Finally finished the chapter. I admit it took quite a while to get past one part of the story.
Also, for those who didn't know, I modified the Author note in the first chapter. I would suggest reading it because it mentions a reminder that this story is a modern AU. There's more to it, but I don't feel like repeating all the information here.
I do not own the Outsiders.
Andromeda sighed as she sat down at the spot where she always met Pony and Johnny. The situation surrounding the painting was finally over to her relief. Most of the people involved with the situation hadn't understood her wish for anonymity and kept 'suggesting' the she publicly accept the credit. Therefore, Andromeda had found herself repeating the sentiment multiple times until they accepted her decision.
She looked up at the sound of footsteps to see Johnny and Pony approach as Pony called, "You heard the rumors yet?" A wry smile crossed Andromeda's face as she replied, "If your talking about the one surrounding my sudden gain of wealth, then yes."
Pony gave her a curious looks as he asked, "Can I guess that they're true then?" Andromeda's expression didn't changed as she replied, "You won't have to guess. I really did gain a lot of money recently." Johnny looked sincerely amused as he said, "You look even less pleased than I thought you would." Andromeda shrugged. Somehow, word of her newly acquired money had reached Tulsa despite her best efforts. As a result, even more Socials than usual wanted to buddy up to her and 'be friends'. It didn't take a genius to know that they were only attracted by her money. A cynical smile crossed her face as she replied, "I think every social has tried to become my 'best friend' since they found out. I've really gotten tired of dealing with this whole mess."
A sigh followed the statement and her friends shared a look before Pony asked, "Read anything interesting lately?" Andromeda's face relaxed as she replied, "No, I haven't, but I've been thinking about rereading Pride and Prejudice." Ponyboy nodded thoughtfully as he replied, "Yeah, the classics are always good." The three of the stood there as the area was encompassed in an awkward silence.
As Andromeda groped for a topic, she heard a chuckle and turned to Johnny who shrugged. She couldn't help feeling the edges of her mouth turn up as she quivered with laughter. Within seconds the three of them were laughing. Andromeda continued to chuckle for a while before she said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to gripe." Ponyboy shrugged as he said, " It's okay, we don't mind." A small smile appeared on Andromeda's face as she said, "In any case, how were things her in Tulsa when I was gone?" Ponyboy and Johnny both sat down as the former replied, "Everything was about the same as it always is."
Andromeda nodded in response and Johnny stated, "It must have been nice to see you parents again."
The area was silent again as Andromeda fidgeted uncomfortably before she said, "I ... didn't get to see them. My Aunt Margie was to the one who took care of all the preparations." She glanced down again before she smiled brightly as she added, "Honestly, I was glad to see her. I've always been close to my aunt ever since she was little. Without her, I don't think I would have gotten to love reading like I have."
Johnny smiled as he commented, "You're Aunt sounds like a great lady." Andromeda nodded as she replied, "She is." Ponyboy looked at her curiously as he asked, "Do you have any other family?" There was a nod in response as Andromeda replied, "Well, there's my aunt Adelaide who raises bulldogs. I rarely see her. I also have an Uncle Jeffery who has two daughters: Lilian and ... Vivian."
Andromeda felt her lip instinctively curl into a momentary sneer. Her head ducked as she saw the surprised expressions on her friends faces. There was the sound of snickering and Andromeda looked up as Johnny noted, "You really don't like them do you?"
A bitter smile spread across Andromeda' face as she explained, "Honestly, if you were to look up the words arrogant, self-absorbed, and pompous you would probably find pictures of my family. And if you looked up the word harlot you'd find a picture of Vivian." Both Johnny and Ponyboy's mouths dropped open at her words. Andromeda sighed before she explained, "She ... was the reason that my boyfriend broke up with me." The entire group was silent as Ponyboy and Johnny processed the information. Within minutes there expressions showed the disgust that Andromeda had felt since the event had happened. Ponyboy opened his mouth before he shook his head instead.
Andromeda shook her head as she asked, "Either of you have homework you need to do?" Johnny shook his head as he said, "I'm fine." Ponyboy grimaced as he said, "I've got an essay that's due in a couple of days." Andromeda dropped her head as she admitted, "I need to start the one that's due tomorrow."
Ponyboy gave her a sympathetic look as he said, "I did that once. Darry grounded me for it."
The pair of them sighed in mutual sympathy before Ponyboy raised looked at her and said, "I almost forgot something." Andromeda looked at him curiously as she waited for him to speak. Ponyboy grinned as he explained, "Soda's been saying that he'd like to see you again. And Darry said we should invite you over to say thanks for letting us visit. So, um, you wanna come to my place this Saturday?" Andromeda blinked rapidly in response. It wasn't like she didn't want to go over, she had on several occasions but never felt comfortable asking. Doing so often felt like an imposition into their lives. But if they were inviting her ...
A smile blossomed across her as Andromeda nodded and said, "Sure, I would love to. What time should I come over?" both Andromeda and Ponyboy spent a few minutes discussing before they decided that the best time for her to come over was at noon.
After the group had dispersed, Andromeda hurried home with a smile stuck on her face. She couldn't remember a time where she'd been more happy to visit a friends house. As she considered the thought she suddenly realized that she'd lost all interest in going back to California. As Andromeda's feet came to a halt, she realized that despite the fact that she couldn't stand staying at her aunt's house, the joy she felt in general far outweighed the negative aspects. It was in that moment that she came to the conclusion that she'd just find a way to stay in Tulsa longer. A smile crossed her face as she considered how she would go about implementing her idea."
Well, it looks like Andromeda is finally expressing her view on her family (especially one in particular).
In the next chapter Andy will meet the last member of the gang.
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