Author's Note/Disclaimer:
Ja, I do not own the Outsiders because S.E. Hinton does. I just own Scarlet Rose and Audrey belongs to the lovely Megan.
Okay, this might be a little depressing and weird and it pains me to write it. But I'll get over it in the next chapter I assume. Also, it's a little short. I didn't want too much given away especially because there's already a lot shakin' in this one. Onto the gratification!
MisguidedWhisperer- Hands Down is getting posted. So now you get to be happy! And I get to be happy! And if you do read that book let me know.
Steve's-girl-13- I hope you like this chapter! It's a little dramatic but eh…
Not-that-kinda-gurl- Thanks, although it's not the most creative thing I've ever written, it's fun! And I love your story so update it soon!
Volleyballlover- Yes, Audrey and Johnny. I hope it doesn't make you sad because things are going to work out for everybody, I hope.
Degrassichick92- Thanks!
Stayingold88- Who doesn't love some Soda action? Ah, I'm glad you like it.

Chapter Nine

"SR, you know, that wasn't the brightest thing you've ever done." Audrey said, helping me walk to the DX. I had hit my knee hard on the concrete when Angela pulled me down.

"Thanks for not rubbing it in Audrey." I sighed. She flashed me a grin.

"Anytime. But, you did pick a fight with Angela Shepard. Let's look at this. Angela is the sister of Tim and Curly Shepard. Tim and Curly do nothing but kick people's asses. And you know, that fight was completely out of control. Good thing you limped away while you could." She laughed and I glared.

"You know you're my best friend and all, but do me a favor and shut up."

Audrey grinned. I groaned and licked my lower lip. It was split, hopefully not bad enough to need stitches though.

"Hey Stevie." Audrey greeted. Steve dropped the wrench he'd been holding and Soda tried hard not to laugh. Lucky for me the DX was pretty much empty.

"What happened to you?"

"Nice Steve." I mumbled. "I got into a fight."

"With who?" I guess it must have been pretty fast for me to get into a fight. I mean, I haven't even been back a whole day. I wonder what had kept me from telling Steve about Curly. Curly being dead wasn't such a bad idea.

"Uhm…"

"Out with it." Soda said. We were heading into the back bathroom where only employees were allowed. I hopped on the sink and Steve brought me an ice pack wrapped in a paper towel that he forced on my lip. I winced.

"Angela Shepard." Audrey blurted. I glared at her.

"Why would Angela Shepard pick a fight with you? What did you do?" Steve asked leaning against the wall. I was getting mad again. I hadn't done anything and he automatically assumed it was me.

"Uhm, you know Curly and I broke up right?" I asked.

"Dally told us." Soda said pushing Audrey out. She tried to protest but Steve closed the door.

"Come on let her back in." I pleaded. It was like the Spanish Inquisition we learned about in school. I might not even come out with my life.

"Not until we figure out what the hell is going on here. You know Tim's helping us with the rumble. Why would you pick a fight with Angela Shepard today of all days?" Steve asked.

"You know, it's not exactly my fault! Curly was telling Angela that I was fooling around with Ponyboy and Johnny, which is why I left Curly. Bullshit if I've ever heard it! I left Curly because he was fooling around with Sylvia!" I stopped and winced at the look I was getting. Oops…

"And you didn't tell me this because…?" Steve wondered. Good thing he didn't have any tools. A car horn honked outside.

"I'm just going to go and get that." Soda said slipping out. I couldn't say I blamed him. Steve being angry is not a pleasant sight.

"I knew you'd flip out on me." I answered. "Look, Angela and I fought about it. It's over now and we can get on with our lives." I held up the ice pack and shook it.

"Remember that talk I said we were going to have? It's going to be a long one." Steve squinted his eyes in a glare. I sighed and leaned my head against the mirror. He slammed the door shut on his way out.

"Well that couldn't have gone better if it had been planned." I said to myself. "On the bright side, I got into a fight with Angela and I only came out with a busted lip and a banged up knee. It could've been worse."

The bathroom door swung open again. It was Sodapop. I jumped off the sink and leaned against the wall while he washed his hands. He was laughing and shaking his head.

"Talking to yourself now?"

"Nothing better to do. I heard about Sandy." I whispered it. He dried his hands off and leaned next to me.

