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~Missy

***Spoiler Alert*** SODAPOP IS IN THIS CHAPTER!

As I walked into Ponyboy's bedroom, my mind raced in confusion. What was I doing? Walking to my death? I didn't exactly know what I was doing, but I needed to help Riley and Sabrina. Whatever was in that room, would help.

I stood outside the door, taking deep breaths, my head spinning. Jeanette and Riley hadn't even noticed me leave the kitchen, whether it was because they were mad, or hadn't been paying close attention, I didn't know. I still felt bad for being so mean to Riley… but I was risking my life for her.

"Hello?" I whispered, opening the door. Ponyboy wasn't in the living room, and I sure hoped he wasn't in the bedroom. To my relief, he wasn't.

The room appeared empty, and I knew better than to go in, but I did anyways. It was deathly quiet, and this made my heart rate increase.

I wanted to call out again, but at the same time, I wanted to run. The room was empty, and kind of clean, so if Michael was in here, I would've seen him by now.

"Is anyone here?" I said, standing in the center of the room. I looked around for a clue to what to do, but nothing seemed out of place. I sighed, shaking my head. This was unbelievable! I had no time for games, people are dying in the next room! As I shook my head, I noticed a glint in the corner of my eye. I followed it to my pillow and gasped in disbelief. My locket!

I shuffled to my side of the bed, and gently lifted the silver locket. I was so happy it was safe, I had forgotten to keep my guard up. The next thing I knew, cold hands were plastered on my mouth.

"Scream, and literally watch your life flash before your eyes." said a chilling voice.

It didn't take Einstein to figure out who it might be, but I was already shaking. I was going to die, there's so much in life I haven't done, and I was going to die.

"Now when I take my hand off, you're going to be a good little Alexandra and stay still and quiet, okay?" Michael asked. It wasn't really a question, like I even had a choice.

Michael removed his hand, and I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.

"You can turn around now." he said. I gulped, unsure what to expect. I turned slowly, absorbing my surroundings like a museum. The museum ended quickly, because Michael's face was soon in view.

He hadn't changed much, considering it had only been a few days since I had last seen him. Michael's hair was still brown and curly, his eyes were dark and cold, and he had that wicked smirk on his face. I wanted to slap him across his face and tell him to get lost.

"What do you want?" I hissed, tightening my grip on my necklace. Michael shrugged, running his hand through his hair.

"I just wanted to talk to you, Alexandra. I thought we were friends now."

"Well? Talk." I said, ignoring the last remark. I didn't want to mess around with Michael today, especially with so many innocent people in the house (not including Sabrina).

"My, my, my, you're not in a good mood today. That's too bad, we hardly ever get to talk alone. And when we do talk, you're always angry. It's not very attractive, Alex, you'll never get that boy to like you with that attitude." he sighed.

I frowned at him suspiciously,

"What boy?"

"Don't play stupid, you know who I'm talking about. That Candypop boy, the one who toys with cars."

I didn't like the tone he said that in, it sounded as if Sodapop wasn't doing anything of his life.

"His name is Sodapop, and he does not 'toy' with cars! You don' know anything about him!" I said irritated. Michael smiled, he knew just how to push my buttons, and I had fallen for the game.

"I know more than you do. I know he dropped out, I know who Sandy is, I even know why you're still allowed to stay here." Michael taunted.

I itched to ask who Sandy was, but knew I didn't want to know. Instead, I asked about something else,

"I know why I'm still here, Soda talked to Darry for me." I said. Michael chuckled, shaking his head,

"Is that so? Well Alex, I for one wouldn't let a stranger stay in my home. Maybe for a day or two, three at the most, but it's been almost three weeks. Why? Well, I have the answer right here." Michael said, holding up a white envelope.

I took it, and examined the envelope. There were only two words on it: To: Darry.

How did this help me stay? I decided to stop wondering and find out. I stuck my finger under the flap, and tore it open, inside there was a piece of paper. I took it out and unfolded it to read:

Dear Darry,

Thanks again for letting me stay - I appreciate all the help you've given me. I know this isn't much, but here's something for letting me stay here,

Alex

Out of the letter fell several bills. I leaned down and picked them up, counting them twice to make sure I was right.

