and lightning cracks in the distance. I look at Tim willing him to invite me in; but he's not biting.
"I'm sorry, Tim." I bite my bottom lip and try to look really sorry hoping he feels bad for me. Since Tim doesn't look like he cares in the least, and the rain is pounding harder, I hang my head and start trudging home.
He inches his car along for a couple paces. "Get in the car," He reluctantly yells out the window and I hop in before he can change his mind, "Don't say I never did anything for you." Just like that Tim was back on my side and this time I thought I'd try and keep him there.
"Can you drop me off at the DX?" It's on the way so I figure it won't be a problem.
Tim grunts. Pulling up to the gas station he stops me before I leave, "Stay away from Buck's this weekend."
"Why?" I wanted someone to keep Dad off my back not a babysitter.
"Because I said so alright?" His tone is sharp and I decide to let him have this one. With Steve gone and Soda trying to stay on Darry's good side I wouldn't have anyone to go with anyways.
"Ok." I slip out the car and he revs the engine. Thankfully Soda is still working and the rain has deterred the crowds of girls that usually come to croon over him because he's alone and smiles when he sees me.
"Where's Steve." I shrug. I don't want to lie to Soda but since I really don't know where Steve is I figure telling him what Steve had told me wouldn't help any. Soda cocks his head and looks like he wants to ask more so I change the subject.
"What are you up to tonight?"
"Was planning and going with Pony and Two-bit to the nightly double; but not if this rain keeps up." I nod, "So did Steve drop you off?" Soda is not ready to drop the Steve subject yet.
"Tim." Soda grins.
"So you two are back on good terms again."
"I guess. I'm not sure if it's going to work out though."
"Work out? What are you dating him now?" Soda screws up his face and I shove him.
"I mean I think he thinks he's going to be telling me what to do now." Soda looks confused so I elaborate, "When I got out of the car just now he told me to stay away from Buck's this weekend. What's that about?"
Soda laughs, "Sounds like you have a Darry on your hands."
"Who needs more than one of those in their life?" I mumble.
"Come on it won't be so bad listening to him every now and then if it means your Dad stays off your case." Soda is right; I could play the obedient sister if that's what it took to avoid anymore confrontations.
"Yea. So when are you off?"
"Another hour. You sticking around?"
"Not going back out there." Soda nods and when someone walks in I take a seat on one of the stools behind the counter.