4

Mom insisted that she be the one to take me shopping for the prom. We went around for hours before she saw the suit that looked best on me. Personally I didn't care as long as it looked decent. We picked out a suit and had lunch at the mall before heading home. But on the way out I spotted a dress in a women's shop that was the exact colour of Mira's eyes.

"What do you think mom? Should I buy it for her?"

"Yes! She'll love it!" mom said excitedly. Mom really liked Mira. When she came over to hep me rehearse she sometimes stayed for dinner too and she got along with mom great.

Mom wrapped the present for me when we got home.

I went in my room after dinner to study. I thought I'd give it to her the next day at school. We always had lunch together at school. We would sit on the grass and talk the whole time. I loved the sound of her voice.

Ponyboy come in my room and asked "Darry, can you take me and Johnny to the drive in?"

He looked a bit scared so I said I would. It gave me a chance to go to Mira's house and give her the dress. I really couldn't wait til the next day to give it to her.

On the way to the movies I said to Johnny, "how come you guys wanted me to take you to the movies? It aint even that dark yet"

"Didn't you hear?" he said looked around as though he was afraid someone was listening.

I shook my head.

"That'd be right" Pony said, "your too wrapped up in that girl o' yours that you aint go time for no one else"

"Oh come on Pony" I said a little surprised, "tell me what happened"

"Two-bit got jumped by some Socs" Johnny said quietly. I didn't say anything. It was strange how that sort of stuff worked out. The guys that jumped him could be the same guys that suck up to me during lunch at school. They could be my classmates, my friends or their siblings. I don't know how I fit in all of it.

"I'm sorry you guys" I said as I stopped the car to let them out.

They both shrugged and walked in.

"I'll pick you up at 10" I shouted out to Pony. He just waved and kept walking. I felt a bit guilty. It was true, they were right. I had no idea what was going on with all my friend because I was so caught up in Mira.

As soon as I pulled up at Mira's house, all sign of guilt had disappeared.

I knocked on the door and Mrs. Jefferson answered. It was the first time I ever saw her. I was beginning to think she was a ghost because no matter how much I went to Danny' and Mira's house I never saw her.

She looked old and tired. Her hair was dyed blonde. It looked really bad, but I noticed lately that a lot of older women were dying their hair blonde too. She looked nothing like Mira or Danny. They must get their good looks from their dad.

"Is Mira home?" I asked. I was a bit nervous and I wanted to make a good impression on her but she didn't seem interested. She shut the door and 2 minutes later Mira opened it.

Her eyes lit up when she saw me.

"Darrel!" she screeched and gave me a kiss on the lips. I couldn't help smiling at her. She had some child-like qualities that I couldn't resist. Like getting excited when she saw me. Most girls I knew always played hard to get even when they've dated the guy for years.

"I got you this for you" I handed her the wrapped up dress. "Don't open it in front of me. I have to go" I said walking back to the car, "I'll call you tonight"

I drove home thinking about the play. It was going to be a couple of days after the prom. Everyone was looking forward to it. I never thought I would be to. Just last year I was thinking of not going at all. But that was before I had a reason to go. I had Mira and I wanted to show her off to everyone I knew, to let them know this was the girl I'm in love with. I pictured her in the dark blue dress. We would look stunning together.