"Fifty dollars?" I gasped, shocked. I knew what this meant, but couldn't believe it.

"I know it seems hard to believe, but the only reason you're still allowed to stay here is because at the end of the week, there's an envelope full of money on his bedside." he explained. I stared at Michael sadly, I really thought they were just being nice and letting me stay. And if he had all this money to waste, why waste it on me?

"What do you want? Why are you helping me?" I demanded. Michael sat on the bed, looking around the room.

"What I want? Revenge. Why am I helping you? Because you're helping me."

"Revenge? To who? For what? Michael, I give up! What do you want, I'll give you anything to leave me alone! I'm sick of this, this stupid game your playing!" I exclaimed. Michael simply smiled at me,

"That's what I love about you, Alex. You don't like to play games, you like to get straight to the point. So let me make this simple for you: Figure it out."

I swear I was about to storm out of the room and walk straight into the road.

"Okay, so you're not going to tell me what you want and why you need me? Well, I have places to go and people to see, so good day." I said, turning away.

"Were not done Alex. I said I wouldn't tell you what I wanted because if I tell you, you probably won't be able to handle it." he explained. I spun around to face him,

"Handle it? What do you mean?"

"I mean you're so close to figuring this out, why spoil the surprise now? Plus, I don't want to influence your opinion." he said. I stared at him curiously, for some reason, he didn't seem evil anymore.

"Alex, this has been going on for a while, and I think you can fix it. I mean, just as long as you don't get sidetracked by you're teenage hormones." he snickered. I blushed, ducking my head,

"I am not sidetracked!" I fought back. Michael rolled his eyes and looked at his watch,

"Oh, would you look at the time. It's time for someone to go to sleep." he said, standing up. I rose in eyebrow, what did that mean?

"Woah wait, you're leaving? What about the antidote!" I protested, my vision blurring.

"You may want to sit down, after breathing these in, I wouldn't want to be standing up if I were you." Michael stated, holding out his hand which were filled with herbs. I quickly remembered him covering my mouth, those herbs must've made me sleep! Ugh, why am I so stupid nowadays? I should've just screamed, those herbs could kill me!

"I….. hwathe ywoou swoooo, swo… mach…" I slurred, stumbling. Michael led me to the bed, and let me fall on the soft pillow.

"Shh, there's no use in speaking, you're not making any sense."

My vision grew dimmer, as Michael stood up and opened the door. I wanted to scream to alert Ponyboy or Jeanette. At least they could get some help and perhaps survive.

"Oh by the way, I didn't do anything to Riley or Sabrina, they were pretty much asleep for those two days. Also, you may want to pay closer attention to your Ponyhorse friend, you're not the best at reading emotions." he said.

I didn't have the energy to correct him on Ponyboy's name, but I believed him when he said he hadn't done anything to Riley. The only thing that didn't make sense was that whole emotion thing at the end, what was that supposed to mean? Was Ponyboy mad at me or something?

My mind began to get fuzzy and my vision darkened. The last thing I saw was Michael blowing a kiss to me.

When I woke up, I wasn't really groggy, just dizzy. I sat up on the bed, and looked around. The sun was still streaming strongly through the window, which told me I hadn't been asleep for long.

As I stretched, I remembered the days event: My failed 'date' with Soda, Sandy, yew berry tea, the lake with Ponyboy, and my talk with Michael. The thought of Michael made me jump up and race out of the room.

By the time I entered the living room, my head was spinning, and I was stumbling around.

"Is everyone o…kay?" I said slowly, eyeing the room. Jeanette was asleep on the floor, Sabrina and Riley on the couch, and Ponyboy asleep on the armchair. I was surprised to see them all asleep, and something told me Michael had something to do with this. I wanted to wake them up, but chose not too, I didn't feel like talking to anyone at the moment.

