Five for Fighting
Rated: PG-13
Disclaimer: I own nothing
F.I.F.T.E.E.N.
I choked on my water as she continued, "I know it's strange, he's really not my type, but since Bob…well since that night, I can't get my mind off him."
Tears had gathered in my eyes but whether they were from choking or the knowledge that someone else loved Dallas, I don't know.
"You won't tell him will you? I know you and your brothers are friends with him, but I just had to tell someone"
"No" I whispered "I won't tell"
"Thanks Amber, I knew I could trust you." She bit into an apple and looked contemplative, "do you know if he's seeing anyone?"
I shook my head, I honestly had never thought about it.
"Oh…well could you find out? Ask Pony maybe? I don't think I could ever really date him, what with him being a grea…well what with him being who he is, but still…."
"I'll ask." I said, my voice shaking slightly.
I had to wonder if Cherry had taken me under her wing for the sole intention of having a go-between with Dallas, it was a horrible thought that made me cringe.
"I think I better call Darry to come and get me." I mumbled
"Oh, well I'll drive you home" she offered with a smile standing up and smoothing her cheer skirt.
I nodded and pulled my sweatshirt on over my T-shirt and following her out to her shiny red car parked along the curb in front of the house.
"Hey Amber, how'd the practice go?" Soda asked as I walked in the door and dropped down onto the couch.
"It was ok"
"Just ok? Something wrong kiddo?"
I shrugged my shoulders, "No, not really" I said with a forced smile.
Soda patted me on the shoulder, "Well listen, the guys are all down by the lot playing some football, you wanna come?"
"Ok" I agreed pulling on the shoes I had just abandoned by the door and following him back outside.
Soda didn't pry as to my silence on our way to the lot, for which I was grateful, the last thing I wanted was for him to know about my interest in Dallas and depending on his reaction to this piece of information, I didn't want his sympathy or his relief that I was up against the stiff competition of Cherry Valance.
After all I had read it myself in Ponyboy's English composition, Dallas had hit on her that night, he was already interested.
"Amber!"
I stopped short and realized I had nearly run into Johnny in his chair. He was sitting on the makeshift sidelines watching Steve and Two-Bit chase after Ponyboy.
"Well gee buddy, why don't you take a little longer getting here next time" Steve said as Soda ran out onto the field to join them.
"Aw, shove off, I ran into Amber on my way"
"Count on the kid to hold us all up"
"Shut up, Steve!" Pony said taking the football and shoving it hard into Steve's chest, "You and Soda against me and Two-Bit, when Dallas and Darry show up they can pick sides."
Steve looked ready to tackle him then and there but Soda held him back.
"How have you been Amber?" Johnny asked.
I took a seat next to him on the grass, "Not too bad" I lied "I made cheer team"
Johnny smiled a real genuine smile, "I knew you would."
We had a really nice conversation, Johnny and Me as the boys on the field continued to tackle each other, yelling and screaming and getting covered in mud. Dallas and Darry showed up not too much later. I could tell Darry had had a hard day at work by the way his shoulders were sagging but he was always up for a good competition and joined Pony's side tackling Soda within the first minute. Dallas strutted himself up and down the field, almost like he was too much in control to just let go and have fun. I couldn't take my eyes off him.
"What do you say Johnny, let's see your stuff" Two-Bit said wheeling Johnny out onto the field, Soda threw him the ball. Tipping the chair back Two-Bit made for the end of the field, Johnny holding the ball tightly as the rest of the boys dove out of the way in mock terror. Reaching the end zone Johnny thew the ball down triumphantly, Two-Bit wheeling him around and around.
"I hear you're a cheerleader, why don't you cheer for the kid"
I looked up, pulling myself out of my thoughts and found myself under the scrutinizing glare of Dallas.
"Well you know…I'm still in training, with Cherry Valance." I stuttered, and then cursed myself for bringing her up.
"Cherry Valance huh? She's a good looking broad if I ever saw one, wouldn't give me the time of day"
He seemed to be talking to himself and when he realized it, he sneered at me and walked away.
It was hopeless, I had to act fast to get him to notice me or at least not to become aware of the fact that Cherry liked him, because it was obvious he had a thing for her.
"Dallas!" I yelled scrambling to my feet.
"What"
"Uh, do you want to come for dinner? It's my turn to cook"
"Yeah sure, got no where else to eat dinner", he said roughly.
It wasn't the most enthusiastic answer, but it was a start.