"Yeah. I sent her a letter a while ago, but I didn't get anything back yet." His eyes weren't dancing and laughing anymore.

"I'm sorry." I looked at the floor and kicked at the tile. He was making me nervous.

"Me too."

Now I don't know who started it or who leaned in first, but I do know that Sodapop Curtis and I shared a kiss. My eyes were closed and I saw fireworks. Lots of them. Suddenly he was pulling away.

"I- I can't. It's too soon after Sandy…" He trailed off and I gave him a small smile. It was a stab through the heart. My stomach churned.

"It's okay Soda. I understand." It was a lie. I didn't understand one bit, but it must've made Soda feel better because he smiled.

"I'd better get back to work."

"Yeah." I agreed, nodding. He walked out of the bathroom.

All of a sudden it seemed my lip and knee weren't the only things that were hurting. I took a deep breath and opened the bathroom door.

"Hey SR, what's this about a rumble tonight?" Audrey asked.

"Socs and greasers. Secretly I'm a little nervous. Especially because greasers have been getting jumped more."

Audrey put her arm around my shoulder. "Let's head to the Curtis house. Dally passed by going that way. He doesn't know you were in a fight yet."

"Oh that's just the story I want to tell. See you tonight boys!" I waved furiously at Steve. I never realized that it was so easy to pretend you were happy. I couldn't complain though, it was working.

"A rumble, huh? Wish I could go, but I promised Johnny I'd go back to visit him."

"You don't want to be there when they get back anyway. I never go to rumbles, but cleaning them up afterwards is enough for me. Usually Dally gets the worst because he picks the meanest guys."

"Who else is going?" Audrey had always been interested in rumbles and I wasn't against them. I just didn't like having to clean up the messes after.

"Shepard's gang, which is why Steve made somethin' of the fight, and I think Brumley. I could be wrong though. I've got to tell you some-"

"Socs." Audrey whispered as a Mustang followed us down the street. I rolled my eyes, dragging her along.

"Hey baby. Aren't you the one who was with those kids that killed Bob? You're much hotter than you looked in the paper." A rusty haired guy commented. I flipped him the bird making him laugh.

"Back off." A voice growled from behind me. I jumped a foot in the air.

"Hey no jazz before a rumble." The Soc warned.

"Get lost, Russell." By this time I had figured out it was only Dally.

"You got it." He winked at me. "See you later."

"Ugh," I stamped my foot hard. "What an asshole."

Dally grinned and lit a cigarette. "Hey kid, what happened to your face?"

"Gee, thanks. Got into a fight with Angela."

He raised an eyebrow and took a drag. "A fight with Angela Shepard? You try to act too tough sometimes, kid."

I kicked at the dirt, feeling embarrassed again. I hadn't gotten into a fight with her to act tough. "We never got along anyway and she just rubbed me the wrong way this time."

Dally stamped out his cigarette and looked at me again. "You sure you're okay?"

"Yes." I replied, gritting my teeth.

"Hey! There you are!" Two-Bit called, jumping on Audrey. Audrey pushed him and he fell on the grass.

Ponyboy shook his head. "You got into a fight with Angela? Smooth…"

"How many people know?" I asked casually. Dally rolled his eyes.

"Pretty much everybody. How'd Angela look?" Two-Bit asked with a laugh. "Not as bad as you I hope."

I tackled him and we wrestled for a minute before he had me pinned.

"Say uncle." Two-Bit proclaimed. I shook my head furiously. He sat on me. "Say it."

"Uncle!" I exclaimed, laughing. Leave it to Two-Bit to make me feel better. He rolled off and I stood up, brushing myself off.

"I'd better get going if I'm going to the hospital." Audrey said. I nodded.

"I'll drive you." Dally offered. Audrey nodded.

"I'd better be headin' home. Gotta clean up before the rumble." Two-Bit turned and walked down the street.

"I've gotta shower too. Pony, would you mind it too much if I used yours?"

"Nope. And I think Soda's got a shirt that'll fit you and I bet we wear the same size pants." Pony said. I grinned, but that same hurt came back.

"Thanks, Pony."

He stared at me for a minute, like I'd said something really funny.

"No problem, Scar."

Talking about the rumble, we walked to the Curtis'.