I wandered into the kitchen, blinking to clear my vision. After a long stretch and yawn, I tried focusing on figuring out what to make for dinner, but I think I won't have to worry about that tonight…

On the kitchen table was an already cooked chicken. Okay, Darry wasn't home, Ponyboy barely cooked, and Soda's food was usually a different color from the original. I was certain I didn't cook it, so who did? Maybe Jeanette did, because I highly doubt Sabrina would do anything out of the kindness of her heart. But as I got closer to the chicken, a chill went down my spine. There was a note next to it that said Alexandra in neat cursive.

I sighed annoyed, I had just enough of notes to last me a lifetime. I opened the note and read it in my head,

You followed directions, now here's your prize. Eat this for the antidote. See you really soon sweetheart,

-Michael

I think I just started hating Michael a little less. Thank you Michael! I wanted to start skipping around when a thought occurred to me: Eat this for the antidote. I knew there was a catch to everything, he was trying to get me to eat meat! I was a vegetarian and he knew it, and just when I was starting to like him! I knew not to trust him!

I looked at the chicken again and nearly barfed. Meat and me did not go well together, and if I tried to cut it, I bet Michael was watching and would just stop me. I plopped down on the chair and stared at the chicken, I had to do this. Not for me, but for Riley, it's just meat, I can do this.

I reached for a fork and knife, and cut a small piece. Sighing, I brought the fork up close to my mouth and inhaled the smell. It smelled repulsing and I wasn't sure if I'd go through with it, but I remembered something - something Riley had said.

When she had been leaving with Michael that day, she had left me her notebook. Inside the notebook, she had left some clues and tips, one of them said to be careful around Michael, he was very manipulating.

When I had read the letter, my instincts told me to eat the chicken. But, knowing Michael, maybe it was meant for Sabrina and Riley to eat. Yeah, that seemed right.

"You won't trick me this time, Michael!" I said out loud. I felt crazy for speaking to myself, but I was pretending to be a boy, so I couldn't get any crazier.

I quickly cut some slices of meat and put them on a plate. I walked into the living room, relieved everyone was still asleep.

"Riley, Riley wake up." I whispered, shaking Riley's thin shoulders. She groaned, but opened her eyes.

"Alex? What do you want?" she said with an edge to her voice. I sucked some air in preparation for some explaining, but heard stirring behind me. They must be waking up.

"Look Riley, I know you're mad, but trust me. After you eat this- you'll be better." I rushed. She blinked twice, but reached for the chicken anyways.

"Quickly!" I rasped, shoving some chicken in her mouth. She started to cough, but didn't quit eating; I guess she wanted to get better too.

"What are you two doing there?" Sabrina croaked as Riley finished the last slice.

"Oh nothing, here Sabrina, I made you some chicken." I said innocently, while Riley nodded, her cheek full of chicken. Sabrina frowned suspiciously at us, but didn't comment.

Later...

Gladly, the rest of the evening went off without anymore setbacks. Riley fell back to sleep, Jeanette and Sabrina left for Jeanette's house, and Ponyboy went to draw. I didn't explain to him about the whole Michael incident; I knew I promised no more secrets, but for some reason, I felt as if our conversation needed to be kept a secret. I really hated Michael, but for once, I felt as if he wasn't playing games with me, he really wanted me to figure this out. Whatever this was. I can't explain the feeling, but, while I was talking to Michael….. I didn't hate him anymore.

I was curled up on the couch, reading Jane Eyre. For once, I felt… at ease. Did that even make sense?

"Hey Alex," said a low voice. I turned around and saw Sodapop closing the door shut. Last time I had seen him, he had cancelled on me for Sandy. I wanted to roll my eyes and give him the silent treatment, but after seeing his eyes, that idea disappeared.

"Wha-what's wrong?" I stuttered. Soda's brown eyes were sad and confused, like he just witnessed a death. I watched him reach for a cigarette and light it. That was strange, I know I didn't know Soda like the back of my hand, but I knew him good enough to know he didn't smoke. Well, I had never seen him up until now…

"Nothing, just tired." he shrugged, sitting next to me.

I scooted away from him, whether it was to make room or distance myself, I didn't know.

"You sure? You look… sad." I noted. Soda shrugged again, and ran his hand through his hair sighing. Okay, now I knew something was up.

"We might not be best friends Soda, but… if you have a problem, you can tell me. I won't judge you." I assured him.

Sodapop turned to look at me, and let out a humorless laugh,

"Well, that's the problem, Alex. I'm being judge for my decisions, I feel like I should be able to make my own choices, you dig?" he explained.

"No… not really." I admitted, sheepishly, "What decisions are you begin judge on?"

"Things that shouldn't matter. A few hours after you left the DX station, I was talking to Sandy, and the gang should up. Steve yelled at Sandy to get lost, and she did, but I was real mad. Steve and I got into a fight, our first fight ever. And over a girl…" he trailed on. I felt my stomach lurch, I had caused the fight. If only I hadn't told Steve about Sandy!

"I'm sorry," was all I could manage to say. Soda puffed out a ring of smoke,

"Nah Alex, this wasn't your fault, just Steve and me." he said. He didn't know the half of it.

I looked down at my lap, embarrassed. I couldn't believe I had ruined a friendship because of jealousy! I didn't even know that Sandy girl, for all I knew, she could just be a cousin, or a close family friend. But I knew she wasn't, Soda's reaction was just too shocked when he saw her. I needed to know who she was.

"If you don't mind me asking… Who is Sandy?" I asked, fiddling with my fingers. I heard Soda sigh softly,

"My ex girlfriend." he whispered. I knew it.

"Oh… So I'm guessing Steve doesn't like her because she broke up with you?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Well, sort of… She, um she's… She's pregnant." he sighed. My head snapped up and I stared at him in shock.

How could he be so stupid? Getting a girl pregnant? Was he insane! Ugh! She didn't even look pregnant! Soda still had a chance at life and blew it! He must've been able to tell my anger from my face because he burst out laughing.

"It's not my child if that's what you're thinking! I didn't know you cared so much!" he laughed. I laughed nervously with him, still not satisfied with the answer.

"But that's the problem," he sighed, "It's not mine. She left because of that, but came back because of me. I don't know what to do, Alex. If I take her back, I'll become a father to the child, but if I don't, what am I really giving up? If it were you Alex, what would you do?"

To be honest, I don't know what I would do, considering the fact that I'm 99.9% sure men can't get pregnant. And if they could, I would simply laugh. But yet, I wanted to tell him to forget about her, she broke his heart once - she can do it again. But something deep inside me told me otherwise. I had caused enough trouble for one night, I shouldn't push it any further.

"I think you should do what's right. True love only comes once, don't let a child or past mistakes stop you if she's the one. Love can either go away or get stronger, but only you can decided which direction it will go." I said sadly. I didn't want to say it, but I knew it was right.

"I know what to do now, thanks!" he said, standing up and abandoning the cigarette. I shrugged, not caring if he chose her or not. Just as long as he was happy, I knew I would be okay.

"Oh, I was thinking we could watch the movie next week, if you're not busy of course." he suggested. I looked up at him, surprised.

"Uh, sure, that would be fun." I said, fighting back a blush. He nodded, and walked away, leaving me to hyperventilate.

This day hadn't started off too well, but now, it had gotten a whole lot better! Soda may still not know I was a boy, and Michael may still be insane, but life finally seemed to be a little better. Little did I know, it wouldn't last.

I gathered my books and locket in a pile, ready to go to bed.

"Whoops!" I said, dropping my necklace. I reached down to retrieve it when I noticed the paper inside had fallen out. Normally, I wouldn't care, I would just pick it up. But this time, something was different: There were two folded sheets on the floor.

I hesitantly picked them up, unfolding both of them. The first one was the letter from my mom, nothing new there. But the second one, was much more frightening.

"Alex, I'm going to bed." Ponyboy said, walking in the living room. I stared at the paper, shaking.

"Co-coming!" I choked out, crumpling the paper, and standing up. No matter how hard I tried to act natural, the words were already engraved into my mind:

Roses are red,

Violets are blue.

Looking for answers?

Put together the clues.

-M

So how was it? Exciting? Scary? Boring? Okay? AH-MAZING! Hahaha, I don't care what you say, just as long as you guys liked it!

***DO NOT FLAME, CHILDREN. ARSON IS ILLEGAL.***